Chapter 519: The weather was particularly bad that day
The so-called conscience is a rather vague concept for those who do not have a clear understanding of good and evil or right and wrong.

It's not that Ling has no sense of right and wrong, but her right and wrong are all based on a certain person. She was once told by Zhuo, "It's really not a surprising answer at all," and she was speechless.

Because of this worldview, she doesn't take the initiative to go out for outdoor activities or communicate with others. Unless they are people in the "world", even if Zero sees them, he will just look at them from a huge distance, otherwise it doesn't matter.

Zhuo once tried to change her and advised her: "Even if there is the so-called Blood Sorrow, is it really okay not to make friends?", but Ling thought that she was accustomed to this to a certain extent and there were people to accompany her in the "world", so there was no problem in maintaining the status quo.

It's hard for Zero to care about strangers.

Of course, Zero would occasionally get to know others, or meet someone who would say hello to her, but that didn't mean she considered them a friend.

It's not that she has no friends, she just has very few.

"It's our first meeting. I'm really sorry that you two White Maidens were not able to be here on that day."

Although Zero himself had no right to criticize others, he actually thought, "If I really feel sorry, I shouldn't have troubled others on our first meeting..." With this thought in mind, Zero casually nodded to Gen Chisei who was talking to him on the other side of the coffee table.

Then she turned her head to look out the window, continuing her daydream.

"Is there any place you'd like to go, Mrs. Utsunomiya?"

Since she is someone Zhuo knows, she is probably someone he needs to communicate with. Yabuki Sakura can barely be considered someone who can see clearly in the "world".

Ling had to admit that Zhuo's vision in judging people, at least girls, was truly remarkable. When he saw his servant, or more accurately, the person he liked, facing a dilemma, Yabuki Sakura chose to speak up to ease Gen Chisei's embarrassment even though she knew that her words would ruin the impression she had in her mind.

Zero pondered for a moment and said calmly.

"There's nowhere I want to go at the moment. I prefer to stay at home."

"Yeah, I thought so too. But it is said that newlyweds all have some traveling experience. Utsunomiya, you guys will be busy later. Have you ever thought about going out for a while?"

"No."

"…What about going back to your parents' house?"

"Zhuo said he planned to go back this year and spend the New Year there, but there is no need to do that now."

"……Yeah?"

Ling had already guessed the purpose of their visit. This matter was probably related to the girl sitting in the Hummer outside the glass, looking at this side. He even guessed that Zhuo would be forced to the point of being in trouble because of this matter.

Even though he has grown a lot and is no longer a high school student, if he is compared with Dr. Herzog, even Zero cannot take Zhuo's side.

The intellectual component in this is not that important, because although I am not smart, I am not stupid either, and I can always help in some way.

The reason why she thought so was because Zero knew very well how hypocritical and despicable Dr. Herzog was. In front of such a human, Zhuo, who was always determined to return the change when he received more money at the convenience store, would definitely suffer a loss.

There is a saying in flower planting that goes "to deceive a gentleman with one's own method", which is exactly the truth.

Although Ling often realizes Zhuo's innocent, lovable, and stubborn side, Zhuo can calm Ling down. Maybe it's because the temperament he exudes is very compatible with him.

"In fact, there have been some frictions between the main family and the secret party recently. If you continue to stay in Tokyo, you may be implicated."

"...for example?"

"It's like they'll treat it as a tourist attraction or a visit. If we don't have any plans, they'll bring it up and lead us to this place. The secret party also conducted a corresponding investigation three years ago in the winter."

Zhuo likes to stay at home, and Ling doesn't like to go out. It should be said that they are the kind of people who don't want to be disturbed in any way.

In addition, they value their own space. Unless there is an appointment in advance or they are willing, they will not be ushered in even if someone shows up unexpectedly. Although this may leave a bad impression on the guests that they are inflexible, once they agree, they will never stop.

It was okay for familiar people, but the worst was when high school classmates who I had barely spoken to came to visit. Enthusiastic people would say, "Everyone is here, don't be so withdrawn~" and then ask them to accompany me, so I felt very tired after that trip. Zero really couldn't understand how such unfamiliar relationships could maintain so many friendships.

As a result, the experience included a journey to Illinois, more people paid attention to them, and their privacy was threatened to a certain extent, but it is undeniable that it was the reaction to these challenges that made Zero more gentle than he was two years ago.

"…That doesn't sound very happy."

"The secret party operators who come to Neon all think highly of themselves. They are always dragged around by their emotionally excited people, asking questions until they are exhausted, and then they welcome the arrival of the next day in that state."

"It's conceivable."

"You'll know when you meet them. Or rather, because of your presence, their attention will be diverted to you. Our family is already quite experienced in dealing with this matter. We mean that you can leave this matter to us without any worries. During the time you are away from Tokyo, the losses of closing the business and the travel expenses will also be borne by our family."

"so……"

It wasn't that Ling was trying to fool the other party with the factual answer. She just responded casually while looking at the night scene outside the window. As for what the other party said, she didn't take it to heart.

Although it is unclear what the current information situation is with the secret party, if they saw the last princess of the Romanov family living here, they would definitely ask endless questions.

It shouldn't be something that would make Zero angry, but the mental state of the students at Kassel Academy made it hard for Zero to believe that their perception of 'things that make people angry' was the same as his.

"You can refer to the situation at the branch, that will be more convincing."

"……Um."

"I thought you would ask. Aren't you curious about what the family is going to do?"

"If you weren't curious, you wouldn't have heard it, right?"

"I'm very sorry. This may affect your life, so we still hope to inform you in advance so that the hybrids living in Neon can be prepared."

In fact, the main family did use pressure to inform the mixed-bloods in Japan of their recent situation, but that was more to make them behave themselves.

Judging from this situation, it is obvious that the Utsunomiya family does not fall into this category.

"Of course, you can refuse if you don't want to."

"It's okay. Tell me about it."

Zero shook his head gently. The scent of shampoo from her swaying hair made Yabuki Sakura's nose itch.

"The thing is... (two thousand words omitted here)... To sum up, our family does not force the mixed-bloods living in Neon to stand on the same front with us, but we also hope that everyone understands that this is a step that our family must take for our future. The Snake Eight Clan is no longer the Snake Eight Clan of the last century. We need independence."

"……Thanks."

Zero finally withdrew his gaze from the glass in front of him, cast his deep blue eyes at the girl opposite him, and thanked her lightly.

Sakura Yabuki also responded calmly after shaking her head slightly.

"I should thank Mr. Utsunomiya for saving my life. Miss Uesugi's matter is more like a gift to us than a condition for repayment. Although it is insignificant, our family also wants to give you the greatest help in this incident. This is also the intention of the young master."

Zero began to look at Genshiro on the other side. The latter bowed his head slightly to express his gratitude. Zero also bowed his head without saying anything.

……"……wash?"

"No, nothing."

"You said it was nothing, but your eyes kept wandering."

"It's okay. Look, there's the microwave."

Zhuo probably didn't want others to notice his hesitation, so he quickly pointed to the cube microwave oven with a flashing notification light on, trying to change the subject.

Zero's thoughts then shifted to the dinner that was being prepared.

She thought to herself, 'Did he say something?' Then she opened the microwave and took out the roasted chicken leg.

Since she would not force Zhuo to do anything he was unwilling to do, and Zhuo didn't seem to want to meet her eyes, Ling had to get up and go to the kitchen... Then she immediately heard a "bang" sound, and her eyes immediately returned to the direction of the sofa.

Ling didn't understand what was going on. He looked at Zhuo's face first, and then froze.

He was seen slamming his fist on the low table which he usually used for eating and placing things, with a gloomy expression on his face, as if he was about to shout but was forcibly holding it back.

He clearly didn't have red eyes or a fierce look in his eyes... but it made Zero have such thoughts. Now he seemed like he would explode if touched.

When had she ever seen such an expression?

Oh, and that was very similar to the expression he had when he first asked him to use the Word Spirit on him - Zero remembered that it was his friend who was kidnapped that time.

"……wash?"

"No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Before Ling could ask, Zhuo answered in a stiff voice.

"I'm sorry, I scared you. I'm going back to my room now, you can continue to prepare dinner. I'm sorry."

Before Ling could interrupt, Zhuo finished his instructions in a few words and quickly left the sofa.

Zero tried to open her mouth, but she was either too slow or hesitant. The bedroom door was already closed.

(…Zhuo is, angry, right…)
The trigger was undoubtedly the conversation with Dr. Herzog.

Within Zero's known range, there was only one possibility that could have caused Zhuo to show such an expression.

“…Did you do that on purpose?”

Zhuo doesn't really care about what happens to him, and he will only lose control of his anger when it involves others.

Zero once heard him say that he knew the ending of Uesugi Eriya, and that what was going to happen next, or what was originally going to happen, was the turmoil that would take place from Izu along the coast through Tokyo to Mount Fuji, involving Uesugi Eriya, Minamoto Chisei, Kazama Ruri, Uesugi Koshi, and Yabuki Sakura. There was probably no other possibility.

What if that was the ending that Zhuo found himself unable to change?

Zhuo Ti didn't mention it on the way back, but now he suddenly became like this and immediately ran away and hid himself. He must be very angry with himself.

Precisely because he knows the differences between people, Zhuo will not transfer his anger to people who are not worth getting angry at.

Although even if he guessed it, Zero didn't know what he could do.

……

The weather was very bad that day.

Looking out the window, the entire sky was covered with layers of dark clouds, and not even a trace of moonlight could be seen. If something fell from the sky, it must have been raindrops first, and then other things.

Maybe it’s because of the weather. It’s already spring in March, but it still feels chilly.

Ling turned on the heater and sat on the sofa, but she couldn't calm down. She couldn't help but look towards the sunlight.

Today's Zhuo seemed to intend to sit there for a long time.

Zhuo said that he hoped to sit quietly for a while today, maybe because he didn't want his emotions to show on his face after facing himself.

Just thinking of his angry expression that didn't know what to do, Zero felt a tightness in his chest, as if he was holding his breath and felt very unhappy.

She even put on a skimpy nightgown that made her feel ashamed, hoping to cheer Zhuo up.

There was no point in looking around here anxiously, so Ling decided to first solve the problem of Zhuo catching a cold if he stayed outdoors.

When he picked up the blanket, Zhuo's face lingered in his mind.

It was already a painful thing for him to meet such a hypocritical person who made people want to vomit, but he still had to pretend to be unaware of the situation and be enthusiastic.

Thinking of Zhuo's expression, which seemed like he was afraid of something, Ling naturally pursed his lips.

Zero picked up the blanket and set out for the balcony - and when he opened the glass window, he noticed the sound.

He glanced back at Zero when he heard the voice, then lowered his head without saying a word.

Ling, who was standing in place, saw Zhuo's expression clearly. His face was drooped and distorted.

"…Does it worry you?"

"Feel sorry."

Zero didn't lie to comfort her and apologized frankly.

She didn't want to see Zhuo in such a vulnerable state, but she couldn't choose to go back to the bedroom at this time.

I can't just leave the current situation alone.

"Is it about Uesugi Eri?"

"…I'm sorry, I promised to take care of her without your permission."

Zhuo often takes care of Ling's emotions in life, but now this kind of care for her feels as awkward as when two people meet for the first time, as if every time he speaks, there will be a squeezing and creaking sound.

"Don't worry, I knew it would turn out like this a long time ago, so I'm mentally prepared."

Before Ling could speak, Zhuo told him calmly.

(End of this chapter)