The Guardian Fox

Two

After walking around the citadel with him, I dismissed him while Konnosuke and I went back to my room for paperwork issues. I dreaded it ever since my last job working for a logistics company. Not exactly 'hate', but I do think that paperwork aren't supposed to exist.

After the long explanation, the secretary fox left, leaving myself to enjoy my free time till dinner. A party of six must be gathered before I could go for my first battle, which means I'll have to take quite a time to forge and train them.

Before leaving, Konnosuke told me to read the stack of books that he picked out in order for me to pick up the routine. Sighing, I took a look at those books which seemed endless to finish. A stack of books wrote about the different formations while another stack wrote about the different sword types and their origins. Taking a book from that particular stack, I begun to search about Kogitsunemaru's origin.

Forged by Sanjou Munechika under the blessing of the fox deity Fushimi Inari... He was bestowed the name of 'Kokaji'... Swords that are named 'Sanjou'... Imanotsurugi, Ishikirimaru, Mikazuki Munechika and Iwatooshi...

Processing the information, I tried to memorise as much as I could. I didn't want to leave a bad impression on every new sword, since I was afraid that they might stay away from me like a monster. Shaking my head, I shrugged off the thoughts and continued reading the other books about troops, manpower management and other duties.

~~

Nightfall.

"Nushi-sama! Dinner is ready!" The tachi knocked on the door, but no response was made.

"Apologies for my intrusion." He slid the door wide enough for him to step in, only to realise that his dear master had fell asleep with books sprawled all over the table. He came closer to the table and glanced at the books. How could she possibly read all of this in a short period of time?

"...Nushi-sama? Please wake up..."

After feeling that someone was beside me, I opened my eyes to see the tachi sitting beside me. gently shaking me on the shoulder. He had a change of clothes, now wearing a grey yukata tied with a dark coloured belt.

Chasing my dreams out, I realised a haori was draped around me.

"Nushi-sama, have your rest after a scrumptious dinner. Shall we go?"

His hand was soon felt around on my hand, as he led me to the dining room. I hid my surprise under my stoic face. The heavenly smell of food became stronger as we came close to the dining room. On the table sprawled a wide array of Japanese food, from ramen to nabe (hotpots). It was certainly a feast, as I gulped. Come to think of it, I didn't eat for the whole day till now. Not fainting from hunger was certainly a miracle.