Hunting: Memories (I Transmigrated as a Memory Hunter)

Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 17

CHAPTER 17

Nephrite explained his situation to Shier. However, he didn't mention anything about his mission nor the contract. As they thought, every knowledge passed down by Lord Suzaku was already considered as part of this world.

They also deliberated on the information they currently have.

Unbeknownst to Kazuyuki, both Shier and Nephrite also came upon most of Katsuhiro's analysis, especially those connected with all the abd*ction cases.

"Those people are so good at forging fake evidence than forging swords," Shier joked once.

After Nephrite confessed everything he could, Shier's warmth came back. The latter still didn’t know why he took over his friend's body. But since he was working hard in protecting what the real Keisuke loves, Shier was willing to help him.

The day was tiring. With all the emotional turmoil, their conversation ended late night and Nephrite decided to sleep in the VIP room of the tea house. As a multipurpose room, it also double as a bedroom for guests. Shier has his own room at thw tea house but their VIP room seems much better.

Late at night, Shier dropped by, "Young Master," he called Nephrite, "Do you want to come with me to my garden tomorrow, morning?"

"Sure. Do you need any help?"

"Yes, it will be faster."

"Alright," short silence emerged between them. "Shier, sorry."

Shier nodded. "As long as you are protecting the people he love. I... don't know why this happened either but I know I can trust you"

"Thank you," Nephrite felt a lump in his throat."

____

Shier's garden was a sight to behold. Even if Nephrite knew this was where Shier grew his plants used for making poisons, it was still a sight to behold.

Nephrite was aware of the impending danger upon Rose Valley. Though their group still don't know the upcoming danger, he manipulated the pieces of information they had to lead with this conclusion.

"We were not able to strengthen ourselves that much but it doesn't mean we're hopeless. Young Master, I know you're not used to this bloody business. It is better if you keep using my paralyzing poisons instead."

Shier taught him which plants can cause paralysis, drowsiness, and even death.

Nephrite tried to remember as much as possible. This information may come in handy in the future.

After picking the right plants, they went to an outdoor kitchen adjacent to the garden.

Shier put down the basket on the table. There was already a grain mill, ceramic mortar and pestle, ceramic bowls, wooden bowls, spoons, cups, knives, and other utensils usually used for cooking normal food.

"Wear your mask, Young master. Even the smell of it can cause poisoning."

Nephrite helped Shier with grinding the leaves, milling dried seeds, and boiling liquid poisons.

Then Shier made antidotes. Nephrite wondered if the poison-making knowledge was passed by Lord Suzaku as well. Since the way Shier did it wasn't like how he remembered it from the internet.

"With this, we can help our side.," Shier explained. "I want to study poisons more but I can't explore the resources and I don't want to test it on animals. Maybe the kingdom can somehow support the progress. We should tell these to Young Master Kazuyuki."

Since he woke up yesterday, he was trying hard to forget about Kazuyuki. His confrontation with Shier helped a lot for this. But at the end of the day, Nephrite can't deny that he was attracted to Kazuyuki.

At the mention of the other's name, his heart skipped a beat.

"Shier, I think I'm attracted to someone.. But I think it's useless to act on this feeling, right? After all, I will leave once I'm done with my mission."

Shier looked at him, his eyes sparkling with interest, "Why are you worried? It's not like you are in love with him, is it?"

Is it love? No.

Nephrite wasn't sure if what he feels for Kazuyuki is love so he answered, "No."

"Then, why are you worried? When you like someone, have fun."

Hey, isn't your mindset too advanced! Nephrite screamed in his mind, Is this person really Shier or he was replaced by a transmigrator midway?

"Just enjoy the feeling. Liking someone is good. As long as you are not taking advantage of the other person's feelings, then what's wrong with it?"

_____

Kazuyuki arrived at the Sugimoto Residence in the North West of Silver Rain City early the next day. The travel time between the camp and Silver Rain only took half a day's worth, he arrived almost lunch time.

Though the Manor seemed smaller by appearance as it lacked the luxurious zen garden from most of the rich households, their property was extended until the foot of Mt. Tengoku.

Kazuyuki was nervous to see Keisuke again after running away the other day. Even if he didn't know what to say, he shouldn't have left like that.

So he first went to the offices directly under his father and informed the most trusted people to get ready. They need to make sure to be careful and so that no one will backstab them.

Kazuyuki tried to prolong most of his business. However, he can't delay the situation right now. If the enemies advance and they are not prepared, who knows what might happen?

He was led by one of the attendants in a botanical garden behind the manor.

Upon seeing Keisuke's smiling face, all of Kazuyuki's plans were stuck in his throat.

How should I break the situation to him? He thought.

____

"Young Master Kazuyuki, welcome back!"

Shier stood and bowed upon seeing Kazuyuki. Nephrite automatically followed suit but his brain was a bit messy.

Kazuyuki locked his gaze on Nephrite. The moment he arrived, the smile on the other's face felt so dazzling he was already drawn. When he looked at him and their gazes met, he gained some weird determination.

Wait for a few hours, he thought. That's right, I'm still waiting for support. It'll be alright.

Nephrite was in a similar state. There's nothing wrong with what you feel, so why worry?

Their hearts resonated strongly that even outsiders couldn't ignore. Shier felt like these two created a barrier, making a two-person world.

So, Keisuke fell on the young master. I thought it was one-sided but I'm wrong. He looked at them, then looked down on the antidotes he was currently making.

As much as he didn't want to intrude, the antidotes were far more important. So he bravely broke the wall.

Kazuyuki made his way between Shier and Keisuke to check the poisons.

Yes, he deliberately inserted himself between them, separating the two.

After inspecting, Kazuyuki instructed Shier to bring some paralyzing poisons to the border camp. "Can you ask someone to bring out a brush and ink? I need to make a letter."

"Sure, Young master," Shier said. He arranged everything in a box, not letting the two of them touch it anymore to avoid the mixed up of quality and types.

The three of them walk out of the garden to the receiving area. Sugimoto Residence didn't have much decoration in their residence since they only use the place on planting and making their other inedible products like perfume.

When Nephrite remembered about it, he asked Shier, "Do you know who the mysterious supplier of laundry detergent is?"

Kazuyuki looked at him with interest, "Are you looking for it? I got information that the maker was from Silver Rain."

Both of them looked at Shier, "Oh, how did the Young Masters know about it? It's my aunt who made the formula but she was afraid people would flood our teahouse for detergent requests. So she hid the supplier information. Do you guys want to try on your clothes?"

"Please let me have one. Father was looking for it. Mother might like the scent." Nephrite pleaded.

"Sure, I'll bring one for Young Master Kazuyuki as well."

When Shier was about to turn to the storage, Nephrite followed but Kazuyuki quickly pulled him back.

"Stay with me," said in a helpless, out-of-breath way, as if Kazuyuki was very tired from something, making people want to do his bidding. Nephrite had no choice but to agree. Shier just gave him a good luck pat before leaving him.

An attendant arrived later and gave Kazuyuki an ink and brush. He was about to mix it when suddenly, someone grabbed his hand.

"L-let me mix the ink for you. I have nothing to do anyway," Nephrite said nervously.

Both of them felt the hotness of their hands but for some reason, no one wanted to pull out this time.

Kazuyuki felt extremely happy because of it. He then remembered some of Katsuhiro's acting skills. He suddenly had the urge to act on it.

Before he realized it, his other hand already acted his thoughts. He covered Keisuke's hand with his other free hand and rubbed his thumb over it, "Sure."

Nephrite pulled his hand out in nervousness and embarrassment.

How could I get a reaction with just that?! Nephrite immediately started mixing the ink to hide his reddened face.

Kazuyuki chuckled at the adorable person behind him.

Kazuyuki started writing his letter for Katsuhiro. He needed to inform him that he won't return right away as well as some important military information. However, he didn't add any information that would hint about the enemy troops.

After a while, Kazuyuki handed the seal to let Shier enter the camp and handed him the letter for Katsuhiro. "Go ahead, I need Keisuke's help. I'll bring him to the camp."

After Shier left, Kazuyuki turned to Keisuke, "Let's bring these detergents home and have lunch before we go out to buy the items needed in the camp later."

"Alright."

______

It wasn't just Nephrite's imagination. Kazuyuki was flirting with him.

At first he really just thought the other was making fun of him because of how he reacted last time. But looking at the lunch in the pavilion near the pond of the zen garden, with dishes really lavish for a simple lunch.

Aside from that, the person was taking care of him since he left the Sugimoto residence.

He wasn't a rock not to feel moved, especially since he also had feelings for Kazuyuki.

He gathered his courage and picked up a piece of fish which he had deboned earlier with his chopsticks and moved it near it on the other's bowl. "Have some fish."

If he accepts it then it will confirm his feelings. It is not impolite to decline a portion of food from his bowl, too. Nephrite thought.

However, he didn't anticipate Kazuyuki's answer. The other didn't let him put the fish in the bowl but instead directly ate from his chopsticks.

The fool Kazuyuki smiled, "Thanks."

Nephrite felt his cheeks burned. He didn't answer and instead looked at the garden, his mind elsewhere.

This country accepted the same-gender relationship so easily. He remembered how Shibata-jiisan encouraged him when the old man thought he had some relationship with Kazuyuki. He smiled.

"What are you thinking of?" Kazuyuki asked when he saw Keisuke's smile.

Nephrite can't tell him what Shibata-jiisan said, so instead, he pointed at the pink hydrangeas. "Those looked really beautiful."

Kazuyuki smiled. This time, he was not afraid to say it anymore, "My mother loves pink hydrangeas and learned how to make them turn pink. When I was younger, my mother told me that pink hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotion."

Kazuyuki looked at Keisuke and held his hand. "And that if I had someone who made me feel that way, I should confess to that person here." He moved closer to the other, "Will you accept this heartfelt emotion of mine?" He brought Keisuke's hand over his heart.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Nephrite could feel the pounding of Kazuyuki's heart underneath his palm

The wild rhythm even ancient humans followed, a rhythm resonating with his own.

Is it love?

Whether it was Kazuyuki or his own silent question, Nephrite didn't answer. He just continued feeling the movement underneath his touch. The proof this man in front of him was true and alive.

He mustered his courage and closed his eyes.

Before the man in front of him realize his intention, Nephrite leaned over and kissed Kazuyuki.

The kiss started soft and slow. As if trying to comfort, trying to return the comfortable warmth from this person.

Kazuyuki slipped his other hand around Keisuke, pulling the other closer. The warmth of their bodies enveloped each other, like blankets wrapped to keep enough warm for a rainy day.

Nephrite wrapped his arms around Kazuyuki's neck, his eyes still closed.

Kazuyuki held Keisuke's nape with his now free hand, tilting Nephrite's head a bit to further deepen the kiss. He then nudged the other with his tongue, hoping the other would let him explore more the sweetness they had just shared.

It was like a sweet caress, making Nephrite gasp.

Their tongues met, wrapping and sliding on each other, like flints creating sparks of fire inside them. They felt thirsty but the kiss was like wine, it gave an intoxicating feeling, a different kind of drunkenness that makes you feel unsatisfied.

Nephrite pulled away slowly, taking a deep breath. He opened his eyes and noticed Kazuyuki's eyes sparkling as he looked at him. It made him feel sweet, comforted and loved. He smiled.

"I accept," Nephrite said, touching Kazuyuki's cheek with the back of his fingers.

Kazuyuki was speechless. A smile slowly formed on his lips. He didn't try to voice his emotions anymore. Instead, he lifted Keisuke's chin and sealed the acceptance with another sweet kiss.