CHAPTER 2 Act 10

After cutting her own hair, I was troubled by how it still sways and shines as if silvered, despite the fact that it is now short, above the shoulder.

"Are you with me?" she said as she walked ahead of me.

"So you're saying you want me?" I respond, vaguely, although it was clear what she meant.

Zei was asking me to join her organization in a respected manner.

We are now strolling along the corridor. I'm not sure how it happened, but after she grabbed my arm, she let go after realizing what she had done. She, on the other hand, was neither embarrased or upset by it.

She was walking ahead of me, elegantly, without even glancing at my presence. I was looking at her, and noticed how her short hair flutters back and forth like a fallen leaf. It wasn't cut neatly, but it's not all that bad as is.

Whatever the case, it was time to leave the Principal's Room. I meant for her to hold my arm so I could go without making excuses.

"If you make a comment like that, people may misinterpret it. Are you saying it on purpose?"

"You have some wild thoughts, but there's no one here. Where are the people anyway?"

As we move around, I can see that the folks I encountered earlier are no longer around.

"Um, I simply let them go."

I didn't have much to say, but her clout here in school is certainly incredible. She is the daughter, so there is no mistake about her authority.

"Your announcement was rather impressive."

I toss in a tangent sentence to divert the conversation.

"Don't claim it's impressive considering your face hasn't moved an inch."

"I thought they were going to make another announcement—"

"Uh, that? They believed they were going to get you into the Family, but I stopped them before it happened."

This woman makes her own decisions, and they are definitive. Not that I'm the one who should be speaking. Needless to say, she hasn't wavered up to this point, and it takes a lot of guts to do so, especially in front of her mother. Now I'm wondering...

"Why? Sure enough, you have a lot of courage, huh?"

"I don't know what you're saying, but I was able to pull it off because you were there."

Clearly, she doesn't want to expound on why she said it. Even though she was there in front of me, I could sense her enigminess.

"It's all nonsense if you don't collaborate with me now, Mr. Seid."

"So you're saying it's my responsibility?"

"Responsibility? I believe you have a duty, but it's your decision."

She was not mistaken; I have a duty since it is in our blood. So she meant that it is, after all, my own life?

"What are you trying to achieve, and why are you choosing me above others?"

"We both have a terrifying intuition, so I'd say simply a strong hunch."

This woman...

"Are you pleased with the fact that you have my attention?"

"Because you are honest, Hans, I suppose I can answer with an honest word—Yes."

"But why me?" I persisted.

"It's simple; I know you; I know about your life from your previous school—"

"Hey, Ms. Zei," I say with a forceful tone.

I abruptly halted my steps, causing her to do the same.

"It makes sense now," I added, menacingly.

I gazed at her back, with my bloodlust surging through my veins.

This will be getting bothersome now that everyone knows my past life.

What she's up to? I don't know. But I need to confirm something before I get rid of her.

She then turned around with a straight expression to see me; nonetheless, I slowly put some heaviness on my feet and gradually close our distance.

I lifted my arm in an attempt to intimidate her, but she was unfazed or afraid. So I cast a deep gaze into her pupils—and immediately grasp her hair.

"Urgh..."

In anguish, she flinched her eyes and crossed her brows. She grabbed my arm in an attempt to resist, but she was outmatched by my strength.

"I'm sure you understand a lot about me from our conversation yesterday?"

"A... As I already said, I am aware of you," she says with a straight face and a daunt look.

"Then..."

Since no one was around, I'll make use of this situation.

I grab her other arm and shove her up against the wall.

And, as I suspected, she was clutching the scissors she had used to cut her hair earlier. I'm not even surprised because I knew she wouldn't hesitate to stab me if I made a move on her.

"Holding this thing for a while and speaking innocently; you're fully aware of what I'm capable of doing to you, aren't you?"

"You could tell what I was about to do, but don't you think it's wrong to injure a woman?"

"I don't think so, but you also don't make a single notion of hurting me... what is your true motive?"

My tone is rather threatening. I slowly close my face to her, tighten my grip, and ensure she doesn't budge an inch.

"As I said previously, I want you to join my Organization."

"Why?"

"You didn't understand my motives yet? Now I'm more interested in you than before. And it's funny to think I'm jeopardizing my reputation to get someone who isn't interested in this. Get off on me or I'll make a loud noise."

"Do it."

"Hn?"

"You can't do it, can you? I know you're not going to make a fuss since you've already left your Family, right? There's no one you expect to come and save you."

We're a long way from the Principal's Office, so I doubt anybody will hear us. If I'm accurate, she currently has no authority at this school. Her biggest blunder was instructing the folks here to leave early.

She no longer wields any authority. What else could it be if she yelled in a pitiful noise?

Even if she tries.

"You're correct, I don't have any authority right now, but you will give it to me."

"Hn? You're getting full of yourself."

"Can you let me go?" she asks, firmly, looking back in my eyes.

Even though I could sense she wasn't lying, I was confused by her objectives. Nonetheless, she was the only woman that have the courage to confront me.

I'm not getting anything out of these little bits of information, so I'll gradually remove my firm grip.

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I constantly take a step back after gently releasing her. However—I spin around and kick her hand, causing the scissors she was holding before to fall out of her clutches.

I was only making sure she didn't try to attack me.

"—Nn?" She wasn't expecting it, yet her countenance is absolutely expressionless.

"I like sharp items, but they aren't always my favorite."

"As usual, you're a cautious man."

She next cleans her clothing and assumes proper posture. She barely made a face, but I don't believe it was forced, so I'll assume she's not afraid of anything.

I could say, she has a lot of guts.

"So, can you tell me what your plan is from the beginning?" I asked.

"First but foremost, let's ignore that things happen; in any case, do you know why I left the Family?"

"..."

"Right, you have no clue. I left because I'm avoiding the interaction."

"Interaction?"

"Betrothal."

That said, I was speechless. Surprisingly, she was quite candid with me, as seen by her straight gaze.

"Betrothal? That has nothing to do with me."

"Precisely, but I'm expressing to you that I'm not the sort of girl who marries any random guy she meets."

"In that case, it has nothing to do with me."

"Um, I know, but I also want to get out of the Family to be free; I know it's somewhat awful to witness. Under any circumstances, I have to go through the process they're talking about."

"Then it has nothing to do with me."

"Can you stop that?" She asks, making a blunt face.

"Is this it? I presumed it may be something about my family, so I tried to listen, but it's the contrary."

She just looked at my eyes, but then I continued.

"Organizations are like this? I never thought about it."

In today's world, I don't imagine that some families still practice this type of arranged marriage. It's rather unpleasant, but I get the impression that someone gets affianced to another person in order to boost the power of the family and wealth.

"I felt the same way; nonetheless someone in another Organization wanted me and invited me to a ceremony when I was twelve. I had no idea it was an engagement offer at first, but later on I found out, and though I have power, I'm totally helpless when it comes to higher ranks. So I'll flee and keep my profile as low as possible, hiding at this school for a long time."

It's surprising that she was that young, and someone proposed a marriage to her.

She's a wise woman, therefore I'm sure she studied while hiding at this place.

"So, why does it involve me?"

"I'd want to create an organization with you and suppress someone."

"Wait, in a way, why are you abandoning your Family? To tell you the truth, I'm not the omnipotence you'd hoped for."

I'd rather ask since her statement has too many obvious flaws. If I think about it, I'm not that well-known or powerful.

Besides, even if she wanted to leave or not leave her family, she couldn't do anything since her future was predetermined. And I'm the same way.

"I no longer trusted the Family, and I believe Mom understands why I'm going."

"Trust? But don't you think it's a little unjust to include someone? And don't you ever think about what and how I respond to this?"

"I initially thought about it from the beginning."

"Then—"

"Then I'll make you agree to this," she says making a stern expression.

I'm wondering what she's up to.

"You see, many organizations were attempting to recruit young people with Blue Bloods, and of course, you are one of them, so I'll offer you a warning."

That's what I'm assuming from the start. In any case, I have no intentions to join any of them.

"Many of them, especially the higher-ups, were intending to undermine or perhaps compel you to join."

This is making my head hurt. This whole thing was just a mess considering many Families were involved.

"Now that I think about it, to which Family do you belong?"

"...If you ask, of course, we are also in the Light Family. We are not different. Alright, let me explain," she then straightens her back and clears her throat, "Are you aware that there are Fifteen Main Organizations, right?"

"Um, sure, that's what someone just told me."

"Then Light Family is one of that Organization, and there are Fourteen Main Organitions that are attempting to attract people from different Organization. Basically, they are concentrating on power and numbers."

"Does that make a difference?"

"Of course it is, if you want to survive and bring the other down, you need influence."

"Hold on, do you mean annihilate the other?"

"Hmm, it makes sense you didn't know; all of these groups are battling for influence, power, and wealth, and you know that people are greedy. To contrast, they are prepared to tear down one another for their own merit."

I don't disagree with her. I understand that we live in a society that encourages people to strive for the highest possible position. Individuals who, at the bottom, will eventually be unable to survive.

As a result, it stands to reason that you must acquire influence.

However, individuals are simply concerned with power; I believe you must consider control in order to remain at the top.

"As you can see, each of these Fifteen has a representation here at school; and the other Fourteen organizations were effectively sending their own students here to watch the other children, Generally, they meant for Light Family not to make a move and dominate all of the students."

"What do you mean? Do other organizations regard the Light Family as enemies? Do you find it unfair?"

"It's easy to say, but these Fifteen Main Organizations are on good terms, you know? If someone has malice and tries to stab the other in the back, it will eventually lead to a war, so everyone is moving cautiously and innocently like a mere cat. All of these Families have a contract; we help each other; however, not for internal affairs."

Similarly, cats are both sensitive and careful about their environment. At the same time, they were thought to be good hunters, considering their species were made for hunting.

"Uh, in a way, this is what you said Organizations are meant to monitor the students?"

"It's not entirely incorrect to say so, but the true nature of the Organization is a long story that we'll save for later."

"..."

"Though there are many discriminations and heirarchies between students even now, which leads to disputes; the school guarantees education, but once internal affairs were involved, the student representative in each Organization will hold a meeting, together with the Student Council, and perform an action."

"I see..."

...It is inevitable given by the nature of Humans.

Now I have a greater picture of what was going on around here.

Above all of what she said, it is unjust to hold a meeting between the Principal and the students because the Light Family built this school.

Therefore, I assume that students have the most authority of all. If so, it's possible that they were somehow linked to one another.

"But, tell me, how did Lisa find out about me?"

Lisa was aware of my existence, and I do not deny that she could pose a threat in the future. So I'm pretty sure that someone might...

"What was the sudden question? Well, it's because I told her about you, and we came to an agreement—No, never mind."

Got her. She knows Lisa in a way.

"Agreement?"

"Never mind," she says, clearly refusing to talk about it.

So she was involved with her.

That is extremely suspicious. Not that it concerns me; I'll ask her about it sooner or later.

"Now, if you don't mind, I'd like you to accept my proposal."

"Proposal? Now you're making a deal despite the fact that you don't have the power, huh? You're pathetic in some ways."

"That insult... Well, I know you don't want to join my organization, so here I'll change the proposal that will might help you, but in exchange, let me follow you and use me."

"Nn? What do you mean?"

"Rather than me creating an organization, why not you create it, and in return, let me serve you."

In response to her proposal, I remained completely silent. This is way beyond my anticipation. I had no idea she had proposed this to me.

I make use of her in some ways if I think about it carefully.

"You're a sly little brat."

"Don't call me a brat; it's tempting, isn't it? If you have one, you don't have to go through these Big Families."

It makes sense in some ways, but there is still a gap.

"You're correct, but what if the Big Families get intervene? Do you think it'll be pointless?"

"That's why you should try to recruit people that suits you."

Ah, this is inconvenient. If I think about it any further, it will only exacerbate some of the troubles. Anything else makes sense, but it doesn't sit well with me.

"When you think about it, it's troublesome."

"...Then make use of me."

She's as tenacious as ever.

"I don't understand why you're so obsessed with me."

In some ways, I don't understand her. But I have a feeling she'll cling to me until the end.

"Don't tell me—"

"No, if you think of it as a relationship, it isn't; however, as a partnership, I would say yes—"

"But don't get too attached to me; I warn you. After all, you knew me."

"Yes, and I am aware, which is why this is also an opportunity for me. I want you to protect me in return—"

"Protect you? You're really hopeless, aren't you? I don't know about you, but you know my background; we're both utter strangers in a manner, so don't put yourself against me."

"I don't disagree, but you'll definitely need me."

For the time being, it's unimaginable.

"May I ask as to what the prerequisite is for this to become a real thing?"

"In my opinion, you need at least five members to form a Family, but there is no such law; however, if you want to build an organization, try to get approval as soon as possible. You need to prove yourself to the other existing Families that your group is a worthy Organization."

"I see... that's a little stressful, isn't?" I gave an honest response.

"It's not as difficult as leaving your own family," she muffles.

"Leaving your Family? Speaking of which, what is the process you're talking—"

"I'm not going to talk about it."

"Is that so?"

If she doesn't want to talk, I'm not going to force her since it has nothing to do with me.

"However, as I said, you're hopeless. If you think I'm going to agree to this easily, you're mistaken."

I'm not saying her idea isn't worth a shot, but I wanted to be certain.

"Nn?"

"As you have heard."

"Hmm... I expected you to say that, but I'll wait for your response; I knew you needed some time to think about it."

When she turns around, her shadow slowly fades away. I don't want to say anything further about her, so I let her go.

"You seems to be the sort of person to leave first, huh?" I mutter.

I have crucial things to consider.

Primarily, there was the letter, which I believe was sent to me on a regular basis. I'm not sure who it may have been. I discovered the letter on my bag twice in a row, so I decided not to attend class today to test whether it would be there again even if I was absent. To begin with, it's burdensome, so I'm simply confirming.

Secondly, there's the issue of organization.

Is it necessary for me to rely on anybody in this? Is it necessary for me to build such a place in order to evade the future disputes?

"Haa... I knew this was going to be a mess."

Since I didn't need to attend class, and there was nothing to talk about with Ms. Eve, I was heading towards the gate.

...When I noticed a woman and a man walking opposite me.

They were either walking cautiously or were aware that I would overhear their talk.

We pass each other by, but they don't even make a sound.

However, as we ignore one another on the hallway, I noticed a handkerchief on the floor. I'm not sure whether this was intentional, but I blatantly ignore it anyhow.

But after a few steps, someone took a step back; and its footsteps steadily increased. It's heading in my direction. Although, I was strolling ahead of the handkerchief, with a sidelong glance.

"What are you doing, Mr. Kayvin?" exclaimed the girl.

"Wait a second, you drop your handkerchief?"

Unbeknownst to me, there was a recognizable voice and name. But I didn't react right away since it was too clear.

"Is that them?"

I heard their footfall were beginning to diminish. And I simply turn away from them.

"What are they up to?"

I whispered as I walked out of the school and went home by myself.