Chapter 130 - Piece

Akito dislikes her, saying it, but Setsura always felt like a broken piece that he picked up on the sidewalk. A beautiful and yet fragile piece that he brought home to keep on display. Even when Akito allowed her to go outside, she felt restricted and suffocated. For an accurate example, she feels like she is similar to those shards. The shards who lost their way, and found themselves in an unfamiliar place.

It felt like when she came here; they took something important from her. Her memories, they took it away. But, even though Setsura was regaining her memories quickly now. This hollow feeling doesn't disappear. She has lost something more important than her memories.

Setsura felt absolutely terrible; she knew she was acting selfish. However, Setsura was very happy when she found out Akito didn't have any other girls. 'If it's this person, he can treat her like a treasure.' Setsura knew she was a simple person; all she wants from a guy is kindness and to be the only one in their eyes. For her, those two things were simple. However, others find it hard to fulfill that condition.

At some point, Akito stopped speaking, and the atmosphere between them grew thick and heavy. Setsura disliked it a great deal, but she understood that this silence was her fault.

What now?

Is he going to get angry at her? If he gets angry at her and decides to leave, that shouldn't surprise her. After all, she's caused him so many problems ever since she arrived. Instead of getting mad, though, Akito lightly kissed her lips.

"Setsura, shall we go to town?"

Huh? Town?

....

Town - Central Square -

In order to get to town, they had to cross the large forest. Today the weather was peculiar. It was snowing, so it took them a very long time before they reached the place. Taking a carriage stood out too much. So she and Akito walked all the way to town. More like Akito carried her to town. It seems like he is very wary about her collapsing, even when he put her down. Akito kept her close to him. 'Why bring her out then?'

When they arrived, Setsura saw that the entire place covered in snow and fog. For her, snow was a very beautiful thing - but for Akito? He would always space out whenever he saw the snow.

"Setsura," Akito mumbled. "Are you alright?"

"I'm okay," it was a lie, of course. She thought that the fresh air would do her some good. But instead, it made her feel worse. What is Akito thinking of bringing her outside?

"Sorry, I know this isn't a good time. But I wanted you to see the festival."

"Festival?"

Sure enough, the townsfolk looked more lively than usual. The central square also seemed fuller. But Setsura didn't think an event was going on. It's not like there are any stands or anything. Though now that she is looking closely, people are setting up decorations.

"A night festival?"

Akito nodded, "Yeah, they've been preparing for weeks. To ensure that nothing gets destroyed or damaged. We set up the stands an hour or two before the starting. Even though the planning and creating took several weeks. The actual setup doesn't take long."

"Were staying here till night?" Setsura was horrified by the idea. It felt like her body could collapse at any moment.

Laughter passed Akito's lips, "Relax, my love. I booked us a room at an inn nearby. We can stay there and relax until the start."

A relieved sigh escaped her lips, and Akito gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as they walked across town. 'This place is very lively.' Even without the festival preparations, it's always busy here. Tokyo in the nearby future is busy too. Wherever anyone goes, there is a large group of people. It's the same here, but the atmosphere is different.

Since she was too distracted with her thoughts, Setsura didn't realize when they arrived at the inn. "Setsura, take a seat for a bit."

Akito's voice disrupted her thoughts, and Setsura looked at her surroundings. They arrived at the inn already. 'Ah, this is the one she saw the other day.' Setsura passed by here on some errands before. She nodded, and Akito went over to the reception.

It didn't take long, but Setsura was getting very comfortable just sitting down. When Akito came for her, she didn't want to move. Akito lifted her up in his arms, "Wh-.."

"Since my lady is too exhausted. I shall give you the utmost respect and carry you."

What respect! Setsura buried her face in his arms. After walking for a few minutes, they arrived at the assigned room. Setsura looked around curiously, there were no beds, but two futons rolled up on the sides. In the cabinet were a female and male kimono. Akito placed her down onto the couch by the window.

"I'll set things up."

Setsura grabbed hold of his arm, "Let's relax over here."

Right now, she didn't want to fall asleep. She wanted to relax in his arms. Akito smiled and sat down beside her. Setsura leaned against him, and a content with passed her lips when she felt him gently caressing her hair.

"When will I recover from this, Akito?"

Katakura told her in a few days something related to the case would appear in town. What that something is, not even he knew. But, 'Be aware, I don't think it is anything good.' A deep sigh passed her lips when she thought about it. Of course, it won't be anything good.

"Hm? You're only on the first stage symptoms. Since this is your first time getting sick since you came here, adding to the fact that you haven't adapted to the sir of these times yet, it will most likely take a while longer," Akito explained. Judging from those vague words, not even Akito knew when she would recover.

'This is just great.'

"Will you fire that girl?"

Akito had a complicated look on his face. "I can't," he trailed off when he saw her darkened gaze. "That girl is an orphan; she doesn't have anywhere to go. I don't know how things are in your time Setsura. But a girl with no family and connections won't be able to survive in this time."

"I understand," Setsura looked down. She understood. No matter how jealous she was, she suppressed that feeling.

"Don't worry about it. I'll assign her different duties, so you don't have to meet with her."

'Assign her different duties, what kind of duties?' Even though Setsura became Akito's girlfriend, there is still an area in the mansion she can't enter. Will Akito assign that girl there? Setsura couldn't help but worry. This is why she doesn't date guys who have had past relationsh.i.p.s. It may look like she is asking for too much but, what's wrong with wanting someone to treasure only you?

"Setsura, you don't have to worry so much."

"I understand," she repeated and looked out at the view instead. However, Akito clearly sensed her mood and pulled her into his arms. "Akito, let me go. You know I feel sick."

"My love, why can't you trust me? Other than that girl, I haven't done anything with anyone else."

That makes it even worse! That servant girl is Akito's first? So, before his wife came into the picture, there were no other females. At least, Akito never expressed an interest in them.