As amusing as it was, however, Setsura understood how 'serious' this situation was. If she didn't say a word, people wouldn't comment, since she's technically the winner already even if some think that she is merely hiding behind Akito, when a woman like herself with fair skin and caramel-colored hair shows up.
Naturally, she would receive stares, but the look she was receiving now was awfully hostile. Rather, Setsura felt the blood lust coming from the other woman. How scary, this woman probably doesn't even like Akito. She's most likely just attracted to his wealth and looks.
A deep sigh passed her lips; it felt like she dealt with this type of thing a lot before.
She probably gives off a delicate and innocent appearance. A lot of people told her that before, and a lot of people fell for that trap too. But it's actually the opposite; she is a lioness ready to tear them apart.
Setsura, however, allowed them to continue thinking she was meek. She allowed them to continue trash for the next few minutes. It was not just that single girl but all those groupies who spoke up. Since entering the restaurant with Akito, Setsura fully knew of the number of people looking at her. Even those who gave them compliments, she immediately understood what they were up to. A deep sigh passed her lips, 'So problematic, and it's certainly ruined her night,' Setsura thought.
Setsura didn't blame Akito, though. Akito is equally a victim here. Like her, he just came here for a meal, and yet this ended up happening. She supposes once a person becomes famous, having a normal life is impossible. How lonely. The thing with his wife aside, Setsura understood why Akito always headed home after work. He can't even sit down in a restaurant properly to enjoy his meal.
These last few days, Setsura has been quietly observing him. Just like he has been doing with her, and she's learned quite a bit. The man named Akito isn't just a good looking and foolish man. He isn't just a mere official. Setsura as much as possible, tried to stay away from his work. However, it was difficult to evade it completely, considering how he's been following her around.
What kind of sane person brings out their work in front of a regular civilian? It's not like she could do anything with the information even if she knew it. She probably wouldn't be able to understand it, let alone pass it to anybody. Still, that guy doesn't he let his guard down too much around her?
"Akito-sama, please reconsider," the woman clung to Akito, "A woman like this is hardly worth your time."
"Like this?"
"She looks so bland and boring. Even if she seems elegant, isn't it just an act?"
"An act?"
Staying silent means she can learn things about her opponent without even having to do anything. The woman trying to cause a fuss is called Maggie. Apparently, she owns one of the largest shops in this district. No, not just that. Maggie seems to have influence in every single shop here. People dare not to cross her; otherwise, they would find themselves out of a job. So it's not just the elite, even ordinary folks there is a hierarchy. There is a power struggle everywhere.
It's easy to learn about a person, even without spending enough time with them. When she studied the science of body language. Setsura discovered that one could indicate a person's emotions based on their expressions and gestures.
Observe a particular person long enough then one will find that they manifest all types of signs. Setsura looked up, the woman named Maggie was displaying signs of insecurity. Despite how bold and confident she was acting, Setsura could tell that she was afraid.
"Yes, this woman is acting. There's a shape-shifting, or magic that disguises your appearance these days. I seldom refuse to believe that there is a human out here with hair that color."
Ah, that's because she got her hair dyed. So she is right, the hair is not natural, and she has a perm too. But Setsura supposed that concept wouldn't fly in this era. It's a good thing she opted not to say a word. Setsura did not want to waste her breath on these people. Almost like Akito understood what she thought.
He harshly yanked Maggie's arm away from him, "Akito-sama?"
"I wonder if it's so difficult to get some peace and quiet these days. Am I not allowed to eat a meal in peace with the person I choose?" Akito asked. While the man still wore a smile on his face, the surrounding aura was deadly. The bystanders in the room who were making comments previously, all turned away and muttered things like this was no business of theirs.
All of a sudden, those defending and standing by Maggie's side left.
"Care to answer the question, Miss Maggie?"
"T—that's not it, this woman is deceiving you. So, I just wanted to make sure."
"While I thank you for your concern, but do you think I'm that easy to deceive?"
This is so stupid; she's tired of listening already. Setsura reached over and tugged on Akito's sleeve with her hand, "Akito, I'm getting hungry," it was a mere four words. But considering how silent she was this whole time, her sudden speech caused a fuss.
Everybody else who was supposedly minding their own business turned back to them, with wide eyes. They all looked at her like she was some sort of rare creature, and Setsura felt uncomfortable. Did she say something wrong? She really is hungry; she didn't eat much earlier.
"Did you just hear that?"
"She dropped the formalities.."
It was a pleasant surprise for Setsura learning that the honorifics from the modern-day, are still the same in the past. But even when she learned this, Setsura didn't see the need to switch the way she called Akito. Akito is Akito. While the two of them are not exactly close to each other, aside from her getting used to it, she didn't know what else to call him. This man has yet to tell her his surname. These last few days she has yet to hear any of the servants say it. The manor to is called 'Night Blooming Circus,' most mansions are named after their master's name or family name.
Another unusual thing is the unique location too. It's in the middle of a large forest, and she's pretty sure the way back to town is at least a good 2-4 hours. With Akito's job, how could he afford to waste that much time? Akito is strange, that's why instead of causing problems for him. She would rather use that time to learn more about this mysterious man.
Akito's threatening aura vanished, and his gaze turned soft, "You're hungry? I'll get you something to eat. Hey you over there," Akito stopped one of the waiters, "Get her everything on the exclusive menu list."
"Is there meat?" Setsura asked. For some reason, she strongly craved meat right now. Then again, considering how light her meals have been as of late. It's only natural for her to crave something stronger.
Akito laughed, "Don't worry, there's a bit of everything there."
Setsura nodded.
Maggie was being dragged away by a new person. A woman with short pale hair and silver-colored eyes, who wore a black dress with a pale shawl across her arms. Unlike Maggie, this girl gave off real aristocratic aura. Does she come from a wealthy family? Even then, Setsura was surprised. Most people in the rich circle tend to be spoilt and bratty. The general public views those with power through a bad lens for a reason. Those considered elite are terrible people.
There's a mixture of people amongst the elite of course, and not all people are too bad. But if she were to calculate the percentage, it would be a small majority.
"It's Ekaterina-sama."
"Look at that dress. It must have cost billions."
"Ekaterina, let me go!" Maggie was anything but happy.
Setsura sighed, does this woman still think she can do something? If she were her, then she would leave things the way they are now. If Maggie persists, it would not surprise Setsura if Akito turned to brutal means. While he shows such kindness to her, Setsura quickly learned from the others in the mansion that Akito seldom treats people with kindness. At least the current him who has lost his wife.
She stumbled on a photo the other day of a young Akito, and for some reason kept it with her. On that photo, he was smiling so brightly. Setsura could hardly believe that the Akito today and that one were the same people. While Akito smiled a lot, Setsura knew it was a forced one.
"We should leave, we can't cause Akito-sama more problems."
"Like I can just leave, this bitch is purposely ignoring me—"
Ekaterina raised her voice, "Maggie. Let's leave; otherwise, I'll ask my father to stop sponsoring your shop."
Apparently, this was all it took to convince her since Maggie suddenly froze. Her expression broke into a sweat, "Right, let's leave."
...
"Why didn't you say anything?" Akito commented once the two were out of earshot, "You could have dealt with that situation, right?"
This man knows already. Even though most people saw her as docile and fragile, from the very beginning, it was different for this person. Setsura didn't understand it very well, how is this person able to understand things about her so well? While she has been observing him too these last few days. There are loads of things she can't figure out about him.
Setsura sighed, maybe she's too simple.
Her gaze fell on the window where she could see the two girls leaving, "I could have, but chose not too. I'm used to it already, that's why there was no need for me to do anything."