The next morning, my phone buzzed with several notifications.
With my eyes still heavy from sleep, I picked it up and slid my finger across the screen.
My face tensed as I read the messages.
[Notice from the Bank of Japan]
Dear customer, we have detected a freeze on all your bank accounts due to the inheritance update regarding Mr. Hiroshi Kiryuu. For more information, please contact your financial advisor.
I frowned.
A freeze...? What the hell was that supposed to mean?
I opened my banking app and tried accessing my accounts, but the same message appeared on all of them:
"Access restricted. Please consult your bank."
No way.
I sat up abruptly on the sofa, a chill running down my spine. I tried to make a transfer—failed. Tried to withdraw money from another account—failed again.
On impulse, I threw on a jacket and headed to the nearest café.
Once there, I ordered a black coffee and handed over my credit card.
The cashier swiped it through the terminal.
"Transaction declined."
"Could you try again?" I asked calmly.
He nodded and repeated the process.
Nothing.
"I'm sorry, sir, but your card has been blocked," he said cautiously. "Would you like to try another one?"
I didn't have another.
I felt irritation rising, but I kept my composure.
"Don't worry," I replied, sliding the card back into my wallet. "Looks like I forgot to move some funds."
I stepped out of the café with a bitter taste in my mouth.
So this is what my family had planned.
Cutting me off completely.
Not a single yen left behind.
My income came from managing some family businesses, but without access to the main account, everything was frozen.
Now that I thought about it…
I pulled out my phone and checked the calendar.
"Rent due: 2 days left."
Damn it.
If I didn't pay on time, I'd be kicked out of my apartment.
In that moment, the image of my grandfather's letter—etched into my memory—flashed vividly before me.
The farm...
My jaw clenched.
I wasn't stupid. I knew this wasn't some random coincidence.
My grandfather didn't leave me money because he knew this would happen.
He left me the farm because—
It was the one thing they couldn't take from me.
I closed my eyes and sighed in resignation.
It looked like I didn't have a choice.
If I wanted to survive…
I had to find out what the hell "Spring Charm Farm" really was.
The next day, I woke up to the sound of my alarm.
I hadn't slept well. My mind kept running in circles, trying to find a solution, but no matter how many times I went over it, the conclusion was always the same.
I had no money.
No access to my accounts.
And in two days, I'd lose my apartment.
I dragged myself to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Dark circles. A face etched with fatigue.
After a quick shower, I slipped into some comfortable clothes and headed to the living room. My grandfather's letter was still there, resting on the table beside the key that came with it.
I stared at them for a few seconds, then grabbed my phone. I searched for "Spring Charm Farm" online, but found nothing. It didn't show up on maps or in any property records.
I scowled.
It was like it didn't exist.
If I really wanted answers, there was only one thing left to do.
Go to the address in the letter.
Outside, sunlight filtered through the buildings of Tokyo. I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm.
"There's no point in staying here," I muttered.
I packed a small backpack with essentials—just enough clothes for a few days, hygiene items, and my phone with its charger. I glanced around my apartment one last time. I didn't know if I'd be coming back.
Before leaving, I picked up the letter again and slipped it into my bag with the key.
With each step toward the train station, the unease in my chest grew.
I had no idea what I'd find at that farm.
But one thing was certain:
This journey would change my life forever.