Hazuki heard voices not far from the house.
A woman's voice, soft, desperate.
"Please... give me more time."
Then a rough, sneering man's voice replied.
"No can do, girl! The due is today! You have to make the payment today!"
Hazuki blinked and looked around; the source was just around the side of the long house. He couldn't see them yet, but he could feel the air grow heavy.
"Please... don't take the deed for the land. If you take it... where will the kids live?" the girl begged again.
"Hah! That's not my problem! Two gold coins, remember? Now it's ten! Look at the agreement, you signed it! Right here!"
Hazuki's expression darkened.
"B-but... this land is worth more than that. It's everything to them..."
"Yeah? Like I care."
There was a pause. Then the man's tone twisted into something worse.
"Tell you what... give me some time with you, and I'll give you one day for each night you spend with me."
Hazuki's hand clenched. His jaw tightened.
