Chapter 188 - A strange fate

For a long time, Setsura wondered why Akito's father would pick somebody like Mizuna. The old man claims he doesn't need somebody with status for his son. However, Setsura noticed something when she spoke to him. His gestures, he kept avoiding her gaze. Even if he spoke honestly, he wouldn't look her in the eye. He would say things honestly. That man didn't lie to her at all. But, he was not completely honest with her. Setsura didn't know what to think about that.

Initially, she thought she could dismiss it. But, seeing this woman here. 'Something is going on here.' The reason why Akito hates his father so much, there is more to it that meets the eye.

Her thoughts broke of when she felt a cold drink pressed against her cheek. "Akito." Indeed, it was none other than Akito. From the looks of it, he ran back. Beads of sweat trickled down from his face.

His lips curve to a smile, "Your looking very nice."

"Quiet, aren't you the one who put this on me?"

"Indeed, that was exciting."

Setsura sighed when she heard his tone. "Tell me where you rushed off to just now?"

"I was speaking to my chief."

"Your boss is here?" Setsura couldn't hide her interest. This mysterious boss who is even more of an eccentric person then Akito. "Can I meet him?"

Akito frowned, "Why are you showing so much interest in another man in front of me? I liked how things were last night; your attention was only on me."

"Can you quit acting like that? It puts me off."

"Sorry," Akito apologized. "But I can't let you meet that guy now."

'Knowing him, there's a reason for that. But, that doesn't make it any better. Setsura turned her attention back to the stage where many people were gathered around the target. "Akito, did you see just now?" she referred to the item wedged between the books.

"Not clearly, but it resembled something I've seen before."

"Something you've seen from the scene of the crime?"

Akito nodded, "Yeah. I'm not sure though, that's why I asked the chief to confirm it."

"You really won't let me meet this chief? Won't he be able to help us?"

"Relax, you'll meet him in due time."

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"Ticket, please." The man at the counter groaned. Although he disguised himself with a polite smile and fake air of nobility, Chauncey could tell that this man was up to no good. However, Chauncey said nothing and passed him the piece of paper.

For a long time, the man stared at him as though he was examining his very soul. After what felt like forever, the man eventually allowed him inside. Chauncey quickly made his way inside, realizing that he was late already. Quite a few guests were loitering around outside. Many who crossed paths with him bowed, and Chauncey nodded in response. There are more people here than he expected. It seems like that report by the madwoman wasn't wrong.

'The victims of the recent incident, including myself, are victims to corruption and bribery of nobles on the verge of downfall..'

The building was larger than he ever imagined. For a group of corrupt individuals, they sure can create something beautiful like this.

Chauncey headed towards the direction of the ballroom. That's where the main event will take place. After the royal dances, there would be an auction held. That's when he would take action to distract the crowd, and then the LONG group would take over from then. Easier said than done, however.. 'It seems Akito and Miss Setsura are attending too.' Chauncey didn't think that he would cross paths with those two here of all places. Then again, it seems like Akito will continue to ignore his warning.

Still, Chauncey prepared for that outcome. Why would Akito agree to something like that? Despite what his friend says, he can tell that Akito respected Setsura a lot. That woman is the key to everything. He can no longer deny Touma's words; it seems like whenever something happens - that woman is involved.

The second he arrived in the hall, the dance had started. Chauncey, however, isn't new to these situations. Anybody else who arrived late would freak out. He remained calm and took the hand of the person who emerged beside him. Chauncey placed his hands on their back, and another on their hands. He glanced up to see his partner, but due to the mask on her face, it was difficult to see her features.

Every single person he interacts with tonight will be important, so he made a mental note in his head. Chauncey noted that people switched partners left and right. He bowed his head and let go of the young lady's hands, to accept another.

Since he entered, Chauncey found it difficult to recognize people until they spoke to him. However, it differed this time. His mouth dropped when he saw his next partner. There stood a girl with long curly hair, wearing a white dress that hugged her body. She wore peach colored heels and a mask on her face. When she opened her eyes and looked him up and down. Chauncey confirmed who caught his attention.

Ah, they did say she was here, but...

"Setsura," he murmured. Her gorgeous and dazzling eyes immediately changed into a glare. She had the right to, unknowingly, Chauncey found his hands slid further down her back.

______

Setsura noticed the l.u.s.tfulness in his eyes but ignored it. She can't believe this person is here too. Does Akito know? She can't allow their cover to be blown. Though, people have most likely recognized Akito already. Nobody knows about her yet. That's why even though Akito didn't want to, she told him to stay on the other floor while she remained here. They might miss something important if they both remain in the same place.

She wanted to throw the man across the room. Recalling the deal, he pressured Akito into accepting upset her greatly. "It would be bad if we made a scene."

A deep sigh escaped her lips when he said those words. What a problematic person, doesn't she stand out more with him than with Akito? Chauncey Long doesn't know the meaning of low profile after all.

"Anyway, what are you doing here?"

Setsura chuckled at his question, "I'd like to ask you the same, but isn't it obvious? We are most likely here for the same reason."

"Mitobe?"

"Indeed." She sighed. Are the mafia one step ahead of her? That's very frustrating. The two of them continued dancing, as Setsura observed their surroundings. People had stopped switching partners. From where she was, she could spot Akito dancing with that woman. It bothered her, however.. It's better if somebody watches over her.

Setsura noticed how the host greeted her earlier. There is definitely an inside story to everything.

People are not what they seem like. Still, her gaze landed on the man dancing with her.

She wasn't too shocked to discover Chauncey Long was an excellent dancer. What wasn't this man good at? She already discovered many things about him. Even though this is the one person, she is trying to stay away from. It seems like a strange fate connects her with people like Chauncey and Victor.