High among the ancient branches, cloaked by dense leaves, a silent figure watched the world below with unblinking patience.

  Tessa y motionless on a thick, gnarled branch, hidden beneath the lush canopy of an old tree. The gentle breeze stirred the leaves, making them whisper as if exchanging secret confessions. Invisible to the world, she observed the vilge of Edo below—vigint, patient.

  From here, she had a perfect view. No detail escaped her. No movement went unnoticed.

  Mike’s voice stirred in her mind, a familiar, quiet whisper. "A peaceful vilge. No guards, no palisades. They wouldn’t st a week if someone decided to get serious." Tessa gave the faintest nod. "A farming vilge. Not a fortress. Either they think they’re too unimportant to be noticed... or they trust in protection we can't see yet."

  Her gaze swept over the simple wooden houses, the streets bustling with life. Farmers hauled sacks of rice on their backs, merchants dispyed colorful fabrics and fresh fruits. Children dashed, shrieking with ughter, across the dusty ground, half-heartedly scolded by smiling mothers.

  It looked peaceful. Far too peaceful. And Tessa—who had long since learned never to trust peace—remained wary.

  The Outstanding Building Among the squat, simple houses, one structure stood out immediately. It was rger, sturdier. Its wooden walls were neatly crafted, the entire building more solid than anything around it. A low stone wall enclosed it, shielding it from the vilge beyond. Two ancient, moss-covered stone nterns fnked the entrance gate—a silent sign of wealth and influence.

  Mike spoke, his tone edged with dry certainty. "That’s the steward’s house. Always is. No exceptions." Tessa’s eyes sharpened, like a bde being honed. "And if I want to understand who really holds power here, I need to know who lives behind those walls."

  She shifted slightly on her branch, letting her gaze dive deeper—onto the people surrounding the house.

  The Akizuki Family – Who Lives Here? Three figures stood out from the crowd:

  Himoto Akizuki – The Steward An older man, perhaps sixty winters past. His clothing was simple but carefully chosen—each stitch a quiet testament to authority and order. He walked upright, his movements calm, his eyes sharp. When vilgers spoke to him, it was with a mixture of respect and an undercurrent of nervousness.

  Mike whispered: "He’s holding this pce together. Without him, it would all fall apart." Tessa studied him for a long moment. "A leader. But not a warrior. Not a true threat."

  Aiko Akizuki – The Elder Sister A young woman, perhaps in her te twenties, with sharply cut features and a clear, commanding gaze. She bartered with merchants, inspected goods, issued short, precise orders. Confident. Efficient. Not cold—but with a steadiness Tessa respected immediately.

  Mike chuckled. "I bet she’s the real boss around here." Tessa narrowed her eyes. "Smart. Cautious. Probably more dangerous than she looks."

  Miko Akizuki – The Priestess And then her eyes fell on her. A young woman, perhaps nineteen. Cd in the traditional robes of a shrine maiden—white and red, simple and dignified. Her movements were soft, almost weightless, and every gesture held a quiet, radiant grace. She spoke to the vilgers, smiled, offered blessings—and wherever she stood, the world seemed to calm.

  Tessa felt a subtle pull in her chest, something she couldn’t quite name. "This one... she’s different."

  The Growing Fascination with Miko The longer Tessa watched Miko, the harder it became to look away. It wasn’t tactics. It wasn’t analysis or strategy. Something about her... resonated.

  Not her power. Not her position. Something deeper. Something humming beneath the skin.

  Mike spoke again, half thoughtful, half awkward. "She’s... kinda pretty, huh?" Tessa didn’t answer right away. She forced herself to focus. "Stay sharp. Her position could be critical."

  But the quiet unease curling in her gut wasn’t so easily dismissed.

  Miko’s Influence on the Vilge The longer she watched, the clearer it became: Miko wasn’t just a religious figure. She was a cornerstone.

  The farmers, the merchants, the children—they didn’t come to her out of obligation. They came out of genuine belief. Her words carried weight. Her blessings carried hope.

  Mike thought aloud. "If she represents the gods, then she has more influence over these people than the steward ever could." Tessa nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving the young priestess. "I need to know if she’s merely a believer... or if she holds true power."

  Tessa Decides to Keep Watching She now knew the key pyers. She knew their faces, their gestures, their voices. But it was too soon.

  It wasn’t yet time to leave the shadows. She still needed to learn. She still needed to understand.

  So she stayed hidden. Patient. Watchful.

  Chapter End – Tension in the Air Tessa continued her silent vigil, her thoughts circling the people she had seen. But one question gnawed at her mind—relentlessly: Why, by all the gods, could she not simply ignore Miko Akizuki?

  End of Chapter 16