Not a detective

Page 254

After that, Asakawa Riku suddenly disappeared for a month.

Chizuko and the others were almost frantic, thinking that something bad had happened to him again, and they were about to all go out to help.

But Mo Yue noticed that it wasn't just one person who had disappeared.

She smiled and said it was okay.

It was as if everything was within her expectations.

Then she went to the company headquarters and stabilized the situation, which was gradually becoming chaotic.

A month later, Asakawa Riku and Hoshino returned from overseas, both of them with slightly tanned skin.

They all remained silent about where they went or what happened, as if it were a little secret between them.

And their relationship seems to have undergone a subtle change.

...

“I approve of your marriage. The young man is a graduate of a prestigious university, and he is also Kui’s colleague. He is handsome and has an outstanding appearance. He is a rare talent.”

The dignified old man sat in the main seat, and as is usually the case, there was a "but" after that sentence.

"However, the Kirisame family's swordsmanship must be passed down, so you can only marry into our family, take our surname, and then come to the dojo to train for three years, first learning our sect's swordsmanship."

"This one……"

Asakawa Riku was somewhat embarrassed.

In fact, he didn't care much about these worldly titles, nor did he have any feelings for the surname "Asakawa," since his parents were hidden from the worldview.

But the name "Asakawa" marks his connection to another world, and he feels it is meaningful so as not to forget that memory.

Seeing his hesitation, Kiri Aoi, who was sitting next to him, squeezed his hand and stood up:

"In that case, I'll sever ties with my family... I'll go out and live with Asakawa!"

Her eyes were resolute.

Next in line, Kiri Aoi's mother was startled and quickly said, "Father, let's think about it again?"

"Hmm..." The old man hesitated for a moment. It seemed that Wu Yu Kui's status in the family was indeed extraordinary. However, with so many relatives and clansmen in the house, it was not good to break the rules in public. If he compromised immediately, he would not be able to convince everyone in the future. So he changed his words and said, "The Wu Yu family has always been a martial family, and naturally they respect strength. As long as you can prove it."

The old man looked at Asakawa Riku:

"If you can defeat everyone here, including me, then I have nothing more to say."

He thought it was a good method, both to give the young man a hard time and to save face for his family.

Since he's from the Inspection Department, he must have some skills. And look at this Asakawa Riku, he seems quite robust, sitting there with a calm and composed demeanor; he doesn't seem simple. The old man had thought it through. Even if this young man ultimately failed, he could still prove his strength to his clan. Then, he could compromise and change his tune, which would also demonstrate the Kirisame family's magnanimity and goodwill towards their juniors.

However, to his surprise, Asakawa Riku was overjoyed:

"really?"

He stood up and started loosening his wrists: "Who should we start with?"

His eagerness startled everyone, but no one knew what Asakawa Riku was thinking—

Now, it seems that the statement "I want to marry more than one woman" can be said with more confidence.

...

After graduating from university, Asakawa Riku was invited to join the Non-World Inspection Department and became an operator.

Although the minister said that with his strength and the results of passing the trials, he was fully qualified to be called a "demon-slaying expert," or at least an executive officer.

But Asakawa Riku refused; he still wanted to start from scratch.

It wasn't out of modesty; it was just departmental rules that the two executives couldn't go on missions together. He just liked to applaud and cheer for Kiri Aoi from behind, watching her look embarrassed.

Anyway, the rules don't say that office romances are not allowed here.

Asakawa Riku became Kirisame Aoi's partner as a "junior" newcomer, although there were no tasks that could stump the two of them anymore.

But he always believed that the path of martial arts is endless, and that every inch of progress brings its own joy.

The two would spar every now and then. Only with Kirisame Aoi could he rediscover his identity as a martial artist and feel a real sense of challenge.

If I have the chance, I'd like to take Wuyu Kui back to her hometown to see "Luoshan" and meet the masters there.

But Asakawa Riku knew that this would take some more time.

...

"How's the writing going?"

"I'm not showing you." Asu slammed the notebook shut. "What's the point of spoilers? There won't be any surprises."

Asakawa Riku tried to grab it a few times, but still couldn't get his hands on the notebook. She tossed it into thin air with a flick of her wrist.

He smiled helplessly:

"When will the next event happen? Things have been so peaceful lately, it's getting a bit boring."

"Hurry up, hurry up, you're already urging me to update right away."

Asuji Shi pouted: "You finally came to see me, and this is what you wanted to say?"

Asakawa Riku fell silent, unsure how to respond.

The fox smiled slyly, her bare feet treading on the clouds as she approached, her eyes seeming to see right through her thoughts.

"Since we've already gone this far wrong, it's okay to keep making the same mistakes, right?"

...

The attempt to mediate the fight failed. The final solution was to make Chizuko and the others forget the existence of Asui Uta, as if her traces had been erased from the world.

After all, the conflict between them doesn't seem to be easily resolved, so they can only resort to this passive approach for the time being.

Only Asakawa Riku can freely enter and leave this place.

Every time he came over, he felt like he was having an affair.

Asukai Shi is a bad woman. She has caused disasters and killed many people. According to Asakawa Riku's principles, she should be made an enemy and her actions should be punished.

But in the end, Asakawa Riku had to admit that people have selfish desires, and even he wanted to keep such a despicable little corner of his heart to preserve a little bit of warmth.

Whenever they hug each other, it's a feeling of soothing the past and licking each other's wounds.

Even when making mistakes, they want to continue making those mistakes to the very end.

Asakawa Riku asked Asukai Shi about her experience. She remained in this void, using it as a prison, constantly writing and perfecting this world as a form of punishment.

Do you want to escape?

She simply hugged him tighter and whispered:

"...Even though she's a bird trapped in a well, who can say she's not happy?"

(End of extra)