Satono Diamond's Resolve

The black sedan drove smoothly through the gates of the Satomi family estate, crossed the front courtyard, and stopped before the main house.

It was already evening, and the setting sun's afterglow edged the classical building's silhouette in soft gold.

The driver, the family's longtime butler, Mr. Suzuki, got out first and opened the rear door for her.

"Miss, we're here."

Satono Diamond took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

Standing beside it, she lightly adjusted the hem of her skirt, then looked toward Butler Suzuki, who was preparing to park the car.

"Uncle Suzuki," she said, her voice calm but resolute. "Sorry to trouble you. Please tell Father directly that I'm back. If he's available now, I—I want to see him in the study immediately."

Having done it, she ought to face it herself and give an account. That was what she thought.

Yet the elderly butler by the car gave a slight bow, his expression as composed as ever. "Miss, the master gave instructions earlier. If you returned, you could go directly to the training grounds. He's there now, speaking with Trainer Chris."

Satono Diamond froze, a clear flash of surprise crossing her face.

The training grounds?

Father—at the training grounds?

In her impression, aside from appearing occasionally at family meetings or important occasions, Father spent most of his time handling affairs in his study or speaking with visitors in the tea room or reception room.

Going directly to the training grounds—especially at this hour in the evening—seemed rare.

Father had always trusted the training of the two sisters and left it entirely to Trainer Chris. He seldom appeared at the training grounds himself.

A mixture of surprise and even greater confusion rose in her heart, but she suppressed the turbulence within and nodded to