"Straight to the point, huh?" Genzō said, hinting at a tired smile.
The flames kept burning; the crackling of the fire filled the silence of the night.
"If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you," Kaito reassured him.
"You're kind, but don't worry." Genzō raised his gaze toward the fire.
"I'll tell you."
He remained silent for a moment, as if choosing where to begin.
"The reason behind my choices goes back about forty years…"
His voice grew distant, as if it belonged to another time.
The young Genzō had been summoned to the White Place.
He stood before the entrance.
When he arrived, he found several guards waiting for him. The atmosphere was tense, filled with an unnatural anticipation.
"Sir, can you tell us the reason for this summons?" one of them asked.
"Most likely… we're preparing." His voice remained deliberately vague.
"Preparing?" another guard intervened. "You mean… for the auction?"
Genzō did not respond.
He simply turned and walked up a long staircase, followed shortly after by all the guards.
After a few moments, they reached a large, perfectly lit hall.
Throughout the hall were numerous comfortable-looking seats, meant for important guests.
At the far end stood a raised stage.
Upon it, waiting, was the head of the family at the time. Genzō was the first to step forward.
"Head of the family, my greetings." He gave a formal, deep bow. The man on the stage barely smiled.
"How formal you are with your big brother…" he teased lightly.
For a moment, silence fell over the room.
The guards exchanged uncertain glances.
That single word—big brother—suddenly made the air heavier.
Genzō's brother had hair as black as pitch, neatly slicked back.
His face was sharp, flawless, and his light gray eyes observed the room with detachment, as if the people present were mere objects.
He wore elegant dark-toned clothing, a long coat over a perfectly pressed shirt.
Genzō did not smile at the provocation.
His eyes remained fixed on the man before him.
"This summons does not concern family matters," he replied coldly.
"Tell me why we're here," Genzō finally said.
"Always so direct…" His brother's gaze turned serious.
"Then let's get straight to the point."
He straightened up. His tone changed.
"Please, take a seat if you wish."
He extended a hand toward the seats.
In a short time, everyone accepted the invitation.
"I have gathered you here for one reason only…" He paused for a moment.
"The beginning of the new auction." A murmur spread through the hall.
"So we were right…" someone whispered.
"The event will take place in six months, starting from today." He began pacing back and forth across the stage.
"I have called you here because I want to assign you a specific task." He stopped again.
"You will take care of the human merchandise stored in the warehouse." Some guards stiffened.
"All of them must be presentable by that day." His gaze turned sharp. Devoid of any emotion.
"Make sure they eat, even by force if necessary," he specified.
"Return to your rooms. You will all find dossiers regarding the merchandise assigned to you."
The murmur grew louder.
"I don't need to tell you that you will be directly responsible for each of them."
At those words, the guards stiffened abruptly.
A few minutes later, the White Place had completely emptied, except for Genzō and his brother.
"Was someone assigned to me as well?" the former asked, breaking the silence.
"Your task will be the same," his brother replied, slowly descending from the stage, "but it will be far more important than some second-rate merchandise."
Genzō frowned.
"What do you mean, Kanzō?"
The head of the family paused for a moment, then resumed walking.
"You should know that at the next auction, a prominent figure from the region of Yuriko will be present."
"Yuriko…" Genzō repeated, visibly surprised.
"Why would someone from Yuriko come all the way to Kairen?"
"I'll tell you right away," Kanzō replied calmly, beginning to walk down the staircase leading out of the White Place.
"As you know, my intention is to move the auction to Fuyoku, in the city of Shinkase."
Genzō remained silent, listening.
"This," Kanzō continued without turning around, "is the only chance that person will have to get their hands on the merchandise we found."
His tone was calm, but it made it clear that no objections were allowed.
The two Fuyumi walked the entire staircase, until they reached the outer structure of the auction, while the echo of their footsteps faded into the White Place.
They found themselves walking through the corridors of an old monastery.
Despite its age, the building was immaculate, as if time had never dared to touch it.
The wooden floor creaked softly beneath their steps.
"We're going to the fourth floor. I've prepared your room, with the merchandise already inside," he explained to his brother, in an almost overly careful tone.
"You will have to make sure she is well… and in good health." He emphasized the last word.
Genzō kept following him, as a doubt began to form in his mind.
"It's not a problem, but why me?" he finally asked.
"Couldn't you take care of it? As a member of the cadet branch, I already have many duties."
"I can't…" he replied vaguely, stopping in front of Genzō's room.
Slowly, he turned toward his brother, hinting at a smile completely different from the previous ones.
—Why is he smiling like that…?— Genzō was taken aback.
"Shion is expecting a child."
Genzō's eyes widened.
"What!? You're going to be a father!" he couldn't hold back his astonishment.
"Exactly. I want to stay by her side, and that's why I'm asking you this favor." He placed his hands on his shoulders.
"You and I have often had our differences, but I couldn't ask anyone else." For once, his voice was sincere.
"I…" Genzō was at a loss for words.
"Don't worry…" Genzō freed himself from his brother's grip.
"Thank you." Kanzō looked him in the eyes.
Shortly after, the two said their goodbyes.
Genzō remained alone, standing before the door to his new room.
"Let's see this merchandise…" he muttered to himself.
When he opened the door, he found himself in a room overlooking a small porch, decorated with delicate floral patterns.
He took just a few steps past the threshold.
To his right, he immediately noticed a large round bed, covered with bright red sheets. Next to it was a door leading to the bathroom.
In front of the bed stretched a set of shōji, behind which the kitchen was hidden.
He opened them.
And there she was.
He finally saw the merchandise he was supposed to protect.
His mission was to take care of a woman.