"He said that?"
A clear voice rang through the elegant courtyard.
A retainer of the Kuchiki Family bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Head of the Family."
"He said that..."
Byakuya Kuchiki's handsome face showed no change whatsoever, even after hearing remarks that were somewhat insulting to the Kuchiki Family.
"I see."
"He certainly is arrogant enough."
"Then I'll go speak with him myself."
"About Rukia..."
Byakuya Kuchiki nodded.
"Hisana..."
Byakuya Kuchiki murmured.
"I've finally found your sister."
"I'll honor your dying wish."
"And take good care of her."
A hint of ruthlessness even flashed across Byakuya Kuchiki's expression.
"No one will stand in the way of this again."
Hearing those words, the retainer bowed even lower, not daring to show the slightest emotion.
There were things the head of the family could say, but he could neither hear them nor voice his own opinion.
"What do you think of that man, Nara Dan?"
Byakuya Kuchiki asked his retainer what he thought of Nara Dan.
After all, he was someone who had spent time with Rukia and whom she spoke of with great respect, so he was worth Byakuya Kuchiki's attention.
"Nara Dan..."
The retainer hesitated, carefully choosing his words.
"He's a noble."
"A true noble."
Byakuya Kuchiki turned his head slightly. The wind stirred the long hair at his temples, revealing his fair, handsome profile.
"A noble?"
The retainer nodded.
"That's right..."
"I've never met a man quite like him,"
"someone who completely sets himself apart from others..."
"He looks upon his own kind as if they were ants to observe."
The retainer recalled Nara Dan's gaze: amused, scrutinizing, and tinged with a hint of indifference.
It was a look he had never seen on anyone else.
"You mean..."
Byakuya Kuchiki furrowed his brow.
"Nara Dan looks down on everyone else?"
"Is