Chapter 137 - Enchanted Masquerade Night Part 6

In the corner of the market square, Setsura stood there, watching as all the couples around her danced. Her gaze fell on their masks. Everybody had one, even the young children.

People often express their true feelings when behind some kind of mask or because of a feeling of anonymity, where they conceal their identity. It makes them feel separated from the situation, safe from the consequences of their actions. It allows them to show their true selves in front of strangers who don't know who they are.

These people can be anybody who they want to be wearing a mask. They can pretend to be somebody else, and it wouldn't matter. Nobody would know.

The dance party event had already started by the time Akito and her exited the huge house. According to Akito, the house wasn't part of the event; the people she saw lining up were an illusion too. Setsura could only sigh when she heard that explanation; it seems like she has underestimated this place far too much. The existence of demons and the unknown. She still has a lot to learn. It's not enough to have knowledge about how to solve cases, or having excellent foresight and marksmanship.

For her to truly solve the cases happening here - and to complete her mission. Setsura would have to learn more about the unknown. She supposes asking Katakura for help would work there. He is her supervisor. All she needs is the necessary information anyway. But would that be enough?

Setsura recalls the row of books in the Li family household. Maybe, she can go over there. That person seems to know a lot about the guardians too. Setsura didn't take long before she finished analyzing Katakura's supervisor role. While he is there to assist her, he cannot intervene directly. Asking Katakura about the guardians too is strange. His responses are very vague.

Her thoughts broke of when Victor passed her a cup. "Thank you."

"Akito got caught by officials and left you all alone."

Setsura sighed, "Well, it's my fault for rushing off." Even if Akito planned to bring her to that house eventually, he probably didn't expect her to go by herself. "He rushed to find me and left his mask behind. So people already saw him. Even if he wears it now, they've seen his outfit already."

Since they've recognized Akito, no doubt it's the same for her. Setsura did want to remove her mask too. But, before he left, 'Tonight you look more gorgeous than usual.' It took seven words for her him to persuade her. How simple can she be?

Victor smiles, "I see. But are you having fun?"

"I'm sure you heard what happened. I'm honestly feeling nauseous to the point that I want to throw up."

While she did feel a bit better now, her body still felt heavy. Her vision wasn't very good, either. Setsura was currently leaning on a pillar to support herself. She wanted to sit down, but that would attract more attention.

"And yet your still here?"

"Because Akito is persistence, and he feels bad about what happened."

Victor nodded, "Mm, maybe I should have told you about it. But I didn't know much about the affair since I was out of the country then."

"Do you think that girl will be persistent?"

"It's hard to tell," Victor murmured. "Judging from what you told me, she was still l.u.s.ting after Akito. That's not a good sign at all. Also, from what you told me, she will do anything to get Akito back. You should probably be more wary of the utensils you use. She could do something to those too. Even the chairs and tables - you should ask Akito to

A dark aura wrapped around her when she hears this analysis. Victor's sweat fell, "Well, I could be wrong, and you don't have to do such things at all."

"I don't want to deal with her."

She has her mission to deal with and judging from her earlier attack. She ought to be careful with her emotions. It would be unfortunate if she had an attack in front of the people who disliked her. It's better to stay out of unnecessary troubles. If Akito doesn't deal with it properly, she ought to break it off with him. She cannot allow herself to get caught up in problems that will affect her health emotionally.

"So, you'd..."

"Yes," Setsura nodded. "I'd feel bad for Akito however if he can't solve something like this. Then the two of us remaining in a relationship is impossible."

A relationship takes two people, after all. If Akito can't solve the thing that makes her the most uneasy, then there is no point in remaining together. Not being able to reassure your partner... Her thoughts broke of when Victor lightly patted her hair.

"Don't worry about it too much. For now, focus on dancing? You can dance, right? I'm sure Akito will ask you once your finished."

"I guess."

Setsura wasn't fond of dancing in the first place. So it didn't matter to her if she stood by and watched. But, it looked like it would suit Akito. That cheerful and reckless guy, what kind of face would he make when they are dancing? She wanted to see it. Akito said he would dance with her. However, from the looks of things, he will never escape that crowd of people. It's a bit frustrating.

"Victor! You have to..." a familiar voice bellowed. Setsura looked up and saw a frantic looking Chauncey long. "You really are here. Damn, this is bad."

"Bad?"

"Captain Touma is here," Chauncey's gaze is dim. "He's even looking for you, and turning down every dance."

Setsura raised her eyebrows, not understanding the current situation. It's one thing to look for her, but what's with the dance thing?

Victor sighed, "He probably thinks she won't be able to turn him away in front of all these people. What a clever plan."

So, it's something like that, huh?

"I have an idea."

...

"Hurry up," Chauncey snapped, agitated. Clearly, he wanted to leave as quickly as possible

Setsura couldn't blame him. She wasn't sure what would happen if Akito caught them together. Considering what he had done to her that previous time, she wasn't sure she wanted to know. Still, she wasn't going to back down. She already decided.

She wouldn't let fear get the better of her, either.

"Okay," she whispered and followed him out of the window. To mislead Touma, Victor made up this plan. A dance party was being held inside one of the main buildings for the event too. People would see her, and she would purposely attract a lot of attention so it would reach Touma's ears.

"Don't speak, not even a single word, until we're down the road."

Setsura sighed, "Aren't you too strict?"

"These are necessary precautions! I mean, seriously. If I'm caught helping you escape, my cover will be blown."

"Don't you think it's the same with me? If Akito sees me with you, I'll get in trouble too."

"I know. I don't expect that we'll escape that guy's notice. He will surely detect us escaping, that's fine. I can make up a lie. But, it's still better if others don't see us leaving together."

How did things end up this way?