Eurobeat and BL enjoyer*✧ ✰ ｡*

After a couple more rounds, the fearsome vampire lord catches a break.

Who knew that his prized possession had so much hidden stamina to keep him long under his foot? Even Shiki could tell that Akira was doing his best to hold back from going full force.

Of course, it hurts the red-eyed vampire’s pride that his partner doesn’t take him seriously. On the other hand, even if it’s hard to admit, he’s secretly happy to learn that someone as reserved as Akira can be possessive and prone to jealousy.

However, his train of thought is interrupted when his lover throws his arm over his shoulder, pressing his body against his back. The vampire rolls his eyes and murmurs. “What is it? Are you still not satisfied?”

The silver-haired man only nuzzles his neck and closes his eyes. “Can we stay like this for a while?”

When he opens his sleepy blue eyes, he lowers his gaze and adds in a sensible, shy tone. “Besides, you’ve been snuggling like this with no issues in your panther form. So, it shouldn’t make any difference to you now, I think.”

Such a humble request pleasantly surprises Shiki… but he starts to get up nonetheless. “Don’t be a fool. I just don’t want to lie in this mess like an animal.”

Unfortunately for him, his attempt is utterly crushed when a pair of arms wrap around him and his needy partner pulls him close.

“Please.” is all Akira says, nuzzling Shiki again and refusing to let go.

After a brief pause, he adds in a slightly concerned tone, “How else will I know that you’re here and not throwing your life away again? Stay for just a second. That’s all I ask…”

When the dark-haired male turns his head, Akira’s blue eyes seem to be begging him. For sure, the ruthless vampire feels brought to his knees just by that gaze and unable to disobey it.

‘When did you become so clingy?’ The vampire wonders. But for now, Shiki silently groans and replies like a prideful feline. “Hmph. As if I have anything better to do… But only this time. So, don’t get used to it, understood?”

Relieved, the silver-haired male says nothing, and instead he presses a soft kiss to Shiki’s neck before resting his head on his shoulder.

In the end, Shiki returns to his thoughts while being trapped in his lover’s embrace. ‘I swear… Be grateful that I’m in this state, thanks to you. Otherwise, you might be singing a different song.’

After several minutes, Shiki tries to escape from the tight hug and, fortunately for him, succeeds. After escaping, he puts on and fixes his black bathrobe, walking on wobbling legs towards the door.

However, his partner’s voice makes him turn his head. “Wait.”

Akira’s laying on his stomach now, looking slightly concerned, “Will you be alright on your own? Just give me a moment and I’ll help you to walk.”

As the vampire leans against the door and feels the remains of their fight for dominance running down his thigh, he closes his eyes and fires back like a proud cat. “There is no need. Doing something useless like that would be a waste of breath.”

For sure, the blue-eyed male’s stubborn behavior makes him facepalm. After Akira brushes his hair from his face, he sighs. “But you may trip and hurt yourself.”

The dark-haired man’s poker face breaks when his prized possession stands up and picks up a white shirt lying on the carpet, not caring whether it belongs to him or not.

At that moment, the fearsome vampire, Lord Il Re, is like a cornered feline that doesn’t want to be petted. Akira can practically see his lowered panther ears and long tail curled around him, the tip twitching.

But for now, Shiki responds in a mildly irritated tone while his unbothered partner, wearing only a buttoned shirt, approaches him. “You worry too much, idiot. Just wait for your turn. Understood?”

After the silver-haired male takes his hand and throws his arm over his shoulder, he stares at him with demanding blue eyes and whispers. “Please.”

A moment later, the red-eyed vampire turns his head away and admits his defeat. “Do as you wish…”

Akira lowers his shoulders and nods before wrapping his other arm around his partner’s waist and leaving the bedroom together.

Meanwhile, a demon maid with green hair cleans the corridor, dragging behind her a vacuum cleaner whose body is an enormous skull with a hose made of spinal bones.

But she immediately turns it off as soon as she notices Shiki leaning on his lover.

For sure, that view alone bewilders the long-time servant of this castle. After all, it’s her first time in her life-span seeing a ruthless vampire that has never shown any weakness, now so vulnerable and fragile like a rag doll.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t leave the green-haired demon indifferent towards her master. Thus, when she turns off the vacuum cleaner, she addresses this couple with big, concerned eyes while resting her clenched palm on her chest. “Master, are you alright? Are you sick?”

When Shiki turns his head, his exhaustion and annoyance is evident as he narrows his eyes, glaring at the maid for a moment before turning away.

“Did Akira-sama do something to you?” The green-haired demon presses.

At that moment, the red-eyed vampire feels pierced by another sharp knife and lowers his head.

The demon tilts her head to the side and gives a questioning look at him. “Did you hurt him, Akira-sama?”

Akira senses the rising dark, murderous aura surrounding his partner. However, he remains calm and makes a request of the servant: “Can you send someone to tidy the bedroom and prepare the bath for us?”

“Y-yes! Of course!” The green-hair demon bows before running on her way.

After the couple is finally alone, the silver-haired male checks on his partner. Despite Shiki quietly growling, and his eyelid twitching, Akira closes his eyes and sighs. “Let’s go. Besides, weren’t you the one who wanted to go to the bath so badly?”

Thus, he prompts the dark-haired male before continuing the walk down the long corridor.

Some time has passed. Somewhere in the study room, deep in the dark Lord’s Il Re’s library, Akira comfortably rests in the armchair and reads another book from Shiki’s personal library while waiting for his return, unaware of the presence of the Evil One who tormented his lover for years.

Suddenly, the chill air and strangely familiar energy makes the silver-haired male freeze. As he lowers his book, he looks around, but there is no one aside from him, and that brief aura is nothing like Shiki’s.

After he closes his eyes and lowers his shoulders, Akira sighs. “Just be careful, you stupid vampire. I won’t forgive you if you die on me.”

Meanwhile, at the castle’s entrance, a loud banging on the wooden gate echoes through the room, awakening Il Re’s pet snake locked beneath.

The giant, black-scaled reptile lifts its head and opens its mouth, ferociously hissing at the intruders disturbing the peace.

“Silence!” his master says, immediately calming the snake.

The enormous snake lowers its body and flicks its split tongue while patiently waiting for its owner’s command.

Shiki lowers his sheathed blade and closes his crimson eyes, an arrogant smile crossing his lips. “… Not now. Why don’t I greet the guests first?”

When he lifts his head and opens his eyes, he orders the demon servants without looking back. “Take Akira to the underground caverns and make sure he doesn’t leave until I say so. Unlock Slyther’s room as well.”

The group of maids nods, some rushing to the library and a couple of them to the chained door that seals his pet.

‘Hmph. It’s been a while since I had so many human beings coming to my castle.’ The vampire ponders as he approaches the entrance gate with noble elegance.

However, when he opens the door, the smug look on his face fades away upon seeing a familiar couple: a red haired nun and a priest. Not only that, it seems they arrived not alone but brought an enormous group of men wearing white sacred hooded cloaks as well.

As the wind ruffles Emma’s sleeve like a waving flag, she politely greets the vampire lord. “Good evening. Ah, and what an honor we have earned to be greeted by Count Il Re himself.”

Wasting no time, the red-eyed vampire looks for a specific item in his pocket and upon finding it, tosses it at the redhead servant of God.

Fortunately, Emma’s reaction is quick, and she catches the cross at her and keeps it close to her chest while listening to the vampire’s indifferent speech. “If you came to pick up the boy you sent to take me down, leave. He was a waste of my time.”

Just as Shiki is about to shut the gate, a foot steps in, and the dark-haired priest holds onto the door without removing his eyes from the nocturnal creature.

Gwen narrows his eyes grip firm on the door.

“Father, you can let it go.”

Emma’s voice makes him turn his head. A moment later, she addresses the fearsome Count Il Re: “Not so fast, vampire. There’s something that you can do for us. So why don’t we talk?”

As she smirks like a viper, she adds, “Or would you prefer to be finished here and now, along with your servants, while we inspect this den of unholy creatures?”

Not even a second passes before the men in robes raise the holy relics, aiming at Shiki.

The noble creature of the night indifferently stares and respires. Hmph. They think they can threaten me with cheap toys? What a bunch of pathetic worms.

“Either way is fine by us. So what do you say, Count Il Re?” Emma continues.

However, the noble creature of the night keeps his stoic stance while leaning against the door. “Leave. I have no interest in fighting weaklings.”

“Neither we sending the Inquisitors to take care of one pesky, arrogant vampire. But there is someone else in this castle that must be retrieved dead or alive at any cost.” The stubborn, red-haired nun fires back with confidence.

Suddenly, the ice-cold and powerful presence of one certain dark entity, sends the bad shivers and makes Shiki widen his eyes. While he grips his arm, he wonders. ‘Shit… and of all times for him to show up. However, I won’t let him steal what belongs to me.’

He grips his katana and with his thumb pushes the sheath down, revealing the naked blade. He doesn’t remove his crimson eyes from the army of his enemies.

But Emma doesn’t give in to her opponent’s intimidation, “You aren’t leaving us much choice. If the only way to get to him is through you, so be it.”

Shiki takes another step and leaves through the door, he turns his head and gives a firm command to his loyal pet. “Slyther, come. Tonight, you can feast as much as you want on these vermin!”

And with these words, the large black snake bursts from its room and outside.

But before he or his snake can advance, knives from above cut through the air and stab one of the cloaked men. Shiki glances at one of the windows.

“Master, please let us take care of them!” The reserved blue-haired maid with the blue eye patch shouts from a window, another set of knives glinting between her fingers.

More so, there are several other demon maids on the roof with their folded wings, long sharp nails, and lashing tails that are ready to shred anyone who threatens their precious master’s life. On top of that, an army of armored knights surrounds the holy men.

As soon as the battle breaks out, Shiki rushes into the castle, sensing the Evil One getting close to the Inner Quarters. ‘He won’t run away this time!’

Meanwhile, in the study room, the sound of a door slamming in the distance makes the silver-haired male lift his head.

“Young Master, there is no time to waste! You must follow me!” the green-haired demon swiftly flies across the library without hiding her genuine concern.

Placing the book on the table, Akira stands and tilts his head to the side. “What happened?”

The concerned demon maid only folds her wings and presses her intertwined fingers against her chest with her lowered long pointy ears and big pleading eyes. “There is no time to explain. We have to hurry before it’s too late, Young Master!”

“Where is Shiki? Did something happen to him?” The silver-haired male asks.

The green-haired demon lowers her darkened face and immediately takes his hand. “Please listen to me. Master is fighting hard to protect you and everyone in the castle and told me to take you somewhere safe. I’ll drag you by force if needed.”

“Take me to him.” Akira orders shortly.

After a brief pause, he adds in a confident tone, “Your master may take more than he can handle and I cannot allow him to die. Or are you okay with whoever overthrows him and becomes your new master?”

“Akira-sama...” The demon maid only stares in disbelief. When she releases his hand, she softens her gaze. “As we speak, Master should be getting closer to the garden in the inner quarters.”

Akira closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Thank you.”

Wasting no time, he heads towards the exit of the library.

Meanwhile, the green-haired demon maid bows and bids farewell. “Please be careful, Young Master.”

‘... Because Master needs you more than ever.’ she thinks to herself while watching the blue-eyed male slowly disappear from her sight.

After several minutes, Akira reaches his destination. However, he is shocked upon noticing the distorted scenery of once flourishing flora, plant monsters, and the ruined wings of the golden goddess statue on the top of the center fountain. It was as if a powerful beast had been looking for something. Even the crimson full moon in the sky only observes and illuminates this scene for the final act.

A few moments later, after shaking his head and fixing his hair, he steps deeper into the ruined garden. Step by step, until he gets close to the enormous fountain, and sees an unknown male figure.

He was sure he had never seen this man before in his life, but Akira had a strange feeling that they had met before, if not in this world, then in another one and another time.

The blonde man might be another vampire hunter, but that doesn’t scare Akira. He instinctively approaches the mysterious stranger, as if is drawn to him by invisible strings.

However, the cracked tiny stone under Akira’s foot and the man immediately turning back alert him and make him step back.

Meanwhile, the stranger with pale skin silently stares at him with his glowing purple eyes and a calm, robotic look.

“Who are you?” The blue-eyed male asks carefully.

The man doesn’t say a word, and it’s impossible to read his face.

Undeterred, Akira continues his interrogation, “Answer me. Is this your work?”

The light-haired man only turns his head and lowers his gaze.

After slowly blinking, he returns his gaze to Akira, moving closer to him.

Just as he lifts his extended arm towards the blue-eyed male, the click of a blade makes them both look back.

The bloody, red moonlight illuminates the dark vampire lord and his trustworthy katana blade pointed at his enemy.

When Shiki bares his fangs and wrinkles his nose, he growls like a feral beast while his red eyes glow with the hellish fury. “You won’t escape this time, you bastard!”

Akira could swear he had never seen such pure rage in his partner. His cold, murderous energy alone could kill an ordinary person on sight.

Meanwhile, the purple-eyed male keeps his stoic look and lowers his arm.

When he presses it close to his chest pocket, he narrows his indifferent gaze and comments in a monotonic voice. “You are still alive?”

After closing his eyes, he turns his head towards the silver-haired male and comments. “You… You are also tainted by the same black color as him.”

For sure, his long-time arch-nemesis ignorance continues boiling Shiki’s primal hatred for the nocturnal creature that once stripped his pride. Even the scar on his chest aches by his sight alone.

When he prepares to launch himself at the light-haired male with the heavy slash, something small and sharp rapidly flies past him.

As the crimson liquid runs down the noble vampire’s cheek, he hisses through his bitten teeth and freezes into the same spot.

Suddenly, Akira’s arms drop, and he calls his partner’s name. “Shiki!”

Before he steps in, the same sharp item bounces off the wall and flies near him. But it doesn’t freeze him in the same spot as the stern male voice announcing. “Halt!”

Apparently, that voice belongs to the preserved dark-haired priest.

As he catches the ricochet gem in his gloved palm, the red-haired nun steps forward and holds the bullwhip close to her chest. “You can no longer run away from us. Give up now.”

Seeing two familiar faces from the past shocks the silver-haired male. All he can do is silently say. “You two…”

“Hand over to us Premier Nicole and Null Nicole and we’ll make sure the Ordinary will take care of them. Your death will be also instant, if you cooperate with us, vampire.” Gwen addresses the noble ruler of the night and ready to unleash his weapon at any moment.

“Hmph. There is no need of him, Father.” The redhead curves a smile like a viper.

As she points the whip at Akira, she narrows her gaze and explains. “Haven’t you sensed yet? He is no longer human. Besides, he already served his purpose of luring Nicole. That’s why I can finally put them down before the church gets them.”

Meanwhile, Shiki lowers his sword and studies this couple that he temporally forgets about his arch-nemesis, who is apathetic to what is happening.

Gwen’s poker face finally cracks, and he addresses his mission partner. “Emma!… That’s not what we agreed! Are you disobeying the given orders? Are you aware of what happens to you if they discover you betray them?”

As something painful stuck in his throat, he continues. “I knew something was off about you before this mission started… I should have reported about you to the Ordinary before it was too late.”

Suddenly, his words are interrupted by the crack of a whip, and he yells in pain. “Gaah!…”

After Emma unleashes another heavy strike, she kicks him until his body hits the ground.

When the redhead nun bites her lip, she closes her eyes and confesses. “As if I ever cared about it! These church fools can do whatever they want, but I won’t let anyone stand in my way. Not until I put these two out of their misery caused by these heartless religious freaks!”

“That’s too bad that you betrayed me as well. Good bye...” Emma says with a bitter smile, tightening her whip around Gwen’s neck until he finally gasps his last breath.

Loosening her trusted weapon and lowering it, she faced the purple-eyed male, approaching him with an unusually concerned tone. “I’m only doing this to shield you from those awful men who twisted you into a monster.”

Upon remembering their last encounter, she feels a phantom pain and grasps the hollow sleeve of her tunic. “That’s why, for your own sake, I have to end this here, Nano.”

Just when she gets close to the light-haired blond and lowers her shoulders…

Suddenly, she widens her eyes and groans as this man’s hand pierces her chest like a sharp blade.

After Nano withdraws his smeared with bright red blood elbow, he indifferently stares at the redhead nun falling on her knees like a rag doll with cut strings.

Emma looks at him with her pitiful big eyes while her trembling lips whisper a few mute words before collapsing and sinking into the world of never-ending darkness.

After an intense pause, Shiki breaks the deadly silence and fixes his hair. “Now, it’s your turn.”

With these words, he charges at his opponent, who only cracks a mocking smile.

However, the dark-haired male becomes alerted by slashing a thin air and his arch-nemesis standing behind him.

Fortunately for him, he dodges the fatal claw strike.

Calmly, Nano observes the dark-haired swordsman, who nervously gulps and points his trusty weapon at him.

“You have fangs and claws, but you still cannot use them. Creatures like you don’t survive long in nature. You are still -” The blonde comments.

His words are immediately cut off by Shiki’s aimed stabbing strike.

However, his attack is evaded.

A moment later, the purple-eyed male sends a powerful punch into his guts, making him gasp and twist his face in agony.

Meanwhile, Akira watches as the blonde grabs Shiki by the throat and lifts him as if he was a small animal captured by an apex predator.

Even so, his body starts moving on its own, and he sneaks to pick up his partner’s dropped weapon.

The red-eyed vampire narrows his gaze and hisses as the grip around his neck tightens, accompanied by a faint cracking noise.

Even if he understands his demise is near, he refuses to let this sadistic creature enjoy his suffering or struggle in vain.

Without removing his eyes from the vampire, Nano extends his sharp nails and aims at his target’s belly.

Lastly, he announces in the same monotonic, lifeless voice. “Do not fear. I’ll set you free from this pointless existence. You won’t even notice it, vampire.”

The very little that he knows, the real threat to him is closer than he thinks.

Without Nano suspecting him, the silver-haired male with flaring blue eyes right behind him with his shining blade reflecting the crimson moonlight.

One sudden move and Shiki’s katana penetrates his chest, making him drop the original owner of it.

Even so, Nano lowers his gaze and indifferently stares at how his brown coat soaks with a dark liquid and the tip of the bloody blade.

“Ah...” the light blond sighs as if it is a small inconvenience to him.

After Akira pulls out the katana, he tilts his head and declares with a strong determination. “I have no idea who you are or what you need from me. However, I will not care if you are a demon, human, or the god himself. Dare to touch this man, and I’ll send you to the netherworld.”

Nano slowly turns towards the silver-haired male and takes a step closer to him while his purple eyes start glowing in various spectrum colors.

In the meantime, Shiki picks up his other sword and addresses his long-time enemy. “It’s not over yet. So, face me, you coward!”

However, the purple-eyed male ignores him yet again and focuses on Akira.

Surely, it annoys the dark-haired swordsman, and he lowers his darkened face.

As the murderous aura grows stronger with each second that makes Akira step back, Shiki addresses his partner while containing his primal rage. “Stay back and do not interface. It’s between him and me.”

When he lowers his katana, he rushes at his opponent and unleashes the heavy upward slash.

At that moment, Akira observes this as if time had frozen around them and Nano facing Shiki and accepting his fate.

Hell, he can swear that he could hear Nano whispering while putting on a victorious smile. “I won...”

Slash! The blond man’s head flies into the sky and as the bloody fountain splashes from his neck, his body harshly hits the ground.

A second later, Shiki falls to his knees and, as he deeply breathes, he lowers his head. “It’s over...”

The red-eyed swordsman covers his face with his palm and his chuckle growls into laughter. “It’s finally over!”

As he holds the corpse of the fallen enemy, he lifts him by his upper arms and brings him close to him.

Even Akira feels the bad shivers down his spine when the madness glows in these red glowing eyes with madness.

However, when Shiki opens his mouth and reveals his sharp fangs, he is about to sink them into the cut neck...

Suddenly, the silver-haired male acts upon the instincts.

After clenching his palms into fists, he approaches his partner and bends down.

As the harsh, loud slap echoes across this area, he pushes the dead body away from the reckless vampire and roughly grabs Shiki’s shoulders.

While the red-eyed vampire is dumbfounded and feels his pulsating, aching cheek, he keeps his bewildered look and respires.

When Akira lowers his head and bites his lower lip for a couple of moments, he lashes out at his partner. “Look at yourself! You already won. You finally set your score. That man is already dead and you are still not satisfied? Just why?... WHY ARE YOU STILL OBSESSED OVER HIM AND WANT TO KEEP HIM LIVE INSIDE YOU?!”

After shakily exhaling, he confesses. “I hate it. You should have killed me while you could, you fool... However, now, I won’t let get dragged together to whatever hell that man went... Even if that will take an eternity, I’ll make you forget that man and look only at me, no matter what it takes.”

These words spark the excitement in the noble creature’s of the night eyes and he curves a satisfied smile.

“How are you... Nevermind. Do what you wish...” He closes his eyes and replies.

When he rests his palms on his partner’s shoulders, he opens his eyes and adds. “Let’s go. The battle is over, but there is a lot of work left, thanks to these pesky invaders.”

After both stand up, Akira follows Shiki to wherever he might lead him.

Yet the dark-haired male is briefly surprised by his partner holding into his hand and gently tightening his grasp.

In the end, he turns his head and listens to Akira’s full-hearty confession. “I’m not letting you go. Not this time, not ever in the future.”

Not only these words but also these blue faithful eyes make even a ruthless vampire blush and turn his head before his partner used it as his chance to either tease him or point out the obvious.

Nevertheless, deep inside, he wouldn’t mind it. After all, Akira keeps proving that he is more than worthy of standing by his side for the rest of eternity.

Notes:

A couple of weeks have passed since Shiki started to train Akira.

Despite such a brief period, the vampire is genially impressed by how quickly his human mastered the basics of swordsmanship.

Perhaps tomorrow he’ll take Akira to the Colosseum. Besides, if any pesky fool will survive long enough, he’ll allow him to face him as supposed-to-be Il Re. Or so Shiki decides as he watches the silver-haired male slashing down the armored knight.

Within the shattering metal noise, Akira puts his katana back into the sheath, attaches to his belt, and closes his eyes.

As he turns his head and opens his calm blue eyes, he addresses Shiki. “Is that all? Or did you pick low-ranked monsters because you’ll feed on me later?”

While the dark-haired male leans against the training arena’s wall and crosses his arms, he smirks like a feline. “Unless you want it so badly.”

Sure, it’s hard to keep his serious face, but Akira decides not to let the vampire tease him, and only silently exhales while approaching him.

After a brief pause, Shiki adds. “Let’s go. You need to rest for tomorrow.”

The blue-eyed male raises his eyebrow as he follows his partner. “What are you up to this time?”

Before Shiki opens the gate, he turns his head and replies. “You’ll see by then.”

Lastly, Akira rolls his eyes and remains silent.

A second later, he turns his head and gets prompted by the vampire. “What is it? Don’t just stand there.”

After the silver-haired hunter lowers his gaze, he opens the door and steps inside.

At the very least, he expected to see the walls covered in wooden planks and lighten up with small torches across the entire corridor.

More so, Akira strangely feels comforted by the light of countless warm flames surrounding them.

Even on their way, he can hear the faith sound of the streaming water that gets louder with each step.

Certainly, he hasn’t expected to see such spacious indoor hot springs.

On top of that, modern era style one, with oak plank walls and ceiling, and a stone floor.

In the corner of the room stands a beautiful white marble statue of a woman pouring water from a pitcher.

Even the buttons on her tunic, the necklace, bracelets, and her hair accessories are made from gold.

More so, the water runs down without rest from her held pitcher to the bath, which could fit at least a group of people.

Next to the statue, there are large shelves with rolled towels resting on them, bottles of massage and aromatic oils, and lightened votive candles.

Soon, Akira remembers he might be here not for nothing. After turning his back, he asks. “Why did you bring me here?”

However, the vampire only closes his eyes and replies. “That’s a stupid question.”

When he opens his crimson eyes, his chin points at the towel shelf and commands. “Undress and put it on. Or do you need a help with that?”

At first, the silver-haired male seems to listen to his partner’s demand.

When he approaches one shelf and picks a snow-white towel, he turns his head and slightly frowns. “Then what about you? I’m not going in if you’re going to just stand there and watch.”

Instead of saying anything, Shiki gracefully gets closer like a feline.

As he holds Akira’s chin, he narrows his gaze and smirks. After all, these indignant yet questioning blue eyes entertain him.

After a brief pause, he releases his partner’s chin and turns his back. Just before taking his leave, he replies. “Just make sure that I find you in the bath.”

In the end, Akira only closes his eyes and exhales.

No matter what that stupid vampire has in mind, it’s useless wasting time trying to guess what he has planned. Moreover, he will become bored quickly if he continues playing by the rules he has created. The blue-eyed swordsman decides as he unbuttons his black vest.

Some time has passed.

Akira is completely at ease in the hot spring, where the water seems to wash away all his troubles and stress.

At this point, he doesn’t even care to fall asleep or slide to the center of the bath and drift to wherever the current will take him.

Finally, he closes his calm blue eyes and listens to the streaming water while forgetting that Shiki has left.

Several minutes have passed.

Suddenly, Akira widens his eyes and sits by the sound of something poured into the water.

After he turns around, he notices Shiki only having a towel wrapped around his waist and holding an empty green bottle.

He was not confused by the dark-haired man standing over him, but by the spreading scent of lavender in the room.

“What is it with you?” Shiki asks before walking down the stairs and joining his partner.

Despite Akira moving further from him, the vampire keeps sitting closer to him.

After getting chased like this for a good circle, he gives up and allows the red-eyed vampire to sit close to him.

But for now, Shiki crosses his arms and exhales while his human looks away.

After a minute of awkward pause, the silver-haired male lowers his shoulders and turns his head towards his partner.

Just as he opens his mouth, he notices Shiki is peacefully sleeping. Or so Akira can assume from the vampire not responding to him.

In any case, it’s his first time seeing the fearsome ruler of the night exposing himself like this in his true form.

More so, Akira feels how the blood rushes to his cheeks by observing the slumbering nocturnal creature.

No matter how hard for him to admit it, he slowly starts admiring how a ruthless creature like Shiki reminds him of a beautiful, fragile porcelain doll with pale skin and silky hair and how even a single wrong touch could shatter him into tiny pieces.

At this point, the vampire might be easily mistaken for one by his doll-like face with the pretty eyelashes.

Unfortunately, when Akira lowers his curious blue eyes on his partner’s chest, he instinctively grasps his own and softens his gaze.

Apparently, there is a scar in the middle of his chest, as if he was stabbed by the enormous blade in the past.

As his fingertips are about to touch the vampire’s scar, he gets alerted by Shiki opening his eyes.

A moment later, the water splashes as Shiki grabs his wrist and pulls him close.

Even when his body is pressed against his partner’s and his hand thrown over his shoulder, Akira cannot comprehend how he ends up in this position.

However, the vampire’s voice makes him lift his head. “What were you thinking of doing?”

At that moment, the silver-haired male can only stare with his big blue eyes at Shiki, looking at him with his stoic face and waiting for his answers.

Soon, Akira returns to his senses.

After he closes his eyes and shakes his head, he places his palms on his partner’s chest and gently pushes him away.

To his surprise, Shiki only silently observes him as an annoyed feline whose sleep is disturbed for no reason.

After the blue-eyed hunter leans against the bath’s wall and lowers his gaze, he comments in a slightly gloomier voice. “I don’t understand… Vampires are known for their instant wound healing. You weren’t supposed to have that scar. So, why do you have it? Who done this to you?”

“Hmph. It shouldn’t concern you.” The vampire backfires as he crosses his arms and narrows his gaze.

Yet, Akira immediately responds while giving a questioning look. “Does it have anything to do with That Man you mentioned once?”

It makes Shiki widen his eyes and grasp around his heart area by remembering HIM and HIS indifferent changing color eyes looking down on him while his bloody palm twitched.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired male closes his eyes and sighs. “So, I was right…”

As he opens his eyes, he adds. “Just whom in the world have you fought? It’s not an ordinary monster, right?”

For sure, it’s the last drop patience of Shiki’s patience.

Suddenly, he corners his prey while his crimson eyes glow and silently growling at him.

Despite the nocturnal creature’s intimidation, Akira keeps his poker face without removing his eyes from him.

After a brief pause, he addresses the vampire. “Do as you wish. However, weren’t you the one who told me not to let the emotions control you? At least practice what you preach.”

When Shiki places his hand on the side of his human’s neck and slides it down, he rests it on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Akira voluntarily turns his head and exposes the other side of his neck, impatiently waiting for the vampire to sink his fangs.

Besides, it’s not the first time when Shiki feeds on him. That’s why he has learned to make himself comfortable while Shiki feeds on him.

Despite that, he still cannot bring himself to look at how the vampire is about to sink his fangs, as if it were watching how a nurse is about to draw blood from him.

However, he is alright with Shiki feeding on him. At least he can be reassured that this stupid vampire is safe and not recklessly throwing his life.

Yet, he is still not fully get used to by Shiki’s fangs piercing his skin each time. Akira thinks to himself while mentally preparing for another ritual, which has become an inevitable part of his routine.

Meanwhile, such a gesture thrills the nocturnal creature, and he delightfully narrows his gaze.

“You are something else, Akira…” Shiki remarks in a purring-like voice while holding his partner’s upper arm with his other hand.

Lastly, the silver-haired male lets out a shivery sigh and closes his eyes when the vampire licks his neck.

“What I just told you earlier?” Akira whispers upon understanding that he has become a toy for this large feline. Nevertheless, he sinks his fingertips into Shiki’s hair and starts stroking them.

‘You stupid vampire…’ He wants to add but keeps it in his mind and closes his eyes.

It is the evening of another day.

Tonight, Shiki is supposed to show something important. Whatever it is, that vampire takes his time for what he refers to as preparations.

Either way, it must be something worth all that hype, then. Or so Akira decides as he checks the time on his pocket watch.

However, the sudden knock on his bedroom door and the polite voice behind it get his attention. “Are you awake, Young Master? Master Shiki would like to see you.”

“Yes. I’m coming.” The silver-haired male replies as he fixes his shirt.

After he opens the door, the demon maid with curly red hair closes her eyes and nods. “Please follow me.”

Thus, he closes the door behind him and follows this demon.

After a while, they leave the inner quarters and reach the same rusty elevator with metal bars that take them to the training arena.

When Akira expects the elevator to stop on the second floor, he is surprised that it’s still going up while the redhead maid remains calm.

When she notices the confused hunter, she gives a slightly concerned look. “Is everything alright, Young Master?”

A second later, she closes her green eyes and smiles. “Please do not worry. Just a little bit and we’ll be there.”

Upon the sound of the squeaking gears and rustling chains, the old elevator stops, and the metal bar door slides to let out the passengers.

After walking for a few minutes in the corridor, this couple is greeted by the spiral stone staircase lighting up.

For now, the demon maid politely points at it with her palm. “This way, Young Master.”

Meanwhile, he feels as having no choice but to follow the redhead until they reach the top of it. Or at least Akira believes so.

However, the silver-haired male stops climbing the stairs and widens his eyes as someone gently pulls his sleeve.

When he turns his head, the demon maid addresses him. “Where are you going, Young Master? That is the guests’ seats, and this is not where should we go.”

As she turns to the door next to her, she knocks on it. “Master, I’ve brought Young Master Akira as you asked. May we come in, please?”

After receiving the permission, the red-haired maid opens the door and allows Akira to go first.

After he takes a deep breath, he enters without knowing what to expect.

Upon observing his surroundings, Akira realizes he might be in the special room of the Colosseum reserved for important people.

After all, the tall throne facing the other side of the seats is the proof along the hanging opened curtains.

A second later, the vampire speaks up while sitting on the throne. “You can leave now.”

Meanwhile, the redhead bows before taking her leave and closing the door. “As you wish, sir.”

As Shiki stands up and leaves the throne, he receives an avalanche of questions from his partner. “You didn’t bring me here for nothing, did you? What did you want to show me so badly?”

“Come here and you’ll see.” The vampire replies.

No matter how much Akira doesn’t like being ordered by this arrogant fellow, he understands it is better to listen to him.

After he gets to the end of the room, he leans on the stone parapet.

For sure, from here, he can see the entire battle arena as it is on his palm.

More so, from the fresh blood traces on the walls and several weapons lying on the ground, he can guess that someone met their unfortunate fate recently.

Soon, he turns toward Shiki while resting his palms on the parapet and raising his eyebrow. “Is this what you wanted to show me? Or do you want just to show-off before you’ll kill another challenger?”

As the vampire steps closer, he closes his eyes and briefly explains. “Only if anyone lives long enough to fall under Il Re’s blade.”

After he opens his crimson eyes, he adds. “Tonight, you’ll be Il Re.”

“What do you mean?” The silver-haired male asks as he leans on the parapet.

However, Shiki remains calm and backfires. “Which part you do not understand? I’m lending you the Il Re title until you defeat your challenger.”

A second later, he takes Akira’s hand and adds. “Get up. A new challenger should show up any time. So, greet him properly.”

After the blue-eyed hunter allows the vampire to help him stand up, he gets to the throne and makes himself comfortable.

Yet, his guard is caught off by Shiki transforming into a liquid shadow that becomes a black panther with red eyes and a katana attached to his belt.

As Akira watches, the smug feline approaches him and sits next to him.

Lastly, Shiki wraps his tail around him and fixates his crimson eyes on the arena.

So, is he really taking this that seriously, huh? The silver-haired male wonders while staring at the serious panther and having a strange feeling of sitting as a new ruler of the demonic castle.

However, the loud rustling chains and the creaking gate alert Akira.

As the large gate lifts, the aloof challenger enters the arena.

It’s a man in his fifties with tied long curly dark hair and a beard wearing a long sangria color coat, crimson pants, and leather gloves.

More so, it’s one of the veteran vampire hunters, which Akira saw a few times in the Hunter Guild.

Even if hunters like him rarely visit the guild, each time they return, they bring an impressive S-rank or higher rank-worth monster with them.

After that man reaches the center of the arena, he picks up the bullwhip and points it at Akira.

While he keeps an unpleasant look on his face, he addresses the ruler of the castle. “Come out and face me, you monster! Or do you intend to hide like a coward?”

However, when the hunter takes a better look at the silver-haired male, he widens his eyes and lowers his whip. “It’s you!”

For sure, that man’s voice alone nearly makes Akira jump from his seat.

A second later, the veteran hunter asks. “What are you doing here? I come to defeat Il Re and not a stupid brat that cannot hold a weapon. Where is he, boy?”

Despite the dark-haired man’s intimidation, the blue-eyed swordsman keeps his new role and answers in a strict tone. “You are talking to one right now. However, I must congratulate you for making it this far.”

The hunter only cracks a smile. “Tsk. Don’t make me laugh. On the other hand… Perhaps the luck is on my side, after all. So, I’ll take that vampire’s head along with the traitor’s.”

Meanwhile, Shiki studies his human, and when he finishes his speech, he observes the challenger while narrowing his gaze.

Lastly, that man points at Akira. “Very well. I’ll take you down if that is the only way to summon that bastard!”

At first, the blue-eyed male checks on Shiki and gives him a confused look.

Yet, the noble creature of the night only keeps a straight face while exhaling through his nose.

At this moment, Akira understands he has to do what he has to do. Thus, after he stands up and takes a deep breath, he gets close to the parapet and jumps into the arena.

Surprisingly, he manages to land safely.

After he fixes his posture, he picks up the katana and points the tip of the blade at his opponent.

Meanwhile, the hunter keeps a proud look on his face and stretches his bullwhip.

Thus, the battle starts with Akira charging at his opponent.

However, the dark-haired man’s reaction is faster. And he unleashes several lower whip cracks.

Fortunately, Akira avoids each strike by jumping back. However, a strike after a strike, he nearly loses his balance.

Meanwhile, the veteran hunter takes to his advantage. Suddenly, he unleashes a powerful strike that hits his target, making him groan.

Yet Akira manages to kneel safely while his face twists in pain.

As long as he has the weapon in his hands, he can still fight. Besides, even if he cannot see right now, he’ll show Shiki that he won’t go down that easily. Or so the silver-haired male thinks while his blue eyes burn with determination.

Soon, Akira grips the handle with both hands and rushes at his opponent before releasing a diagonal slash.

That boy already lost. The hunter wonders as he cracks a mocking smile and jumps back.

A second later, he picks several knives from the bag attached to his belt and throws them at his opponent.

Suddenly, Akira twists the blade, reflecting most of the knives. After the hunter’s blades reach the ground, he uses the upper strike.

Yet, his attack is blocked by the older male’s stretched whip.

Just from what this whip is made of? The silver-haired male wonders as he widens his eyes and grinds his teeth by seeing how his sword doesn’t even scratch the enemy’s weapon.

“What’s the matter, boy? Did you chew more than you could swallow?” The veteran hunter mocks while unleashing another strike.

Unfortunately, Akira has no time to dodge the attack. Upon it slashes at him, he closes his eyes and gasps. A second later, he groans as he receives a kick in his guts. Yet, no matter what, he holds onto his katana.

Even while he roughly pants and leans on his trustworthy weapon, he keeps his ice-cold blue eyes on his opponent.

Meanwhile, Shiki only observes this fight while noting for himself what Akira’s flaws he should work on harder.

However, as the crimson-eyed panther lifts his paw, he freezes on the same spot by hearing his partner’s voice. “DO NOT EVEN DARE TO INTERFACE!”

At that moment, Akira shakily leans while grasping the handle of his katana with both hands.

While his lips tremble, he adds. “I’m not done yet… I can still fight!”

Surely, these words sparkle the excitement in the panther’s eyes.

After the dark-haired hunter bends, he grabs his throat and lifts him, making their eyes meet. “This is where you’re wrong.”

Yet Akira refuses to let go of his trustworthy weapon and gathers his remaining strength for the final attack.

In the end, the veteran hunter catches the naked blade with his gloved hand and throws it away, and he comments. “Too bad that the guild wants you alive. It can’t be helped then…”

After he finishes his speech, he aggressively tosses Akira to the ground and stomps on his back a few times.

A second later, he sends a powerful kick to the silver-haired male’s side, making him grunt and curl into a ball.

However, as he kneels and is about to tie his opponent’s hands behind his back, he immediately lifts his head by the panther’s roaring.

Apparently, Shiki jumps through the stone parapet and gracefully lands on his fours.

While the deadly feline approaches the arrogant human with his lowered tail, his red eyes flare with rage.

“The hell?… Did you finally decide to avenge your master?” The dark-haired male addresses the large feline.

However, Shiki only bares his sharp fangs and growls.

Just as the hunter stands up and aims his whip at the feral beast, he widens his eyes when the panther becomes into a liquid shadow and disappears. “What a?-”

Suddenly, the sound of the tearing flesh echoes, and the hunter lets out an agonizing scream.

As the blood splashes like a fountain from the hunter’s back, he collapses.

For now, the large feline bites into the same arm that had cracked a whip and tears it apart.

Meanwhile, Akira only leans on his elbow and silently observes how the large feline spits his opponent’s limb and the screaming hunter, begging to be spared.

However, Shiki goes for another limb as well.

The silver-haired male understands he has to stop the blood-thirsty predator before he’ll be overtaken by his blind wrath. Or so Akira decides as he shakily stands up, picks up his trustworthy weapon, and puts it back into the sheath.

Meanwhile, the black panther places his bloody paw on the fallen man and sinks his fangs into his nape.

One sudden move and Shiki rips down his cervical spine, silencing the dark-haired man once and for all.

Just before he starts tearing apart the corpse, he receives a hit by the handle into his head. “Enough!”

For sure, it gets the large feline’s attention, and he wrinkles his nose while hissing at Akira.

However, the beast’s threat doesn’t affect the blue-eyed swordsman, and he narrows his ice-cold gaze.

While Akira attaches the katana to his belt, the panther spreads his legs and lowers his back while fixating his eyes on him.

Despite that, he scolds the feline. “He is dead already… Just look at yourself! You are nothing more than a feral animal! Yes, I lost. So, what? It was my mistake to fight someone who is clearly more superior…”

After a brief, he turns his back to him. “Do as you wish. Kill me or whatever you want to do with me. I don’t care…”

When he clenches his hands into fists, he lowers his shoulders and exhales. “I do not want to see a feral animal playing with his food. I’m leaving.”

Meanwhile, Shiki lowers his ears and licks his face while keeping his lowered tail close to him.

But for now, the panther stands and approaches the hunter from behind.

Soon, he nibs on his partner’s sleeve and pulls it.

Such a gesture makes the silver-haired swordsman turn his head.

After noticing the large feline keeping his lowered ears and staring at him with big red eyes, Akira softens his gaze and sighs. “You stupid cat…”

Just before he lands his palm on Shiki, he immediately withdraws it when the panther transforms into a liquid shadow.

Soon enough, the blue-eyed swordsman sighs as he becomes into a certain vampire he knows.

Yet, when Akira notices a strangely sleepy look on Shiki’s face, he realizes it may not end well.

Instead of saying anything, he remains silent while Shiki wraps one arm around him and brings him close to him.

Even when the dark-haired male moves his arm around his shoulders while another one is on his hips, Akira only fixates his blue eyes on him.

After Shiki lifts his partner, he checks on him with a content expression and addresses him. “What’s wrong? I’ll just need to see your wounds.”

Lastly, the red-eyed vampire carries Akira as a wounded princess.

Notes:

Another day passes.

After Shiro receives the permission, he enters Captain Akira’s office without knowing what to expect.

To his surprise, the preserved military secretary politely greets him and even offers to take a seat.

Without a second thought, the gray-eyed male nods.

When he picks the nearest chair, he brings it in front of Akira’s desk.

After Shiro sits, he straightens his back while keeping his clenched hands on his lap.

Meanwhile, Akira doesn’t remove his eyes from the supposed-to-be replacement.

There is simply something off about him he doesn’t like, but he cannot put his finger on it. The blue-eyed secretary thinks while narrowing his gaze.

What does the commander think of picking an inexperienced fellow who is not suitable even for the most basic manual labor? The military secretary wonders.

It may have been nothing more than another decision by Shiki, which he made on a whim. It can’t be otherwise, right? The blue-eyed male ponders after narrowing his gaze and almost making his colleague jump from his seat.

Besides, he knows the commander better than anyone else. So, there is no way he would pick a secretary based on his looks or other unrelated traits. Akira thinks to himself while hiding the rising unexplained irritation towards Shiro behind his poker face.

Yet Akira’s suspicious intuition tells him that something is not right about his new colleague.

Despite that, he has to overcome these irrational emotions and aim for no less than perfection and be praised by Shiki.

More importantly, it would be wrong to judge anyone without knowing them well, or at least their background and true intentions. Or so the preserved military secretary convinces himself.

Suddenly, his further thoughts are interrupted by Shiro’s slightly shaky voice. “Excuse me. Is there anything wrong, sir?”

At that moment, Akira only closes his eyes and takes a breath.

After he opens his eyes, he answers. “Do not pay attention to it. It’s nothing important.”

Nevertheless, the blue-eyed male let his curiosity win.

After a brief pause, Akira opens his mouth to ask. “In any case… Before we begin, I need to ask you something. What exactly were your duties when I was gone?”

At first, Shiro is confused, but a second later, he confesses. “Um, the commander asked me to do is to keep his office clean, prepare him tea, and stay quiet during the meetings. That’s all.”

After hearing such an answer, the blue-eyed secretary covers his mouth and turns his head away. He even clenches his gloved palm while he slightly frowns and silently exhales.

It is upsetting to hear that the commander is burying himself in more work, if not doing all the work alone, with no one taking care of him.

On the other hand, Akira doesn’t want to allow himself to vent his frustrations on some newbie and disappoint Shiki by recklessly lashing out and not handling it like a professional.

Yet, Shiro’s concerned voice makes him widen his eyes and turn back. “Did… Did I say anything wrong, sir? I… I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Soon, Akira straightens his back and sits back while keeping his serious face. “Either way, do you know why did I called you?”

The younger secretary only shakes his head.

When Akira places his entwined palms on his desk, he explains. “Today, we will start with the basics and I will introduce you to your future routine.”

After he stands up gracefully and takes the papers in his hand, he leaves the desk side and adds. “For today, you will be only foreshadowing me. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me. Is that clear?”

“Y-yes. I understand!” Shiro responds immediately.

It might not be a simple task to train someone like him.

On the other hand, there must be something about this young man if the commander decides to keep him alive. Therefore, it shouldn’t be even a word impossible for him.

Otherwise, the commander’s hair may become gray hair instantly, and his well-being, if not his life, will be threatened. Akira thinks to himself while he keeps the documents close to him.

But for now, he decides to take this as Shiki’s thrown challenge that he cannot lose.

Therefore, he is determined to take this unskilled young man under his wing and train him to become a flawless secretary who will serve the most powerful man in the country.

In the end, Akira prompts the younger secretary to follow him.

After leaving the office, Shiro’s intense training begins.

Unfortunately, the very little that Shiro knows is that Shiki’s personal secretary will not go easy on him.

As time passed, Shiro carefully observed and followed his mentor without leaving his side.

It is impressive to see how Captain Akira, despite his serious demeanor, respects and cares for his squad. Thus, the younger secretary slowly starts admiring him.

More so, his men are not indifferent toward him and follow his every command without questioning him or fear.

Despite Akira’s strict disciplinary methods and not wasting time, even on unnecessary words or actions, his squad trusts him enough to ask him anything and receive brief but precise answers or advice.

Will this be a part of his duties someday?

After all, it’s a challenging task to not only manage that many people but also make them listen to you.

Besides, it might be impossible to handle it alone for someone like Shiro. Not just when he feels that many eyes on him, staring at him like someone who doesn’t belong here or is as confused as he is.

More importantly, even by Akira’s side, he feels nervous that he wants to hide behind his back. So, how will he manage without the military secretary’s guidance? Shiro wonders.

But for now, Akira prompts him to move to further tasks.

Some time has passed. Finally, it is almost time to serve the afternoon tea and snacks.

That is the most basic thing that he can do well despite yesterday’s incident. Shiro assumes as they both head toward the kitchen.

Even in this case, Akira proves him wrong again.

The military secretary not only demonstrates but also explains the proper techniques for brewing coffee or preparing tea.

As Akira places the teapot with a couple of cups and snacks on the silver tray, he is interrupted by Shiro. “Um, wouldn’t be much simpler just to boil the kettle and to wait for a few minutes? It would save some time and it may just taste the same.”

“Wouldn’t be much easier for you to drink from the puddle? The water is water, right?” the military secretary turns his head while balancing the tray.

A second later, he adds in a slightly irritated voice. “Hopefully, you haven’t prepared tea or coffee in such a primitive way and served it to the commander, did you?”

Meanwhile, Shiro only shrugs while avoiding facing his mentor without being sure what to say.

Just before opening the door and leaving, Akira nags at him while trying to remain patient. “I have no interest in how you prepare for yourself. You can do it like you wish.”

After leaving the kitchen and heading towards Shiki’s office, the military secretary lectures his disciple. “However, you must keep in mind that you are serving for the most important person in the country. That’s why you have to aim for perfection and put all your heart into any given task and believe what you’re doing.”

Within each of Akira’s spoken words, his given speech becomes more passionate.

But for now, he closes his blue eyes and respires.

After a brief pause, Shiki’s loyal subordinate continues. “Otherwise, you will only disappoint yourself and the commander by your half-baked work. More importantly, if you prioritize the commander’s well-being and his satisfaction, and respect him, he will notice your effort and you won’t be unrewarded.”

As he finishes his speech, he turns to Shiro’s side. “Hey, are you even listening to me?”

“Y-yes…” the gray-eyed male immediately responds.

The very little that they knew was that Shiki was listening to them just around the corner and delighted not just by Akira’s words but at how he expressed them.

Nevertheless, instead of approaching his personal secretary, he heads to his office and waits for him to show up.

Besides, he will spoil his precious prized possession with attention in private as soon as he dismisses the unwanted company for today. The military tyrant reminds himself while keeping a smug look on his face.

Soon enough, a couple of secretaries reach Shiki’s office.

When Akira straightens his back, he knocks on the door. “Sorry for intruding. I’ve brought you tea, sir. May I come in, please?”

After receiving the permission, he opens the door without making the content of the entire tray shake.

A second later, Shiro understands he should follow his mentor even if he prefers to stay away from the commander, sensing that his presence might be unnecessary.

After Akira closes the door behind them, Shiki’s question makes him lift his head. “What is he doing here?”

“I beg your pardon, sir. Starting today, Shiro is foreshadowing me before he is ready to work,” the military secretary explains.

When he gets closer and places the tray with the afternoon treats on the commander’s desk, he adds while keeping a poker face. “That’s why I need also to show him how to properly to serve and help you to relax, sir.”

While the silver-haired secretary fills his cup, Shiki closes his eyes and raises his palm. “There is no need for that.”

Akira only lifts his eyes. After he places the teapot on the tray, he listens to the commander. “You are back on duties, correct? So, I don’t need anyone else to do it while you are here.”

Hearing these words surprises the preserved secretary that he momentarily loses the gift of speech.

Meanwhile, Shiro leans his back against the closed door and carefully observes.

Yet, he nearly gets startled when Shiki looks in his direction and addresses him. “You are still here? You can leave now.”

Thus, the gray-eyed young man responds. “Yes, sir!”

Lastly, before leaving, he nods.

The military tyrant is finally able to enjoy the company of his loyal subordinate without any disturbances.

But for now, Shiki addresses him. “And you - are you going to stand like this? Sit down.”

Of course, Akira doesn’t object.

After he brings the chair, he makes himself comfortable.

Before he takes a sip of tea, he comments. “You look so happy today, sir. Did anything good happen?”

While the commander’s crimson eyes sparkle with excitement, he cracks a smile. “Is there anything wrong with having my secretary by on my side again?”

Such an answer makes Akira turn his head and hide his blushing gaze.

However, feeling how Shiki places his palm on his hand and strokes it making the secretary face him.

It seems that the commander even goes further.

After Shiki masterly slides his fingers under his subordinate’s glove and gently runs his fingertips against his skin.

At that moment, Akira realizes he has become this large feline toy again.

More importantly, his poker face cracks, and lets out a lovely sigh while Shiki teases him like this.

For now, the military secretary shakily closes his eyes and speaks up in a softer tone. “Sir, it’s not a time or place for it…”

Unfortunately, his words don’t reach the commander.

Soon, Shiki leans closer and brings his subordinate closer by holding him by his tie.

After such a gesture, Akira opens his big blue eyes, and his heart skips a beat upon noticing how Shiki fixates his strangely sleepy eyes on him.

“Looks like I have to remind you of your place.” The supreme ruler comments as he narrows his gaze.

Just before he pulls his adored secretary into a kiss…

Suddenly, the dark-haired male widens his eyes as Akira brings a pile of papers to separate them.

As the silver-haired male lowers, he lowers his gaze. “I’ll ask you again - did anything happen? Or… ”

After a brief pause, he widens his eyes upon the sudden realization. “Are you upset that I work slower than I supposed to?”

When he stares at Shiki with guilty eyes, he adds. “If that is a case, I’m terribly sorry. And I understand that teaching someone while I have my own duties is not an excuse.”

Lastly, the preserved secretary confesses. “However, I have to make sure that if anything happens that I won’t be able to stay by your side, at least you will have an excellent replacement that you can be proud of. And, of course, if you are in doubt or wish to see my training methods, you can check on me whenever you wish.”

‘How adorable…’ Shiki wonders without removing his crimson eyes from his prize-possession.

After Shiki stands up, he approaches his subordinate gracefully, like a feline.

Meanwhile, Akira only gives him a questioning look. “Sir?”

Instead of saying anything, the ebony-haired male takes his partner’s wrist and pulls him closer.

For now, the military secretary has no choice but to stand up while Shiki wraps his arm around his waist.

Even when Shiki releases his wrist, Akira keeps his thrown arm on his shoulder.

As the commander gently tilts his subordinate’s chin, he stares at him with admiring eyes. “How can you always never fail to amaze me?”

At that moment, the silver-haired male does his best to keep a straight face.

Unfortunately, it’s not a simple task. Not when Akira feels how Shiki has wrapped his invisible panther tail around his thigh.

For now, he impatiently waits for his partner’s next move.

To his surprise, nothing happens.

A few moments later, the commander removes his hand from his face and lifts his cap.

Upon Shiki lands his palm on Akira’s head, he ruffles his hair.

Lastly, he puts on his subordinate’s cap back. “What is it with you? That’s all for now.”

When Akira notices that feline-like smirk, he understands it may not end well.

Thus, Shiki’s hand slides down to his bottom and massages it.

Despite that, he listens to the commander’s sweet words. “... Unless you want something specific. Then you have to state it clearly.”

Instead of giving to this man’s provocation, Akira places his palms on Shiki’s chest and replies. “The break may end soon and you won’t rest again, sir.”

After gently pushing him away, the silver-haired male adds while keeping his demanding eyes on Shiki. “More importantly, you haven’t reviewed the documents that I sent you earlier yet. So, please take it more seriously… It’s all I ask for.”

“Duties before the pleasure, as always...” the dark-haired male murmurs while crossing his arms and holding his chin.

When Akira steps back, Shiki takes a step forward and addresses him. “What if one of your duties would be satisfying your master?”

After a brief pause, he smirks and adds in a suggestive tone. “Will you train your colleague for that as well?”

Meanwhile, Akira lowers his gaze and turns his head while biting his lower lip.

Even the thought of the commander embracing anyone else than him alone hurt him like a knife. Or so the military secretary keeps in his mind while clenching his chest.

After he closes his blue, gloomy eyes, he exhales and lowers his shoulders. “Then do whatever you wish or just kill me here. This is the only order that I will disobey… Even if that is very selfish of me.”

Yet, when he feels how the beloved hand strokes his cheek, he widens his eyes.

When their eyes meet, Akira cannot help himself but feel how the heat rushes to his cheeks.

Shiki softens his gaze and comments in a nearly purring voice. “How are you able to spit such adorable words with this mouth?… Hmph. As if anyone else will satisfy me or is worth standing by my side. Never forget - I’m not interested in not my belongings.”

After he sighs, he continues in a more formal tone. “However, if you insist so badly, you will assist me for the rest of the day. Understand?”

Hearing this answer pushes the heavy boulder from Akira’s chest.

Lastly, the blue-eyed secretary closes his eyes and nods. “Yes.”

Unfortunately, very little does the military secretary realize his disciple may display the results of his hard work sooner than he expects.

Finally, with the sounds of a ringing bell, the last lecture is over. And thus, after picking up his textbooks, one silver-haired male with gray eyes in his twenties leaves the auditorium.

After walking in the corridor, he turns his head and gazes through the window. However, the sun’s reflection on the rustled tree leaves makes him gloomier.

After all, just when he managed to settle down in the new place for a while, the recent news struck like lightning from the clear sky and ruined his momentary happiness.

Apparently, Shiro’s days of reckless freedom are counted, and soon he’ll be placed in the meat grinder. That’s right, Shiro received a recruitment letter from the military a couple of days ago.

Of course, he didn’t tell about it to his mother because he perfectly understood that it might break her heart, and she wouldn’t let him perish on the battlefield like his late father.

Unfortunately, he knows well that he won’t be able to hide the needle in the bag for too long or ignore this cursed piece of paper that kills countless men. However, he doesn’t care about being taken by the force but is afraid of what these awful, unpredictable, corrupted officers may do to his mother if he doesn’t cooperate with them.

But for now, Shiro continues on his way, trying to forget that letter, focusing on group assignment tasks, and thinking about what place he should pick for incoming practice.

Some time has passed. As Shiro expected by this time, the streets are already crowded by the mass of constantly changing people, and he blends into the moving gray mass in no time.

Suddenly, he widens his eyes as someone from behind grabs his arm. At first, he shakes off the stranger’s hand without turning back.

Besides, maybe it’s just a random stranger wanting to mess around. At least, it’s not as uncomfortable as the passengers on the train either being too close to him.

Therefore, Shiro decides not to pay too much attention to such a petite thing and minds his business as usual.

Unfortunately, another stranger is bolder than the previous one and slips something small inside his uniform pants pocket.

Yet, the silver-haired male’s reaction is faster, and as he grasps the white-gloved hand, he turns back. “What do you think of doing?”

To his surprise, it’s a middle-aged man in a military uniform grinning at him like a hungry wolf.

As that man grips Shiro’s wrist, he addresses him. “Where do you think you’re going, you little thief?”

“Let... let me go!” The gray-eyed male resists. Yet, he gasps as another officer holds his other arm.

“Not only you’ve caught stealing, but you also have an audacity to disrespect the authority.” Another officer replies in a mocking tone.

While one of them puts the handcuffs behind his back, he adds. “You have a lot of guts, kid…”

Despite being the center of the crowds’ attention, Shiro struggles. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then, what’s this? How did end up in your pocket? Or are you telling us it jumped right into your pocket?” The middle-aged man asks as he pulls a tiny plastic bag filled with white powder and shows it in front of the poor student.

Shiro freezes in the same spot while his eyes follow the small object swigged. A few seconds later, he only closes his eyes and calmly explains. “You are the ones who slipped it in. So, please do not blame me for it.”

“Still playing innocent, eh? Perhaps staying in the prison cell will fix your rotten behavior.” The officer replies as both start dragging him.

In the end, the scared crowd distances themselves from a couple of officers taking away the young criminal while murmuring between themselves or rushing from the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Shiro is stubborn and indignantly addresses the people. “Help me! Let me go! How… How can anyone can be so blind and allow these bastards to do as they wish and commit crimes? You clearly have seen how they just taking an advance of their position and bullying average people! If we all unite, we can defeat these coward men and bring the justice!”

Yet, his speech is silenced by receiving a hit into his head by the sword handle.

“Hey, you better be careful with that! The commander may dislike him and we’ll get no reward if that brat is injured or dead.” The older man scolds his colleague.

After they approached their car and opened it, the other officer replied. “He’ll take him anyway and will even applaud us. Just look at him. He is the copy of that lousy secretary.”

When he picks an empty sack and rope, he orders. “Just make sure that he won’t try to escape.”

While his colleague holds Shiro tight, he puts the bag over him and wraps the surrounding rope.

“Where are you taking me?” The silver-haired male asks.

“Don’t worry, you’ll learn soon. So, you better behave yourself or else your parents may get very upset finding out that their dead son was a drug addict.” The older man explains as he tosses him like a sack of potatoes to the back seat.

Lastly, Shiro remains silent and feels anxious, without having any idea where he is taken or how these cruel men will torture him before his corpse is disposed of.

Some time passed. After the car stops, these men drag the restrained student and prompt him to go. However, very little he knows how drastically his cursed fate will change.

As time passes, Shiro becomes more uncomfortable and stiff by only walking in the never-ending corridors.

One thing is being treated like a criminal who gets closer to his execution. Another thing is the heavy, chilling, and unwelcoming atmosphere in the air and feeling watched by countless eyes that he cannot see.

Even on their way, Shiro becomes more concerned and pale after listening to how the older officer proudly explains to someone how they brought something that should interest the commander.

But for now, a couple of officers finally reach their destination place. Or so the silver-haired male assumes as he hears how one of these men knocks on the wooden door. “Commander, we brought him as you requested and you would love to see him.”

After a brief pause, the supreme ruler permits this couple to enter the office while dragging the sacrificial lamb.

Just from the menacing and cold energy surrounding this room, Shiro feels as if the ruthless tyrant’s eyes pierce his body. He can even swear that there is an invisible wire wrapped around him that cuts him if he makes a single move.

Perhaps this is how small animals feel being cornered and looked down on by the serpent. The gray-eyed male ponders.

“Show him to me. Or do you intend to waste my time?” Shiki briefly orders.

“R-right away, sir!” the older man agrees.

When the surrounding rope becomes loose and falls off, the bag is finally removed.

Suddenly, Shiro widens his eyes in terror and gasps upon seeing the military tyrant indifferently staring at him behind his desk. At that moment, the poor student trembles like a leaf and falls on his knees like a rag-doll. Fortunately, his weak body is supported by these men.

Meanwhile, Shiki stands up and approaches the offered creature, studying his every movement and facial expression.

After the red-eyed male stands in front of the unfortunate young man, he narrows his gaze.

For now, Shiro hisses in pain as one officer pulls his hair to lift his head and fixates his eyes on the supreme leader.

“How is it? Will he be enough for you, sir?” Another man asks impatiently.

Shiki only states. “His eyes are gray.”

“We can easily fix that! Please, just tell us what color you prefer and it will be done in no time. Whatever you wish for, we will adjust him in shape or form until you will be satisfied.” The other boasts.

Even if Shiro is speechless, his teary eyes speak louder than any words that beg for mercy.

In the end, the dark-haired male announces his final verdict. “There is no need. Leave him and you are dismissed.”

“B-but what about our reward for our hard work?” The older officer objects.

‘Tsk, what a bunch of greedy vermin…’ Shiki gives them a cold, disgusted look before picking a thick pile of bills from his uniform jacket and tossing it like food for the pigs, which eat anything like shameless animals.

As these men pick up the money, one of them bows and thanks before leaving the room. Lastly, Shiro is left alone to face the ruthless tyrant.

“Your name?” The supreme ruler addresses him. After receiving no answers, he adds. “Or do dogs like you don’t have it?”

Instead of saying anything, the silver-haired male only turns his head away and closes his eyes. Even if he accepts his bitter ending, he refuses to see it.

However, he immediately opens his gray eyes as the commander takes something from his pants pocket and fixates his eyes on him.

While Shiki studies the student ID card, he cracks a smile. “Heisei University? Isn’t it where you learn a bunch of useless nonsense?”

After he gracefully places the card on the desk, he continues his speech. “Well, whatever you’ve been taught here, you’ll be still a fine replacement.”

When Shiki walks behind his prey’s back, he picks his sword from the sheath. Lastly, he cuts the handcuffs.

At that moment, Shiro stares at the floor while leaning on his shaky hands.

A second later, the military tyrant orders. “Strip.”

For sure, it shocks the gray-eyed male, who only hugs himself. “No…”

Unfortunately, the poor student realizes he made a terrible mistake, and these red judging eyes will be the last thing he sees before he perishes.

Suddenly, he loudly gasps and closes his eyes as the naked blade slashes his uniform jacket and shirt.

Although, he still cannot comprehend how he is alive or even scratched as if the sword didn’t aim to cut through his flesh.

As soon as Shiro realizes that his back is exposed, he covers his chest with the remains of his clothing and murmurs. “Barbarian.”

As Shiki allows his sword to rest in the sheath, he gives a questioning look at the creature below him.

After he kneels in front of Shiro and grips his throat, he makes him face him. “Did you say anything? Speak louder.”

Without a second thought, the gray-eyed male shouts. “Barbarian!”

Meanwhile, Shiki only narrows his gaze after he grabs the student by his uniform and sends a harsh slap across his face. After removing the bothering clothing, he looks down on the fallen Shiro covering his stinging cheek. “You don’t understand against whom you raise your voice?”

When Shiro sits on one leg, he lowers his head and bites his lower lip. After a brief pause, he speaks up, nearly sobbing. “Why me? Why are you doing this? I did nothing wrong to deserve this!… First, these bastards framed me, then kidnapped me… And for what? Is human’s life worthless to you!? I hate this… I hate how it’s nothing more than a joke to you… So, kill me as anyone else who is nothing more than a pest for you… It’ll just prove that this country has fallen from the grace and rotten like a fish - starting from the head of it…”

The military tyrant only indifferently stares at the silver-haired male, who barely holds back from crying.

But for now, he reaches out for his unsheathed sword. When he is about to point the tip of it at Shiro’s cheek, the poor young man closes his eyes and shrugs while whimpering.

Who knew that someone similar to his personal secretary trembles like an aspen upon the smallest threat? On the other hand, maybe it’s for the better. After all, this stray animal learns quickly its place. More importantly, it might be interesting to see how his prized possession will react to this cheap imitation of him. Or so Shiki ponders.

When he narrows his gaze, he instructs him before taking his leave. “Wait here until I return.”

In the end, Shiro is left alone in the supreme ruler’s office while being eaten by uncertainty and anxiety.

A half-hour passes. However, the military tyrant hasn’t returned yet.

In the meantime, Shiro investigates his surroundings and realizes that he won’t escape this hell place in one piece.

Firstly, if he jumped through the window, he’d splatter his brain on the pavement.

Secondly, he may get shot or cut by the security guards. After all, the commander might be the unpredictable man who can think of anything to get what he wants.

Even if he stays here obediently, he may suffer like a war prisoner for speaking up his thoughts about this dictatorship and tyranny. On the other hand, he doesn’t understand why the commander hasn’t ordered to execute him or sent him to the labor camp as a dangerous person.

But for now, Shiro sits and leans his back against the leg of the desk while sinking deeper into despair.

Some time passed. Finally, the opening door and someone walking in makes the silver-haired male lift his head.

When Shiki approaches him, he tosses a pile of neatly folded clothes at him. “Wear this.”

After Shiro studies the given clothes, he notices it is some military uniform. Instead of asking unnecessary questions and not to anger the most powerful man in the country, he nods and answers in a gloomy voice. “Yes…”

Meanwhile, after Shiki sits behind his desk and crosses his legs, he places his elbows on the desk and rests his head on his hands.

At the moment, Shiro feels like he’ll burn from the embarrassment of being watched by how he undresses before changing his clothes.

It doesn’t help that the commander keeps the same poker face, making it difficult to read what is hiding behind these crimson eyes.

Despite that, the gray-eyed student doesn’t dare to ask Shiki to leave and endures such humiliation. On the other hand, it’s better than being forcibly undressed or threatened.

After Shiro handles the current task, he fixes his posture upon hearing the commander’s question. “Do you know why I asked you to wear this?”

“N-no, sir.” The gray-eyed male immediately replies.

“Starting today, you are my personal secretary.” Shiki announces.

“Then what about my studies?… Excuse me, but I cannot simply drop them.” The silver-haired male politely objects.

The supreme ruler gives a mocking look. “When you were supposed to be recruited in the army?”

After noticing how the secretary in front of him lowers his shoulders and widens his big, gray eyes as a scolded puppy, he cracks a smile. “After contacting the director of your university, I canceled them. Your mother was also informed about this as well. However, if you serve me well, I’ll fund your university.”

Yet, Shiro becomes pale and hangs his head as he sells his soul to the devil when he hears such a decision.

For sure, such an unexpected reaction entertains Shiki, and he asks. “What’s wrong? Anyone else would be ready to bite into each other’s throats just to be in your position. You’ll even support and honor your family.”

Meanwhile, Shiro understands that no matter how far he runs from the war and to avoid staining his hands with blood, he doesn’t escape his bitter fate. Yet, he is still curious whether he’ll be killed like Shiki’s previous secretary.

Therefore, he gathers all his courage and acts as formally as possible. “I’m… I’m sorry, sir. I just got overwhelmed a bit… and I won’t do it again. However, there is one thing that I need to ask, of course, if I can.”

After clenching his hands into fists, he asks. “If I’m not mistaken, you already had a secretary. Did anything happen to him?”

Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize that the commander can read him like an open, predictable book or that it is just a quick pass of time for him.

“He decided he needs to take a long vacation before he’ll be able to continue his duties.” Shiki calmly explains.

“I see…” the silver-haired secretary replies.

In the end, even if Shiro is aware this won’t end well, for now, he has to play along with his new role. Otherwise, his fears will come true.

After all, like any great leader, Commander Shiki is like a sun - for those who are far away from him will freeze to death, while those who are too close will burn. Therefore, one should aim for the perfect balance of staying around the middle.

Unfortunately, Shiro understands the harsh truth that his side was picked for him. And thus, he has to learn to live like constantly walking on eggshells for his own survival.

Another day, another daily morning checkup. That is just a part of the military secretary’s routine. Despite it being only an ordinary procedure, Akira treats it as a responsibility as the captain of his squad.

After all, no matter how big or small his task, he takes it seriously and carefully. Akira finds the greatest reward in not only preparing a proper report but also making the commander happy.

But for now, as he reads the next name on the list, he closes his eyes and frowns after he doesn’t receive an immediate answer.

“Tatsuya.” The silver-haired secretary repeats.

The rookie soldier gets startled, yet after he straightens his back, he responds in a confused voice. “Y-yes!”

“Haven’t you slept enough at home? Pay attention next time.” Akira reminds.

As soon as the entire squad either snorts or murmurs among themselves, it gets cut by the cold, piercing glare of the military secretary alone.

After he closes his eyes, he continues checking the list.

Meanwhile, the scolded brunette lowers his head, wondering how someone almost the same age as him, if not younger, is already acting like a cold, bitter old man who never lived a day as a human.

More so, he heard the rumors that even off his duties, Akira kept that strict, stoic posture and married his job.

He can't use his position to treat people badly or expect too much from new recruits. Tatsuya thinks while remembering his sore arms and back from the captain’s last punishment.

Apparently, last week, he was late for only five minutes.

Yet, the military secretary didn’t bother to listen to any excuses and made him stand outside the corridor holding a water bucket in each arm without lowering them.

One thing was enduring the weight, and another was being an entertainment for anyone who passed by.

The captain was a demon who enjoyed torturing anyone for the tiniest mistakes. Tatsuya was convinced. Soon, he completely changed his mind.

A few days ago, he was minding his own business until he accidentally saw Captain Akira carrying a pile of papers and stopping for a bit.

At first glance, it may look like nothing unusual. However, something caught the brunette’s eye.

When the secretary checked the documents, his stone-cold face changed by something that might be considered impossible and even out of the mortal realm.

Apparently, the silver-haired male softened his gaze and smiled when his fingers picked one of the papers without caring about anyone in the world.

Of course, Tatsuya was in awe by spotting that the captain was showing human emotions and realizing that he witnessed a miracle.

Unfortunately, such a sight lasted as long as a shooting star. Thus, when the blue-eyed male fixed the papers, he returned to the known preserved secretary.

Despite this moment being brief, it left a lasting impression on the rookie soldier, who couldn’t stop thinking about it and longed to see it again.

Back to the present. Some time passes, and it’s finally the afternoon.

Today, the brunette hopes he’ll break the ice between them and befriend the captain.

From what he heard, Akira should prepare and serve the afternoon’s tea and snacks around this time. If so, perhaps, if he is in a better mood, he might spare even a single minute of his precious time.

Of course, if they won’t miss each other, which would be a shame. After all, the brunette had to pay one of the soldiers to cover his back to skip the duties. Or so Tatsuya thinks to himself.

The blue-eyed secretary leaves the kitchen with the goods and goes to the commander's office, unaware of being followed.

A few minutes pass. Finally, it’s the moment of truth!

After the brunette fixes the collar of his shirt and takes a deep breath, he approaches his unsuspecting captain. “Captain. Um, there is something I need to talk about with you.”

Akira only glimpses at him before shooing him. “Did anything happen? Whatever it is, if that is not urgent, it can wait.”

Yet, the rookie soldier is more stubborn and doesn’t give up.

“Captain, that looks heavy. So, let me help you.” The brunette insists.

However, as he is about to take the tray, Akira stops and gracefully lifts it.

“No, thank you. I can handle it on my own.” The silver-haired secretary declines.

After he lowers his arms, he raises an eyebrow. “By the way, if I’m not mistaken, there is supposed to be a first aid course in the afternoon. So, what are you doing here?”

“Shit, that’s no good! I’m deep in trouble now. He’s going to ditch me for real. Mom, Dad, sorry for disappointing you.” Tatsuya bethinks when Akira narrows his gaze, judging him like a criminal and waiting for his explanation.

After a temporary pause, the secretary closes his eyes and sighs.

Lastly, he addresses Tatsuya. “I wouldn’t have arranged these courses if that was a waste of time. It’s a crucial skill that is mandatory to know because it will help you to survive. More importantly, instead of fleeing away and abandoning your team like a coward, you could save someone’s life and have a higher chance of defeating the enemy.”

The brunette only lowers his head like a scolded puppy. “Y-yes, sir… Then, I will be going!”. Despite convincing himself that he should be glad he paid off only getting lectured, he is more upset that his plan didn’t work.

Perhaps another day will be better. Tatsuya ponders while heading back to the auditorium. Right now, he takes it as a defeat in the fight but not in the battle and plans for another move.

Another day, another chance. This time, the brunette plans to wait as soon as his break starts and check if the captain is in his office.

Suddenly, the morning checkup is interrupted by someone opening the gate.

While Tatsuya is as perplexed as anyone else in his squad, he observes how Akira salutes the approaching commander without hesitation or fear, only showing pure respect for this man.

“I beg your pardon, sir. It’s a huge honor that you decided to pay a visit. But what brings you here?” The reserved secretary asks.

Perhaps the captain is numb or lucky not to feel Shiki’s lingering, menacing, cold energy. The brunette wonders.

“Do I ever needed any excuses to check on anyone?” The red-eyed male asks.

“No. Not all, sir,” Akira politely replies.

Lastly, the commander orders. “Good. Continue your work.”

Meanwhile, the brunette feels nervous about Shiki’s presence alone, and he can swear that the commander isn’t that focused on the captain, as he is waiting for any soldier to make a single wrong move or breath at the wrong time.

More so, he doesn’t understand how the military secretary acts as if the most powerful man in the country is not next to him.

Some time passed. Finally, it’s time for the break.

Who knew that the military tyrant was much scarier in person than he heard? In any case, his plan should go smoothly, and it was only a once-in-a-lifetime experience to encounter That Man. Tatsuya wonders as he shrugs at the thought of Shiki alone while wandering in the corridor.

Speaking of which...

Apparently, as he gets closer, he notices Akira leaning against the wall next to his office door while being cornered by Shiki, talking about something.

Soon enough, the military tyrant wraps his arm around his subordinate’s waist and brings him closer.

More so, the brunette cannot unsee the commander’s possessive eyes focusing on his prey while placing his palm on his cheek, nor how the captain is calm.

At this point, Tatsuya feels he is walking into the wrong place at the wrong time. Therefore, it might be wiser to turn back and withdraw.

When he turns his head, he notices Shiki is giving him a victorious glare as a giant feline who shows its conquered territory while the once-serious secretary closes his eyes and submits to the supreme ruler.

That fucking ugly bastard is using his power to take advantage of Akira! So, who knows how long the captain was enduring this? However, he cannot do much in his current position nor oppose the supreme leader without risking his and his family’s life. Tatsuya realizes as his rage grows.

Despite that, the brunette has a powerful urge to snap out of Akira and make him realize he needs someone better who would treasure him instead of bullying him. Someone who will protect him and keep him safe from the rest of the world.

And thus, a few days pass.

Perhaps the captain will change his mind and go out with him today. After all, it’s Friday, and it should be fine to relax by the end of the week. The brunette thinks to himself while following Akira from a distance.

For now, the unsuspecting military secretary’s eyes carefully scan through the bookshelves. As his fingers gently run through each book, his hand gracefully picks the wanted item.

However, the silver-haired male widens his eyes upon hearing a familiar voice behind him. “There have you been, captain. I was looking for you for a while.”

A second later, he closes his eyes and briefly exhales before facing a certain soldier.

“What you want?” Akira strictly asks.

“Um, I want to ask you one thing. You see… I was meaning to do it earlier, but I didn’t know how to say it and you seem to be always so busy…” Tatsuya replies while rubbing his nape and lowering his head.

“You can tell me whatever it is.” The silver-haired secretary replies.

As Tatsuya straightens his back, he clenches his hands into fists and announces. “Please, go out with me!”

When the blue-eyed secretary steps back, he raises his eyebrow and hugs the held books. “Huh?”

After noticing such a genial reaction, the brunette shakily raises his palms and defends himself. “I, I didn’t mean that way!… What I meant is… Well, not quite that but…”

While he observes the doubting secretary, he proposes. “You know, I thought maybe we could go out for a couple of drinks and have a good time. You’ve been so tensed and maybe that could help to forget about the job or the commander, even if that is for a moment.”

After hearing these words, even the preserved military secretary’s poker face slightly cracks and frowns. Yet, he does his best to contain his emotions and holds back from the violence.

When Akira closes his eyes and lifts his head, he walks by the pesky soldier. “If you have nothing to say and are planning to waste my time, I’m leaving.”

Suddenly, Akira widens his eyes and stops as someone grabs his arm.

“Wait! I… I didn’t mean to upset you. All I want is to help you because… because I care about you, -er, I mean your well-being.” The brunette confesses while giving a begging gaze.

The silver-haired male only narrows his gaze and immediately brushes his arm. “Let me go.”

When he reaches the exit door and places his hand on the handle, it freezes after hearing Tatsuya’s comment. “I know that the commander harasses you. I saw it several times.”

For sure, it makes Akira’s heart drop down on his heels, and his stomach twists. Despite that, he turns back and keeps a serious face.

Meanwhile, the brunette gives a concerned look. “You don’t need to pretend that you have the feelings for that twisted bastard or endure it. I don’t like how someone touches you. That coward is using his power and taking advantage of your naiveness. It’s not alright. Just because the commander sees you as his personal whore, you don’t have to pretend to be one. But I’m here for you and to support you because, because I…”

He wanted to tell him how much he loved him, but… if only it was that simple.

Firstly, Tatsuya understands that both of them have different positions of power. After all, he is just a private soldier, and Akira is the right hand of the most powerful man in the country.

Therefore, it’s understandable if the secretary won’t want to ruin his reputation by messing around with a low-rank soldier like him.

Secondly, what if the blue-eyed male’s heart is taken by someone else? There is a chance that his precious captain doesn’t feel the same.

More importantly, what if Akira was disgusted by something weird and gross as another guy confessing his feelings to him?

But for now, Akira only gives a questioning look and approaches him.

On the other hand, it seems that luck is on the brunette’s side.

Perhaps his words reached his adored person’s heart. Or so Tatsuya believes when the military secretary silently stares at him and extends his palm to touch his cheek. “…Captain.”

Suddenly, the harsh sound of slapping echoes through the entire library.

While the brunette remains shocked, Akira gives him a cold shoulder. “Keep your foul thoughts to yourself. This time, I’ll let you go with a warning. However, if such behavior repeats in the future, the outcome will be different. Please, think twice before opening your mouth.”

In the end, Private Tatsuya is left alone with a pulsing sensation of the stinging pain on his cheek and betrayal. Nevertheless, it only makes him desire Akira much more.

After all, the captain is brainwashed and manipulated by the commander. Yet, the blue-eyed male did this to protect him, didn’t he?

Therefore, he must free Akira from that twisted man’s claws and make him realize what is good for him. Soon, Commander Shiki should face his downfall and pay for what he has done. Or so the brunette realizes while scheming how to achieve his plan.

It’s the beginning of another week. This time, the brunette uses his chance when Akira has an important meeting with the commander and other high-ranking officers.

That’s why, when no one is around, Tatsuya picks a small flathead screwdriver and a thin nail file and begins to break the locked office door.

Of course, he has to work carefully, but fast. Otherwise, he’ll get caught in the same spot.

Gladly, it’s not a complicated lock compared to what he had picked in his childhood. Or so the brunette thinks as, eventually, he hears the cracking noise.

And thus, without wasting time, he enters the commander’s office.

For now, all he left is to wait until Shiki shows up to strike him.

So, it’s only a matter of time before the captain will be rescued and safe from that awful man. Or so Tatsuya convinces to himself as he takes the combat knife from the side of his belt and stares at the naked blade.

Some time passed. Suddenly, the brunette is alerted by the opening door.

Despite having a loud heartbeat, he takes a deep breath and grasps the knife.

One sudden move and the blade sinks into his enemy.

However, Tatsuya becomes pale and freezes in terror upon hearing a yelp and barely comprehends what he has done.

While Akira’s face twists in pain, he shakily places his gloved palm around the stabbed shoulder. “Co… commander… run! It’s… it’s a trap…”

Just before the military secretary collapses, Shiki manages to wrap his arms from behind and slowly sits Akira against the wall.

Soon enough, the commander’s face darkens, and lowers his head. After he stands up, he turns around and pulls the sword from the sheath.

At that moment, the rookie soldier shakes his head while muttering and stepping back.

Even if he tripped over, he desperately crawls backward, begging for forgiveness, and without removing his eyes from Shiki, who radiates a pure fury and hatred for his opponent.

“That’s your last words, you filthy trash?” The red-eyed male growls.

However, just before Shiki swings the blade and slays the terrified soldier, he is stopped by his secretary’s voice. “Not yet, sir!”

The supreme ruler turns his gaze at his secretary.

But for now, he listens to his wounded subordinate, who remains professional even in situations like this. “You can do whatever you please with that traitor, sir. However… however, first, I need to know how… how did he get here… Or… or if someone else helped him.”

Yet, instead of wasting time on unnecessary sentiments, Shiki cracks a smile and fixates his attention on the brunette.

Now, he aims at the same hand that hurt his precious secretary and cuts it.

As Tatsuya screams, he covers the lost limb and pleads for mercy.

Meanwhile, Shiki remains indifferent to the brunette’s suffering and looks down on him. “Pathetic. A worm like you don’t even deserve to die.”

A second later, he curves a sadistic smile. “…Not yet.”

When the military tyrant proudly turns around, he walks toward the injured secretary to pick him up. And thus, Tatsuya is left alone.

Eventually, a group of officers shows up. As the brunette’s cut arm gets aided, he listens to how one of these men briefly informs him about his incoming punishment tomorrow and how he’ll need to answer a few questions for the supreme ruler.

In the end, Tatsuya remains silent and closes his eyes as he gets lifted and dragged to the interrogation room. At that moment, he realizes that his death is inevitable and he should accept it.

After all, Tatsuya was so blinded by the rage and bloodlust that he didn’t realize he’d end up harming the person he swore to protect. Therefore, that’s his price to pay before reaching the gateway to hell. Or so the brunette wonders as he gets closer and closer, reaching the interrogation room.

Some time passes, and the blue-eyed assassin wakes up. However, something is off. Akira feels so warm and has plenty of space to move around.

After he opens his eyes and sits, he notices he is tucked under the blanket.

Was he asleep? And for how long? Or so Akira wonders.

When he looks around, he notices that the room is tidy. More importantly, a certain swordsman is missing. But he also notices a katana resting close to his in the corner.

That is enough to convince him that Shiki is not far away. Nevertheless, the silver-haired man is getting anxious, because where is his partner?

Either way, it’s pointless to worry or overthink too hard. This is what Akira decides as he gets up and heads to the bathroom.

Speaking of the devil, just as he is about to open the door, his instincts act quickly, and he avoids the door.

Firstly, he notices the singly dripping droplets from Shiki’s still-wet ebony locks. After Akira lifts his confused gaze until his blue eyes meet the crimson ones, he fixates on them while stepping back.

A second later, he closes his eyes and exhales. Just before leaving, he addresses his partner while keeping his face calm. “I’ll check how your wound is doing once I return.” Lastly, when the silver-haired man closes the bathroom door behind him, he leans against it and places a palm on his chest.

He doesn’t understand the burst of warmth inside his heart after seeing the red-eyed swordsman is alright and not hunting for revenge. But for now, Akira takes a shower, hoping it will brush away irrational emotions, as he refers to them.

A half-hour passes by. After the silver-haired man leaves the bathroom, he does his best to keep his poker face. Unfortunately, Shiki’s inquisitive gaze following him only makes it difficult for Akira.

After Akira picks a first aid kit from the night drawer, he sits on the bedside next to Shiki. Surprisingly, the dark-haired man isn’t resisting and allows his partner to lift his t-shirt and expose his chest.

Apparently, the bandage is missing. On the other hand, the sewn wound isn’t bleeding nor festering, and that relieves the blue-eyed assassin.

When he sprays the disinfectant on the injury area, he asks, “Why did you do this?”

Meanwhile, Shiki raises an eyebrow.

“Why do you have to be reckless?” The silver-haired man scolds while he covers the wound with the clean bandage. After he lowers his head, he adds, “…If I knew, I wouldn’t have challenged you.”

After a long pause, Shiki breaks the silence with a simple answer. “It’s what you wanted.”

Such an answer only makes the silver-haired man’s chest sore, and he bites his lower lip.

Suddenly, Akira grabs his partner’s t-shirt and brings him closer. “Would you jump from the rooftop if I did so? You may have died…” When he lifts his head and stares at Shiki, his eyes burn with rage. “I won’t forgive anyone who did this! Be it That Man, devil or god - I don’t care who! If I find that bastard, I’ll make him pay and murder him in cold blood!”

Finally, the blue-eyed male declares, “Then, I’ll remind you until your stupid head will understand that no one is allowed to interfere with us. Nor that anyone can even scratch you. You and your life belong to me!” Lastly, he widens his blue eyes and impatiently waits for his partner’s reaction.

After such a confession, Shiki remains speechless for a few moments. When he narrows his gaze and smirks, he replies, “Hmph. Is that so?”

Suddenly, Shiki pushes him down on the bed and restrains his wrists. After he climbs on top of the silver-haired assassin, he adds in a nearly purring voice, “However, you still lack discipline.”

As soon as Akira notices his partner’s suggestive look on his face and leans closer to him, he realizes that is screwed. While the warmth rushes to his cheeks, his heart beats loudly. Despite his position, he won’t allow this man to do as he wishes.

After the silver-haired man closes his eyes, he shakes off at least one hand. Suddenly, he covers Shiki’s face with it and does not let him get any closer while backfiring. “And you are still under my care, you fool! First, recover. Then, you can do as you wish.”

Meanwhile, the red-eyed swordsman is kept away like a feline who cannot reach the desired treat no matter how hard he tries. A few moments later, he grabs the wrist of the same arm that resists him and moves it aside.

After studying his partner’s questioning face, he climbs off Akira and sits on the bed's edge. Lastly, without looking back, he orders, “Get up. We are leaving.”

While the silver-haired male is dumbfounded and stares at Shiki, he half sits and replies, “Huh?”

“Unless you want to stay for longer,” Shiki suggests when he stands up and picks up his long coat and sword. After he attaches his blade, he turns his head and gives a demanding gaze. “What are you doing? You’re going with me.”

In the end, Akira remains silent, and after getting up, he also looks for his coat and weapon. He dislikes it when someone orders him around. On the other hand, he has planned to change the scenery soon.

Besides, it might lower their chance to encounter bounty hunters or other unwanted types. More importantly, it may let Akira protect his partner from threats.

“As if I’ll let him fight in his current state,” the silver-haired man thinks to himself as he fixes his coat and follows Shiki.

Some time passes. So far, their trip has been peaceful. However, after reaching the abandoned streets of the new location, Akira immediately stops walking and looks around.

The sound of rustling chains and metal alerts him, while his partner is apparently unbothered.

Suddenly, the silver-haired male widens his eyes as a group of feral crackheads rush at him and Shiki.

Without wasting time, he draws his blade and gracefully slashes his opponents with a few strikes.

As the bloody fountain splashes, the corpses hit the cold ground. Lastly, Akira wipes the dark crimson liquid from his sword and drops the stained tissue on his victim’s body.

For sure, that is nothing more than a waste of time. Or so the blue-eyed assassin muses as he puts the clean blade away.

Meanwhile, Shiki only silently observes without interfering. After all, it was a brief but amusing view for him.

But for now, the preserved blue-eyed killer’s growling stomach breaks the silence.

For sure, there cannot be a worse time than now. “Don’t say anything…” Akira thinks while he closes his eyes and frowns.

Unfortunately for him, his partner gives him a smug look. “Just wait for a bit longer and we should arrive soon.”

Instead of saying anything, the irritated blue-eyed male lifts his head and increases his speed. After he turns his head, he indignantly gazes at the dark-haired man, as if prompting something.

While Shiki continues getting entertained by his partner’s reaction, he exhales and fixes his hair.

Another hour passes. Finally, these travelers arrive at another more lively and civilized part of the city. Fortunately for them, there are even small shops close to it. Before settling in the new place, Akira insists they should get food and water supplies along with the first aid kit.

Surprisingly, the dark-haired man doesn’t mind and agrees. On the other hand, such unusual behavior slowly makes Akira anxious.

But for now, he brushes his suspicions aside and tries not to think too hard.

After a while, the couple reach the doorstep of the hotel. Perhaps it can be a decent place to rest for a few days, or at least until Shiki’s scar heals, and it will be safe to remove the suture.

Even if Shiki may try to move, he can be easily restrained or taken down until he calms down. Akira contemplates this as he fixes his coat’s collar and the backpack’s belts. Lastly, he pushes the door open.

When studying the traditional Western-style interior, which was commonly found in the highest quality hotels before the war, and the atmosphere alone, it’s clear that cheap criminals or average citizens cannot afford even to stand in such a place.

Certainly, it dawns on Akira that they walked into the wrong place. For now, he slightly shrugs and addresses the dark-haired man, “We should leave. There is no way we’ll be able to stay here without getting questioned.”

Shiki only closes his eyes and replies, “Nonsense. You worry too much.”

The silver-haired male only watches as his arrogant counterpart walks toward the receptionist’s table. “Don’t act like I haven’t warned you, you idiot,” he murmurs.

Meanwhile, when the receptionist notices that both sketchy incomers openly carry dangerous weapons, he fears for his life. It doesn’t help that one of them freely approaches him as if it’s his home.

Therefore, the trembling man remains polite and holds his hands, hoping it will drive away these strangers. “I’m terribly sorry to inform you, sir. Unfortunately, we do not have vacant rooms.” Yet, his warning is useless.

Suddenly, the red-eyed swordsman slams his hand on the counter and stares at the receptionist.

Even the passing personnel freeze in the same spot and turn their head toward the direction of the sudden noise. However, as quickly as it catches the staff’s attention, their curiosity disappears, and they continue their work.

Unfortunately, the receptionist is left alone to deal with violent guests. “Sir, I must ask you to leave. If you resist, I may also have no other choice than to call security or even the police,” the poor worker adds. While forcing himself to smile, the receptionist’s hand moves under the counter. Yet, he hesitates to press the alarm button out of fear.

After Shiki retrieves something from his pants pocket, he tosses it on the counter. “How much do you want?”

The scarred man’s heart suddenly drops to his heels as he stares at the thick pile of bills. He cannot comprehend what happened and how he is still alive.

Shiki fixates his demanding crimson eyes on the receptionist like a large feline looking down on a lowly insect. “Is that enough for you?” Meanwhile, the receptionist manages to nod.

“I won’t repeat myself twice. Give us the key to our room,” the dark-haired man threatens.

In the meantime, Akira only facepalms. “You fool… was that really necessary?”

Yet, Shiki remains unhinged and snatches the keys to their new room from the worker’s hand. Lastly, he turns toward the blue-eyed male.

As Akira rolls his eyes, he walks toward the counter and nags at the delighted swordsman. “You should be glad that we’re not kicked out yet.”

“You have a place to stay now. So, don’t complain,” the dark-haired man backfires.

In the end, Akira only sighs, and before leaving the reception room, he nods and silently apologizes for Shiki’s behavior. Besides, it would be wiser because it may reduce their chance of getting black-listed and having new enemies hunting them.

When they enter their room, Akira removes the backpack from his shoulders, throws it on the double-sized bed, and hangs his long coat on the hanger close to his partner’s.

After he sits next to Shiki on the bed, he opens the backpack and passes him a Solid. “Here.”

Yet, his partner crosses his arms and declines. “I don’t need it. So, you have it first.”

Akira only argues, “I will take it, but you need it more than I do. Why do you think I got more food this time? Who knows when the last time you’ve eaten something was… and it may help you to recover faster.”

In the end, the ebony-haired swordsman takes the offered bar from the same hand that treated his wound and removes the wrapping paper.

Seeing how this man takes from his hand reminds him of a proud feline who finally trusts him. He is also secretly relieved and glad that Shiki accepts his help.

However, Akira instantly picks up another Solid and unwraps it. As he lowers his head and eagerly munches on the omurice flavored bar, he hopes to hide his face before Shiki gets any weird ideas and teases him. And thus, Solids disappear one after another while the silver-haired man repeatedly checks that his partner is eating and not just sitting and waiting.

Several hours pass. It’s already past midnight, and both swordsmen are peacefully resting.

Of course, before calling it a day and going to bed, Akira stubbornly refuses to sleep on the same bed as Shiki.

One of his main reasons was that he might move during his sleep and accidentally open his partner’s scar, and how he prefers to sleep on the floor. Unfortunately, the dark-haired swordsman doesn’t buy into this.

When Akira picks the bedside closer to the window, he turns away and curls into a ball, while Shiki behaves like an actual cat and takes more than half of the bed.

But for now, the silver-haired man silently groans and lazily opens his eyes as he feels someone’s body pressing against his back and an arm thrown over him.

Moreover, someone’s hair is tickling his neck. Yet, he refuses to move and see if Shiki is doing this on purpose to annoy him or if it’s only an involuntary movement during his sleep.

If his partner is awake, the silver-haired man should stay still and not fall for his provocation. Firstly, he is too tired to deal with Shiki’s shenanigans. Secondly, his partner may ignore his wound and attempt to do something reckless… or so Akira convinces himself while he lies on his side.

As soon as he feels how the dark-haired man tightens his hug, he murmurs, “What are you-?” Despite that, he doesn’t receive a response, apart from Shiki weakly exhaling before returning to silence.

“So, is he asleep? If he doesn’t try anything funny, it should be fine, I guess,” Akira ponders while he continues being embraced by the dark-haired man.

As Akira sighs, he realizes that the more time he spends with this man, the more he doesn’t understand him or his recent behavior.

Although, it’s fine by him. If Shiki is by his side and not doing anything reckless, that is alright, the silver-haired man thinks to himself as he slowly closes his eyes and eventually falls asleep.

A few days pass by. Finally, today is a big day. After the daily checkup on Shiki’s wound, Akira decides it’s finally safe to remove the suture.

While he sits on the bedside, he picks up the disinfectant spray, scalpel, and medical tweezers and prepares for the incoming procedure. This time, he doesn’t restrain the dark-haired man. Besides, Shiki voluntarily partially lies down while observing the blue-eyed male.

Fortunately, compared to suturing an injury, this is not that intense of a procedure. Yet, it should not be taken lightheartedly, especially because one wrong movement can lead to severe damage or cause infection.

And thus, while keeping this in mind, Akira lifts his partner’s t-shirt and leans closer to him. “Try not to move too much, got it?”

Yet, as the dark-haired man fixates his gaze on Akira, he keeps a poker face and slowly blinks like a feline.

Firstly, the blue-eyed male sprays the disinfectant on the injury and waits until it dries before moving to the next step.

A couple of minutes pass. Then, Akira takes the tweezers into his non-dominant hand and the small scalpel into his dominant one. Before starting the procedure, the silver-haired male stares at his partner. “You might feel uncomfortable for a bit.”

When the blue-eyed assassin carefully picks the suture close to the knot, he cuts it. Soon he cuts another thread, and while he holds on to the knot, he removes the first stitch.

Another cut stitch, another one taken from the injury. The silver-haired man works with precision while checking how Shiki is doing.

Lastly, when Akira removes the last thread, he again sprays the disinfectant and cleans the healed wound. “Here. It’s finally over.”

However, just when the blue-eyed assassin is about to stand and tidy the mess, a pair of arms wrap around him. While one rests on his waist, another rests on his shoulder.

A second later, Akira shakily closes his eyes and gasps at the sensation of his partner’s tongue against his sensitive, exposed neck. “What are you…?” he inquires in his sweet, shivery voice while his t-shirt’s lower zipper is opening.

Hell, he can feel how the dark-haired man’s hand slides under his open t-shirt and rubs his waist.

Instead of letting Shiki toy with him, Akira places his palm on the same one that is on his shoulder and turns back to face him. “Not now, you fool…”

Perhaps his partner wants to sound strict, but with such alluring expressions on his face, he begs to be eaten right here, right now. Akira seems to be yearning for his touch as well. It is evident that, from his honest reactions, he has been holding back during this whole time, the red-eyed swordsman thinks to himself.

However, Akira lowers the held hand and escapes from his grasp. Finally, he stands up. “Enough! Sharp blades are lying around. What if you get hurt?” he groans, while hiding his still blushing face and tidying up after the recent procedure.

After a short pause, the silver-haired man turns around and explains in a softer tone, “I just need to run to the shop and get some food. Then, tonight you’ll learn what happens if you mess with me.” When he grabs his long coat, he rushes through the door without lowering the zipper of his t-shirt or wearing his long leather gloves.

Meanwhile, Shiki lowers his head and delightfully smiles. As he tilts his head and fixes his hair, he looks forward to whatever his partner has planned.