493 The Systems History: The start of the end V (1/2)

Churu let Kei state whatever he wanted to say in silence. On the other hand, Churu cursed him inwardly the longer they were together. The longer they share this afternoon tea, the more Churu realized that Kei was a complicated man.

One minute he was complimenting Tora and the next thing, he sounded as if he was criticizing her decisions; including the fact that she adopted a child. Overall, one thing that Churu understood was that if it wasn't for her, Tora would remain untouchable.

Thus, her existence was Tora's weakness. Coming in her life, it put Tora in a tough situation. Obviously, the fake emperor made sure that she would feel like that as it was the truth. Churu knew that as well because she, being Tora's adopted daughter, was the downside of the fearsome general.

Soon, the emperor departed, leaving Churu in the pavilion with a sullen heart. Although she somehow hated the emperor, alas, what he was implying was all true. He didn't say it directly, but she was smart enough to understand the hidden message: she was a hostage.

Churu's hope of leaving the imperial harem, it was more impossible than getting blood from stones. Even though Tora was a general, she wouldn't be able to set herself free because, once a person entered the palace, there was no leaving.

”Tora… don't do something foolish.” Churu whispered.

In a few days, the emperor set a date where Tora could visit her. Churu would use that time to tell her that she liked this place, and she must calm down.

After all, dying inside this host's body, Tora might turn this whole palace upside down — that was what her enemies wanted so they could label her as a criminal — Churu wouldn't want that to happen. Hence, the only thing Churu could do was to reassure her so she wouldn't do something foolish.

Even if she has to be away from Tora, Churu would prefer that instead of bringing a series of misfortune just because Tora deeply loved her as if she was her biological daughter.

****

Later that night: Aki's private manor.

When Aki arrived at this private residence, which he often stayed as beautiful memories in this place kept him motivated, he sensed someone's presence. However, since he got used to Tora's presence, his mood brightened up knowing she was inside.

Upon arriving at the garden, Aki knitted his brows as he saw Tora, sitting outside with a tray of sake as her companion. Regardless, he thought that she was just trying to chill from several days of working nonstop.

”Hanako-san, will you mind if I join you?' Smiling, Aki slowly strode to her direction before he perched beside her. Tora just turned her head to him before she meekly smiled. Aki took it as she was exhausted hence, the odd aura emanating from her.

”Mhmm,” Humming a tune, Tora stared at the tree where she would usually meditate with Churu, while Aki would usually read a book or sleep next to them. ”It was true.” without a second hesitation, Tora bluntly said, which caused Aki's brows to knit.

The rumors were just mere rumors. So how could it be true?