Chapter 56 - 47
Chapter 47: Kamishiro Matasaka
"I already told you, they're just my fellow interns," Ryoma said flatly.
He hadn't expected Rize to bring the topic back up — he thought she had let it go.
"You said it was because you fought side by side with them," Rize remarked, her tone playful yet sharp. "But from the scent I picked up, it's strongest on your arms and shoulders. How exactly did you 'fight side by side' in a way that leaves that kind of scent?"
"...Well..." Ryoma hesitated, realizing he couldn't dodge this anymore. "They accidentally fell asleep on my shoulders while we were on the subway."
Rize's expression softened.
"I see," she muttered with a faint smile.
That explanation made sense — and for now, she chose to believe it.
"Alright then," Rize said, shifting the conversation. "Next, I'll tell you everything about the Washuu family... so you don't end up acting recklessly out of ignorance."
Though Ryoma already knew the details, he kept his expression serious, playing the role of a good listener.
Rize began explaining the Washuu family's influence — their control over the CCG, their ties to the shadowy organization known as V — and the twisted hierarchy within their bloodline.