The rain had started to fall softly outside Ryusoke's estate, pattering gently against the wooden deck. Inside, the house was calm—too calm.
Ryusoke had just stepped out of his office when Kaoru caught up with him.
"Boss," he said with an odd tone in his voice, "you've got a visitor."
Ryusoke glanced at the time, one brow arching. "This late?"
Kaoru gave a dry look. "It's… someone from your father's side."
Ryusoke's eyes darkened.
In the parlor, a figure sat quietly, sipping tea with the same delicate discipline taught only to the oldest generation. The man was thin and tall, hair completely white, skin folded with age but his posture straight, eyes sharp behind round spectacles. His name was Yamada Hajime, one of his father's oldest retainers—a secretary, an informant, and when necessary… a silent enforcer.
"Ryusoke-sama," the man greeted, bowing from the waist as Ryusoke stepped in.
Ryusoke didn't return the bow. "You came all the way from the old house, Hajime?"
