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Chapter 28 - Chapter Twenty-eight: The Sanctum of Broken Dream

Inside one of the grand pavilions that graced the estate, Lord Yoshiwara led the nameless knight deeper into the hallowed sanctum. With every step, the serene view of the natural landscape gave way to an entirely different scene. In this chamber, the walls were adorned with countless scrolls, each bearing mysterious characters that were foreign to the knight. These scrolls were meticulously arranged along the lengthy hallways, their secrets unveiled only to the curious.

In the dim-lit corridors, cryptic scrolls adorned the walls, leading them swiftly towards a door aglow with flickering candlelight. The wooden floor, scattered with candles resembling a celestial constellation, guided their path. The nameless knight, enraptured by the silent allure of the ancient writings, faced an imminent peril as the hem of his kimono flirted dangerously close with a wayward flame. With a graceful yet urgent dance, he deftly avoided catastrophe, rescuing his attire from the clutches of the hungry fire. Lord Yoshiwara, a silent observer, shot a knowing glance, cautioning against any disturbance that might provoke the candles' wrath. The air crackled with both the mystical aura of the scrolls and the urgency to navigate this perilous passage unscathed.

Nameless Knight couldn't help but wonder. If Lord Yoshiwara had foreseen the risk, why hadn't he removed these candles beforehand? The answer eluded him like the enigmatic symbols on the scrolls.

Setting aside that peculiar thought, Nameless Knight's attention returned to Lord Yoshiwara, who proceeded to open the double wooden doors. The hinges groaned and creaked in protest as if the act of opening this portal had disturbed a slumbering realm. A palpable shift in the atmosphere washed over the knight as the doors parted, and an unsettling sense of foreboding enveloped him.

"Don't worry. This is just my armory," the lord declared, beckoning the knight to step inside. The heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a vast room filled with a breathtaking array of weapons and armor from different eras. The knight's eyes widened in surprise at the sight.

Lord Yoshiwara stepped into the room, his presence commanding respect and intrigue. He observed the knight's reaction with a hint of amusement, knowing that the sheer variety of weaponry on display was enough to boggle the mind. Blades of all shapes and sizes hung proudly on the walls, their steel glinting in the ambient light. It was a formidable collection that could lead one to believe that Lord Yoshiwara was preparing for war. However, there was more to this arsenal than met the eye.

The knight, still processing the room's contents, reached out to inspect one of the blades. His fingers brushed against a tachi, a traditional Japanese sword used by foot soldiers. It was a variant similar to the one he had wielded in his battle against the monk the previous day. Lord Yoshiwara observed the knight's familiarity with the weapon, but he couldn't help but notice the disappointment that flickered across the knight's face as he gently returned the sword to its place.

Despite the language barrier that separated them, Lord Yoshiwara attempted to convey his thoughts to the knight. He gestured to the weapons and said, "These are the creations of the finest blacksmiths in this land. As you can see, that blade you held has been imbued with spiritual power to combat the yokai."

The word "yokai" had become familiar to the knight during his time in this realm, even though he didn't fully understand its meaning. It was often used to describe the enigmatic beings that roamed the night, and the furrowed brows and weary eyes of Lord Yoshiwara indicated that they were a serious problem.

"I watched your fight yesterday," Lord Yoshiwara continued, his tone filled with urgency. "I know you may not understand my words, but I believe this will make things clear."

With a fluid motion, Lord Yoshiwara produced a cloth bag and untied its fastenings. The bag spilled out a collection of silver-minted coins with square holes, their surfaces reflecting the natural light that streamed through the room's windows. It was an offer that spoke volumes, an attempt to hire the Nameless Knight.

Nameless Knight stood there, weighing the implications of Lord Yoshiwara's offer. His eyes darted between the glistening coins and the lord's determined gaze. A silence hung in the air, as Nameless Knight concealed the excitement that welled up within him behind a stoic facade. He needed to show that he couldn't be easily swayed, that he was still undecided.

As he considered his options, the knight's thoughts drifted back to Miko, the woman he had sworn to help find her lost family. It was a commitment he had taken seriously, and he couldn't simply abandon her quest. Yet, here was Lord Yoshiwara, a man who appeared resolute in hiring an outsider, a time-displaced knight, to join his army.

It was clear that Lord Yoshiwara was willing to confront both Yokai and perhaps even other human adversaries. The knight had always been more than a common soldier; he was a knight with a noble purpose. Joining an army for the allure of wealth wasn't a path he was eager to tread. His loyalty lay with Miko, and that was a bond he wouldn't easily break.