Chapter 29 - #29 Trade (1/2)

*Creak* The sound of opening doors resounded beside us and Ichika with Kurome walked out of the cottage with the only towel wrapped around them.

”Huh? Young lord?” Ichika immediately narrowed her eyes when she sensed a little tension between me and newcomer, namely Babara.

”You can calm down, Ichika, Kurome, this is the one we were looking for, Babara Oarburgh.” I introduce them.

”Oh? What a nice young looking girls, a pŀėȧsurė to meet you.” Babara said with a polite smile.

Ichika nodded while Kurome took hold of Ichika's hand but still lightly nodded.

”You two can go ahead and follow the young lady who led us here to the hot springs.” I said with a small smile.

”Huh? You won't be joining us, young lord?!” Ichika asked with a shocked expression.

”I will, probably. It's just that I still have some business here so I will join you later. Enjoy your bath, girls” I said and waved at them. They simply looked towards Babara before nodding and leaving while waving at me. Kurome kept glancing at me while they were leaving.

I stood in silence while I was watching their backs disappear.

”...Now, I still have little advice to give. I am pretty sure that ȧssassins don't usually travel alone. And those two are pretty important to me...” When I no longer could see their backs, I turned back at Babara who was patiently waiting with a smile.

When she heard my words she slightly frowned after sensing my tone that shouldn't belong to any kid.

”I am aware of how proud Oarburgh clan is so please don't take what I am about to say as a threat, it's just a little warning, advice. My family, neither I have any problem with Oarburgh clan and I hope you feel the same way about us but if you plan to do anything to those two with your partner...Please quickly stop before you will cause the demise of your entire clan” I said with a voice devoid of any emotions while my red eyes started to glow. Even the air around us started to take a red hue and started becoming heavier and heavier. This was probably the first time I released almost all of my killing intent in 1 place.

---

'This kid is not normal! His bloodthirst is even greater than mine! But if you think that I will be intimidated by this...' Babara thought with wide-open eyes in shock but she still released her own aura to push Akashi's aura away.

---

It was battle of auras and it took more than 2 minutes before we both decided to stop this childish behavior.

”Don't worry kid, I am traveling only with my pupil and we have no interest in those girls, however, I can't say the same about you right now...Of course, if our leader met those girls, it would probably end up differently, haha.” Babara finally broke the awkward and heavy atmosphere with a small smile.

”Your pupil? And why the thing with your leader?” I asked with a calm smile once again.

”My pupil is named Taeko and she is around your age so don't worry but also don't underestimate her, heh. As for our leader...she is probably older than you by a few years but that's not the main thing...She is very fond of girls...and she also hates men. Maybe it is because of the environment where she grew up, our clan consists mainly of women with only a few men as an exception.” She explained with a forced smile.

man-hater and lesbian, huh? What a great combo. I already don't want to meet that bitch but if I want to make deals with them then I guess our meeting will be inevitable.

”I see, I hope your partner is doing well. How about we talk about the business now?” I asked, not wanting to talk anymore about their leader.

”You can see for yourself by going to the hot springs. Since I already invited you here, we can talk about business later, I am sure it's something that can wait a few hours.” She said with a smile while pointing to the direction where girls went.

...It looks like girls will meet with her pupil first. I hope they won't start a fight.

”Alright, I will go change inside. Will you...eh...” I said but when I wanted to ask if she will be joining her own pupil, I had a problem to voice it out.

It's extremely awkward to ask that someone so old...

”No, I won't be joining my pupil in hot springs but I will be there...with my clothes on.” She said with a straight face and left for the direction of the hot springs.

Ugh, that was weird.

I thought and went inside the cottage to take off my clothes. I wrapped the towel around my waist and took my sword with me before leaving for the hot springs.

...

When I arrived at the place...

”He sounds like an interesting person.” A girl with long dark grey hair and green eyes said with a small smile.

”Haha, he definitely is!” Ichika immediately replied with a relaxed laugh.

”...” I immediately frowned after hearing this.

To think that I would be worried about them but she is relaxing here as if we weren't in constant danger. We don't even know where we are and she is so relaxed.

”Ichika, are you enjoying yourself?” I asked with an irritated tone and twitching bright smile, making everyone turn their attention at me.

”Eek, I mean...Welcome, young lord! We have been waiting for you to join us!” Ichika immediately replied with a panicked expression.

*Splash* The unknown girl immediately stood up when she saw me, her towel has fallen down but she acted as if she didn't notice it and approached me.

”Wha-?!” Ichika immediately exclaimed with a shocked expression before glaring at the girl while Kuroke just looked away.

I watched her approach me with calm eyes, guessing what she wants.

”You must be Akashi. I have heard a lot of things about you. I hope we can be friends.” She stopped in front of me fully nȧkėd and extended her arm for a handshake with a stoic face.