We Will Meet Again

Then again, it's not like everybody in his team like him. Many dislike him here too. What a huge pain, "I apologize for my subordinates unprofessional behavior. But I don't think it's right for a captain of your standing to inquire about the business of other departments," Akito's lips curve to a smile, "Or could it be that the second unit is unaware of the rules?"

"Of course we are aware," Dimitri trailed off, and Akito could see the man clench his fist. It was clear to Akito that he already won this with those mere words alone, "But, the mysterious case of the shards case is the most serious cause we have had in years. Is it not normal for us to ask updates on your progress? What's more, your team is a newly built. So others have expressed concern whether or not you can handle it."

'And you think you can?' Akito wanted to say but held it back. Honestly, his team is filled with a bunch of weirdos; there is nobody on that team that is remotely normal. Everybody is on the team because they have encountered with the unnatural before. They are hand-picked because they know how to deal with such cases.

While Unit 2 has many trained and experienced individuals. They would lose so many men in a case like this.

"I'm flattered that you care so much about my team. However, we are more than capable of handling this 'meager' case," Akito implied that Dimitri was wasting his time acting so interested in the case when Unit two is overflowing with work.

.....

- Li Family Household -

The stone castle of the Li family is not as grand as the grand hall. Let alone his own mansion, but there was no doubt that people flocked to this place for a reason. This place is designed to withstand even the fiercest weather, Akito could tell from a mere glance alone with the whole building made of solid materials. The oaths covered by stone tiles.

The purpose of his visit here today was to meet with a certain lady. No matter how much Akito racked his head to think about a solution regarding Setsura's problem. Akito couldn't think of anything but this. Previously he didn't call her over since Kura, and she are on bad terms.

Sending a message to her when he was nearby seemed silly too, so Akito decided to meet her in person. As usual, the security appeared relaxed, but when you enter a magic circle immediately surrounds you.

His sweat fell when he recalled how the magic identified him, 'Suspicious man,.' Of course, the people working there already understood the code, otherwise he is pretty sure they would have used their spears on him. Akito shuddered at the thought, what scary people.

Akito didn't remember exactly when he became acquainted with this woman — considering his own hazed memories. However, Akito recalls a few things regarding the woman's family. The Li's are a family of what people would refer to as onmyoji. Because of the vast wipe out several years back though, they lie low and don't appear in front of the public unless it is necessary. Many people refrain from using their services now too.

If it weren't for the colossal wealth left by their ancestor, this place would certainly not survive. That wealth though can only last so long. After he finished with this mysterious shard case, Akito will work on improving their situation. What upset him was how the government turned a blind eye to these people. They simply dismiss them now that they have no use.

Yet many people still worship and respect them. These people can't worship them out in the open, but they can do so in secret. Akito deeply sighed, the last few years so many problems have cropped up.

Thankfully, the Li family didn't retaliate like some of the other families did. If they had done so, then they would have ended up like the others. However, they didn't meekly obey either; they set certain conditions. Akito heard that the government had a difficult time deciding whether or not to grant the request.

The servants led him to a waiting room and closed the door behind him without saying another word. Akito scanned the room and recognized it immediately, 'Lyra's study, huh?' He occasionally came here in the past. But this was the first time they asked him to wait in her study. Maybe it's her brother who summoned him? Lyra's brother is a very serious person, a year older than him. As for Lady Lyra, she was sort of a childhood friend; they were both the same age.

Perhaps it is because of her lineage, but it felt like Lyra had barely aged since the day he first met her. Of course, Akito wasn't just saying this, there are many rumors about it. This is why sorcery is forbidden; there is no actual rule about it. But it's a silent rule that nobody is to mention the unknown in the open. His thoughts broke off when he hears the sound of faint footsteps, coming from the bookshelves.

She must have been meditating back there. Eventually, the footsteps halted, and Akito looked over to see a woman wearing a forest green gown decorated in unusual crystals. Golden blonde long curly hair, which is loose. There is no doubt about her elite lineage. Akito didn't know much about their family system. But Akito could pretty much guess what he saw every time he came here.

The servants here treat Lyra with the utmost respect. This is normal for servants to respect their masters. However, even then, Akito noticed that there was something peculiar about it.

So in short Lyra is a high ranking and beautiful woman. Just now, when she was walking, it was light like water. But contrary to her delicate footsteps, her eyes are sharp, and there's a strong aura around her. Many people only misunderstand for a short amount of time.

Lyra bowed.

"Welcome to our home, Akito It's been a while since you have graced us with your presence," Lyra said.

Akito nodded and followed Lyra to the couch. The maids automatically poured the wine and added more logs to the fireplace. His sweat fell; quite some time had passed since he saw this sight. The maids here act like some automatic machinery. Even if Lyra doesn't give them instructions, they automatically know what she wants.

Lyra's family passed away a few years ago, Lyra is the head of the household while her brother supports her. His thoughts broke off when he hears approaching footsteps, there was a tall man with pale brown hair. It was just like he thought, her brother was here today too.

The woman's brother was called Leo, an uptight man who cared a lot about traditional values. That's why whenever they met, they tend to clash ways. Usually, whenever he came over, and Leo was around, the man would avoid him. But today Leo sat down and waved for the servants to give him his own glance.

"Captain Akito, I would appreciate it if you informed us ahead of time when you come to visit. I do not like unannounced visitors randomly appearing," Leo trailed off, "As you know we are not a simple household. Random visits disturb our balance."

"I apologize for arriving without saying a word. This is the only time I'd be able to come here, and it's for an urgent matter," Akito picked up the wine and drank it in one go.

Lyra shook her head, "Brother do not be so rude. Akito has helped us out a lot. Why do you think we still have this land? It's because of him."

Leo sighed, "It doesn't change the fact that he is still a government puppet. Even after the death of his wife, he is still working with those people."

At that comment, Akito dropped the cup he was holding. It landed on the floor with a large shatter, the maids immediately went over to clean up the mess.

Lyra bit her lip, "Brother, why don't you leave us for a while?"

"Nonsense, I want to know why he would come--" Leo's sentence fell short and Akito looked over. Lyra's eyes had turned a bright shade of blue, and Leo immediately nodded. "I realize I have some work to do, enjoy your stay Akito," with those words said the man swiftly stood up and left.

Lyra deeply sighed, "I apologize about what just happened. He bears no ill will."

"Indeed, he's the same as ever," Akito turned to the meal the maids placed down in front of him.

The meal comprised a basket of plain-looking bread, and simple looking meat and a bowl of fruits. 'As simple as ever,' whenever Akito came here, the meals were the same. These people consider high-quality ingredients as a waste of money and use the simplest of ingredients.

When he saw the meat, Akito thought back to how happy Setsura was when she was eating. He wondered how Setsura is doing now? He didn't get a chance to speak to her since last night.

It took all his effort to stay away from her the entire today. Akito left work several times and went home. But Akito didn't disturb Setsura even once, he just fetched the things he needed, gave the servants some instructions before heading out. It seemed like this distance approach was difficult for him, because whenever he would see anything related to her. She would appear in his thoughts again.