Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided
Chapter 123. Cold Shower

The icy water coursed over his skin, causing Zetius’s body to quiver reflexively. The slashing echoed thunderously as the showerheads blasted him from over 180 degrees. Zetius was more or less amazed by the design choice of positioning multiple showerheads this way. Perhaps it was to maximise bathing efficiency during wartime? Or maybe it was scientifically proven to be the optimal method of showering.

He made a mental note to query Director Sandria later. Perhaps then, he might understand the people of Dunkelheit a little better.

Despite the option for hot water, Zetius couldn’t care less about seeking warmth. He needed to discipline himself against indulgence. Coldness was a stark reminder of living. Yes, numbing pain was the best sign of life.

Unlike the warmth he felt when he crawled along the dirt toward Lupus’s legs. From an adrenaline overdose, a state of euphoria had flushed him, granting him one last sliver of hope. Even with only one hand, he still crawled toward her.

It was something he could never forget, neither in that life nor this one.

In truth, the lingering warmth in his heart when he thought of Lupus Hoffmann still lay dormant. Could love be so strong that it was immortalised within him?

Her golden eyes, filled with admiration and love.

Her sweet-toothed grin whenever she pranked him.

Her ashen skin, smooth to his touch, shimmered under the sun’s rays.

Her silver locks carried a sun-kissed aroma.

Her spirited nature brought colour to his every moment.

With Lupus, he had felt invincible. As if, should a mountain rise before them, they could carve a path through it. Should an ocean block their way, they could leap across. Should a storm rage around them, they would simply hold hands tighter and walk through it together.

Zetius hung his head under the pounding water, the clash growing heavier against his body.

Not anymore.

He found himself tensing, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white.

Forlornness clouded his mind once again.

“It was all my fault… Gaia… If I hadn’t sent them out, they’d still be here…” he muttered, his voice inaudible beneath the cacophony of blasting water.

***

After Zetius finished his bath, the numbing cold subsided, but a sour ache etched into his body.

He stepped into the spacious living room, its design sleek and futuristic. A simple white towel wrapped around his waist, exposing his godly sculpted figure.

Clink!

A soft clanking of metal against ceramic snapped him alert. His eyes darted to the far right.

Ziyue, the assassin mage, smirked and waved lazily at him, one hand still holding a fork. She was visibly feasting at the table, which overflowed with mouth-watering delicacies — enough to feed a small family.

In his room.

Zetius frowned. “What are you doing here?” he demanded as he strode over.

She deliberately scanned him from his damp hair to his bulging crotch. “How about a thank-you? I bought you breakfast,” she scorned, waving her fork before returning to her medium-rare steak.

“Can’t we eat at the dining hall like everyone else? Where’s Sandria?” Zetius threw the questions at her, suspicion creeping into his mind.

“Not even a thank-you. Someone’s awfully lacking manners… and gratitude.” She quipped without looking up.

She took a juicy bite, chewing for a good while. Her motion was somehow mesmerising, even elegant. Then she perched her lips on a wine glass. Zetius let her finish, waiting for his turn to interject.

“Come, have a seat,” Ziyue said, gesturing at the opposite chair.

“I’m too tired to fight you, Ziyue. Even in banter,” Zetius muttered. He dragged the chair out and threw himself onto it, sinking into the soft cushion.

“Atta boy.” She beamed triumphantly. “Friederich’s already back on the bridge with Sandria. He said he didn’t need much rest, one of his fantastic perks as elven-born,” she explained, her voice melodic.

Zetius studied her unusual appearance. Her gothic vibe was absent. It felt foreign to him. Maybe she appeared meaner when cloaked in heavy mascara and dark eyeshadow.

“Thank you for the food, Ziyue,” Zetius eventually relented, running his fingers across the silverware before picking up a fork.

“Please enjoy. I believe the chef put in his best effort, otherwise, I’d have cut his fingers off so he could never cook again,” Ziyue said casually, pulling another piece of steak into her mouth.

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Zetius blinked at her with intensity. “Ziyue! I told you not to scare people! You’re risking another mutiny, or discord!” he blurted.

But Ziyue burst out laughing, tapping her hand against the table.

“What? You lied, didn’t you?” Zetius scowled, hissing air through his teeth to vent his frustration.

Ziyue sprang up and glided over, holding a glass of crimson liquid in her hand. Her movement was fluid, elegant — her bust swaying enticingly.

“How naïve… Adorable.” She traced a finger along his sharp jawline.

“Zetius, sometimes you’re overly complex, but in moments like this, you’re as simple as a sweet little lamb.” She emphasised her point, gesturing towards the lamb cutlet in the middle.

“Really? I never thought I was that complex…” he muttered, brushing her off as he snatched the glass and brought it to his lips. Despite its appearance, it smelled nothing like wine. He paused, hesitant.

Ziyue ran her fingers across his shoulders, leaning closer, her face inches from his. He could feel her cold breath brushing against his bare skin.

“Well, usually I don’t trust anyone randomly. I needed to verify your motives, your loyalty, and your identity.”

“Huh?” Zetius tensed. Now he grew cautious of the strange wine in his hand.

Her fingertips brushed gently over his shoulder, nails scraping lightly. “However, since you took a bullet for me, I’ll let it slide, just this once,” she whispered, her words soft and inviting.

Zetius exhaled, nonchalant, and took a sip. It turned out to be plum juice, non-alcoholic. That’s a relief, he thought.

Ziyue turned to face him fully, leaning against the edge of the table. Her dazzling purple eyes stared temptingly at him. Zetius averted his gaze, popping a grape into his mouth instead.

“When you disarmed the Arcanite Harnesser, and the blast,” he said, slicing into a piece of steak, “I noticed you were cold… Actually, you’re always cold.”

“Cold?” She raised an eyebrow.

“I meant your body temperature. I thought you were a goner then.”

Ziyue’s smile widened, and she unzipped her jumpsuit down to the midsection of her bust, exposing her immaculate skin. She clearly wasn’t wearing a bra under.

“What are you doing?” Zetius questioned her nonchalantly, doing his best to pretend he wasn’t provoked by her oddity.

She swiftly snatched his free hand and placed it on her sternum. “Is it cold now?” she teased.

“Not really…” Zetius replied, baffled. It was warm and soft, like a normal person.

Ziyue narrowed her gaze and tilted her head down to match his eye level. “Can you guess why?”

He tried to pull back his hand, but she persisted, her claws tightening.

“Uhm… It’s a technique to avoid Infrared thermography, I mean, thermal scans? By keeping body temperature below ambient, you can go undetected, pretty handy for stealth missions,” he answered logically.

“Oh my!” Ziyue gasped, blushing.

He cracked a smile. “Did I hit the nail—”

Suddenly, the door slid open. “Zeta! You’re sleeping yet?” Aurelia’s voice rang out.

He quickly pulled his hand free.

“Heyyyy…” he said, masking his embarrassment, while Ziyue sprang to her feet.

Aurelia narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What are you two doing? Why are you topless?!” She pointed accusingly at him, then at Ziyue. “What’s with the unzip?!” A deep red rose on her cheeks as she cupped them in her hands.

Zetius glared at Ziyue. “You didn’t lock the door?” She shrugged.

Then he glanced at Aurelia. “Listen, she brought me food just as I finished my bath. I was so distracted by the food that I didn’t have time to dress properly,” he spoke loudly and clearly.

Ziyue chuckled but gave an agreeing nod.

Aurelia’s face soured. “What a load of nonsense!” she bantered, stomping her foot before flopping onto the sofa. “I’m staying here,” she declared, hugging herself.

Awkwardness filled the room. Zetius exchanged a look with Ziyue. “Aurelia, you want to join us?” He asked.

“What?!” she snapped, a hint of hostility in her tone.

“I meant for breakfast,” Zetius corrected.

“No, I’ve already eaten,” she replied without looking at him, visibly angry.

Ziyue spun towards Zetius. “How about a bit of a celebration for our second covert mission?” she suggested, raising her glass.

Zetius nodded and clinked his glass against hers.

“Bon appétit, Zetius.”

Soon after, she returned to her seat and continued eating, while Aurelia remained on the sofa, keeping a wary eye on him. Zetius found his muscles finally relaxing, allowing himself to enjoy the meal in peace.

After a while, two maids came in to clean the dining table, and Ziyue left with them.

Aurelia, still curled up on the sofa, cupped the plum juice in her hands, her face downcast.

Zetius changed into proper clothes before coming back to sit with her. “Come on, don’t be mad at me. I wanted to thank you for saving me earlier,” he said, glancing at where Ziyue had exited.

That brought a smile to Aurelia’s face. “Really?” she asked.

He nodded twice. “You should be resting, Aurelia. Why are you here?” he asked, shifting his tone.

“Nah-uh! I always have to sleep in that prison. I wanted to stretch out!” she rationalised, now cheerful. Then she noticed the exhaustion lining his expression. “Do you need a nap?”

“Yeah… I think I do. My hands were numb. It’s a bit better now after the meal,” Zetius said, flicking his fingers experimentally.

“How’s everything, Zetius?” she asked out of the blue, genuine concern showing on her face.

“I’m fine. You?” he replied flatly.

“I’m good! I just got off a call with Papa. He was about to cry, so I had to end it quickly.”

"That's good. Ryusei-sama must have been worried sick. I'm glad you didn't have to be weaponised and forced into war."

Aurelia nodded vigorously as a relaxing air settled around them. Hope glimmered in her eyes as she returned to herself. She no longer needed to uphold the poise, grace, and dignity expected of a princess; with Zetius, she could simply be the young girl she truly was.

“It seems everything is going to be alright,” Zetius mused aloud, closing his eyes.

Then Aurelia sprang to her feet, her red hair bouncing with the momentum. “Well! I’m just here to check on you. I’ll leave you to it then.”

“Thanks, Princess,” Zetius said as they both walked towards the door.

“Good rest!” Aurelia said, her red eyes lingering on him longer than they should have.

Zetius nodded as the metallic door closed and true serenity returned to his room.