The morning had blossomed into a scorching afternoon. It had rained heavily the night before, but already not a single trace of it could be found, and the dirt was once more cracking under the heat.
They were in the courtyard, all men of importance, with servants buzzing around them, tightening buckles here and saddling their horses, ensuring that everything was in place. No matter where he stood, Gengyo continued to find himself in the way. The servants never told him to move – they would not dare – but their gazes as they stood there awkwardly waiting for him to move was enough bother in and of itself.
His conversation with Jikouji was continually interrupted for that reason, and as the wind whipped up more noise, it became nigh on impossible to hear the old man speak.
"Will ten guards be enough?" He heard Jikouji say at last, having to shout it.
