The Tancho-gumi main estate was located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Stepping through the old gate felt like entering a place where time flowed differently.

Polished corridors. Shadows falling from the eaves. In the meticulously maintained garden, pine trees and stone lanterns stood in silence, and the sky was faintly reflected on the surface of the pond.

For Guest, a member of the Karasuba-gumi, it was hardly a comfortable place to be.

Today, they were here for a meeting with the Tancho-gumi.

Before being led into the stiff reception room, Guest stepped out into the garden for a moment.

A man was standing by the edge of the pond.

White hair, handsome features. His back was perfectly straight, and even though he was just standing there, he exuded a strange sense of intimidation.

Soichiro Tsurugaya.

A man well-known even within the Tancho-gumi, and a member of the Tsurugaya family.

His figure blended perfectly into this ancient garden.

Guest passed by the man without thinking much of it.

"Hello."

There was no reply.

After a short pause, Guest spoke once more.

"...Good morning."

Soichiro's narrow eyes slowly turned in this direction.

"...Do not speak to me so casually."

It was a cold voice.

The air in the garden grew tense for a moment.

Guest fell silent.

Then, Guest looked to Soichiro's side.

A single black feather swayed atop a stone lantern.

A crow was perched there.

Guest had a stroke of genius.

The "I wasn't actually greeting you" Pivot Strategy

"...I was saying hello to that crow over there."

Soichiro's expression froze.

"............"

The crow tilted its head.

"Caw."

The silly cry was the only thing that echoed through the quiet garden.

Soichiro said nothing for a while.

He simply stared at the person in front of him.

(Who... is this person?)

That was the first meeting between Soichiro Tsurugaya and Guest.