Chapter 130 - #129 Preparations (1/2)

”I-Um...” Seryu was stuttering and couldn't find the right words to say since she was quite shocked by this development.

”Don't worry about it, that is if you aren't speaking because of those rumors you just spoke about a few seconds ago. I was the one hiding this from you so no need to feel embarrassed or foolish.” Akashi said and finally freed his hand that was still being held by Seryu until now, and then patted her shoulder a few times.

*inhale* *exhale* ”Isn't it bad for you to be outside with a girl just a few weeks before your wedding? What if anyone sees you together with me?” Seryu took a few breaths before she asked in a low voice with furrowed brows.

”Are you worried about me?” Akashi asked with a raised eyebrow and confused expression.

”I just think that you aren't a bad person...” She replied with a little blush on her cheeks while looking sideways.

”To be honest, I thought that the first thing you ask would be how I feel about this entire marriage. As to answer your earlier question...That's why I am wearing a cloak and hood but you don't really have to worry about such a small thing. I can do whatever I want, I can even get out of this entire marriage thing.” Akashi said with a smile.

”? You can? Then why didn't you do anything about it yet? Are those rumors just lies or are you actually fine with marrying someone you have yet to meet?” Seryu asked with a curious tone while perking up her ears.

”You see, I can see that you are very compassionate and want to help people by delivering justice. Her family...isn't exactly the cleanest family out there so I am waiting to deliver my own justice on them. By the way, it is the truth that I have yet to meet her.” Akashi said while gesturing for the owner of the stall to refill his cup with tea.

”...Are you saying that they are evil? That's some serious accusation. Are you sure?” She turned serious and asked with narrowed eyes.

”I have some evidence but probably not enough to overthrow a noble family like them. Also...” Akashi said but it was an obvious lie, however, he would like to have more evidence than he has right now, and most importantly...he wanted them to fall right a few days before their wedding. They would be feeling extremely good and satisfied for being able to form a connection with his family in a few days but right at their happiest moment, they would fall into despair.

”?! Yes?” Seryu was surprised that he actually has some evidence.

”Don't use the word evil in such a way. Maybe they have reasons for doing what they are doing. This doesn't excuse them but selfish is a better word than evil. You would recognize true evil on the first sight, that is someone without any emotions, not caring for even their close people, that kind of person is evil. You perhaps regard thieves as evil but they are usually stealing because they were forced to...are the ones who forced them evil or are they? The world is actually much better if you stop judging everyone evil or good. However, I understand that as the Imperial police you need to have such a mindset.” Akashi said what was on his mind while sipping on his tea.

'...What a weird mindset but this area so far is the best one where most people are happy. Maybe there is something to his words.' Seryu thought for a bit about his words.

”How can you say something like that when you earlier sent those 2 men into prison? They didn't exactly do anything evil...” Seryu decided to ask some questions to see more into his mindset.

”No, they didn't actually break anything or hurt anyone, but rules are here to maintain public order. Just by starting the fight, they endangered the safety of the people around them. I don't judge them if they are evil or good, for all I care they can even be saints who just lost it for a moment but that won't protect them from the punishment. Punishment awaits all people, for you to understand...evil and even good. The best example is death...doesn't judge, just kills, both good and evil.” Akashi replied with a smile.

Like this, both of them spend an hour talking to each other and exchanging their views on this world and its criminals. Akashi lived through a lot already so Seryu's words didn't really appeal to him much but Seryu took some of his opinions into the heart. There was even time where she got a bit angry because Akashi's opinions were sometimes crossing with the opinions of her deceased father.

In the end, Akashi threw a few gold coins at the owner of the stall and left the stall with Seryu and Koro in tow.

”Why did you pay for our meal? I didn't guess your name right.” She asked with a confused expression while dragging Koro behind her.

”I think that I make more money than you, don't you think so? Plus it's my territory, it's my obligation to pay for your meal if you were keeping me a company.” Akashi bluntly replied without caring for the girl's feelings.

”Haha, I guess you are right.” However Seryu wasn't a normal girl, she didn't take it as offense and only chuckled and actually agreed with him.

”Thank you for everything! If what you said to me is the truth, I will be there to support you once you will uncover their crimes against the Empire and its people! However, for that to happen, I will probably need an invitation to the actual wedding, hehe” She said while showing me thumb up with a wide smile across her slightly blushing face.

Koro used this chance and actually approached Akashi just to hug his leg.

”?” Akashi looked down with a confused expression.

”Haha, it looks like Koro-chan wants to thank you for a fulfilling meal too! It's very rare to see him acting so familiar with anyone else other than me. And believe me, buying him a meal doesn't work so you must be quite compatible with him too!” Seryu released a hearty laugh after seeing Koro act like this before she explained it to Akashi.

'Compatible? So he really is Teigu, huh? Biological Teigu...interesting' Akashi thought and confirmed his guesses with only 1 Seryu's word.