Soma watched the sun spread its thin rays over the waking city of Tokyo. He hadn't gone to bed, let alone slept. The click of the door brought him out of his reverie.

“The director will see you now, Noguro-san”, announced the secretary's flute-like voice.

“Thank you.”

He inclined his head. Now he would have to be alert and persuasive...

He entered the office and the door closed softly behind him. He then bowed deeply to his superior. The latter stood up.

“Well, Noguro-kun, why this early morning visit?”

“Forgive me for bothering you like this, Mr. Director, but this... It's about your proposal...”

“Ah, France, what a shame you declined. It was a very good opportunity.”

“Precisely, it's about that... I would like to ask a favor, Mr. Director.”

“A favor?” The little man raised an eyebrow then sat back down, indicating for Soma to do the same.

“I'm listening.”

“Mr. Director”, Soma began, having suddenly lost all of his previously prepared speech, “I've been thinking again and... I would be very honored if you would allow me to take over this position in Paris.”

The man watched him, impassive.

“I thought it was impossible for you.”

“That's true, but let's just say the situation has changed abruptly. What kept me here now compels me to go to France.”

“So it's for personal reasons that you want to return to France?”

“No... Yes...”

He lowered his head.

“Something serious has happened to a person who is very dear to me and... I want to be there, just in case. I feel partly responsible. But apart from this trip, my personal problems will have no impact on my work.”

He tried to steady his momentarily faltering voice.

“On the contrary, immersing myself and giving myself entirely to this responsibility will help me bear the rest.”

“You turned down this offer four days ago; now Tsukeda-san is in charge.”

“Mr. Director, you said yourself that I was better suited to this position. I know France, its system, and I have some connections there. It's a spirit so different from ours; if you didn't know it was necessary to have practiced it, you wouldn't have considered me! Tsukeda-san doesn't know France, or West in general. If, on reflection, you think I'm too young, then make me his assistant, and I'll show you what I'm worth.”

“We don't need more than one person.”

Soma clenched his fists, lowering his eyes. No... This position in Paris, which he had rejected because he knew his presence there was unwanted, was now his salvation. But his decision was made. Whatever the cost, position or not, he would leave.

“You are aware that in any case, you will be under the authority of our French manager. Working in France does not mean neglecting rigor, and your actions will be reported and judged as they should be.”

Soma raised his head, not daring to believe it.

“Mr. Director, if you trust me, I swear you will not regret it.”

The man stood up, and Soma hurried to do the same.

“I have no doubt you'll be keen to earn this favor that was granted to you at the expense of your elder.”

“Mr. Director...”

The latter stopped him with a gesture.

“When can you leave?”

Soma hesitated for a moment.

“A... If, if I can abuse your kindness again, Mr. Director, I would like to leave immediately.”

This time the director appeared slightly surprised, then looked at him, curious.

“I had thought, in case you refused me this honor of representing you in France... I've never taken any days off, and, exceptionally... But if it's possible, then I might as well get to work right away. You yourself said it was urgent. Everything is in order here. I keep an eye on it regularly, and I make sure again this morning that my work could easily be resumed in case of absence.”

“Well, I see everything was planned anyway.”

“Sir...”

“You don't seem to have had much rest since yesterday... Try to save your strength because you're going to need it in Paris.”

Soma bowed again and followed the little man to the door.

“You knew the Demondaruboa, didn't you? I remember now.”

Soma jumped, then lowered his head.

“Yes... I've known Seishi-kun since Chûgakkô, and they welcomed me into their home when I entered daigaku. They were very generous towards me. His voice broke again. Sei... shi-kun, he added hastily, was more than a brother to me.”

A firm hand squeezed his shoulder for a moment.

“Go on...” whispered the director before opening the door. "Convey my support to them. Demondaruboa is a very honorable man; we have had some dealings.”

Soma bowed several times again.

“Yes, Mr. Director. I am very honored by your trust; I will not disappoint you. Thank you very much...”

The director called the secretary and instructed her to take care of all the necessary formalities for Soma's departure. Then he asked the latter to give all the necessary instructions to Yamaguichi, his successor, before returning to his office where his share of pressing business awaited him…

Soma returned to his own tiny office—but at least he had the luxury of one—and collapsed into the armchair.

It was done... He was returning to France, blindly, with no place to stay, to a position whose content he only vaguely knew and for an indefinite period... But none of this was the source of the terrible anxiety gripping him at the thought of what he would look for there... And what he would find. He clenched his fist. If he had been able to do so, he would already be on the plane... But he would be there in a few hours and he hadn't even seen Tsukeda-san, who knew all the details about the professional purpose of this departure. He must not be idle to inform and to be informed himself, and be free to go into exile again.