"Fusui, is there anything fun in Kyoto?"

"The usual tourist spots, like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you're thinking of taking Karura out, she's already been to those," Fusui said with a laugh. "But if you invite her, I'm sure she'll still say yes."

"All just regular sights… doesn't sound that interesting."

"Then what would be?"

"Actually, I was planning to take Karura to the moon next summer break. Train for a while, then borrow one of the organization's rockets to go into space."

"IW would really give you anything you want?"

"Pretty much. I can even get military gear or an ICBM just by showing my face. That sniper rifle in your hands is the organization's newest model—gave it to you as a Christmas gift."

"…Now I'm curious about what you gave Karura in that little box."

"Nothing much. Just a button. The real thing's still sitting in a missile silo."

"…"

"It's noon. How's the situation over there?" Rinji asked.

They were still lying in the forest on the mountain, monitoring the Shinomiya estate below.

"Just the few people moving around this morning. After that, it's been completely quiet—no movement at all."

"Looks like they've decided to hole up inside. Just as I expected."

Rinji finished speaking, took out his phone, and opened the contacts list.

"It's noon. Let's order takeout."

"I doubt anyone delivers to the middle of a forested mountain."

---

Night.

"Looks like we won't be going out today."

"Yeah."

Kaguya and Hayasaka sat quietly in their room. A few black-suited guards stood watch near the front gate.

"By the way… Rinji used my body to make his move… Am I going to take the blame for it?"

"I don't think so. I was right next to him and didn't even see how he acted. The people summoned here won't be able to find out either."

Hayasaka toyed with her phone, her expression free of worry.

"But just in case, Kaguya-sama, I'd remind you—when you meet Lord Cloud Hawk, act a little more forceful."

"Eh? Why?"

"Because he's interacted with you while you were in Rinji's state. Right now, he probably thinks you're a scheming woman."

"What a terrible impression…"

She had no idea what Rinji had done while using her body. Even back in Tokyo, she hadn't known anything.

She also didn't realize that, unknowingly, she had shifted from being a peripheral member of the Shinomiya clan to someone capable of influencing the family's entire direction.

Though on the surface it seemed like she was in control, in reality both Gan'an's life and the antidote's production were firmly in Rinji's hands.

"Forget it. Thinking too much won't help."

Kaguya pulled a small ornate box from her pocket.

"Today's my birthday at least. Let's see what the president gave me."

It was January 1st, New Year's Day—and also Kaguya's birthday. As always, no family member celebrated with her.

Well, one sister-in-law had at least given a forced "happy birthday," but that was it.

She was used to it. Expecting warmth from the Shinomiya family was pointless.

Sometimes, she even felt that Rinji, that merciless demon, had more humanity than her relatives.

Of course, only she in the whole Shinomiya family would ever think such a thing.

"Was this already opened?"

She unlatched the box and pulled out a very simple necklace.

Though Shirogane's family had already escaped poverty, his gifts were still as modest as always.

But despite its simplicity, Kaguya's eyes shone brightly with joy.

"Hayasaka, do you have a ruler?"

"I think so."

Not knowing what Kaguya was up to, Hayasaka fetched a ruler from the drawer and handed it over.

Kaguya eagerly measured the necklace.

"Just as I thought! It's 24.8 cm long!"

"…And that means what exactly?"

"Of course it matters," Kaguya said, blushing. "Using the formula T=2π√L/g, if the length is 24.8 cm, the period is 2.0064 seconds. Round trip, that's basically one second. In other words—it's a pendulum."

"…So?"

"I gave the president a planner, hoping to spend the coming time with him. And he gave me this necklace as his reply." She clasped it around her neck. "He's wearing the same one right now. 'Let's live in the same time together.' That's his answer!"

"Sounds romantic. Sorry, can't relate," Hayasaka said flatly.

At that moment, a knock came at the door.

"Kaguya-sama."

"Come in."

She quickly tucked the necklace into her kimono.

The sliding door opened. A servant bowed slightly, glancing at Hayasaka.

"Hayasaka, Lord Oko wishes to see you."

"…Understood."

Delivering the message, the servant withdrew.

Kaguya looked at Hayasaka in puzzlement.

"Why would Oko-niisama be looking for you?"

"…Kaguya-sama, I've tried to keep it hidden, but there are things you need to know."

"Hayasaka…"

"I won't be long."

Without meeting Kaguya's worried eyes, Hayasaka left the room with a grim face.

For ten years, she had worked at Kaguya's side as an undercover agent sent by Shinomiya Oko.

In that time, her relationship with Kaguya had long since ceased to be just mistress and servant. It was closer to that of sisters. She didn't want Kaguya to know her original purpose.

Even if she had already quit.

The one thing Kaguya could never forgive was betrayal.

Click.

Hayasaka opened the door to the main house's reception hall. Oko sat at the center, with Shinomiya group executives—his loyalists—lined on either side.

"Lord Oko."

"Ah, Hayasaka, you're here."

He smiled kindly, rising with his cane to approach her.

"You've served me for ten years now. I'm very satisfied with your work."

"Yes."

"But that's not why I called you here." His eyes narrowed. "I want to know—what exactly is your relationship with Rinji Takamine?"