Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 22

(Y/n)'s POV

"K-Kaito?"
"Kazuto, can I speak to (Y/n) privately for a minute?"
"Ah yeah, sure..."

Kirito left the room before shutting the door. What Was happening? What did we need to talk about? He sat beside me. My palms starting sweating. This situation was very unexpected.

"I'm sorry about before..." he started.
"Now you say that?! I don't think..."
"Don't worry, I don't expect you to forgive me. There is something I must warn you about."
"What is it?"
"You...may die soon."
"What are you talking about?"
"I fell in love a few years ago. She was something that could never be replaced."
"Where is she?"
"My father...had her killed."
"What?! Why?!"
"Well, you see...for generations, our family had arranged marriages so falling in love was a disgrace."
"Then-"
"Yes, father plans to execute you but I doubt Kazuto would let him. Falling in love is forbidden."
"Then what about your mother?"
"Father never loved, nor did she love him. They didn't hate each other but I wouldn't say they liked each other either."
"What about your jealousy-"
"I'm sorry about that. But it was true. Father never paid any attention me. It was Kazuto that received all the love and all the presents. I was like his shadow. But I never wanted to harm him. It was Asuna that convinced me. I'm sorry..."

Tears slid down his cheeks. He seemed a little like a child. I pulled him into a hug.

~Some time later~

Even though Kirito told me to stay in the room, I couldn't help but go outside. Being stuck in a room all day made me feel even worse.

Glocken's palace gardens had a completely different design from Swilvane's. I've heard about these specific patterns from my parents but I never thought they actually existed.

It was as if a fairy tale had come to life. I've always wanted to explore mazes!

Kirito's POV

I watched as (Y/n) went through the maze without any trouble. Originally, father had designed it to confuse intruders but I guess she didn't see it like that.

"Why don't you go down?" asked Kaito.
"I'm fine, she seems to be enjoying herself."
"Shouldn't you spend-"
"She's not going to die. I'll make sure she doesn't. I won't let her die."
"*sigh* You know how stubborn father is."
"I don't care. Even if it means defying father, I'd still be willing to fight for her sake."
"I see, she must be someone very important to you."

Yes, someone very important. Someone that couldn't ever be replaced. Someone I wouldn't ever give up on.

~Some time later~

Damn it! It was all my fault! I should've kept an eye on her. I should've been by her side. This was one of the reasons as to why I left in the first place! Father's too keen on strict punishments.

I barged into the room.

"Let her go!"
"Kazuto, I warned you not to interfere," father exclaimed.

(Y/n) was tied with her hands behind her back and a sword was aimed at her throat.

"Father, stop this!"
"You have no say in this! Leave."
"No, I'm not going anywhere!"
"Why care so much for this girl? I have already arranged a marriage for you. There is no need for you to get involved with some other girl!"
"Have you never loved?! Do you not know how it feels to see the person you love die in front of your eyes?! How would you feel if I died?! Would you even care?!"
"Kazuto, that's enough. Get out."
"No, I'm not going. Father, please...let her go."
"I'm sorry, Kazuto. But I cannot deny the law."

I unsheathed my sword and kicked the guy holding (Y/n). He didn't bother to come back. Tch, what a coward.

"Then I guess I'll have no choice but to fight you."
"Kazuto, listen to me-"
"No, you listen to me! She's the only one I love! How can I just let her die?!"
"I know this seems unfair-"
"It is unfair. Why...do we have to have these marriages?..."
"*sigh* I don't know why either."
"Why do you follow the law then?! You're the king! Change it!"

He got out his sword and pointed it at me.

"If you win, I'll let her go."
"I won't be going easy on you."

(Y/n)'s POV

I watched as Kirito fought against his father. They were both incredibly strong. I couldn't tell who was going to win. I wanted them to stop. They shouldn't be fighting because of me.

Suddenly, the rope around my hands were loosened. Who...

"Kaito?!-"
"Sshhh, we have to hurry. Kazuto will come later."

Before I could reply, he picked me up and ran out of the room. It was strange...I couldn't feel anything. I didn't notice it before because I wasn't paying much attention. But why...did he not feel like anything?

Kirito's POV

Unexpectedly, I was being lifted into the air as if I was floating. I was being pushed outside. Instead of me, Kaito was fighting father. Before I left through the window, he whispered something.
My eyes widened. No! Kaito, don't!

~Some time later~

My eyes fluttered open. Where was I? (Y/n) was next to me.

"Kaito! Where is he?!"
"I'm sorry..."
"He's not..."

She pulled me into a hug. He really...was dead...
Why didn't he tell me? For all those years, I thought...

"Here. He told me to give this to you."

(Y/n) handed me a letter along with a small bottle. I opened the envelope and read it.

Hey Kazuto,
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you for all those years. I'm not real, I'm just an artificial person. But I seemed real, right? Hahaha, even I thought I was real until father told me. He felt guilty seeing you so lonely all the time. I think that's why he created me, so that I could play with you. Eventually, I grew jealous. I guess he didn't think of me as a son. Oh and make sure to drink the potion, okay? It won't poison you so don't worry. I'm giving you your sword's contract. Anyway, I'm sorry for lying to you but I'm glad I got to meet you again after you left. Stay safe okay? I'll sort things out with father.
~Kaito

Why?...