Chapter 162 - A strange feeling

It felt like the universe was trying to teach her a lesson.

Ever since that time, they were sending her a message. 'This world isn't for you.' and, 'your existence has no meaning.' But, despite knowing that for such a long time, she fought against that message. At first, she worked hard, even when things didn't work out and even when things failed. She encountered many setbacks and continued trying. However, at some point, her resolve broke down. Why was she working so hard? Who was she working hard for?

Setsura didn't know anymore. It was all so confusing.

Hearing a coughing sound, Setsura turned towards one of the injured hostages at the side. She quickly made her way over and passed her a bottle of water, "Please drink this."

"Thank you..."

The people here are all fighting for their survival, even though the situation looks hopeless right now.

Social values and moral conduct mean nothing to the enemy. They won't hesitate to discard people's lives in an instance. Setsura looked around the room. The people here won't last long; the temperature keeps dropping and dropping. Some people have torn their clothes to make makeshift bandages too. So they aren't wearing many layers or anything. This is no good, 'It's already frozen like ice in this place.'

She has to do whatever she can to help.

....

By the time the rescue party had come. Setsura was exhausted. She didn't think it would take them so long to get here. It's not like they were the only ones in the building.

Setsura wasn't sure how she could describe Akito without being emotionally conflicted. Ever since she met this man, her emotions - and everything she believed in has taken a 360°c turn. In the beginning, he seemed like a reserved individual. He didn't like talking much, and his personality was like the devil itself. Stoic and unfriendly. But, always wearing that stupid smile on his face.

Later on, as she got to know him, Setsura learned about Akito's erratic side. She couldn't forget how he handled the last case. Earlier, even when the situation was bad like that. He remained calm. Is it because he is used to dealing with these things?

When she entered Akito's room - she found him reading a book. Surprisingly enough, it was the book she recommended him. From the looks of things, he was halfway through it.

There are a lot of things she wants to say, but the words never leave her. Setsura awkwardly sat down on one of the chairs. But Akito grabbed hold of her wrist, "Join me up here."

"No."

Akito sighed as he put the book down. He pulled her onto the bed. "Did you get injured?"

"I didn't, you pushed me really quickly."

The reason why she was sulking was because of him. Just when they were getting the victims out, there was a massive explosion. The idiot pushed her out of the way and got hurt.

"That's good."

'Good? You got hurt, idiot.' If she were to voice that thought out, though, Akito would surely say something like he was doing it for her sake. She knew how uncomfortable that would make their current situation. So Setsura simply kept her mouth shut. Akito's lips darted towards her neck, and she knew he was kissing her there again.

She always felt like a chameleon that would change her colors to fit with her surroundings. She didn't have anywhere she could belong, nor did she have a personality worth liking. But, even then, some stayed by her side. It's a strange feeling.

"Nnghn... Akito quit it."

"Why?"

Geez, she isn't used to these whims of his. Does dating involve this kind of thing? They feel like such a stupid couple. The way his lips attacked her neck made her body burn up. It felt like he was slowly driving her crazy with his kisses alone.

Setsura shook her head; no, this isn't the time to feel pleasure. The case, the case.

"The hostages said a strange man brought them there. According to them, that man offered them a good-paying job. Both males, females, and the elderly were there. So we can rule out any human trafficking."

"But you can't dismiss it either."

"We can't?"

Akito mumbled something before confirming her thoughts when he took her hand in his. He traced little circles in her hand, "We can't dismiss anything. When investigating, we have to consider all the options and leave them open."

"So, there's a chance for this?"

"Yes."

"Normally, when you mention human trafficking, it's usually females or the young. But there were no children there or even teens, everybody seemed to be over twenty..." Setsura trailed off. "Now that I'm listing it, it does seem strange."

"Close enough, continue."

"Judging from their clothes, no their speech patterns. Many members of the nobility were among the hostages. Which brings me to this question, why would they need a job? I'm aware that nobles like to invest in certain businesses. That is something that hasn't changed, whether it's the future or now. Only two options are available here. One these members of nobility are corrupt individuals and plan to exploit the man who made the deal. Two, they are fallen nobles."

"So, between those two, which do you think it is?"

Setsura glanced over at Akito's expression; he already knows the answer doesn't he? While she is somewhat envious that he can grasp things quickly like that.

"The second one," she didn't hesitate with her answer at all. While she only got a brief glimpse at those people. Her memory is sharper than most. The quick interaction was enough for her to determine what kind of people they were.

"Correct," Akito nodded. "The people you saw huddled up at the back and keeping their heads low when you offered food are fallen nobles. The reason why they were acting that way was simply because they were afraid of me recognizing them."

Ah, so it's something like that. While Akito is no longer the section one chief, he is still a member of the military police. No matter what position he is in, people hold him in high regard. To gain that much respect despite messing up and failing. She wonders how long it would take her to reach such a position.

To have people accept her even during her worse moments.