Blackfeather Woods 負けるが勝ち

Awaiting his lord’s return and having ventured on a reconnaissance through the surrounding lands, Shinjou had made his way back to the spot where he had been left, still accompanied by that lanky fellow, Lorroakan. He now found himself feeling less like a samurai and more like a reluctant babysitter. With a long and exaggerated sigh meant to convey his growing irritation, he settled down a short distance away, passing the young man without a word, idly gnawing on a femur he had picked up during his excursion.

But at last, relief came—Masa-dono had returned, bearing most excellent news. A lady. A true lady, this time. It was about time! Shinjou straightened at once to pay his respects to his lord, then turned his gaze toward the newcomer, introduced as a lady rather than a courtesan. At this revelation, his ears drooped ever so slightly, momentarily weighed down by the burden of disappointment.

Lady Kaeda. He bowed deeply, his nose mere inches from the ground, a show of deference befitting one of noble station. I am Shinjou Hirohiko of Kodaina Tochi. It is an honor to have you among us, he declared before rising once more.