Natsuhiko looked at Lucia. He wanted to ask her why she refused, but he thought that he should ask her the reason first, so he said, "Sister Lucia, why did they let you join the Xiumu family?"
Lucia replied, "The head of the Xiumu family, Kuroki Hakuya, thought that I looked like his wife who died of illness not long ago, so he wanted to take me in as his younger sister."
Natsuhiko knew that the real reason was that Lucia was Kuroki Feizhen's younger sister, but he did not intend to say this now. Instead, he asked, "The Xiumu family is one of the upper aristocratic families. The current head of the family is willing to take you in as his younger sister. This is a good thing. Sister Lucia, why did you refuse?"
This was a good thing for Lucia. It was a great honor to become a member of the Xiumu family, one of the four aristocratic families.
Having the surname Xiumu meant that her future path would be smooth.
Faced with Natsuhiko's question, Lucia replied, "I just don't want to be separated from you guys."
"You don't want to be separated from us?"
Natsuhiko looked at Lucia and suddenly thought of Lucia in the original work. She only had close contact with Renji Asanai. In addition, the two of them were not in the same class, so they were somewhat estranged.
But now, Lucia not only had Renji Asanai as her childhood sweetheart, but she also had Natsuhiko as her younger brother. She also had good friends like Momo Hinomori and Itsuru Kira.
Since Natsuhiko was injured, they had formed a small group. They were all from Drifting Soul Street. They did not rely on each other (Itsuru Kira's parents were both dead, so the front had been changed). They helped each other and became like family.
Now, how could she be willing to leave this small group alone?
Natsuhiko was silent for a while. Renji Asanai was unusually calm. He said softly, "Becoming a member of the Xiumu family doesn't mean that you have to separate from us."
Lucia opened her mouth but did not know what to say. Natsuhiko added, "The Xiu Mu family is a superior noble family. There is a natural difference between us and them. We have no right to get close to them, and they probably warned Lucia to stay away from us."
"So that's the case."
Renji Asanai was furious at Lucia's acquiescence. He said, "Do you really think Lucia wants to be a noble?"
Natsuhiko walked to Lucia's side and looked at Lucia, who was slightly taller than him. He said, "Sister, can we go to Xiumu's house?"
"Why?"
Lucia did not understand Natsuhiko's actions.
Natsuhiko smiled and said, "Becoming a noble means better resources and a bright future for you."
"But …" Lucia still wanted to say something, but Natsuhiko said, "Don't worry, we won't stay where we are. One day, we will become officers, vice-captains, and captains. We will have a status that matches that of a noble."
Renji Asanai said, "Natsuhiko is right. This is a good thing for you. You should join, and we won't separate from you."
Hearing this, Rukia fell silent. She was somewhat willing in her heart. Kueki Byakuya could be considered her only family.
Natsuhiko hugged Lucia and said, "Go, sister Lucia. I'll go with you."
Lucia nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go."
Natsuhiko left the team with Lucia and Renji Asanai and went down the mountain. He asked, "Where is Kuroki Hakuya?"
Renji Asanai replied, "He and his retainer left after they were rejected. They told Lucia to go find them after she thought it through. After I heard the news, I called Lucia here."
Natsuhiko nodded and said, "Then let's go to Xiumu's house together."
Renji Asanai waved his hand and said, "I'll pass. Natsuhiko, you take her."
After saying this, Renji Asanai turned and ran.
Natsuhiko knew that he didn't want Xiumu's family to find out that Lucia was with him. After all, he came from the most chaotic area of the Street of Drifting Souls. Once his soul lost balance, he would be killed at will.
And he was like this in the original work. Because of Itsuru Kira's advice, he didn't see Lucia for decades.
It wasn't until a month before the start of the story that Lucia went to the modern world and he was promoted to vice-captain that he thought he was qualified to see Lucia and looked forward to Lucia's return.
But before he could see her, Renji Asanai had no choice but to bring her back.
Renji Asanai was a kind, loyal, hardworking, and diligent person. Although he was a bit careless, he was a very good person.
He would stand up for others when they were in danger, and he would be loyal to his duty. He would even give up himself for the people he cared about.
When Lucia saw Renji Asanai leave, she looked at Natsuhiko and said, "How about we don't go?"
Natsuhiko said seriously, "You have to go."
Lucia nodded and followed behind Natsuhiko, heading towards the Noble District.
The Noble District was located in a corner of Bellingham. Only the nobles lived there, and there was a strict hierarchy. There were upper nobles and lower nobles.
The Noble District was huge. Many houses occupied a large area and were heavily guarded. It was difficult for ordinary Grim Reapers to get close. Only vice-captain-level Grim Reapers could pass through without hindrance.
Logically speaking, a vice-captain-level Grim Reaper like Natsuhiko wasn't qualified to enter. However, the ones in charge of the Noble District were the police. The head of the Covert mobile force had always been the commander-in-chief of the Four-maple Court family, and many lower nobles would join the Covert mobile force.
Natsuhiko was gradually taking over the duties of the police, so he was naturally very familiar with this district.
Natsuhiko entered with Lucia without any hindrance. They went straight to Xiu Mu's house and knocked on the door.
The door opened, and an old man saw Natsuhiko and asked, "Sir, who are you?"
Natsuhiko pulled Lucia over and said, "Please help me inform Kuroki Hakuya senior that Lucia has arrived."
The old man nodded, closed the door, and left.
After a while, footsteps came from behind the door. The door opened, and a slender man appeared at the door.
The man had a handsome appearance. He had long hair and wore hair accessories on his head and neck that only the nobles had the right to wear. There was also a silver-white gauze around his neck. His face was cold, and his light purple eyes revealed a hint of expectation.
He saw Lucia and raised his eyebrows slightly. He asked, "Do you agree?"
Lucia said in a small voice, "I am willing to join Xiu Mu's house."
Kuroki Hakuya nodded and stepped aside. He said, "Then come in."
Lucia glanced at Natsuhiko and saw him nod at her. Then she entered Xiu Mu's house.
Kuroki Hakuya turned and followed in. Just as he was about to cross the threshold, Kuroki Hakuya said softly, "Thank you."
Although it was inaudible, it was indeed an expression of gratitude.
Natsuhiko smiled. Kuroki Hakuya was not good at expressing his feelings with words, but he could say thank you. This proved that he was very concerned about this matter and cared about Lucia very much.
Natsuhiko had originally been worried that he would hold a grudge because of Lucia's rejection, but now it seemed that he cherished her very much.
Natsuhiko turned and left, but before he had taken a few steps, a voice sounded.
"Little Yanyan, do you want to come in and take a look?"
Natsuhiko turned his head and saw a pink-haired girl lying on the wall not far away, staring at him with her large eyes.
Kusanagi Hachiryu?
Why was she here?