"Know me?" Blake didn't know what to say after hearing Shino's words and just asked that question unconsciously.
Shino gave a slight smile before turning around and starting to walk following the route that would take her to the village inn. Blake didn't have to think much and just followed her, he was still curious, but then a quick memory came to his mind causing him not to ask any more questions and just follow Shino.
Nothing unforeseen happened during the course, the sunlight indicating that it was a little past noon was in full swing, the spring breeze carried with it a light fragrance that was really relaxing, and the sounds of the town quite lively indicating that it was a good day like any other.
The structure of the inn slowly appeared before them as they approached, Shino kept saying nothing while only her back was visible to Blake, she smoothly entered the place crossing the small wooden bridge that divided the building from the outside, Blake did the same thing, and to his surprise, there seemed to be no one there at the time.
Shino this time saw him again and made a simple gesture pointing to the stairs that led to the upper floor of the place while she went up at a somewhat hasty pace. Blake still didn't ask any more questions, so, following in his master's footsteps, he delicately climbed the steps.
The upper floor did not seem to hide anything, at first glance you could see what appeared to be several rooms that would surely be used by guests, there was also what appeared to be a seating area that anyone could use. Blake stared around for a few moments, but the figure of Shino entering one of the back rooms didn't escape his attention.
Blake continued down the long hallway without really caring what was expecting, he could hear a few faint murmurs as he approached, and once he reached the door frame and stepped inside, the scene before him was enough to raise his curiosity again at the same time that a voice that he had heard recently entered his ears.
"Eh, what are you doing here, brother Blake?" As Blake entered, his figure was quickly identified by the same boy he had met earlier this morning. Ragna now also had a curious look on his face and he couldn't help but ask that question, but before Blake answered, his gaze kept taking in the new sight before him.
The room was practically empty ignoring the particular furniture around it, in the middle was a small table almost touching the ground, and around it, some cushions pretending to be the chairs for those present.
Shino had already taken a seat in one of these, next to her were both Sakuya and Pia who also looked at Blake while giving him a simple greeting, Ragna was also in that same place taking a seat which was enough for Blake will wonder what he was doing there, but what caught his attention the most was the girl who was right in front of Shino.
She had hair as dark as night gathered in a simple ponytail, and on her forehead, you could see some kind of red teardrop-shaped symbol that was impossible not to notice. Her eyes the same color as her hair showed a monotonous expression that at that moment she was totally focused on Blake, her clothes were quite similar to those of Shino and Sakuya, she was wearing a pink kimono accompanied by purple accessories as well as a scarf around her neck of the same color and some artifacts on her arms that surely, they were to protect themselves. Blake watched her for a few moments, still having no idea who she really was, but if he had to say anything, it was that this girl conveyed a feeling that quickly appeared in Blake's mind.
'She... She must be incredibly strong.' It could be said that Blake was no longer the same beginner as before, he felt that his knowledge of the world had already expanded enough and especially what had to do with the runic path and the magic, so when he noticed the feeling that girl conveyed, he knew that he should not underestimate her since she was probably stronger than him.
The silence that had appeared in the room seemed like it would last a bit longer, but since Blake hadn't answered Ragna's question, this itself caused some curiosity to show in Sakuya.
"Have you met yet?" Sakuya had her view switching back and forth between Blake and Ragna waiting for a response until the latter spoke first.
"Yeah, I met brother Blake this morning at his farm, I didn't know he was the person you were talking about." Ragna didn't hesitate to give a summary of how they met.
They all listened intently at the same time as Pia seemed to be pouring some tea into cups that she had just brought into the room before saying goodbye since she wasn't going to let her work in the baths do itself.
"So that was it... I remember that I had told you not to escape on your own." For the first time, the voice of that girl could be heard as she reproached Ragna for his actions and her tone became more and more serious.
Ragna didn't even say anything else as he seemed to be accepting his scolding by lowering his head a little, this made Shino smile a little, and then she felt that it was the perfect moment to start.
She indicated to Blake that he also takes a seat and he did not take long to do so, the characteristic silence was present again, but everyone knew that he would not hesitate for long.
"I'm very happy to see you again." Shino's voice really seemed to express a characteristic joy while those words were directed at that girl.
"Sigh... I'm not sure I'm deserving of your thanks, but I must say that I'm happy to see you too, Shino." That girl's expression had lightened a bit as a small smile formed on her face the moment, she said all this so that later Shino's voice would sound again.
"Ufufu, there is a lot to talk about, but before that... The Disciple Shinonome pays her respect... It's an honor to see you again, Master Mei."