Chapter 121 - Ghost Village

Hamara Village - Year 1895 -

Setsura is stupid for accepting him. But Akito us grateful nonetheless. If Setsura didn't accept him when he confessed, he knew that he would eventually end up doing something uncalled for.

After showing her his weak side so many times, Akito is getting used to it. He wonders if she is sick and tired of it yet. His gaze fell on the girl walking in front of him with a lantern in hand. The two of them, including Victor, Chauncey, and Natasha, we're searching for the ghost. Yes, that's right. Rumors emerged that members of the undead have appeared here in this section of town. Usually, they'd send a regular platoon. So when Akito received the message summoning him here. It surprised him.

Akito planned to ignore it. Just because he is summoned doesn't mean he has to go. His position isn't like before where he was the section one chief. But, he could still ignore orders. However, Setsura was with him when the summons came. She told him to go and even asked if she could come along.

They had arrived in the village rather quickly due to Lyra using her powers, so that's what her power was. Go figure it has to be something scary. Still, she seemed somewhat worried about something when those people gave the details of the village. Perhaps he imagined something.

"You know, this case will end up as a dead-end," Setsura commented as they walked up a long and narrow path. Akito didn't stand beside her and remained at the back. If she fell, he would be able to catch her. The path here was somewhat unsteady, so many rocks blocking the path.

They split off into teams the moment they arrived at the village.

Akito raised his eyebrows, "I know the case seems stupid at a glance. But even Lyra seemed bothered; otherwise, she wouldn't get involved," he knew how much Lyra hated appearing in front of the public. But this time, she appeared and even used her power.

"I understand that, but there really is nothing in this village."

Judging from her tone, she is so sure. 'Did she consult with Katakura again?' That thought made him bitter. Akito understood that it couldn't be helped. Katakura, is her supervisor? The one who helps her with these tasks. So, naturally, they have to meet up. Unlike with his late wife, though, Setsura doesn't mention Katakura. Her meetings with him are so private that he doesn't know when they meet.

He should be relieved that she isn't talking about another man, endlessly. But instead of reassuring him. It only has the opposite effect. Now he is worried because he doesn't know what they are up to.

Akito shook his head, forget it now isn't the time to worry about such things.

"So, in the worst-case scenario, we just give up looking for the spy?" Akito mumbled. According to the case files. The spy is the one controlling the ghost or demon. The most likely scenario is this being a demon with shapeshifting and morphing abilities.

The dead can't return to life no matter what anybody says.

"As long as they don't use their powers. I don't mind if it isn't a ghost story."

"So, as long as nobody gets hurt?"

Setsura smiles, "That's right."

These days he is getting better at understanding her. Now he knows there is a hidden meaning behind everything she says.

"That's why, Akito too. If somebody gets hurt, you'll protect them?"

"Sorry to say, but I'm no saint. I'll only protect those dear to me," Akito mumbled. He no longer has the energy to spend on another person. The last time he did that, he lost the person who was most dear to him. Because he went on a job that involved saving other people's lives. If he didn't go on that mission, perhaps his wife...

"What a terrible person," Setsura said. "But, you're not wrong thinking that way."

He isn't wrong?

"Akito, what's the matter?"

"Ah, I was just thinking you're not afraid of ghosts?"

She's afraid of lightning yet from the looks of it she doesn't fear ghosts? The reason he found out that she is afraid of lightning is something that happened not too long ago.

"Of course not. Why would I be afraid of ...." Setsura trails off, huh? Her expressions changed? "...no, maybe right now, I should be screaming and clinging onto you? Hmm, would I look cute then? Though hold on what on earth am I thinking in a time like this."

A sly smile appeared on his face, pfft. Is she accidentally saying her own thoughts out loud? Really, what is he going to do with her?

Akito shifts over and rests his head on her chest, causing her to stop in her tracks.

Heh, his lips curve to a smile at the thought.  "So you want to be cute for me, huh..."

"Don't get me wrong," she looked away.

"But it's true with this stuff; usually, you can only believe things that you see, right?"

To his surprise, a sort of distant look appears on the girl's face. For a moment, it felt like he lost her, so Akito lifted his head up.

"Is that what I seem like?"

"Am I wrong?" Akito questioned.

"Seems," madam? Nay, it is; I know not "seems."

Akito raised his eyebrows, confused. Hmm?

"It's a quote from Hamlet."

Akito recognized the book title immediately. He scrolled through the books in the library at the clock tower before. So many unknown books there. All of them written in a language he didn't understand. The books in that place mesmerized him. He would spend a long time in that place reading and learning the language. He started with minor books, before reading more difficult books.

So that's where it came from, she really does like to quote Shakespeare in odd times.

"That story is also about a ghost. The King is poisoned and killed. Then as a ghost, he appears before Hamlet and demands revenge. His mother asks him if he saw a ghost... People doubted him. Some started to think he was crazy."

"Do you think the same about this case? It's just a mad man's rambling?"

Setsura smiled, "But a ghost really did appear before Hamlet."

"How are you sure it wasn't a figment of his imagination?"

"Because," Setsura smiled, "Everything happens for a reason."

Akito ran his hands through his hair, "You really do know how to make people confused. So, what's the deal with the case? You should have the best clue out of everyone."

Katakura most likely gave her a hint, and Setsura worked everything out by herself. Setsura smiled, "We should regroup with the others first."

Akito frowned at the girl's words. Is there any reason why she isn't just telling him now? The others, he recalled the look on Chauncey's face when he saw Setsura and frowned. He wrapped his arms around the girl.

"Akito?" The girl seemed puzzled like normal and he sighs. Why is she so oblivious during these times?

"Hey, you want to regroup even when there is somebody there who harbors feelings for you?"

Setsura sighed, "Do not be so concerned about Sir Long. Do you think I'm blind? I know who is more handsome."

He is speechless at her response, hey now. Is that the reason why she is dating him? Because he is handsome? If Chauncey was better looking, would she go after him instead?