The Empress's twisted fantasy played out on her face as she detailed Bella's imagined fate to her subordinates. Gen listened patiently, the masked men -trained mind processing the evidence against Cheng's convenient narrative.
"Your Majesty," Gen ventured carefully, "the river currents here are gentle during this season. A crocodile would leave much more destruction - broken bones, torn flesh visible on the banks. This water shows only minor traces of blood."
Cheng waved dismissively. "Perhaps the creature dragged her underwater entirely. These spirits are known for their peculiar habits." She stepped closer to the riverbank, squinting at the surface where ripples disturbed the water's calm flow.
Aiko approached timidly from behind them. "My lady, with all due respect, Lady Bella was quite skilled in swimming. She grew up along the coastal villages before coming to court."
"Silence" she turned around and slapped Aiko across the face. Aiko immediately apologized. "If you are not careful, you will end up like that brat" she threatened. Cheng turned to the men.
"Does anyone have anything else to say?" She asked coldly. The men all nod no , knowing it's best not to test their empress. "Good I thought so" she say proud with the result.
"Now go dispose of the bodies discreetly. Gen choose your best man to supervise.... Make sure it's properly done. No one sees or smell anything. We pay them give hundred silvers each as their when the job is done" she whispers into his ear. She rubs her forehead.
"This forest is making me sick. I deserve some pampering today." She points at Aiko who is still rubbing her redenned cheek "You and Gen , will follow me to the elite market. I need to gift my self, plus surely I need a cover story for why I went out early".
With them she walks enters the Carriage with Aiko and Gen , leaving the rest of the men to do their assigned work .
Inside the carriage, Aiko sat stiffly across from Cheng, her cheek still stinging from the slap. She kept her gaze fixed on her lap, fingers folded neatly in front of her.
"I trust you've learned your lesson about questioning my authority," Cheng remarked casually as the vehicle jostled over uneven roads. "Speak only when spoken to and remember your place."
Gen remained silent beside them, observing the Empress with practiced caution. His mind continued analyzing the scene at the riverbank - the lack of significant blood trails beyond Bella's initial struggle, the clean cut on Sora's throat suggesting a skilled blade rather than a desperate victim's defense.
Arriving at the bustling elite market district of Kyoto City, Cheng emerged from the carriage with regal posture despite her exhaustion. Merchants bowed low as she passed their silk stalls and jewelry shops.
"Find me something exquisite," she commanded to Gen as they walked through crowded streets filled with noble ladies comparing fans and gossip.
"Aiko, accompany me to the perfumery," Cheng announced, linking arms with her maid. "I need a scent befitting my mood today - something sharp and victorious."
As they navigated through the throng of shoppers, Cheng's eyes scanned the crowd for familiar faces or potential witnesses from court. Satisfied that none of her rivals were present, she focused on selecting perfume bottles displayed on velvet pillows.
Meanwhile, Gen began inquiries among merchants regarding recent sightings of unusual activity involving carriages or injured individuals. His questions were discreet but persistent, targeting stablemasters and innkeepers near the river route. To know if anyone had withnessed or heard anything.
At the perfumery counter, Cheng sampled various essences before settling on a vial containing notes of blood orange and night-blooming jasmine. "Perfect," she declared aloud for passersby to overhear. "A fragrance worthy of an empress who has overcome great challenges."