Few people lived in this residential area. Banjō had deliberately chosen a high-rise that was almost unoccupied, so it was usually quiet, with no one to disturb them, making their daily activities much easier.
Everyone in the room was doing their own thing. Some were playing games, others were taking afternoon naps. What Louis hadn't expected was how well a big, burly man like Banjō got along with Hinami. He was engrossed in a book.
After all, a hulking ghoul like Banjō ought to have had nothing but muscle between his ears.
"The boss used to be illiterate, too. He only taught himself to read so he'd have something to talk about with Miss Rize." Jiro put down the phone he'd been playing with, glanced over, and casually teased him.
"You taught yourself... That's amazing, Mr. Banjō..." Hinami looked up. She had never imagined that this fierce-looking giant could have such a gentle side.
"Not really. I just learned to read... As long as I can read books, that's enough." Banjo Kazuichi scratched his head sheepishly. Before Rize had appeared, he had been just another ghoul street thug.
As they spoke, the door they had been keeping watch over suddenly opened, putting everyone on edge.
A white-haired girl stood there as if she had been fitted into the doorframe. Dressed in brand-new casual clothes and wearing a beautiful Crystal Necklace, she looked a little flustered and at a loss.
Her appearance made Banjō, Jiro, and even the napping Fukai spring to their feet and watch her warily.
"Relax. She isn't a threat for now. Keeping her tied up all the time isn't good, either. It's uncomfortable for her and for me." Louis came out from behind her, glancing at the Crystal Necklace around her neck.
Four hours had passed since