Akame ga Kill: Starting with Dual Kamui-Chapter 143: Atonement

After learning the truth from Prime Minister Honest, the young Emperor was filled with disbelief.

He couldn't accept that the man he had always revered was the one who had orchestrated the deaths of his parents. But now, he had no choice but to face reality.

"Now do you see the truth?"

Blayn stepped forward, his tone indifferent. "I won't kill you, but you must atone for your past mistakes—even if you were deceived by that Prime Minister."

"I suggest you go see the Imperial Capital with your own eyes, even venture beyond its walls, and witness the true condition of the people. Make improvements before the Empire falls beyond saving."

"You should consider yourself fortunate. Many civil and military officials still remain loyal to you—former Prime Minister Chouri and Great General Budo among them."

Blayn spoke at length to the young Emperor, but that was all he had to say. Now, it was up to him to decide.

"I understand... I will see the Empire for what it truly is..."

The young Emperor realized that he had likely been deceived by Prime Minister Honest all along. Having never left the palace, he had only ever known the version of the Empire that Honest had described to him—a prosperous nation with only a minor issue of rebellious insurgents. And he had believed it.

Honest had also insisted that the world outside the palace was dangerous, strongly discouraging him from leaving.

True to his word, Blayn did not lay a finger on the young Emperor.

"Lock this man in the dungeons," he ordered. "Chouri will resume the position of Prime Minister. I trust you to assist the Emperor in addressing the Empire's crisis."

...

In the following days, the young Emperor heeded Blayn's advice and embarked on a discreet tour of the Imperial Capital and its outskirts.

The common people had never seen their ruler in person, and since he was dressed in plain clothes, no one recognized him. With the Imperial Guard and Teigu users secretly protecting him, there was no risk of unexpected danger.

For the first time, the young Emperor saw the Empire's true state with his own eyes.

It was nothing like the flourishing empire Honest had described. The streets were in shambles, the people suffering. It was a complete disaster.

There was no doubt left—he had been thoroughly deceived by Honest.

"Prime Minister Chouri, do I even deserve to continue ruling this land? I've let my ancestors' Empire fall into ruin..."

Doubt consumed him.

"Of course, Your Majesty!" Chouri reassured him. "As long as you rise to the occasion, you will surely regain the trust and loyalty of the people!"

Encouraged by Chouri's words, the young Emperor straightened his posture. "Yes... I will change. I won't let my people down again."

"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion. Honest is the one responsible for the Empire's current state, and the people already despise him. I believe dealing with him publicly would be a strong first step."

The young Emperor nodded. "I was already thinking the same thing."

"At first, I hesitated... but now, my mind is made up. He will be executed in public—by slow slicing!"

He now understood how deeply he had been deceived, how he had allowed Honest to bring the Empire to ruin.

More than that, Honest had killed his parents. How could he feel anything but hatred toward him?

There was no place for mercy—only the vengeance owed for regicide.

"Your Majesty is wise," Chouri said, startled.

He had only intended to suggest a public beheading. Saying something as extreme as execution by slow slicing in front of the Emperor was another matter entirely.

Yet the young Emperor had made the decision himself.

That, at least, was a good sign. It meant he had fully grasped Honest's treachery and was determined to turn the Empire around.

...

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As soon as the young Emperor returned to the palace after his "disguised inspection," he immediately ordered Prime Minister Honest to be dragged from the dungeons and publicly executed in the streets.

The moment the news spread, the entire Imperial Capital erupted.

The execution site was soon packed with civilians eager to witness the event.

People always loved a spectacle. Even if the condemned was an unknown nobody, there would still be a crowd, with some wealthy individuals even purchasing pieces of flesh from the executed.

But this time, the man facing execution was none other than Prime Minister Honest—the most despised man in the Empire.

"What the hell is going on? How did the Prime Minister, who held absolute power, suddenly end up being executed?!"

"There must have been a coup inside the palace! Didn't a giant monster appear there a few days ago? Someone must have overthrown the Prime Minister by force!"

"This is amazing! That wicked minister is finally dead! And we get to see him suffer—just thinking about it is satisfying!"

"So who's the new Prime Minister? Is it the former one? I remember things were much better under his rule than now."

...

As the crowd continued their heated discussions, the execution formally began.

Honest's exceptional physical condition worked against him. The executioner's blade carved into his flesh, but his strong body refused to give in to death, prolonging his suffering. His agonized screams echoed for what seemed like an eternity.

The executioner efficiently carried out the entire process of "death by a thousand cuts," and only when Honest's head was finally severed did the execution come to an end.

The gathered crowd watched with satisfaction. The execution had lasted so long that many had brought their meals, eating as they watched, their appetites seemingly undisturbed by the gruesome spectacle.

It was then, while the people had yet to disperse, that the young Emperor emerged from behind the scenes.

His royal attire and the crown upon his head made his identity unmistakable, even to those who had never seen him before.

The chaotic scene fell into a sudden silence.

All eyes widened in shock, and the air grew still—no one had expected the Emperor himself to appear here.

"I... am the Emperor of this Empire," he declared, his voice carrying over the hushed crowd. "But I have failed in my duty as ruler. I was kept in the dark by former Prime Minister Honest, but now I see his true face for what it was."

He looked over the assembled people.

"It was Mr. Blayn, General Esdeath, and the others who opened my eyes. Mr. Blayn is a true hero, and for that, I am deeply grateful to him..."

...

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