Jaro's POV

It was Saturday and I had nothing to do. My father and mother were not home again and this time Vello and Nero were with them. Lance was also on break too so I had no one to spend the day with.

While I was reading in the library, a servant arrived. 

"Highness, Prince Alastair is here." The servant said.

Surprised...I went to greet him. I was curious why he visited my palace. He is a prince, I thought he was handling their kingdom's problems. 

I arrived at the throne room and saw Valor standing there. He wore the clothing that I gave him and It made me a bit happy.

I smiled then asked. "What brings you to the Catharia castle Valor?"

"I have something to discuss with his highness. " He replied.

I suppose this visit is to help the kingdom his. He looked like someone who can't afford to make any wrong move. His expression was serious and it as if I was looking at a lion.

"Unfortunately, The emperor is away so with the other members of the royal family. If you are willing to discuss the matter, I could listen to your explanation and present it to his highness when he returns." I said as I invited him to walk with me.

"Thank you for your consideration highness." He said as he followed.

We arrived at my office and discussed about the matter.

"Recently, my kingdom, Claustreia, has been corrupted of some sort of spell. It made the land contaminated with black magic and it's delaying the growth of crops. The kingdom lost a huge amount of agricultural products. It has already spread throughout neighboring countries as well. The royal chemists tried to use the purifying water but the curse still remained..." Valor explained.

"Why not ask the people in Vaevarros for aid? I'm sure they would be able to help you since our magical power is not as powerful as them." I said.

"That may be true Highness but we were running out of time and we limited our distance for time expenditure then asked aid in the nearest empire." He said.

"What do you propose we do?" I asked.

"I brought a soil sample here and I was hoping that your royal researchers can find a solution for it." He said as he presented a sample soil from Claustreia.

"It would take too long, it would be unwise to leave your kingdom in more desperation than it already is." I said.

"However, I will report this to the emperor and hopefully we will be able to find an answer. I'm afraid. Since you are one of our neighboring kingdoms, it would be unavoidable that the curse could spread to our lands as well." I said as offered Valor the notes that I wrote.

His face looked clueless as if he had never seen a letter before. He looked at the paper then pretended like he was reading it. I sighed.

"This is the notes that I wrote based from your report. Just imprint your kingdom's seal on the back of the page and I will handle the rest." I said.

He immediately pressured his mana onto his hand then he imprinted the seal of his kingdom. I took the paper back then placed it in an envelope.

"I suggest you write something about the matter next time you present another problem. The hardcopy of a proposal is significant because it summarizes the problem your kingdom is facing." I said with a smile then stood up.

"I can't thank you enough for your kindness your majesty." He said as he bowed.

"No need to be formal, both of us are princes after all." I replied.

Valor stayed for a while. We continued to talk about the current matter. It has already spread into 3 other kingdoms in Sancritus.

Sancritus is mainly known because of it's magical strength, the land itself is magical. Due to it's lands, the agriculture was prosperous. Sancritus has the highest magical power amongst her sister regions. All who enter will take form of a demi-human that depends on their type of mana. Cat, Fox, Wolf ears and or tails will appear on your body and it will significantly boost magical power.

"Thank you Highness but I must go back. I'm sure Claustreia would want their prince home to comfort it's people." He said.

" Of course, Allow me to escort you to the gates." I offered.

It was still 1 in the afternoon, I decided not to write because I was lazy even though I want to. I bid my farewells to Valor as he left the castle's premises.

Jaro Drake Catharia 1st is the Son of a honorable emperor and empress in the Whereana Empire. He is the first prince of the empire and he vowed to give all of his life and loyalty to the land.

When he was 16, he was crowned as the future emperor of his domain. After his coronation, his life changed. He had encounters with friends, enemies, rivals and insecurities, But then House Cynthia's contract struck. It was 5 years that they proclaimed to have a truce with Royals since their feud has destroyed so many families. The house demanded that the eldest son of the royal family would marry a chosen representative picked by the Cynthias as a symbol for their unity.

Short stuff.
The pic is not mine BTW just edited it. Credit goes to the TRUE Artist that created this art (~￣³￣)~ The pic is from the webcomic The Forgotten Empress which I found from pinterest

"Shh. You better lower your voice.If you like him I will request for your marriage purposal to the king but before that I need to verify if he really cares of you.If he is like those spoilt brats then you can forget it. "
So, Armine invited Owen for drink that night to thank him for his treatment.
As they were drinking and chatting Allaya kept refilling their cups.
Within few cups General looked tipsy. Then he hold Allaya wrist as she was pouring drink and said,"Owen, do u like this beauty. Isn't she beautiful? If you like her I will give her to you?"
Owen was not tipsy and replied with courtesy 
"General she is bestowed upon you as your personal maid by His majesty if you reject then he might get offended."
Owen..., I ask you again do u like her I can give her to you; Other things doesn't matter, I will talk with his majesty.
I am very grateful for that  General but I do not think I am worthy of it. 
Owen, I have alway got a feeling that  you liked her.That is why I asked you before I made her my mistress. If you have said you liked her I would have given her to you for the services you had give me.
Owen frowned his face as he repeated, "Mistress ? Why aren't you making her your legal wife."
General laughed loudly, "Why would I ? With a women of such low level why would I want her to be my legal wife. With my status I can get a wife from a prestigious Family.Since you have clearly rejected her I am taking her with me tonight. You please continue your drink."
So, Armine who appeared drunk was barely on his feet as he was supported by Allaya  and taken to his tent.
As this two figure made their way hand in hand Owen who was still in the table. He was furious and had it with his toleration with General.He had time and time again pushed him to his edge and today when General clearly stated that he was going to make Allaya his mistress and taking her tonight. This just send a strom in his head and heart he could not control  his mind. So, he kept drinking in his rage. He just had this sense of urgency and he could put his finger on it. What is that he was feeling. He was feeling suffocated.And then he finally thought did he really liked this women. 

Inside the tent, Allaya sat in front of the mirror and had a long face, she was trying to hide her sadness and tears as it had started to form on her eyes. Because she thought  Lord Owen was different.As she remembered how his action seems to value her opinion and her pride. Alas! she thought every good things comes to an end. As she was lost in her thoughts Armine touched her shoulder to break the trance and said, "I guess I was wrong. I thought he was different. I am sorry to  have given you a false hope. I am sorry.Allaya do not be sad I feel bad. What can I do to make you laugh again."
Allaya had a mischievous smile. "Since you wronged me. Will you listen to my request?"
Of course, what do you want, Allaya?
Princess, I want to dress you up like old time and do your hair.
Armine ponder for awhile and replied, "Since I have send all the guards away for tonight. As I had stated that I will spend the night with you. I guess we can do it. No one is near by."
So, Allaya got Carmine a dress it was not as exequites as she would wear at palace but she would not mind for Allaya and she was willing to wear it.
As Allaya helped Armine with the dress and Allaya was making her hair. Without even realising Allaya had again lost in her thoughts of Owen. Armine could feel her lack of consciousness as she was mindlessly just combing the same hair for a long time. Armine felt even more bad for her. So, she started to tickle Allaya. Allaya was very ticklish so she alway hated when princess tickled her.  Allaya, to avoid being tickled started to run away from the princess.
At this moment, outside the tent, Owen had arrived. Owen who was drinking alone had no idea how he had ended up there but his trance was broken when he heard Allaya shouting, " Stay away from me."
As he could hear sound of her being chased inside the tent. He was in big delima. 
Inside the tent Allaya who was running to get away from Armine bumped her legs on the stand of bed shouted Ahh and fell on the bed. As Armine pounced on top of her to tickle. Allaya moved backward and happened to pull the tassel hanging on the curtain. This made the entire curtain to cover the bed. 
Outside for Owen this was beyond he could tolerate and without even thinking Owen barge in and kneel down with his head bent down. It appeared as if his forehead was glued into the ground.
As he barge in, Of course Armine instinct got hold of her she had already taken the sword beside the bed in her hand.
Owen kneeling in his knee and his head bowed down said," General, forgive my tardiness but I want you to leave Allaya. I wish to take her."
Owen do you know what you are saying. How dare you enter my chamber? 
Owen, "I was wrong,I want Allaya"
Armine, "Tsk, Why do you want to make her your mistress. She will have more status and better thing if she remain my mistress. Compared to you my status is high.
Owen replied, I do not plan to make her my mistress, I want her to be my legal wife."
How dare u? As Armine shouted he unsheathed the sword.
Owen who was in his knee knew this was his end.
But as Armine unsheathed the sword, half of the curtain fell in the ground.
Owne was felt a sense of relief as he was realised that he was  still alive. But till this time he had not dare to see or raise his head from the time he had entered to not to disrespect the general further. 
Armine, commanded , "Raise your head."
As  Owen slowly raised his head. First his eyes say the half torn curtain on the floor.Then he could see two pairs of pretty feet. As he eyes started go up. He could see 2 women in dress.
At this point, Owen as speechless.
Finally, when he raised his head. Armine took one step and was in front of him; towering over him with his sword in Owen neck. I hope you understand how important it is for this to be a secret. Or I can't tell if you will live to see the next day. 
Owen could only nod his head in agreeing it.This situation had made him lose all the effect of alcohol.
Since you understood it let's have a talk.
Owen was so full of fear that he could not even recongnize Armine.
As they sat in the table.
Owen could not help noticed that the General looked beautiful than Allaya. Of course Allaya was beautiful but the general he could not shake that feeling that she had a dignified and beautiful aura.
As they sat for talk. Armine word interrupted his this thought.
Let me reintroduce myself.I am princess Carmine. 
Owen was shocked and replied, General do not joke with me. Princess is gravely Ill and she has always been looked after Allaya and the royal physician. And right now she is at the mountain for recovery. As he said these word he saw Allaya smiling at the side. It started to make sense to him why Allaya had rushed the journey because her master was not in the palace but here.  And who would know in the mountain that the person is really princess.
As soon as his mind made this connection. He came off the seat and kneel down to give her royal cursty for which Armine just brushed off by holding his hand before bowing down. 
Now he remembered where he had seen her. It was the big princess painting in queen's chamber. 
Armine, Allaya could you make sobering soup for Lord Owen.
As she left. Armine turned to Owen.And said, Lord Owen I was very bit serious of everything I said today.  And I really hope you to take good care of Allaya.
Becoz I treat her like my sister. And because you treat her with love and respect I am willing to give her to you. 
I will request father to raise her status so she can marry you. 
Owen nodded in agreement.
When Allaya came in with sobering soup. Owen drank it and felt better.

Armine said, Owen I was planning to talk with you regarding weapon of Ouran- the deadly pixie dust. After spending a week with you I realized that your medicinal  and herbal knowledge are exceptional.So, this is the only sample of pink pixie dust that was developed by Ouran for war. If any living thing is in contact with it it kills person instantly by evaporating all the water from it.
This is the only sample I got. I want you to investigate it; find it's composition; it's antidote- whatever helps us to defeat it. I will write a letter to the king and you will be privately funded for the research . As I do not want this discovery to be known to public as it will create fear and anxiety in people. 
Owen took the sample. He could not believe what this journey had entailed.
So in next few days. Armine bid them goodbye with official letters to the king. 
When the king got the letter he raised Allaya status to lady and gave a marriage decree to them in coming full moon.
After getting the secret letter he also established a secret inventory for Owen for research of the pixie dust.

Carmine is a princess who became General for to protect her country. But her entanglement with Norand’s royal brothers.What will her future withhold? Will she still be able to guard her country from Ouran invasion or fate will take a new turn and entail a different path for her? 1 chapter a week will be published.


Thank you very much for all the readers for being so supportive and reading my novel. This is my first time writing a novel. This will probably finish in 50-60 chapters.
I am sorry for not updating in time. But I will try to complete it soon after I sort some priority stuffs at this point.

The cover belongs to respected creators as I got it from pin- interest and modified a bit. However, the story content is original and created by me. 
 
With kind regards
Scaretpheonixxx

Sebastian was holding the steering wheel but he didn't start the car. His favorite jazz artist was coming through the stereo, but the sound seemed harsh and distracting.
19.93 seconds! That's the result of a world champion. Since Kittell has retired, this result could bring a gold medal in the Olympic Games, or at least a medal.
Shawn Ford got 19.93 seconds, which shows that he is in a good state. If he keeps that state, even if he goes a little slower, he will pass the qualification trials of the Olympic Games. In other words, he has already reserved one seat in the 200m.
But the question is, why can he suddenly run so fast? What he has done this year to let him run so fast? Let alone within 20 seconds, even someone within 20.10 seconds could win nearly any championship in America!
After that World Championship, Shawn Ford didn't perform well at all. I almost forgot him. But now he has come back without any warning. There must be something strange! There must be! If I am right, the Chinese coach is the key.
It could be viewed as luck or coincidence when Alexander returned to his former state. But now Shawn Ford is achieving again. How could it be possible that both these changes are by chance? Dai Li must be giving excitants to them, or they couldn't improve so fast.
Thinking of this, Sebastian suddenly felt annoyed that Dai Li's excitant must be powerful enough that even an old athlete like Shawn Ford could regain his status.
No, I need to notify Franklin's Lab at once. I must figure out what the h*ll Dai Li is using. Sebastian took up his phone and called Franklin...
...
After a whole day training, Ford was tired and walked close to Alexander.
"Justin, could you take me to the station? My car is in the shop," Shawn Ford said apologetically.
"Sure, I'll give you a ride." Alexander nodded. "But wait for me for five minutes, I need to go to the bathroom."
"The men's toilet in the bathroom over there is broken. One hour ago, when I went there, workers were examining it. You'd better go to another bathroom outside," Ford said casually.
"Broken again. It's really frequent." Alexander continued, "Not long ago, the toilet was broken and a plumber was repairing it, but that guy was gay. He stared at my dick when I had a pee. That was really awkward."
"Was he about so tall, with thin with brown hair and a beard on his upper lip?" Ford made some gestures as he said.
"Yes, that's him." Alexander obviously hadn't forgotten the plumber's appearance, and he continued to ask, "You met him too?"
"It seems like we met the same guy. D*mn it! Of course we met a gay guy right when we had to pee, and he stared at us for so long..." Ford started to talk dirty. Obviously, he didn't like gays at all.
...
Andrew was an investigator of a research company. He had met many weird clients and also received many strange commissions. For example, he was asked to get an athlete's urine sample not long ago.
That investigation was not as good as Andrew expected. He pretended to be a plumber and got the athlete's urine sample successfully, but at the same time, the athlete thought he was gay.
Andrew didn't think that he could get another similar commission. However, to his surprise, he got one again not long after to get another athlete's urine sample.
Therefore, Andrew pretended to be a plumber again.
As a man and a temporary-urologist, it was really embarrassing to watch another man peeing.
Still, he succeeded at gaining the sample, but he would never forget the athlete's face when he looked at him.
The athlete's face was full of irony, disdain, and disgust. There was no doubt that the athlete this time also treated Andrew as a gay.
Andrew felt that his dignity had been trampled.
D*mn it! I swear that I will never accept such a commission again!
...
Franklin was holding a detection report but his face looked serious.
"How is the result? Anything wrong?" Sebastian asked eagerly.
Franklin shook his head. "The result of Shawn Ford is as normal as that of Justin Alexander."
Both of them were silent for half a minute. Franklin spoke first. "Can you be certain that Shawn Ford used excitant?"
"What else? I can't figure out another possibility." Sebastian continued, "Last time it could have been luck for Alexander, but could it possible that this time was luck again? Moreover, Ford was different from Alexander. Before he was suspended, Alexander was a top sprinter in the world, known as the fastest athlete of America. But how about Shawn Ford?"
"These years, he has been unknown to the public, only an average athlete. But after changing coaches, he suddenly becomes world championship level. If Ford was good enough, why didn't he perform well these years? So, the only thing I can think is that the Chinese coach let them dope excitant so that they could improve more quickly!"
Franklin sighed. "I admit it makes sense. One time could be coincidence, but two times in a row suggests a high probability that it was caused by human factors. However, we didn't detect anything related to an excitant at all!"
"Maybe Dai Li holds more advanced technology?" Sebastian asked.
"No way! Our technology is the most advanced in the world." In terms of technology, Franklin felt very confident.
"Should it be possible that he uses a new excitant, which is beyond the seven varieties we already know, and it is very effective, just like..." Sebastian thought a while and said, "Just like the serum used by Captain America, which could strengthen bodies!"
"That only exists in cartoon and film. It's not reality." Franklin suddenly paused as if he had thought of something. He lowered his voice and continued, "But what you said does make a certain kind of sense. It is said that the military researched the so-called 'super soldier' during Cold War. It was the Soviet Union that started to use steroidal drugs, which were designed to create more powerful soldiers. However, the research was eventually applied to athletes."
"That sounds terrifying," Sebastian said. His generation experienced the Cold War, when the powerful Soviet Union could surpass the United States in military power. Therefore, hearing about the Soviet Union made Sebastian afraid, even though the Soviet Union had collapsed decades ago.
Franklin continued, "In the United States, Europe, and even Japan, the process of many labs is transparent. Of course, it doesn't mean it's real-time, but these labs will show the public their achievements in scientific research at short intervals. Not only can they give their investors a mandate, but also, they can gain more money for research. But it is different in socialist countries. Their labs belong to the government and the government funds them. The processes of many labs are classified. If they don't register a patent, we don't even know what they are studying. As far as I know, Dai Li comes from that kind of country. So, we can't exclude the possibility that he indeed has a new excitant, not as powerful as that of Captain America, but still good enough."
"So, what can we do now?" Sebastian asked.
"The first thing we need to know is whether he really has a new type of excitant." Franklin looked at Sebastian seriously as he said, "I'll continue to send a private investigator to investigate him, but you also need to help me."
"What can I do?" Sebastian asked.
"You will become the chief coach of the USA national track and field team soon, right? I want you to get more information with that new identity," said Franklin.
...
The national office of the USA Track and Field in Polis, Indiana.
The CEO of the USA Track and Field, Williams, handed a letter of appointment to Sebastian personally, and said, "Coach Sebastian, congratulations! You are the new coach of our national team."
"Thank you. I will try my best to get a good result in the Olympic Games." Sebastian accepted the letter of appointment.
Williams said with a smile, "Coach Sebastian, even though the qualifiers of the Olympic Games haven't started, I want to know your opinion on our national team, especially on which aspects we can expect breakthroughs. You know, the public concentrates on this. They want to see that we can make progress and our athletes can achieve ever greater things."
"I think in terms of men's sprint events, we will perform better than the previous two Olympic Games, even regain the gold medal," Sebastian said. "During the last few Olympics, Jamaica has always surpassed us in sprint events. But now, Kittell has retired and he will not attend this Olympic Games. Therefore, we definitely can get gold medals in men's 100m, 200m, and 4x100m. Next, my focus will shift to these three events. I'll get the gold medal back!"
"The association thought just as you said. In fact, you were chosen as the chief coach this time because you have rich experience in sprint events. We hope you can make a breakthrough in this event for the national team." Williams nodded with a smile and continued to ask, "How about the 400m? Do you have anything to say?"
"We are always excellent in the 400m event. We have dominated the 400m in Olympic Games for about thirty years, and we even got all the three medals in one Olympic Games. In this event, our athletes are all world-top, like Brown, Andrew, Francois, Stephenson... Any one of them has the strength to get the Olympic championship," Sebastian said.
"How about Aylwin?" Williams continued to ask.
Sebastian was shocked. "Aylwin? You mean Jimmy Aylwin? Didn't he retire three years ago?"
"It seems that you still don't know. You must have missed the news this morning," Williams said with a smile.
Sebastian nodded. "Yes sir. I came here on an early flight today and didn't have the time to check the news. What happened?"
"Indeed. Jimmy Aylwin announced that he is coming back!" Williams answered.
...
Sebastian felt conflicted about the idea of Aylwin coming back.
Aylwin was a legendary athlete, but Sebastian was not a legendary coach, which made Sebastian feel that he wasn't good enough to train a big-name athlete. Sebastian was afraid that he couldn't dominate Aylwin.
Aylwin was retired for three years, and he is about 35 years old now. In terms of his age, his career should have ended! Maybe I think too much. He may not pass the qualification, let alone the national team.
Thinking of this, Sebastian's phone was ringing. It was from his assistant.
"Coach, I have checked it out. Early this morning, Jimmy Aylwin announced that he is returning on his social media, and that he would attend the qualifiers of the Olympic Games. According to the grapevine, Aylwin started his training several months ago," the assistant said.
"Several months? I didn't expect them to keep it a secret so well. Is he training by himself or with another coach?"
"Yes, Aylwin is training in the Chinese coach's training center in Los Angeles," answered the assistant.
"Dai Li? How could it be him again? Why is he everywhere?" Sebastian could not help shouting. His mood became much worse.


How could a poor graduate student without any background or connections become successful? With a coaching system? An upgrade? This is not a computer game, but real life we’re talking about!
 
This will be a fantasy based on reality. Dai Li will fight back against all those who would mock and humiliate him with his astonishing and awe-inspiring training skills. From a nobody he’ll try to become the most illustrious coach in the sports world, so join him in proving to everyone who’s the real master here!

Sky and Anton went to see Me Charlie in Palmera hotel. 

They waited at the lobby for him to come down. "Let's go to the restaurant Anton, i'm starving. How long does it take a man to get down from his hotel roo? He is acting like a sissy." Sky said irritated.

"Alright I'll send him a text. let's go feed my favourite ladies."Anton said as he helped her up.

"Hey. Kira is among your favourite ladies now infact she's number one. I'm sure you guys made up right?" Sky asked as they picked a table at the restaurant.

Anton knew he wouldn't be able to avoid the question anymore so he told her the truth. "Yeah Sky. I took your advise, we made up. I took her to skyscraper restaurant and then we went clubbing. We had a fun night but it's not what you are thinking. We didn't have sex."

"Wow...that's good. You are perverted Anton, I wasn't thinking of such." Sky said smiling. She picked the menu and placed her order.

"Sky. Sweetpea is my number one favourite girl, no one can take her place so don't say that again.  We have this bond, you wont understand." Anton said smiling."

"Yeah? But please don't say that in Kira's presence. I don't want my daughter to have a competitor this early." Sky said laughing.

"You look exhausted Sky. I hope our meeting with Charlie will be a short one?" Anton asked with a worried look on his face.

"I'm just tired. Tired of smiling into the camera . Do Reporters ever get tired? I mean they took pictures of me and Dwayne in the morning and even at the airport. For Pete sake it's the same outfit." 

"I understand what you are trying to say but they don't. They are like that when they need something which is most of the time." Anton said laughing.

"Hi kids." Charlie said as he sat down with Anton and Sky. "It's been a while."

Sky looked at the man who doesn't look older than thirty five and he's in his early fifties. 


"Hello Barrister Charles. It took you a while to get down here, did you forget our dear Sky is pregnant?" Anton said in a not too friendly tone.

"You are always the same Anton, so you still nag.  Sky shouldn't be working, a pregnant woman needs her rest. Why are you as stubborn as Jay. Now I know why he chose you. Anyway sorry I'm late. But you both know how selfish I can be, and how much I love myself. I took my time getting here cause I'm suppose to be resting but this little mommy over here wanted the meeting now. Instead of tomorrow."

"I want the result out by tomorrow, I'm tired of guessing Mr Charlie and like you said...I need my rest." Sky said smiling as the waiter dropped her food on the table.

"What test are you talking about little one?" Charlie asked as he helped himself with the red wine in front of Anton.

"I figured but out Mr Charlie. Please tell me I'm on the right track. Remember the young man I told you about? I have his DNA sample."  Sky said with her mouth full.

"Hahahahaha" Charlie's rich laughter filled the air. "You are too smart for your own good, Sky  Anyway you are right. We do have biological sample of Mr Jayden. He said if he dies ..we could take sample. So love I'll have to visit the coroner's office. We kept it there so no one will suspect." 
Surprised Anton looked from Charlie to Sky, who didn't look that surprise.

"I knew it." Sky said smiling. She handed him two paper envelopes.

"Why do you have two envelopes Sky? Anton asked confused.

"Patience handsome. I can't tell you until I'm sure. But you know I can't keep my mouth shut for too long. Trust me, you'll understand soon."

"Alright kids enjoy your dinner. Goodnight." Charlie said, as he stood up to leave.

"Thanks for seeing me Barrister Charlie. I'll be waiting for your call. Do have a goodnight rest sir." Sky said to the man before he walked away.

"You are enjoying this Sky. Stop playing detective and tell me why you have two envelopes." Anton collected her spoon and took a bite from her plate."

"Hey calm down. I learnt it from you. We just have a few hours to tomorrow. But if you are so curious, I can tell you about the owner of the sample in the second envelope now.  It's mine."

"Anton coughed. Sky I'd rather you not tell me than you messing with me. What do you mean yours? You are the female version of your dad and you have your mom's lips so shut up!" Anton shook his head as he watched the lady in front of him.

He decided to change the topic. "Sky? Dwayne told me about your dream. You have too many bad dreams these days, are you sure you are alright?"

"Mom said it's normal, that once a pregnant woman draws near to her delivery date, she gets scared of childbirth. Especially if it's her first time. I just have to stop worrying but Anton, I am scared. I can't stop thinking of my DOD."

Anton stretched his hand and took her right hand in his. "Hey love. I'm here ok? and so is your family and Dwayne too, Chiamanda also, Bones, Stones. I could go on. You are going to be just fine. Besides God's got you, you are going to deliver like the Hebrew women in the Bible. " He squeezed her hand to reassure her.


"Thanks Anton. I can't believe you know about the Hebrew woman. But can we switch places so you'd help me push during labour?" Sky asked smiling.

"Nice try but no ma'am. I love being a man."


The next day, Sky didn't go to work. She waited for Barrister Charlie's call all through the morning but nothing. She was almost giving up when he called her and told her that he was at her estate gate. 

"Calm down Sky. Stop pacing, the result is already out...it won't change. If he's Mr Jay's son, we have no choice but to accept him. I'm nervous too.


After his meeting with Mrs Rose yesterday, Aidenn came straight home and stayed indoors all day. He texted Adrianna and told her he wanted to be alone. He did some soul searching so he decided to go find out the truth. He went jogging early this morning to clear his head but nothing. If anything, he was worse.
He went in search of his mother's parting gift and opened the old letter. He didn't want to read it alone so he went to Adrianna's place. He's gotten so close to her. She was so easy to talk too and he's always comfortable around her.

Jenna saw the look on Aidenn's face as she opened the door. She has never seen him this serious before. She quickly took his hand and led him to the sofa.

"Aidenn are you alright?" 

"I don't know Addy. This is my mom's dying letter to me. I don't want to read it alone. This will tell me if Mr Jayden is my father or not."

"Are you sure you want me here Aidenn? I could go stay in my room while you read it." Jenna stood up to leave but he caught her hand and pulled her down.

"Please stay. Don't go" Aidenn said as he straightened the paper and started reading.

Jenna wanted badly to see what's in the letter and at the same time, she wanted to console him....she wanted him to be ok no matter what the letter said. She tried not to look at the letter but the image of Mena's angry face appeared in front of her. So she shook her head to clear her thought, and read the letter with Aidenn. 

She gasped as she read the second paragraph. "Oh no" Jenna thought to herself not knowing she said the words out.

Aidenn looked at her and smiled as a tear fell down his face.

A feisty lady, lost in her past, fighting for a better future. Guided by an angel. Sky is just a normal girl searching for love, money and security. She had a rough start which made her give up on love. Will Sky ever believe in love again?
Sky's life changed drastically after she met her angel. Will she lose herself along the way? or will she become a better person?

"Are you happy about your sudden promotion, salary raise and all the bonus, do you think you deserve it?" Dwayne stared at his boss not knowing what to say, having worked in the company for three years he has never met the infamous boss and suddenly a promotion brought him to her office...what is it she wants??

A casanova who will do anything for money. An arrogant billionaire who dreads marriage....who will she chose? Join Sky as she help unravel the mystery in Mr Jayden's life, Jaydite and as she try to balance her personal life with her career.

[Ying'er, I have a surprise for you. Please go to the hot spring next to our inn. I'll be waiting for you in the sand bath area. You have to come. -Long Ao Zhen]
"Ao Zhen asked me to go the hot spring next door? But he just ordered me to never leave my room no matter what happened, ah!" Li Shi Ying head spin around after she read the letter. The handwriting was really Long Ao Zhen's handwriting, so she didn't doubt it at all.
"Maybe it's a trap…" Mian Xiang grabbed the letter and checked it again, but she too found that the letter was genuine.
"Maybe? But the handwriting is exactly the same. No one can truly copy someone else's handwriting to this extent, right?" Li Shi Ying shrugged her shoulder as she waited for Mian Xiang opinion. 
This letter looks suspicious, but the handwriting was that of Long Ao Zhen...what if he told her not to get out because he was preparing for this surprise? He said in the letter that they should meet at the sand bathing area, don't tell her…
"Princess, please give me one of Long Ao Zhen's handwriting sample I want to compare it to make sure this isn't fake," Mian Xiang had the same thought as Li Shi Ying, but the woman was extra cautious. She wanted to double-check the letter.
"Sure. Here," Hearing this, Li Shi Ying hurriedly took out one of Long Ao Zhen's handwriting sample she had and give it to Mian Xiang.
The woman then began to compare the handwriting in the letter with Long Ao Zhen's handwriting that Li Shi Ying lent to her. 
Mian Xiang stared at the handwriting of both papers and didn't find anything wrong with one of them. The two papers had the same handwriting! Could it be her feeling was wrong? 
"How is it?" Li Shi Ying slowly asked Mian Xiang after the woman finished inspecting the letter. Mian Xiang returned the paper Li Shi Ying lent to her with a sigh.
"The handwriting is exactly the same, and just now, I was spying on your highness. He indeed left from his room a few minutes before the letter came." Mian Xiang decided to tell Li Shi Ying that she spied on Long Ao Zhen. The timing of when Long Ao Zhen left from his room and the arrival of the letter was right on time.
It was as if Long Ao Zhen, himself, was really the one giving the letter in secret. A pity she couldn't see Long Ao Zhen's movement very clearly, since its dark at the corridor, but if the timing was right...then it could be Long Ao Zhen himself who sent the letter. 
"Really? Then this must be real. Let's go out now!" Li Shi Ying trusted Mian Xiang's opinion. The girl's eyes brightened upon hearing this and she quickly wore decent clothes to go outside. Of course, she didn't forget to bring Mian Xiang with her.
"Yeah good for you," Mian Xiang smiled hoping that Long Ao Zhen was really preparing a surprise, despite her feeling that it was still as bad as before. She could only hope that nothing bad would happen to her princess. 
Hot spring.
"Oh, you are here," Chi Tian waved her hand when she saw Long Ao Zhen walk to the sand bath area. She thought the man would suddenly cancel the deal, but he still ended up coming.
"Yeah, let's get this done with. Swear first that you will not go back on your word. You will give me the cactus once we go to the bathtub together," Long Ao Zhen spoke in a very cold voice. He was extremely disgusted with this girl, yet he had to bow his head in front of her because he needed the cactus. 
Once he got the cactus, he would make sure to kill this b*tch on the spot! 
"Sure let's go. Oh right we won't go in naked, but you have to take off your upper clothes. Me, on the other hand, will only lower my clothes down to my chest, deal?" Chi Tian smiled as she walked to the sand bath area.
"I don't mind as long as we're not fully naked," Long Ao Zhen hurriedly followed after Chi Tian to the sand bath. He wanted to finish this as soon as he could in case his bunny suddenly went to this hot spring, disobeying his request.
"Oh, it's so silent," Chi Tian giggled as she slowly lowered her upper clothes right above her two mountains. Her shoulder was exposed freely, showing off her fair tender skin under the moonlight seeping through the bamboo wall around them.
"Quickly, swear before we get in," Long Ao Zhen didn't care about what Chi Tian said. The man coldly asked the girl to swear while he stripped his upper clothes revealing his well-built body. 
Of course, the man didn't pay any attention to Chi Tian's smooth skin hidden under her clothes. His mind focused on getting the cactus liquid, and no other things were worthy of his attention.
"Okay I'll swear now," Chi Tian quickly swore upon seeing Long Ao Zhen wasn't mesmerized seeing her half-naked upper body. She had to admire this man's determination.
Chi Tian's voice rang throughout the place. 
There was no one there at the moment, only the two of them, since it was already night time, making Chi Tian's voice the only sound both of them could hear, aside from the sound of the night's wind. 
WARM REGARD to all pirates site and those who read there, this novel is uploaded to webnovel.com with many free chps (around 100+ free chps) so if you steal my novel please at least include the link there! ┌П┐(►˛◄'!) 
For readers who read in pirates site please might as well reconsider to read in webnovel.com to support me π^π. Sorry to make this I just HAVE TO since the big decrease of the income, thanks! -Zehell2218


COMPLETED SERIES

I'll find you even if we are worlds apart -Long Ao Zhen 

---------
Transmigrated into a trash body of general's daughter as female lead? Peh! Too mainstream! Transmigrated to be a villainess? Common! What about transmigrating and ending up as cannon fodder? Have read it before! 

From that many options to transmigrate how could she, Li Shi Ying a very ordinary English department college student, suddenly wake up in the crippled body of the female lead's ex-maidservant?! Heaven, this is too unfair! 

In this world where only the strong are respected, she can't cultivate? No problem! Dozens of high-rank spiritual beasts fight over protecting her! 

Beast Tamers are rare? Hmph! The beast language is her hometown language! 

Can't be an alchemist or array master? Who cares? She could just become a translator! Without a translator, all those rare jobs wouldn't even exist! 

Watch how she rules over the world without having a single bit of cultivation energy in her body! 

But, can someone please tell her how she suddenly became the Dragon Prince's wife? Momma, she wanna cry!!! 

This is a perfect story for those who are bored with the usual cultivation novel. 

Warning: Smut scene in chapters 7-9!! If you don't want to read it, just skip those chapters. 

If you like to read perfect grammar then this book might not be your cup of tea, but I'm still learning. So, it will become better in later chapters. 

Other project:
1. The CEO's Office Boy is a Girl (completed) 
2. 101 Days To Date Mr Target (coming soon) 

Follow my Instagram: zehell2218 for Q & A and other fun information! 

Join me in discord for suggestion and fun chat: https://discord.gg/BWyWDJ7

For support: https://www.paypal.me/Zehell2218

*This cover is mine, it is commissioned.* 

Big thanks to my editors: Overlord_venus, Kuma, DarkAngel84

Proofreader: Lilian

Astonia smiled as she walked down to the library her copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllidia Spore in her arms. She wasn't sure exactly how to approach Ginny Weasley yet. She knew it would be best to do it when there were less Slytherins around. It could wait though, she really did have potions homework to do, and Herbs and Fungi essay to write. 

She sat down at the table and began writing. Before Astoria knew it, the table in front of her was filled with books, open to various pages and chapters so she could pull information from them. Most the older students were out on the field trip and Astoria was focused on her work. Time passed before she heard a chuckle. and suddenly half the books she was working out of were jolted. The inkwell she had been using turned over on her work, splattering dark ink over hours of research. 

"Ooops sorry Astoria. Didn't see you there." a Gryffindor girl laughed as she turned and sauntered back to her friends. Astoria had to use the kerchief she carried to blot up the ink. Red specks from her coughing was covered by the inky blackness, but not all together erased. Nothing could truly erase the stains. She knew that all too well. some of the black ooze edged closer to the library books and she started trying to gather them all and move them off the table. there were too many and the ink was moving too fast. A second pair of hands jumped in and helped remove the books. 

"Here let me help you." The voice was kind, like Natilee's and when Astoria looked up she couldn't help but count her lucky stars. The red headed witch helped to save the rest of the books and frowned as she looked at the four foot long parchment that was over half filled with the notes that Astoria had painstakingly gathered to write her paper. "Maybe we can talk the librarian? She might have some idea of how to remove the ink without removing your writing?" Ginny offered feeling a bit bad. 

"Yea, maybe I will ask her. You're Ginny Weasley right?" Astoria asked offering a soft smile. Ginny nodded at her. 

"Yea, your Astoria, we are a class apart." Ginny replied as she wiped her hands off on a kerchief she kept as well. "Though with us being in Slytherin and Gryffindor its more like a world apart." Both girls surprised themselves by chuckling. Things got awkward and Ginny frowned as she saw a letter on her desk that had a familiar name scrawled across it. 

"Is... this for me?" She asked picking up the note and Astoria smiled at her. 

"Yes, its a invitation to join the Potions making club on campus. You are welcome to bring a friend if you feel more comfortable, but Natilee and I wanted to invite you. It is open to all Gryffindor students with a knack for potions." Astoria offered with a shy smile. She couldn't bring herself to look up at Ginny who offered a smile. 

"I will see if I can make it. Thank you, for the invite, Astoria. Good luck with the Essay." She replied before bouncing off down the hall, red hair swaying behind her. Astoria cheered internally, that was so much easier than she had expected. Now, she just had to deal with her potions essay. 
*********************************
Three weeks later, Natilee and Astoria were in the potions class room, Professor Snape having just told them the rules for the use of his class room. 

"No silly incantations, keep my classroom neat and be certain everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is exactly how I left it, Natilee.  I do not want you making a mess of my classroom." Professor Snape raised an eyebrow for a moment. "Do I make myself Clear?" 

"Crystal, Dad. I will make sure everything is perfect when you come in for inspection in the morning. No using class supplies, and keeping a sample of every potion made in the class so you know what we made. I am also suppose to make sure that all students behave in a way that is befitting of a Hogwarts student." Natilee replied smiling at him. Her bright smile made his lips curve just slightly before he remembered Astoria was there. 

"Good. Also join me for dinner tonight so we can discuss the progress of this class. If you need any help getting ready or anything goes wrong, the Prefect Bones will be here to watch and make sure everyone stays in line and report back to me. Head Girl Amanda will be here as well, and will have some pull as well." Professor Snape added having set all this up before hand. If she wanted this to be a equal playing field, he would make it as even as he could. 

"Thank you. See you for dinner." Natilee smiled and glanced at Astoria who dissapeared into the back to get some viles almost on cue. Natilee hugged her father and smiled. "Thank you." he hugged her back gently. 

"I promised I would help you best I could without hurting you. This is going to be good for the school, as much as your plan. I don't like this, but I will back you. Always." He told her quietly before kissing her hair and letting go. 

"Thank you, Daddy. Now go on, I have to get ready to hold our first meeting of the Houses Four Potions." Natilee chuckled and he rolled his eyes with a slight shake of his head. 

"I still do not approve of the name." He stated again shaking his head before turning to walk up stairs to his office. She nodded smiling softly.

"Would Mom have?" She asked and he stopped on the top stair facing back down at her. He didn't turn back. The soft chuckle and grim smile was hidden from his daughter. 

"Yes. Yes she would have." He affirmed before walking through the door and closing his office off. His back pressed against the door as the tears came.

In a world where things went slightly different. where a one night stand of passion resulted in a child, a secret kept even from her own brother, a little girl was born. Then tragedy struck. her mother murdered, she and her half brother separated, Natilee is rescued by her father who was just too late to save the love of his life. 

It is time for the Qaurter Blood Princess, to take her place at Hogwarts, the year the Prisoner of Alskaban escaped. Not as her father's daughter, but as orphan adopted with a dark secret no one can learn. her greatest wish is simple. she wants to know the boy who is her elder brother. only a year between their ages, and less than that time together. She yearns for the connection with her mother, safe in her father's care. Will that need to know end in taking the life of the only relation her father had left?

Outside the window, Kate could see the sun rising. She hadn't slept the entire night and had asked Emily to keep her company. At that time the police officer came to ask her some questions.
The rising sun looked beautiful, but to Kate everything still looked too dark. She had no idea what was going to happen. But since she had already chosen the road she wanted to take, she decided not to waver. 
"Miss Kate, for now I have only one last question..." the police officer broke the silence
Kate turned her head and looked back at the police officer in a questioning manner.
"Why don't you live with your mother? I mean is there something wrong between you and her?"
Kate's eyes turned cold. She glared a bit at the police officer, sending shivers down his back.
"I don't think that is anything related to Susie's case. I hope the police focuses on the case instead of stupid things" then Kate immediately turned her head again, and started looking out of the window. She didn't give the police officer another chance to question her. The police officer sighed and left her alone. After a while, Emily came back in and Kate went back to her usual mood.
While Kate was admitted in the hospital, Ashton on the other side was admitted at his own house, that means, he was put on house arrest by the police. He couldn't leave the house even if he wanted to, forget leaving the country. Even his phone was taken away from him. This made him very frustrated. Thankfully he had already removed all the data from his phone and informed about it to Mr.Rodrigues as well. The police had also taken his blood sample, and he had no clue what it was for. 

A few days passed just like this. Kate recovering and answering questions asked by the police, Ashton on house arrest and the police busy with there investigation. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The results were out. The graphologist confirmed that it was Susie's handwriting itself. Also, he said that the person was under immense stress while writing it and probably emotionally unstable.

This meant that Susie had written the letter and what she wrote in the letter was probably true. The same day, Susie's hospital test results were out as well. And it stated - 'The deceased was 2 weeks pregnant till the time of death.'

That meant Susie's letter was totally true. She indeed was pregnant. But the last step was to confirm who was the father of the unborn child.

The police didn't have to wait too long for it as well.

'The DNA of the deceased and the sample match by 99.99% stating them of the relation father-son'

Kate Brooke, now 21, having an IQ Of 165 and the youngest woman to be the CEO in her country. 

She didn't reach here just by riding some wave of good luck. She worked for it, took the ruthlessness of the world, suffered all the back stabbings that her loved ones gave her.

Hence came her name 'The ruthless Queen'

When she was 17 and still in her high school, something happened that changed her life forever and made her what she was now. She used to be one of those happy go lucky girls. But not anymore.

She used to think of herself as a normal girl, but little did she know, that the conversation she overheard of her mother with someone on the phone, would make her life anything but normal.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

He wanted to be her prince, her knight in shining armour, that is, if she ever gave him the chance to be one.

She was best in every aspect, brains, beauty and of course business. But it didn't bother him. For her, he wouldn't mind leaving his company and be a house husband. 

If he could, he would let her earn and he would cook for her, clean for her (and her), and if possible also bear her babies.

But at the same time he wanted to destroy everyone who once hurt her. 

He wouldn't let them live in peace. 

If they thought they could trouble his queen just like that, then they were mistaken! 

This subordinate was his queen's slave. He would slaughter the entire world just for her entertainment!

WARNING - THIS NOVEL HAS TOO MUCH ADDICTIVE DRUGS LIKE PUBLIC DOG FEEDING (and sexual scenes). READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Also, there'll be some bloody scenes in the later chapters, a warning for the same would be given beforehand. 

Thanks for reading my work!!! Love y'all! 
~ Kuro Hoshi

The library was enveloped in a heavy atmosphere.

 

To be more precise, it was only our table that was warped in darkness.

 

After the spur of the moment that our little group had, Sanae did numerous retakes on her sample letter, showing no signs of improving one bit. After the fifth time or so, we eventually hit a wall, leaving us in the impasse we're currently in.

 

"I can't believe we haven't gotten anywhere after all this…did I miss something important perhaps," Segawa silently murmured to herself, biting her nail out of sheer frustration.

 

"No, I'm pretty sure you've done enough." I passively replied with an indifferent tone, my cheek rested on my palm.

 

"I'd actually like to believe so myself, but.." Segawa laid the retakes on the table, staring its way with uneasy eyes. "This wouldn't make sense if that were actually the case."

 

Picking up a sample for myself from the table, I couldn't really help but think the same.

 

The letter that she wrote was no different from before. The way the sentences were structured were really poor, and no attention was given to proper punctuations. Her choice of words weren't given much thought with slang words found in mostly every sentence, and her thoughts were left unorganized, leaving the context somewhat vague. And to top it all off, there were these weirdly-drawn emoticons from top to bottom. What the hell is with this letter, there's no way you could pass it off as a normal one.

 

As we dubiously stared at the objects in question, an uneasy laugh started playing at the side.

 

"It looks like it still isn't good enough huh.." The source of that laugh was the girl beside Segawa, a sullen expression clouded over her face. "Maybe I should just quit this whole thing and just talk things through like what Hiro said earlier."

 

I couldn't agree more to those words of resignation. Raising the white flag doesn't always mean losing. It's sometimes used as a means to speed up the process.

 

It was similar to those times when you play an online game and you was on the verge of losing. Going any further would only be seen as a futile act and would be utterly pointless, which is why you resign as soon as you were at a disadvantage. In that sense, nothing would be wasted in the end. Though, I was banned from most online games because of that, which is why I stopped playing them.

 

Still, it makes me wonder, was taking the easier way out in this situation really the right path to take? Sadly, I'm in no position to give an answer. Only one person had the final say. The only thing I could do was watch from the side.

 

"So you're planning on giving up, I take it?" As though she was thinking the same thing as me, Segawa spoke with her usual cold voice, folding her arms as she leaned against the chair. "Sanae-san, what was the purpose of this whole request again?"

 

"E-eh?" Confused by the sudden question thrown her way, Sanae took a short pause, looking for the right words to say. "To help me write a letter right..?"

 

"That's partially correct, but not exactly the answer I was looking for."

 

Seeing where Segawa was getting at, I joined in the conversation and answered in her stead. "You wanted to make up with your friend through a letter, right..?"

 

"A-ah! That's right," As if she had just remembered what her true motives were, Sanae blurted out in a boisterous manner. Seriously this girl..

 

"Exactly, which is why I won't allow you to quit," Segawa responded with a reassuring smile, looking Sanae's way with half-exhausted eyes. "I actually wouldn't mind staying a little longer until you get the hang of it."

 

"Segawa-san.." Sanae blurted out in a thankful tone in response to Segawa's kind offer.

 

However,

 

"No, I think this is probably enough."

 

The air around our table was suddenly shook still with my words, the two staring my way with complicated looks.

 

"W-what do you mean this is already enough, are you being serious here?" Segawa asked in an irritated manner. The exhaustion must be probably getting to her.

 

Seeing as though she misunderstood what I said, I returned her glare with a composed look, giving her reassurance through my eyes alone. "I think you've gotten the wrong idea. I didn't mean it that way. What I meant to say is that you've already done more than enough. You can leave the rest to me."

 

As soon as I finished clearing up the misunderstanding, I grabbed a pen from inside my bag and placed the sample I had on the table face down. And without any further delay, I began writing down what I wanted to write.

 

Now's about time I show them my real hundred percent.

 

"Eh, wait..I didn't quite get what you meant…" Unable to comprehend the meaning to my words, Segawa asked with a voice filed with doubt. Regardless, I continued writing without paying it much heed.

 

The request that Sanae had wasn't really as it seemed to be on the surface, taking it at face value was what lead us to this dead end in the first place. Our initial approach was wrong, and our assumptions were way off. In the end, there was another solution hiding in plain sight.

 

Also, as pointless as it may seem, I wouldn't take Segawa's efforts at face value either.

 

At first look, it might seem as if all her efforts were in vain, but that seriously wasn't the case. So far, if it wasn't for all that she's done up to this point, I wouldn't be able to come to this conclusion.

 

Having seen multiple retakes on Sanae's work, one thing started to bug me. There was this one thing that was always there no matter how many times she did it over. It wasn't her poor grammar, her lack of punctuations, nor her dumb-looking emoticons that continued to hurt my eyes over and over. It was something else that we easily overlooked with the notion we had in mind.

 

Which is why, this should be able to makes things clear.

 

As soon as I finished writing my piece, I handed it over to Sanae, furtively avoiding her gaze up front. What the hell am I doing, seriously..

 

Accepting my work with a question mark above her head, she quickly read through the content of my work. And without a second passing, I could already see her face get flushed by the second. I couldn't help but get embarrassed myself with the stuff I wrote in there.

 

Curious to what caused our unusual reactions, Segawa joined in and peeked at the letter. O-oi, that isn't for you to see, so quit prying on others' business without their consent!

 

As the two of them continued to read in silence, the reactions on their faces gave me more damage than the letter could ever deal them. At this rate, if this keeps up, I might just get sent to the shadow realm sooner or later.

 

Lifting her face with an exhausted sigh, Segawa turned to me with a disappointed look. "And what do you intend to prove with this cheesy letter..? It's no different from Sanae-san's work. If you're going to set an example, then you should have at least taken your time to write it properly."

 

"A-ah, well..I didn't quite get it either. But if you seriously intend to be friends again, then I-I guess I wouldn't mind." Sanae followed up in a somewhat passive voice, her cheeks slightly flushed with her eyes averted.

 

Got'cha.

 

"See there?" Seeing things play out as close to what I had expected, I sent Segawa triumphant look, only to receive a puzzled look back.

 

"What? If you're want to say something then just say it."

 

I cleared my throat with a sheepish cough, flashing a sample in Segawa's direction. "W-what I mean to say is that, if it's that kind of letter, this much is enough."

 

Looking past the misleading exterior of Sanae's request, one would surely come to the same conclusion.

 

When Sanae said she wanted to write a letter to show how serious she was, it didn't mean that she wanted her mere efforts to show. She simply wanted to express how she really felt to the recipient.

 

Putting emotions aside in these sorts of situations would surely result in nothing but failure. Effort alone won't be able to get your message across. In fact, most of the time, it would usually be taken for as something else, which would eventually lead to more misunderstandings.

 

If Sanae happened pursue the path that Segawa had laid out for her, it would most likely seem fake and would have the opposite effect. Which is why,

 

"Sanae doesn't need to change. As long as she's able to get her feeling across, I'm sure this letter is more than enough." I paused, coming into terms with the conclusion I just gave. "Even though it looks like the work of a grade schooler."

 

"G-grade schooler you say!? Who're you calling a grade schooler!" Sanae exclaimed with an extremely loud voice, causing me to inadvertently look in the assistant librarian's direction.

 

Fortunately, as soon as I met her bespectacled eyes, she merely gave a smile as she held her finger on her lips, telling us to keep it down. Seriously…if it wasn't for her, I'm pretty sure a scolding wasn't all that we'd get. Thanks for being born into this world, assistant librarian-san!

 

"Hoh.." As if she had come to realize something on her own, Segawa scanned through the retakes on the table, breaking into an exhausted smile. "I guess I misread the whole thing. It wouldn't feel like it came from Sanae-san it didn't look like this after all."

 

"L-look like this..?" Sanae pouted as she looked in Segawa's direction, crocodile tears on the verge of breaking out. "Geez…not you too Segawa-san."

 

"No, I only meant it wouldn't feel real…or something like that. This is who you are after all."

 

"S-segawa-san," Sanae blurted out in a thankful tone, only, the look on her face was saying otherwise. "I don't really know how I should feel about that."

 

In response, Segawa rubbed it off with a weary laugh.

 

Seeing things come to a somewhat abrupt conclusion, I let out a sigh of relief. The exhaustion on Segawa's face must be finally getting to me.

 

"Well, now that that's over with, we should probably call it a day."

 

Hearing my words from the other side, Sanae pulled the cuffs of her blazer down, taking a peek at her inverted wrist watch. "Ah, it's already this late. Sorry, I kind of need to go."

 

Responding to Sanae's notice of leave, Segawa laid her back against her chair, closing her eyes seemingly out of exhaustion. "I'll stay here for a while to catch my breath, you can go on ahead. Have a safe trip home."

 

Sending her off with a parting remark, Sanae stood as she kept her things, giving us a bow before taking her leave. "Thanks again for today, I promise I'll make it up to you guys."

 

Without giving us the sligthest chance to respond, she began to head towards the exit in haste. All we could do was wave her goodbye at the very least. Not that we did. But before she could go on any further, she came to a halt as she slowly turned our way, seemingly hesitant, her earnest eyes directed at me.

 

"By the way, Hiro, about that…"

 

Taking a hint from her fragmented words, I answered back with my own understanding.

 

"Don't get the wrong idea here, I only wrote that letter to prove a point. That's all there is to it." I took a short pause as I breathe a deep sigh, averting my eyes from the person up front. "Also, I only helped you out because it's part of my job. So you better make sure you make up with your friend."

 

I might have sounded a bit harsh on the first half, but I was able to control my tone by the time the second half was said. Probably.

 

"Mhmm, I'll do my best, Hiro." Partly satisfied with the answer I gave, Sanae gave me a warm smile. And without letting a single second pass her by, the library was deprived of Sanae's presence.

 

"I guess that marks our first club activity a success." Having been silent for a while, Segawa spoke up with a reassured smile.

 

"I can't really call that a success. In the end, we just ended up misunderstanding her request and did nothing for the most part. Heck, even she didn't understand what her request really was..."

 

"I guess so," Segawa responded with an inaudible laugh, staring at the retakes with a warm look in her eyes. "Still, results are results. As long as she was able to find satisfaction with the resolution we got, I'm pretty sure we could call that a success."

 

"Well, I guess you have a point."

 

"Right.." Segawa nodded, looking satisfied.

 

Our conversation ended there. 

 

Even so, Segawa stayed dejected on her seat, motionless. 

 

As time continued to pass without waiting for anyone, we both remained silent without uttering a single word, the soothing silence began to engulf the whole place.

 

"Say, do you think.." Segawa suddenly spoke up, sounding as if she was having trouble putting her thoughts into words. "Do you think..things would go well with Sanae-san. You're her childhood friend after all, so I thought you could tell at least that much. "

 

"...No, it's not like we're still friends up to this date, so I can't really tell."

 

"That so," Segawa replied with a resigned tone, straightening herself up as she began to fix her things.

 

Mirroring her actions, I began to do the same by keeping my belongings.

 

"Though, I feel like she'd be able to pull it off." I replied in delay as I continued to pack, certain memories began to surface in my head. "If she was going to back out eventually, then she wouldn't have come to us with that request in the first place."

 

"Fair point." Segawa replied without batting an eye, doing the same with a plastered smile. 

 

With the evening sun about to set, and having finished packing before Segawa has, it was probably about time I took my leave.

 

I grabbed my things and slowly stood up, stretching out my stiffened body. And just as I was about to give a parting remark, Segawa took my chance to speak.

 

"Which reminds me," Segawa paused as she stopped her packing, lifting her gaze as she faced my way. "What were you going to ask me earlier?"

 

Hearing her words got me thinking for a while, clueless to what her question meant. But with a couple of seconds of digging through my memory, I was able to remember what her question was about.

 

"Ah, that was.."

 

'How was I able give her the sense of security that allowed her to put her guard down', was the question I wanted to ask, but was wiped off my memory with everything that happened in a single afternoon.

 

Although I wanted to ask, my thoughts were in utter disarray at this point. It might come off the wrong way if I bothered to ask her now. But looking back, somewhere within those insignificant exchanges, I'm sure my question was already given an answer.

 

"No, it's nothing. I kind of forgot."

 

"That so,"

 

"Yeah,"

 

No matter how vague her answer might have been, asking any further wouldn't give it much clarity. And she already gave me that answer twice by now, so going for a third might already be pushing it.

 

"Ah, sorry for holding you up, you can leave now." Segawa said with a small smile. "Thanks for the help today, have a safe trip home."

 

"Oh, you too." With a timid bow as a parting gesture, I began to make my way out of the library.

 

"By the way, I won't be able to make it to club tomorrow due to urgent business, so I'm leaving the clubroom in your care." Without me getting too far from the table, Segawa added in a low voice.

 

Considering that this was still the library, I did the same and answered back in a low voice regardless of the distance. "Got it, leave it to me.

 

By the time I got out of the school library, the shadows had already taken up most of the hall, leaving the sun with only a few space to shine its rays down on.

 

As I made my way to the front exit, it got me thinking.

 

Was that really all there was to it.

 

 

Hiraoka Hiroshi is a cynical highschool student who refuse to change. To him,changing is the same as admitting defeat to society's defected system. But when he turns in an essay that shows this exact same view, he is then forced to start a club with a person of simillar traits, a kind of club that helps other troubled children such as theirselves to deal with their problems. How will Hiroshi deal with this dilema?
_______________

note: This work was transfered from my account from a different site, dates specified in author's afterwords (or any form of word outside of the narrative) may not coincide with present time.

thank you letter sample

Thank You

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