Chapter 292 - For A Long, Long Time

"Young Master Gin, why did you decide to tell them about us this way?"

There was a mixture of exasperation and amusement in both Yayoi's expression and voice as she shook her head at him. The two of them stood by the doorway of the room where the servants brought Suzuki Aki and Asou Chiaki after fainting just earlier.

The Head Housekeeper knew that Gin was going to try and explain the situation because they believed it's not a good thing to manipulate the older Suzuki's memories as well. He's Ara's older brother, and he's entitled to know what's going on. However, she was not expecting the Young Master's method of divulging their secret.

"Because if I didn't do it as I did, do you think he would believe us?" Gin answered smoothly. "Regardless of what we say, it's a fact that being someone not human or someone not of this world's a totally outrageous thing to talk about. I'd just waste time and energy explaining what we are over and over again and the end result would be Aki not believing one bit of anything I said."

"Well…"

Kazehaya Gin totally had a point. Suzuki's a very rational guy. He'd never believe the supernatural, much less the celestials unless he'd seen the proof with his own eyes.

"But did you have to show them the sisters?"  

With a sigh, Yayoi turned her head where Ocypete, Aello, and Podarge sat just outside in the courtyard. All three harpies were cackling amongst themselves as if they were having a great time catching up with each other. If there was such a thing as elemental gossip, this must be what it was. The sisters were oblivious to the scare they had caused when they showed themselves to Ara's brother and his fiancée.

Nonetheless, the sight of the untamable wind elementals relaxing within the Cedar Palace was truly an amazing one. Why? It's because nobody ever thought they'd be having more than one harpy in the vicinity, ever. Just Aello's appearance before made everyone in the property hide in fear. But now…

"They haven't seen each other for a long while. Let them enjoy chatting with themselves. They're completely docile so they won't bother the others."

And it was true...

Yayoi sighed again as she watched the servants walked past the harpies without minding them or glancing at them and smiling before they went on their respective tasks. The people of the clan no longer feared them. Knowing that Stribog was there, they knew that the harpies wouldn't dare do anything that would displease their master. As long as they're Kazehaya Gin's ally, they're all safe.

"So what should we do now, Young Master?"

Gin shrugged. "We'll wait for them to wake up and explain again if needed. They're sure to have a lot of questions about us, and it's only natural."

All they could do was patiently answer each and every question they'd throw their way. The clan owed it to the mortals whom they welcomed in their circle, to tell the truth in a way they could accept it best.

In a short while, the night had gotten deeper, and Gin told Yayoi to take a rest, as tomorrow would be a busy day. After leaving the harpy sisters on guard, he told everyone to retire for the night as well. He only left a couple of overnight duty servants near Aki and Chiaki's room, in case they woke up in the middle of the night. They were ordered to call him when the couple did.

"I'll be back in the morning if nothing happened," Gin told them as he too returned to his room to rest.

However, he made a detour in the kitchen to get a tray of food – a couple of rice balls and a small bowl of miso soup for Emi. He brought the tray of nutrition to his room just in time to see Emi coming awake.

"Hey there," Gin greeted her with a smile as he placed the tray on the small table and plopped on the bed next to her.

Emi turned crimson yet again as if she was remembering their intimate moments earlier and she leaned over to rest her head against his shoulder so he wouldn't see her embarrassed expression. However, it was too late. Even if the illumination in the room was not bright, it was enough for people to see inside – plus Gin had a pair of golden celestial eyes. He could see clearly even in darkness.   

"H-hi," she greeted back in a breathy whisper, but still didn't look at him.

Gin chuckled as he held her by her shoulder and slowly turned her face towards him. "Get used to looking at this face quick, my wife. We will be together for a long, long time."

Hearing his words, Emi's eyes glistened with moisture as her lips trembled; her chocolate eyes searched his face as if seeking the truth.

"What is it?" Gin asked softly.

He already knew what she was thinking but he asked her anyway. He knew she already knew about his Returner to Ancestry status, but they had never really discussed it as they didn't have time earlier.

"Is it true?" she asked softly. "Are we really going to be together for a long, long time?"

Gin was right. She wanted confirmation. After all, it hadn't been a long time since he proposed to her knowing that he had to die so young. But things were suddenly very different now – and because of that, she sounded and looked so hopeful that he felt warmth in his chest.

She wanted to be with him for a long, long time. Her voice, her expression – everything about her was telling him that.

"Yes, it's true. I am not going to die. I'm not going anywhere but be by your side from now on," he promised and for the first time, Emi reached out to hold his face and pulled him close to her for a kiss.

It was just as quick kiss on his lips, but the message of love and happiness was there in that simple peck. "I'm glad," she whispered as she placed her arms around him for a hug.

It lasted for a while until all her fears and insecurities were appeased. Aftewards, Gin placed a quick peck on her nose and shifted so he could pull the low table closer to the bedroll.  "You hadn't eaten anything, so I'm sure you're famished."

As if on cue, Emi's stomach let out a low growl, making her embarrassment worse. Gin chuckled but didn't tease her so much as he helped her with her meal. "Eat."