𝑽𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 [M.Kaiser x reader]

• Chapter 50 •

"Are you feeling better?"
-Y/n

*(This chapter is my little gift to all of you! Love from Author!)*
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Sae's eyes fluttered open, his vision hazy as the dim glow of city lights flickered outside the tinted windows of the limousine. The hum of the engine vibrated through his body, grounding him back into reality. His head throbbed, his limbs were sore, but despite the dull pain he remained perfectly still. No one had noticed he was awake.

He was in the very back seat, and across from him sat Mrs. Mikage, her usually refined face pale under the passing streetlights. Around her neck, the delicate golden necklace gleamed a leash, a curse. Seeing that up close sent a shiver down his spine.

Next to her, Mr. Mikage was slumped against the seat, his face bruised and swollen from what was likely a failed attempt at resistance. His breathing was shallow.

Sae clenched his jaw and shifted slightly, his hands moving discreetly along the door beside him. He tested the handle. Surprisingly unlocked.

Through the tinted glass, he could see the sprawling skyline of Tokyo. They were close to the tower, there was no mistaking it.

Sae exhaled slowly, trying to keep his breathing steady as he focused on the conversation unfolding in the front of the vehicle.

Hildegard and some man were talking in hushed but sharp tones, unaware or perhaps uncaring that their words were reaching him.

"You shouldn't be so dismissive of a cornered dog, Hildegard," the man murmured. "The Itoshi boy has resources. Connections. And, most importantly, an obsessive need for vengeance."

Sae's fingers twitched at the word vengeance. He resisted the urge to scoff.

So they think I'm some rabid animal now?

Hildegard's voice was smooth, amused even. "So do I."

Sae clenched his jaw. He wanted nothing more than to grab her by the throat and make her regret every ounce of arrogance in her tone. But he stayed quiet, listening.

"How is the district progressing?" Hildegard asked.

Sae felt a strange tightness in his chest. District?

He watched through half-lidded eyes as the man pulled out a sleek black tablet, the screen flashing images too far away for Sae to see clearly. But whatever it was had Hildegard's full attention.

"Faster than expected. The underground levels are already operational. The higher levels are still in construction, but the workforce is... efficient."

Sae felt a cold prickle run down his spine.

Workforce?

Mrs. Mikage tensed beside him, her knuckles whitening.

"Efficient, you say?" Hildegard pressed, leaning forward slightly. The man swiped across the screen. "They learn quickly," he said, his voice dripping with casual indifference. "Or they don't last long."