Planetes
3. p. Next Plan

Muraki Kazuto folded his arms in front of his chest as he looked at his guest tonight. While Elliot smiled awkwardly when he found this teacher from Clarissa looking at him as if he wanted to chew it.

『I will not drive you out disrespectfully like the sister of the girl.』.Elliot heard this stern-headed man open his voice. 『But you realize no, what time is it now, Elliot Alexis Bouvard Urbaine Le Verrier aka Neptune?』

It seems Kazuto was angry that he came to this witch during the closing hours of the shop. 53 Minutes before midnight. Elliot realizes that he has violated the etiquette of visiting, but he has no choice but to do this. Comes to Muraki Kazuto's place unbeknownst to Ryan aka Clarissa.

"I'm sorry for this disrespectful me, Kazuto-san." Elliot apologized to Ryan's teacher with all humility. "But I want to ask you something at once for help. Because it's urgent."

Kazuto massaged his temple slowly. Looks like his student's condition is far from good, huh? Kazuto's twin Ain turned straight at the bentala. Is it okay to tell Elliot the truth? As Kazuto knows, Elliot is not a jerk like Clarissa's older brother.

Kazuto sighed softly. He put on his glasses and told Elliot.

『Before that, will you promise me one thing?』

Elliot nodded his head. "Of course, as long as I can do it. I'll do it."

『Then, whatever you hear and see today. Because the impact will be very fatal if he finds out.』raut Kazuto's face looks very serious. 『You understand?』

It turns out that what he will be told is the top secret? Elliot wasn't supposed to promise that, but he had to keep his promise even if it meant betraying Ryan.

『Alright, what do you want to ask me? I will answer it honestly.』Kazuto took out a cigarette from his box and slipped it to his lips. He then ignited the cigarette and made the atmosphere that had been tense to be a little relaxed.

"Actually, where did Clarissa get those eyes? At the time of yesterday's battle, he appeared to be so troubled and even collapsed after using his strength. I'm afraid Clarissa won't be able to survive if she continues to." Elliot begins his discussion. "He refused my help and insisted on doing it himself. If there's anything I can do to help her, whatever it is I'll do."

Kazuto listened to all the things that Elliot had spoken carefully. He exhaled his cigarette smoke and answered Elliot's question.

『Clarissa's eyes, Mystic Eyes of Petrification, are not the eyes she has since birth.』Kazuto turned off his cigarette and looked seriously at Elliot. 『The eye was implanted in him when he was a child and he himself was not someone who could use magic. So that the process of planting Mystical Eyes can also be said to be a painful and terrible process.』

There was a gap between them. Elliot was still waiting for the continuation of Kazuto's words patiently.

『Well, you can imagine how the pain that seemed to tear your skin and the process is ongoing. No wonder if he had experienced severe trauma since then.』helaan breath slid from Kazuto's ridge. 『The terrible thing happened later after Clarissa received the eye and was taken care of by the Mycenae family. Initially the family became the ideal family for Clarissa, until one day it was revealed a surprising fact that made Clarissa change drastically as it is now. The family betrayed him and made him lose humanity ever since.』

Hearing Kazuto's explanation, Elliot felt a pain in his chest. It turns out that it was as bad as Ryan's past, making him want to protect the girl and not let her get hurt again.

"Is...." Elliot clenched his hand tightly. Resisting his overflowing feelings is not careless. "...no one in the family cares about her or pours affection on her?"

『I don't like to talk about this guy because he's just as jerk-off as Clarissa's foster parents. But actually when compared to his adoptive parents Clarissa, this man still does good things to the girl.』Kazuto snatched the glass nearby and drank the contents for a moment before continuing his speech. 『Arcturus Xenos Mycenae is the ideal older brother to Clarissa. He was the one who saved Clarissa from the crimes committed by her own family and he brought Clarissa to me.「Gorgon Breaker」pun he who brought it to me to give it to Clarissa..』.

Kazuto suddenly kicked the table in annoyance. Making Elliot goofy so surprised.『But he is also the one who wants to finish Clarissa off if she is one with the Gorgon! What a jerk he is!』

Hearing that, Elliot understood the reason why Kazuto got so angry and hated the sister of the girl he liked. Instead of trying to save Ryan, Arcturus decides to kill him. Though Elliot had hoped, the man was able to release Ryan's curse and make the girl live a normal life. Apparently the assumption is wrong.

"Kazuto-san," Elliot gulped. "There's no way to save Clarissa?"

『Despite it, I don't recommend it at all, Elliot!』Kazuto looked resolute. 『Doing this means you make her a real doll. I will never forgive anyone who dares to do so!』

It's finished. Looks like Elliot's gonna have a hard time helping that girl.

『Until a completely safe way is found, all you need to do is give her Mana.』

"How?" elliot's eyebrows frowned.

『Just let him bite you, and your Mana will be on him.』

"......"

[Clarissa's teacher is stressed, right?]

『Why look at me like that? Just like dracula drank the blood of his prey, right?』Kazuto looked irritated at Elliot's eyebrow frown.

"Ah, so, huh?" even awkward laughter broke.

[Jeez equated with dracula!]

『Elliot, I expect a lot from you. Please protect Clarissa.』Kazuto held onto both of Elliot's shoulders and his gaze implied expectantly on the eighth planet of this solar system. 『Promise! You're my only hope right now!』

"Without a promise" Elliot opened his voice. "I will protect Clarissa even if my life is at stake."

『Heh! You're dumb, aren't you? Your life is not at stake!』Kazuto sighed softly. 『Only you trust me to protect her, Elliot. Don't waste my trust.』

"I will try," there was a momentary pause. "But, if something unwanted happens how?"

『I won't blame you. That's beyond your power, isn't it? I believe you're not a jerk like Arcturus.』

Kazuto's reply made Elliot feel calm. However, it also strengthened his resolve to protect Ryan.

『It's almost morning, Elliot. I also have to sleep.』ucap Kazuto when glancing at the wall clock.

"Ah, forgive me for interrupting your sleep time, Kazuto-san!" he apologized repeatedly to Kazuto. "I'll excuse you, have a good rest."

Elliot immediately came out and left Kazuto who was still rubbing his eyes from sleepiness. Kazuto's gaze was fixed on the door Elliot had just walked through.

『After this...what else will happen?』