Tsubaki rubbed her temple, she felt dizzy after having the heavy conversation with Director Ayanokouji. She bent down to pick up her clutch which had fallen on the floor. Her eyes trained on her fingers, they were still trembling.
"Do you really do not have any clues left by them?" Tsubaki asked again, panic could be heard faintly in her voice. "Even the smallest things could help."
Director Ayanokouji didn't immediately answer her. Her eyes narrowed as she was thinking back of the memory. Her eyes lit up when she suddenly thought of something.
"The women left their signature and names on the visiting logs. It's compulsory for any guest to sign them. They could be fake names but... I think it's better than not trying anything."
"That would do!" Tsubaki was obviously in relief. "So, you still have logs?"
Considering the fact that the two women appeared years ago, it might be hard to look for the guest books but Tsubaki was still being hopeful. Her hope wasn't extinguished when Director Ayanokouji answered her question with a slight nod.
"I didn't throw away the logs, even the ones from my mother's time as a director. They are still in the store. It might take some time so you have to wait. It is okay with you?"
"Yes! Yes!" Tsubaki nodded her head repeatedly. "Please contact Mr. Gensai once you found them and..." Tsubaki opened her clutch. She took out a white card from it and handed it to Director Ayanokouji. "This is my number. You could contact me directly too."
"Alright. I'll do that." Director Ayanokouji carefully slipped the card into her purse.
Since Tsubaki had left the main hall for quite some time, she needed to rush back inside. Kanako had messaged her, asking whether she was okay or not. Tsubaki quickly replied, saying she was taking some air in the garden outside and would return soon.
"Director Ayanokouji," Tsubaki smiled faintly to the older woman. Now, they were standing opposite each other in front of the door of the small tea room. "I really have to thank you for helping me. I'm still clueless about my own origins so... I really appreciate your help."
"You don't have to thank me," the older woman smiled kindly. "I'm happy if I could help you. Hinata is one of my dearest children. I still remember her as a child who loved exploring the outside world. Her death is still a painful memory to me but she has left me many beautiful memories behind so... I hope, like her, you would live your life in blessings too."
Tsubaki nodded slightly. Her rosy cheeks reddened as her eyes blurry with tears. "Thank you, Director Ayanokouji."
The older woman smiled again. She gently squeezed Tsubaki's arms before she turned around to walk back into the hall. Tsubaki was still standing there. She didn't think she could enter the hall and face the other guests with a teary face.
In the end, she messaged Kanako that she would still be in the garden. Kanako replied back, saying she could return home soon if she felt under the weather.
The tea house had a beautiful garden surrounding the two-story building. The sea of flowers was in full bloom under the bright sky. Tsubaki took small steps on the paved garden walkway, trying to clear her head by looking at the flowers.
She was glad she took the opportunity to come here. Director Ayanokouji was a great help. Maybe the older woman didn't disclose the appearance of the mystery women because she was still doubtful over Akashi's investigation but after seeing her, the kind-looking woman was more than willing to help.
Who were the two women? Were they related to each other?
Tsubaki sighed again. She raised her eyes, staring at the clouds looming above her. She wished her mood could be as bright as the sky.
She suddenly missed him too much. She wanted to go home.
When Tsubaki made a turn to her right, she caught sight of a man standing under a tree not far from her. She narrowed her eyes, trying to get a closer look at the man. The man appeared like he was in his 50s. A grey suit fitted perfectly on his tall body. Even though his face was a bit pale, he still stood upright with both hands behind his back.
Tsubaki looked where the man's eyes directed to. It was the windows of the main hall. She could see Mrs. Souma through them. She was talking to a group of women, her face was smiling elegantly.
There was something melancholic in his eyes.
Perhaps finally noticing he was being stared at, the older man turned his head around to meet Tsubaki's eyes. Tsubaki was a bit flustered but she quickly regained her composure. She curled up a smile and bowed politely to the man. The man looked at her with his eyes widened.
Tsubaki nodded slightly before she turned her body around to leave the garden. Even as she walked, she could feel the weight of the stare from the older man.
The man watched the young lady disappearing inside the tea house. He knitted his brows as he saw her figure reappeared through the windows of the main hall. Especially when the young lady of Esumi Family came to her and grabbed one of her arms in a friendly way.
Who was she?
"President."
The man glanced at the direction of the voice. A man who was wearing a pair of spectacles stood beside him. The younger man bowed his head respectfully to the man he called President.
"We have an urgent meeting at the company. Master Hisato is calling for you," the assistant relayed the message.
The man sighed. "What's my brother doing again? Let's go back."
President Souma had just walked a few steps away from the tea house when a thought suddenly popped inside his mind. He turned around, making his assistant paused his steps too.
"Check on that girl for me," he instructed as his eyes trained on the young lady's face standing near the windows. "The girl who's currently with the young Miss of Esumi Family right now."
"The girl..." The assistant looked at where his boss was looking at. "The one in the green dress?"
President Souma nodded slightly.
He couldn't help but think of her once he saw the young lady's face. She looked... so much like her.
Although, he did saw another man's face on her.
The man whom he thought as his friend.