Captured By You

6: The Truth

In the earliest hours of morning before the light arrived, Akihiko walked up the steps to his mansion and was immediately greeted by one of "The Eyes" at the door.

"Welcome home, Kyuuseishu-sama." the servant's deep voice greeted from within the darkness. Akihiko paused for a moment and slightly bowed his head before continuing inside.

As the prince walked into the foyer, the door was closed behind him and he went into the kitchen to brew himself a cup of coffee.

Patiently, he waited with his arms crossed as he leaned against the counter for the water to boil. The house was quiet and still, aside from the covert activities of "The Eyes" who were constantly lurking around the mansion grounds.

As steam began to rise from the kettle, Akihiko removed it from the fire. Using the french press, he poured ground coffee beans into the pitcher and added the hot water.

Once the coffee was fully prepared, he grabbed a mug and poured a chocolate syrup into it that he then mixed with the coffee. A few teaspoons of sugar, and it was to his perfected to his liking.

Taking the mug into his hands, he blew at the steam and leaned back against the counter again, though with a serious demeanor. 

Something was on his mind.

"Ryoku." he called lowly while closing his eyes.

Immediately a few feet in front of Akihiko, a kneeled figure  that looked like man, manifested from clouds of dark smoke. His eyes were a flaming orange and his figure was well-built within the black cloak he wore.

"Ohayo goziimasu, Kyuuseishu-sama." (Good morning, Lord Kyuuseishu. [Formal])

"I have an assignment for you."

The being looked up and stood properly. "What is it my lord?"

"The woman that I've been seeing..."

Ryoku raised a brow. "Yes?"

"I want you to keep close watch of her."

".. She must be of real importance to you." he replied.

"Yes. Which is why I want you to make sure that nothing happens to her."

"If I may reason with you my lord, you would rather send me than any of the others who are very well capable of handling such a task?"

Akihiko opened his eyes to respond. "If I choose to send the captain, then that is my choice." 

"Hai!" (Yes.) Ryoku bowed in compliance, taking his mission with the utmost severity.

Akihiko took a long sip from his coffee, and sighed in refreshment. Then, he smiled closed eyed breaking out of his seriousness.

"Coffee?" he asked cheerfully.

Takuma sweatdropped while staying in a bowed position.

"No thank you, Kyuuseishu-sama.." he then raised himself. "Was that all, sir?"

"Hai. You're dismissed." he briefly waved dismissively.

"Mm." he agreed with a grunt, then disappeared.

As silence filled the air, Akihiko sipped from his coffee again, enjoying the solitude.

A few hours past the break of dawn, Akihiko's older sister Anzu came down the grand staircase with stuffed luggage suitcases dragging behind her. Some servants picked up the stray clothing that fell out as she hauled it down the steps.