The next day, Alice finds Obo at the designated spot. Obo asks politely that she wear a blindfold as he leads her through the concrete labyrinth. They soon find themselves entering the dojo space, and Alice removes her blindfold.

I see Alice and Obo entering the space! She's taking in the sights just like I did when I got here.

I walk outside and greet Alice and Obo. Then, stepping inside, we sit down around the dinner table. Soon, we find every member of the dojo sitting in anticipation. Now that I have my bag, I pull out the bag of Dodona seeds and pour them onto the table.

Mito eyes them hungrily, with a glint of greed in his eyes. Kina looks at them with genuine interest, hoping to unlock their secrets.

I grab one seed and a shovel from the shed outback. Everyone follows me outside to observe if what I say is true. Then, with Master Shiki's permission, we choose a spot to plant the first seed.

The seed, firmly buried under a pile of soil, begins to sprout. Everyone gathers around and watches the process in awe. The tree unravels in a beautifully natural way, extending more branches towards the sunshine than the shade. Its curls and natural formations look to be painted by a talented artist.

A while later, after the tree has finished growing, we all head inside, except for Kina. She stays behind to study the tree, hoping to be the first to fully unlock its potential. She's a medic in nature and a scholar at heart.

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Alice and I walk around the garden that Shiki has carefully raised, and she's finally able to ask the questions that have been weighing on her. I tell her about her father, his regrets, and his life up until now.

Alice: "It's my biggest regret, you know? My sister and I allowed ourselves to be manipulated into doubting our father's innocence. There was a time when I was terrified of my father. Only later, when I realized my mother and step-father's real nature, did I fully understand what had happened. Once I had broken free of their deception, I wondered how I could have doubted my father in the first place. My earliest memories are of him being a loving and caring father. My sister realized the truth far before me because she's much older. I think she knew the truth as soon as mother brought another man into the house. I just wish that we could have him back."

I stand in silence for a moment to ponder my next words. I don't want to break her heart, but I don't want to give her false hope either.

Adachi: "I'm sure there's nothing Kiichi's heart desires more than being a father to you once more. I've known him my whole life, and I'm sure his biggest regret is not putting up more of a fight for you. He's afraid of returning because he doesn't think anything is waiting for him. But, if he knows that you two want him back, he might just return."

Alice cries so hard that she shows no sign of being able to respond to me. Then, she throws herself into my arms, and I allow it. There's nobody else for her to lean on right now. If I have to be that person, so be it.

Adachi: "I plan to oust your mother and step-father for their activities. I'm sure many people have already realized your father's innocence. He grew up here where everybody knew him. All we need is a little proof to remove them from power, and then your dad can return. However, I can't do this alone. I'm going to need your help. Can I count on you?"

Alice, still unable to speak, nods her head and tightens her grip around me. She's lived in a luxurious prison her entire life with nobody to parent her other than her sister. Compared to that, growing up on Mount Nova was an easy life. She needs someone to count on, and I hope I can fill that role.