Chapter 379 - Difficult for her

It was difficult for her to forget her first failure.

Out of all the other subjects, Cynthia knew that Yang would differ from the rest. She knew she would have to keep a closer eye on him than all the others. But even though she was extra careful, she could not predict that he would choose to stay despite completing his mission. She could not foresee that he would end up killing somebody.

She let her guard down. Once the mission was over, she did not think that anything bad would happen to him. All his obstacles and trials are over, what harm could come his way? 

During that time, a subject with a rare reaction to the kaleidoscope appeared, and she focused on them for a while. 

As a result, this led to her neglecting Yang. By the time Cynthia realized what was happening, Yang had killed more than one person.

She still remembered the events of that trial. She begged and pleaded for Yang so much to the point she fell sick. An execution in the spirit realm that was what they initially decided on. Killing one person would lead to the person becoming a stray; the elders would not care for that. But multiple deaths initiated by the subject. Yang's fate was as good as sealed.

Even now, she does not remember how she got him out of it, but she decided when she did. 

I will protect you properly from now on. 

Cynthia flinched when she felt his hand on her thighs. The explanation Oslo gave earlier was vague. A stray can regain their senses, not just through kissing but intimate acts with their guardian. When Cynthia first learned of this method, she understood why the elders preferred to kill him directly. A method like this would tarnish the guardian's name and reputation.

Even now, those people frown whenever they see her, but that did not matter. She would walk with her head held up high knowing she did everything she could to save someone.

The people living in the spiritual realm have lived there for such a long time.

So they have most likely forgotten such sentiments. But she would not allow their judgment to cloud her thoughts.

"Yang," Cynthia mumbled when she felt him fiddle with the button of her cloak. "Don't you think you should leave it at this? What about.."

"That girl plans to leave me."

Her eyes widened when she heard those words. Cynthia figured that this would eventually happen. No matter how kind-hearted Setsura-chan is, why would she stay with a man that oppresses her every single day? A domineering man like Yang and also his split personality. How many times has Setsura-chan seen it? No matter how strong she is, even she must be afraid by now.

Cynthia knew all of these reasons were minor; the real reason why Setsura wants to leave Yang is the danger Touma will cause. That girl does not want those dear to her to get hurt. This is a feeling Cynthia understood very well.

"Cynthia," Yang mumbled. "Do you have someone?"

"Didn't I say I liked you?"

Yang sighed as he pulled away from her. The dark look in his eyes had vanished. He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "You did say that, but for some strange reason, I don't buy it at all. Why is that hmmm."

This guy is as sharp as ever. "If you want the truth, I can tell you." Cynthia took a deep breath. "Yang, you remind me of the guy I love."

"Huh, I figured. So, where is this guy now, and why are you using me as a replacement?"

Cynthia sweat fell. "Arent those words too harsh?"

"Hah, perhaps." 

"Where is he now? Let's see," Cynthia trailed off as she recalled the ice chamber. "He is as good as gone now. Sometimes I wish that he would just die."

If he just died, then maybe she could move on and live a normal life already.

But in that state? 

"Setsura-chan and I are maybe similar there. We both long for people we can no longer see."

"So, he is in a coma?"

Cynthia nodded. "Frozen." She laughed weakly. "It was the only way." The only way for those people to remain safe. In a section of the spirit world known as the ice palace lay her dearest and her friends. 

"I see."

"Tell me, Yang, you love Setsura-chan, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then, do you not feel disturbed touching another woman?" Cynthia asked.

She is genuinely curious about how people like Yang think. Why is it so easy for them to do such things with somebody they didn't love? It made no sense to her.

"I could turn that question back at you, but other than me, you don't fool around." Yang sighed. "Well, it isn't easy. But if I think about Setsura every day, my emotions go out of control. Back when we dated in the modern world, I wanted to touch her every day. 

But that girl was very stubborn then, she wouldn't let me do it with her. By the time I knew she would agree, we ended up breaking up. I regretted everything, and yet I knew I couldn't undo my mistakes. If I could just spend a small amount of time with her again.." 

So that's why his wish was very strong, it makes sense to her.

"Now that you have.."

"I would rather I didn't," Yang mumbled. "If she is going to leave me of her own accord. If things would only repeat, then I would not have made such a wish. Hey Cynthia, do you think Setsura ever liked me?"

This guy is acting like it is already over. Setsura-chan hasn't dumped him yet and yet look at his behavior. What will happen if she dumps him? Cynthia is too afraid to ask. Would he return to how he was when they first met?

"I do," Cynthia replied softly.

Would a girl like Setsura let Yang touch her if she had no feelings for him at all? Cynthia did not know her well, but even she knew that woman wouldn't do that. She envies Setsura for being such a strong person, and for handling decisions that one normally would not be able to. 

To her surprise, Yang suddenly leaned forward. "I have a request."

"A request?"

Yang nodded. "Yeah, could you tell me more of what you were talking about? You said something about creating the kaleidoscope."

Cynthia sighed. It surprised her for the past few minutes when Yang did not comment on that. She thought that he would say something sooner. But then again, he did have to drink from her. The sensation of his lips on her neck had yet to fade; it hurt a lot.

"I suppose I could tell you."