"Lanling felt like that to me much of my life. Not oppressive in the same sense, but all the gold hid a rot that festered throughout the walls deep in its bones." he shook his head a bit. It was the first time he admitted it out loud.

"The irony of it. I spent so much of my early years to be there but while my father lived it turned into a gilded cage. And even after his death I just knew it was a castle;e built on sand and just the slightest breeze could send everything crumbling. I had really thought I would be happier...But those dreams turned into ash.

Spending time with you was wonderful and I am grateful that we can do this now. Even after it all. I missed you in Hakagemachi. I'm glad for this. Thank you Huaisang, for what you did during the parade. I know I wasn't easy to handle when I get like that." he paused as their drinks and some soft-shelled crabs and agedashi tofu were served in front of them.

Tofu!!!!