"Ichiro, it's great to see you again. Lord Yuki, no, your father has requested me to bring you to him once you return home." Hiromi said, wearing the same old hairpin Ichiro gave her as a gift all those years ago.
"Then I guess I should go. We both know it's a terrible idea to leave my father waiting."
Hiromi nodded her head and accompanied Ichiro to his father's room. Both of them stopped and looked at each other.
"When do you think we should tell your father? You know, about us?" Hiromi said, moving her body back and fourth out of nervousness.
"We could always just tell him now?" Ichiro said, going to open the door but being stopped by Hiromi pulling him back.
"Don't be stupid! You know how he is with lower class people." She said, holding Ichiro tightly.
Ichiro gave her a worried look for a moment before eventually sighing and giving her a reassuring smile.
"Alright, I won't tell him." Ichiro said, breaking out of her clutches.
Ichiro waved goodbye to her as he entered his father's room. He shut the door behind him and walked over to where Lord Yuki was sitting. As usually, his room was a mess. It's been this way ever since Alice and Ichiro's mom died.
"You and Hiromi have been rather close lately. I hope you aren't doing anything you're not supposed to." Lord Yuki said with a stern look.
"And if I am?" Ichiro said, not letting his father's look get to him.
Lord Yuki let out an annoyed snort before flipping the page of the book that was in front of him.
"There's been sightings of bandits lurking around the edge of the cliffs. I want you to check it out and deal with them if there are any."
Ichiro let out an annoyed sigh before turning around and walking out of the room. He stopped right at the doorway and turned his head just enough so he could see his father in the corner of his eye. Without saying a word, he opened the door and walked out.
"I'm coming with you in this mission." Hiromi said, poking his side which caused Ichiro to flinch.
"You sure? It could be dangerous." Ichiro joked. He's seen Hiromi in action and knew she was perfectly capable of protecting herself.
Hiromi hit him in the arm and laughed at Ichiro's warning. Ichiro smiled and began laughing as well.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Hiromi said, grabbing onto Ichiro's hand and dragging him out of the manor.