The three sisters drifted through the labyrinth of shelves, their heels clicking softly on the dark timber floorboards. The shop had a lingering scent of beeswax, aged parchment, and old lacquer. Every corner was crammed with stacks of vintage items—ranging from tarnished silver tea strains to intricately carved wooden folding screens that divided the room into small, private alcoves.
"Look at this box," Kaori said, stepping into one of the alcoves and pointing to a small, lacquered wooden container with brass fittings. "The geometric carving on the lid looks like the traditional style from the western provinces, doesn't it?"
