As Kumari unfolded a map over the desk, Ichimaru sat down next to his father, wondering what was he doing there. In other times, he’d be excited with that meeting, but now he knew he wouldn’t lead any hunting. Those were Kumari’s lands now, and it was his duty to defend them.
“For how long have these humans been assaulting your fief?”, Sesshomaru asked.
“They appeared shortly after the lizard-demons were eradicated. Many villages have already been attacked and plundered. They’re mercenaries without a war to fight.” Kumari pointed to the bottom part of the map. “They hide in the woods, especially in the southern lands. But, now, it seems they have been venturing closer to the northern borders.”
“Borders with our lands,” Ichimaru said, yawning. “We probably have a bunch of patrols in that region. We could send some of them into Kumari’s lands to wipe them off,” he suggested, only to be faced with his father angry look. “What? If he agrees, of course.”
“It’s a very tempting offer, Ichimaru-san, but I can’t accept it. The safety of my lands is my responsibility.”
“What I’ll do is to move my soldiers closer to our borders”, Sesshomaru announced, pointing to the map. “Their presence should be enough to intimidate those bandits and keep more to the south. My patrols will also keep their eyes open for any movement in the region, and keep yours informed of everything. But none of my men will cross the borders.”
“Thank you, it’s very generous of you. That’ll certainly ease my men’s task.”
Ichimaru put himself up, all of a sudden.
“Well, since it’s settled, I’m going to bed.”
“I asked you to remain in the meeting with me”, Sesshomaru said.
“Isn’t it over yet?”
“We still need to discuss the patrols’ distribution.”
“Well, I’m not going to be of any help in it, will I? Good night.”
He stepped out before his father made any other objection. The noble sighed, containing his anger, and turned his attention back to the map.
“Let’s get this over with.”
