Hikari stares at the castle and its decorations; it shows confidence, despite its messy appearance of mismatching décor and the approach of an angry thunderstorm. She smiles to herself.

Mr. Cash always has confidence, even giving it to his home. I want to have that kind of feeling in myself.

She heads towards the front door, where Chav is once again waiting.

“You are one of the four guests, I presume. If you are, please show me your invitation.”

After examining Hikari’s diamond card, Chav introduces himself.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Chav. My name is Hikari.” She says while holding out her hand.

“Um, yes, Mademoiselle Hikari,” Chav extends a reluctant hand shaking hers “Please follow me into Cash Castle.”

He seems polite and a bit shy, though much nicer than that airport security guard. Forget about him, Hikari. You have more important things to think about.

Hikari strides in, unaware of the blood-red entrance walls. She looks around with amazement while Chav closes the front door.

“So far, you are the second person to arrive, mademoiselle. The first one arrived ten minutes earlier and is settling into her room.”

Another guest is here. I wonder what she’s like.

“What’s her name?”

“Nia, and you can get more acquainted with her at dinnertime. Let me show you the way.”

Chav shows Hikari to the dining hall and kitchen, telling her she can make snacks whenever the cooks are not in.

I’ll brew matcha tea for myself and any of the other guests. It’s a good thing I have my kimono in my suitcase.

Afterward, they enter the leisure room.

“You will be given clues here after breakfast.”

“What are they for?”

“You will find that out tomorrow morning.”

Maybe I can coax a hint out of this guy.

“Can’t you at least give me a hint?” Hikari asks sweetly.

Looking uncomfortable, Chav changes the subject and leads her to the indoor garden.

Well, he isn’t going to be much of a talker. Later, I can see that woman Nia knows any hints.

The goldfish pond immediately catches Hikari’s attention.

Mr. Cash does a fantastic job recreating the serenity of a Japanese garden. This place is perfect for meditation practice, communing with nature, and calmness.

An abrupt cough from Chav alerts Hikari that the castle tour is still happening. She soon overtakes him and then finds her way to the dance hall.

“Wow, so this is where parties are held. We can all have a nice celebration in here.”

“Y-yes, I suppose.” The butler stammers, eager to get this tour over with.

“How is Mr. Cash, by the way? Is he in the castle now?”

“I’m afraid I have no knowledge of that. He’s running several errands in town now. He said he’ll return around dinnertime.”

“Okay then, where are the bedrooms? Are they up the stairs?”

“Y-yes.”

“Thank you, Chav.”

With that, Hikari dashes up the stairs, leaving the shocked butler attempting to catch up.

Like Nia’s, the door has another card symbol, this time in the shape of a red diamond tied to the handle, and the room has the aroma of Osmanthus, a fragrant olive tree found in Japanese gardens.

Entering the room, Chav finds Hikari already settling in. Her bed covers have a picture of a crane, accompanied by pillows with the same bird. He gives her a skeleton key with a diamond marking on its bow.

“Please keep it safe and make yourself at home while I go down and greet the other guests. I will call when dinner is ready.”

“Thanks, Chav, I’ll be sure to do that. I can’t wait to meet the others.”

Chav nods and exits the room, thinking to himself what a confident mademoiselle Hikari is.

Now alone, Hikari lays down on the bed.

I’ll do my best for Grandpa and myself. I’m so happy to be seeing Mr. Cash again!