At the ceremony, Minamoto Makoto walked towards Honma Noriko, eyeing the trembling fathers on both sides. For the first time in her life, she saw them show such a despicable side, including her own self-righteous father, Yuan Chaozong, who acted obsequiously in front of Honma Noriko.
Young Kojima Kanako, who adored her mother, sat at her feet with a giggly smile.
Minamoto Makoto bowed respectfully to Honma Noriko, bending at the waist. Thinking of the fathers' cowardly appearance, as if lightning struck through her veins, she boldly raised her head to meet Honma Noriko's gaze. Instantly, from among those kneeling men, a multitude of hushed reprimanding voices demanded she avert her eyes.
