Chapter 150- Birthday Accident (Part 1)
A few days passed and finally, the day of the birthday arrived. During that period of time, Kaya had to keep an eye on every single person who enters or leaves her father's mansion.
She investigated every single one of them, their history, their activities in the past few days, and many other small details that could be ignored by most
She barely had time to sleep or eat. But, Kai made sure she rested properly and ate properly even if it was by force. An Origin User can go so much without sleep and food. Kaya at most can handle 30 days without sleep. But, that doesn't mean staying awake for 5 days won't affect her head, especially when she doesn't eat.
But, that wasn't Kai's main concern.
"You need to stay in your peak state if you want the training to work."
"I understand. I'm just… confused. I couldn't find a single piece of evidence that could lead me to the culprit and the birthday is today." Kaya said as she lay on her bed, with a piece of wet cloth on her eyes that Kai made her use.
"The culprit will appear eventually. You don't need to overthink. I know how to capture them."
Kaya nodded her head as Kai sat down beside her. "The other day, if you didn't warn me. I would've been dead."
"..."
"I keep thinking about it. These assassins can easily end the life of an Origin User with one of their explosive bullets. They won't even have time to react before everything is over. I'm just scared… That I will leave this world before you."
"You won't," Kai replied. "I already set up the stage for the culprit to reveal themselves."
Kaya lifted the cloth a little to look at Kai before she extended her hand to grab his. "Thank you for reassuring me, my love. I guess the past few days took a toll on my mental state."
Kai looked down at the hand that grabbed him. He could see the subtle movement it was making. Kaya's hand was shaking.
"Rest. There are still a few more hours before the birthday. I will wake you up when it's time."
"Can you stay here till I drift off to sleep?" Kaya asked.
Kai looked at her for a while before he sat down again. He heard a low 'thank you' and 'I love you' coming from Kaya as she started to slowly lose consciousness. Eventually, her breathing became even and her body stopped shaking.
Kai then slowly pulled her hand away and put it to the side before he stood up and left.
***
That night, the Raullot household was unusually bustling with movement. It was the 120th birthday of Mikayla Raullot so a huge celebration was needed.
Many people came to congratulate the old man. Most of them are people that Mikayla doesn't even know but since this birthday was for everyone, all the rich individuals came hoping to create a relationship with the Raullot family.
"Are you ready, Master Mikayla?" Sebastian knocked on the door to Mikayal's room before he walked inside. "Master! Why are you not ready yet?"
"Do I really have to attend? Just tell them he's sick and can't show his face." Mikayla said as he swung his sword. He was shirtless as he trained intensely.
"We can't, Master. Everyone already knows that you healed from the poison. If you don't show your face, it will be a huge hit to the reputation of this great family."
"Tsk, fine, fine, Sebastian. Hearing you talk about the family makes you sound like the patriarch." Mikayla said as he picked up the clothes Sebastian readied for him and started wearing them.
"It's all for the best, sir."
"Is that bastard attending?"
"By bastard, I assume you're talking about Master Charles. Yes, he is already here. He is talking to guests."
Mikayla's face frowned at the mere hearing of his name. The old man didn't forget what Charles said. In fact, it has been the only thing he could think about for the last few days. Even during his religious training time, Mikayla couldn't focus.
Something inside of him changed after that night and he didn't know what it was. Perhaps it was because he felt that Charles' words were the truth or maybe it was simply sadness and regret. Either way, Mikayla could barely go on with his day without finding himself dazedly looking at the window.
Then, another knock came from the door. Sebastian opened the door and Kaya came inside. She wore a beautiful black dress that made her look mysterious yet mesmerizing.
"Miss Kaya!" Sebastian greeted her respectfully before he continued helping Mikayla with his clothes.
"Happy birthday, old man! You're finally getting on with age!" Kaya said jokingly.
"Shut up, brat. I can still beat your ass if I want to."
"Sure, sure. How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Horrible. Ugh, so tight! What the hell is this?! Are you trying to kill me, Sebastian?"
"Please don't move, Master. I need to tighten the necktie."
After he finished adjusting the clothes, Sebastian nodded with satisfaction at his work. Mikayla had now turned into an elegant-looking old man with a suave appearance. He wore a simple yet pleasing black suit.
"You can leave now, Sebastian." He said.
"Yes, please don't be late. We will start in exactly 5 minutes."
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't nag my head with your overly punctual schedule." Mikayla shook his hand as he looked away.
The butler then excused himself and closed the door.
Kaya's smile then faded as she approached Mikayla. "Expect to get ambushed tonight, old man. The people that want you dead as still out there."
"... If that happens, then it is what it is," Mikayla replied as he sat down on the bed.
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
"No, it's definitely something. Since when do you take your life so lightly?"
"Since now. I see no need for me to stay alive. As you said, I'm already 120 years old."
"Hold on a second, old man. What I said was simply a joke. I never thought it would hurt your feelings." Kaya's eyebrows knitted together.
"I know that, Kaya. I've just been thinking about it. Maybe I'm better off dead than alive."
"Why?"
"Whenever I remember what I did in the past. I realize the huge mistakes I made. I wronged people that I should've taken care of and I sinned toward the only person that cared for me. A scum like me deserves death."
Kaya stood silent for a good minute before she finally asked. "Did Charles tell you something?"
The old man didn't deny nor confirm what she said as he simply sat there, getting eaten away by guilt.
"What nonsense are you saying, old man? Sinned? Didn't we all sin? The old man that I know is a confident man who knows that he can make mistakes but also knows that he can strive to always become better. Wasn't that what you taught me through the sword? To work hard to become a little bit better every single day?"
"..."
"Whatever that piece of shit told you, it's not what matters. The past is in the past. You can only look at the present and future now."