The Last Bargain

Chapter VII: The Seer Of Truth

The sun had set by the time Zento and Shin reached the outskirts of the Kasetsu clan's estate. The estate was surrounded by a thick forest of tall cedar trees, their branches swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting long shadows on the ground. A dense fog was beginning to roll in from the nearby river, shrouding everything in a thick, ghostly mist. Zento could feel the cold air biting through his clothes, but he was too focused on his mission to care.

The Kasetsu estate was not as grand as the Dassou estate had been, but it had an air of mystery that made it feel even more imposing. Its buildings were built with dark wood and had roofs that curved sharply, like the raised eyebrows of some ancient sage. Lanterns flickered along the pathways, their dim light barely penetrating the mist.

Zento paused at the edge of the forest, staring at the estate. "I've never been here before," he murmured. "They say the Kasetsu clan knows everything. If anyone has answers, it will be them."

Shin nodded beside him. "I've heard they have a library filled with ancient texts, records of the gods and their dealings with humans. Maybe we'll find some clue there."

Zento took a deep breath and started forward. The two of them moved cautiously down the path, their footsteps silent on the damp earth. The fog seemed to thicken with each step, and Zento could feel a sense of foreboding settling in his chest. As they approached the main gate, a figure appeared from the mist, blocking their way.

It was a tall man with sharp features and narrow eyes that gleamed in the lantern light. He was dressed in a simple dark robe, the emblem of the Kasetsu clan embroidered on his chest. He did not speak but raised a hand, signaling them to stop.

Zento stepped forward, bowing slightly in a gesture of respect. "We are here to see Raito Kasetsu," he said. "It is urgent."

The man's eyes narrowed further, and he seemed to study them for a moment, as if trying to see through their very souls. "Why do you seek Raito?" he asked finally, his voice low and cautious.

Zento hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "I am Zento Dassou, heir to the Dassou clan. My estate, my family... they've vanished. We've come for answers. We need to know if Raito or your clan knows anything about these disappearances."

The man's expression did not change, but his eyes flicked toward Shin for a brief second. "And who is your companion?"

"Shin Mirai," Shin replied calmly, stepping forward. "A wanderer seeking answers like everyone else."

The man remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Wait here," he instructed, before turning and disappearing back into the mist.

Zento felt his heart pounding in his chest. The Kasetsu were known for their secrecy, and he wondered if they would even be allowed to see Raito. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, the cold mist clinging to their skin. Then, the man reappeared, gesturing for them to follow him.

He led them through the gate and along a winding path that snaked through a series of small courtyards. They passed other clan members, who glanced at them with wary eyes but said nothing. Finally, they reached a secluded building at the far end of the estate, its windows covered by thick wooden shutters.

The man stopped at the door and turned to face them. "Raito-sama will see you," he said, his tone formal. "But be warned: speak only truth in his presence. He will know if you do not."

Zento nodded. "We understand," he replied.

The man pushed open the door, and Zento and Shin stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, with a single lamp casting long shadows across the walls. At the far end of the room sat a young man with piercing eyes and a face that seemed carved from stone. He was dressed in a simple robe, his long black hair tied back loosely. He looked up as they entered, his gaze cold and unwavering.