Through the crowd, I could see a familiar figure. Shi Fan. I once again readied my sword and prepared to defend myself. There were two guards flanking him who also jumped into ready stances.

“Yashimuro-dono. You can stop there.” He held up his hand. “I come in peace.” He continued as he moved forward.

“What is it you want?” I asked, leaving my hand on the hilt of my sword.

Shi Fan stopped and smiled. It was a natural smile, but it seemed so strange on what I had seen on his face up until now I tensed up.”Yashimuro-dono, you saved me. The creature causing all these problems has vanished, and the empire is safe. Thank you.

“Then why did your guards just try to arrest me?” I pressed, still not letting my guard down.

“They were functioning on… old orders.” He answered. “You may now rest at ease that you will not be bothered, I’ll make sure to that. The empire is in your debt.” He gave me a slow bow. “We thank you for your service once again.”

I finally let my hands drift away from my sword and returned his bow. “Thank you, Shi Fan-san. I did it for everyone in Naoshima, not just the empire.”

“Never the less, we thank you.” He said. “If once again we need your services, I know who to call.” He eyed the fresh monster corpse. “It seems that you have quite the many talents.”

I smiled in return. “You could say that.” And with that he bowed once again and walked away, his guards following. The remaining soldiers began to clean up the mess.

Well. Where to now? Ikiru asked.

“I don’t know about you, but I need a drink,” I told him and began to make my way back to my favorite place.