"We're doing this to ensure the safety of the special medicine."
"Is that so?"
The Empress looked at them with a faint, knowing smile, growing even more disappointed inwardly.
Even at a time like this.
These people were still scheming for their own benefit.
She said calmly, "Your arguments are certainly well reasoned, but unfortunately, I don't have the final say on the special medicine."
At those words, everyone's expression darkened slightly.
Kibutake Gensō frowned.
That sense of unease had returned.
The Empress's reaction was completely beyond his expectations.
Jūzōji Tsukihiko said sternly, "Your Excellency, please don't play dumb."
"Everyone knows the distribution of the special medicine was carried out on your orders, yet now you claim you have no say?"
"Are you making fools of us?"
The Empress shook her head. "No, I'm telling the truth. The person who makes the decisions is my master."
"???"
Confusion covered everyone's faces.
M-m-master?
Had they heard her correctly?
The Empress, who held supreme power in Kyoto after Kikunojo Tendo's death, actually had a master?
Just then, a relaxed voice drifted into the room.
"She's right. You should be discussing this with me. Still, I thought you might have some new tricks up your sleeves. Looks like I gave you too much credit."
The expressions of Kibutake Gensō and the other three changed drastically as they all turned toward the voice.
Creak.
The door swung open.
Lin Luo walked in unhurriedly with Kisara Tendo and Saeko Busujima.
He waved at everyone. "Since this is our first meeting, and also our last, I thought I'd say hello."
"Arrogant fool," Kibutake Gensō snapped. "I don't know who you are, but where do you think you are?"
His tone was brimming with confidence.
This was Osaka, his territory.
"Kisara, he's noisy."
"Oh, and keep him