Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 7
1461 Words
CHAPTER 12
"I never expected Kazuyuki to be so carefree."
Nephrite looked up from the account book he was reading. Keichi was standing nearby, watching them check the remaining damaged produce in their wagon. Kuro and Shier stopped what they were doing and bowed deeply upon notice. Keichi waved his hand, gesturing to proceed with their tasks.
Nephrite wasn't surprised by Keichi's remark. He learned from Aijin's memory that Kazuyuki became aloof after his mother's death. He would only show his once playful self to Aijin, who was his childhood friend. This affection then blossomed into love years later.
Nephrite did not ponder over the sudden tug in his heart. Ignoring what Keichi said, he asked, "Father, what are you doing here? You still need to rest."
Keichi sauntered towards the wagon of left-over produce Nephrite and his group brought from Rose Valley. Passersby could not tell from Keichi's demeanor that his body was wrapped in bandages over his torso and his right arm. Unless one saw the small part of the bandage on his right hand, no one could tell he had an injury at all. On the contrary, his every movement was painful.
Yet, he can not sit still inside the Miyazuya Manor especially now that his son was about to go out once again. Despite all Seiki's reminders to rest until he recovered, he still went out to see his son off.
The words they should say indoors can not be told aloud outdoors. Carefully choosing words, Keichi looked at his son. "The dark clouds might cover the sky soon. How can I not worry?"
He spoke as if a scholar of the court and not a retired military officer. Not surprising for the people who knew him since his younger years. His preference for arts was the reason why he never forced his son Keisuke to the military path.
Keichi felt like there was something different with his son, yet he couldn't pinpoint it. In the end, he shoved it in the back of his head.
"Father, you do not have to worry. We will bring back 'profit' once we return," Nephrite assured him.
They both knew what he meant when Nephrite said 'profit'.
The earth has ears, the news has wings.
Almost a month had passed since the abd*ction happened.
During those days, Kazuyuki trained him in using different kinds of weapons he was familiar with. Even a small preparation was better than nothing after all.
To gather information, Nephrite will head out to help investigate.
The Second Prince suppressed the news about Aijin and Keichi's abd*ction.
However, the enemy will not halt its plan because of it. The rescue mission created a large ruckus involving even the Second Prince's office.
It was impossible not to alert the whole enemy's side. One can not be certain that there were no spies even in the palace.
They even knew Aijin's real identity, beating Seiki, her adoptive father. Seiki was still unaware up until this point.
Seeing how determined his son was to help, Keichi was of course very proud of him. Despite that, he could not help but worry. He did not raise him as a warrior, after all.
"Did you accept the young master's kindness?" Keichi asked. He was hoping his son would learn more before stepping into the fire.
"Yes, father. But we still need to do some things. Once I return, I will seek further guidance."
The other day, Keisuke went to the courtyard after one of the attendants told him his son woke up. On his way to the training courtyard, he heard Kazuyuki's voice, offering to help his son.
Then, Kazuyuki laughed. This surprised Kazuyuki's father, Yukiya, who was with him and Seiki at that time.
Yukiya's tears fell on the spot, saying it's been a while since his son smiled. Seiki was not surprised at all. Instead, he said it was good that the young master found a new friend.
Keichi had a simple bond with his friends whom he had known since long ago.
If he let his son meet them earlier, the bond shared with their children would have been as deep as the sea already.
But I didn't, Keichi thought. He had never been disappointed in his life.
"The young master seems to have taken a liking to you. Do not break his trust."
Nephrite didn't need to answer. He bowed his head deeply and smiled. Whether it was Xei or Kazuyuki, he will stay obedient.
He will comply until he reaches his goal.
__________________
Light gray clouds looming over the bustling market of Silver Rain City. Sellers and buyers of different social classes filled each street. A picture of an ideal place of coexistence.
The crime rate inside the City, whether thieving, burglary, or rioting was non-existent. As if people who usually caused trouble had a secret agreement not to mess up in the town perimeter. It was like a safe zone found in online games.
Upper-class people didn't mind being with people outside their social status as well. It was the perfect place to show their benevolence. Whether it was real or superficial, they masked it with a smile and their kindest gestures.
It was all due to their respect for the first Lord of Silver Rain City.
During the Territory War thirty years ago, a man emerged in history. Despite the high status of the first Lord, he did not abandon the people. Rich or poor, it didn't matter to him.
Leading thirty volunteers from the people he rescued, they fought back the invaders. By the will of heaven, despite all the disadvantages, they gained the victory.
Amidst the burning houses surrounding them, the rain started to fall. Washing the blood and tears on their faces, they celebrated. The First Lord looked up at the sky and bathed in raindrops, reflecting the smoke and debris, appeared like many silver lines from the sky. Silver Lining, a sign of hope.
The City was then established. The First Lord named the city ‘Silver Rain’. Rain of New Hope. It had then become a popular saying in this world.
So the incident shocked the citizens but didn't dare spread the news outside. It was like they were afraid to anger their ancestors. They trusted their officials, hoping they would find those merciless people while keeping the reputation of their City.
The Second Prince only suppressed the news about Aijin and Keichi. He had no intention of hiding the truth from the civilians. Those who got injured and died deserved justice.
The news quietly spread in the masses, creating a disturbing atmosphere but masked in smiles.
Nephrite stroll around the streets, hoping to gather any information along the way. As he passed in one of the alleys, a loud, bubbly voice called out his name.
Nephrite looked around and found Shiro running towards him.
“Young Master! Young Master, good day,” he stopped a meter away from Nephrite, catching his breath.
“You already saw me stop. What’s the rush? Is something the matter?”
Shiro took a deep breath before turning to Keisuke, “Young Master, was it true?” Nephrite only raised an eyebrow. The youth’s eyes glittered, “Was it true you met the soldiers of the Second Prince?”
Was this kid a fandom of the Second Prince’s elite team?
“Yes, I did see them. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to see their might. But why are you running around this time? Where is uncle?”
Shiro was an orphan who was left on the streets alone. It was Uncle Shibata who picked him and brought him to the Akaha Clan manor. Since then, he raised the young lad as if it was his real son.
“Uncle left early in the morning but he did not tell me where. He just said I should sleep some more so I grew taller. By the way, Young Master, we would be returning to Bara Town in a few days. Can I borrow your books?”
“Of course. Grab whatever you like to read.”
“Thank you! Soon, I’ll take the test so I could help at the Akaha Manor, too.”
Nephrite smiled and patted the young man’s back. “Do your best.”
“Ah! Yes, Young Master, where is brother Chunan? He promised to teach me some sword techniques but I have not seen him since the three of you left to find Master Keichi...”
Nephrite frowned. Chunan helped Uncle Shibata and Shiro most of the time. But he was not here? “Maybe father sent him on an errand or visited his brother? I’m sure he will be back soon since he promised you.”
- Writer
