The prosperous Imperial Capital was not made up solely of commercial streets and luxurious mansions.
On the remote streets near the outskirts of the city.
The buildings here were a far cry from the bright, elegant houses found in the better districts.
They were dull and gray, with weathered, crumbling walls.
Yet the place was lively, filled with noise and bustling with life.
Simply being able to live in the Imperial Capital was already a blessing.
Life here was difficult, but compared to villages littered with starving corpses, it was paradise.
Leone and Tatsumi strolled down the street together. From time to time, people greeted Leone.
"After looking around, the Imperial Capital's public security really does seem much better than before."
Tatsumi looked around, sounding rather impressed.
Leone waved back at the people greeting her as she walked.
"As much as I hate the Empire's people, the Jaegers really are impressive."
"Everyone's lives have improved a lot."
Tatsumi thought for a moment, his expression complicated.
As long as Night Raid continued operating, a clash with the Jaegers would eventually be unavoidable.
The two turned into an alley and gradually approached a small house nearby.
Once he was sure no one else was around, Tatsumi stopped and looked up at Leone.
"Big Sis, if the Empire really can change from within, would that mean our mission is over?"
Leone clasped her hands behind her back and looked toward the distant sunset.
"I don't know about that, but that Minister is one man I absolutely have to kill with my own hands!"
Her voice carried a chilling killing intent.
Then she wrapped one arm around Tatsumi's neck.
"Tatsumi, why are you asking that?"
Feeling the soft pressure against his face, Tatsumi blushed.
Night Raid was full of girls, and by now he was far less shy than when he had first joined.
He answered seriously.
"I just think that if change can happen from within, fewer people would have to die."
"That old man we saved the other day was an amazing official, right? Lately, I've been hearing the people praise him everywhere."
Leone released him and turned left.
"Maybe. Politics isn't really my thing."
"Don't think about it too much. Come on."
Tatsumi rubbed his cheek and quickly followed after her.
When they reached a small house, a young girl was tidying up outside.
Leone waved enthusiastically.
"Mia, how have you been lately?"
The girl turned around in surprise and immediately set down the stool in her hands.
"Big Sis Leone!"
Seeing how thin she still was, Leone gently rubbed her head with concern.
Mia flashed a bright smile.
"Don't worry, Big Sis."
"I look a little worn out because of the withdrawal symptoms, but I'm basically fully recovered now."
Leone's expression softened.
Her senses were sharp.
Mia's mental state and physical condition were both far better than when she had first seen her in the red-light district.
Leone pulled a small pouch from her pocket.
Coins clinked inside.
She stuffed the pouch into Mia's hands.
"That's good. Take this. It'll be enough for you and your mother to live on for a while."
"Things will get better soon."
But Mia had no intention of accepting it.
Her hand still trembled slightly from the lingering effects of withdrawal.
The money pouch felt like a burning coal, and she immediately pushed it back into Leone's hands.
"Even though I don't have a job yet, Lord Uesugi gave us compensation."
"He also had someone treat my mother's illness."
Mia looked at Leone firmly.
"Big Sis Leone doesn't exactly have money to spare either, so I can't accept this."
Night Raid's pay was generous, but Leone usually spent it on gambling and alcohol.
She had countless creditors, though paying them back was never part of the plan.
Money simply did not stay in her hands.
Even this small amount had been borrowed from Sheele.
"Mia..."
Leone looked at the stubborn girl helplessly and put the pouch away.
"I'll just leave it on the table later."
Then she asked,
"No one's been bothering you lately, right? If they have, I'll go teach them a lesson immediately."
Given Mia's former line of work and the fact that she lived alone with her mother, local thugs often targeted people like her.
Mia shook her head.
"No. There are quite a few girls like me here, and the guards warned those bastards already."
"A few people tried harassing Big Sis Vera, but they all disappeared afterward."
"So don't worry, Big Sis Leone."
Leone froze slightly.
It all felt strangely unreal.
Uesugi Ryu had even thought of that.
This was almost too considerate.
She wanted to ask more.
She still felt that Uesugi Ryu had ulterior motives.
Just then, Tatsumi caught up to them.
The moment he saw Mia, he recognized her.
She was the girl who had been slapped that day in the red-light district.
Back then, she had been completely out of it.
Now, however, she looked full of life.
Tatsumi walked over and leaned against the outer wall.
"Big Sis actually borrowing money for something other than booze? That's real progress."
"Tatsumi!"
Leone's face darkened as she smashed a fist down onto his head.
Dong!
Tatsumi yelped, and a huge bump instantly rose on his head.
"Big Sis!"
Mia covered her mouth and laughed.
"I knew it. Big Sis Leone has never been the type to save money."
Having her true nature exposed so mercilessly, Leone felt rather embarrassed.
She snorted, golden flames seemingly igniting in her eyes.
"If you can't talk properly, then don't talk at all. No one's forcing you."
Tears welled up in Tatsumi's eyes as he immediately clasped his hands together and begged for mercy.
"Big Sis, and you too, please come inside and sit for a while."
After laughing for a bit, Mia invited them in.
Leone decided not to pursue the matter further.
Tatsumi followed behind, looking thoroughly dejected.
"So it's you, Leone. It's been a long time."
An elderly voice sounded out.
A gray-haired old woman lay resting in bed.
"Grandma, how have you been feeling?"
Leone asked warmly.
She had grown up in the slums, and Mia's parents had always treated her well.
"I'm fine. You're still the same as ever. Full of energy."
After chatting for a while, Tatsumi and Leone prepared to leave.
Before departing, Leone quietly placed the money pouch on the stool.
She wanted to ask something, but ultimately chose not to.
Perhaps Uesugi Ryu was keeping Mia and the others around to showcase his benevolence and improve his image.
But whatever his reasons.
Mia's life was better now.
That was enough.
Tatsumi looked puzzled.
"Big Sis, what exactly is that guy after? He changed way too fast."
"I almost wonder if the original Uesugi Ryu got replaced by this one. It's just too weird."
Leone thought for a moment and said calmly,
"That has nothing to do with us."
"Acts of kindness based solely on justice and morality never last. Having your own motives is what makes it real."