I followed Yuko to the main hall, where everyone had already gathered. All the women were wearing the same elegant black kimonos with beautiful golden patterns; they had arrived in the fabric, hugging their bodies perfectly, accentuating their curves.
Kasumi noticed me immediately and walked over with a worried expression.
"Jack… are you alright? You didn't get any burn marks from the hot tea, right?"
I smiled gently and shook my head. "Oka-san, don't worry. I'm completely fine. Mrs. Saki helped me cool down quickly, so there's not even a red spot."
Kasumi and Tomiko both sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness…" Tomiko muttered. "We were really worried."
I excused myself briefly and went to my room to change. I put on the sleek black yukata Saki had given me, adjusted it properly, and walked back out.
