Throne Room

"The Lady of Quying has always been an adept swordswoman, my ancestors long ago found that would-be assassins would be discouraged by such a thing." He chuckled, stepping beside his throne and opening a chest. From the chest, he pulled an old, but well-cared for, sword and scabbard.

"This was my mother's sword, gifted to her by my father when she had mastered it. It would be passed down to you as well, should you decide to take it up."

Akagi mounted the blade to the back of his throne, right above an empty spot that was clearly intended for the one hung on his hip.

"I am in agreement that we can try out this arrangement before a full commitment is made." He smiled warmly at her.

"I suppose I should show you around the Palace and the City, but how does lunch sound first?"

A great deal of nervousness was the first thing Taiyang felt as he stepped onto the throne room. He dressed appropriately in his best kimono, plain black silk, with his family crest adorning the chest, shoulders, and back. In any other occasion, he would have worn much brighter, cheerier colors, but this demanded his most formal attire. For this same reason, Hyeon was also wearing a black yukata, tailored so that it didn't drag on the ground. Five crests were embroidered upon it, as well as on his silk collar.

Hyeon was no small boy. Sitting down, he reached Taiyang's chest, a man who also couldn't be described as short. So much of the dog was covered so completely in fur that one had to wonder how much of his bulk was actually made of dog.

Planting a hand on Hyeon's head, he approached the throne. Just before reaching it, Taiyang went down to his knees and gave a deep bow. Hyeon did the same, paws folded over his snout.

Riding to his feet, Taiyang grinned toothily. He was glad to hear that the legacy had reached the Daimyo's ears. He knew that allowing the guard to adopt one of his own would grant him karma one day... this day!

"My Daimyo, I have come to request a merchant's license for the distribution of my companions. Currently, they are privately given in great faith only to those in honored positions, but as our family has grown, so has their purpose. I do believe they can now help those in a vast amount of tasks. Fishing, guarding, scouting, even leading the blind. Above all, they offer priceless companionship, staying by one's side even after everyone else has turned their backs. Their loyalty cannot be questioned."

He presented his words with utmost jubilance, his pride showing without any attempt to hinder it.

"If you would like a demonstration, I would be my honor to give you one. Hyeon is the shining pinnacle of his kind and their teachings."

In response, the dog opened his jaws in a grin and wagged his tail at the Daimyo.

Without hesitation, Hyeon put a paw into Akagi's hand, tail wagging faster than before. Taiyang put a hand to his heart, momentarily looking away as his expression soured. It was always difficult watching them connect with anyone else, especially when it meant saying farewell.

When he looked back towards them he had the brightest smile on his face.

"My Daimyo, it seems he has taken to you already. You are much too kind. Hyeon is... special. When you have time, I can teach you all the commands he knows so that he can be the best companion to you that he can be."

The merchant was shook.

With his hand still firmly planted on his chest, his jaw dropped, staring only for the briefest of moments before he regained his composure. "My Daimyo! It would be an honor," he said with a deep bow. "Whenever you call, I shall arrive. My schedule is always open for you, any time, any place."

He spoke earnestly, revealing both his shock and his appreciation. Truly, this man had learned as much from his wares as much as they had learned from him.

Such swift service was unknown to the young man, who felt like he was swept into another realm altogether as the table and dinnerware were set. Looking around, he noted the swiftly disappearing servants, too.

How incredibly odd. His nerves jumped as he sat down, all until Hyeong pawed at his shoulder.

Clearing his throat, Taiyang faced Akagi. "Only since my father was a young boy, having seen sixteen winters by the time he raised the first generation. Over fifty generations and five different breeds have been established since. They were used for hunting and guarding first, protecting my father's family from wild animals, bandits... and once, an oni! I would show you the horn, but it is bad luck to carry such things during travel."

Hearing the compliment, Taiyang's cheeks grew pink. Or perhaps it was the sake? He certainly took more than a sip to calm his nerves. Part of him didn't believe that he was striking gold so easily.

He nearly dropped the cup when he heard about Akagi's venture. It was placed back onto the table rather swiftly.

"C-c-courting someone, My Daimyo? Well, I can attest that our companions do garner a wealth of attention from women. Hyeon's mate-" He paused to think, as she had been relocated to help breed another strand of bear-dogs, but the Daimyo did not need to know that. Hyeon was handsome and personable, able to get along with any of the rest. For Akagi's woman, however, he would need one just as obedient, perhaps a bit more affectionate. His fist hit the palm of his hand.

"Min-Ji," he answered him at last. "She was from my cousin's family." He did not tell him about how she bit Hyeon upon their first meeting. "They became quite close very swiftly. She is extremely obedient and matches the energy of her handers well. How does that sound?"

A tiny smile came to Taiyang's face. "She will never disobey her handler," he told Akagi. "However... Min-Ji does have a... yes, a bit of a wild streak, as you put it. Rather, I would call it sass. She's intelligent and she understands that. Perhaps you would like to meet her beforehand, to make sure she is the one right for your beloved. Such a meeting will not be difficult to arrange. I am sure Hyeon will be happy about the meeting as well."