Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 75: Return to the infirmary

An hour had passed since the battle between Fleur and Viper had taken place and both fighters had been promptly put in the infirmary. Aster felt it necessary to keep them company in the small room which 2 weeks ago he had become familiar with. Before too long, Fleur had taken up, and assessed her surroundings.

"Why aren't I in the training room?", she pondered with dreary eyes. Aster tried to reassure her the best she could, "The fight is over, you're recovering now.", he informed her. In her curiosity, Fleur wanted to ask Aster the important question, "Who won? I doubt I'd be able to, being the useless capo I am...". It was clear to Aster that she didn't have a great opinion of herself, much like him. It almost felt wrong to to give her advice, but he knew after these weeks she wasn't useless at all.

The black haired boy took a deep breath and told the truth, "I don't want you saying that again. You try so hard, and recently we've only just begun seeing the results of that. As for an answer to your question, it was a very close match, but you pulled through and won.". Fleur smiled briefly, before looking away from Aster, "I-I'm glad that I'm making so much progress, I never thought I could come even close to winning.".

"Nonsense! You can do anything you put your mind to, Fleur.", continued Aster. Fleur was shocked that this was his opinion, before he'd tease her, calling her 'elf bitch', this is surely a fake, right? "Aster, why are you being so nice to me? It's not like you at all.", asked the elf girl. "I can't let people hate themselves when their actions aren't remotely terrible, that's all.", replied Aster. Fleur nodded in agreement, "That seems more like the Aster I know!", she remarked.

"That's because the boy's genuinely a good guy. Eh, Fleur?", said Vox, peering in from behind the door. "What are you doing in here?", asked Fleur in annoyance. Aster could see the daggers in her eyes as she stared at the fae, "Didn't see you there Vox. Is there a reason you're here?", he enquired.

Vox chuckled, "I was just checking if Viper was awake, I was hoping I could use her spell room for a while.". Fleur glared at Vox sternly, "Still getting involved with others business I see...", she remarked bluntly. Aster was puzzled, "I wasn't aware you had hard feelings toward Vox. I'm surprised you don't respect him seeing as 'Sir Edward' loves him so much.", he commented.

"Fleur didn't really take it well when I moved into the mansion. I don't blame her really, seeing as she was so young.", Vox added. Fleur was still pissed with Vox for being in the room, "Now that you know Viper isn't awake yet, can you leave please?", she insisted. Vox backed away, "If you insist, I'll be back in half an hour to check again if that's okay.", he informed as he left the room again.

"It's hardly my business to say, but don't you think it's a little harsh to have kept a grudge over all thse years?", Aster enquired politely. Fleur's shoulders were tense with frustration, "I've never liked that guy, something's always felt off about him, but no matter how much I tell Sir Edward, he always turns a blind eye to me.", elaborates the elf girl. "I see.", responds Aster.

"Maybe Edward barely responds because he's not provoked enough.", adds Viper, who was now waking up. Fleur was barely bothered after dealing with Vox, but Aster had an idea. "What if I bring it up? I could even tell him in his room. Being in his private space, he'd have to talk then. I just need to make sure Vox isn't there. Besides, the dude hates me, he won't turn a blind eye if even I, who shouldn't give a damn notices the tension.".

"Aster, I-I'm not sure you should be getting involved...", points out Fleur. "She's right Aster, if you get in involved in this, Edward could seriously hurt you", extends Viper. Aster shrugs and gets up from his chair, "Since when haven't I got involved in others' business, I'll be completely fine. Even if I don't, he wouldn't kill me, I gave him the most auction money these past few weeks.". Viper knew no one could stop him, "If you insist...", she mumbled, and as soon as they stopped talking, the boy had left the room.