The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 28: Secrets and Strife

Kirito dashed through the opulent corridors of the Crystal Chalet hotel, his boots echoing loudly against the polished marble floors. Maids paused in their duties, their eyes widening in surprise as he zoomed past, disrupting the tranquil atmosphere of the establishment.

Spotting a familiar door, he skidded to a halt and swung it open without hesitation. "Sherry!" he shouted, urgency evident in his voice.

The room revealed no Sherry, but instead, Rem sat serenely inside, needle in hand, meticulously sewing a piece of clothing. Her sky-blue eyes met Kirito's, surprise flickering within them. With a gentle smile, she greeted him and then smiled, "You seem a bit flustered, Kirito-kun. What brings you here in such a rush?"

"Rem, I heard that you and Sherry got ambushed by some mysterious people," Kirito exclaimed, concern etched on his face.

Rem looked up from her sewing, her serene expression unchanged. "Oh, that? It was a bit surprising at first, but I handled the situation swiftly. Sherry and I are safe," she reassured, continuing her work with a calm demeanour.

Kirito let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad nothing bad happened to you two."

Rem, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, responded playfully, "You worry too much, Kirito-kun. I can handle my job just fine." She then adopted a childlike pout, adding, "You act like I can't take care of myself."

"Rem, that's not true at all. I trust you completely," Kirito reassured with a sincere expression.

Rem, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, leaned in closer, whispering, "Prove it, Kirito-kun."

Kirito, not one to back down, reciprocated by getting closer. Rem's heart raced with anticipation, ready for a potential kiss. As they inched towards each other, Rem closed her eyes, only to feel a gentle flick on her forehead, accompanied by a cute noise escaping her lips.

Kirito chuckled, "Don't get carried away, Rem. This isn't the time for romantic interludes."

Rem blushed slightly, her cheeks tinted with a delicate shade of pink. "Kirito-kun, you can be too mean sometimes," she murmured, still recovering from the playful flick on her forehead.

Taking a deep breath, Rem composed herself and continued sewing. "Anyway, Sherry left the hotel. She went to the Science Academy for what she called 'Artefact Research' at her father's request."

Kirito, concerned, responded, "If it's her father's request, it should be safe, but leaving her alone isn't a great idea."

Rem nodded in agreement, "That's what I told her. So, Kirito-kun, what do you plan to do about it?"

Kirito looked determined. "I'm going to find her, of course. It's better to be safe than sorry."

Just as he turned to leave, Rem's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Wait, Kirito-kun," she began, setting aside her sewing and standing up. "There's something important I need to tell you."

Kirito pivoted, his eyes meeting Rem's. "What is it?"

Rem took a deep breath, her sky-blue eyes reflecting a hint of concern. "It appears that a group claiming to be Shadow Garden has been conducting heinous crimes throughout the capital. They're tarnishing the name of their organization, and it's causing quite a stir."

Kirito's expression darkened, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Using the name of Shadow Garden for such nefarious acts... This complicates things."

Rem nodded gravely, her fingers clenching slightly. "Indeed, it does. Be cautious, Kirito-kun. The lines between friend and foe seem to be blurring, and we must tread carefully."