Great Bear Wilderness maigo

A place he might have dreamed of frequenting—especially if all the women there were even half as beautiful as the one seated before him. A lady who spoke his tongue, and yet whose name rang with such foreign resonance. Shinjou was taken aback. Was she not one of their own? Perhaps it was a name chosen to charm foreigners. Though well-versed in the language of the gaijin, he found himself reluctant to even attempt pronouncing it. Naitin Garu. A curious name indeed.

I’m sorry to hear that. Truly sorry, he might have added, but his expression spoke well enough on his behalf. A weary gaze, ears folded low, and head bowed—he wore the look of a man quietly disappointed. I could have used a bit of rest after such a long journey. I must say, I’m rather impressed to hear that women made their way here unaccompanied. Or had they been accompanied, after all? He tilted an ear, listening for the answer.

But... if solitude troubles you so, Naitin Garu-san, He’d dared to say it. I would be glad to offer my company. His sly smile was thinly veiled—Shinjou was a poor deceiver.

I mean to say, as a samurai, I cannot in good conscience leave one of our own in such circumstances. How noble. I’m heading toward the coast. You could travel with me—or meet me there, if you feel like it. And with that, he inclined his head in a gesture of respect.