Published: July 4, 2025
The two arrived at the mansion right at three o'clock.
It seemed the arrangements had been made, as they were guided inside the mansion.
A servant leading the way knocked on the door, and the two entered.
"Ah, welcome!"
The man who greeted them was around fifty years old, with dark skin, black hair, and half of it graying.
He seemed to have been working.
On his desk, there were numerous documents laid out.
After directing the two to a reception set, the man took a seat as well.
"I am Boger Wong Mogok. My daughter has made an impudent request..."
"No... My name is Abel, from the Naitorei Kingdom in the Central Nations."
"And I am Ryo."
"Ah, I know of you well."
"...Well?"
Abel tilted his head in confusion.
"Actually, how should I put this... I am involved in national intelligence activities. I hold the position of the Director of the Western General Bureau."
"I see. So it was the intelligence agents who were secretly protecting her."
Abel nodded in response to Director Mogok's words.
At that moment, there was a knock.
Then, a woman entered, carrying tea for four.
The woman was that girl.
She elegantly placed the cups down.
Once she finished, she bowed slightly.
"I am Mifa, daughter of Boger Wong Mogok. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Abel of the Naitorei Kingdom. Your manners are impressive."
"Thank you."
Mifa said shyly as she sat down next to Director Mogok.
"Actually, Mifa will become a maid for the princess in a few months. Therefore, she has been training in various etiquette."
"I see. So her desire to become stronger with the sword is related to that?"
"Yes. My duty is to protect the princess."
Mifa clearly stated in response to Abel's question.
"Hmm... I will have to hear more about that later."
With that, Abel frowned slightly and continued.
"Though I said I would take on a disciple, I must admit I have never had one before. Moreover, I do not know how long I will be in this town, nor how much freedom of action I will be allowed."
As he said this, he glanced at Director Mogok.
Then he continued.
"Of course, the sword techniques and the principle of the sword I have are likely different from what you know. So, I would like you to continue the training, including your forms, as you have been doing."
"Yes."
"I hope to teach you through practical experience. Therefore, I would like to conduct mock battles and share what I notice there. I think that would be a good format to start with, what do you think?"
"Yes! I look forward to it!"
Mifa stood up and bowed deeply.
Watching this with a smile from the side, Director Mogok spoke up.
"Currently, you are both staying at an inn, but please consider staying in this mansion. It would make it easier for Mifa's training, wouldn't it?"
"Father! Thank you so much!"
Mifa said happily at Director Mogok's offer.
"Is that truly alright?"
"Of course. Please consider it your home and make yourselves comfortable."
At that moment, Abel seemed to realize something, and he said softly, "Ah, can Ryo also intrude?"
"Of course. In fact, I received permission from Daimyo Sue Koo to allow both of you to stay here, provided Lord Abel wishes for it. So, please feel free."
"Thank you."
Here, for the first time, Ryo spoke up and bowed his head.
Ryo generally does not talk much in front of people he meets for the first time.
Unless compelled to speak, he often sits quietly enjoying his drink in situations like this where he isn't the main character.
He is a perceptive mage.
As Mifa guided the two after leaving Director Mogok's office, she smiled and said, "I will inform my mother that you are staying. Please follow me."
Following her with smiles were Ryo and Abel.
With a worried expression, Ryo whispered to Abel in a barely audible voice.
"Abel, Mifa's father is understanding, but I fear her mother will be furious like a raging fire, and we may find ourselves in a predicament."
"Huh?"
Abel responded in a bewildered voice to Ryo's words.
Ignoring Abel, Ryo continued, "I'm sure her mother dislikes that Mifa is so absorbed in sword practice without engaging in normal pastimes, and she might hate you for supporting that... it’s possible she could even poison our food."