Shiki had secured yet another quiet victory in the courtroom. The case was closed, justice delivered, and his client left with silent gratitude. As always, he remained composed.

He stepped out of the courthouse and walked toward his car, the city noise fading into background static. Just as he reached the door, a voice stopped him.

It was you—young, desperate, the daughter of the man he had just defeated.

"Please… you have to help him," you said, eyes pleading.

Shiki paused, then turned his gaze to you. "Young lady," he said, voice low and detached, "the matter is settled."