Chapter 239: Quick Interchange
Kenzou is watching Astri’s spouses discussing in silence, now understanding the reason for Astri’s decision to bring all of them, as they were too tense to stay in a sacred place. He has to admit that he just wants to protect Astri and tell them to act like grown males, but he also can understand their side, so he feels they need this moment to vent out simply.
"Are you pretending you never held on to us? Especially on Claud, always going to him to make decisions. We held all the weight of carrying people everywhere to look after Astri, draining our energies and still making decisions you’re not mature enough to make." Kangki spits.
Kangki, always the most direct one, not caring much if the other side will end up hurt. The others bite their lips in frustration.
"Of course, we would hold onto you. You two are the most powerful and wiser than we are. We wanted to make sure we were doing the right thing." Cyprian says.
"If it was a burden to do your job as spouses, then why didn’t you just leave?" Dieg asks, growling.
"It wasn’t a burden, you mangy dog. Don’t put words into others’ mouths." Kangki says, with his eyes darkening.
Claud sighs, seeing that things are getting out of control, and feels guilty for that.
"Kangki.. Calm down. Everyone, calm down, please. If we keep fighting in front of the children, Astri will lock us up, who knows where." Claud says, and sighs.
"Then don’t imply we don’t do anything." Lee says, calm but hitting with his words.
"It wasn’t my intention. I am not saying you didn’t struggle. I am not saying that you were using us for some reason. I am just tired.. We spent so many years looking for her. Like we were always looking in the wrong direction. I don’t even know what’s best anymore. I fear making any mistake and not having the best decisions, so in the future, I have to carry one more pain in my heart and mind."
They instantly quiet down after hearing Claud admitting his feelings, and they didn’t know that he was feeling this way. All of them knew that the other was struggling; they would help each other somehow, but Claud was the only one whom they never helped because he always looked strong and always kept their minds on the right path. The only ones who could see through the mask were Kangki and Yuki. Yuki several times simply offered a hug or her presence to soothe his soul somehow.