Chapter 218 – On the Eve of the Manchurian Incident (9)

“I apologize for the long wait. Now then, this is the very least of Ootori’s heartfelt consideration. Please, accept it.”

“I am grateful. I swear I will never forget this kindness.”

“You flatter me far too much. Still, I ask that you give it no special thought. To be honest, it pains me deeply that we could prepare no more than this.”

“Nonsense. Everyone else offered nothing but words. The only ones who truly extended a hand were Doihara and Ishihara over there. We cannot thank Ootori enough.”

As she said this, Kawashima-san extended her right hand, and I clasped it firmly in a handshake. With that, the farce was complete. Since this was political business conducted beneath the surface, there were no newspaper reporters present, but I almost felt like flashing a smile and posing for a commemorative photograph anyway.

The