Kozuki Hiyori's Submission (Part 1)

Dawn did not go to an inn. Instead, he headed straight for the district where wealthy merchants lived. Before coming here, he had casually "borrowed" a mansion with high walls and deep courtyards as a temporary place to stay.

The mansion was extravagantly luxurious. The master bedroom was so spacious it was nearly empty, covered in thick embroidered bedding. The air carried the scent of expensive aloeswood, while rosewood furniture gleamed with a dark luster.

The window lattice divided the increasingly scorching sunlight outside into neat patches that fell across the polished tatami, bright enough to sting the eyes.

Dawn had specially replaced both the bedding and the bed. He did not like charging into battle on someone else's battlefield.

Komurasaki was brought to the center of the room, standing at the edge of those dazzling patches of light like a startled sparrow that had wandered into a magnificent palace.

Her hands were clasped before her, so tightly that her knuckles had turned white, as if they were the only thing she could hold on to.

Dawn closed the door, shutting out everything outside. Then he turned to face her.

Silence spread through the luxurious yet oppressive room. Only the faint crackling of burning aloeswood could be heard.

At last, Komurasaki gathered all her courage. Her shattered, trembling voice rang out.

"Why... why did you redeem me?"

Dawn did not answer immediately. He walked toward her step by step. Stopping before her, he raised a hand and lifted her chin with his fingertips, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze.

"I needed a woman, and you happened to meet my requirements."

Komurasaki's pupils suddenly contracted. She staggered back, her spine striking the hard rosewood doorframe with a dull thud. The pain cleared her mind, making her feel even