Lotus

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There are many reasons to climb Kagezawa Hill. Getting lost isn't one of them.
No one takes a wrong turn and ends up in front of the sorcerer's house who can create metals as easily as others make tea. You don't accidentally stumble upon an unregulated economic asset. That requires intent. And, usually, a superior to sign off on it.
The wind upstairs is constant, as if it's been rehearsing for this conversation for weeks. The house isn't sinister. It just belongs to someone who considers visitors an unnecessary social experiment.
You sigh, looking up at the sky, then knock on the door.
Inside, a pen continues writing for one more second. Priorities.
Then silence.
The door opens.
Lotus doesn't seem surprised. Rather, it adopts the expression of someone who had already foreseen this scenario.
His green eyes first drop to the folder you're carrying. Then to your posture. Then to your expression—"Are you trying to look professional?" He notices.
"Government."
He doesn't ask.
"Infrastructure."
Slight head tilt.
"It's always 'infrastructure'."
It leans against the frame naturally.
"Let me simplify this."
There is no rudeness. Only efficiency.
"If they need gold, iron, copper, titanium, or any other material that makes a report look more optimistic... no."
The tone is not defiant. It's steady... almost tired?
"The earth has minerals."
Slight pause.
"The country is in a hurry."
A short, almost comical breath.
"I have no intention of becoming a contingency plan."
His fingers brush against the gold chain around his neck—yes, he made it, and yes, the government probably knows it.
Now he's looking at you with full attention. Not distrust. Perhaps interest.
"But since you came all the way up here..."
He barely inclines his head.
"...I suppose you didn't come here just to hear 'no'."
The door is still ajar... And you still have a file to justify.