CHAPTER 14: INSPIRATION

One evening, Sanfred was on a job with Akame. It was the first time he ever went to work with her alone, and it was no ordinary experience.

The entire time, Sanfred could tell that she was watching him like a lean wolf. Even though a month had passed, this was the one person he still didn't have trust from. Then again, he wasn't so trusting of her either, considering she attempted to kill him before. If not for his tolerance to poison, she would have succeeded.

Now in the Capital, the two assassins got to work. Akame laid waste to the guards outside the facility, while Sanfred made his way inside. He approached the group of men gathered in the center of the room. They attempted to put a stop to him, but he quickly went through them, downing them all until just the leader remained.

Once he had him alone, Sanfred wanted to ask some questions. However, the leader had one hidden agent from the ceiling, who rained down some throwing knives. Before he could be hit, Akame came in with the assist, deflecting the knives with her own sword. Finally, she grabbed a hold of one of them and chucked it back at the hidden agent, landing a fatal blow.

After that, the gang leader submitted to Sanfred and Akame. He revealed where the next meeting was going to be, saying that he was just trying to get out of everything. Akame told him that she would help with that… and then she removed his head.

With the bloodshed finished, Sanfred sighed as he wiped his scimitar clean. "You know, you really are a cold-hearted bitch."

Akame gave him a firm gaze. "I take my job seriously. That is what I do best."

"That, you do," he replied, walking toward her. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"Indeed."

After that, Sanfred raised his sword, suddenly watching her very closely. "So, tell me… why did you bring me here."

She was impressed that he had seen through her plan. Not that it changed anything. "I noticed that Mine has been staying away from you lately," she brought up. "If I had to guess… you wronged her."

"Did I?" He crossed his arms, even while holding the sword. "I was unaware."

"What did you do?" Akame's eyes were filled with bloodlust.

Unlike her, Sanfred was just frustrated. "If you must know, she's… taking a break. She got overwhelmed by everyone constantly harassing her."

Akame's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait. What?"

"She's a private person," Sanfred explained. "She doesn't like having her personal life brought up every waking minute of every day. We all live together in that fortress. It's not easy having to face that constantly."

It was strange to see Akame lower her sword and look downcast. "You have been good to her?"

Another sigh from the frustrated Sanfred. "I've done nothing but respect her. So, look. I'll understand if you and the others want to give me a hard time. But I'm warning you… leave her alone."

Akame was fired up once again. "What did you say?"

Sanfred readied his sword as he got in a fighting stance. "You're a pro assassin. You heard me loud and clear."

"You threaten me?" Akame was offended, apparently focusing only on that one little facet of the interaction.

"Yeah, I am." Sanfred didn't back down.

Just like that, two swords were raised, and two warriors were ready to engage in combat.

Akame watched him closely, surprised by this sudden passion. She had suspected that Sanfred had done something wrong to Mine. Instead, she was seeing him passionately willing to defend her. Therefore, her initial suspicion no longer seemed valid. Which meant that her reason for instigating this conflict was invalid as well.

"I made a mistake," Akame finally admitted, lowering her sword. "I apologize."

Although Sanfred was still on edge, he lowered his steel as well. "Fine, I guess. Apology accepted."

"She's really upset with the others?"

Sanfred nodded. "Maybe they could just… tone it down a bit. I'd like to think that Mine and I are doing well together, but I have kind of intruded on her home with my presence. It's not fair to just assume she should spend every moment together with me. It's perfectly natural for her to want some space."

"It appears I underestimated you," Akame admitted, motioning for the exit. "I will be sure to share what you told me to the others. Mine will no longer be harassed."

"Uh…" He found it surprising that some good had emerged from this interaction.

Moments later, Akame was making her exit, while Sanfred sighed in relief, unsure if this would sort things out. For now, he was just glad that he avoided another battle with Akame.

Sure enough, things quickly began to change around the hideout. Akame made sure that everyone was aware of Mine's recent issue. In fact, that caused everyone to begin apologizing to her.

Unsurprisingly, Mine was put in many awkward positions. She kept on refusing the apologies, but it was to no avail. Ultimately, she was glad that the problem seemed to have solved itself. But then again, she knew that wasn't how problems worked.

Eventually, Mine found Sanfred outside, doing some solo training. "You," she said accusingly.

"Me," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "How are you today, Rosa?"

"I'm fine," she replied, trying to switch to being sweet again. "I've been approached by every member of Night Raid, and they all flooded me with apologies. I wonder why that could be?"

Sanfred lowered his sword and wiped some of the sweat from his forehead. "Are you mad?"

"No."

"You sound mad." Sanfred set his weapon down now, focusing on the conversation.

"I'm… relieved." She swayed back and forth, trying to fight back a cheesy smile. "I'm not sure what you said to Akame but… thank you."

"You are welcome." With that, Sanfred turned back to his weapon. "I shall resume my training."

"Well…" Mine walked over slowly, until she was close to him. "I think I want to… reward you."

A pleased grin emerged on Sanfred's face. "I do accept rewards."

Although she was feeling weird about it, Mine forced herself to go forward, planting a kiss on Sanfred's lips. He kissed her back, and then brought his arms around her. Just like that, they were falling back into it.

Even then, Mine was quickly overwhelmed. "More later, okay? I'm still not ready for all this."

"As I said before, take your time."

"God, you're amazing," she told him, hoping he knew how much she meant it.

"I am inspired by a goddess," he said with a wink.