Several days later, Ryudoji Temple, guest quarters. The scent of tea curled through the air.
Through the misty steam, Samael looked helplessly at the black-haired young man seated across from him.
"Say, Kariya, why aren't you living in that big house of the Matou Family? What are you doing in a place as austere as Ryudoji Temple?"
"I'm used to drifting around. Whether it's austere or not doesn't matter. A place this free and unrestrained suits me better."
Kariya Matou lifted his teacup and took a light sip. His gaze, which had been fixed on the distant view of Enzouzan, turned toward the man before him as he spoke with a faint smile.
The tea was good, and so was the company.
The only problem was that he liked joking a little too much.
Samael pointed at himself, then at Kariya, wearing an aggrieved expression.
"But you don't need to hole up in my room every day, do you? Two lone men sharing a room can easily give people the wrong idea."
"Can't be helped. Not only did you go to considerable trouble handling my father's funeral some time ago, you also generously offered condolence money. Whether by sentiment or propriety, as his son, I should come by more often to express my gratitude."
Kariya Matou shot Samael a look, calmly drained the remaining half cup of tea, and spoke meaningfully.
As he spoke, he took a condolence envelope and an unsigned letter from the backpack he carried with him and placed them on the table.
Samael glanced at the similar handwriting on the paper. He froze slightly, then understood. A few traces of amusement appeared on his face, though he was not surprised.
After all, he had never intended to hide anything.
Kariya Matou fell silent for a moment