"The Way of the Sword"

Panta rhei and time were an exception to this statement. Six months went by from the 11th Ward Battle and the Cochlea Raid. Most of the time, Lucien spent training and refining his kenjutsu because it was becoming increasingly important to him.

He felt that he was finally becoming One with the Sword. Even though he attained the rank of the Samurai in the past, he didn't have real-time to refine his techniques and everything properly. So now, he spent the entire half year refining his kenjutsu to a much higher level.

Even though he was still far from the Samurai Master Realm, he was confident to fight any other samurai whose kenjutsu attained the Samurai Realm.

The only thing which was somewhat sad was the fact, during these months he was training his kenjutsu, he wasn't properly eating blood essences, and so he increased his RC Level only by a few thousand.

At most, five or so, which was rather bad when one knows about the number of blood essences in his Cross Crest.

His everyday routine would be morning training and coffee, maybe morning sex with Itori. Then he would spend the entire day training and refining his kenjutsu, sparring with Itori. Afternoon, Touka would visit almost every day to train, and Lucien would guide her through the basics of combat and the usage of kagune.

Then in the evening, he would go somewhere with Itori to have fun, either hunting for ghoul investigators or going to watch movies. At night, activities for adults and sleep. Repeating this every day leads to a happy life and good power.

Another important piece of news came from Blood Island stating that Lucien's younger sister, Artemia Etras di Aeon was born and was a strong little healthy baby girl. The situation on Blood Island was becoming more and more chaotic as fights with demons were more and more intense.

Last month when Touka was visiting this place, she was taking sneak glances at him more and more, with rather a weird expression. When Lucien noticed that, the first thing that came to his mind was if she hadn't fallen for him.

It wasn't so surprising that this happened, he was a handsome man, and to her, he was a helping and also caring person, many times she came to him not only for training but also to talk with him about her problems and he listened to all what she wanted to say.

He never told her that he noticed that as if waiting for her confession, but Lucien was somewhat confused deep inside. He was confused by his own emotions for her as he couldn't decide what to do with her. The same was going for Eto, as she seemingly was coming to her own end, as her mental state was worsening.

Lucien talked to her only a few times in the last half year, but every time they talked, he noticed her state was worsening, and he couldn't do anything about it.

When things came to Touka, she was cold on the outside, but inside she was a very warm person, and she was in need of someone who would love her. He was aware that soon, he would need to make his decision, but as he was a person of rational thinking and a follower of cruel logic, there was a clear answer to this question...

Lucien was currently in the training room, sitting cross-legged with one katana at his legs. His eyes were closed, and he was meditating about the way of the sword.

How to become one with the sword; in times like this, he totally forgot the problems he had in life and completely devoted his attention to the one thing, the Way of the Sword.

In the entire estate was a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere ruling. Mercenaries were training, playing cards, or watching TV. Some of them were even doing their jobs, but Lucien didn't care. As long as nothing happened. On top of that, now, after a half year, most of the mercenaries reached the S-Rate, so even though they weren't doing anything, they would still be able to detect the intruders.

Zelilios spent most of his time in the training room on the estate. Most of his day was filled with training spear mastery or reading some books. Currently, even though Itori was at the estate, Lucien quickly went to find her to do some certain activity that was needed for him.

She was in the garden, sitting with a cup of coffee and reading a book. Lucien silently sneaked at her and hugged her from behind, but his hands didn't stop there and were going to certain parts of her body. Then he whispered to her ears with a silent voice.

"Itori-chan, please."

Itori shook her head and looked at Lucien.

"Hmm."

Then both of them went away to the bedroom, where a sweet time awaited full of pleasure and moans. It took around two hours for the activity to end, and then, the silence was the only thing in the entire estate.

***

Lucien and Itoir were lying on the bed, both naked, only covered by a simple blanket. Itori was lying on his chest as she looked at Lucien, whose eyes were closed, probably thinking about something important.

"Lucien, what will you do about that girl? She always steals glances at you, and she is very interested. Probably you are her first love."

Said Itori with a light laugh as she went close to him and kissed his lips. Lucien didn't say anything and just looked at Itori with a loving expression. He was still thinking about various, but when Itori mentioned that topic again, his thoughts went back to that problem.

What to do about that.

Maybe he would go visit Anteiku later to talk with Touka about this. He was aware that she probably wouldn't start the conversation about this because, deep inside, she was just another shy teenage girl that had a cold cover.

So it would be his responsibility to start talking about this.