From the second story of the shrine tower, Yosuke watched the troops outside the city, in formation and ready to march. Finally. He felt about ten pounds lighter with relief. His nerves might not have been able to take it had Risako, Totane and General Yko decided to stay during this pivotal moment, despite Yosuke begging them to do so. That said, he’d done a good job leading them on.

He’d wished them all the best, and he meant it. Matters in Forgery would keep their overlord’s attention away from here, and prolong the Republic’s advancement. Tsugo moved far too fast. Then again, if it were true that the Empress herself had gone against them in battle…

Yosuke ran his hand along the wood windowsill, watching the troops leave for the second time. No matter. The Empress would be a problem for Forgery more than Agriculture province. He hoped.

Now he could return to his former concerns. Thankfully, Risako had been the only one among the returned to deeply look into recent events. Her twin was dead, and Totane probably still wallowed in it. As for their River guests, the one named Aiya seemed like a loner, spending half her time here by herself. Still, he wouldn’t underestimate her. She was the offspring of Arusuke after all. Her brother, Koji, seemed the least troublesome, spending most of his free time around his brother Irashida and learning affairs. Irashida, now he was someone to watch out for.

Yosuke recalled when the boy had snuck up on him and Shozhu in River province. He’d undoubtedly been following Shozhu without the oaf’s knowledge, playing ignorant when he’d emerged from the foliage and overgrowth. He was cunning.

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Heavy footsteps behind him. Squinting, Yosuke turned his head halfway to peek. The footfalls came to a stop at the top of the steps, accompanied by heavy breathing. Lord Bunta huffed behind him, hand against the staircase wall.

“That damn patriarch and his pretentious idea of proper transit. I…swear to the heavens…one day he’ll kneel in penance for crafting such a perilous passageway in this holy place! Fah! Such a paucity of goodwill in this sorry province!”

“Quit your grumbling,” Yosuke said, unmoved. Annoyance crept upon him. This man, he bitches more than Fuda. “What is it you came to tell me?”

“Yes, Yosuke-shen.” Bunta caught his breath. “It pertains to Takasa Irashida. I ponder whether the boy’s proximity to Lady Cheri is too close. We can only pray that he does not become too…prying.”

Yosuke thought for a moment. “Do what you can to take care of it. It shouldn’t be too hard for you, now that his siblings are out of the picture. Just please…do not make yourself too obvious.” Tajehida Yosuke rubbed his eyepatch and turned fully to the jiggly Bunta. “As for me, I’ll be investigating local and incoming tally-markers for the upcoming vote. We wouldn’t want Lord Kenzen to be displeased.”