Risa took a deep breath and calmed herself. Being in the center of her targets’ attention was not a healthy thing for her heart. She could feel her heart thumping inside her chest as if it wanted to burst any minute. But luckily, the guys didn’t follow her and just stayed in their spot like nothing happened. She peeked at them from the corner and saw them discarding their food wrap before leaving the bench.
Since she had heard them talk about going to a business district, she thought they would be going to the road by the entrance. It was the busiest part of the village after all, offering the visitors various snacks shops, a restaurant, a café and bar, and an inn that’s located slightly in the west but still in the same area. It’s where their productivity as its most. The two of them crossed the street and went to the west, which indicates they were going there after all, so she stepped out from her hiding and followed them.
“I hop
Risa led the two guys to the residential area in the eastern side of the village. This area was the housing for the native villagers, and at this time in the afternoon, there were quite many children playing around with their friends.Since Jai’s fame reached Takenoko and his face was actually recognizable by Risa, Jai had adjusted his scarf to cover more of his face ever since she led them from the western district. It surprised him that none of the people here recognized his face like Risa did, as she had said that he was quite famous in the papers. But it wasn’t something he would want at the current situation. It would be better if no one noticed them at all, because losing a crowd of people would waste more of their time.They had finally found potential person who knew Alex’s whereabouts or conditions, they would not waste this chance.About covering his face, he had actually been doing it ever since they reached Sougen. He always covers
A few moments later, the tea and snacks were served and the three Aikawa children had joined the two guests in the living room. Yes, even Nawaki was brought along since the two girls had seen whom the two guys were and didn’t think they were dangerous. Winners of an international competition shouldn’t be bad guys, right? And they also didn’t look like criminals. Moreover, Nawaki seemed to be fond of Jai. Or, rather, his scarf. The baby immediately reached out to him when he saw him, and when Aya let him take the baby, the little one immediately took hold of his scarf and giggled in joy. He had found a new toy.“I’m sorry for my sister’s behavior,” Risa said apologectially.“Nee-chan… I can apologize myself,” Aya protested lightly.Jai and Darrion found this to be funny and both of them smiled at the two. “It’s alright.”“Well, my sister said that she went to find you and
Jai asked about Alex’s expression to Risa to figure out why Alex didn’t run away instead of going to the capital. If one would see it, there is a possibility that this family was an accomplice to the kidnapping, and they were just acting all goody woody with them just to kill them later. But when Jai took a gander look again, Risa and Aya didn’t seem like they knew anything about it. If they knew, they wouldn’t have invited them here and instead, staying silent.‘Whatever the reason is, he’s still kidnapped by this Hayate guy and his two other people. Since they’re going to the capital this morning, we should just start going as well to cut the time short,’ Jai thought. He looked up at Risa. “So he left this morning with Hayate-san and his two other friends?”Risa smiled and nodded. “Yes. Maybe you can go to his family in the capital. He should be in a safe place right now.”Jai smiled back,
The living room went quiet after that, with only Risa’s sobs filling the room. The thought of helping a criminal seemed to be unbearable for this girl, because she wouldn’t have cried like that if it didn’t bother her too much.Seeing her cry like this, Darrion felt bad. A girl cried because of them. And he hesitated in speaking more in fear it would make her cry more. He leaned closer to his friend.“Should we leave now?” Darrion whispered to Jai.Jai looked pity at Risa who was still hugged by her clueless sister. Even with Jai saying that, she still didn’t understand the situation. Moreover, her sister suddenly started crying. It confused her.Jai gestured Darrion to be quiet as he tried to think of what they should do. The baby in his arms had gone quiet when he saw his sister crying, understanding something was wrong but obviously didn’t know what. He looked up at Jai. “Isa ite?”Jai rubbed
There were many sounds in the forest starting from cicadas ringing, birds chirping, leaves rustlings, and don’t forget the growls and hums of monsters living inside it. Jai was used to these sounds already when he was in Deleima and Heruba’s forests, although those forest weren’t as lively as this one that they were passing.There was a rustle right above them and they could see a big snake slithering around the bark of one of the big trees in there. The snake’s head was nowhere to be seen, but since it was slithering up, they figured it would be up there. The two of them shared a look before nodding together and moving without any sound. It seemed like they were telepathically connected about not wanting to alert the big snake with their presence. If it’s safe, it’s them. But they also needed to be fast, which was something that was not applicable right now.The forest floor was full of dried leaves, which would make it noisier if t
Jai was in a good mood after knowing Alex’s condition. Although Alex was still kidnapped, the news about Alex ever visited Takenoko was better. It confirmed the assumption of the ones worrying about him that he was indeed taken in this direction. And now, was currently taken towards the capital.It’s good news. A lead. Especially when he heard that Alex left this morning. It was in the afternoon right now, so they wouldn’t have so much distance to cover as long as they hurry now. He had hoped to catch up to the kidnappers immediately, probably right at the capital’s gate and immediately snatch any redheads in their way.But even after walking for only God knows how long, there’s nothing but barks of trees, fallen trees, and bushes. He didn’t see any signs that shows they’re close to the capital, and this aggravated him up to a degree.“I regret not taking you up on the offer to fly,” Jai suddenly broke the si
Darrion led the both of them to a small stream where a bird monster was currently drinking from. The bird looked like an ostrich, but it was brown, bigger and seemed more powerful than an ostrich. Unlike ostrich that usually tuck their wings, this monster’s wings were opened to the side and it could be seen how long the pair of it was. But due to its long legs and big claws, none of the boys think this bird monster would use those wings to fly.“It’s kinda similar to that mascot from a certain game. But that one’s golden yellow while this one’s dirty brown,” Jai muttered after they hid behind a tree nearby.Darrion hummed. “Hmm… But I don’t see this one to be the same bird monster as the one used for the race’s icon.”“Huh?” Jai looked at him in confusion.“You’re talking about the annual race in Fire Kingdom right?” Darrion asked.Jai blinked several t
The Waamutori was enjoying its time by the bank, looking at the fishes swimming in the riverflow. It snapped its long beak into the water, hoping to catch at least one of them for a snack. But sadly, nothing entered its beak other than water, pieces of water grass, and mud. But it didn’t stop trying. This is what humans should have done with most of their lives rather than just sitting around thinking why everything never works out.Jai and Darrion was communicating through their eyes as they approached the bird from different directions. Jai had to wait for Darrion to be halfway away from him before stepping out from behind the tree. He knew how wind could become a giveaway of location, and he believed his friend was also trying his best to keep the wind at bay, so he was not going to mess that.‘I still don’t know what kind of movements that are forbidden in this forest. Is it only running or sudden movements are included? But I hope that won’
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But