The three hooligans, Jai, along with the shopkeeper were brought by the authority to the nearest police office.Someone had called the guards to stop them from fighting. Turned out the fight was over right when the guards arrived. Although the fight seemed to be over, the swelling on one of the guys’ cheek could not be ignored.“But the problem’s solved, sir. I’m just seeking justice for my friend.” Was what Jai wanted to say. But recounting from his friend’s story about being imprisoned because of a school fight, he should not say anything unless someone testified for him. So he stayed silent.The sound of iron door swinging close was heard in the police office, and Jai stared at the guard across from him outside the cell with helpless look. “So when can I walk free?”“Until you’re proven innocent. Until then, stay there quietly and don’t make too much of a mess.” The guard said before leaving.Jai watched him leave with slightly confused look. “He didn’t even ask my name.” He whispe
“What did you do in there?” Claude asked.“Kicking some sense into someone who really needs it.” Jai faked a cough and looked into the Arata’s notepad. “Alright, thank you for your help, Claude. I really appreciate it, but I must go now.” Jai put away the notebook and began to run. “Ack!!”“Wait, no.” Claude immediately pulled the guy by the back of his scarf, choking him a bit.“I’m a troublemaker, remember? Why do you want to stick with me?” Jai stepped back and looked at the guy.“That’s exactly why I have to stick around. Once I turn my back on you, trouble come seeking you. Isn’t there anyone waiting for you at home? Like, not your fans, but, your family.” Claude said. He’s throwing what Jai told Kuroda back to him, and Jai felt irony patting his head at that moment.“I… Got business to do. My business. You got your own business to do, don’t you?” Jai asked.“I still got time. Where are you going? What’s that note?” Claude asked. Even though he already knew all of that. “Until I
Another scrunching sound was heard, along with the sounds of cans falling to the ground. Hayate’s lips curved slightly into a small nervous smile. “Sorry, let me just—”“Oh I got this. You take care of him.” The owner said, going to the back room. “Oi! Hi-chan!” A hearty laughter and a heavy chirp were heard as the door closed.Hayate shook his head with a smile. “So? What do you need?”Jai nodded to Claude and the hunter stepped back to let them talk alone. Jai turned back to Hayate. “Are you Hayate?”Hayate nodded. “Yes. I’m Hayate.”Jai stared at him up and down. This man had orange eyes and dark hair, and a big scar on the right side of his face. The dark top and dark grey camo pants, along with dark boots that looks durable and tight. These clothes don’t make him look like a kidnapper, nor his face.Jai doesn’t know how to describe his face, but Hayate sure a good looking guy. But something made Jai frown. ‘Isn’t Hayate a ginger?’The man raised his eyebrows. “Hello? I don’t have
Even though the guy had said that he’ll talk, Jai still didn’t let him go. And his hand was still hovering over the man’s face. Although without sparks, this action seems to still scare the guy. But Jai didn’t look like he’s moving his hand anywhere anytime soon.Hayate swallowed as he looked at Jai’s hand. “C-Can you move your hand…?”“What, nervous?” Jai replied.“Yes, I’m nervous!” Hayate replied almost immediately.“Well start telling me, or I won’t move it.”“Move it or I won’t say anything! Me fainting won’t get you anything!!” Hayate yelled.Jai shrugged. “I have time.”Hayate swallowed. “You psycho!”“Says the one who had kidnapped someone and later says he doesn’t do kidnapping.” Jai said. He leaned closer to the guy. His ocean blue glared fiercely at the guy’s candle light. “You’re in this line of work. Dealing with a psycho is everyday breakfast for you.”Hayate gritted his teeth. The pressure Jai was giving seems to break his wall more.Claude who watched the whole ordeal
“I never knew you can interrogate people like that.” Claude said after they left the black market. “You can apply for the intelligence division in the military, you know. You can fight, you can make people to say something. You’ll do good there.”Jai took out his pen and started writing in his notepad. “Komatsu Eiji… A project, many people involved… The Queen…” He mumbled.He wrote all the information he had gotten from Hayate and the location of the miscellaneous store in case he needs to go find the guy again to ask for more information about the family.He didn’t really care with what was going on ‘under the covers’. But he would write it just in case. He was thinking of the worst case. Assuming that the rumour is true, then that would mean there’s a possibility that this Komatsu Eiji could only be the middle man. And if that’s really what happens, Jai would have to prepare to break into the palace.“Hey, are you listening to me?” Claude asked, but Jai didn’t respond again.Claude
A boy with dark blue hair stopped in front of a clinic. Walking here was hard for him because he didn’t want to face sadness and disappointment again.He didn’t know why Jai Waetford would care for him and Kuro, but what he said really strike him in the core.He loves Kuro. That much he realized and felt. But he also realized that his actions did not look like he loves Kuro at all. If he really cares for Kuro, he wouldn’t leave Kuro dying like that alone in the clinic.But he was too sad and broken to see Kuro being beaten like that before. After getting the news about Kuro might have to be let go, he felt his whole world shatter. His only beloved family is going to leave him. He felt so alone and small that instant, and he didn’t know what he should do. He didn’t want to let Kuro go, but seeing the dog in that state really crushed his heart. He couldn’t stay there and look at Kuro dying like that.So he went back to the place where the hooligans were, trying to ask them to apologize.
After two hours of searching, unfortunately, they couldn’t find the name Komatsu Eiji. But after browsing through the other family history books and old newspapers, they did find something else that’s equally interesting.“So the Komatsu family is not really a famous family. They were known once because one of their family members made it to the Singing Hall and managed to impress the previous King and Queen with her artistic talent.” Jai concluded from his notes. “It’s the same Komatsu that both of us found before.”Claude pulled him to his side because he was walking too close to the street. “Yes. She gained a bit of fame because of that. Watch out.”Jai mouthed a sorry before walking on his other side, avoiding the street. Then he continued. “She has children, and they were listed in the book before, but her husband was never mentioned. Do you think this Komatsu family is the one we’re looking for?”Claude shook his head. “I can’t say for sure. There are two other Komatsu families
Although Jai really wants to see Kuro, he felt like he should just go at that time before he has second thoughts that would prevent him from leaving. He wished that in the next time he would finally meet the two of them, Kuroda and Kuro stay healthy and would get a better opportunity to make their life better.“You remember what I said about wonderment on my friend’s stupidity?” Claude suddenly asked as they leave a bakery shop. There’s a bag of pastries in his hand.Jai immediately sweatdropped. “What is with it again? Why can’t you get off my back?” Jai asked in annoyance as he feed Shoru a piece of his croissant. While he understands the idea and likes it because of its originality, it doesn’t feel too good being called stupid.“Yeah, you said you wanted to go find these Komatsu we’ve found. And yet, you’re bringing Shoru and these bags of pastries.” He pointed to the bag of pastries in his hand and the thunder boy’s hand.Jai took a bit off his bread before answering. “Well, I thi
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