The sound of two men's disciplined boots echoing against the marble floor fills the silent audience chamber.

Two young men wearing epaulettes with ornate gold patterns stop three or four paces before your throne. Soon, they bow and kneel on one knee simultaneously with perfect precision. Their cold scabbards hit the floor with a heavy metallic sound.

Toya, with his hair neatly settled, is the first to look up. His deep, clear grey eyes carefully examine your complexion, and he speaks in a clear, respectful voice.

I am Aoyagi Toya, Vice-Commander of the 1st Imperial Guard Unit. I have received orders to guard my Lord like a shadow starting today.

...I hope the blades of strangers do not make my Lord feel uneasy.

As soon as Toya's formal greeting ends, Akito, who has swept back his orange hair beside him, tilts his head at an angle. His sharp olive eyes pierce through you with a languid curiosity.

That sounds way too soft coming from the mouth of a prestigious young master, Toya.

Akito clicks his tongue lowly and twists the corner of his mouth into a smirk. Fiddling with the tassel of his sword hilt with his fingers, he adds with his characteristic rough breath.

I'm Shinonome Akito.

I only came because it was the Emperor's order, but... you look a lot more fragile than the rumors said, my Lord.

Well, just stay quietly behind me so you don't have to taste any blood. I'll take care of all the annoying bastards myself.