Chapter 13. My Light

"Once you can use the fire of justice, could you burn my soul?" Even the maid's voice had a slight quiver, almost surprising herself with that question. 

Hatsuki took her time to adjust her thoughts. To be asked to be completely erased of existence was a great matter. 'Should I even…' 

"Can I give an answer once I am able to use my ability?" Her voice felt as dry as a desert while answering. Eyes stared directly at the paper mask of the maid, just in case… to feel the hesitation or fear. 

"Sure, Miss. I am sorry for taking up your time. I shall head to the kitchen to warm up the breakfast" The maid gave a bow and left. Hatsuki too didn't dwell on it for too long and entered the room. 

There she could see the Master wearing a pair of glasses while reading the article. 

She tiptoed, trying to not make any sound and yet, with just a few steps, the Master eyed her instead of reading his paper. Feeling somewhat guilty she tried to simply bow and take a leave.

"You're awake quite early today," The master remarked, making her stop. 

"Well…yea. I had slept earlier so…" Her words lacked coordination, yet she couldn't help it. The night before, she had abruptly left after all. 

"I see. Let's go have breakfast now" The master got out of his seat. His luxurious long hair cascaded and moved like the little ripples of the lake as he walked. Admiring the sight Hatsuki walked behind him, wishing to at least have a camera. 

The table had been set and the warm porridge was brought along with the big buns. It was too simple, especially for an Arbiter, or so Hatsuki thought. After the prayer, they began to have breakfast in silence. 

As the two continued to have their meal, suddenly Kang Nai Xin flew inside the room and with its preppy song, made both Yuki and Hatsuki look at it. The little bird circled around Yuki and then rested on his shoulder. 

There was a little message tied to its ankle. The bird started to sing its song while the master carefully untied the knot and read the letter. A few minutes passed and yet, the master continued to read. 

"Tell them that I shall be there with my fiance" Yuki replied. 

Eh?!! Both the bird and Hatsuki had their eyes wide open. Hatsuki had to stop herself from sounding too loud as the confusion and astonishment were higher than her being in another world. 

"Why do you both act as though I should not have a fiance" Yuki glanced at his pet and his assistant, as though he felt pricked by their words. 

"Well…You just don't seem like someone romantic, Master. So…" A gentle smile formed on her lips as she tried to excuse herself. Even Nai Xin squeaked and started to speak in its own mother tongue. 

"Now that hurts." He replied in a flat tone. 

"You don't sound like you are hurt, Master. Tsk" Clicking her tongue Hatsuki continued

"Moreover, who is your fiance?" She asked with delight while Nai Xin too nodded its head. 

"Well…I have yet to find her or…." 

"Or?" Both Hatsuki and Nai Xin had their heads peep, hoping to know the first-class tea. 

"You could pretend to be." 

"EHHH??!! Of course not!" 

"Why not?" 

"Well…well… First, I am your student and what about all your… your admirers?! They'd think that I am not fit for you at all. I'm so young, it's too early for me to have a fiance, master" She pleaded with her doe-like eyes and soft voice. 

"Is it now?" He remarked to which Hatsuki was quick to reply, "Eh. I am not old like you" Her volume lowered with each word. 

Yuki could feel his smirk die down as the girl hit him right where it hurt. 

"Even if it means you get to learn a secret tip about bringing rain?" Yuki added, creating a dilemma for Hatsuki. This time, Hatsuki was the one who had her smile die down.

It was an emergency. She had to choose whether to fight for her freedom or try to obtain more information. 

She sighed. It was a tough decision, and her sweaty palms weren't happy at all, even so, she answered, "...I shall be your fake fiance but in return, you have to tell me the secret tip" 

"I will once you complete your part. But first, get ready as we will be leaving in an hour to attend the heavenly meeting" 

"Heavenly meeting? What is that, master? What am I supposed to do there?" Her brows furrowed in concern. Her lips slightly pouted and a little crease formed on her third eye. 

"Well, we will be heading to the white tiger palace where the assembly is held. You shall be by my side amongst the divine beings like the white tiger, black tortoise and the vermillion bird. Since the dragon lord isn't here, we shall be representing him so do not fear anyone or anything." 

"Eh? Then why do you need a fiancé?" She tried backing out. At times when the situation was too frightening, it was easier to give up especially for Hatsuki since in the drama the leads were often depicted as sharp and intelligent, but she knew… In a single sentence, she would lose. 

"I just don't want them to pester me to find a bride, that's all." 

"So, you indeed are too old" The words in her mind suddenly slipped out of her lips. As she looked up, she had been charged guilty by her master's vexing look. 

"Uh…Well…What I meant was don't I have to attend my classes today master?" 

"It's your choice. If you want to be a good student then join after the meeting ends, else you are free to do what you like" Yuki replied and got out of his seat, earning a little eye roll from Hatsuki. 

"Also, the theme is autumn leaves"