"We really aren't doing anything wrong, mister! You should better chase after the thieves that rob everyone in sight! Even children are stealing!" Misao pressed onto the guard, stepping forwards. This wasn't right! Weren't the guards there to protect the citizens, rather than bothering them and ripping them off? He's heard bad rumors of the capital and its corruption, but he never expected them to be this-<br/><br/>-bad. His eyes widened after falling into the shadow of a large figure. A figure he couldn't sort into anything - with huge mane, and the body that would strike fear into the heart of anyone who'd have even a little bit of common sense (which Misao obviously lacked). Huge. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. A similar reaction was received from the guard, who almost dropped his spear, barring his teeth at the large figure. The surprise was more than evident.<br/><br/>But then, everything fell into an even deeper shadow.<br/><br/>The silhouette, towering above them, was familiar even to the guards, who immediately backed off. A figure, garbed in black garments and mail, set atop the back of an enormous black stallion. The shadow it cast was too deep to be pierced by the sun, an ominous presence suddenly making the air thick, pressing down onto everyone's lungs and making breathing by itself difficult. Such a suffocating, cold aura.<br/>"Withdraw." the voice spoke. Cold, so cold.<br/>"Your highness...!" the guards gasped, saluting in a heartbeat, though they shivered when they laid their eyes upon the black figure. "They..."<br/>"They have done naught to provoke you. Do not make me repeat myself." he repeated.<br/>They bowed, so deep that their garments almost brushed against the ground, sinking into that shadow. Even Misao was overwhelmed by this figure, this incredible authority, breathing from it.<br/><br/>General Shiroi Hana spurred his horse on, and continued his way towards the Adachi manor, passing through the streets that seemed to part before him.<br/><br/>-----<br/><br/>Haru's hands lifted the container, holding the tea in, and picked it up, softly pouring a cup for Odette.<br/><br/>"Very well. I expect no less but a job done perfectly from one such as yourself." she spoke, and a soft smile stretched across her lips. "I suspect General Adachi to be losing his loyalty for Her Majesty. Recently, he's been executing orders - such as sending his troops to push back rebellions in the north - with a great distaste, as I have noticed. I am... Concerned that he might be plotting something against this beautiful country." Hisaki pretended to be adamant in his pride, but Haru knew he was just a meek fool that cared too much about the lives of his subordinates and wasn't willing to make sacrifices to obtain power. And that was why she surpassed...<br/><br/>She accepted the mirror with a slight bow of her head. "What a wonderful gift. Your skill in utilizing arcane arts, as this is doubtlessly a product of such, is magnificent." she commented. "And speaking of art... I may have an offer for you. Fulfill your job well, and I will present it to you - together with your rewards, off course."