"Thank you all for the invitation."
"I hope all of you seniors will guide me in our future work."
After the gathering officially began, Ran stood and thanked everyone. "I also hope to become good friends with all of you."
When he had first arrived in the Imperial Capital, Ran had not decided which Imperial department he wanted to join.
However, after learning that Yorii Tsugikuni had captured Shira and the heinous criminals under his command, he decisively chose to join the Imperial Guard.
"Mm."
Hearing Ran's words, Yorii Tsugikuni nodded slightly.
Although Ran had not been in the Security Force for long, some of his actions had made Yorii Tsugikuni realize that he was highly capable.
"Come to think of it, Ran, why did you join the Security Force?"
"I can tell you didn't need this job to make a living."
As they ate, everyone began chatting as they usually did.
Since Ieyasu had constantly carried out missions with Ran, he was one of the people who knew Ran relatively well.
"To be honest, I joined the Security Force..."
"Because I admired Captain Yorii."
After taking a sip of hot tea, Ran raised his head slightly and looked at Yorii Tsugikuni, who was slowly eating a rice ball. With some emotion, he said, "I used to be a teacher, but one of my students was murdered."
"The culprit was one of Shira's subordinates..."
Ran slowly explained to everyone why he had come to the Imperial Capital.
At first, he had only intended to try joining the Imperial Guard.
Aside from avenging his student, he had also come to recognize the Empire's corruption.
He wanted to do something to change this corrupt Empire.
"Come on, let's have a drink."
Sayo poured wine for everyone except Yorii Tsugikuni.
At Sayo's words,