Page 86 of Mercy Written in Blood

"Who were they?" Haruki asked.

Kael's gaze moved briefly towards the others in the room.

"Clear it."

"No."

"This information is restricted."

"This Family buried people this morning."

"You have not buried anyone yet."

The correction was cold. Precise. Haruki felt Reina tense beside him. Ken's cup touched the table a little too hard. Ayako remained still.

Haruki looked directly at Kael.

"Then choose your next words carefully."

Kael studied him. For several seconds, neither man moved. Then Kael glanced towards his companions.

"Wait outside."

The woman objected.

"Kael—"

"Outside."

She left reluctantly. The man with the metal case followed. The doors closed behind them.

Kael turned back to Haruki.

"The attackers called themselves the Unveiled."

Haruki remembered the name spoken underground. Minamoto's fear. The masks. The calm violence.

"They are not criminals," Kael continued. "Not in the way your people understand the term."

Ken's expression darkened.

"Our people understand murder."

"Then understand this: they do not kill for profit."

"Neither do we," Reina said.

Kael ignored her.

"They are ideological. Organised. Patient. They believe the Accord preserved peace by burying truths that should have transformed the world."

Haruki looked towards the windows. Morning light spread across the courtyard. Workers moved between buildings. Some wore black mourning bands around their arms.

"Did it?" he asked.

Kael's eyes narrowed.

"Did what?"