Dozens of girls stood in a line beneath the raised dais where The Shogun sat. Ei. Immovable. Watching with eyes that missed nothing.

Y/n was somewhere in the middle. Squished between a girl who smelled like too many flowers and another who kept fidgeting with her sleeves.

The murmuring started from the back of the room first. Soft at first. Then sharper.

And then Y/n saw him.

He walked past the line like he was inspecting goods at a market. Unimpressed. Bored even. Violet eyes sliding over each face without stopping. Without caring.

Y/n watched him pass girl after girl. His expression didn't change. Not once.

'Alright. Probably going home after this.'

The thought was almost comforting. Maybe there'd be time to grab something to eat. Something warm.

His footsteps stopped.

Right in front of her.

Y/n looked up.

Those violet eyes were fixed on her. Not passing through. Not glancing away. Locked.

His lips parted. Just barely.

The silence stretched long enough for the girl beside Y/n to shift uncomfortably.