Seeing that Tamamo Hotaru was firm and unmoved, Kazahana Yukihime offered a few words of persuasion out of courtesy, then dropped the subject and shifted the conversation to Moxi.
"By the way… do you know where Moxi went? She wasn't there today either, and the director was asking about her."
Hearing that name, Tamamo Hotaru's heart tightened instantly. But then she remembered that the other woman couldn't possibly know the truth, and she relaxed slightly.
"I'm not sure either. I just heard her say yesterday that she was going to meet someone. Didn't anyone check her place?"
"The director sent people to look, but she wasn't there… Do you think that big explosion yesterday might have…?"
"Might have what?"
"Nothing… probably not. That would be way too much of a coincidence. Sigh… I hope she's alright."
"…Yeah. She'll be fine."
"You know… when you two were together on set all the time, looking so close and having fun… I was actually a little jealous."
"Hehe… we just got along well, that's all."
Tamamo Hotaru smiled awkwardly, her mind heavy with secrets.
Sensing she had laid enough groundwork, Kazahana Yukihime got straight to the point.
"I mean it. At first, when you suddenly joined the production and took the lead role, I was really unhappy with you. But later, watching you and Moxi chatting and laughing every day… I felt this strange sense of envy."
"And honestly? Now that you've decided to quit, a small part of me is actually kind of happy."
"So… could I treat you to a meal? Consider it a truce between us, and also a farewell dinner. Of course, if you really never want to see me again… I understand."
Tamamo Hotaru had already prepared herself to refuse, but she hadn't expected the woman to put it like that.
If she said no now, she would look petty and narrow‑minded.
So she swallowed her refusal and said instead:
"Sure. Actually… I'm the one who owes you an apology. I did take the lead role away from you, after all."
"That's wonderful! It's settled then. Come to my place tonight — I'll cook for you myself~"
"Alright… great."
After Kazahana Yukihime left, Tamamo Hotaru was kicking herself. Why on earth did I agree?
But it was done now. It was just one meal, and they'd likely never cross paths again after this.
She reported the situation to Shinji — that the original lead actress had invited her for dinner.
Shinji agreed without thinking much of it. But knowing how messy and corrupt the entertainment world could be, he gave her a warning.
"That industry is full of trouble. Watch your back. Don't wake up tomorrow morning and find a whole squad of men in your room."
Tamamo Hotaru immediately understood what he meant. She flushed red and shot him a sharp glare. Do I really look that stupid to you?
After all, she had once been the number‑one courtesan of the Red Chamber. She had wrapped countless men around her little finger, and not a single one had ever managed to take advantage of her.
She knew every cheap trick those wretched men were capable of.
If anyone tried something like that, she wouldn't go easy on them!
That evening, Tamamo Hotaru arrived right on time.
"You're here! Come in, come in. Dinner's almost ready."
Kazahana Yukihime was wearing an apron and holding a spatula, looking the very picture of a kind, domestic housewife.
Tamamo Hotaru stepped inside, bringing a gift with her.
She was still on guard, of course — but until the other woman actually did something wrong, she intended to play the role of a polite guest.
After some pleasantries, Kazahana Yukihime accepted the gift with thanks, then suddenly cried out:
"Oh no! The food's burning!"
She rushed hurriedly back into the kitchen.
It was hard to imagine that the usually poised and elegant Fujiyuki Yukie could be so clumsy — it was almost funny.
She didn't keep Tamamo waiting long. Soon she began bringing dish after dish to the table.
Just looking at the colors and presentation, everything seemed delicious and well made.
But when she finally sat down, Tamamo Hotaru noticed something odd.
"Why are there three sets of chopsticks and bowls? Is someone else coming?"
Kazahana Yukihime smiled mysteriously.
"Exactly! I've prepared a little surprise for you~ Come on out!"
The door behind them swung open.
Tamamo Hotaru turned instinctively — and instantly her blood ran cold, as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
"Hi there, my dear friend! How have you been?"
Moxi stood there in a pretty dress, grinning broadly at her. But Tamamo Hotaru felt absolutely no warmth in that smile.
Her first instinct was to jump up and run — but her remaining reason stopped her from doing something so suicidal.
Her only relief at that moment was that she hadn't brought Moon along with her. At least the little fox was safe.
"What's wrong? I thought you two were such good friends? You don't look happy at all," Kazahana Yukihime asked, feigning confusion.
"I… I am happy… just shocked. I never expected to see you here."
"I dropped by Moxi's place after leaving you earlier today, just to check on her. She was already back, so I invited her along too. Thought it would be a nice surprise for you."
Surprise?!
It was definitely a shock… but certainly not a nice one.
Tamamo Hotaru wanted to scream at her: Do you even have any idea what kind of terrifying creature you invited into your home?!
But she didn't dare.
"Thank you… really. This surprise… it's just so touching."
"Think nothing of it. It's the least I could do. Come, sit down properly and tell me how you like the food."
Tamamo Hotaru sat down stiffly. Faced with a whole table of beautifully prepared dishes, she felt no appetite at all. Her face had gone pale.
Meanwhile, Moxi acted as if nothing bad had ever happened. She sat right next to her, and every now and then acted cute and spoiled, asking Tamamo to feed her.
The stark contrast was so confusing it made Tamamo wonder — was the person Shinji almost killed yesterday really Moxi? Or was this some kind of monster disguised as her?
Until, in her nervous daze, Tamamo accidentally dropped a shrimp she was feeding Moxi, right onto her dress.
Then Moxi suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered:
"Make a mistake like that again… and I'll kill you~"
Clatter!
Tamamo Hotaru's whole body trembled. Her chopsticks slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.
She bent to pick them up, beads of cold sweat rolling down her forehead.
No mistake about it…
That terrifying killing intent could never belong to a normal human being.
Calm down… please, just calm down!
Tamamo Hotaru screamed at herself inwardly, but she couldn't stop her hands from shaking.
"Just kidding~ Why are you suddenly so scared?"
Moxi spoke to lighten the mood, but her smile vanished immediately afterward.
"Relax. I remember you begged for my life once. So… finish this meal with me, and then I'll let you go."
____________________
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