The Secrets

The clock on the bike’s dashboard flicked to midnight as the massive wooden gates of the Hitsugaia estate loomed out of the Kyoto mist. Even in the dark, the property was intimidating. The name Hitsugaia was embossed in heavy gold leaf on the stone pillars—a mark of old-world nobility.

From the gate to the main house, the driveway stretched nearly two hundred meters, lined with ancient pines and perfectly manicured Zen gardens. Anton pulled up to the intercom and pressed the button.

"Young Master? Is that you at this hour?" a voice crackled through the speaker. "One moment, I shall open the gates."

As the heavy iron bars slid open automatically, Alice let out a low whistle over the intercom. "Geez, Anton. Your house isn't a house; it’s a fortress. You really weren't kidding about being filthy rich, were you?"

Anton sighed, the wind whipping past his helmet. "I told you. I just don't like talking about it."

They rolled up to the grand lobby, where an elderly head butler in a crisp brown hakama was already waiting. He bowed so low his forehead nearly touched his knees. "Welcome home, Young Master. And to you, My Lady. You both must be exhausted."

Alice parked the futuristic bike next to a line of luxury cars—a mix of vintage Rolls-Royces and the latest electric supercars. As they stepped inside the polished marble foyer, Anton turned to the butler.

"Is everyone asleep, Tanaka?"

"Yes, Young Master. The household has retired for the evening."

"Good. Prepare five servings of Wagyu steak and some cold drinks. Bring them to my room," Anton commanded.

The butler paused, his eyes flickering toward Alice. "And the lady, sir? Shall I prepare a guest suite for her?"

"No need," Alice chirped, stepping forward with a grin. "I’m staying in Anton’s room. With him."

Tanaka’s eyebrows shot up toward his hairline. He looked at Anton with a mixture of shock and concern. "But sir... the Master will be furious if he finds out a woman spent the night in your quarters."

Anton’s face turned a brilliant shade of crimson. "Just... prepare the guest room officially so it's on the records, but don't mention where she actually sleeps. Easy, right?"

The butler bowed again, though he looked skeptical. "As you wish, sir."

Anton led Alice to the right wing of the estate, a separate pavilion that housed his private quarters. His room was massive, designed in the traditional Kyoto style with sliding shoji doors that opened to a private garden. In the distance, the silhouette of the mountains stood against the moonlit sky.

The walls were lined with photos of a younger, happier Anton and trophies from his school years. Alice wandered around, sliding the doors open to feel the cool night air.

"Your life here was so different from mine," Alice whispered, her voice uncharacteristically soft. "When I was a human... I lived in a box compared to this."

Anton stopped, his hand halfway to his desk drawer. "When you were human? You... you really were a real person once?"

Alice turned, a shadow crossing her face. "Yeah. I was. It’s a long story, Anton. A messy one."

Before he could ask more, a knock sounded at the door. "Young Master, the meal and the futons are ready."

Five servants entered, pushing large trolleys laden with steaming steaks. They worked with silent efficiency, setting the table and laying out two thick, high-quality futons near the TV and Anton’s massive bookshelf.

Once they left, Alice fell upon the food like a starving wolf. Anton, however, ate slowly. He pulled an old diary from his desk drawer, flipping through pages of his own handwriting. He was looking for clues—memories of the "hallucinations" he’d had as a kid that he now realized were probably real demon encounters.

By 2:00 AM, the lights were dimmed. Alice was still rambling about the bike ride, her voice a comforting hum in the background, but Anton’s mind was drifting into the past. Eventually, the silence of the Kyoto night took them both, and they fell into a deep sleep.

7:00 AM

The alarm clock buzzed, jolting Anton awake. He rubbed his eyes, groggy and half-conscious, until he saw Alice standing in front of the full-length mirror.

She was "cycling" through outfits. In the blink of an eye, her clothes would dissolve and reform. A floral yukata... then a striped one... then a solid silk one. For a fraction of a second during each change, Alice was completely exposed.

Anton slammed his eyes shut, turning his head away. "Alice! What are you doing?! Go to the bathroom or the dressing room to do that!"

Alice glanced over her shoulder with a mischievous wink. "Oh? Is the Young Master peeking? You're a naughty one, aren't you?"

"I am not peeking! Just pick one!"

"Fine, fine. I’ve decided on this one," she said. She was now wearing a stunning sky-blue yukata with a sea-foam pattern, perfect for the humid summer. "Does it suit me?"

"It’s fine! Just put some clothes on!" Anton scrambled into the bathroom to change into a simple, high-quality linen shirt and trousers.

A few minutes later, he led Alice to the main family dining hall. His father, mother, and grandmother were already seated, partaking in a traditional breakfast. His grandfather, he knew, was currently in Paris on a business trip for their luxury kimono boutiques.

Anton stepped into the room and bowed deeply. "Father, Mother, Grandmother... I’m sorry for the sudden intrusion. This is my friend from Tokyo, Alice. She’ll be staying with us for a few days."

He took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. "But I didn't just come for a vacation. Something is happening to me. I’ve seen things... monsters. And Alice... she’s not a normal girl. I need to know the truth about our family."

The room went deathly silent. His father, who had been smiling warmly a second ago, set his chopsticks down. His expression hardened into something grave and ancient.

"Sit down, Anton," his father said, gesturing to the empty mats. He looked at Alice, his eyes lingering on the faint blue glow of her wrist interface. "And you as well, Young Lady. I suppose we can't hide it any longer."

He sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of three hundred years. "The time has finally come. They have found you."

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