“It’s been a while, Mister Yuugo. I’m glad to see you all looking well.”
“Claire! You’re here as a guard too!?”
“Yes. I had a little something in mind, so I volunteered.”
A beautiful girl whose blonde hair shined in the sunlight and fluttered in the wind… Claire Rouge politely greeted the others.
Yuugo was happy to see her, since the last time he saw her was during the incident with Isaac. But he gulped a little as he saw the person standing behind her, as if hiding.
“Zenon… I see, you’re here too. How are you doing?”
“…”
It was the one who beat Yuugo in a duel, and caused his engagement to Claire to be annulled, Zenon Ash.
It seemed Claire’s new partner was coming along with her on this field trip, but he really had lost the shine he once had.
It was as though his once bold attitude never existed. He faced down with his back bent, and did not respond to Yuugo’s voice.
It might seem like a rude comparison, but he was like a zombie. And Ryuuga and Yui, who were meeting him for the first time, could not hide their surprise.
“Epee, who are these two…?”
“Hum, it’s a little complicated. I’ll try to keep it as simple as I can…”
Melt tried her best to explain what happened between Yuugo and Claire, and how Zenon related to it, and in the meantime, Yuugo turned to Claire again and spoke quietly.
“It looks like he’s still not doing well. Did you come here as a way to try to get Zenon to relax?”
“Yes… He has not been doing so well since that time when you helped us… I thought maybe getting away from the school would breathe some new air into him.”
Claire responded with her eyes cast down, looking sad, and Yuugo struggled with what to say back.
But he nodded, understanding that she was trying to be supportive, and Claire left after a small bow.
“Those two… Seemed sad. They were different kinds of sadness and loneliness, but they were represented in the colors of their souls very well.”
“…They’re not bad, it’s just that a lot happened and they’re tired. I don’t know if you’ll ever talk to them, but… Keep that in mind.”
Classes started again, exchange students arrived, but even in this new environment, some stayed the same.
Yuugo had no resentment towards Zenon left. But as he thought he’d like him to get back on his feet quickly, for Claire’s sake, someone else called out to him.
“Hey Yuugo. Looks like you’re getting along with the exchange students pretty well. I’m jealous. Really.”
Yuugo sighed, as he recognized this voice, and turned around.
He saw male students glaring at him, and spoke to two of them.
“Egos. And Shian too. What do you want?”
“Don’t make a scary face like that. We just want to thank you for saving us during that exam.”
Said Egos, and he laughed.
Normally, it would seem like the cheerful and lively face of a handsome man, but to Yuugo, all that smiling face meant was that he could not let his guard down.
Behind him, Shian looked sour, and there was no chance he was there to thank anyone.
Yuugo wondered what they were plotting, and Egos continued while still smiling.
“By the way, I heard just before… Your little brother will be looking after the exchange student Yui! That’s great!”
“Thanks. Is that it? If it is, go away.”
“Don’t be like that. Let’s talk a bit more…!”
Yuugo thought this was definitely strange.
They were practically enemies since that time when they went out looking for food. Why was he acting all chummy?
He was definitely… Up to no good. He would not be acting like this otherwise.
And as he thought this.. He felt someone tugging at his pants.
Yuugo was surprised, and when he turned towards it, he saw Yui hiding behind him, trembling like she was afraid.
“Y-Yui? What is it?”
“…!!”
Yui did not respond to Phi’s question, and her closed eyes… Were facing Shian and Egos.
She could not see with her eyes, but she could see souls. What could she be sensing from Shian and Egos?
There was little doubt it was something not good, so Yuugo thought he had to get her away from them, or they would influence her negatively. But as he was about to speak, the third voice was heard.
“Ah, there you are. I finally found you.”
It was a quiet but well-projected voice. Yuugo thought he heard it before, but did not know who it was.
He looked towards it almost reflexively, along with Shian and Egos, and gulped when he saw a white-haired girl walking towards them.
“Isn’t that girl one of the exchange students from Yamato!?”
“Setsuna Kogarashi? Yes, she’s joining this as a guest…”
Melt and Ryuuga saw her during the test, but they were surprised.
Meanwhile, Setsuna was still walking towards them, and continued speaking.
“I’m interested in you, so I was wondering if we could talk. I would be happy if I could have some of your time…”
“R-really!? I-I want to talk to you too!”
“N-no, she was looking for me, right? I don’t know which one it is, but we might as well both go…!!”
Shian’s sour face immediately turned to a smile, and Egos’ intensified even more, as they both welcomed Setsuna.
But… She passed right by them like a breeze, and stood in front of the person they were talking to.
“Ah…?”
She showed no reaction to Shian and Egos, which surprised Yuugo. And he was surprised even more by how she stood in front of him and looked directly at him.
What could she…? He thought, But Setsuna continued, with an amused smile that seemed to be hinting at something else.
“Yuugo Clay… I want to talk to you, so can I have some of your time?”
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Did not expect Zenon and Claire returning again. Wonder what will be their role this time?
Next chapter:
Melt walk toward Yuugo and grabs his arm, pulling it closer to her chest, then looks at Setsuna “what do you want fro m MY Yuugo?”
i swear whenever Shian and Egos show up, I start playing the Suga theme. The perefect mix of Bizarreness and tension