"What about you, Yoichi? What are you going to do in the meantime?" Shioko asked, wondering why her guildmate had asked her to meet him after a week.

"I have something to do first. I'll head to Oakenfair and look for Shusaku, Tatsui Nishiyama's blacksmith," Yoichi stated confidently, already prepared for that question.

"It takes about three days to reach that village. You get there by a road through the mountains, and its buildings are carved into the rocks. If you don't find the blacksmith within twenty-four hours, you risk missing the schedule and Princess Sui, and I could be in trouble," Shioko remarked, trying to be pragmatic.

Three days to reach Oakenfair, one day to find Shusaku's hideout and convince him to forge his new weapon, and three days to get back to Ambershire. Yoichi had no idea what it was like to travel alone, and he didn't know what kind of demons inhabited the area that separated the capital from the Southborne Mountains, having never moved further north than his little house in the Bronzeforest.

However, he was hopeful and knew that forging the weapon he desired was a significant bonus for his fights and allowed him to complete one of the two Demon Pet System quests.

"I will be on time, and in exactly one week, we will meet in Ambershire. If that doesn't happen, you and Sui will still be forced to get as far away from here as possible," Yoichi added, confessing to Shioko that he didn't have a backup plan.

The physical attraction between the two guildmates was palpable, and even though they were talking about someone who wasn't part of that conversation, their gazes were on their bodies.

Yoichi was looking intently at Shioko, and she was carefully observing the man in front of her, looking at him in a different light. For a few seconds, they had the feeling that they wanted each other so badly that they forgot they were standing in front of the entrance to Goldhaven's sacred Dojo.

"I will do as you asked, Yoichi. I will take the Princess away from that place, whatever it takes," she affirmed. "Be sure to be careful. You know how dangerous it is when you stray from the fields of Crimson Lotus" she added, as her eyes became shiny and her lips dry.

Yoichi didn't answer right away, merely stroking Shioko's face and infusing her with serenity. "I'll see you in a week. Keep an eye on Enatsu and explain to him what happened to me. I'm sure he'll understand the situation and won't judge me."

"Alright," the red-haired girl nodded.

"The Emperor's guards may have already left the Palace. There is no more time," the young tamer repeated. Clutching the scabbard of Ryutaro's katana, which was so light that it seemed to create no extra weight on his legs, he prepared to gather his things and stuff them into the saddlebags.

In a few minutes, under Shioko's sad gaze, the books, the mat and the precious amphora containing the Dragon King's Tear found their place in those leather bags. Yoichi tightened the straps and closed the side bags, then made sure the pouch containing the ten gold coins was inside his backpack.

After a deep breath, he wiped away the sweat on his forehead with one arm and pulled out his Inoshuma's Demon Tooth. "Azron!" he pronounced aloud, sticking the tip of the plug right under the stairs of the Dojo, being careful not to damage the dirt path too much.

The play of light from Ichiro's summoning was made more evident by the darkness of the night, which now prevailed over the lights of dusk. The flowing mane of the mighty Inoshuma floated through the air, and as it puffed from its nostrils, it bowed its head to its tamer as if to greet him after their last meeting.

"Hey, Ichiro. We've got a good trip ahead of us, buddy. Are you ready?" Yoichi said, smiling and treating his demon in his usual friendly manner. He grabbed the heavy saddle and, with Shioko's help, placed it on the high back of the horse demon.

Ichiro didn't make a single sound, continuing to wag its tail and sniff the floor, sensing the smells of the thousands of people who frequented that place every day.

"Wow. I've never seen such a strong Inoshuma," Shioko commented, stroking Ichiro's side and admiring it with interest.

"Ichiro is not an Inoshuma like the others. It was a true packmaster and fought hard to defend his protégés," Yoichi replied, speaking with eyes full of pride.

Without further ado, regretting that he hadn't confessed his feelings to Shioko sooner and spent more time with her, the young tamer climbed onto his horse, placing his feet in the metal hooks that hung from the saddle and resting his bottom on the hard leather groove.

Compared to the last few times he had ridden Ichiro, Yoichi felt a distinct difference, being able to move more nimbly and impose his will on the horse demon with more ease.

"This is a special saddle that Takamori-Sensei had purchased at the Bazaar for his Inoshuma. When you recall Ichiro back in its Demon Tooth, it will fit into it with your horse, unlike a traditional saddle," Shioko explained, sure that Yoichi would never understand the difference on his own.

"Takamori-Sensei has done more than enough, as has Ryutaro. Both of my masters put themselves on the line for me and gave me their trust. Now it is time for me to return the favour and put what I have learned into practice," he spoke, looking at the gates of the arena.

With the Princess' hairpin clutched in her hands, Shioko looked down at her man, as if dreading the moment of farewell.

Yoichi extended a hand toward her, leaning out from Ichiro and grabbing her wrist. "One week, Shioko. Think back to what I told you and come away with me. I look forward to traveling by your side and exploring the world with you. With your unerring aim, you have hit my heart. It now belongs to you," he added, letting his romantic spirit prevail over his rational character.

Shioko's eyes sparkled after those sappy but sincere words. From the way her eyes responded to that statement, it was obvious that no one had ever spoken to her like that before.