Helplessly amused, Yosho stood in place for a moment, observing the bickering of the Taz and his friends up ahead. With a background of the bickering between the group, Yosho headed on home, a strange burst of determination sparked within her.
Feeling more energized than usual, she made it home in a short period of time, and directed herself to her office. Yosho opened the door to darkness, unbothered she pressed on over to a cylinder shaped object expressing a dull light. Lightly, she tapped the device, activating it and lighting up her office.
The first sight that greeted her, was unsurprisingly a fresh set of papers for her to review.
Yosho sat around her desk. "Oh? Dare. A Complaint from the High Council." She removed the paper from her sight. "Nethertheless they can wait."
She scanned over and gathered the people's complaints, something she found more important. Having what she wanted for the morning, Yosho headed off to bed.
Bright and early as she wanted, Yosho left her home with determination to follow up on the villagers' complaints.
Yosho took a quick look at her list. "Huh." Yosho paused momentarily, confusion crossing her face. "This still hasn't been dealt with?" Yosho muttered.
By pure serendipity she had the chance again to resolve this prominent issue, she had thought would've been taken care of already.
Wasted outside the doors of an Inn, three guards and their Captain made themselves a pain in everyone's lives in their drunken stupor. The ones that can control themselves remain inside.
Obnoxiously the captain picked out two passing females and called them over along. The women gave him the side eye as they passed by, and shook their heads along.
The guards behind the captain had a good laugh. Their mocking laughter was ephemeral once the captain glanced back at them, shutting them up instantaneously.
The captain's anger fell in one swift swoop, the moment his eyes he laid eyes on the approaching Yosho. She passed on inside the Inn, giving the captain one glance and nodded to the door.
Her presence made the entire Inn fall into silence. The guards were first to stand, followed suit by the other patrons, as a show of respect for her presence.
Yosho gave a small nod and took a seat at the pub. The woman behind the counter quivered, her heart thumped erratically, more out of excitement than fear. "C-Can I help you?"
"Two of your finest ale please," Yosho replied, her tone lightened up slightly.
"Of course ma'am." The bartender murmured, turning to the shelf behind her to fetch Yosho's order.
Yosho's attention shifted over to the captain, with a subtle gesture, she beckoned him over. The captain swiftly responded, and made his way to Yosho's side, his steps heavy with the weight of unspoken concern.
Once by her side, Yosho laid a paper on the counter in front of him and pointed out a specific part of the text. The captain's head lowered slightly, it came as no surprise to him she's her for this exact reason. He remained silent, knowing better than to speak unless told to.
"You're the 14th Captain Of The Village Defense Team?…" Yosho murmured, her voice steady and gaze stone cold. "Your behavior, Mult… Unacceptable. Now I would give a proper warning, but this is enough."
Mult remained silent briefly, before he recovered from his fear. "Y-Yes…" He stuttered. "I understand ma'am."
Yosho stood up, rested the payment for the drinks on the counter, and went on with her business for the rest of the day. The dining area was an ominous silence, everyone left uncomfortable from the interaction between the Captain and Yosho.
Outside, Yosho stood ideally. A weary sigh escaped her lips as she gently caressed her cheek. "Was he ever even warned before?" Yosho mused. "If the problem persisted a demotion may have resolved it or complete removal…"
With one issue hopefully resolved, Yosho held her head high, and carried on with the rest of the day trying her best to assist in the ways she can, regarding the other complaints.
Yosho carried on with pure alacrity, making herself as approachable as she could to the individuals she visited, knowing that folks are cautious of her.
Lastly, of the complaints, is from a butcher. She gave herself a nod, proud to be at the final task. Yosho marched on to the butcher's workshop, her casual demeanor fully displayed.
Yosho reached her destination, and stood at a large door, a sign overhead, read "Backbone Butcher"
One knock at the door was enough for her to get a response from a brooding voice inviting her in. With the authority given, she promptly pushed the door open.
In the butcher's workshop, the large, heavy table sits prominently in the center of the space. Yosho observed that this table is worn and marked from years of use, with the deep grooves and stains that tell the story of creatures processed here. Surrounding it are massive cleaners, serrated knives, and hooks, all arranged with an air of careful, thought well-used, precision.
The workshop itself is a broad, wooden structure with high, exposed beams. Large windows allow ample light to the room, illuminating the rich, textured wood and the meticulous organization of the tools. This natural light reflects off the polished surfaces and the clean, if rugged, lines of the equipment, creating a bright but serious atmosphere.
The walls are lined with racks and shelves, where various meats hang, both cured and fresh. Large barrels and vats are scattered around for perceiving and processing, and the floor, though clean, bears the occasional mark of the day's work. The space is filled with the rich aroma of raw flesh and spices, all contributing to an environment that is both inviting and intimidating in its dedication to the craft.
Yosho eyed her surroundings intently. Glossing over the man standing right beside the butcher's table. The tall bald, reasonably muscular figure stood with his arms crossed across his chest. His eyes are small black and sharp, as watched Yosho, his gaze tense.
He cleared his throat, giving Yosho a fright out of her daze. She smiled back at him and approached him watching each step she made.
"Oh, I didn't think you'd come," The man admitted, a hint of surprise in his voice. "If I needed someone higher up in power I should've just gone to you first." He sighed. "Nevertheless, I'm pleased you're here. I'm Brooker." He stretched out a hand.
Yosho nodded, meeting Brooker's gaze with a calm intensity as she accepted the hand. . "It's no issue at all," Yosho expressed.
"Alright down to business. I suppose you know quite well about the rising issue with the Gray Persudo Wolves?" Brooker Inquired, pacing around, spectating his tools.
Yosho properly opened her eyes, a hint of seriousness in her eyes, almost breaking her typical demeanor. "Correct…" She paused briefly. "From what I know, at the moment, we haven't been able to come up with a solution to deal with Persudos…"
A pessimistic expression crawled onto Brooker's face. "Ah, I see."
"They've been bad for business I presume?" Yosho Inquired, her head tilted slightly, already knowing the answer to that question herself.
Brooker halted his pacing and glanced back at her. "Yeah, something like that." His gaze drifted. "If I were to assume, negotiations with them aren't going so well?"
Yosho remained silent for a moment. "At the moment I can't say for sure… But in any case, if anything comes up I'll be sure to let you and others know."
Brooker looked back and gave a nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Yosho. Until then…" He exclaimed, grinning widely. Showcasing a burst of energy, that took Yosho by surprise.
"It was my pleasure," Yosho replied gleefully.
They bid each other a pleasant farewell, and Yosho took off. Outside, Yosho paused to take a breath, the external noise heightened, signaling that most were out and had started their say. She made sure not to stand ideally for too long, as to not draw attention that usually comes with her presence.
Just a moment after she took off, a guard approached her. He greeted her with the appropriate respect and conveyed the message that her brother requested an audience with her.
Yosho thanked the guard for his time and sent him off. "Uh…" Yosho particularly knew what it would likely be about.
Not the type to waste time she carried on to the Merchant guild, being stopped by individuals ever so often, particularly females. She made time for them, answering their questions, except for certain female aspects she couldn't quite relate to.
She reached her destination much later down. The internal noise on the inside, made it obvious today was a busy day for the guild. Yosho entered, and scanned around. The atmosphere was as uplifting as ever, with camaraderie among both old and new acquaintances palpable.
Pleased, she gave a nod, and maneuvered her way to her brother's office, greeted by the guild members as she did.
Yosho knocked first off then entered, she went on to the other section of the room and entered in silence. Collon was utterly oblivious to her presence, the fact he had his eyes glued to the floor made it worse.
"Brother…" Yosho murmured, her voice like a smooth melody, as she took her seat in front of him.
Collo sat up and sighed. "Hm…?" He smirked and rested a hand on his cheek. "You know I could never quite tell how genuine that smile of yours is. Honestly, seems quite natural and makes you approachable, so bonus," Collon exclaimed gleefully.
Yosho remained in silence, not moving a muscle.
"Uh… Right. Sorry." Collon cleared his throat, wiping the smirk off his face. "About yesterday… Well, I wouldn't say I'm against it or anything…"
"Hmm?" Yosho's eyes opened and her head tilted, expressing her confusion.
"Yeah, okay." Collon sat forward, his tone shifted drastically, reverberating deep concern. "I'm worried, and you know for good reason too. We've lost a lot here. Our political presence in the world is also declining. I can't have you going off now, I can't have you being too far away from me…"
A weary sigh escaped Yosho lips and her demeanor dropped just barely, as she held her head low. "The years indeed haven't been good to us…" She met his gaze. "If you're that worried, I will have you know I won't be far off…"
"Oh." Collon raised an eyebrow at her last sentence. "What do you mean by that?" Collon Inquired.
"Do you recall the young lad you mistook for a lady dare brother?" Yosho asked, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Uh… Yeah. I recall," Collon hesitantly murmured, his cheeks slightly flushed from embarrassment. "Glad… Glad you heard that."
"Aww." Yosho playfully clasped her hands, placed them aside of her head and leaned against them. "So adorable. you took a quick liking to him," Yosho teased.
Collon cleared his throat. "Okay! Yosho, you were saying?" Collon exclaimed, embarrassed enough and wanting to carry on with the conversation.
"Ah. Right. So, yes, Imuru was it. I believe he's quite capable…" Yosho's gaze sharpened and beamed with intensity. "For many reasons."
"And also it would be great to hang out with him… Maybe travel around a little," Yosho expressed in a one sudden burst of joyous emotion.
"Gee…" Collon leaned back and plastered his gaze to the ceiling. "Mm. 'Travel around a little' Is that a way of saying adventuring?" Collon thought. After a moment of thought, he gazed at Yosho, and let out a contented breath. "Fine."
"Hm?" Yosho paused momentarily. "Fine?" She murmured back, obviously capable of deciphering what he meant.
"You can go, Yosho," Collon expressed clearly, avoiding eye contact and his expression left unreadable.
Yosho stood up and grabbed ahold of her brother's hand pulling him up onto his feet, as she embraced him, also patting him on the back. Collon stood seemingly unresponsive, unsure of how to act, at this sudden expression of affection.
She released her hold. "Thank you." Yosho walked off to the door, stopped by Collon before she could leave.
"S-Sorry… Where are you going to be?" Collon inquired, his voice trembling.
"A place the sixth once owned…" Yosho murmured. She pointed at something beside Collon drawing his attention away from her for a split second.
"What?" Collon swiftly glanced behind him bemused. "Also… Yosho, what do you…?" He squinted, now noticing Yosho took the chance to leave.
Collon sighed, and rested a hand on his hip. "Ah. What am I gonna do with her?"