A Family of Actors

Yor hurried to explain, her voice earnest. "Yuri, Miss Anya is such a sweet, sensible child. I like her very much."

As if to prove her point, Anya wrapped both arms around Yor's leg, pressed her cheek against it, and declared in a soft voice:

"Anya likes Mother very, very much too!"

Seeing the genuine tenderness in his sister's eyes and the way Anya clung to her, Yuri's tense expression eased a little. He took a deep breath and conceded with a hint of resignation. "If you like her, Sis, then fine."

He stepped inside, but his gaze swept the room like a hawk's.

Kabuto Yakushi, who had been waiting nearby, immediately came forward. Wearing an impeccable, gentle smile, he held out his hand.

"Hello, Yuri. I'm Loid Forger. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Yuri shook his hand. Their hands gripped tightly. On the surface, it was a friendly greeting; underneath, it was a silent contest of strength.

Their eyes met, and each quickly sized up the other.

Kabuto Yakushi analyzed him at once. His grip is precisely controlled. He's had training. His stance looks relaxed, but his weight is balanced and he can move at any moment.

Sharp eyes, watchful and subtly aggressive. He's in casual clothes, but there's slight wear at his cuffs, as if he often wears protective gear. His breathing is a little slower than average—a sign of physical conditioning.

It seems Miss Yor's brother isn't an ordinary office worker. He's more like someone in the same underground line of work.

He's probably still new, though. That edge he can't hide and the way he scrutinizes people draw too much attention.

Yuri, meanwhile, had thoughts of his own. *Damn you! You're the one who stole my sister away! But from his smile to his