wait for me [illumi zoldyck]

45. Fedorov

Illumi

I peer over my shoulder, brows furrowing. From behind me, I can hear faint muffled speech, which is odd considering how detached the Hano estate is from civilization. The only other people to live here, besides the family, are the staff and most of them have long been dismissed, from what I've heard. So there shouldn't be anyone there, to begin with.

I wait a few moments, casting out my aura using En, to detect anybody on the premise. However, oddly enough, I don't identify anyone's presence in the vicinity. Deciding to stay cautious, I continue making my way to the manor, where I am meeting with Riku Hano.

When I arrive, the estate is dark and dreary. The large fireplace in the lounge area is put out, and all the curtains are drawn shut, leaving little to no light in the room. There is no sign of life anywhere, not even any staff.

As I stride towards the looming hallway beneath the staircase, I am reminded of the countless hours I spent with her in this very room. The last time we were here together, I was asking her to help me with a favor for Hisoka. That was also the day that she officially got engaged to Takeo Akagi. I hadn't seen her in two years and I was covertly anxious to even be in her presence. My father forbade me from returning after Mia's mother passed. So, telling myself that our relationship was nothing but a business attachment, I left without a word.

My footsteps slow as my eyes land on the couches in front of the large fireplace. A dismal emotion begins to stir within my chest, which I have been suppressing. A lump in my throat forms. I tried to rid myself of these feelings for a long time. I let myself mourn for long enough, but when it began affecting my jobs, I realized how much it was getting in the way of everything. At first, I immersed myself in work, but it wasn't of any help and father noticed I was beginning to get mediocre. Then, I assessed that the only way to get rid of these feelings would only be with stand-ins. However, despite my countless efforts, this agony always somehow finds its way back to haunt me.

Quickly, I avert my eyes from the couches and stride past them towards Riku Hano's office. I've visited the Hano residence a handful of times since the incident. Mostly to meet with Mr. Hano, but also to ensure that Matsu was being well taken care of. After my first visit, it became very clear that Riku was in no state to care for his youngest child. I concerned myself with Matsu the most, giving the staff strict instructions to care for her and continue her training. Mia would've wanted that.

When I arrive at his office, Mr. Hano sits behind his desk, perched over a handful of papers, and is clearly writing something down. He takes his time before looking up in my direction to acknowledge my arrival.

"Mr. Hano," I clear my throat, sauntering into the room and closing the door behind me.

The many windows in the spacious office are wide open letting in a chilly afternoon breeze. I can feel my long hair blowing across my shoulders. The cold doesn't affect me, but to any normal person, it would be very bothersome.

Riku gestures his hand towards one of the two seats before his desk. "Illumi, thank you for coming to meet with me again. Come sit."

His voice is calm but clearly strained. There are deep bags underneath his eyes as he observes me tiredly. From the looks of it, he must have not slept in a few days, so immersed in whatever he has been working on.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Hano?" I ask, wondering if perhaps something serious has happened. There is no other reason why he would insist on seeing me out of the blue.

Riku observes me with vigilant eyes. I can tell that there is a lot going through his head at the moment. There's something he wants to share with me but is considering whether he should bring it up or not.