Tai internally recognized his role had shrunk to mere sterile observation. He decided: "The mission is on autopilot. I will do nothing but monitor. I need a cigarette."
As he turned towards the exit, she appeared. The alluring girl—the one he'd admitted was truly beautiful— blocked his path. Her voice was a direct challenge: "Will you honor me with a dance?"
Tai deduced the military plan was becoming obsolete. He could achieve more through subtle leverage. "Later," he said. "I intend to smoke first. Do you object?"
"I will accompany you to the balcony," she stated firmly.
Tai paused. "Why? You could wait. I won't be long."
"I want to ensure no other woman attempts to approach you on the balcony," she explained, her possessiveness unveiled. "That is why I insist."
She was utterly captivated by his unique allure. His long hair flowed pure white and luminous beneath the moonlight, and his eyes blazed with a sharp crimson, like frozen drops of blood. She had no way of knowing she was engaging with a man who had cremated his past, leaving nothing but the purpose of vengeance.
"Very well," Tai conceded. "I have no objection."
Tai's Internal Monologue: I must keep my distance. She possesses the look of a hawk, capable of seizing any vulnerability, especially since I am an outsider here.
They moved onto the balcony. The sky was a vast, clear void, dominated by a full moon that seemed to mock the darkness below. Tai saw the moon and the silver light stabbed a forgotten nerve. He recalled a fleeting memory of his wife. He stifled the pain, brushing away the invisible tear before it could fall. "Return now," he told Camora. "I will not accept another partner for the next dance."
She returned to the ballroom. Tai remained, facing the vast night.
He whispered, his voice catching:
"I commanded my eyes not to cry, yet they rained down... I knew then that my sorrow was not healed... The past that shattered me... left only this raw tear."
Tears finally fell as he remembered her face. He smoked until the pack was gone — each drag a small, private eclipse, each exhale another memory leaving him. When the last cigarette was extinguished, he wiped his face with cold water, washing away the evidence of his humanity.
Tai returned, his face a perfectly blank slate. He found her waiting—the white of her dress stark against her red hair, a visual prophecy: The exterior is pure, but the finale will be red.
"Your name?" Tai asked with cool charm.
"Camora Chisi," she replied. "Daughter of Duke Kyora Chisi. My father is the King's friend and right hand; I am the Princess's confidante."
Tai feigned awe: "Truly magnificent. You are fortunate to be born into such a lineage."
That word—lineage—was a fresh wound. It flashed him back to his own parents and the torment they shared. His murderous aura briefly spiked before Draculina, Diablo, and Sebastian instantly smothered the energy wave.
Tai recovered immediately. "Let us dance," he stated.
He led the Duke's daughter, his movements precise and cold, choreographing her across the floor with silent, total dominance, as if he was born solely to control that moment. When the song ended, Camora was breathless.
"Incredible!" she confessed. "You are the most skilled partner I've ever had. I felt utterly compelled by your lead."
Tai's Internal Monologue: Exactly as intended.
A short time later, Princess Miura Sajini—his true mark—approached. Tai observed her but only acknowledged her once she spoke: "I am Princess Miura Sajini. A pleasure to meet you."
Tai took her hand, a flicker of cold respect in his eyes, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I am Yotaro Kanza. The honor is entirely mine, Princess."
She blushed. "That wasn't necessary."
"On the contrary," Tai insisted, his voice laced with manufactured sincerity. "You are the Princess of this Kingdom—a potential future Queen. While my own standing is high, respect transcends all things."
The Princess was instantly smitten by his blend of lethal control and formal courtesy. Tai internally noted that the entanglement had just escalated. He thought, relaying the message to his team: Camora may be infatuated, but I must maintain my outward indifference. The plan is active. We agreed to regroup after the event, but the Princess has requested me for a private matter.
Tai accepted her private invitation: "Understood."
The Princess glided to her father, whispering rapidly. The King replied with a hushed word and a direct, penetrating gaze towards Yotaro.
Tai's Internal Monologue: The next move is critical. Prepare for confrontation.
The Princess called out: "Yotaro, please come."
Tai followed her, his mind sharp, ready for the ambush. But the ambush never came. Instead, the Princess led him into her private suite. The room was ambient and warm. She spoke with a strangely calm seductiveness: "The air is cold. Why don't you come closer?"
Tai approached. She closed the distance. They kissed. The chamber door clicked shut. They lay together on the bed.
( The Next Day )
Tai woke. "Where am I? Ah. The Princess's room."
Tai's Internal Monologue: The primary target has now become the first casualty of my deception.
"Wake up, Princess Miura," Tai called. "It is morning. I must leave now."
The Princess was relaxed. "Wait. You must join us for breakfast."
"Are you certain?" he asked.
"Yes," she insisted.
"Very well."
Tai's Internal Monologue: Where are the others? He reached out telepathically, but silence met him. Have we been exposed? I must crush them all now. Where is the King?
Tai entered the dining room and found only Diablo. Tai immediately linked with him: "Where is Draculina?"
"She returned to the residence," Diablo replied.
"But she was with the King and Prince?" Tai demanded.
"Yes," Diablo confirmed. "But she offered a polite excuse, claiming she only came for the festivities and had to return to her Kingdom immediately."
Tai pushed: "Did they not react? Did they get angry?"
Diablo motioned towards the empty seats: "Observe the table. The Prince is absent, and the King is delayed. Her performance succeeded completely. She crippled their will."
(End of Chapter Seven)