Chapter 205: Conscience
The bright moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room with a soft glow. The luxurious mansions of the Noble District carried a strong, lingering fragrance—the scent of rare spices that nobles spent fortunes to acquire.
Masatsuki Aozaki had visited many noble estates before, and this scent was always present, an unmistakable sign of wealth and refinement.
They referred to this tradition, originating from a great Western nation, as "the way of incense," ranking it alongside Ikebana and the tea ceremony as one of the refined arts.
Unlike the extravagance of those aristocratic mansions, Masatsuki Aozaki's room exuded a simpler, more subtle fragrance.
"What a beautiful scent... just like Captain Masatsuki," Isane Kotetsu thought to herself as she took in the gentle aroma.
Masatsuki walked into the room, carrying a tray in his hands.
"These are some dishes I made, along with a few bottles of wine that Shunsui-senpai gifted me."
He pointed to the array of dishes on the table, over a dozen in total, before taking a seat beside Isane.
"This is some of his prized wine—he's kept it stored for years and barely has the heart to drink it. I hope you don't mind."
"No, not at all! These dishes look delicious," Isane said quickly, waving her hands in slight panic as she took in the feast before her.
"I heard you like eating porridge," Masatsuki remarked, looking at her with a knowing expression. "Something about not wanting to grow taller, since porridge doesn't have much nutritional value?"