Chapter 60: Return to the Imperial Capital

The establishment of the Axis Church had been proceeding smoothly, and its strategic development was progressing rapidly. With just a little more time operating from the shadows, absolute mastery over the entire situation would be within reach.

The problem, however, was that the Empire was currently too formidable.

Esdeath and the numerous Teigu users formed a force that could not be underestimated. Therefore, someone was needed to tie them down, exhaust their strength, and accelerate the weakening of their influence.

"I mean, I am nominally the leader of the current third-party faction; why on earth do I have to act as an undercover agent in person?"

Kobayashi felt that something was terribly wrong.

Generally speaking, shouldn't the leader sit safely in the rear, orchestrating the big picture and defeating the enemy with profound foresight? How could the leader possibly end up on the front lines personally?!

Oh right, there was simply no one else available. Never mind, then.

Sheele, Leone, and Liver had all publicly faked their deaths and were unsuited to show their faces here, while the Axis Church lacked any outstanding or reliable talents.

After much deliberation, he was the only one fit for the job.

Najenda was right: the abundance of capable personnel was the decisive factor that swayed the course of a war.

"Still, I never expected them to actually shut down all their storefronts, especially after I explicitly told them I wouldn't leak any intelligence."

He let out a deep sigh.

It wasn't just the shops established within the Imperial Capital; Night Raid's secret base and rendezvous points had all been relocated entirely.

Well, it made sense. In their eyes, he was a traitor—an enemy who might expose the existence of their faction. Naturally, they had to sever any and all ties that could potentially reveal their whereabouts.

Could it be that I was the one who caused my own crisis of trust?

"Aha! My justice detector is reacting!"

A young girl wearing the uniform of the Imperial Guard, holding a canine biological weapon on a leash, immediately walked up after seeing Kobayashi and Ruriji wandering aimlessly in place.

She offered a helping hand with great enthusiasm.

"Pardon me, do the two of you need any assistance? I am Seryu Ubiquitous of the Imperial Guard, an ally of justice! No matter what difficulties you are facing, I will help you resolve them!"

Did she mistake their search for a stronghold as getting lost?

He then heard her muttering softly to herself, "...No wait, I've joined the Special Forces now, so I probably shouldn't use the name of the Imperial Guard anymore. Oh well, whatever."

Seryu Ubiquitous—she was the very person who had murdered Sheele.

Kobayashi felt very little hatred toward her; mostly, he just found her pathetic.

Her parents and master had been murdered, leaving her with a distorted ideology and a self-righteous obsession with justice. She had either remained blind to the darkness of the Imperial Capital, or worse, having witnessed it, she convinced herself that it was merely justice punishing evil.

Wait, could she be utilized just a little bit?

Kobayashi's eyes rolled slightly as an idea formed.

"Hey~ Hey~ Are you alright? You've been quiet this whole time. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Seryu asked with genuine concern.

Kobayashi shook his head. "Thank you for the kind offer, I am quite well."

"That's wonderful."

Seryu broke into a sweet smile, her gentle and lovely demeanor completely disconnected from her twisted nature.

Yet, anyone who knew the depths of her depravity would never think that way.

"Right, are you two lost?"

"…You could say that."

"Great! Then I'll guide you out of here!"

She enthusiastically greeted the two and walked ahead to lead the way. Seryu, whose definition of justice was bizarrely skewed, would never harm anyone once she decided they were good people.

Kobayashi did not hesitate and quickly followed behind her.

Today was a special day. General Esdeath was holding a grand martial arts tournament in the center of the Imperial Capital's main street to select strong individuals compatible with Teigu, and countless people had gathered there to watch the spectacle.

Because of this, the two of them wandering around the alleys had drawn even more unwanted attention.

Seryu had happened to run into them while heading out to maintain order, which was why she had offered her help.

"I see. Thank you very much, Miss Seryu."

"Don't mention it!"

Seryu flashed another sunny smile.

…So dazzling!

Kobayashi raised a hand to block the direct sunlight piercing into his eyes.

Emerging from the alley, Seryu asked cordially once more, "Where are you heading? If you don't have any pressing business, you should go check out the citizens' martial arts tournament hosted by General Esdeath. It's going to be quite lively!"

"Naturally, that was our intended destination to begin with."

"Wonderful! We can walk together after all! Could this be the reward for a righteous deed? I'm so happy!"

Seryu seemed genuinely delighted to continue walking in their company.

Hearing this, Kobayashi narrowed his eyes and asked meaningfully, "Miss Seryu, what does justice mean to you?"

"Doing good deeds, helping good people, and killing bad ones!" she answered crisply and without hesitation.

"And what is evil?"

"Whatever opposes justice is evil!"

"… I see."

Kobayashi now understood the internal chaos within her mind.

Seryu's definition of justice was utterly vague, entirely dependent on her own impulses—anything that failed to conform to her personal standard was deemed evil.

If one had to phrase it another way…

"My heart and actions are as clear as a mirror; every act I take is completely righteous."

How was that? Didn't it sound a bit more lofty and grandiose?

However, there was one difference: Seryu was not nearly as resolute in her convictions as Funny Valentine, and she was still at a stage where she could potentially be altered.

"We've arrived!"

Before long, the three of them reached the crowded venue.

"Miss Seryu, could I ask you for one more favor? I'd like to participate in this tournament. Would you mind showing me the way to the registration desk?"

"Registration?"

"That's right. Despite my appearance, I'm actually quite confident in my own abilities."

"Alright! Got it!"

With Seryu's assistance, Kobayashi successfully completed his registration.

"Shall I take you to the waiting area?"

"I'd appreciate that—no, never mind, that won't be necessary. I see a companion of mine over there; I'll just meet up with her shortly."

Just as he was about to accept, Kobayashi's peripheral vision caught sight of a wild, blonde-haired beauty shouting and cheering amidst the crowd.

"Is that so? See you around, then, then."

Seryu didn't mind in the least, offering a casual wave before walking off toward her own comrades.

Kobayashi waved back and headed in a specific direction.

"—Geez, I never imagined there'd be so many people."

Leone wiped the sweat from her forehead as she forcefully elbowed her way to the front row using her physical prowess.

"Yeah, there really are a ton of people."

"I wonder if Tatsumi can pull off a win? The other participants don't look like weaklings either… Well, he's at least undergone training from the rest of us, so it should be fine."

"True. Haven't seen him in a while, but he looks like he's grown quite a bit."

"Right? Right?!"

Hearing the praise, Leone looked immensely proud of herself, while a mischievous smile spread across her face. "Alright, it's settled! Once Tatsumi wins this, I'm making him treat me to drinks!"

"Planning to fleece him of his drinking money again?"

"Don't make it sound so harsh… Huh?"

Leone finally sensed that something was amiss. She turned her head to look at the person standing beside her who had been echoing her thoughts.

She was met with a familiar smile as he said, "You really haven't changed at all, Leone."

"…Kobayashi?"

Leone blurted out his name in a daze. The very next second, consumed by a surge of fiery rage, she instinctively prepared to activate her Teigu, only for Kobayashi to forcefully press down on her shoulder and restrain her.

"Don't do anything rash. Have you forgotten who is sitting up there on the stage?"

"…Tch."

Leone let out an irritated click of her tongue.

Esdeath, sitting on the stage, possessed terrifying, out-of-bounds strength. Drawing her attention would undoubtedly result in getting subdued on the spot. Not only would that blow their cover, but it might also drag Tatsumi and the rest of Night Raid down with them.

She had to exercise restraint!

"Well, you've grown, Leone."

"Stop talking to me in that utterly patronizing, comforting tone!"

Leone swatted his hand away and angrily demanded, "Kobayashi, what is your purpose in showing up here? Have you joined the Empire?!"

"No, I haven't joined the Empire."

Kobayashi looked straight into her eyes, speaking with solemn gravity. "I will not join the Empire, never. I can assure you of that."

Unfortunately, it lacked any persuasion whatsoever; Leone refused to believe him in the slightest.

Kobayashi offered a faint chuckle and refrained from further explanation.

"As for why I'm here…"

"Next match!"

Right on cue, the list of competitors for the next round was announced from the stage.

"Tatsumi, the blacksmith from the North, versus… Kobayashi, the watchmaker from the Imperial Capital! Will both contestants please take the stage!"