The Eminence in Shadow: The Dark Swordsman

Chapter 47: Identity Confusion In The Alleyway

Kirito and Beatrix look at each other in an alleyway. Kirito, eyes widening in surprise, blurts out, "Alpha, why are you here?"

Beatrix, a puzzled expression crossing her face, responds, "Alpha? Who's Alpha?"

Kirito slapped his forehead, groaning, "Sorry, I forgot that you guys keep your identities secret in public."

Beatrix, still not quite understanding, recalled her first encounter with Rem, who was awkwardly pretending to be Kirito. Deciding it wasn’t worth the headache, she let it slide.

"So, how should I call you then?" Kirito asked, scratching his head.

"Beatrix, I guess," she replies with a shrug.

Kirito grins, "Beatrix, it is!"

Beatrix laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Kirito, you're such a weird fella."

Kirito rubbed the back of his head, chuckling. "You used to tell me that a lot when we were younger."

Beatrix's eyes widened in surprise. "Younger?"

Kirito nodded, his grin widening. "Yeah, you always said that even though I was reckless, I was the only one you trusted to look after Delta."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Beatrix held up her hands, her expression incredulous. "I've never met you before the other day!"

Kirito's face fell, and he stared at her in confusion. "Seriously? You're pulling my leg, right?"

Beatrix tried to avoid making eye contact. "Uh, I think you got the wrong girl."

Kirito, undeterred, grabbed her by the shoulders and leaned in close. "No way, you look just like Alpha."

Beatrix blushed, feeling his breath on her face. "I-I’m just Beatrix, and others call me the War Goddess."

Kirito’s eyes widened as he finally remembered something. "Wait a minute, Rem did mention a guest called the War Goddess Beatrix..."

In an instant, Kirito backed off and bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the ground. "I’m so sorry! Just kill me already."

Beatrix stepped closer to Kirito, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "Hey, get up," she said kindly. "Mistakes happen."

Kirito slowly rose to his feet, his face still flushed with embarrassment. "What should I do to make up for this?" he asked earnestly.

Beatrix looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking. "You mentioned that there was a girl just like me?"

Kirito nodded. "Yeah, could she be your sister?"

Beatrix chuckled softly. "Despite my appearance, I'm quite old. Far older than you might think."

Kirito smacked his forehead. "I totally forgot about that you are an elf."

A shadow passed over Beatrix's face, and her voice grew sombre. "The truth is, for the past few years, I've been searching for my niece."

Kirito nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "I'm sorry to hear that, Beatrix. It must be hard searching for her all this time."

Beatrix offered a sad smile, but her eyes held a glimmer of hope. "It is, but knowing there might be a girl out there who resembles me makes me so happy."

She looked at Kirito earnestly. "Could you please introduce me to that girl?"

Kirito smiled and nodded. "Yeah, of course." He reached out, ready to take her hand and lead her, but then he hesitated, thinking it over.