Chapter 263

Chapter 263

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I dont want to go out.

The soak seemed to multiply his fatigue instead of relieve it. Cadel leaned his head against the tub and made a sickening noise. He cringed at the thought of how many years hed have to do this before he could even function as a human being.

As he closed his eyes, he felt his tense muscles relax, and then he forced himself to lift his eyelids, which were becoming increasingly blurred. He had the feeling that if he closed his eyes now, he would simply fall asleep. Without warning, a face appeared in his wide open field of vision.

Uargh!

Are you surprised?

It was Yozen. Cadel flailed his arms and legs at Yozens unexpected appearance. Thanks to this, Yozen, who was in front of the bathtub, had to be hit by a sudden thunderbolt of water.

I, I almost had a heart attack!

Cadel pouted, holding his heart that was pounding as if it was about to explode. He didnt think he would be more surprised if he saw a ghost at night. Yozen spoke calmly, patting his wet pants.

Sorry. Its been a while since Ive knocked on someones door. I forgot.

Then at least make an audible sound.

Its impossible. Ill call you by your name then.

Okay, please do something.

Once the commotion died down, Cadel realized that he was naked and bathing in front of his subordinate. Of course, Yozen was blind, so it wouldnt have mattered if Cadel was naked and bathing or grooving, but it was hard not to feel embarrassed in front of him.

Cadel crouched down on his knees, timidly looking up at Yozen.

I was going to visit you first. Were going to go eat together in a little while. Lets go together.

Umm.

You have to eat to live, too. Were the only ones who know youre the Shadow Envoy, so theres nothing to be uncomfortable about.

Im comfortable being alone.

Yozen rejected Cadels offer with a straight face. He considered trying to persuade Yozen further, but decided against it. Forcing him to fit in with the group would only make for an uncomfortable time if he wasnt ready. It was hard to change someone who was used to working alone to his liking.

Okay. Then Ill pick up yours on the way back. Dont starve, eat that. ALL new chapters on nov(e)lbin(.)com

I can eat it on my own.

I know. I just want to take care of you.

Whether before or after joining the team, Yozens walls were considerable. His demeanor was one of resignation, as if he hadnt opened up yet. It seemed petty to feel sad about something like this, so Cadel tried to act calm, but Yozen struck first.

Kneeling in front of the tub, he reached out and cupped Cadels wet face. Callused, firm palms gently stroked his cheeks, the bridge of his nose, his jawline. It wasnt the same imprinting sensation as when theyd first met. Yozen rubbed the corners of his eyes or the corners of his mouth, as if gauging Cadels expression. Then, with an odd smile, he spoke.

Youre really weird.

Why?

Were just going in similar directions, and if we come to a different crossroads, we can break up at any time. If I break my promise to you, the relationship will end just like that.

.

Were only bound by mutual need, and yet you want to be close to me?

Yozens touch moved away, and a cold chill settled on the spot where he had touched. Cadel stared wordlessly into Yozens face, then turned his head away with a shallow sigh.

I told you, no matter what you think of me, you are a valued subordinate and ally to me. Even if you refuse, I will fulfill my responsibility to you, the responsibility that led you to fight a dangerous battle, the responsibility that led you to a different life.

.

Yes, I want to get closer to you. Isnt it obvious? Youre someone I will continue to be with in the future. Its natural to want to get to know you, to learn from you. I want to get to know you as a person, not as a means to an end.

Maybe it was because he was used to being alone, or maybe it was because he saw the Knight Order as complete strangers. Cadel didnt know the exact reason, but he felt like he could see a clearly drawn line. When someone draws a line, you just have to stand outside of it.

Forget it, thats enough. Lets stop worrying.

He wouldnt starve if Cadel didnt take care of him, and hed be doing just fine on his own. Cadel shook off his worries about his new member and began to eat more enthusiastically. His appetite was full, perhaps because hed just finished a grueling training session.

Cadel had been concentrating on his food for so long that he suddenly realized the chatter of his subordinates had ceased. Slowly swallowing his food, he looked around the table and realized that all eyes were on him. Behind him, to be exact.

The moment when Cadel was about to look back with a puzzled expression in the incomprehensible silence.

Hi.

A hand rested on Cadels shoulder, and a familiar voice spoke. Cadel turned his head reflexively, and Yozens form stepped into his field of vision.

Yozen! Youre here!

Seeing him, Cadel smiled and pulled Yozens arm. He sat Yozen down in the empty seat to his right while he asked the waiter for new utensils and then asked Yozen various questions about what he was doing here. The rest of the subordinates watching them had a common thought.

Where on earth did he come from?

When they stopped eating and drinking and fixed their gazes on Yozen, it wasnt because he was unfamiliar or unwelcome. It was because they were shocked that he had appeared so suddenly, so silently, so unannounced.

If he hadnt deliberately made himself visible, they wouldnt have even known he was standing behind Cadel. No matter how relaxed they were, they didnt even feel him approaching.

Do you like stew? Or pie?

I dont really have a favorite food.

Meat or vegetables?

Both are fine.

Oh, its inconvenient to eat, isnt it?

Its okay.

Yozen, receiving everyones attention, smiled at Cadel, who was about to spoon-feed him food. As Yozen placed his hands on his fork and knife, the soggy dark energy flowed out and coated them like a thin film.

Cadel watched with amusement as Yozen ate, shoveling bits and pieces onto his plate. After a few moments of deliberate eating, Yozen put down his fork with a faint smile. He turned his head slightly and spoke in a calm voice.

Even though I cant see it, I can feel your gaze. Ive killed everyone who has seen me so far, so its hard to bear these looks. If you have something to say, can you say it?

The words were directed at the rest of the group, not Cadel. The mood quickly settled, and Cadel glanced at his subordinates, realizing that he hadnt announced Yozens arrival.

Up until now, he hadnt had to worry about his subordinates fitting in with the Knight Order, as each new member had been easy to get along with. Yozen, however, was a man who put up a wall, even against his own commander. Something had to be done, not only for Yozen, but for the rest of the group, to ease their wariness of each other.

Cadel desperately clutched his head in the chilling atmosphere, as if anything could happen at any moment. One by one, his subordinates began to respond to Yozens remarks, which were no different from threats. Garuel was the first to speak.

Its nice, that kind of honesty. I was also waiting for the right time. There seems to be a lot of things to say and ask, but are you ready to answer them all?

I wont answer all of them.

Haha! Then I guess Ill just have to throw those questions away!

Even before he met Yozen, Garuel was overflowing with curiosity about the existence of the Shadow Envoy. Therefore, as soon as they got together, he revealed his one-sided interest. Of course, among the members, Garuel was the only one who showed interest in Yozen, but others were also curious.

Where did you just come from? Why is your fork black? If you can move secretly, would you like to fight me when Cadel isnt around?

Is that the dark energy youre using? It doesnt feel like the dark energy Ive seen so far.

Looks like hes a proper assassin. Well, if all the anecdotes floating around in the world arent all bluff, we should see that kind of movement. Are you trained? Or self-taught?

The table erupted once more as questions poured in one after another. Cadel narrowed his eyes in bewilderment next to Yozen, who had suddenly become the center of attention.

Yozens more popular than I expected.

He wondered how he could best integrate Yozen into his team, but with all this excitement, he figured hed just have to keep Yozen from running away.

In the end, Yozen, tired of the endless interviews, disappeared before their very eyes, and there was an incident in which his excited subordinates ran out of the restaurant as a group. Cadel decided to stay positive.