PF: C08

Chapter: 8 | EIGHTH CHAPTER

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EIGHTH CHAPTER

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This novel was posted on cnt18 [dot] blogsp0t [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.}
The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.

Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.

_{There was no response.}What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

There was no response.

_{{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}}How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_{Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.}
Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

_{His laboured breath made it hard to speak, so reaching out, he intended on embracing that now weak form residing before his eyes.}
Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

His laboured breath made it hard to speak, so reaching out, he intended on embracing that now weak form residing before his eyes.

_{But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.}So...

But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.

_{Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.}
He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.

Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

_{"Do you think I need your pity? Save those sentiments for yourself! I am to be the next governor. There is nothing about me to warrant the pity of anyone else! Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! You think you're all that? Do you think you're great? You're just some caterpillar that crawled out from the slums! What about that is there to be proud of? Instead of pitying others you should first pity yourself!".}
"The Young Master has instructed me to give this you, Second Young Master, as well as you, Young Master Karl, as a parting gift. The Young Master also stated you two should take advantage of the Old Master's absence to leave as quickly as possible."

"Do you think I need your pity? Save those sentiments for yourself! I am to be the next governor. There is nothing about me to warrant the pity of anyone else! Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! You think you're all that? Do you think you're great? You're just some caterpillar that crawled out from the slums! What about that is there to be proud of? Instead of pitying others you should first pity yourself!"

_"..."Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.

"..."

_{{The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...}}Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

_{"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."}He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.

"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."

_{The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...}
"What... what is this?"

The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

_{The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.}
Fritz took the gift doubtfully, opening the brocade wrapping then the agar-wood box. The dazzling light from the box was so bright it could turn a person blind, and inside it was filled—it was stuffed full of jewels!

The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

_{Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.}Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...

Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.

_{The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.}
Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.

The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

_{Sett.}What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

Sett.

_{—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.}"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."

—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

_"..."
And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.

"..."

_{Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.}The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

_{But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.}
"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"

But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

_{—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending..}How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending.... Like this, he and Fritz (who loved one another) can simply escape to somewhere far away, while Sett and the governor (who hated one another) can stay embroiled with one another as they fought to the death. Any way you look at it, even if you tried to dissuade Sett, there was no way he would ever decide to leave behind his retaliation! That outwardly refined, yet stoic in temperament, heir of the governor... he was tenacious as much as he was wise, and would surely succeed in his plan to kill the governor then eventually take his place. This was a good thing... it was, wasn't it?

_{Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."}Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.

Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

_{What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?}
—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

_{{The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...}}But Sett suddenly hunched over.

The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

_{{What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?}}"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."

What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

_{His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."}"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."

His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."

_{"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."}
He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

_{But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!}
But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!

_N/ASo...

N/A

_{And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.}The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.

_{Sett.}"Sett..."

Sett.

_{If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.}
Sett.

If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

_{Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."}Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.

Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

_{{The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...}}So...

The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

_{Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.}He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

_{EIGHTH CHAPTER}
What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

EIGHTH CHAPTER

_{{I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.}}The two were now in silent opposition.

I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.

_{Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.}"Sett..."

Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.

_{A surprised Sett, most likely assuming it was a clumsy servant, immediately raised his brows and turned his face towards the disruption, only to hurriedly hide his face under the covers in shock once he saw the one standing at the door.}"Sett..."

A surprised Sett, most likely assuming it was a clumsy servant, immediately raised his brows and turned his face towards the disruption, only to hurriedly hide his face under the covers in shock once he saw the one standing at the door.

_{But Sett suddenly turned around instead.}
—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending.... Like this, he and Fritz (who loved one another) can simply escape to somewhere far away, while Sett and the governor (who hated one another) can stay embroiled with one another as they fought to the death. Any way you look at it, even if you tried to dissuade Sett, there was no way he would ever decide to leave behind his retaliation! That outwardly refined, yet stoic in temperament, heir of the governor... he was tenacious as much as he was wise, and would surely succeed in his plan to kill the governor then eventually take his place. This was a good thing... it was, wasn't it?

But Sett suddenly turned around instead.

_{"What... what is this?"}"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

"What... what is this?"

_"Sett..."But that short moment had been more than enough.

"Sett..."

_{"I-I-I... I'm going right now!"}
But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!

"I-I-I... I'm going right now!"

_{The door was shoved open.}His laboured breath made it hard to speak, so reaching out, he intended on embracing that now weak form residing before his eyes.

The door was shoved open.

_{Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."}How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

_{So...}The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

So...

_"Sett..."
So...

"Sett..."

_{Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.}Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?

Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

_{"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."}
How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."

_{Karl's heart right then lacked the strength to skip.}
I'm so conflicted!

Karl's heart right then lacked the strength to skip.

_{—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending..}—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending.... Like this, he and Fritz (who loved one another) can simply escape to somewhere far away, while Sett and the governor (who hated one another) can stay embroiled with one another as they fought to the death. Any way you look at it, even if you tried to dissuade Sett, there was no way he would ever decide to leave behind his retaliation! That outwardly refined, yet stoic in temperament, heir of the governor... he was tenacious as much as he was wise, and would surely succeed in his plan to kill the governor then eventually take his place. This was a good thing... it was, wasn't it?

_{He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.}"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."

He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.

_{"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"}"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"

"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

_{—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending..}
The door was shoved open.

—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending.... Like this, he and Fritz (who loved one another) can simply escape to somewhere far away, while Sett and the governor (who hated one another) can stay embroiled with one another as they fought to the death. Any way you look at it, even if you tried to dissuade Sett, there was no way he would ever decide to leave behind his retaliation! That outwardly refined, yet stoic in temperament, heir of the governor... he was tenacious as much as he was wise, and would surely succeed in his plan to kill the governor then eventually take his place. This was a good thing... it was, wasn't it?

_{If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.}"Sett..."

If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

_{"Are you... pitying me?"}"...I never intended to trick you."

"Are you... pitying me?"

_{This choked vocalisation of his seemed to have now acted as moisture on a fuse, and the nerve-racked and furious Sett also suddenly held his tongue.}
A surprised Sett, most likely assuming it was a clumsy servant, immediately raised his brows and turned his face towards the disruption, only to hurriedly hide his face under the covers in shock once he saw the one standing at the door.

This choked vocalisation of his seemed to have now acted as moisture on a fuse, and the nerve-racked and furious Sett also suddenly held his tongue.

_{"...I never intended to trick you."}The two were now in silent opposition.

"...I never intended to trick you."

_{"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."}Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."

_{But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.}
But that short moment had been more than enough.

But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.

_"Sett!"The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

"Sett!"

_{Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.}Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.

Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.

_{"I only wanted... to know what love felt like too. When... when I saw how happy Fritz was, I... I... was so jealous of him. So... I also wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by someone."}"Sett, what's wrong?"

"I only wanted... to know what love felt like too. When... when I saw how happy Fritz was, I... I... was so jealous of him. So... I also wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by someone."

_"Sett..."
It was already enough to allow Karl to see clearly those sparkling drops of wetness within Sett's eyes.

"Sett..."

_{The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.}
Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.

The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.

_{There was no response.}"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."

There was no response.

_Sett.
Karl's heart right then lacked the strength to skip.

Sett.

_{But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, {right now}.}"..."

But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

_{{But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!}}How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!

_{Because of his lowered head, Karl could only see a drop of crystal clear liquid fall onto to the floor, not far from his feet, followed by another, then another.}
And without knowing what exactly the feeling was currently bubbling in his chest, Karl ran over to that man hiding his head under the covers like an ostrich, whispering: "Sett."

Because of his lowered head, Karl could only see a drop of crystal clear liquid fall onto to the floor, not far from his feet, followed by another, then another.

_{"Did Fritz tell you everything?"}There was no response.

"Did Fritz tell you everything?"

_{And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.}"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."

And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.

_{Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.}Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.

Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.

_{"Didn't I tell you to take Fritz and get the hell out of here?"}
"..."

"Didn't I tell you to take Fritz and get the hell out of here?"

_{But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, {right now}.}The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

_"What?"These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

"What?"

_{Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.}
There was no response.

Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.

_{I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.}
"Sett, what's wrong?"

I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.

_{Fritz took the gift doubtfully, opening the brocade wrapping then the agar-wood box. The dazzling light from the box was so bright it could turn a person blind, and inside it was filled—it was stuffed full of jewels!}
"..."

Fritz took the gift doubtfully, opening the brocade wrapping then the agar-wood box. The dazzling light from the box was so bright it could turn a person blind, and inside it was filled—it was stuffed full of jewels!

_{But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, {right now}.}What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

_{—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.}The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

_{I've never seen Sett talk this much, act so much out of control.}
Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.

I've never seen Sett talk this much, act so much out of control.

_{And without knowing what exactly the feeling was currently bubbling in his chest, Karl ran over to that man hiding his head under the covers like an ostrich, whispering: "Sett."}
But Sett suddenly turned around instead.

And without knowing what exactly the feeling was currently bubbling in his chest, Karl ran over to that man hiding his head under the covers like an ostrich, whispering: "Sett."

_{{...yes, you are strong, strong enough that there is no way I can be made to forget you.}}What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

...yes, you are strong, strong enough that there is no way I can be made to forget you.

_{The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.}Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.

The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

_{{Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...}}Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.

Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...

_{"...I never intended to trick you."}
"Didn't I tell you to take Fritz and get the hell out of here?"

"...I never intended to trick you."

_{{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}}I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_{{The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...}}"Sett, what's wrong?"

The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

_{{What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?}}"Are you... pitying me?"

What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

_{The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...}
Those deep beautiful eyes, exactly the same as Fritz's, at that instant, no longer held any tears, and were now filled with arrogance and contempt.

The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

_{{The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...}}"..."

The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

_{How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?}
"Why did you come back?"

How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

_{Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.}The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

_{Sett propped himself up as he said this, then fell onto the bed, unable to move. All hos limbs appearing to have convulsed due to the pain.}
Thinking he would have been given a warm welcome on response, Sett's coldness made Karl's mind a mess.

Sett propped himself up as he said this, then fell onto the bed, unable to move. All hos limbs appearing to have convulsed due to the pain.

_{His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."}
His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."

His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."

_{"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."}But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

_{iana: updates still on the fritz (pun partially intended)}
What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

iana: updates still on the fritz (pun partially intended)

_{The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.}"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."

The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.

_"Sett..."
But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.

"Sett..."

_So...
"Did Fritz tell you everything?"

So...

_{Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?}
"..."

Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?

_{{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}}"What... what is this?"

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_{"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"}"Sett..."

"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

_{"Sett! What's wrong?"}Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

"Sett! What's wrong?"

_{Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.}
"Are you... pitying me?"

Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.

_"...""T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"

"..."

_{"Sett, what's wrong?"}
"..."

"Sett, what's wrong?"

_{"I only wanted... to know what love felt like too. When... when I saw how happy Fritz was, I... I... was so jealous of him. So... I also wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by someone."}The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

"I only wanted... to know what love felt like too. When... when I saw how happy Fritz was, I... I... was so jealous of him. So... I also wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by someone."

_{"Did Fritz tell you everything?"}Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

"Did Fritz tell you everything?"

_{Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."}
"Do you think I need your pity? Save those sentiments for yourself! I am to be the next governor. There is nothing about me to warrant the pity of anyone else! Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! You think you're all that? Do you think you're great? You're just some caterpillar that crawled out from the slums! What about that is there to be proud of? Instead of pitying others you should first pity yourself!"

Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

_{{What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?}}"Didn't I tell you to take Fritz and get the hell out of here?"

What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

_{"Do you think I need your pity? Save those sentiments for yourself! I am to be the next governor. There is nothing about me to warrant the pity of anyone else! Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! You think you're all that? Do you think you're great? You're just some caterpillar that crawled out from the slums! What about that is there to be proud of? Instead of pitying others you should first pity yourself!".}Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

"Do you think I need your pity? Save those sentiments for yourself! I am to be the next governor. There is nothing about me to warrant the pity of anyone else! Who the hell do you think you are, huh?! You think you're all that? Do you think you're great? You're just some caterpillar that crawled out from the slums! What about that is there to be proud of? Instead of pitying others you should first pity yourself!"

_"Sett!""Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

"Sett!"

_{Thinking he would have been given a warm welcome on response, Sett's coldness made Karl's mind a mess.}
I've never seen Sett talk this much, act so much out of control.

Thinking he would have been given a warm welcome on response, Sett's coldness made Karl's mind a mess.

_{"It hurts..."}There was no response.

"It hurts..."

_"..."
I finally understand, some of the strongest stones, on the inside, are actually weakly stitched together.

"..."

_{But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, {right now}.}"Why did you come back?"

But Karl had no time to issue an answer, all he wanted was to see Sett right then, right now.

_{Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.}
"Sett..."

Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.

_{{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}}Sett propped himself up as he said this, then fell onto the bed, unable to move. All hos limbs appearing to have convulsed due to the pain.

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_{"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"}As he held Sett who was on the verge of collapse, Karl was so nervous he had no idea what to do.

"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"

_{{The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...}}And without knowing what exactly the feeling was currently bubbling in his chest, Karl ran over to that man hiding his head under the covers like an ostrich, whispering: "Sett."

The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

_{...yes, you are strong, strong enough that there is no way I can be made to forget you.}
Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.

...yes, you are strong, strong enough that there is no way I can be made to forget you.

_{"Did Fritz tell you everything?"}
This choked vocalisation of his seemed to have now acted as moisture on a fuse, and the nerve-racked and furious Sett also suddenly held his tongue.

"Did Fritz tell you everything?"

_{The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...}
The two were now in silent opposition.

The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

_{Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.}Fritz, however, only smiled lightly and shook his hand while saying 'enter', before motioning to Karl he had no reason to worry. "This is an old servant who had been with my family since I was young: Kunta. He is very reliable. He's the one Sett sent to meet me every time back then."

Gently opening the door then entering was a lean face of an old servant, which was no different than the bark of a pine tree, gruff and dull.

_{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}
Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_{Those deep beautiful eyes, exactly the same as Fritz's, at that instant, no longer held any tears, and were now filled with arrogance and contempt.}As he held Sett who was on the verge of collapse, Karl was so nervous he had no idea what to do.

Those deep beautiful eyes, exactly the same as Fritz's, at that instant, no longer held any tears, and were now filled with arrogance and contempt.

_"Sett..."The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

"Sett..."

_{"What... what is this?"}
Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?

"What... what is this?"

_{{Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?}}Fritz took the gift doubtfully, opening the brocade wrapping then the agar-wood box. The dazzling light from the box was so bright it could turn a person blind, and inside it was filled—it was stuffed full of jewels!

Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?

_"..."
These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

"..."

_{The door was shoved open.}
Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...

The door was shoved open.

_{And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.}
The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.

_{Sett.}"Sett..."

Sett.

_{"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"}
The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

_{Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.}He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.

_"...""Sett..."

"..."

_{"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"}
The "Fritz" who always hugged me tightly on those dark nights...

"T-this... The Young Master has taken every jewel in the governor's mansion and given it to you both!"

_"..."The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

"..."

_{Those deep beautiful eyes, exactly the same as Fritz's, at that instant, no longer held any tears, and were now filled with arrogance and contempt.}
"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."

Those deep beautiful eyes, exactly the same as Fritz's, at that instant, no longer held any tears, and were now filled with arrogance and contempt.

_{—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.}But Sett suddenly hunched over.

—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

_{There was no response.}
...yes, you are strong, strong enough that there is no way I can be made to forget you.

There was no response.

_{He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.}"Sett, what's wrong?"

He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.

_{Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.}
The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.

_{The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.}Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.

The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

_"Sett..."Both our souls seem to be separated by a great distance, but in the past, our bodies had joined together numerous times, hadn't both those bodies already greedily loved one another?

"Sett..."

_{"...I never intended to trick you."}"..."

"...I never intended to trick you."

_{As he held Sett who was on the verge of collapse, Karl was so nervous he had no idea what to do.}
"If you still refuse to leave, do you think I won't call the guards to throw you out?"

As he held Sett who was on the verge of collapse, Karl was so nervous he had no idea what to do.

_{The two were now in silent opposition.}
Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

The two were now in silent opposition.

_{"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."}"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

_"Sett!"
Because of his lowered head, Karl could only see a drop of crystal clear liquid fall onto to the floor, not far from his feet, followed by another, then another.

"Sett!"

_{The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.}There was no response.

The old voice suddenly sounding from the corridor made Karl jump in fright.

_"..."Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.

"..."

_"..."
"Sett..."

"..."

_{Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.}
His laboured breath made it hard to speak, so reaching out, he intended on embracing that now weak form residing before his eyes.

Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.

_{{What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?}}Sett's voice was hoarse as he said those words, with him turning away silently.

What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

_{But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.}"What?"

But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.

_{What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?}
But Sett suddenly hunched over.

What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

_{{These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?}}He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

These things have indeed already happened, so can we really pretend as if it was nothing at all?

_"...""Didn't I tell you to take Fritz and get the hell out of here?"

"..."

_{But that short moment had been more than enough.}
"It hurts..."

But that short moment had been more than enough.

_{"Why did you come back?"}
"Sett! What's wrong?"

"Why did you come back?"

_N/A
Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.

N/A

_{iana: updates still on the fritz (pun partially intended)}Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.

iana: updates still on the fritz (pun partially intended)

_{"Sett, what's wrong?"}Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.

"Sett, what's wrong?"

_{If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.}"Sett! What's wrong?"

If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

_{"If you still refuse to leave, do you think I won't call the guards to throw you out?"}
If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

"If you still refuse to leave, do you think I won't call the guards to throw you out?"

_"..."Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.

"..."

_{Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.}The "Fritz" who met me on the balcony...

Hurriedly making his way in front of him, Karl saw Sett's pale and sweat drenched face along with his twitching lips. He seemed to be giving his all to withstand a great amount of pain, and while using Karl's hand to stand himself up, he again fell, hunching over.

_{"It hurts..."}
"Sett! Sett, what's wrong with you? What's wrong?"

"It hurts..."

_{He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.}
As he held Sett who was on the verge of collapse, Karl was so nervous he had no idea what to do.

He respectfully held out a brocade box in his hands, gifting it to Fritz.

_{I'm so conflicted!}
"Y-you idiot... call... call Kunta, hurry..."

I'm so conflicted!

_{His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."}"It hurts..."

His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."

_{Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.}
Sett propped himself up as he said this, then fell onto the bed, unable to move. All hos limbs appearing to have convulsed due to the pain.

Karl lowered his head, his eyes catching Sett's pale wrists peeking from below his blue pyjamas, its delicateness and smoothness could be felt from merely a gaze; and, quite unexpectedly, it had made Karl's heart ache.

_{His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."}"Did Fritz tell you everything?"

His tongue was all tied up, so all he do was awkwardly call out: "Sett..."

_{"Are you... pitying me?"}
"I-I-I... I'm going right now!"

"Are you... pitying me?"

_{Sett.}But Sett suddenly turned around instead.

Sett.

_{Because of his lowered head, Karl could only see a drop of crystal clear liquid fall onto to the floor, not far from his feet, followed by another, then another.}"..."

Because of his lowered head, Karl could only see a drop of crystal clear liquid fall onto to the floor, not far from his feet, followed by another, then another.

_{{The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...}}How... how can I ever bear to leave you all alone?

The "Fritz" who gave me his resolute promise that he would mould me into a future mafia king...

_{But Sett suddenly hunched over.}
The nerve-racked Karl who was just about to rush all the way out, was suddenly stopped by Sett shouting his name.

But Sett suddenly hunched over.

_{If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.}He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

_{Karl's heart right then lacked the strength to skip.}"If you still refuse to leave, do you think I won't call the guards to throw you out?"

Karl's heart right then lacked the strength to skip.

_{He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"}
Karl turned his head back, to see the contorted face of Sett force out a small smile towards him, while the sweat pouring from his forehead had long drenched both his lashes and lids. So because of this, Karl had no way of knowing if the glistening shown in his eyes had come from tears or sweat.

He heard Fritz yelling behind him in pure shock: "Karl! Karl!"

_{But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.}N/A

But that silence of his was most likely mistaken by Sett as pity, because with a sneer, his brow lifted in arrogance.

_{{Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...}}It was already enough to allow Karl to see clearly those sparkling drops of wetness within Sett's eyes.

Recalling the "Fritz" who on that fateful night sat in my arms as he narrated his soul shaking past with no emotion...

_{It was already enough to allow Karl to see clearly those sparkling drops of wetness within Sett's eyes.}
"...I never intended to trick you."

It was already enough to allow Karl to see clearly those sparkling drops of wetness within Sett's eyes.

_{—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.}
"What?"

—Karl's heart suddenly leapt fiercely, his momentary stunned state proceeded by him rushing out the door with no words said.

_"..."Those are tears... there's no mistaking it... Sett, those are your tears.

"..."

_{{What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?}}It was already enough to allow Karl to see clearly those sparkling drops of wetness within Sett's eyes.

What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

_{A surprised Sett, most likely assuming it was a clumsy servant, immediately raised his brows and turned his face towards the disruption, only to hurriedly hide his face under the covers in shock once he saw the one standing at the door.}
"I only wanted... to know what love felt like too. When... when I saw how happy Fritz was, I... I... was so jealous of him. So... I also wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by someone."

A surprised Sett, most likely assuming it was a clumsy servant, immediately raised his brows and turned his face towards the disruption, only to hurriedly hide his face under the covers in shock once he saw the one standing at the door.

_{"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."}Again, no response was uttered. Believing Sett was still crying soundlessly under his blanket, Karl gently moved to pull him into his arms.

"You need to learn how to strengthen your heart."

_"..."
"Sett..."

"..."

_{"The Young Master has instructed me to give this you, Second Young Master, as well as you, Young Master Karl, as a parting gift. The Young Master also stated you two should take advantage of the Old Master's absence to leave as quickly as possible."}
"Thank you.... Although it was quite brief, I... I was still very happy. Go tell Kunta to come in, then you and and Fritz can leave."

"The Young Master has instructed me to give this you, Second Young Master, as well as you, Young Master Karl, as a parting gift. The Young Master also stated you two should take advantage of the Old Master's absence to leave as quickly as possible."

_{Sett.}What do I say? Do I say I'm going to leave and you should take care of yourself more? Or do I tell Sett I decided to not go, and Fritz and I will stay and help him take down that old bastard together?

Sett.

_{Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.}If not for Karl's swift actions to catch him, Sett would've fallen onto the floor.

Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.

_{The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.}"..."

The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

_"What?"
"Sett!"

"What?"

_{"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."}
"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."

"...goodbye, my beloved Karl."

_{Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.}"..."

Even a layman like Karl could see those jewels were priceless.

_{The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.}"If you still refuse to leave, do you think I won't call the guards to throw you out?"

The night breeze brought with it the scent of white lilacs.

_{Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.}
"..."

Words finally managed to escape him, but his voice was for some reason stuck in his throat.

_{{What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?}}But... I once held and released that sweet body in my embrace—that body which was as white and soft as Fritz's, and because of all those days and nights we had been together, there was now something I clearly understood. I knew that stoic soul was also one that held countless tender feelings!

What are you planning on doing, Sett? Are trying to rush us away so you can remain here by yourself to fight that malicious old governnor to the death?

_{"Sett! What's wrong?"}
Karl sprinted down the hallway, towards Fritz's room, and once he was finally there, standing before the door of that room, did those tears of his decide to fall.

"Sett! What's wrong?"

_{And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.}—When he got the stairs, Karl sprint slowed, a despicable thought creeping into hid mind: In truth, it is probably best and most logical ending.... Like this, he and Fritz (who loved one another) can simply escape to somewhere far away, while Sett and the governor (who hated one another) can stay embroiled with one another as they fought to the death. Any way you look at it, even if you tried to dissuade Sett, there was no way he would ever decide to leave behind his retaliation! That outwardly refined, yet stoic in temperament, heir of the governor... he was tenacious as much as he was wise, and would surely succeed in his plan to kill the governor then eventually take his place. This was a good thing... it was, wasn't it?

And not only were Karl and Fritz left stupefied, even the old servant, Kunta, was left with his jaw hanging wide open.

_"...""..."

"..."

_{"It hurts..."}Sett propped himself up as he said this, then fell onto the bed, unable to move. All hos limbs appearing to have convulsed due to the pain.

"It hurts..."

---

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

iana: updates still on the fritz (pun partially intended)

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