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Minister Shimada did not mention anything concerning official business during lunch. Instead, she expressed a lot of goodwill towards Akira while insisting that she eat more to nourish her body. In essence, she was like a friendly auntie. 

However, the attitude made Akira even tenser. 

Once the lunch was complete, the minister brought Akira to her study. The room was large and spacious, with a dignified air suited to the appearance and personality of the minister. Akira found a lot of military mementoes scattered around the office as well as a few pictures of friends and family on the walls. 

From an outward look, Minister Shimada was the perfect woman of virtue. 

"The Chief at the Immortal Sword Valley has informed me of your desire to quit the Brigade completely." Minister Shimada started immediately after they both sat down. 

Her demeanour changed from a cool aunt to a serious government official. 

"Yes," Akira replied. "I have been retired to a certain extent for a while now, and my current position as a teacher is only cursory. I do not feel there is a need to remain registered as a member of the Immortal Sword Brigade anymore." 

"What is your exact reason for quitting? Even though you have more accomplishments than most of the other members, you are only twenty-three years old. I would like to know why you are anxious to cut ties." Minister Shimada countered. 

Akira was taken aback by the question. From when she was a teenager and began getting missions. Her goal was always to complete the mandatory stipulated service for discharge. In simple terms, she worked so that she could leave. 

The wish was not tied to anything bad in the Immortal Sword Brigade. It was a matter of having her freedom. 

Simply speaking, she was forced on the path of being an agent when she was young. She never had a right to decide if she wanted to be a part of that world or not. So, even when she was praised for being exceptional, it meant nothing. 

After meeting Hina and other people her age when she started taking missions, she realised that she could have had a choice to find something she liked. She might be a good agent, but she might be better at something else. 

It was at that time she started searching for a new path for herself. She wanted to find something that made her excited. Like the way Hina would light up when she read new medical articles. Or the way Double M would be happy when he made an accomplishment in music. 

She wanted something magical. 

It was unfortunate that she was good at almost everything she tried. When she found something interesting, she would dive in for a while and learn as much as she could. But there was no that spark of magic she was looking for. 

That was not to say that she did not like all the things she had accomplished in different fields. 

For example, she had composed a lot of music in both the classical and modern arenas. Those pieces had national and even international acclaim. But she did not feel like it was her calling. It was just something she liked doing sometimes. 

When she tried her hand at drawing manga, she thought it would be a thrill. She wanted the experience of scaling the metaphorical mountains and reaching the summit of accomplishment. Instead, she found it was quite easy. And her first draft of Yuki the Sword Princess was accepted for publishing. 

As for being a chef, she only started doing it because she was frustrated. She wanted to cook delicious things for herself. She just enjoyed the art and science of it. But she could not say that she wanted to stand in a kitchen cooking for people day after day. 

"Can I assume that you have no special reason for quitting the Immortal Sword Brigade?" Minister Yamazaki asked. 

Akira broke free from her thoughts about her past. She looked at the older woman who was looking at her with lifted brows as if she had discovered something. 

"I have already completed my mandatory service to the Brigade as per the agreement made when I joined. The only thing I am lacking is the approval of the presiding panel. This is the matter I wanted to discuss with the panel as per my request." Akira did not respond directly. 

"I am above the panel. The panel in charge of reviewing the operations of the Brigade report to me." Minister Shimada leaned back in her chair. "If you can convince me of your reason to leave the agency, I will approve your complete resignation." 

Akira frowned. "Why are you set on making things difficult for me?" 

"Why do you think I am making things difficult? It is my responsibility to ensure that I utilise the available talents for the good of the citizens. If you do not have a special reason for leaving, I would be losing an exceptional person for nothing." Minister Shimada countered. 

"I believe the reason that I no longer want to be a part of the Immortal Sword Brigade is enough to approve my complete resignation," Akira said. 

"Do not act naïve." Minister Shimada said. "I could say that it is sufficient that I want you to remain in the service of your country. That is reason enough to reject your attempts at resignation and retirement." 

Akira\'s eyes were cold. "Isn\'t that exactly what you are saying? We are only dancing around with our words, but you have already made your decision. Unfortunately, I have no intention of bowing to your orders, Minister Shimada." 

The other woman looked directly. "It looks like we are at an impasse in our discussion." 

"It would be best if you played your cards openly," Akira said. 

She was not stupid. She knew that the minister was prepared to threaten her if necessary to achieve her goals. In the past, she would not have been concerned about anything that the old woman would throw at her. 

However, she now had Kaito and Little Precious. 

Those two points were her vulnerabilities. 

"I like your directness." Minister Shimada said. "In that case, let us talk about your fiancé." 

Akira knew that the threats were coming, but she could not help being a little apprehensive about the statement. Even if she knew Kaito was capable, she could not let him be harmed by the minister. It would be impossible to face off the government. 

"What about him?" Akira said. 

Minister Shimada was pleased by the tenacious and unmoving spirit displayed by Akira. It made her more determined to make her the director of the presiding panel. He wanted her to oversee the Immortal Sword Brigade alongside other unorthodox defence agencies. 

"I have always been a big fan." Minister Shimada said. "I was among the champions for him, even before I took the position I currently have. I have always believed that he has played a key role in preserving the peace in the world." 

Akira\'s eyes did not show a flicker of emotions. 

"Of course, you should know that not everyone is supportive of using an assassin to keep the world on the correct path. Someone might even be tempted to use him as a legacy project or to express a tough stance on mercenary work." The older woman added. 

"What are you implying?" Akira asked in a chilly voice. 

"Your boyfriend might be protected for now, but he will continue being vulnerable as long some people decide he is of no use. When that happens, someone might decide to use him as an example to further their political prospects." The response was delivered calmly. 

"Speak clearly," Akira said. 

"With the major case involving the International Health Alliance, a lot of people are vying for a few open positions in the United Nations. I have learned that someone locally intends to lobby for a position by showing a tough stance on mercenaries." Minister Shimada said. 

"Are you planning on giving that person Kaito?" Akira was infuriated. 

"It is not that I plan on doing anything. You should have a little more faith in me. Despite our current opposing opinions, you have been quite valuable to the Immortal Sword Brigade. I would not give up the love of your life to that person." 

"Then, what do you mean?" Akira said. 

"This individual has worked in various positions that allowed him to know a lot of national defence secrets. He has already identified Kaito as the ultimate sacrificial lamb for his career. Normally, it would be difficult for him to take action, but Kaito has made a few enemies in Interpol. They are waiting for a chance to pounce." Minister Shimada said. 

Akira\'s mind turned as she thought about the new situation. If Kaito was exposed through someone in the government, it would be different than being arrested and interrogated. Furthermore, a case like Kaito would likely not be quiet because he had interfered with other countries. 

If someone wanted to get rid of him, they would have a lot of accusatory ammunition, even without a lot of concrete evidence. 

Kaito might be able to escape from a guilty verdict since he was a careful operator, but the disruption would be astronomical. It would be difficult for them to settle down and have a normal life. Little precious would not have a safe home. 

The thought made Akira afraid, and her gaze became a little murderous. 

"Explain your intentions clearly, Minister Shimada.." Her voice filled the room, gentle but deadly.