Chapter 132 - Enchanted Masquerade Night Part 1

Akito didn't answer her question. Instead, he directed it with another one.

"Wait a minute Setsura; you want to marry me?"

It took Akito a few extra seconds to comprehend what she just said. Setsura rolled her eyes, "You took my first time, and you even said you'd be responsible if I got pregnant. Isn't that reason good enough?"

"Well yeah, but you.."

"No buts. Or are you telling me that you have the courage to betray me?"

The only way their relationship will end now is if somebody cheats. Setsura already made her mind up when she came here not to get attached. To let time pass by without forming attachments. But, things went astray. She became close with Akito, and before she knew it, she couldn't leave his side anymore.

Setsura traced his lips, "Will you?" she asked again.

"You know that's impossible."

She chuckled, "Indeed, I can't see you betraying me either. But," her gaze dimmed as she recalled that girl. "There are many people who will use dirty little tricks."

That scent in the room was a type of drug. She was using such a thing to seduce Akito into sleeping with her. Setsura felt bitter. If she didn't get sent to the room and Akito came over himself. It would have been disastrous. It's hard for anybody to escape the effects of such a thing. Speaking of which, the impact it had on her body was terrible. She leaned back into Akito's chest.

Akito immediately noticed, and placed her back down on the couch. He turned to the futon and started to set it up. Setsura felt her vision blur, and she closed her eyes.

.......

The festival started in the evening. Just like Akito said two hours later, the stands and decorations were all set up. The entire market square was busy and filled with people. Even though she said earlier that she wasn't interested due to her poor condition. Setsura still looked around with bright and vibrant eyes. Now that everything was set up, she could see a mixture of 'Christmas and Halloween' vibes. A huge tree stood in the center of the square. Stands on both sides lined up. Due to the snow, everything looked more magical than usual.

When Setsura woke up earlier, she woke up wearing a dress. Her gaze fell on the beautiful off-shoulder navy blue dress. The black underdress has butterfly and flower embroider down in the middle. The dress fit her perfectly; it even showed off her curves. Setsura would have inquired how he knew her size but...considering how he's touched her...

"Hey, wait," Setsura mumbled. "Didn't you preorder this dress?"

She vaguely recalled him speaking to somebody about preordering a gown before. But, "Before we were dating, how did you know my size?"

Akito blinked and ran his hands through his hair. "Well, it's obvious at a glance."

What obvious! This dress fits her perfectly. "Did you do anything appropriate when I was sleeping before we dated?" At this point, she was glaring at him. Akito would have had plenty of chances to touch her inappropriately.

"Whenever you hugged me," Akito admitted at last.

Ah, "That's reasonable."

Now that's over with Setsura looked at Akito beside her. He wore a white western suit underneath, but on the surface was a large red and black striped cloak. Setsura thought her dress was overboard, but now looking closely, she can tell that isn't the case here. Her clothes aren't plain. But, it didn't boldly stand out like Akito's outfit.

Her thoughts broke off when she noted something; everybody was wearing masks — even the people running the stalls.

He extended a mask out to her, causing Setsura to blink. "This?

"As you can see, it's a masquerade."

A masquerade in the Meiji era? Is that why everything looks so flashy here? Children were running around happily, a.d.u.l.ts and teens dancing along to the music. Her heart, felt warm, watching such a beautiful scene. Ever since she arrived, so many things have happened. One rollercoaster to another. But now?

"So peaceful."

"Forget all your worries and dance away...." The man on the central stage spoke up.

Dance, huh.

Setsura tugged on Akito's sleeves. "I'm hungry." The food Akito made for her earlier; she didn't get a chance to eat it in the end. They suddenly went to the inn, too, and she fell asleep. Setsura was aware that she hadn't eaten a single bite all day. Though eating food from the stalls is similar to eating fast food. It's better than having an empty stomach when you're unwell.

"Mmm, I agree."

Akito brought her over to the food stands. There were so many stands, and yet every single line was full. Maybe it was a bad idea, after all? Those lines look very long, even if the cooks are cooking very quick. It will still take some time before the food is served.

Setsura was about to suggest that they go elsewhere. But, Akito quickly led her to the seating area. "Alright, stay put here. You're wearing a mask, so I don't think Touma's crew will recognize you."

'It's just a mask..' Setsura thought. Those people are members of the police. Still, Akito is probably trying to reassure her that they won't bother her at such a large event. Setsura nodded and leaned forward to kiss his cheeks. "Come back quickly."

"Understood," with those words said Akito left her alone. Her body still felt sluggish, and as for her on and off fever. It was acting up again. Thankfully, these clothes were for winter and summer. Setsura loosened her shawl and removed it, revealing her bare shoulders. The garment soaked due to her sweat.

'Akito brought her here for a good reason, even though she is sick.' Akito isn't the careless type. Something might happen that will help with her condition. Her gaze fell on her surroundings; the town seems completely different today.

This place is so beautiful, Setsura thought so before. But she didn't get a chance to look around until recently. When she arrived here, the circ.u.mstances weren't good at all. Her messed up appearance lost memories, and her gaze fell on her arms. Both of them worked now due to Victor's treatment. But strangely enough, even when one of them wasn't working. Setsura didn't feel any different. Even if Victor didn't arrive, anybody with western medical knowledge would have fixed her arm.

Akito would have eventually learned that and took her to see a doctor. If it were something that could be fixed easily, then what was the enemy's purpose of harming her? Taking her memories was understandable. If it weren't for Akito rescuing her, she would have been in grave danger. Not knowing where she was, not knowing anybody — not having any money or a home. Anybody could have taken advantage of her.

Her state then was very bad. It was hard for her to tell what was right from wrong. Akito came just in time. That person, from the very start, was mysterious. Even after she learned more about him. Setsura still felt this air of mystery around him. What is with this strange feeling?