CHAPTER 42- The Path to the Castle

Akemi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, no kidding. You never listen to anyone. You're a blockhead."

Eiji gasped, feigning offense. "Blockhead?! That's rude!"

With a smirk, Akemi took off running. "If you slow down, I'm leaving you behind."

"Oi! Don't ditch me!" Eiji wheezed, stumbling after her.

As they dashed toward the village, Akemi stole a glance at him, a small smile curling her lips.

Eiji, you idiot...

Their hearts pounded with determination as they neared the village entrance. Slowing their pace, they peeked from behind a tree, scanning for guards. Two men stood watch at the entrance, their expressions rigid and alert.

Akemi gestured to Eiji, signaling that they should slip around the side and keep a low profile. Eiji hesitated but nodded, though confusion flickered across his face.

I didn't understand a single word she said… That's why I need to attend those training classes about codes and gestures. If she finds out that I didn't understood—

Eiji imagined Akemi's reaction if he admitted his cluelessness:

"You blockhead! You useless piece of shit! How are you useful now? Because of you, we can't work together, and I WILL KILL YOU for sabotaging my mission!"

A chill ran down his spine. With teary eyes, he thought, Yeah, she'd definitely kill me right now… Maybe I should just act like I understood and follow her closely so she doesn't find out.

Akemi moved swiftly, heading toward the other side of the village, and Eiji followed closely, trying not to blow his cover. They entered the village from a narrow alley, their steps silent as they maneuvered through the tight valleys. Akemi scanned their surroundings, then whispered to herself, To get a better view and find a clear path toward the castle, we need to move from the rooftops.

Without hesitation, she leaped onto a nearby house, moving swiftly across the rooftops. Eiji scrambled after her, careful not to make noise. From their vantage point, the castle loomed in the distance.

"Eiji, we're close. Let's move fast," Akemi urged.

"Okay, let's—" Eiji's sentence was cut short as the rooftop beneath him gave way. With a loud crash, he fell through, vanishing from Akemi's sight.

Akemi tensed, whipping around, but he was gone.

Meanwhile, Eiji groaned on the ground, checking himself for injuries. He had landed on his butt, the pain sharp but manageable. As he looked around, he noticed tools scattered about—saws, hammers, nails.

So this house is under repair… But why did it have to be me? Why did I have to fall?

A faint sound came from the shadows.

A chill ran through Eiji's spine. His breath hitched as he turned his head slowly.

Red eyes gleamed in the darkness.

His heart pounded as the glowing orbs moved toward him. Stepping back instinctively, his fear intensified—until the creature stepped into the moonlight filtering through the broken ceiling.

It was a cat.

Eiji exhaled shakily. "Just a cat, huh? I was terrified for nothing…" The feline rubbed against him affectionately.

Above him, Akemi whispered urgently, "Eiji, are you okay? Now's not the time to play with a cat, you idiot. Get up before someone appear hearing the noise!"

With Akemi's help, Eiji climbed back onto the roof. She fixed him with a serious look. "Next time, I'll leave you behind. Watch your step. Do you get it?"

Eiji nodded fearfully. They resumed their advance toward the castle. Upon reaching its vicinity, they saw that the front was heavily guarded. Sneaking in wouldn't be easy.

Akemi furrowed her brow. "Eiji, let's check the back. Maybe we can find another way in."

Eiji nodded, following her lead. The guards at the back were significantly fewer. They moved through the garden bushes, careful to remain unseen. Their eyes locked onto an open window on the upper floor, its curtains billowing in the breeze.

Seizing the opportunity, Eiji prepared to stand—only for Akemi to suddenly push him down. She pinned him to the ground, a finger to her lips, then gestured for him to look to the side.

As Eiji cautiously turned his head to the side, his pulse quickened—two guards patrolled the pathway, their movements slow but methodical. Their boots crunching against the gravel in a steady rhythm. His body stiffened, instinctively holding his breath. He knew that even the faintest noise could spell disaster.

Slowly, he turned his gaze back, only to realize just how dangerously close Akemi was.

His thoughts shattered into disarray.

A-Akemi is…

The warmth of her body was almost tangible, just inches from his own. His wide eyes traced a bead of sweat as it slowly rolled down her temple, glistening under the moonlight before disappearing into the curve of her jaw. Her face, so incredibly close, left him utterly paralyzed.

Eiji could hear her heartbeat strong, steady, yet somehow deafening in the suffocating silence between them. His own heartbeat pounded against his ribs like a war drum. Was it his or hers? He couldn't even tell anymore.

Then there were her eyes. Deep, piercing, unwavering, like polished marbles reflecting the night. They flickered with focus and determination, oblivious to the absolute chaos she was unleashing inside his mind. Her soft breath fanned lightly against his cheek, sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.

She's beautiful.

No. That wasn't enough.

She's an angel.

No, still wrong.

She's THE angel.

Eiji felt something inside him break. His entire face burned a scorching red, the heat spreading from his ears down to the very tips of his fingers. His breathing grew shallow, his limbs locked in place, refusing to move. His lips trembled before curving into an uncontrollable, utterly ridiculous grin.

Akemi glanced back at the patrol, then turned to Eiji only to see his dazed, lovestruck expression. She frowned. "Why are you smiling like a creep?"

"N-Nooo! I-It's nothing!" he stammered.

Shaking her head, Akemi stood. "Eiji, I can't see any guards nearby. Let's get inside through the window."

"Yes, Akemi!" he replied dreamily.

They climbed through the window and slipped into the dimly lit corridor, moving with utmost caution. Their senses heightened, their eyes scanned for any clues leading to Hayato.

Suddenly, voices echoed from a nearby room.

Akemi whispered, "Do you hear that?"

Eiji nodded. "Yeah. I think it's coming from that room." He pointed toward the source of the noise.

As they crept closer, two distinct voices became clear—one male, one female.

"Why don't you listen to me?! Why are you so stubborn?!" the girl shouted. "I said you don't have to do this!"

A familiar voice answered, firm and resolute. "This is the only way I can save you. I'm just doing what's necessary, sister."

The girl stormed out of the room, slamming the door as she ran the other way.

Eiji exhaled. "We got lucky—she went the other way."

Without hesitation, Akemi stepped into the room, Eiji right behind her. They found a lone figure standing near the bed, his back turned toward them.

Akemi hesitated before calling out, "Hayato?"

The figure stiffened, then slowly turned around.

then Eiji said " Yo Hayato how you doing"

Surprise flashed in his eyes. "Akemi? Eiji? What are you guys doing here?"