A Big Purple Wrench in the Works

Akira hurried to the Hidden Dragon Mouth, though keeping it to a run rather than a [Scurry] so that with Kanna and Rumia in could remain in tow to back her up, for whatever lied in wait of them.

"Damn it, Akira!" Kanna spat furiously, trailing just behind her. "You knew that guy was no good, but still worked with him!"

It was true, Akira had been suspicious of her new business partner—this "purple elder"—from the start. Nonetheless, she'd felt it was pertinent to keep him under her thumb.

Her suspicions were all but confirmed during a discussion they'd had while convening at a private room, where the elders would often meet with acolytes for special one-on-one tutoring. It was here that they discussed the finer points of Akira's plans for the future of the monastery.

They were kneeling across from each other at a low, round, polished wooden table bearing a steaming hot kettle, fine china cups, and saucers piled with sugar lumps.