The crowd bustled around, and the guards worked to calm the onlookers and put out the fire. Despite the noise, for Miki, it was as if the world had fallen silent. She could hear only the thudding of her own heartbeat. Her throat had finally regained the ability to speak, but after hearing Wakako’s single word, “yes,” she found herself…
The flames intensified, and the smoke became so thick that Wakako’s eyes stung with unstoppable tears. Saburo’s voice, though close by, seemed distant. “Did you think that was the only secret? Oh, there’s so much more. Where should I even begin?” “Think about those families who once sought your hand in marriage, those with eligible children. Have you seen them…
Thick smoke billowed through the air, carrying with it the searing heat of the flames. Behind Wakako, Saburo slowly stood up. Even after being shot by the gun, with his chest and abdomen a bloody mess, his white robe soaked in red, he still stood there, smiling as if nothing had happened. His voice, though soft, called her name. “Wakako.”…
Though the five fell silent at their leader’s command, they couldn’t hide the doubt in their eyes. Saburo observed them coldly, saying: “If you have something to say, then speak.” They exchanged looks, uncertain. Finally, one of them spoke up: “Young Master, we could have moved all the leaves while they hadn’t discovered us… Why didn’t we retreat earlier?” “We…
The night was silent, especially inside the airtight treasury, where not a single ray of light could penetrate, making the darkness feel even heavier. A key softly turned in the lock, and with a quiet “click,” the seal on the treasury door was lifted. The intruder clearly knew this place intimately, even anticipating which way the lock would fall after…