Whew...
A chill night breeze slipped through the window cracks into the room.
The cool wind stirred, and the candlelight flickered.
The swaying light cast dappled shadows on Ii Naosuke's face as he leaned his right elbow on the chair's armrest and rested his head on his right palm.
The atmosphere in the room had grown heavier following Ando Nobuaki's earlier words.
As soon as Ando Nobuaki finished speaking, Ii Naosuke immediately asked back in a neutral tone, devoid of any emotion:
"...Ando, is the information accurate? Have you found out when they plan to assassinate or who the assassins are?"
"..." Ando Nobuaki solemnly nodded, "Several spies we've placed within the Mito Domain have reported this same information almost simultaneously."
"The information should be quite accurate."
"As for the specific time and personnel of the assassination... it's still unclear."
The room once again fell into a silent stillness, where even a needle drop could be heard...
