Chapter 36 Rukia's Anxiety
Kuchiki Byakuya's words instantly made Rukia's mind freeze for a few seconds.
Didn't he say that they were looking for her because a noble from the Kuchiki Family had taken a liking to her?
What did 'adopted child' even mean?
Could it be a new game for those noble lords?
Feeling her thoughts were insufficient, she looked at her Vice President with a confused and pleading gaze.
Having already known this would happen, Xin wasn't surprised. Noticing Rukia's look, he asked, "What does 'adopted child' mean?"
Although the elder from the Kuchiki Family was somewhat displeased with Xin's meddling, his question provided a good opportunity for him to explain further.
"Miss Rukia will henceforth bear the surname Kucihki and regard Young Master Byakuya as her elder brother. Young Master Byakuya will also regard Miss Rukia as his younger sister."
Rukia now understood the meaning, but she completely failed to comprehend why this was necessary.
She was just an ordinary Spiritual Arts Academy student, an orphan from the remote Xu Diao district of Rukongai, with neither outstanding talent nor good character. Why would she be favored by the Kuchiki Family?
She wasn't swept away by this sudden surprise. Something felt amiss, deepening her unease and making her more suspicious of the true intentions of the Kuchiki Family.
She could only continue to rely on Xin, instinctively clutching his sleeve tightly.
Xin looked at Kuchiki Byakuya and helped voice Rukia's inner doubts: "Excuse me, Vice-Captain Kucihki, why does the Kuchiki Family wish to adopt Miss Rukia?"
Kuchiki Byakuya had actually been observing Rukia's reactions the entire time, and he noticed her reliance and trust in Xin.
His emotions were somewhat complex. This girl before him, aside from a slight difference in demeanor, was practically a spitting image of his deceased wife.
Had he not already known that Rukia and Hisana were biological sisters, he would truly find it hard to believe such similar people existed in the world.
He did not intend to reveal the truth, while the elder beside him offered a further explanation: "We value Miss Rukia's character. After Miss Rukia comes to the Kuchiki Family, she can continue her studies at the Spiritual Arts Academy and will receive superior learning resources and living conditions."
It sounded like nothing but good news.
Rukia still had an unreal feeling, as if she were dreaming. To think that one of the Four Great Noble Families of Soul Society would have such an interaction with her.
To her, Kasumi Kōji Kogoro, the Vice President of the Student Council, was already a noble of extremely esteemed status.
The Kuchiki Family seemed to have finished speaking and were awaiting Rukia's response.
However, seeing Rukia's flustered and helpless appearance, it was understandable. The elder glanced at Kuchiki Byakuya and then said, "This matter is indeed of great importance. Miss Rukia may not be prepared yet. You may consider it carefully."
Rukia took a deep breath, then stepped forward.
"Alright."
"Then we shall take our leave for now. We will return in three days to inquire about your decision."
Kuchiki Byakuya cast one last look at Xin, then turned and left the room first. The members of the Kuchiki Family followed him out of the office.
Listening to the receding footsteps from the corridor, Rukia suddenly deflated, leaning against the office desk.
She looked up: "President…"
Xin slowly said, "The Kuchiki Family is the most esteemed noble family within Soul Society. Tracing their history, their existence predates the Gotei 13 and the Spiritual Arts Academy, and they can even influence the decisions of Central 46."
Rukia pursed her lips: "Is the President advising me to accept?"
Xin calmly retorted, "You don't want to?"
Rukia said blankly, "I don't know. It truly sounds like a great opportunity, but I always feel it shouldn't fall upon me. The reason the Kuchiki Family gave just now doesn't sound like it refers to me. If anything, the President is far more excellent than I am…"
Xin chuckled, "Perhaps they just want a girl."
These words deepened the worry on Rukia's face. She thought of Kuchiki Byakuya's cold face just now.
To become his sister?
It felt too distant, too unreal.
Seeing that his words might have caused her another misunderstanding, Xin reached out and gently patted her head.
"Rukia, for something like this, just follow your true feelings."
But Rukia also didn't know what her true feelings were. She felt that any other person wouldn't refuse, and she seemed like she should accept too. Her worry stemmed from the absurdity of the situation. She wanted to know the Kuchiki Family's true intentions, a reason that could convince her.
So, should she refuse?
If she refused, would she appear too unappreciative, and would it bring about some disaster?
At this moment, she wished the President would make the decision for her. Whether to accept or refuse, she was willing to comply and trust.
But how could such a decision be casually thrown to someone else? Wouldn't that put pressure on the President?
The warm touch of the President's hand on her head could not entirely dispel the turmoil in Rukia's heart, though if it hadn't been there, she might have been even more flustered.
If the President hadn't been here just now, she truly wouldn't have known what to do.
"Rukia, don't rush. You can think about it slowly. Didn't they give you time to consider? I can also give you three days off from the Student Council."
"…President, what about you?"
Xin subtly raised an eyebrow. This world ultimately valued strength. To be honest, if he were just an ordinary person encountering such an opportunity, he would certainly accept it. But with the system, he was already indifferent to such matters.
"I haven't thought about it, but I'd probably accept," Xin said with a smile.
"…"
Rukia lowered her head, softly acknowledging, "I understand…"
For Xin, whether Rukia followed the original plot and became an adopted child of the Kuchiki Family didn't have a significant impact. If there was a benefit, it was indeed a convenience.
The Student Council could be directly handed over to Rukia in the future.
And perhaps that was all.
Overall, it was a good thing for Rukia, but because it came suddenly and Rukia was completely unaware of the inside story, she felt worried and uneasy about it.
Rukia was somewhat distracted throughout the entire afternoon class.
It wasn't until after class that Renji came to find her.
"Yo, Rukia!"
Renji's face was still filled with a cheerful and enthusiastic smile.
Upon seeing the worry in Rukia's eyes, he asked curiously, "Rukia, what's wrong?"
Rukia remained silent, hesitating on how to tell Renji.
Renji teased, "It's been two or three months, you haven't adapted to life here yet, have you?"
Rukia said, "The Kuchiki Family wants me to be adopted."
Renji froze: "What did you say?"
"…The Kuchiki Family, one of the Four Great Noble Families, they came to find me a few days ago, and today they told me they want me to be adopted into their family," Rukia said slowly.
Kucihki… Four Great Noble Families…
Such terms were too distant for Renji.
He didn't have time to ponder or consider much, but his face first showed an expression of surprise: "That's good news, Rukia!
"…"
Rukia stared at him blankly.