Page 89 of Mercy Written in Blood

"No," Kael said. "I mistake it for evidence that you are outmatched."

The room went silent again. Haruki saw Ken react. Ayako too. Even Reina's hand tightened.

Kael had not threatened him. That would have been easier. He had stated a fact. Haruki had faced the Unveiled underground and nearly died delaying three of them. The Accord knew what they were. Haruki did not. He was outmatched. That did not mean he intended to remain so.

"What do you need from us?" Ayako asked.

"Nothing."

Haruki looked at her. She did not return the glance.

Kael rose.

"The Ishida Family will withdraw from the investigation. You will provide access to all tunnel plans, security footage, personnel records and survivor statements. Your people will not enter the restricted site or contact the historians without Accord approval."

"No," Haruki said.

Kael looked down at him.

"That was not a request."

"I know."

"Haruki," Ayako said.

He turned to her. Her face remained composed, but the warning was clear — not fear of the Accord, but fear of what Haruki wouldcost himself if he refused them carelessly. He had been raised to recognise the distinction.

Haruki placed both hands on the table.

"It happened beneath our district. Our people were killed. Our security systems were breached. The attackers knew routes that do not appear on modern plans."

"All of which places the matter under Accord jurisdiction."

"It also makes it Ishida business."

"You do not have jurisdiction over supernatural terrorism."

"No. I have responsibility for the people who live and work in this city."

Kael's gaze sharpened.

"Do not make this about civic duty."

"What should I make it about?"

"Pride."

Haruki considered that. Perhaps there was pride in it. Anger certainly. Humiliation too. He remembered lying in the passage unable to stop the attackers advancing, remembered their leader looking at him with pity. He could not deny that part of him wanted to answer the insult.

But he also remembered Toma being lowered gently to the ground after the blade entered him. Kameda collapsing beside the journal. Endo's hands pressed uselessly to his throat. Jun asking whether he would lose his leg. Pride had not followed Haruki from the chamber. Their faces had.

"You think I want revenge," he said.

"Don't you?"

"Yes."

The honesty unsettled everyone except Ayako. Haruki continued.