Part 5 – The Letter Delivered
Meanwhile...
Inside the Homura Clan Headquarters...
The wooden corridors were illuminated by rows of lanterns.
Homura Clan members moved through the halls carrying reports and documents.
Some discussed the supposed war.
Others hurried toward the command room.
Step...
Step...
Step...
Amaya quietly walked through the corridor.
The folded letter remained tightly held in her hand.
As she passed...
Several clan members looked up.
"..."
"...It's her."
"...Why's she here?"
"...Doesn't she know this isn't a place to wander around?"
"...Tch."
None of them spoke loudly.
But none of them tried to hide their looks either.
Amaya kept walking.
Her expression never changed.
She had long since grown used to it.
Soon...
She stopped before a pair of large wooden doors.
Two Homura guards stood on either side.
One of them immediately frowned.
"...What are you doing here?"
Amaya answered calmly.
"I need to see Lord Raijin."
The guard gave a dry laugh.
"...And what makes you think you can just walk in?"
The second guard folded his arms.
"Lord Raijin is busy."
"He doesn't have time for this."
Amaya looked down at the letter in her hand.
"...It's urgent."
The first guard scoffed.
"Everyone says that."
"You can leave."
Neither guard moved.
Neither showed any intention of opening the door.
Amaya remained standing there.
She didn't argue.
She didn't raise her voice.
She simply tightened her grip on the folded letter.
"...Please."
"I wouldn't have come if it wasn't important."
The guards exchanged another glance.
The older one sighed in annoyance.
"...Fine."
"I'll tell him."
"But if he refuses..."
"You're leaving immediately."
Without waiting for an answer...
He knocked on the door.
Three firm knocks echoed through the room.
"...Lord Raijin."
A voice came from inside.
"...What is it?"
The guard hesitated before answering.
"...Amaya is here."
A brief silence followed.
Then...
"...Let her in."
Both guards looked at each other in surprise.
The older guard slowly slid the door open.
"...Go."
Amaya gave a small bow.
"...Thank you."
She stepped past them.
As the doors closed behind her...
One of the guards muttered under his breath.
"...I still don't understand why he bothers with her."
The other simply clicked his tongue.
"...Neither do I."