Having finished the story, the Antique Dealer gazed wistfully at the lake outside the window. "The color of this lake changes several times a day. People nearby say it's because that monster is actually still alive. Every so often, it secretly comes ashore, turns into a young girl, and sits by the lake playing a flute."
Jiang Xia also looked out the window. "..." Liar. The Ghosts had searched back and forth several times, and there was nothing there at all.
Mouri Ran was somewhat frightened by the murderous merchant and man-eating python. "Such a beautiful lake actually has such a bloody legend..."
"You've all been waiting."
A voice interrupted the story. At some point, the maid had returned. She bowed to the group. "Master has prepared the tea. Please proceed to the Tea Room."
While the group was experiencing the tea ceremony.
Elsewhere.
Curacao rested her chin on her hand as she watched the screen. Yet there was no movement at all by the courtyard gate in the surveillance feed. If not for the occasional breeze sending leaves rolling past with a rustle, she would have suspected Vodka of using a still image to fob her off.
She had long since bet the Uzo Coin she had painstakingly saved on Yamazaki Yumi. Now, she only awaited the harvest. Yet after waiting and waiting, no screams came from inside. Instead, her phone buzzed with a message.
Curacao froze for a moment and tapped open her phone. It was a call from Rum, and he opened with a cold command. "I recall you have nothing important to do today. Go keep an eye on the Aonoki residence."
Curacao: "..."
*What the hell is wrong with that old man?! Uzo's stage is about to unfold over there—what am I supposed to