Hanakaiin Haru sat in his room, waiting patiently.
But the one who arrived wasn’t Hanakaiin Tōru — instead, it was a group of people from the Master House.
The one leading them, Hanakaiin Haru recognized.
It was the Steward responsible for overseeing the Split House in this trial.
Of course, only nominally.
In reality?
The role leaned much more toward surveillance, similar in nature to the person who had died inside the lighthouse on the beach.
Faced with the ominous deanor of the visitor, Hanakaiin Haru remained calm, standing up steadily and composed.
"Hello, Steward."
Hanakaiin Haru gave a slight bow.
Before he could fully rise, a chain was already looped over his body.
"Haru, you’ve committed a cri!"
The middle-aged Steward spoke in a deep voice.
"May I ask what cri that would be?"
The young Onmyoji didn’t resist, staying perfectly composed.
"You colluded with Hanakaiin Tōru, Hanakaiin Itsuki, and Hanakaiin Ra to murder Hanakaiin Kokorozashi. The evidence is conclusive — are you still going to play dumb?"
"In Hanakaiin Tōru’s room, we’ve already found the letter you wrote to him!"
"Now, co with !"
"Wait for the Master House’s judgnt!"
Saying this, the Steward tugged the chain, dragging Hanakaiin Haru outside.
Hanakaiin Haru cooperated, offering no resistance whatsoever.
Even though such treatnt carried strong overtones of humiliation.
The surrounding servants watched with reactions of either shock or fright.
Of course, so harbored a sense of schadenfreude.
Though that schadenfreude was deeply hidden, so much so that the normal eye wouldn’t easily discern it, Hanakaiin Haru saw it.
He didn’t mind.
In fact, when the middle-aged Steward ntioned the nas Hanakaiin Tōru, Hanakaiin Itsuki, and Hanakaiin Ra, he had ceased to care entirely.
Though surprising.
It wasn’t the worst outco, was it?
"It’s not the worst outco!"
When Hanakaiin Itsuki saw Hanakaiin Haru entering the Barrier, he broke into a grin.
Hanakaiin Haru glanced at the three present, then at the corpse lying there. Calmly nodding, he sat down on the ground and said, "Far better than I imagined."
"What exactly are you all riddling about?"
"Why does it feel like I’m the only one in the dark?"
Hanakaiin Ra scratched his head, his face full of frustration.
"Ra, look carefully — who’s missing?"
Hanakaiin Tōru sighed as he spoke.
"Everyone’s here!"
"No one’s missing!"
Hanakaiin Ra looked utterly perplexed.
Such an answer didn’t just prompt Hanakaiin Tōru to sigh; a sneering expression appeared on Hanakaiin Itsuki’s face, while Hanakaiin Haru simply turned his head away, refusing to look at Hanakaiin Ra.
For the first ti, they realized Hanakaiin Ra’s mind might not be working so well.
"Who are the people from the Split House participating in this trial?"
Faced with the still-bewildered Hanakaiin Ra, Hanakaiin Tōru had no choice but to unveil the mystery.
Hanakaiin Ra blinked blankly.
He scanned the people present, then, taking a deep breath, shouted —
"Hanakaiin Ue?!"
"It’s him?!"
Images of a smug, overconfident, but ultimately incompetent figure instantly surfaced in Hanakaiin Ra’s mind.
"Impossible!"
"Soone like that?!"
Almost instinctively, Hanakaiin Ra let out this incredulous remark.
"Of course he’s impossible."
"But don’t forget…"
Hanakaiin Tōru gestured toward the guards from the Master House outside.
Suddenly, Hanakaiin Ra pieced it all together.
It all made sense.
The Master House!
What trial for the Split House joining the Master House!
The Master House would always remain the Master House!
And Hanakaiin Ue and Hanakaiin Kokorozashi?
Both were pawns!
The only difference was that Hanakaiin Kokorozashi believed he would end up the ultimate victor, whereas Hanakaiin Ue understood his role.
Pawns must embrace their own fate as pawns!
Thus, Hanakaiin Ue still lived.
"Damn it!"
"Was this guy’s behavior all an act?"
Hanakaiin Ra roared indignantly.
"Everyone wears a facade, living life behind masks — what’s so wrong with that?"
"At least, in certain monts, you might feel a little more at ease."
The one who spoke wasn’t Hanakaiin Tōru, but Hanakaiin Itsuki.
The infamous young Onmyoji seed like a philosopher.
This prompted Hanakaiin Haru to turn his head.
"I thought you’d break out outright."
Hanakaiin Haru said.
"Why didn’t you?"
Hanakaiin Itsuki rolled his eyes.
"Because I trust my companions."
Hanakaiin Haru replied.
"And I trust my friends."
Hanakaiin Itsuki retorted.
"I imagine you’re not talking about Jason, are you?"
Hanakaiin Haru asked.
"You think just because you t Jason first, he automatically beca your companion?"
"He shares a common passion with — he’s my friend!"
Hanakaiin Itsuki sneered coldly.
The two glared at each other, neither backing down.
"What’s this Jason they’re referring to?"
Hanakaiin Ra remained perplexed.
"He seems to be soone important!"
Hanakaiin Tōru said, looking at the night sky again. Though the Barrier obscured the view, rendering the night sowhat blurry, his gaze was still profound.
It was as if he were reminiscing.
Or perhaps simply lanting.
"Would the Master House make a move against this Jason?"
Hanakaiin Ra asked softly.
"Of course."
"He’s Haru’s companion and Itsuki’s friend, naturally involved in the assassination of Hanakaiin Kokorozashi — the Master House always prioritizes prudence above all else."
"Jason’s ’Sword Saint’ title alone is enough to warrant their ticulous caution."
Hanakaiin Tōru explained.
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