CHAPTER 7: THE DAY BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE

Why am I stuck with him again? I can't say there's nothing wrong. Because there certainly is. It's his cold presence.

He told me, "You'll accompany me today." Period. I mean, I know I'm in danger, but there's no need to stick with him. And besides, I don't think protecting me is the reason he told me to accompany him today. Definitely not.

He hates me. Remember?

"Ohhh, look who's here a married couple!" Eisha teased when she saw us walking toward the meeting hall. There was a meeting for the captains and lieutenants today. I shouldn't be here, but this guy... Psh.

Zeid took his seat, while I just stood there. There wasn't any other place for me! We were a bit late, and everyone was waiting for Zeid. I was embarrassed that I was the reason Zeid was late.

"Let's begin the meeting," said their Captain-Commander.

There are eight captains here, each with their own stations in different locations around the city. Each squad also has a special role in the city. But the main purpose of the squads is to protect the people, the city, and other areas under their jurisdiction.

"The special scout squad we sent out last week has returned. They reported on the villages in the remote parts of our land. If they weren't attacked by monsters, they were attacked by unidentified people," the Captain-Commander began.

I noticed their faces grew even more serious.

"The areas outside the city are in danger. These are places we haven't paid much attention to. So, I want to assign some captains to visit these areas and assess the situation. You might encounter people in danger or perhaps monsters. But I know you can protect yourselves.

"I felt a pang of discomfort, so I quickly turned to leave for a moment. But I suddenly felt Zeid's hand pulling me back.

I just let out a sigh and stayed where I was. After their discussions and arguments, Zeid spoke up.

"I have one more thing to say. This letter and this dagger," he said, then revealed the evidence he had gathered from my porch. I was startled.

The attention of his companions immediately turned to him.

"What's that?" Eisha asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Have you lost your eyesight, Eisha?" Lieutenant Ren retorted sarcastically, a teasing grin spreading across his face. Eisha opened her mouth to retort, but her words were cut short when Zeid stepped in and explained what happened to me in a way that made everyone take it more seriously.

"What did you see during those moments, Mira?" the Captain-Commander asked, his voice steady but filled with an underlying concern.

"I just heard some rustling noises. Then I felt the dagger strike me... That's all. I didn't notice anything else," I replied.

"I think... the problem is bigger than this. It's not because... this woman and I have some connection or because I want to protect her, but because I know there's a reason why they're after her. There's nothing special about this woman, but why is she the target of whoever those people are?" Zeid's words made me bristle again. He had a point, but couldn't he just call me by my name? Even that would be nice. Ugh.

There was still a lot of discussion, but I wasn't really paying attention anymore. After all, I'm leaving with Kaito tomorrow. They don't need to worry too much.

"I'll keep an eye on her," I heard Zeid say before their meeting ended.

We left while Zeid was still chatting with the other captains. I wanted to catch up with Eisha, but Zeid would immediately pull me back whenever he noticed I wasn't right beside him.

How am I going to manage tomorrow? I need to get away from him and get back to my room to pack my things. Lila is the one who usually gives me my clothes, and since I've been staying with Zeid, I don't have access to them. In short, I have no way to escape. Unless Zeid falls asleep or needs to leave without me. Plus, we don't sleep in the same room, so that's one point in favor of my escape plan.

And then, he brought me along to their quarters. I spent the entire afternoon by his side, even though I knew he wasn't really paying attention to me. His irritation was palpable, etched on his face like a permanent scowl, and I could almost feel the tension radiating off him. It was clear he was barely tolerating my presence, and I was walking on eggshells, trying not to provoke him further.

He remained silent unless I spoke first, and even then, his responses were curt and dismissive. I kept my head down, not wanting to draw his ire or be subjected to another one of his scathing remarks. The air between us was thick with unspoken frustration, and I felt like I was constantly on the verge of saying something wrong.

"U-umm..." I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper as I tried to muster the courage to say goodbye. He didn't respond, but I could tell he'd heard me. The silence stretched on, heavy and uncomfortable, making my heart race with anxiety.

"C-Captain Chen?" I called out. Formal, of course. He didn't want me calling him by his name, especially when we were outside the house. Only their captains and lieutenants knew that we were married, and of course, those closest to us. To everyone else, he preferred to keep it a secret. The captains and lieutenants only found out because they were invited to the wedding.

"Spill it," he said, his tone curt and impatient.

"Where is your bathroom here?" I asked. My face was still a bit flushed—it was embarrassing, after all! He looked at me, then pointed in the direction of the bathroom from his seat.

"Thank you," I said, then headed toward the direction he indicated. I went inside and, of course, performed the necessary ritual. Just in time, my energy stone lit up, so I took it out from inside my kimono.

"Kaito. Did you call me?"

"Yes. But it's important. I know where Eisha's squad was attacked. I want us to go there. But before that, let's meet at our old spot. Before sunrise."

"Okay," I simply replied before the light of the energy stone faded away.

I need to get away from Zeid.

---

I just sighed quietly as I watched Zeid talking with his squad members. I kept my distance from them because their discussion was important, and I really shouldn't be involved anyway.

I stood up, about to leave, but I saw Zeid glance my way. His look was piercing and disapproving.

Wait a minute! He hears every move I make, and he knows exactly what I'm doing.

Honestly, it's kind of creepy.When he said, "I'll keep an eye on her," he didn't just mean an eye—he's practically watching over me with his entire being.

I just rolled my eyes and looked away. Then I walked over to the window and looked outside.

This is the squad station in the center of the city, so it's easy to see the neighbors who live close to the station.

After a few minutes, Zeid called out to me by my last name before we headed off again. The captains are really busy. He has so much patience for everything else, but when it comes to me, it feels like he has none at all. Hahaha!

I mean, it's all paperworks and stuff. But whenever I make a mistake, he'll either give me a disapproving look or lecture me.

It seems like he's kind of my second boss—or even a father figure. Big sigh.

That's pretty much what we did all afternoon—just walking around while he did whatever he needed to do, and scolding or giving me a disapproving look whenever I tried to leave.

Eventually, we finally headed home. Of course, we went straight to his room.

If you're confused, we call it a "room" because the rooms are connected, but his "room" is actually the size of a small house.

In fact, his room alone is as big as at least four normal rooms, and since it's located at the farthest end, it occupies an even larger space.

The next room is the guest room.

(Just imagine a traditional Japanese or Chinese-style house that's long and mostly made up of rooms. There's a small porch or hallway, wide enough for two or three people, leading to the next rooms.)

I sat down on the couch and leaned back.

"I'll just have your food sent here. You don't need to go to the dining hall," he said, then left me alone.

As soon as he turned away, I smiled to myself and started to daydream.