The sight of Luo Zhen's troubled expression finally dispelled much of Suzuka's Fire Qi.
Although Suzuka was not as deeply attached to Luo Zhen or as emotionally invested in him as Natsume was, she was still extremely grateful to him.
After all, without Luo Zhen, Suzuka would probably have died after going astray. She would never have learned of her brother's wish, nor considered the consequences, ultimately leading to tragedy.
Now, even though her wish to resurrect her brother had been shattered, Luo Zhen's spirit-summoning ritual had allowed Suzuka to see her brother and bid him a final farewell. She had also learned of his true wish, resolved the knot in her heart, and regained a life of her own. That life was still quite a mess for now; otherwise, Suzuka would not have become a Curse Arts Criminal wanted by the Onmyo Agency and spent a year and a half hiding outside. Compared to how stubborn and arrogant she had been before, however, things had improved by who knew how many times.
At the very least, Suzuka had once been alone, with no one who cared about her. She had merely continued her research and development within her own research facility. Now she had Natsume, whom she could bicker with all day, the people of the Tsuchimikado Family, who treated her as one of their own, and this irresponsible master of hers. That was enough.
Therefore, after venting her resentment, Suzuka stopped pursuing the matter.
Of course, Suzuka was still as merciless with her words as ever.
"I'll settle accounts with you later."
Only after saying that viciously did Suzuka turn her head toward Yakushimaru, her expression tightening.
"Brother."
Natsume also looked toward Harutora, her expression turning serious.
Natsume had not seen Harutora for a full year and a