Page 255 of Mercy Written in Blood

"No," Haruki said.

Sota nodded.

"Then you understand."

"I understand the convenience of claiming responsibility without accepting control."

"And I understand the arrogance of believing control and responsibility are the same."

Ken moved slightly. Haruki lifted one hand without looking at him.Wait.Sota saw the gesture. His gaze dropped to it. Something like recognition appeared in his face — not of Haruki's authority, of the instinct behind it.

"You protect them even when they disobey you," Sota said.

"This meeting is not about my Family."

"It is about systems built on loyalty, secrecy and inherited duty. Your Family is entirely relevant."

Renji spoke before Haruki could.

"What does the Unveiled want?"

Sota turned towards him.

"For vampires to exist without requiring permission from institutions that profit from concealment."

"And humans?"

"To know the world they inhabit."

Renji's expression did not move.

"You think revelation would produce freedom."

"I think secrecy already produces violence."

"That is not an answer."

"It is the beginning of one."

Sota leaned forward slightly.

"The Accord claims concealment protects both populations. In reality, it protects the arrangements built beneath concealment. Private feeding contracts. Blood routes. Controlled territories. Families allowed to police themselves so long as no disturbance becomes visible."

His gaze returned to Haruki.

"Human organisations paid to clean what cannot be explained."

The reference was deliberate. Haruki felt Ken's attention sharpen.

"The Ishida Family does not traffic blood," Haruki said.

"I know."

"Then choose another example."

"I chose yours because you are better than many."

"That sounds like flattery."