Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 18
1698 Words
CHAPTER 18
"You think there will be a war soon?"
Hands intertwined, Kazuyuki and Keisuke were currently strolling in Silver Rain City after they bought the supplies. He sent their family's attendants to deliver their supplies to different camps.
However, Kazuyuki still hasn't explained the situation with Keisuke. It's Kazuyuki's job but he can't understand why he was afraid to bring it up.
Kazuyuki maintained a passive expression but his palms felt numb. It's not like he didn't expect anyone in their group would grasp the situation but not this soon.
Their conclusion was almost the same as what Katsuhiro came up with, with a bit fewer details.
"Yes, you said it yourself, they were planting doubts. It's impossible they would put this much effort if they don't have a bigger goal, right?" Nephrite looked at him.
Kazuyuki noticed their height difference. They've been together for a while, fought together, and rode on the same horse together. But this was the first time he noticed this.
He patted Nephrite's head, "Right. I asked a friend to check our investigation result and he came up almost the same as what you said."
"Your friend?"
Kazuyuki nodded, "I met with him yesterday. He's gonna be very helpful especially with the Princes' case."
"That's great. I'm worried that they still might get inflicted. We don't have stronger evidence to prove their innocence."
"About that, there is something I need to tell you. Hiro thinks that someone related to me was involved with your father and Aijin's case. And possibly involve theirs as well."
Keisuke's sudden halt startled Kazuyuki. The former's eyes flickered with strong violent emotions, it resonated directly to his heart.
"What do you mean? Who?!"
_______
Hearing what Kazuyuki said, Nephrite's body trembled and his heart contraction increased. Keisuke's emotion got triggered violently.
Before he knew it, the residual feelings already erupted and he was already controlled by it. He didn't know when he let go of the other man's hand and instead, Nephrite's hands already grabbed Kazuyuki's collar and yanked him down to eye level.
Nephrite tried to regain his control over the body. The impulsive action surprised him.
It has been a while since he noticed that the residual feelings of the vessel were getting stronger. However, he didn't expect that it would come to a point when he would be able to act violently with anyone. Much more, to Kazuyuki.
But, was it actually the problem?
Nephrite suddenly felt weak, not just his soul but he could also feel Kazuyuki's body's energy getting drained.
"What's wrong?"
The voice sounded as if it was submerged in the water like the words were trying to pass an invisible word to reach him.
Unexpectedly, he felt arms wrapping around him.
Kazuyuki pulled him into a hug, not caring even if they were in the middle of the street or the people glancing at them with curious eyes. Keisuke's cheeks were red. His body temperature was high.
Worried, he led Keisuke to an alleyway into a two-floored inn. The owner was surprised when they saw them. "Young Master, what happened to your friend?"
"Ojiisan, can you give us a room?"
"Right this way," the old man didn't ask more questions. He knew that the Young master was from the Miyazuya Family so he was happy to assist.
Kazuyuki helped Keisuke down on the bed, the latter's hand still clinging to him.
He asked the old man to get him some medicine, relaxation tea from the Sugimoto's, and a basin with cold water.
He looked at the man on the bed and felt his heart sinked. Kazuyuki didn't expect that the stress would even cause a fever.
Keisuke was already barely conscious. After the old man came back, he wiped Keisuke's body, trying to lower the fever. He also gave the medicine as the type they sent is very effective before having a meal. When he noticed Keisuke fell asleep already, he went to the owner to borrow the kitchen to make a meal.
Nephrite took an hour before he regained complete consciousness. Kazuyuki wasn't in the room when he woke up. He sat up and moved both of his hands in a circular motion. Satisfied that he had already regained control of his body, Nephrite stood up, wanting to look for Kazuyuki.
Just then, Kazuyuki and the old man entered the room, both carrying a small tray. One with a bowl of noodles while the other has the teapot and cups.
Kazuyuki smiled when he saw him, "Are you feeling better?"
Nephrite nodded, but no words came out of his mouth. He didn't know how he could explain what happened to Kazuyuki.
"That's great, eat this to regain your strength."
The old man put down his tray on the table, "Young Master, just call me if you need anything else." Then he left.
"Kazuyukiㅡ"
"ㅡI'm sorry," he smiled as they spoke at the same time. He held Keisuke's hand and guided him back to sit on one of the cushions surrounding the small legged table nearby.
"Kazuyuki...kun, aren't you having a meal, too?"
"I'm fine. Do you want me to help you eat?"
Afraid that Kazuyuki wanted to feed him, Nephrite picked up the chopsticks and started eating. His eyes sparkled.
"Do you like it?" Nephrite just nodded as he continued slurping the noodles. "I'm glad," Kazuyuki sighed.
"Did you make this?"
"Yes," he poured tea for Keisuke, "It's from Sugimoto's teashop. Can help you relax."
"Kazuyuki, about earlier. I'm so sorry. I-I don't...intend to hurt you. I'm sorry for being aggressive."
"It's fine and you are not. I'm the one who hurted you."
"Will you...tell me who it is?" Nephrite asked. He was silently glad when he didn't feel Keisuke's emotions fluctuate.
"We suspect my uncle spilled the information about Aijin's identity to the enemy. We still have no idea how much involved he is in the situation."
Nephrite pondered. It was possible. He didn't think of it too much before as it didn't affect Keisuke directly. And Aijin didn't figure this out either in her past life.
"There are only few people who knew how Aijin's mother looks like. One of them was my uncle," he paused, "Do I make you feel uncomfortable?"
Nephrite shook his head, "You've done nothing wrong."
Nephrite was about to touch Kazuyuki's face when he realized that Kazuyuki didn't let go of his free hand since he held it earlier. He didn't even notice it. Having their hands like this felt so natural. Nephrite intertwined their fingers.
"I apologize to Young Master, attendant Yuu is looking for you. He said he has an urgent message." the old man suddenly called outside the room.
"Send him in."
A young man in light leather armor entered, his hair was still in disarray, "Reporting in Young Master. Young Master Katsuhiro summons you back to the camp. A messenger informed us that Master Saikyu and the two Princes of Lang will arrived soon. Also, Lady Aijin will was with them ."
Nephrite froze upon hearing this. He completely forgot Aijin's relationship with Kazuyuki.
Even if she was betrothed to someone else in the future, it still didn't change the fact that she likes Kazuyuki. If she learned about his involvement with Kazuyuki, it might change something crucial.
Kazuyuki was hesitant because of Keisuke’s state. He looked at him with concerned eyes.
Nephrite realized what he was thinking, “I’m fine. Let’s go to the border camp in an hour. I also need to talk with Chunan and Shuijing.”
Kazuyuki wanted him to stay and rest. “Will you be fine? It will take four hours till we reach the border camp.
“I’m fine but can you do me a favor?”
“Sure, what is it?
Nephrite glanced at Yuu who was silently sitting near the door. The other person sensed what he wanted. “Young Master, I will wait outside.”
“Have a meal downstairs while waiting for us.”
Yuu thanked him and bowed before leaving the room.
Nephrite rubbed the back of Kazuyuki’s hand with his thumb, “Please not tell Aijin about me nor us. I will wait outside the border camp.”
Kazuyuki remembered that Keisuke had an idea about what he felt for Aijin.
“It’s alright. Aijin is a good person. She will understand.”
“No, it’s not like that. Just promise me, okay?”
“Alright,” Kazuyuki promised.
____
A flash of lightning brightened the dark clouds looming in the horizon. Despite that, they continued to gallop as their distance from the border went shorter.
Nephrite wrapped his arms tighter to Kazuyuki’s waist as the wind blew colder.
His fever subsided but he still felt unwell. Despite the cloak Kazuyuki gave him, the temperature still gave him chills. Only Kazuyuki’s warmth gives him comfort.
However, it would be bad if they get caught in the rain.
“Are you alright?” He heard Kazuyuki’s voice.
Nephrite moved closer to whisper in the other’s ear, “Yes, you’re a good heater.”
He chuckled when Kazuyuki’s ears turned red.
Nephrite remembered what happened the last time they rode a horse together and that time when Kazuyuki taught him with the wooden staff. Those moments were sweet tortures for him. Now, he can comfortably lean on the other man as they travel together.
It felt like a dream.
“We’re almost there,” Yuu said.
Nephrite blushed. He completely forgot that there was another person following them, guarding their rear.
“Kazuyuki, let me off the horse outside the camp,” he reminded him.
“But it’s about to rain.”
“Please?”
“We have not enough detail but I think the messenger left ahead of them. Probably, they haven't arrived yet."
"What if they were already there?"
"You really didn’t want to meet Aijin that much? The Lady won’t leave the tent because of the rain. Don’t worry.”
Nephrite didn’t try to persuade him anymore. If he pushed further, they might think he was suspicious. He just lowered his head, silently praying he won’t meet his soul later.
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