NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14
1.
Q: Miss Somezaki, you can enter the research institute’s grounds, right? But the security personnel there seem tough to deal with.
A: I can only go to the Sage Wall. I’m not allowed to wander elsewhere alone.
Q: You mentioned earlier that you have relatives on the Sage Wall? I noticed the mantis symbol there matches the bouquet, but isn’t that the Godabe family crest? You are only the deity’s descendant’s fiancée and not yet officially part of the family, right?
A: Traditionally, shrine maidens serving deities are considered “god-wives.”
[Genji’s thought: Hmm, she didn’t directly answer my question. I should try a different approach.]
Q: If I may ask bluntly, Sahsa Kasahara claimed your injuries were inflicted by the deity’s descendant. Is that true?
A: Sorry, please ask another question.
Q: Sorry for prying, but you seem to dislike that family?
A: I can’t say I like or dislike them.
[Genji’s thought: She’s avoiding the question again. Clearly, for some reason, Miss Somezaki is reluctant to discuss her family matters. To avoid offending her, I should change the subject.]
Q: I heard the Godabe family and the research institute have a partnership and have even bought shares in it. Is that true?
A: The institute is interested in the deity’s descendant’s blood and has acquired most of Ye Island’s land and ports. In exchange, they granted the Godabe family a 30% share.
Q: The ‘Divine Blood’ painted on the stones? What are they using it for?
A: Yes. I’m not sure of the specifics, but they promised the research would benefit the entire Cicada Hidden Town.
Q: Even with a 30% stake, you don’t have access to information?
A: As a shareholder, the Godabe family receives certain profits, attends inconsequential meetings, and benefits from some technological advancements, but they know very little about the ‘Divine Blood’ research. The experiments seem unsuccessful so far, so there’s no need to inform.
[Genji’s thought: Is it really unsuccessful, or are they deliberately hiding something? What kind of research requires such secrecy, even from shareholders and blood donors?]
Q: You’ve given me a lot of advice. Are you warning me against someone?
A: I have no evidence yet, so I can’t confirm who might harm you, Susa-san. Just be wary of everyone.
Q: Are there people misusing the names ‘Ghost Hidden’ or ‘Divine Punishment’?
A: Hard to say.
Q: Miss Somezaki, are you choosing to communicate via writing to avoid someone?
A: Yes, but not Dr. Pak. I just don’t want to involve unrelated people.
[Genji’s thought: It seems she’s trying her best to reveal secrets but is cautious of certain entities, leading to cryptic answers.]
Q: Who are you wary of, then?
A: Sorry, I can’t disclose that right now.
Q: Does that mean I’m also someone you’re wary of?
A: Until I understand your stance, Susa-san, unfortunately, yes.
Q: What do you mean by ‘stance’? I’m not sure of my options.
A: At least, don’t be my enemy. That’s one option.
Q: Aren’t you afraid I might betray you after tonight’s conversation? What if I’m a bad person?
A: It’s okay. Most of what I shared is public secret or trivial. I wanted to clear your doubts tonight since you saved me, but I must still be cautious, sorry.
Q: That’s okay; you’ve shared a lot. You don’t look well, do you need to rest?
A: Just a headache, probably a subcutaneous hematoma.
Q: You bled a lot and passed out. Has this happened before? Have you been checked?
A: Hemorrhagic anemia? I’m not sure. I apologize for the trouble.
[Genji’s thought: For a normal person, such injuries wouldn’t easily rupture and bleed so severely. Considering Miss Somezaki’s preference for Pak’s Clinic, Dr. Pak’s expertise in handling such conditions, and Aden’s familiarity yet reluctance to disclose patient information, Miss Somezaki is likely a regular. If Sahsa Kasahara is wrong, and Miss Somezaki isn’t abused by the deity’s descendant, could she have a blood disorder, like a coagulation disease? I wish Maikawa-senpai were here.]
Q: No need to apologize, Miss Somezaki. Why didn’t you want to go to the town center hospital?
A: Dr. Pak can handle it well. The town center hospital is strange; I don’t know how to explain, sorry.
[Genji’s thought: Isn’t that where Maikawa-senpai is
interning?]
2.
After setting down the pen, Airi suddenly coughed violently, worrying Genji she might cough up blood.
“Did you catch a cold?” Genji stopped the writing conversation and quickly poured her a cup of hot tea.
The frail girl, having been interrogated by her abductor while wearing cold, wet clothes, would not be surprising to catch a cold.
“Thank you…” Airi took the cup, warming her hands, and looked up at Genji. “Susa-san…”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Could you do me a favor?”
Genji looked at her pale face and the deep, clear eyes reflecting a dawn-like warmth.
He hesitated, unable to resist her implicit request, nodding in agreement despite not knowing what she would ask.
She continued writing: Please don’t tell anyone about Sahsa’s actions.
“Can I trust you, Susa-san?” she murmured, as if questioning both him and herself, before closing her eyes and drifting into sleep.
Genji adjusted her pillow and covered her with a blanket, feeling awkward. Her serene sleeping face made him blush.
Ah! This is weird. We’re not even friends, right?
Calm down, it’s fine. It’s about caring for a patient, right? Right!?
His self-reassurance failed, and Genji rushed out of the room, startling Dr. Pak in the living room.
“What’s with that boy? Running around at night, did he see a ghost?” Dr. Pak wondered.