CHAPTER 4 Act 3

"Zei?"

"Hm?"

"...Uh, no, never mind."

Right after I realized, I changed my mind, and instead I didn't want to ask her.

This was the only time I saw her after that day. And I don't want to be a bother and pretend as though we were friends before. I understand that a couple of things change with time, but even after all these years, I still know, and also want to know more about Zei. Despite that, I'm still unsure whether she wants to be as close to me as when we were kids.

"I know you're confused, Esper."

"Erm..."

She soon stopped walking as I attempted to confront my thoughts. Following that, I also stalled and glanced back at her.

"Esper, don't try to hold back on me."

"No, I didn't—"

"It's as if you don't know me at all. What happened? Is it because you realized we hadn't seen each other in a long time and something had changed? Yeah, something was off and changed over time, but it's difficult for us if you don't try to speak."

She's really good at spotting my emotions. True, this feeling was a bit unpleasant, rather uncomfortable.

There is an important question that I would want to have answered. But all I did was look at her, and nothing came out of my mouth.

"If you're not going to ask, I'm going—"

"...I recognize your name and your personality," my tongue blurted out.

Even I, was surprised.

But then I continued, "Despite the changes, I still confirmed that it was you, and after verifying that it was you, I just assumed that I didn't know you at all."

Zei is someone who means a lot to me. We played together and got to know each other when we were kids. But because we have different minds and ways of thinking, I feel somewhat distant.

On the other hand, I don't hate or despise her for such an empty reason. I say I didn't know her because there are so many questions in my mind that remain a mystery.

"We're the same," Zei answered.

"Huh?"

That was an unexpected response from her.

"I thought I knew the person based on their approach to me, but I didn't. I know it's trite to say this, but sometimes we know the name of the person but not the person itself, and that mistake leads to misunderstandings. Even if we interacted with that person directly or indirectly, we still don't know about them."

"I guess... you're right."

"Therefore, you need to ask—to know them."

Zei looked at me in the eyes, and I was startled. I can see her eyes glistening with sincerity and solemnity. Her words are still lodged in my thoughts, and seconds later, I replied to her.

"If that's the case, why do you hide? Why did you conceal yourself here? Why did you abandon us—me?"

"More importantly, I didn't abandon you. I'm still here," she snidely said.

I know.

"Secondly, there's a purpose on all of this."

That said, I have a vague understanding of her objectives. If she wanted to run and escape...

"So, how come you didn't tell me everything?"

"You never ask—"

"Stop saying that! Stop responding to me with sarcasm; it's rather annoying."

"Do you want me to tell you everything, then?"

"I can't ask you much more than that..."

Zei is a reclusive person who is really good at hiding things on her own. That's why I'm willing to hear her out.

"Is that what you're looking for?"

"I want you to... trust me."

"I did say that earlier, but are you going to believe in everything I will say?"

"Of course."

Essentially, I trusted her, so I gave her a firm reply. My words were honest and are now conveyed properly.

After that, we decided to go to the library and talk about everything. This is an ideal location for a chat, and nobody can hear us since minimum amount of people were visiting this place.

"There's something I want you to do, Esper."

We're currently at a random shelf, and Zei was looking for a book, probably to read.

"W-What is it?"

Asking out of the blue is certainly surprising.

"Leave your own Family," she said in a serious tone.

"Huh? What did you say?"

This will sure never cross my mind.

"Alright, I'll amend the statement. Can you join me in forming a new Family?"

"Hold on... that... was..."

"Sudden, right? It is."

"But..."

"You couldn't leave. You can't choose me over your Family?"

"Wait, how can you read my thoughts? And what are you implying, Zei? This is rather hasty."

"Make your decision soon or I'll leave this room."

Zei eventually found a book and sat down close to the shelf on the bench to start reading.

"Wait a minute, I thought—"

"Your answer, Esper."

"Hold on, uhm, I... I..."

This time I won't be able to respond immediately to her. Choosing your friend above your Family is a drastic step. But I can't deny the fact that I'm a member of a well-known Family.

I can't betray either Zei or the Organization.

"I... can't..."

"Sigh..." Zei lets out a big sigh and closes the book she was reading, and suddenly said, "I'm sorry."

She's gazing down at her book, but I know she's pouring the words earnestly and it's genuine.

"Erm, Zei?"

"I understand you won't be able to respond instantly, but I insist on asking anyway; please accept my apologies."

"No, that's not it. Also, you're too formal."

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"...I simply wanted to see whether you have any resolve, but I'm just being a nuisance to you. You see, leaving your Family is a risk."

Her tone made me shudder for an instant.

Before she could say anything further, I sat next to her. I finally realized what she meant until she said that to me.

"Once you leave, there's no turning back. Even so, I don't regret my decision."

"Why did you leave after all, Zei? Is it because of your marriage proposal?"

After I said that to her, she didn't answer me back.

"I'll take that as a yes."

My speculation was not hundred percent correct because she's still remained mute on this issue.

I'm sure she has difficulties concealing and preserving her identity. She probably can't handle her status and the family troubles going on in the Light Family, particularly with her Father.

Even when we were kids, her prominence was incredible. Therefore, several suitors continue to appear to offer marriage to her. That's why she may have grown tired of it and vanished without a trace. I'm not sure if her family was also involved in her hiding, but it was a great success in certain ways. However, as I previously indicated, Zei is unable to overcome all of these hurdles.

"So, what are you going to do now? Are you still pursuing your goal?"

"My purpose was not merely to build a strong Family, but to bring someone down, as the President stated."

"So, in general..."

"Yes, this has always been my desire, which is why I'm revealing myself."

This is her determination, and I can tell how serious she is.

Zei was alone in this school, and she was aware of the repercussions. But, in the end, she remains strong.

"The first stage is to establish a relationship and gather people."

"But are you certain you can invite individuals other than those you know?"

"I can't have Mr. Seid, but he's not the only student here, and I also obtained the information I needed, so it's a simple task."

So it's true at all. According to the Student Council, Zei acquired a lot of information during her time here at school, which was unimaginable despite her seclusion.

On a side note, she was aware that I couldn't join her, so she didn't say anything—but I will support her no matter what.

"Don't forget to ask me directly if you need anything."

"That was really thoughtful of you to say."

"There's no reason for you to be concerned; the Gale Family will not help you, but I will."

"I don't want to cause you any trouble, Esper."

"Trouble? Is that why you haven't said anything until now?"

"Mostly."

"It appears that you don't trust me at all."

"I believe in you, which is why... I didn't say anything."

"What?"

'Because she trusted me, she didn't say anything?'

This...

"Are you waiting... for me...?"

Zei was silent, indicating it was true.

"So you've waited for nothing? Now it's true, I don't understand you at all; I couldn't have predicted you."

Zei was an idiot, in some ways. That was the truth.

She didn't answer further, so I'll try to shift the subject.

"Speaking of which, how can you leave your Family? You can't leave without going through the process."

There is a process before leaving one's own Family. You must consider four things.

You must first pay a fine, which is determined by how much influence you have in your Organization. Second, you need a signature from your head Family, which in this case is Zei's Wyte Group, with her father as the primary leader; she needs a signature from him. Third, you must return all of your assets or businesses that your Family has named after you. It's as if you don't have anything to carry and you leave your belongings alone. Finally, and most importantly, you must attend a meeting with the leaders of your Organization. That was the most nerve-racking moment. In front of everyone, you directly disclose the reason for your separation. And you will need to persuade them to sign a contract.

All of these things must be completed before you'll be able to leave.

"I'll take care of everything; you don't need to worry about it."

She stood up and looked straight at the the shelf, searching for something else.

"Are you having a problem with that?"

I'm sure there is.

"If you think that way, then, like I said, it's my problem, so I'll handle it; I don't want to trouble more people."

"But—"

"I understand. I'll let you know if I need anything."

Now that she's said it, I'm out of things to say.

"Well, technically, you aren't leaving right now, not until the procedure is completed, is that correct?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are still a member of the Light Family."

"I... guess."

Zei will not leave the Family if she does not complete any of the processes. She is now resolving the problem, but it will take some time because I know Zei's father will be adverse to it, considering Zei was a great tool for him.

Her father was a nobleman who was somewhat rigid. He was also an extremely intelligent and well-respected leader of the Light Family. However, he is mildly concerned about his daughter's life.

"How about you, Esper? Do you have any trouble?"

Zei stopped searching for a book and sat next to me.

She said it then, as if she knew everything from the start. I'm guessing Zei is aware of my issues. Staying here for a long period will most likely make you aware of the forthcoming and continuing rumors floating around the school.

"It appears you are aware of it?"

"Maybe. But could you explain to me what it is?"

And with that, I was confident she was aware of it, but I informed her nevertheless.

"As you know, I was just raised to this position."

"As one would expect from you."

"...They usually say that, yet I'm left feeling empty."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe because of Ms. Hunt." I say, lowering my head, "I-I..."

"You want to help her?"

"Y-Yeah. Now I'm convinced you know something. But I can't help observing her from afar, since I've been watched by someone. No. That was just merely an excuse. Actually, in a sense, I didn't help her at all--"

"No, there's nothing you can do about it."

"You're wrong. I'm totally a bad person. I'm not great or good, considering I choose myself more than others. I want to help Ms. Hunt, but I'm choosing to turn blind on this. How terrible was that?"

I then scoffed and laughed at my own statement.

"You know what, I realized that choosing yourself leads to regret."

That's how it is.

Ms. Hunt was a great deal and a great commander for the Gale Family here at school. But disputes happen, and misunderstandings occur at unexpected moment. Therefore, she lost her status and prestige. Whether or not, I was involved in this massive issue.

She killed herself right in front of me, and there's nothing I can do to change that. Recalling it back to my memories is just a heart-rending event. And in the end, I was still here.

"I know you have gone through several attempts and trials to obtain your status. And I know that you care so much about the people in the Gale Family. But choosing oneself isn't bad at all, Esper."

She returned the book she was reading earlier and then sat on my right side.

"Indeed, we can't escape guilt and compunction; nonetheless, the choice we made was still ours. More or less, the future was distant, and we couldn't tell what was ahead. Therefore, every choice we make takes a lot of courage to do so. No matter what, I admire people like you, Esper."

Zei was right.

Just what I thought, listening to her makes me feel relieved.

"I can tell you're keeping an eye on me, Zei."

"I can't unhear the things that can be heard."

"You're insane. In any case, it's in the past, and I don't want to think about it."

"You know, you can't let go of what's important to you."

I gave her a quick glance and was left stunned by her words. I know how Zei could accurately represent my emotions, and she was always on track.

"Well, I'm not the one to talk," she added, not looking in my direction.

"Zei..."

I can't stop myself from calling out to her. We're both experiencing issues, but mine was fixed while Zei's wasn't. I want to assist her and reach out to her.

But I guess, I'll need to wait for her call.

"Um, how about the President? Is all of it true?"

I ask all of a sudden since I was curious about it.

"You can feel it's true based on Mr. President's responses."

"So you're saying it's true?"

"I can't say it's true since the President hasn't said anything true either; basically, ask him, not me."

"What about the term 'love,' which you tell him? Is it related to him?"

"I know for a fact that people have always experienced first love."

"Um, yeah... and?"

"I'll tell you since this is Mr. President's past," Zei says monotonously, "Mr. President had unrequited love."

"...O-Okay. That was a little surprising."

Literally, for the most part, I can't picture his sensitive side.

"Come to think of it, Zei, how can you gather this?"

"The buzz started around two years ago," she cleared her throat, adding, "Anyway, he lost it all, like everything."

I didn't answer straight away because I was perplexed. But then I realized that this was a tough situation for him.

"So, what does it mean? He lost in a fight?"

"I don't like that idea, but when I say everything, I mean everything; he waited so long, but his patience turned to hatred after hearing the news."

"What news?"

"What would you do when you hear from someone that the most important thing in your life has been stolen from you and you can't get it back?"

"Get it back? That means..."

His love has been taken from him, and he will never be able to reclaim it. Why is this the case?

If I placed my shoes on him, I'd probably become upset and distressed. This is a position in which you are unable to get out of bed.

Fortunately, despite everything, the President remains positive and does not wallow in self-pity. That's why his reaction when he heard it was gloomy.

"I mean, it's kind of heartbreaking to think about how the President manages it."

"I didn't give you the entire thing, but it appears that you got the gist; there's more to it, by the way, that I must keep hidden from everyone."

"...Is that so? Then, is this the reason why the President wants to abolish Families?"

"Almost, but not quite."

It makes sense that this was the reason. His entire goal was most likely to get retribution, and he doesn't have time to waste in his third year. Though Zei didn't react to whether it was correct or not, I believe half of it was.

I can't help but feel sorry for him while still admiring for overcoming this well—or not at all.

Zei was accurate in every claim she made. Despite the fact that there is still a fifty percent lack of knowledge that Zei did not want me to be aware of.

"So, what happened?"

Following that, I was eager to see how the President handled all of these.

"Ask the President personally if you want to know."

"You're still playing with words with caution, Zei."

"In a way, because the information is private."

Zei takes a moment before speaking. She is still not giving me a complete understanding of the information, which is typical of her.

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," I responded relievedly.

For better or worse, this is the best option. In reality, this information was no longer useful to me. I'll wait for the President to tell me this.

"I suppose this is the end of our conversation."

"Eh, why?"

"You need to take care of some things, and me too, I also need to take care of some things, Esper."

After she said that, someone just walked in.

"You! Ms. Zei Wyte!"

The peaceful room was startled by a loud female voice entering through the front door. I was surprised and turned to face that figure.

That person is Ms. Denise Shine, representative of the Light Family.

She stepped in without hesitation and instantly approached us. And then she grabs Zei's uniform and slaps her face.

"Traitor!"

Zei didn't try to avoid the hit, and she didn't flinch.

"Hey, that hurts, you know?"

Zei said, while glaring fiercely at Ms. Shine's hands.