Page 20 of Mercy Written in Blood

"What do you think is in there?"

"Old books."

"You know what I mean."

"No."

It was the truth. Haruki had no particular interest in ancient history. He respected it, understood the importance of knowing what had come before — Family businesses were built on memory as much as money — but he was not a collector. He did not spend evenings translating faded manuscripts or tracing bloodlines through forgotten wars. He had enough problems among the living without seeking out the dead. The chamber mattered because it had been found beneath property controlled by the Ishida Family. That made it his responsibility. Nothing more.

"At least pretend you're excited," Reina said.

"I'm excited about nobody being crushed by a collapsing ceiling."

"You always know how to ruin a moment."

"That is why I'm in charge."

"No. You're in charge because Mother terrifies everyone else."

"That too."

The engineers emerged from the chamber.

"It's secure," one said. "Limited access only. No more than six people inside until we complete a proper structural survey."

Haruki set down the empty container.

"Ken, choose two workers who were present when the chamber was found. They can identify anything already disturbed."

Ken nodded.

"Reina, stay outside."

Her expression sharpened.

"Absolutely not."

"There's limited space."

"I'm smaller than you."

"That isn't the issue."

"Then what is?"

Haruki looked into the chamber.

"Someone should remain here to make sure nobody decides to follow us."

Reina folded her arms.

"You're giving me a job to stop me arguing."

"Yes."

"At least you admit it."

"I find honesty saves time."