Sayo had never imagined that after arriving in the Imperial Capital, she would have a chance to join an official organization like the Imperial Capital Guard.
After all, the Imperial Guard was responsible for maintaining order in the Capital. Not just anyone could join—especially outsiders like Sayo and Ieyasu, who weren't even residents of the Capital.
Outsiders weren't even considered during recruitment.
Yet now, with Count Kaven's help, they actually had a chance to join the Imperial Guard. For Sayo, the surprise was overwhelming.
To be honest, she had already prepared herself to enlist in the army.
These days, if one wanted to make something of themselves, joining the military and fighting in wars was practically the only remaining path. Every other route had long since been closed off.
But enlisting wasn't as simple as it sounded.
Even though Ieyasu and their other companion, Tatsumi, who had yet to arrive, were quite capable fighters, whether they could survive to the end was still a massive question mark.
Now that they had the chance to join the Imperial Guard, there was absolutely no reason to refuse.
Still, Sayo turned her gaze toward Yoriichi Tsugikuni, waiting for her Teacher to decide.
If Yoriichi agreed, they would go. If he refused, they would decline.
Since they had already accepted him as their Teacher figure, both Sayo and Ieyasu intended to follow his instructions as much as possible.
"The Imperial Guard, huh?"
Yoriichi glanced at Sayo's hopeful expression, then smiled at Kaven.
"Since this is Mr. Kaven's recommendation, then after we finish our meal, Sayo, Ieyasu, and I will go take a look."
Yoriichi could understand Kaven's intentions.
Although he didn't fully understand why Aria's family's attitude had changed so drastically, it was clear that they weren't particularly eager for him to continue staying here.
Compared to Yoriichi and Sayo, however, Ieyasu looked somewhat reluctant to leave Aria.
In less than a single day of interaction, Ieyasu had already fallen completely.
Was my brother like this back then as well?
Watching Aria, who was clearly not fond of Ieyasu deep down yet still treating him gently, Yoriichi shook his head internally.
Part of the reason Yoriichi had left the Tsugikuni household without hesitation after his mother passed away was precisely because of this.
In large noble families, genuine familial affection was often almost nonexistent.
Back then, Yoriichi had immediately recognized that his father disliked him, and as a result, he had barely spoken for years.
"Yes, I'll write a letter of introduction for you shortly."
"When Captain Ogre of the Imperial Guard sees it, he'll arrange for Mr. Yoriichi, Miss Sayo, and Mr. Ieyasu to report for duty."
Yoriichi's understanding attitude pleased Kaven greatly.
Dealing with intelligent people was comfortable, unlike those clueless commoners who couldn't read the room.
"Brother Yoriichi, Sister Sayo, Brother Ieyasu…"
"Once you're settled, Aria will come visit you when I have time."
Seeing Yoriichi agree to her father's arrangement, Aria was genuinely happy for once.
In response, Yoriichi could only fill his mind with question marks. The inconsistencies and strange behavior from Aria's family were simply too numerous, and he didn't know what to make of them.
---
"What are you still looking back for?"
"Ieyasu, you're seriously embarrassing."
That afternoon, Yoriichi and the others left the mansion carrying Kaven's letter of introduction.
Seeing Ieyasu repeatedly turning back, Sayo couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"Aria is the daughter of a Count. You'd better not entertain any unrealistic fantasies."
"We're not even from the same world, let alone the same level."
In just one day, Sayo's opinion of her childhood friend Ieyasu had plummeted dramatically.
There was no helping it, his behavior had been downright embarrassing. From beginning to end, he had stared at Count Kaven's daughter Aria with a lovestruck expression, completely unaware of how obvious and intense his gaze had been.
"Sayo, I don't agree with that."
"How are we not from the same world as Aria?"
"Didn't she address us as her brother and sister?"
Hearing Sayo's sarcasm, Ieyasu felt a bit dissatisfied.
After all, up until just now, he had been fantasizing about a happy married life with Aria.
Then, grinning mischievously at Yoriichi, he added,
"Besides, once we learn Teacher's Breathing Techniques, we'll definitely be something."
"After I succeed, can't I pursue the gentle and beautiful Miss Aria then?"
It was obvious that Aria had left an extremely favorable impression on Ieyasu.
"Yeah, right."
"You? Forget it."
Sayo rolled her eyes again, then took two quick steps forward, lightly hopping to grab Yoriichi's arm. In a slightly coquettish tone, she said,
"Teacher~!"
"I think you need to properly educate Ieyasu. He turns into a statue whenever he sees a pretty girl."
If Aria had maxed out Ieyasu's affection in just one day, then Yoriichi had clearly done the same with Sayo.
"What's wrong?"
"By the way, Sayo, Ieyasu, did you arrange a meeting place with your companion?"
Looking at Sayo acting spoiled, Yoriichi chuckled softly.
Like a grandfather patting his granddaughter, he gently rubbed Sayo's head.
"Once we report to the Imperial Guard, we'll probably have daily duties."
"There might not be much time left for you two to search for your companion."
Just from the name alone, the Imperial Guard clearly wasn't a place where one could could be lazy casually.
Seeing that Sayo and Ieyasu seemed to have forgotten something important, Yoriichi had no choice but to remind them that their companion Tatsumi had yet to arrive in the Capital to meet them.
"Hehe… Teacher, let's report to the Imperial Guard first."
"The situation was urgent at the time, so I didn't tell Tatsumi a meeting place."
Hearing Yoriichi's reminder, Sayo stuck out her tongue sheepishly.
Too many things had happened since yesterday.
She had actually forgotten all about their other companion, Tatsumi.
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