Three Lives

Akiko's Abduction

Morning sunlight is something that can nourish the body, that is what Zanir said. I do the exercises given by Zanir every morning before starting work.

"Eight.. nine..."

I did it a little reluctantly but considering the fight with Roy, I had to get stronger. At that time I was helpless against it.

"Se.ra...tuss..."

Want me not to have to do it. I don't really understand why I have to do this kind of physical exercise but I think it's good.

"Good work♪"

"Thank you, Akiko."

I wiped the sweat with the towel that Akiko gave me. When he heard about me going to practice, he was so excited and said he wanted to see me. I'm not sure what the thrill of seeing this grueling exercise is.

"By the way, I'm always curious. Is your friend Vivi dating Zanir?"

"Hm? I'm not sure but I don't think so. But the three of us were friends. When I was with them I always thought of them as a brother."

Even so, the two of them weren't too close? Well, I don't care either. I'm just curious because I've seen the two go together.

"I have to go. Sorry Reiki, there's something I have to take care of."

"No problem. Be careful on the road."

Akiko's gone.

"I wonder what he's doing..."

I went back to my training. Even so, my body felt like it was going to be destroyed. It's noon and I'm done tidying things up at the store.

"Good work, Reiki."

"You're not resting, Verry?"

"Don't say that, you kind of think I'm a parent."

"Obviously, you have a wife and children."

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing."

Can he hear it?! I thought I was speaking in a slow voice. But, thankfully, he didn't hear very well.

*kring

The bell on the door rings indicating that a customer is coming.

"Welcome~"

"Are you really named Mr Reiki?"

A knight came with a face covered by an iron helmet. From his tone of voice it was clear that there was a serious problem.

"That's right. I'm Reiki."

"You're under arrest because you're a suspect in Miss Akiko's disappearance."

What's?! Akiko... disappeared? Wait a minute, wasn't she still with me this morning and she left on the grounds of having important business. But now.he's gone. That meant...

"Wait a minute, what does it mean that Akiko disappeared?!"

"As you heard. You are the last person to interact with Miss Akiko. So, come with me and please cooperate."

Looks like I'm considered a suspect for kidnapping my own boyfriend. I don't even have a reason to do that but it looks like things are complicated.

I resignedly came to the palace to be asked a few questions. I answered without covering anything up.

"When did you meet him?"

"So early in the morning."

"What's he doing?"

"Seeing me exercising."

The knight's face looked incredulous. Well, if I were him maybe I'd do the same thing because anyone would want to see people exercising.

"All right, then the last question. Where was she after you?"

"I don't know, but he said that there's business to be done."

"So, thanks for the time. You can go back now."

"Thank you."

I stood up and left immediately. Although I am very worried now but I believe that the knights will find Akiko. But I think I should investigate the city, maybe there'll be a clue about Akiko.

...----------------...

"It's not like he did it, Mr. Zanir."

"Yes, judging from his behavior is clear. More importantly, who was the one who kidnapped Akiko?"

"There's no other clue we can get."

"If the motive is for money then it is impossible because his family does not have that much wealth."

"I think he has a grudge and committed a kidnapping against him."

"If it is like that, I feel like he and his family have no enemies."

"It's not like that, that guy was her boyfriend, was he? When the capital was attacked he fought with someone he knew."

"So that means..."

"As the master of thought. The kidnapper had a grudge against the man and made Miss Akiko a sandra."

Zanir's eyes widened in surprise. If the enemy's motive is that then everything makes sense. But Zanir still felt strange.

"Alright, keep investigating. I'm going to go teach to the academy."

"Ready, your honor."

...----------------...

"Uh... Where is this...?"

I opened my eyes slowly and when I realized I didn't know where this was. My head hurts a lot and it feels like I'm being hit.

"Good morning."

I was surprised by someone who suddenly greeted me and his face was so close. I could see the ear feathers above his head.

"Reiki?"

"It's a shame I'm not her. My name is Roy."

He is very similar to Reiki. Hm? Tied hands? Even my feet? Wait, did he kidnap me?

"Just relax, my goal is Reiki."

"What do you want to do?!"

"Hmm... kill him, I guess?"

"You'll regret it. He's with Zanir! He'll kill you!"

Plaque!

A hard slap on my face. It hurts so much, I want to go home.

"It's true that the devil is with him. But take it easy, doesn't mean I can't get rid of it."

I don't know what this guy wants. I'm sure Reiki will come, I believe it.

"It's time I left. Take good care of yourself, ladies."

He left the room. I can't find anything to untie this bond. Do I have to stay here?

"Oh."

I felt like I was stepping on something sharp at my feet. I shifted slowly and found a small knife. It seems Roy accidentally dropped it. I grabbed the knife and broke away from the bond.

"I'm free. But there's nothing here, neither a window nor a way out but this door."

I didn't find anything. Even though I am just an ordinary servant and not a great person but I have Zanir as my best friend, thanks to him I become more confident and every advice I always listen to.

I may be weak but that doesn't mean I can't fight back. Zanir taught me magic that was useful and suitable for people like me.

I made a shadow of myself. I instantly ran out of magic so I'm very tired now. I tied a rope to my shadow and I was looking for a way out, this was the perfect plan.

"I leave it to you, me."

"Yes, leave it to me."

I immediately hid after tying to the other me. Shortly after, the door opened and Roy was back. I took advantage of the opportunity and went outside the door while it was still open.

"Hm? Did anyone come out?"

He's curious! Now he's approaching. Shit, what am I supposed to do now?

"What's wrong? Are you afraid that's my boyfriend coming?"

"Oh. even though you're tied up like this you can still fight ya."

Thankfully, my other self caught his attention and I was able to run away from here. That one was almost.