Chapter 6 – Library

Refreshed and ready to start a new day I change into the simple turquoise-red-white patterned kimono, which was brought to my room yesterday just as I was about to call it a night. 'It is truly beautiful!' I haven't take a closer look at it until this morning. Not that I wouldn't appreciate the gift, I've just never felt the need to worry about the style and trends; neat and comfortable clothes were all I could have asked for.

As I was putting my hair into a high ponytail, someone knocked on the door. "Excuse me," says a slightly annoyed familiar voice and the maid from yesterday comes in. Looks like she was ordered to bring me the food again, but it is as clear as a day that she would more than willingly pass this duty to anyone else.

"Thank you." She shoots me a confused look before leaving, and I sigh. It surely will take some time before my presence here is acknowledged, because I bet the reactions of other demons within this castle are going to be the same.

I finish my breakfast, and after a short hesitation I decide to go to the library. After all, Lord Inutaisho is going to be busy today, and he told me I could spend the time as I wish (well probably I should avoid getting into trouble, though).

As expected, while walking down the corridors I received lot of suspicious & despising looks. It's kind of uncomfortable, but there is just no way I'm going to show that. When I reach the library, I notice one of the few familiar scents. 'Wait, this is… what was his name? … Sesshomaru.' A moment later, I see him sitting at a table studying something. I'm fully aware that he must have noticed my presence, however, just like the day before, he continues to ignore me. Surprisingly, being ignored feels better than all those stares I have earned so far.

Running through the bookshelves I randomly choose one book and sit at another desk available while looking at the title for the first time. 'What do we have here? ... History of the Western Lands? … why not,' and I begin to read.

…

After an hour or so, interrupted by some noise I intuitively lift my head and turn it to the direction of the doors. Sounds like someone is rushing through the hall. As I get back to the book, I notice that Sesshomaru is gone. 'But he was there just a second ago! That was quick…'

In a moment, the person from the hall reaches the doorway and catches my attention. A very young demoness stands there, wearing a noble purple-green kimono and having her silver hair in two side-tails. She cries: "Sesshoma-," but then stops realising he's not here. I've got to say she's quite pretty, and she seems to be about my age, though I suppose that when it comes to demons looks can be very, very decisive.

She quickly recovers from the surprise and turn her attention to me: "What are you doing here?" 'Wow, someone's actually talking to me! What a pleasant change, lol.' "I'm reading a book," I response.

The young girl blinks, she probably didn't expect answer like this, but continues: "I can see that! Don't state obvious!" "Then why do you ask when it is obvious?" I say with a small smirk. She frowns, "I've asked, what are you doing here!" stressing the last word thus indicating I'm not welcomed in this place. 'Did I say it's a pleasant change when someone's talking to be? It's even more! It's getting fun as well.' I do my best to keep a calm face while replaying: "And I've answered, I am reading a book here."

The look on her face is priceless. "Don't play with me! I am the daughter of the great Lord Daiki!" – 'I see, so he is her father… that explains her stubbornness.' – "So, you better give me a proper answer, hanyou!" 'If that's what she wants she shall get it…' "The Lord of the Western Lands have invited me to stay here."

Immediately, she spats back: "That still doesn't explain why you are in the library! I was supposed to meet his son Sesshomaru here, but due to you he had left!" 'Oh really? I haven't noticed! For what I know he only left when you were about to arrive.' But I have a better string to pull then saying that aloud… and being unable to resist it, I put on a surprised face and ask: "Wait, have you got a date planned here?"

That got her. 'Boiling level. And… explosion!' The desk moans under her clenched fist. "How dare you, you lowly creature! Just spare me of your nasty presence!"

'Ok, I've reached the line, I suppose it's time to stop,' I sigh and close the book. "Gladly, if that means you'll spare me of your childish behaviour." I get up and head to the door, but I can't help to spill one more comment: "Oh, by the way, next time you try to insult someone, try being more creative."

She just stands there frozen. I suppose that I've just got into some trouble, however, in my opinion it was worth of it.

A/N: Thanks for reading this chapter everyone! I hope you liked it. For me the first part was quite challenging to write, but I enjoyed the library scene (at 100%, lol). I hope that it helped you to understand one side of Natsuki's charakter. If you like it, please feel free to write some feedback. Even comments on how I should improve my writing style / mistakes' corrections are welcomed.

Published: February 3, 2017