Two months had passed since Kurohime joined Akame on her travels. One night, at their temporary camp, the two finally opened up to each other. Kurohime felt a deep well of sadness welling up as Akame shared her history. Despite their losses, they found a connection in their shared experiences. While Kurohime still held onto hope for her sisters, Akame seemed to have lost everything.

 

"Kurohime," Akame began, her voice firm, "since you're my partner now, we'll find your sisters. That's a promise."

 

"Thank you, Akame," Kurohime replied sincerely. "In the past, I might have scoffed at such a promise. But after traveling with you for a while now, I've come to trust you completely. You're direct, honest, and true to your word."

 

A rare smile graced Akame's lips as she continued cooking their meal.

 

"So, where's Suzuran now?" Kurohime asked, a giggle escaping her lips. "You've told me so many stories about her since we started our journey together. She sounds far more interesting than you, honestly."

 

Akame chuckled. "Haha, well, that's because she is. The last time we saw each other was three months before we met. We actually ended up taking the same C-Rank escort job at a nearby kingdom's capital. Funny thing is, the job was meant for rookies, but both Suzu and I signed up anyway."

 

Akame then launched into a detailed account of the job, describing how she and Suzuran finally reunited after two years apart.

 

Kurohime listened intently, hanging on to every word. Unknowingly, if Akame had glanced her way, she would have seen the look of a child gazing up at a hero in Kurohime's eyes.

 

"I almost felt sorry for the poor C-Rank boy who tried to flirt with Suzu after the job," Akame admitted, a hint of amusement in her voice. "He'd just witnessed her effortlessly take down a whole group of thieves trying to raid the carts, yet he still worked up the nerve to ask her to marry him right after."

 

"What did she say?" Kurohime finally asked, brimming with curiosity.

 

Akame chuckled, trying to recall the exact words. "Let's see... I think it was something like, 'I don't have any interest in getting romantically involved with someone who hid in a bush the entire fight.'"

 

Kurohime burst into laughter, her excitement bubbling over. After all these entertaining tales, she couldn't wait to meet Suzuran in person.

 

“Funny enough, Akame, she doesn't seem to take after you from the way you describe her. Who did she get it from? Kurohime asked with a fun curiosity.

 

"Her ferocity is definitely from you," Kurohime continued, "But the way she talks to people, that must be from Kurami, your best friend, right?"

 

Akame's expression softened as she relived the past. "When our village fell, I took us straight to Kurami's town. It took a couple days, but we made it safely. There were times I had to leave Suzuran behind for months, taking jobs or quests to make ends meet."

 

"Sounds like she learned to be self-sufficient," Kurohime observed, her interest in Suzuran piqued. "So, where'd she go after that?"

 

"It's been three months since we last saw each other," Akame explained. "We usually reunite at Kurami's place, which has become our home base over the years."

 

"Have you ever considered getting a more permanent place, something you can all share as a real home?" Kurohime suggested.

 

Akame's eyes lit up. "Actually, I have been thinking about it. Maybe even starting a guild and recruiting some of my old friends, including Suzuran, of course. And you, Kurohime," she added with a warm smile, "you'd be the first person I'd ask to join."

 

A slight blush crept across Kurohime's face, a mix of fluster and acceptance. It seemed Akame genuinely considered her good company, maybe even a friend.

 

"We've traveled together long enough that I can tell what type of person you are," Akame said. "While you may not have opened up completely, I can piece together the basics rather easily."

 

"Ah, so you're saying I'm an open book now?" Kurohime teased playfully.

 

"Well," Akame countered with a smirk, "I think I know more about your...intimate encounters over these past two months since you love to tell those stories. Don't forget, just two months ago you were also trying to open my legs."

 

Akame's words sent a wave of heat across Kurohime's face, turning it a brilliant shade of red. She buried her face in her hands, flustered. Akame couldn't help but chuckle at Kurohime's reaction. Perhaps Kurohime would try her charm again tonight, but with a different approach.

 

"Give me a chance to officially open them and you might sleep wonderfully tonight," Kurohime murmured suggestively, only to be cut off by Akame's firm "No."  A pout formed on Kurohime's lips, but she mentally reassured herself that she'd try again soon.

 

Both women yawned simultaneously, a clear sign it was time for sleep. "Get some rest, Kurohime," Akame said as she began setting up her bedroll near the campfire. "We should stop by the adventurer's guild in the next city to inquire about registering our guild and buying some land."

 

The next morning, they set out for the nearby city, a journey that would take about a day. Their destination was within the Valralorian Republic, but close to the border with the Domain of Tides, the kingdom to the southeast.

 

As they hitched a ride with a merchant traveling in the same direction, they spotted a vast expanse of flat land overlooking a beautiful lake. Akame seized the opportunity to ask the merchant if the land was claimed. The merchant confirmed it was unoccupied, primarily due to the presence of wild monsters in the area.

 

"I'd imagine once those monsters are cleared out, this land would be highly desirable," he commented, guiding his carriage onward. "You'll need to inquire about ownership through the local government once you reach the city."

 

Akame glanced at Kurohime, a knowing wink passing between them. This area definitely held potential for Akame's envisioned guild.

 

Upon arrival, they had the merchant drop them off near the local government building to discuss the land purchase. The initial talks weren't promising. The officials balked at Akame's request, particularly when they noticed Kurohime. Dragons were uncommon and feared for their unpredictable temperaments.

 

Akame bristled visibly at the discriminatory remark aimed at Kurohime. While Kurohime remained unfazed, she appreciated Akame's protectiveness. Just then, a knock on the door interrupted the conversation.

 

"Good morning, sirs," a female voice announced as a young woman entered the room. It was the same assistant they'd encountered earlier, the one who had been busy with another group.

 

The officials began to rise from their chairs, but before they could excuse themselves, the young woman started hyperventilating.

 

"What's the matter?" the officials asked, bewildered.

 

"W...Wait a minute... Y-You're the Crimson Akame, aren't you?! What brings you here?" the girl stammered excitedly.

 

"Indeed, I am," Akame replied, a hint of frustration lingering in her voice regarding the stalled negotiation. "I'm simply here to purchase some land, but these gentlemen seem hesitant."

 

The assistant, buzzing with excitement after Akame's confirmation, interjected, "Excuse me, but according to the kingdom's policies, Miss Akame is an S-Rank adventurer. As such, she's entitled to one major, free request every ten years, and the government where the request is submitted is obligated to fulfill it."

 

The officials' jaws dropped in realization. "S-She's an S-Rank adventurer?"

 

"Absolutely! Miss Akame has held that rank for over a decade," the assistant confirmed enthusiastically. "In fact, I believe her ten-year request window just reset at the beginning of this year!"

 

"Has it been that long already?" Akame chuckled playfully. "And how do you know all about this? Are you stalking me, perhaps?"

 

Kurohime absorbed this information silently. Akame had never mentioned her S-Rank status, but then again, Kurohime hadn't exactly inquired. Most of their recent quests had been low-level, leading Kurohime to believe Akame was A-Rank at best, based on the adventurer ranking system. In all her years before meeting Akame, she'd never encountered an S-Rank. There had been an A-Rank warrior once, whom she'd seduced to extract information, but that was it. S-Ranks were incredibly rare, and here she was, traveling with one for two months. No one had ever mentioned it, not even when she showed up at the guilds. Now, though, it all clicked. Every assistant had given her a momentary look of surprise when Akame presented her tags.

 

"N-No! No, no, no!" the flustered girl stammered. "I'm just a huge admirer of yours, Miss Akame!"

 

"Well, it looks like my free request is back in play!" Akame declared with a hint of pride. "I'm claiming that land overlooking the lake, and the government will help me build a village and guild housing. Additionally, I'm submitting my guild registration, and I want you, our enthusiastic assistant here, to be our official representative. You'll be working for me now!"

 

The young woman erupted in a flurry of excitement.

 

Kurohime chuckled seductively, turning to her with a playful question. "What's your name, cutie?"

 

"M-My name is Fae," she stammered, a blush creeping across her cheeks.

 

Panic surged through the officials as they heard Akame's demands. They rushed to have her rank verified across the street at the adventurer's guild. Akame and Kurohime, meanwhile, continued to detail their request with Fae, who eagerly assisted them. Soon after, the guild messenger returned, confirming Akame's S-Rank status.

 

Faced with an S-Rank adventurer, the officials had no choice but to comply with her request. Some even contemplated early retirement, fearing the financial burden this would place on the local government.

 

"Don't be so glum!" Akame laughed, dispelling their worries. "I never said I wouldn't contribute! I'm not that heartless." With a flourish, she presented the officials with a small scroll. Their jaws dropped as they recognized it.

 

"I've saved quite a bit of gold over the years," Akame explained calmly. "This should help with the project's finances."

 

"Miss Akame! This will cover everything!" Fae exclaimed, clearly surprised. "Why didn't you lead with this?"

 

"Well," Akame replied, a hint of annoyance returning to her voice, "these gentlemen wouldn't even entertain the idea of selling me the land in the first place."

 

Fae turned to the officials, her gaze sharp with disapproval as they scurried back to their corners. Once their business was concluded, Akame and Kurohime prepared to depart. As they walked out of town, Fae continued to walk with them, discussing the final details of the project.

 

Finally, they reached a stopping point. Akame turned to Fae. "Make sure you make this the best place we can call home, Fae. I'm trusting you with this. I hope to come back in a few months to see a beautiful village!" she declared, placing her trust in the young woman.

 

"You can count on me, Miss Akame!" Fae affirmed with a determined nod.

 

"Good girl," Akame said, playfully patting Fae's head, sending another wave of flustered blushes across her face.

 

With goodbyes exchanged, they left the town behind.

 

A couple of weeks later, after additional travel, Akame and Kurohime found themselves entering a small village bustling with activity. The residents, a mix of Kitsune, Catfolk, and a few humans, seemed to be in the midst of some joyous celebration. Kurohime's stomach, as if possessed by a mischievous spirit, growled loudly. Akame and Kurohime shared a laugh as they entered the village, seeking food and lodging.

 

The small inn at the village center was their first stop. Upon entering, Akame's gaze landed on a familiar face. A young Kitsune girl seemed to be playfully flirting with another girl, who was clearly growing annoyed. When the latter girl made eye contact with Akame, her face lit up with excitement. It was another oni girl, younger than Akame but possessing similar features, including two horns (compared to Akame's one). This girl's horns glowed a vibrant amber, and her eyes held a fiery mix of red and orange.

 

Akame and Kurohime approached their table as the younger oni girl rushed over for a warm hug.

 

"Akame! It's so good to see you again!" she exclaimed.

 

Akame's face beamed with happiness. "You too, Suzu. I was wondering when our paths would cross again."

 

Realization dawned on Kurohime. This was Suzuran, Akame's younger sister, the one she'd heard so much about. Excitement bubbled within her to finally meet the girl.

 

The Kitsune girl interjected, her voice laced with jealousy. "Hold on a minute! You have a girlfriend already?"

 

Suzuran turned back, her gaze sharp and menacing. "She's my sister, you idiot!"

 

Akame chuckled and inquired about the Kitsune girl. "Suzuran, who is this?"

 

Suzuran sighed. "This 'adopted fox' is Akiko. She's been flirting with me ever since I completed their village's request and helped them out. She's their main protector, but she did need my help."

 

"Akiko even booked a room for us to share at the inn," Suzuran continued. "She insists on returning the favor and paying for everything."

 

Suzuran explained the recent events. A group of Nue had claimed some caves the villagers frequented for resources, disrupting their supply chain and jeopardizing their ability to fulfill market demands from passing merchants. While Akiko could handle one Nue, she was already injured from a previous encounter when the request went out. Fortunately, Suzuran arrived just in time to dispatch the remaining Nue.

 

"Sounds like you've been quite busy here," Akame said, a hint of pride in her voice. "I'm glad I ran into you! I have so much to tell you!"

 

Suzuran's eyes sparkled with excitement. "How about we share a room like old times and catch up?" Akame suggested, and Suzuran readily agreed.

 

"Kurohime, would you mind sharing a room with Akiko for the night?" Akame called out as she and Suzuran walked away.

 

Kurohime slowly followed Akiko up the stairs. Akiko seemed mildly disappointed, clearly not having gotten what she'd hoped for. "Lost my chance, I suppose," Akiko sighed as they walked down the hallway.

 

"Oh, were you hoping for some company tonight, sly fox?" Kurohime purred seductively.

 

Akiko scoffed, puffing out her chest with exaggerated pride. "Oh, lady, you wouldn't be able to handle me. No one in Mahina Village can! What makes you think you can? Have you seen this body? I practically ooze sex appeal!"

 

Akiko stood expectantly outside their room, waiting for a response. Kurohime simply bypassed her and entered the room.

 

"That's what I thought! No one can handle this body!" Akiko declared triumphantly, her ego still basking in its self-proclaimed glory.

 

Suddenly, a rustle of clothing caught Akiko's attention. She peeked into the room to see Kurohime shedding her clothes with a seductive beckoning gesture.

 

Akiko's face flushed crimson as she scrambled into the room and slammed the door shut. "Hold on, lady, what are you doing?! I wasn't serious, okay? Just teasing! Please stop undressing!" Akiko stammered, her voice laced with panic. "I-I'm waiting for the right person, okay?"

 

The frantic pleas were followed by a beat of silence, then the unmistakable sound of a garment hitting the floor, followed by a soft "thump" as skin met skin.

 

"Holy crap, they are huge! You were hiding these twins in your outfit the entire time?! Can you put them away, you literally hit me in the face with them!" Akiko yelped.

 

Kurohime's voice, still maintaining its seductive purr, drifted across the room. "This could be your chance, little fox. Care to join me in my bed tonight?"

 

"No no no no, I'm good, thank you, miss! Goodnight!" Akiko blurted out, scrambling into her own bed with a flustered sigh.

 

Kurohime let out a sigh of disappointment but also a slight chuckle. She got dressed and went back downstairs to find something to eat.

 

The commotion across the hall didn't go unnoticed by Akame and Suzuran in the next room. They spent the entire night catching up, giggling fits erupting every time they replayed the hilarious exchange between Kurohime and Akiko in their minds.

​

End