“Alright!” Ryosuke Matsumoto dered with a grim determination. “Even if we face death, there will be others who will perish alongside us! Either way, we refuse to be defeated!”


    ……


    At that very moment,


    After Charlie had set the two-story building aze, he made his way back to the Ito family home.


    He followed the same path to Nanako Ito’s courtyard.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Inside, Nanako Ito was seated at the tea table, her eyes closed as she gently twisted a string of Bodhi beads. She was quietly reciting Buddhist scriptures, offering prayers for Charlie’s safety.


    Buddhism has long been a significant part of culture in both China and Japan. Since Master Jianzhen traveled eastward, the religion has seen considerable growth in Japan.


    Though there are some differences between the Buddhist practices in the two countries, the essence of chanting and prayer remainsrgely the same for believers in both.


    After an extended period of silent prayer, the incense in the burner hadpletely burned down. Noticing the fading fragrance, she opened her eyes, intending to replenish the incense, only to find Charlie sitting directly across from her.


    Startled, Nanako Ito gasped, covering her mouth, “Charlie, you… when did youe back?”


    Charlie offered a small smile, “Just a moment ago, about five seconds back.”


    “Huh?” Nanako Ito responded in disbelief. “How did I not notice you at all?”


    With a grin, Charlie exined, “I saw you were deep in prayer, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”


    Feeling a blush rise, Nanako Ito replied softly, “I was just praying for you, hoping the gods would keep you safe…”


    “Thank you!” Charlie said, still smiling.


    Nanako Ito returned a somewhat awkward smile, saying, “You saved my life, so there’s really no need to thank me for something so small…”


    Charlie replied earnestly, “I saved you from the heart, and your prayers for me are from the heart as well. Our intentions are the same, so there’s no difference in their significance.”


    With a sigh, Nanako Ito remarked, “Charlie, you truly are the most gentlemanly person I’ve ever met. You’re always so considerate of others…”


    Chuckling, Charlie said, “I’m not a gentleman, so please don’t put me on a pedestal.”


    Then, with a sense of urgency, Charlie added, “By the way, please give me your hand so I can check your injury.”<fnd043> Official source is Find★Novel</fnd043>


    Nanako Ito blushed and replied, “Charlie, are you trying to make a move on me?”


    “Yes,” Charlie nodded earnestly. “Don’t you want to take a stroll in the snow? I can help heal your injury quickly, and we can walk through the snow in the yard together. If you’re not satisfied, I can take you out!”


    “Ah?!” Nanako Ito eximed, taken aback. “Charlie, are you saying my injury will be healed soon? Before the snow melts?”


    Charlie reassured her, “You won’t have to wait for the snow to melt. If you cooperate with me, we can go for a walk in the snow together before it stops.”<h3 ss="has-text-align-center" id="chapter-list"><strong></strong>