Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo)

Chapter 4 Reminisce

[At the hospital...]

"How are you feeling?" Jiyan asked, his gaze fixed on you while you stared blankly at the ceiling. Your body was wrapped in bandages as you lay in the cozy hospital bed. "I'm fine, I guess?" you nonchalantly replied. Jiyan couldn't discern the thoughts occupying your mind at that moment, but he was certain that you were deep in contemplation. You were not only reflecting on the recent battle you had fought but also on the faces of the people that Calcharo had killed. You believed their deaths were unnecessary, as you could have imprisoned them, but the Leader of The Hounds remained unforgiving. You felt somewhat relieved that the issues around Huanglong were not caused by the real Hounds. However, you disapproved of Calcharo's methods, particularly his approach to handling situations that involved killings. But, you couldn't ignore the fact that mercenaries are still considered as criminals. Despite years of surveillance on the Ghost Hounds, you have been unable to obtain any evidence linking them to the deaths of certain aristocrats. You were aware that engaging these mercenaries in a contract would come at a significant cost. Only individuals of substantial wealth could persuade Calcharo to agree. Nevertheless, nothing changed—the Ghost Hounds remained at the top of your list of investigations.

"You know what's the only smart thing you've done today?" Jiyan raised an eyebrow, breaking the silence in the room. You furrowed your brows and cast a questioning gaze at Jiyan.

"That you refrained from pointing your sword at the Leader of the Ghost Hounds." Jiyan remarked. "Tch. I could have easily dealt with him if I hadn't been caught off guard." You responded, feeling frustrated. Deep down, you were aware of his strength, and the disparity in your abilities was glaringly evident. "I fought him once, two years ago while conducting surveillance around Norfall Barrens." Jiyan admitted. "He's not someone you want to mess with." Jiyan always acknowleded individuals with exceptional strength, whether they were allies or foes.

"I want you to understand that he's a master at what he does." His gaze lingered on you.

Suddenly, Jiyan's Pangu Terminal vibrated, signalling an incoming message. He glanced at the gadget, reading it before facing you. 

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~ Pangu Terminal SMS ~

From : Major Yue Xiu

"General, a logistical error has occurred at one of our bases. It is a pressing issue that demands your immediate attention."

~ End ~

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Jiyan stood up and reached out, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "I will have Lieutenant Qiang from the Rearguard accompany you back to the city after you finish here. I'll speak with you after you've had a good rest and..." He began to say, but paused. Jiyan's Pangu Terminal vibrated again; a second message. "...Rest well, Y/N." Jiyan finished with a lingering look, tucking you in before stepping out of the room. 

Lieutenant Qiang from the Rearguard had arrived, and Jiyan caught up with him in the hallway. "Lieutenant Qiang. Please take care of Madam Secretary and escort her back to her place once they have finished examining her. She's recovering from some minor injuries, so be gentle." The General instructed. Once Qiang nodded, Jiyan retreated to attend to the problem they had at their base.

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[A week later - Somewhere in Huang Long...]

"Y/N   L/N, Secretary of The Department Of Justice." Calcharo murmured quietly as he observed the information on his Pangu Terminal. Perched on a boulder near his camp, he allowed the moon's gentle light to cast a luminous glow around him, his long silver hair danced in harmony with the gentle breeze that swept through the air.