September 25th, 18XX (Monday)

Akito didn't know what he was thinking, maybe all the stress from the meeting finally sunk in. Because he leaned forward and cupped the girl's cheeks, he intended to kiss her briefly despite his unusual state. However, before he could do it, she sent her fist flying on his right cheek.

"You—hit me," Akito said surprised. This was the first time a woman ever hit him. He rubbed the sore cheek with his hands, even without a mirror, Akito could tell there was a mark there.

Setsura rolled her eyes, "Of course, has nobody ever taught you manners? Or were you planning to take advantage of me? I knew your kindness was suspicious, just to let you know I know martial arts."

Akito didn't know what to say; he was stunned speechless. He's met many women. Due to being the only well legible heir to his household, the elders spoiled him rotten.

He had everything from money, to status.

Women flocked to his side like insects. All kinds of women, manipulative ones, cunning ones - but these snarky women didn't have a brain. Whenever they tried to scheme against him, he would beat them at their own game.

Fully aware that Setsura's questioning gaze remained on him, he ran his hand through his hair and sighed, "Calm down, I wasn't going to do anything," he really wasn't. Just now, he got caught up in the flow because the girl's resemblance to his late wife was shocking. When he first met her on the street, it felt like she had come back to life, "You resemble my late wife."

"She passed away?" Setsura asked, the girl still seemed wary, but the anger seemed to have diminished.

Akito nodded, "Yeah, a while back," he no longer knew exactly how long his wife passed away. It had nothing to do with the longing and pain that followed due to her death, but more like his memories seemed to have faded. Actually, his memory was strange; he could only remember the events of five years ago.

Rather than apologize like all the others have, Setsura does not say a word. She simply sat there and listened — what an unusual woman.

….....

The mansion gardens was a place he avoided, at least in his memories that is. This must be the place his wife went to frequently, "The roses here are lovely, and the place has been well cared for," Setsura said, breaking the silence between them.

It surprised Akito; he figured she was the quiet type.

"Yes, the gardener does a good job," Akito didn't know why that sounded strange to him. The Gardner? Sure they had one, but Akito knows he doesn't come here that often. And yet, he can't figure out any other explanation for the garden being in such a good condition.

Setsura nodded, "I see."

"Are you getting used to the mansion?" Akito asked.

It was a stupid question, she only just received permission to move around. While it does look like she's done a lot of exploring in that time, she most likely only saw a portion of the mansion.

"It's a very nice place, but I wonder," Setsura trailed off, she looked him up and down, "What's your work? Are you somebody famous?"

Akito sweat fell, this girl is very unusual. Doesn't she know who he is? It must be the first time in a long time where somebody didn't know who he was, "Didn't you see me in a military u inform before? I thought it would be obvious."

"I know your part of the police, but something doesn't sit right with that explanation."

Akito raised his eyebrows, how sharp. Still, "It's a bit dangerous going around and asking about a strangers background miss. You ought to keep your curiosity in check," certainly most people would not even think to ask that of a random person, let alone to a military police officer. But it seems this girl is no simple woman.

"I'm not a child."

Akito laughed, "Do you believe I'm upholding information because I think you're a kid?"

"Yes."

Well, that's part of it. He's always liked the saying of keeping the innocent ones uncorrupted; this girl is no exception to that rule. "Don't be in a rush to find things out. In a few years, when you reach a certain age, you'll want to return to this naive point in your life because you've learned too much," Akito advised her.

"Is it wrong to seek out knowledge then?"

"That would depend on what your seeking, there are certain boundaries a normal person should never cross."

That is the boundary between 'normal,' and abnormal. The line a person crosses when they stain their hands with blood and kill somebody with their own two hands. That is a line he does not wish for people to take unless it is necessary. Those in his line of work have already resolved themselves to be a murderer, to end lives with their own hands even if it is for the sake of the law.

His thoughts broke off when he felt Setsura's hand on his forehead, "Pardon me, but you're sweating. Are you in need of some rest?" the way Setsura looked at him with concern, reminded him of his late wife.

Akito tried to shake away the feeling of resemblance. It can't be that woman died a long time ago. He doesn't even remember her features clearly now. So why is he getting so worked up about it? Then again, deep down in his heart, he understood. He has yet to get over her. No matter how many years pass, he still towards her. He's still in love with her. The surrounding people around him have tried to set him up with other women. He's lost track of how many women they set him up with. Still, nothing changed.

Whenever he thought of his former wife, his chest would swell up in pain. His gaze fell on the flowers; she was the one who set up this garden in the first place.

'Let's make this boring house more lively. I brought these flower seeds, let's plant them.'

What started as a mere rose bush, ended up being a garden of different flowers. Since she passed away since she left this world, things have not been the same. People said he was a former shell of his past self. The days where he lead his people from victory to victory, where she stood right beside him - days where life had a meaning for him. Those days will never return.

Even though so many years had passed on from the incident. Akito continued his legacy and brought on more and more victories. But his gaze was cloudier, and no longer had that light whenever he used to lead. 'How could he possibly smile?' Akito thought bitterly. He wasn't even there when his wife died. He clenched his fist.

"I'm simply hot."

It was a stupid answer, of course. It's the middle of September, and the air was clearly chilly. Thankfully, the girl understood his silent message, and she removed her had.

"You remind me of somebody I know."

"Oh? Is this man dashingly handsome like me--."

"Your both stupid," Setsura interjected.

Huh, what? He wasn't expecting that.

The girl deeply sighed, "I knew somebody like you, somebody who foolishly strong, hardworking, and yet stubborn and stupid."

His gaze softened at those words. It was just a mere few sentences, but Akito could tell that there was a hint of longing and love in those words. It must have been somebody she loved and cared about. She used past tense, so that person is most likely no longer around. This must be the reason why he feels like he can connect with the girl. It's because they both lost their respective partners.

Now that he's figured it out, it should be easier to talk to her, "Once Kuri permits it, I shall take you out to town, and you can familiarize yourself with the place."

Not now though, right now the word on the street of him picking up a random girl is still around. It wouldn't be safe for her. He has to settle any loose ends with the false identity he created for her.

"Town," Setsura repeated, "When?"

"Perhaps in a month, it won't be two that's for sure," Akito looked her up and down, "Is there a problem?"

"No..."

Recalling how afraid she is being touched by men, he frowned. Is that the problem?

"I'll be with you, rest assured," Akito said. But he can't guarantee that guys won't accidentally brush past her, or purposely do that to get close. The woman named Setsura is gorgeous.

"Won't I stand out if I'm with you?"

Akito laughed, " A clever young miss you are. But, it's okay already," and Akito explains to the girl how he already made the necessary arrangements.

Setsura seemed taken back, "That's why you were busy?"

"Yes."

"Thank you," she muttered, "But, why would you do this for a mere stranger? You clearly know I'm not from these parks, yet you still help me out. What if I'm an assassin?"

An assassin? Her?

"D—don't laugh!" Setsura exclaimed, "You shouldn't judge somebody based on appearances."

Akito, however, couldn't stop laughing. He didn't know why he found it so funny; it's not like he thought of her as a frail person. He saw how she splendidly dealt with that arrogant nouveau rich kid the other day; she even carries around a concealed blade with her. It's natural for people to carry weapons around during this day and age. The laws are changing every day, and yet there is still violence in Tokyo that the Military police fail to see.

His gaze dimmed slightly, violence, huh? It's not like it's any safer in the manor, but still, his gaze fell on Setsura. This woman, he has to watch out for her. Akito knew what picking her up involved; it meant shifting his lifestyle and having somebody to protect. For a person like him, the last thing is a bother. He lives a dangerous life; his wife knew that too, and yet she accepted him.

He won't get involved with another woman ever again. He won't drag somebody else into his mess anymore.