At The Lords<br/><br/>The guard took in what Ichirou and Yukiko stated and when the words registered that the three were from the Legions, both of their spines discovered newfound veins of iron as they straightened up even more so and came to attention.  "Forgiveness, Mirumoto-san and fellow Legionnaires.  We are humble samurai charged with a duty to protect our lord.  We did not mean any disrespect.  You are indeed very timely to arrived at such an hour."  The one who spoke softened slightly and relaxed his guard slightly as he bow slightly, his eyes not looking directly at Ichirou.<br/><br/>The other samurai though made no such token gesture and if anything looked even more annoyed by Yukiko's commentary.  However, he kept his tongue still although a curt *tch* escaped his lips as he continued to watch them.  The first samurai looked and smiled. "I beg forgiveness for my brother samurai here.  Ikawa here takes his duties very seriously, he does not mean any discourtesies."  He then turned to push open the door they were standing guard in front of revealing a small slice of a manicured garden laid out in the courtyard.  "Please enter, I'll escort you to meet our lord immediately."<br/><br/>~~~<br/><br/>Defenses<br/><br/>The functionary kept his eyes low as he replied, "Aside from the bandits, we have not had any particular troubles recently.  This town is relatively sheltered by the surrounding woods and there aren't any major groups operating near us."  The functionary paused for a moment to hem and haw for a moment digging through his mind for any other tidbits.  "The most recent trouble was iin regards to a wild boar that was rampaging through the woods.  The ashigaru drove it off though..."<br/><br/>~~~<br/><br/>Sake Works<br/><br/>"Very good, Suzume-sama."  Kosugi bowed again as he acquiesced to Hachi's request.  "I'll have one of the workers take you to Reiji.  As for the hassling..."  He was not one for the typical high language one heard in the courts and he was much more rude and rustic.  Much like any other peasant really.  "There were a few of them.  They have been increasing recently though, but although some say it isn't the bandits at all but the spirit of a boar haunts the woods and strikes at those who trespass in its territory."<br/><br/>~~~<br/><br/>Village<br/><br/>The man paused for a moment and shifted gears quickly to address Kai.  "Of course, we have a humble shrine dedicated to the Fortunes, Kai-san.  There is only a single priest who tends to it.  I can lead you there if you wish."<br/><br/>He then turned to flash his smile at Riel and Misaki.  "After stabling your horses, I'll have a few of my men prepare a sedan for both of you.  It would not do for samurai such as yourselves to have to travel by foot to the shrine if you wish to pay your respects there as well."  The man rubbed his hands as he awaited their response.  He seemed eager enough to try to please the three of them.