Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 39
1085 Words
CHAPTER 39
(A/N: The following scenes happened before they captured Minister Shun)
The light shone through the slightly opened sliding door, wind serenely blowing in as bird’s chirping resonates the whole courtyard, giving a tranquil feeling.
Xei’s eyelids fluttered. After a while, it unhurriedly opened. With just one glance, he realized where he was. He sighed then stared blankly on the ceiling.
He was in Kazuyuki’s room.
Xei raised his hand then clenched it repeatedly. It still felt unreal. To be able to move, to be able to control this body.
Xei’s confusion made him feel uncomfortable.
It’s been a while since they entered this world, however, this is the first time he woke up… Or better yet, this was the first time he gained control of this vessel.
Even so, this was not the one bothering him but the fact that the memories of this vessel readily available the moment he woke up.
As a soul hunter, Xei Xei was aware of how vessel occupation worked. Though it's the first time he lost his own memories as he occupied this vessel, it did not mean that once he regained his consciousness, he did not need to find the memory of the original person acquired.
And yet… Xei could not help but notice his very weird situation.
Kazuyuki's memories felt like it was naturally in him all along.
He was about to check this world's status when he saw the door slid open.
"Yuki?!"
"Hiro?" Xei frowned.
Katsuhiro's smile froze at Xei's cold voice. He never heard Kazuyuki speak this way before. "Are you that unhappy to see me?" He went towards him and checked his pulse. “Did you know you scared me to death?! You went to help your dear love, then you change your mind to save your stupid cousin! Yet, I ended up fishing you out of the lake?! What kind of detour is that? And now, it seems like though you recovered, the temperature of the lake sank into your personality.”
Hiro pulled down his sleeves after checking his pulse, “Should I start a worship vigil for the goddess to return your warmth?”
Xei ignored the sudden non noble-like complaints of his friend upon hearing the word ‘goddess’. As if someone pressed a button on his head, flashed of memories entered his head,
Drowning, passing out, waking up and seeing Nephrite on the lake...their kiss.
Xei sat up abruptly. “Hiro, did something happen to Rose Valley?”
Hiro stared at him, “This, you need to wait for Shier. If nothing delayed him, He’ll be here before lunch. We sent a messenger since you said about the fireworks. Since he’s the expert with this kind of thing, I sent someone to call him over. Who knows we will be needing him to check you, too.
“Thank you,” Xei can’t help but worry. It was obvious that a third space appeared that time, linking him and Nephrite. Did something happen to him?
Hiro cringed at his tone but he ignored it this time. “As much as I wanted to stay, I have to return to the capital. They had already set a trap for the Left Minister. His Highness needs me.”
“I know, that’s why I did not expect you to be here.”
Kazuyuki was long aware of the plan regarding the Left Minister. The Second Prince informed him of Keichi and Yukiya’s plan.
He was sure the Great Lang would send an envoy to use the Second Prince. If things happened according to his prediction, Chunan already met the famous General from the neighboring country. Things would proceed smoothly for this world. It was amusing how Kazuyuki did things without directly getting involved. It’s probably Xei’s memory that affected Kazuyuki’s decision subconsciously.
“You’re still my only trusted friend. You’re like a brother. Of course, I won’t just leave.” Hiro stood up, “by the way, I hope you did not mind me punishing your cousin on your behalf.”
“Not at all. I must be a fool to get tricked like that.”
Hiro chuckled, “I’ll ask someone to bring you food. Rest for now and wait for Shier. You’re asleep for two days. Regain your energy before you leave for Rose Valley.” Then he left.
Xei did not ask how Hiro dealt with Masatomo. He had other things he needed to pay attention to. Hiro did not mention either.
After having his meal, Xei checked the system prompt but nothing was written on the quest list. He frowned once again.
He decided to set aside the matter for now. He was worried for Nephrite. Meeting in space, there’s surely a reason why the other person was pulled together with him.
Also, that space seemed special.
Xei sighed and closed the hologram panel. He knew the other person was alive. He will receive a notification if something fatal happens on the other. However, it won’t tell if the person was safe or in grave danger. And though he could call him, he would not dare to unless he’s sure the other did not lose memory like him. As for how he confirmed Keisuke and Nephrite were the same person, it was due to that meeting in space. Being a soul hunter for years, he can easily recognize ‘dreams’ in different categories. He just doesn't understand what triggered that space, that’s all.
Xei had another problem. Kazuyuki and Keisuke had an ambiguous relationship. Remembering this, his mouth tightened into a thin line.
Shier arrived late in the afternoon.
“Young Master!” Shier ran towards the pavilion as soon as he saw Xei. Before the latter could even speak, he spoke again. “I heard what happened. I’m glad you’re safe!”
Xei gestured for him to sit.
Shier quickly took out the medicines he brought for Kazuyuki as he continued talking, “What kind of situation you and our young master have? Both of you encountered misfortune on the same day. If it’s not fate, what would you call it? Either way, that kind of synchronized fate was too troublesome.”
Xei frowned, “What happened to Keisuke?”
Shier did not notice the change in Xei's tone. He told him what happened to Keisuke. Afterwards, his voice was already shaking with worry, “He’s still missing. Kuro was still looking for him.”
Xei dropped the teacup he was holding.
- Writer
