Bab 256: Jumping Clown
In the dim light, a figure stepped forward. She had short white hair and a beautiful, heroic face. Her tall, slender figure was striking, especially her prominent chest. She wore a black suit that accentuated her alluring charm and bold spirit.
Kaguya recognized this woman—she was none other than Najenda, the boss of Night Raid.
"I never expected you to be the princess. What a surprise," Najenda said with a smile as she looked at Kaguya.
Najenda had seen Kaguya before and had even fought her, but Kaguya had been wearing a fox mask at the time, concealing her true face. However, her figure could not be hidden, and when Najenda saw a portrait of Kaguya, she had a premonition. Now, it seemed her intuition was correct.
"You are the real surprise, the boss of Night Raid," Kaguya replied with a light smile. "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you for coming here alone?"
A powerful killing intent erupted from Kaguya, overwhelming and immense, like a tsunami crashing over Najenda.
Najenda instantly felt a weight pressing down on her, the powerful aura making it hard to breathe, as if she were trapped in quicksand. She gritted her teeth, struggling to resist.
Then Kaguya's frosty expression broke into a smile, like clouds parting to reveal the sun. The oppressive aura vanished as if it had never existed.
Najenda felt the pressure lift, the weight vanishing like a mountain removed from her shoulders, but by then, she was already drenched in sweat, cold sweat trickling down her back.
Facing the smiling silver-haired girl, Najenda took a deep breath, her expression becoming serious.
This person might be more formidable than I thought.
"I believe someone as refined as you wouldn't resort to such actions," Najenda said, stepping forward with a smile.
"What makes you think I won't?" Kaguya replied with a light smile, holding a delicate porcelain cup and taking a sip, savoring the fragrance. For some reason, she found herself increasingly fond of tea.
"A person like Your Highness wouldn't stoop to such measures," Najenda said confidently, moving forward to sit casually on the sofa opposite Kaguya.
"I use whatever means are necessary for the people I deal with," Kaguya replied with a meaningful smile. "For those of poor character, I have no mercy."
"Is Your Highness referring to anyone in particular?" Najenda asked, crossing her long, slender legs and looking at Kaguya.
"Not at all. I'm not targeting anyone specifically," Kaguya replied with a light laugh. "I'm just saying that all people of poor character are trash."
"I think Your Highness might have some misunderstandings about Night Raid," Najenda said, sitting up straight and speaking candidly. "I admit we used some dishonorable tactics to breach the city defenses and let the northern tribes in, but this is to overthrow the empire's tyrannical rule and save the people suffering in misery."
Kaguya chuckled, placing her teacup on the table with interest. "Before you say that, you seem to forget one thing. I am the princess of the so-called tyrannical empire you speak of."
"Even though you are the princess, it's clear you're different from the tyrannical rulers," Najenda said, her gaze steady on Kaguya. "You eradicate corrupt officials and local tyrants, implement reforms, abolish taxes, and distribute land, showing you are a good person who loves the people."
"I'm not as great as you say, and there's no need to flatter me," Kaguya replied with a light laugh, indifferent. "Just say what you have to say."
"I know Your Highness has ambitions to change the empire," Najenda continued, her tone serious. "But have you thought about the emperor and Minister Ornest? They won't sit idly by and watch your power grow. Eventually, they will see you as a thorn in their side."
"After all that, what are you trying to say?" Kaguya asked, lounging lazily on the sofa and yawning, as if a bit tired.
"The Revolutionary Army and Night Raid have grown strong enough to contend with the empire's forces," Najenda said solemnly. "And Your Highness has the desire to change this tyrannical rule. What I propose is that we join forces to overthrow the minister's tyranny."
"Is that all?" Kaguya asked, reclining on the sofa, looking sleepy.
Seeing that Kaguya seemed unmoved, Najenda continued, "If the revolution succeeds, the people will have a new life. We will ensure that you can continue your current status, and if you wish, you can even ascend the throne."
"If that's all you have to say, you may leave now," Kaguya replied, sitting up and stretching, her perfect figure revealed.
"Your Highness, won't you reconsider?" Najenda asked urgently, unsure where she had failed to persuade Kaguya.
"Can you guarantee that you're starting this war for the people?" Kaguya asked, sitting up and staring at Najenda.
"Yes, I can guarantee it," Najenda answered firmly.
"Can you guarantee the Revolutionary Army is also doing it for the people?" Kaguya asked seriously. "Can you ensure they have no personal motives?"
"I..."
Under Kaguya's clear gaze, the words Najenda wanted to say were swallowed back. She couldn't guarantee it.
"Can you ensure the Revolutionary Army won't become another empire's army after victory?" Kaguya asked coldly.
Najenda's face froze, and she fell silent.
"Can't guarantee it, can you?" Kaguya snorted coldly, turning to look at the autumn rain outside. "In my eyes, they're just a group of clowns using public sentiment to gain power. Now, to win, they show their true nature, going so far as to let the brutal northern tribes in."
Kaguya suddenly turned, her clear eyes filled with icy anger. "Don't they know how many people will die because of this?"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone