At the Daimyo's Residence, in Kozuki Oden's home.
The atmosphere was lively. Several people were celebrating in a spacious Japanese-style sitting room.
"Momonosuke, happy birthday. Father was busy, so I'm a little late."
The speaker was Kozuki Oden.
Kozuki Oden was tall and slightly heavyset, with thick lips and a rather large nose.
He was no great beauty, but he was an imposing lord.
Werther had guessed long ago that Kozuki Oden would not be much to look at. With a son like Momonosuke, how handsome could the father be?
If Kozuki Oden had turned out to be a dashing beauty, he might have needed to check his head for horns.
Today, it just so happened to be Momonosuke's birthday. Perhaps it was fate: an avenger had entered the Daimyo's Residence on this very day.
"It's all right, Father. When will the party start? I can't wait."
Momonosuke, dressed in a pink robe, was all smiles. The little brat seemed delighted.
"Lord Momonosuke, the cake is ready. We can bring it out whenever you wish."
Foxfire Kin'emon stood respectfully to one side. It seemed he was Kozuki Oden's personal guard.
"Lord Momonosuke, I oversaw every step of this cake's preparation. I'm certain you'll be pleased."
Raizo gave a foolish grin. He, too, was happy about Momonosuke's birthday.
Foxfire Kin'emon and Raizo were both Kozuki Oden's personal guards, giving them higher standing than the other retainers.
Momonosuke's mother gently picked him up.
"Momo, happy birthday."
She wore a pale yellow kimono and had dignified features. She was a gentle woman.
Momonosuke could not stop giggling. After all, it was his birthday.
The room grew livelier, and Momonosuke's laughter rang out without pause.
Meanwhile, Werther had slipped into the Daimyo's Residence and was making his way toward Kozuki Oden's home.
Many samurai