Miroku looked at the two men kneeling before her. Unable to recall who they were for the moment, she asked gently:
"Who are you?"
At her words, the old man immediately raised his head and said excitedly:
"Your old servant Ichikawa. I once served under you as a junior counselor!"
A figure swiftly flashed through Miroku's mind at his words, and she said with a smile:
"Oh, it's you. I never thought you would have grown so old too! I still remember how spirited you were back then."
Tears spilled from the old man's eyes as he said, deeply moved:
"To think Lady Miko still remembers this old servant. What a blessing!"
Miroku then turned to the commander beside him, who immediately cupped his fist and said:
"Your servant Yagi. I was once an ordinary guard at the Miko's hall and had the honor of witnessing you sacrifice yourself to seal Moryo!"
Miroku nodded at his words and said warmly:
"Yes, I know you. You originally belonged to the seventh squad. It seems you're now the captain of the guard."
Excitement appeared on Yagi's face as well, and he spoke again:
"Thank you for remembering my name, Lady Miko. I hope I can still serve at your side and protect you."
Miroku continued:
"There's no need. I already have someone to protect me, and I only came back to take a look this time. I won't stay long."
A trace of disappointment appeared on Yagi's face, but he quickly composed himself and shouted to the guards around them:
"Everyone, heed my command! Kneel and welcome Lady Miko!"
At Yagi's command, the surrounding guards knelt in unison without hesitation and shouted:
"Welcome, Lady Miko!"
Thousands of people shouted together. The sound was deafening, and the scene was truly breathtaking.
Even Ye