Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World-Chapter 214: The Good Days of Our Clan Come to an End

But Gozo had no regrets about this change.

He had realized just now that his granddaughter seemed to have established deeper ties with the young ladies' group.

Takehiko's skills and work ethic were commendable, and it was a shame to cast him aside. But since that was Natsue's own decision, he would respect it.

Compared to Zaishiro, Natsue's entry into the elite circle was far more significant.

That widened network could provide much greater long-term benefit than anything Takehiko could offer.

So it was better to discard this now-useless chess piece entirely.

They would likely never cross paths again.

At that moment, the entrance of the cruise ship was surrounded by Inspector Megure and his team.

Attempted murder was no small matter. With irrefutable evidence in hand, there was no need for further delay. As long as they secured the suspect and evidence, the case would soon be closed.

The bodyguards handed over Hatamoto Ichiro, then presented a plastic evidence bag containing a bloodstained kitchen knife, along with a disc containing the video footage.

"This is the weapon used by the suspect, and the disc contains a full recording of the crime."

Inspector Megure examined the items. These would be formally reviewed later.

"Officer Sato, secure the evidence."

"Yes."

Sato Miwako stepped forward to collect the items. With the weapon and full footage in hand, the case was essentially airtight. No one could dispute the facts.

She glanced at the suspect. Blood still seeped through the bandages on his hands, indicating he had already been punished.

The bodyguards noticed Sato Miwako's gaze. In order to avoid any complications involving the young lady or Miss Kaguya, they gave an explanation.

"The injuries to his hands were inflicted by the granddaughter of the victim."

"Officer, please note—this was an appropriate and lawful act of resistance to stop the crime."

"The footage clearly shows how the injuries were sustained."

Inspector Megure nodded.

"Understood. We'll need to confirm the case details more thoroughly."

The bodyguards understood protocol.

"Miss Kaguya has already stated she will fully cooperate with the investigation. The cruise ship will remain docked for the time being, and the police may conduct their investigation onboard."

"The crew is familiar with the situation at the crime scene. However, Miss Kaguya may not be available for questioning, as school resumes tomorrow."

Inspector Megure breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He hadn't expected Miss Shinomiya to be so cooperative. As for her not being available for questioning, it was understandable. This was, after all, an attempted murder, not a completed one.

And the suspect had no direct connection to Miss Shinomiya, so there was no need to involve her in the follow-up investigation.

"Of course. That's more than reasonable."

The bodyguards nodded and stepped aside, as people began disembarking from the cruise ship one after another.

At the front of the group, naturally, was the Hatamoto family.

"Mr. Hatamoto Gozo, as the intended victim, we hope you'll accompany us to the Metropolitan Police Department for formal statements and verification."

"Thank you, officer."

Gozo did not refuse. He understood that his statement was essential to ensure that Hatamoto Ichiro, that delusional fool, ended up where he belonged—behind bars.

This would also prevent anyone else from developing any misguided thoughts.

"Natsue, come with me."

"I'm here, Grandfather."

As for the rest of the Hatamoto family, Gozo didn't spare them a single glance.

And Hatamoto Natsue, walking beside him, never once looked back at the so-called relatives behind her.

At this moment, she no longer viewed those people as family. After her grandfather was nearly stabbed to death by her cousin, Hatamoto Ichiro, Natsue had completely severed emotional ties with them.

She was thoroughly disappointed in what they represented.

From here on, Natsue knew her focus was no longer her family. It was on Mr. Fool, the one she now believed in.

The other Hatamoto clan members trailing behind looked at the grandfather and granddaughter walking ahead, feeling a suffocating weight above their heads. A dreadful sense of foreboding was undeniable.

"It looks like the old man has made up his mind."

Hatamoto Shoji sighed helplessly. Ichiro's reckless actions had completely destroyed whatever remained of Gozo's familial compassion.

And Shoji himself was caught in the fallout.

Still, he understood. The old man would no longer indulge anyone's fantasies.

Shoji braced himself. He'd likely need to liquidate his businesses once they returned. Otherwise, surviving would become extremely difficult.

"Why is it always Natsue..."

Akie Hatamoto, dressed in a revealing V-neck dress, seethed with rage.

She had never been the favored one.

Back when her parents were alive, their attention had always gone to Natsue.

After their deaths, their grandfather doted on Natsue alone. As the older sister, Akie had always been overshadowed. No matter how hard she worked, she received no recognition.

Now, everything was slipping away completely. Akie felt only despair and powerlessness.

"..."

Beside her, her husband stared at her with dull eyes.

He had married this woman for money, but now that was crumbling. And with it, all hope.

(To be continued.)

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