Chapter 32
Michiru glanced over her shoulder and then turned back to Taiki. "She said she belongs to Serena," she informed before stepping aside. Usagi's face brightened. "Makoto, what are you doing here? I told you I'd ride back with Taiki." Taiki breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Chiru. Yes, in a way, she belongs to us now. We'll clarify that," he said, gesturing for Makoto to take a seat at one of the free chairs.
"Well, actually, I didn't plan on coming in at all. But somehow, I had a strange feeling leaving you at a place like this. I just wanted to check if you're okay," Makoto began explaining. "You're genuinely concerned about my safety?" Usagi asked, somewhat surprised, and Makoto nodded. "And who says you weren't spying here for Kenji?" Seiya inquired suspiciously.
A slight horror appeared on Makoto's face, and to their relief, Taiki intervened. "Quite simple, Seiya. Makoto is on my payroll, from the very beginning. I had chosen her for Mina back then and approached Kenji, but before she could start her job, the accident happened. When Kenji approached her later because of Serena, she immediately contacted me. Mako was my mole in the Tsukino villa; she has protected Serena from Kenji multiple times."
Now, Usagi and Seiya were utterly confused. Astonished, they looked from Taiki to Makoto and back. "You were a mole? Since the beginning?" Usagi asked, mouth agape. Makoto nodded with a slight smile. "Yes, that's right. I was supposed to gather information and intervene in case of emergency."
"And when were you planning to tell us that she works for us? Does Yaten know about it?" Seiya pressed on. "Yes, he knows. He even introduced me to her back then. I just didn't think this information would be relevant to you. But I think we wasted enough time now. I'll check on Yaten and then drive with him to Father's," with these words, Taiki stood up, gave Usagi a farewell kiss on the cheek. "We'll see you later at home."
Now, Usagi, Makoto, and Seiya were left behind, and the tension in the air increased significantly. Seiya couldn't stay silent any longer and addressed Usagi directly, "Are you really sure you want to go to Kenji?"
Usagi looked at him with a determined gaze. "Yes, I'm sure. It's finally time for me to confront him and make it clear that he has crossed some boundaries. Besides, I want answers, and only he can give them to me." Makoto, who had been mostly silent, couldn't withhold her concerns. "Serena, I understand your desire for confrontation, but we need to be cautious. Kenji is not an ordinary opponent, and his power reaches far, we shouldn't underestimate that. Besides, he's very impulsive." Usagi sighed as she brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Makoto, I know that... I've experienced it firsthand. But I can't watch idly anymore. He has my siblings or at least Chibiusa in his custody. I have to try... I owe it to her." Her eyes reflected determination and, at the same time, concern for her loved ones.
"I understand that you want to defend yourself. But maybe we should make a plan before walking straight to Kenji. Go through again what you want to say to him...", Makoto expressed further concerns. "Believe me, I'm prepared, and I've been thinking for days about what to say to him when he's in front of me."
After a short moment of contemplation, Makoto agreed. "Okay, if we're doing this, then I'll accompany you." "And if you just ride with her?" Seiya asked, his gaze avoiding Makoto, attempting to grasp at this lifeline to avoid falling into temptation again.
Usagi noticed exactly that he was trying to avoid her. When Taiki suggested that Seiya accompany her, she suddenly felt empowered, but now she wavered. She firmly grasped Seiya's hand and whispered, "Seiya, what have I done that you're ignoring me like this? I want you to be there, please."
Seiya's heart tightened as he looked into her eyes. He gently placed his hand on her cheek. Ignoring Makoto's presence, both seemed to forget about her for a moment. "Do you know how hard you make it for me?" he whispered almost inaudibly and pulled her into his arms. Delicate tears streamed down Usagi's cheeks. "I told you, if you need me, I'll be there," he whispered into her ear.
Usagi needed a moment to collect herself. She wiped away the tears, nodded decisively. "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me. But I think we can go now."
Seiya sensed Makoto's gaze; he felt she knew more than she revealed. He could practically feel her skepticism in the air, even though she said nothing. For a moment, he considered then decided to play along with the silent game.
"Are you here by car, right?" Seiya asked, pointing to his motorcycle helmet. It was evident that he couldn't take Usagi on his motorcycle, especially in her current state. Makoto nodded and stood up. "Yes, the car is in the parking lot."
On the way to the car, Seiya extended his hand to Makoto to get the car keys. He had decided to drive to focus his attention on the road. Makoto handed him the keys, and Seiya thanked her with a brief nod. As Seiya got behind the wheel, he briefly glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Makoto sitting next to Usagi on the back seat. He started the car and drove towards the Tsukino Villa. The streetlights passed by as an uncomfortable silence settled in the car. Makoto sat beside Usagi on the back seat, exchanging silent glances. Usagi knew Makoto had questions about Seiya, and she would answer them. But not now, this moment wasn't the right one; first, she had to focus on Kenji, she couldn't afford any mistakes right now.
After about 20 minutes of driving through the illuminated streets of Tokyo, Seiya finally parked in the expansive driveway of the Tsukino Villa. The house was bathed in warm light, but the atmosphere in the car was tense. The dark-haired man turned to the back, his gaze resting on Usagi. "Are you really sure you want to do this? We can still turn back." His voice was calm, but concern lingered in his eyes. Usagi nodded decisively. "Yes, I'm sure. It's time for me to confront Kenji."
Usagi stepped out with determined steps, closely followed by Seiya and Makoto. Together, they entered the estate. The villa was quiet as they stepped into the hallway. Only one of the maids bustled around them. "Is my father in the house?" Usagi asked her. "Yes, I believe he's in his office. Should I announce you?" the girl asked kindly. "No need, I know the way. Thank you," she replied shortly and quickened her pace. She was heading straight to Kenji's office, with Seiya and Makoto still on her heels. But then, she suddenly stopped. A familiar voice had caught her attention. She followed the sound and came to a halt in front of Mimetes' office.
"... beautiful lingerie?" Mimete asked, and Usagi wished she had heard the beginning of the conversation. "Mim... they've only been married for two weeks. Of course, I packed plenty, but she's not interested in it yet... it'll come for sure," Tellu's voice was unmistakable through the door. "But Kenji is getting impatient... You know how impatient he can get." "And you know I can't conjure up a pregnancy. More than styling her super sexy isn't in my power. If he doesn't jump at her, what am I supposed to do? You can also move in with us and lock the two of them in the bedroom while they sleep." "Out of the question! I'll go crazy here soon with these conditions. I'm not a nanny. Just make sure he can't keep his hands to himself. It can't be that hard; after all, he's just a man," Mimete hissed, slightly irritated.
Usagi had heard enough. Anger suddenly reflected in her eyes as she pushed the door to Mimetes' office open and stared directly into the shocked faces of Tellu and Mimete. Tellu was sitting on Mimetes' desk, looking at her with wide eyes, while Mimete leaned against the windowsill, appearing similarly overwhelmed.
"Serena? What are you doing here?" Tellu stammered after a moment of shock. "I should rather be asking you that! I really thought we had found a friendly basis. I really thought you liked me!" Usagi could feel the emotions surging within her. Tellu jumped up, raising her hands in a pacifying manner. "Serena, it's not as it seems," she tried to explain. "Oh, and how is it then? You're sitting here with Mimete talking about me. About my sex life. About how I should seduce my husband!" Usagi's voice grew louder. Makoto slowly entered the room, placing her hands on Usagi's shoulders. She radiated a particular calmness. "Easy, Serena. I'll handle this. Please wait outside," she said decisively, pushing Usagi back into the hallway and closing the door behind her.
Usagi leaned against the wall, suppressing further tears. She had trusted Tellu, and she had betrayed her. She stared at the opposite wall, feeling unable to move. Tellu had been the first here in this strange world she had trusted. Always polite and cheerful. Usagi would never have suspected betrayal from her. Seiya's warm hand on her upper arm made her look up. "Sweetheart, I'm taking you back now. Okay?" he whispered softly. But Usagi still focused on the spot on the wall.
The loud arguments of Makoto, Mimete, and Tellu only faintly reached her. She tried to control herself, and Seiya's gentle touch seemed to ground her a bit. Just as she was about to agree with him, another familiar voice cut through the hallway.
"What the hell is going on here?! Can someone explain all this noise to me? How should... Serena? What are you doing here? What brings me the honor of your visit?" Her father shifted from anger to his feigned friendliness within seconds. Now it was too late. Usagi knew there was no turning back.
She gathered strength once again from Seiya's gaze and then stood up.