LOGINKorra's identity requires less secrecy than the likes of Emmett Sandsor.As such, Vera had decided that while meeting Korra here in Rokuon-ji, she didn't have to be as cautious as when she met in Eastcliff.And when Vera asked the novice monk to pass her message, the novice wasn't at all wary like Emmett's guards were back in Eastcliff.Upon hearing that Vera was a distant relative and was sent by her elders, the novice naively bought it.Japanese Buddhism originated in Oskia, when a famous Oskian monk spread Buddhist teachings nationwide, which were quickly adopted. However, after the Meiji Restoration, Shinto and Buddhism underwent significant changes, and the precepts for monks were revised.Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan strictly adhered to the monastic rules of Oskian Buddhism—monks were forbidden from consuming meat and were required to stay celibate. After the Meiji Restoration, Shinto Buddhism gradually became more secular, and most monks were allowed to marry and hav
For that, Ashley was ready for Charlie's resentment. After all, she already put herself through twenty years of pain and humiliation—all so that Charlie had a shot to destroy his foes.So that he never had to hide again.Sighing, she mused, "I wonder if Charlie will meet me when we meet, and he finds out that I was the mastermind..." Stephen shook his head, respectful in his reply, "You're only taking action for the sake of the greater good. I'm sure he'd understand your goodwill." Ashley nodded, quietly wiping away her tears as she smiled. "Fleur always believed that I've survived her attempts to take my life… I might not live to see Charlie rise triumphant, so in that scenario, if either you or Mrs. Sun survived, find Charlie and tell him the truth. As long as he has the last laugh, it doesn't matter if he resents me or refuses to understand. I just want him to know… that he hasn't been all alone all these years."-Meanwhile, at the closed main hall of Rokuon-ji, the elderly
The current Mr. Sato would probably never imagine that he would be meeting the very same Chiyo-chan from his great-grandfather's talesIt's said that even his great-grandfather didn't know Chiyo-chan's real name, aside from the last name Saikawa. It was a common last name, which made finding her an impossible quest.After finishing her bowl of yudofu and paying for it, she happily left the small stall and continued towards Rokuon-ji, all while looking left and right at the shops down the streets.Vera had lived in Japan for a long time, not leaving until the beginning of the 20th century.During her time in Kyoto, she was known as Chiyo-chan the Kind. At that time, Japan was undergoing the Meiji Restoration, transforming from a feudal to an industrial society. While their military also began to modernize, military tribalism had yet to spread nationwide.However, even Kyoto at that time was poverty-stricken. It was why plenty of food stalls and small business owners in the city
Vera nodded as she took a seat at a corner, scanned through the menu and pointed towards the top, at the most prominent signature dish: Matsutake Yudofu. "I'll have a bowl, please." She smiled."Okay, just a moment!" Mr. Sato bowed and hurried to the kitchen to start cooking.Before long, a full bowl of Yudofu was placed right in front of her.The broth was rich and refreshing—a sublime blend of tea and matsutake mushroom aromas.Vera took off her mask and took a small sip of the hot soup, before grinned in satisfaction. "It's wonderful."Mr. Sato, wiping his hands with a towel, smiled with both enthusiasm and pride, "Thank you! I know there are countless Yudofu stalls here in Kyoto, but there's only one offering Matsutake Yudofu and it's here. It's a recipe improvised from traditional Kyoto Yudofu from 1899." Vera made a blank look just like any other innocent young girl, exclaiming in surprise, "Oh! That's a very long history!" Mr. Sato chuckled and said, "Well, not really
But when relaxed, Vera was just as childish as any adolescent.In just thirty minutes, the airbus was towed out of the hangar, taxied to the end of the runway, before its twin engines roared and took flight. On board, Vera's escorts all stayed in the rear cabin, while Vera was the one in the front—even a close confidante, Emmett, wouldn't impose. The flight from Aurous Hill to Osaka didn't take long—just two and a half hours later, the plane landed at Osaka Airport.Even as things got a little quieter now just before dawn, no one knew that the oldest guest they had just touched down.It was 6.30 am Tokyo time, and the sun was just rising above the eastern horizon.Vera—using an ID with the most generic of Oskian names—passed through customs without issue.She didn't hop on a train to Kyoto right away, instead taking the time to buy a Kuromi backpack attached with a ton of cute little accessories from an airport store. Loosening her ponytail, she tied it into cute pigtails be
The flight Emmett arranged arrived very quickly.He didn't just make arrangements either. He brought along dozens of elite bodyguards, and was personally on board waiting to receive Vera when the private jet touched down.Aurous Hill Airport had express instructions from high-ranking officials to let Logan's Rolls-Royce go straight to the hangar, without passing through any security or customs checks.Vera was clad entirely in black, her long hair tied into a high ponytail, with her face hidden with shades and a mask.The rise of AI and the omnipresence of security systems made such precautions necessary, though even a little disguise like this went a long way to deter detection.The Rolls-Royce arrived beneath an Airbus A350, where the elderly Emmett was already waiting at the boarding stairs.After the car came to a stop, he moved up to open the car door for Vera and greet her respectfully. "Ms. Lavor."Vera asked, "What are you doing here?"Emmett bowed as he replied, "I'm c
Charlie's response left Nate confused, and he wondered what the former was talking about.No matter how one interpreted it, Charlie's words seemed sinister!Still, considering that Charlie was Julien's subordinate and he might be speaking on Julien's behalf, he quickly asked, "What do you mean by
Nate then asked Jimmy, "But are you sure we can invite Mr. Rothschild to the event?"Jimmy nodded, spreading his arms, "Absolutely, one hundred percent. Mr. Rothschild is currently staying in Aurous Hill. I'll contact him once we arrive."Nate was beside himself in excitement right then.After al
Still, Carl could hardly contain his excitement as he exclaimed, "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Rothschild! I'm Carl Lucas, CEO of Horizon! Just call me Carl if you like!"Julien nodded and shook his hand before saying, "Greetings, Carl. I'm sure you understand why I'm here, so let's start a prope
In reality, Jacob wouldn't usually be this bold, but he dared to run his mouth against the air marshal because twenty million was just too much money.Money emboldens, just like alcohol—while one wouldn't even mouth off for a couple thousand, one would murder for a million.And they were talking a







