As Takamura stepped fully into the hall, his sharp eyes scanned the room slowly, taking in every detail like a general surveying a battlefield.
Ayaka was the first to move. He stood up with a composed smile and beckoned gently, "Welcome, dear."
Ryusuke also rose from his seat, bowing respectfully, though his posture was noticeably stiffer.
"Father," he said with a polite nod.
Nori, following Ryusuke's lead, quickly got up too. He bowed a little deeper, remembering all the traditional manners Ryusuke had hurriedly taught him the night before.
"Good afternoon, sir," Nori said, his voice steady despite the slight nervous flutter in his chest.
Takamura gave a low hum, something between acknowledgment and indifference, before walking further into the room. His steps were measured, silent despite the polished wood floor beneath his shoes.
