Chapter 173 - Rumors

"You may call it foolish Akito, but people do foolish things for the ones they love."

A troubled look appeared on his face when Izu said those words. It's not like he doesn't understand where Izu is coming from. He understood. Ever since he realized his feelings for Setsura, he ended up doing things that aren't like him. How many times has Chauncey called him a fool, since Setsura came here? So many times already.

"Your point is?" Akito felt like there was a meaning behind the words Izu said. He is talking about him.

"Honestly, as your friend. I can't exactly vouch for you being a good guy either. You have done plenty of things that he shouldn't. However, unlike Oslo, you actually admitted to your wrongdoings. You don't do anything like grandly reforming yourself. But you are slowly changing due to the influence of just having a single person in your life, and the same goes for her too. What I'm saying is clear, isn't it? Don't mess it up."

His eyes went wide at Izu's words. The very same Izu who would always say to just leave it be, or not get involved, dismissing everything as being too troublesome. No, the very same Izu who keeps running away from everything. This is the first time he's heard and seen Izu confronting things.

"Do you know Setsura personally or something?"

Izu blinked, "What makes you say that?"

"For a while now, I've thought this. You know a lot more about her. Other candidates since my wife's incidence came. But, you've never expressed this much interest before. You never asked me to intervene…"

That's why when Izu suggested that he helps Setsura out. It surprised him, 'exactly what is Izu thinking?' That day, it wasn't a coincidence he was in the area. He was running errands for Izu there. From the very start, Izu did it deliberately. This guy knew he wouldn't leave Setsura be.

"That changes, though, if you love her. If you really love her. It would be fine, wouldn't it?" Akito mumbled.

His companion's lips curve into a smile, "Well, if your reasoning is, 'I can't help myself around the woman I love," Perhaps I'll let you get away with it. Because we all know that self-restraint is difficult around the person we like."

Akito sighed, "Don't joke around about that."

"You two haven't gotten that far yet?"

"We have, of course."

"Since it's like that, then you don't have to worry."

'Izu definitely knows Setsura.' Judging from his tone, he is so sure about anything that concerns her. "When will you come back to the team? The others are getting annoying. I can't control them."

Izu chuckled, "I will."

...

Akito returned to the mansion, thinking Setsura would be back by now. But it wasn't like that at all. The moment he arrived at home, though, he hears of the news regarding Chauncey. It appears as though the police took Chauncey away for questioning earlier the day. 'That was fast.' He recalled the conversation they had not too long ago and sighed. It seems like Touma's side is taking direct action. What will Touma do about this? The one who is meant to be arrested is him and not Chauncey.

When he arrived in the main lounge, he saw a certain girl by the window. It wasn't Setsura but Mizuna. The girl seemed to be in a daze, she had a broom in her hands but she was not cleaning at all.

"What are you doing?" Akito called out.

The girl dropped the broom in her hands, "Welcome back, Sir."

"Yeah," Akito nodded and laid down on the couch. "Can you fetch me a drink?"

"Sir, do you have a hangover?"

"A little."

Mizuna walked over to the tray where there was still a half a jug of water. She poured the contents onto a cup and passed it to him. Akito thanked her and drank it. Even after he drank the water, though, he still felt terrible.

"What were you doing?"

"Uh, I was reading the news…" Mizuna nervously glanced down.

"About Chauncey?"

"And Miss Setsura."

Akito raised his eyebrows at that comment, "Setsura?"

"Yes, there are rumors about her and sir, Chauncey."

"You know, quite a lot," Akito said coldly.

"Ah ... it's known all over the city. Everybody knows about it; Sir Long only treats Miss Setsura kindly. He looks at her with an affectionate gaze. But, oh uh...sorry I'm rambling too much. Don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing."

"Continue."

"I won't. I don't want you to think I deliberately said bad things about her to destroy your relationship." Mizuna said innocently.

"Relax, I won't think that way. Continue."

"Everyone says that miss Setsura came to help sir Long. The victim refused to meet with anybody; he refused sir Long's apology. Miss Setsura, however, insisted and spoke with the victim. Compared to the victim Miss Setsura is more concerned about sir Long, and everyone said ... "

Mizuna deliberately paused then.

"Continue ..." Akito said coldly. He did not like this story at all.

"You didn't hear this from me. After all, I don't know her that well. Some of the employees ... They said that Sir Long likes Miss Setsura. If you didn't ask her out, maybe the two of them are already together. Sir Long often goes to visit her at work. He even sends food for her; people say they look like husband and wife. I'm afraid; everybody believes she is playing with you."

Akito did not reply right away; why would he? He was still processing these words. The reason why Chauncey agreed to his plan, was it because he was confident? Confident that he already won Setsura over? He shook his head; no, he has to calm down. Remember the conversation with Izu. Would Setsura actually betray him? Is she the kind of woman who would do that? However, Akito placed his hand over the eyepatch on his eyes.

Back then, he believed in his wife so much. However, at the end of the day. Didn't she betray him too? And Chauncey, his gaze dimmed when he thought of his friend. Why is that guy doing it again? Wasn't he satisfied after what happened before??

__

Mizuna understood she was pushing her luck with this. Akito hasn't said much since he came earlier. In the past, whenever they were alone, they would make small talk with one another. But, then eventually, they'd do it. However, judging from Akito's look on his face, nothing like that would happen.

"Well, I did know he liked her. But, huh? He keeps seeing her?"

After listening to this, Mizuna confidentiality nodded and said, "I know a lot of things. I work in the same building as Miss Setsura.  So, sir, we can talk about this over some food. My friends brought me some eggs and wild vegetables. It's pure green, but it's delicious. I'll get you some."

After speaking, Mizuna looked over eagerly at Akito. She wanted to hear his response. Quite some time has passed since they last spent time with one another like this. Mizuna hasn't had this opportunity in so long. Why would she ruin it?

The air was thick with silence for a while before he asked. "Mizuna, do you like me?"