Yongye leisurely admired the two bells by the door, though he felt a flicker of surprise.
His Clear Sword Heart told him there was something wrong with the wine.
But this was far too direct. Far too clumsy.
This woman would become the Fifth Hokage one day, and this was the best she could do?
He was puzzled, but the curve of his lips only deepened. He reached out and took the cup, his fingertips brushing hers just firmly enough to make her fingers curl slightly.
He did not drink. He turned the cup halfway in his hand, then flicked his wrist. The wine flew out and splashed precisely onto the two bells by the door.
Mei Terumi shuddered and jerked her head up.
Yongye leaned back in his chair, watching the stains slowly spread across the bells. His voice carried a teasing note.
"An apology? You think one cup of wine settles it? That's not much sincerity."
Mei lowered her lashes, seemingly weighing her words. After a moment's silence, she raised a hand and placed her fingertips on the sash at her waist.
She moved slowly, with an almost deliberate hesitation, as though struggling with herself while trying to make up her mind. The sash loosened a little between her fingers, and her kimono parted just enough to reveal the edge of the white undergarment beneath.
She drew a deep breath. When she spoke, her voice was softer than before, tinged with a nervousness she could no longer tell was feigned or real.
"Then... what would you consider sincere, Lord Yongye?"
Yongye looked at her. His gaze swept past the opening of her kimono and settled on her lowered lashes. He could barely keep the grin off his face.
First Pakura, then Mei Terumi. Would they send Yugito next,