One year later, inside a luxurious grand hotel, the atmosphere of their honeymoon still lingered.
Uesugi Ryu sat by the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, holding a steaming cup of tea.
His gaze passed through the glass, overlooking the bustling city below.
Traffic flowed endlessly, yet the noise of the city seemed completely shut out. Only tranquility remained in the room.
Uesugi Ryu gently blew on the tea, wisps of fragrant steam rising into the air.
Though this kind of life was warm and wonderful, there was always an indescribable emptiness in his heart.
He took a sip and sighed softly, thinking to himself,
"As expected, I'm just not the type who can stay still."
"If this keeps up, my bones are going to rust."
At that moment, there was a slight rustle from the large bed nearby.
Mado Akira stretched lazily and slowly sat up.
She was wearing nothing but a white lace bra, the delicate patterns accentuating her graceful curves.
Her snow-white shoulders were exposed, tinged with a faint blush.
Her long hair was slightly tousled, spilling over her shoulders with a lazy, enchanting allure.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Mado Akira looked toward Uesugi Ryu.
A gentle smile curved her lips, her voice soft and sweet.
"Hubby, what are you doing?"
The voice brushed against his ears like feathers, and Uesugi Ryu visibly shuddered, nearly dropping his teacup.
Without thinking, he grabbed a handful of goji berries from a nearby jar and tossed them into the tea.
Mado Akira rarely addressed him like that. Usually, she simply called him by name.
Whenever she used such an affectionate tone, it was always for a reason.
Uesugi Ryu shook his head helplessly.
His physical condition was excellent, but even he had his limits.
At first, he had assumed Mado Akira wanted a child because he would be leaving.
He had already explained that he could return at any time, so there was no need to rush.
Apparently, that explanation had been completely useless.
He had since realized it had nothing to do with that at all.
Mado Akira gently pulled back the covers, stepping barefoot onto the soft carpet.
With graceful, catlike steps, she slowly approached him.
Her hair, gilded by the morning sunlight, brushed against the back of his neck.
She leaned lightly against his shoulder.
"What, sitting here all alone? Feeling bored?"
Her warm breath tickled his ear.
Uesugi Ryu remained perfectly calm.
"Not really."
Mado Akira laughed softly, her tone teasing.
"Then... would you like me to help you find something fun to do?"
Uesugi Ryu smiled helplessly.
This woman really was becoming more and more skilled at teasing him.
He set down his teacup and turned to look at her, amusement in his eyes.
"I really can't do anything about you."
Mado Akira blinked, her smile deepening.
"Then... what are you going to do?"
Uesugi Ryu did not answer.
He simply wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.
....
[Akame ga Kill! World Initializing...]
[World Overview:]
[The thousand-year-old Empire has long since rotted away. Prime Minister Honest and the sadistic General Esdeath rule all.]
[A single spark cannot be stopped. Will you tear it down and rebuild it, revitalize it, or forge your own path?]
[Identity Selection]
[The host will directly replace the original character. No one will detect anything unusual, but you must imitate the corresponding personality to avoid suspicion.]
[Ex: Overwhelming strength can automatically negate this requirement.]
[1. Revolutionary Army Intelligence Division Member Lagodi (Intelligence Department)]
[ Price: 30 Energy Points]
[2. Well-Known Imperial Merchant Zibul (Controls the Empire's most prosperous pleasure district and is one of the shareholders behind its underground trade)]
[ Price: 180 Energy Points]
[3. Lord Mibura of Lal City (Lal City lies on the border, and Mibura is effectively a regional lord)]
[Price: 200 Energy Points]
[4. Imperial Assassination Unit Member Semy (Non-Elite Group)
[Price: 20 Energy Points]
[Imperial Language Proficiency]
[Price: 5 Energy Points]
Uesugi Ryu studied the four identities displayed on the system panel.
He had watched Akame ga Kill!, and the name Zibul was familiar to him.
As his Intelligence continued to rise, his memory had become astonishing. He still remembered most of the major plot details.
He did not yet know exactly where his current strength stood in the 'Akame ga Kill!' world.
However, by his own estimation, while he might not be at the absolute top, he certainly would not be considered weak.
What he currently lacked was large-scale combat capability.
His role would likely be closer to an elite assassin like Akame.
Uesugi Ryu immediately ruled out both Night Raid and the Imperial Assassination Unit.
Their positions were too low, and they lacked resources. That sort of identity would only become a burden.
That left only two choices: merchant or city lord.
As a person in power, even if his personality changed somewhat, no one would dare question him.
A serious look appeared in Uesugi Ryu's eyes.
Teigu abilities were strange and unpredictable. Even in the original story, not all of them had appeared.
There were more than a dozen hidden Teigu, and no one knew what abilities they possessed.
For safety's sake, caution would be essential in the early stages.
"Zibul. The pleasure district. If I remember correctly, Sheele successfully assassinated Zibul before being cornered by Seryu... and then Seryu killed her."
As he recalled the details of the plot, a hint of excitement spread across his face.
"That means the story has either just begun or hasn't started yet. This one it is."
After spending 185 Energy Points, knowledge of the Imperial language and all the information related to Zibul flowed into Uesugi Ryu's mind.
Remaining Energy: 821 Points
Mephisto returned to Uesugi Ryu's side, looking somewhat wistful.
"Ryu-bro, we're not bringing Little Black and Little White?"
Uesugi Ryu looked at him in surprise.
"What, you're actually going to miss them? We can come back anytime. There's no need."
Mephisto shook his head.
"Forget it. Having those two around as underlings was pretty entertaining."
"Not being able to bully them anymore is actually kind of disappointing."
Uesugi Ryu gave Mephisto a helpless look, then pressed the teleport button on the system panel.
"Alright, let's go. A new world. I've been looking forward to this for a long time."
(Akame ga Kill! Beginning! Teleporting...)
The next instant, Uesugi Ryu and Mephisto vanished from the room.