Chapter 12: That Shapeshifter, Benevolent?

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Rin’s first reaction was to curl her lip in derision. ‘Avenge my father? Why would you avenge my father after all the effort you put into getting him killed?’

She wanted to applaud his “honesty”. Did he really think she was like all the other kidnapped children, easily believing his lies and buying his threats?

The samurai at the table slammed his fist down and growled, ‘Don’t talk nonsense!’ The doll-like girl shifted her gaze over to him as if noticing his presence for the first time.

‘General Seki.’ Matsukura Aoko frowned at his general and told him to stand down. The burly man grunted and folded his arms in disgust.

Aoko-ojisan turned back to Rin. ‘My family was exiled from Shimabara with no resources. I had no way to avenge him at that time.’ He gave her a self-deprecating smile and spread out his hands. ‘So I’ll accept the blame for being unable to save your father, but I didn’t kill him. In fact, I’m desperately trying to take over Shimabara again so I can hunt down those who have ruined your family.’

Rin stared at him with bottomless black eyes, trying to divine the truth from his bloodshot eyes.

Unlike the expressive man that would laugh and bicker with her father, this Aoko-ojisan had a haggard, poker face. His shoulders drooped and he sat down at the table again. ’Rin, I’m embarrassed to say it, but I need your help.’

[Read the full story at novelconbini.com!]