Page 180 of Mercy Written in Blood

"And if something urgent occurs?"

Everyone fell silent. The ease vanished so quickly Renji almost regretted asking. Haruki answered.

"Then dinner ends."

There was history behind the words — calls received midway through meals, plates abandoned, chairs left empty whileeveryone else waited for news. Renji understood. He looked towards the plaque again.

"No business," he said.

Reina nodded. The room resumed breathing.

Hiroshi asked whether vampires could eat garlic. Renji nearly cut through the board. Haruki froze beside the sink. Reina looked between them. Hiroshi continued stirring the sauce.

"What?"

Renji placed the knife down carefully.

"Why would you ask that?"

"You dislike the amount Reina uses."

"I dislike excess."

"That is not an answer."

"Garlic has no unusual effect on me."

Hiroshi nodded.

"So you are a vampire."

Haruki's face lost all colour. Reina stared at Hiroshi. Renji assessed the distance to the doors — three exits, two visible guards in the courtyard. Haruki stepped forward.

"Uncle—"

Hiroshi laughed.

"You should see yourselves."

No one else joined him. He looked around the kitchen. The laughter diminished.

"Oh."

Reina's knife lowered.

"You were joking."

"Obviously."

Haruki's expression became dangerously calm.

"Why?"

Hiroshi gestured vaguely towards Renji.

"Old books. Pale. Mysterious. Dislikes sunlight."

"I do not dislike sunlight," Renji said. "I am simply unable to survive it. Yet."