Tomoe stood outside the door to the room Demetrius was staying in. The onna bugeisha took a deep breath, uncertain of how to proceed. She reached a hand forward to the door before hesitating. Then, a voice caught her attention.

  "Ah, Tomoe."

  The girl turned around with incredible swiftness. Theodora was walking over to her.

  "I see you are concerned about Stratigos Demetrius too," Theodora said.

  "Yes," Tomoe replied. "He's been in his room for far too long."

  A sad expression crossed Theodora's face.

  "At least he's been eating when the servants bring him food. But he isn't ill. Demetrius must be very upset about something," the stratigos noted.

  Tomoe held in a grimace.

  "I cannot imagine what. Kallergis-sama killed a demon. He should celebrate, not lock himself away," she said.

  Theodora looked away, a cold expression crossing her face. The stratigos' mind entered deep contemplation.

  "Nothing Stratigos Demetrius has done should make himself upset. If anything, he should be proud. He's a better man than most of his family while also protecting the Remen Empire," she thought. "Unless..."

  The stratigos put a hand to her chin. An idea entered Theodora's head, one that started to fill her with understanding.

  "All magic requires a sacrifice or deed or something else to use or empower it. Often, it is a great one. And each style of magic has a different sacrifice its practitioners must make. Maybe Stratigos Demetrius failed to uphold his sacrifice? That's the only thing that might make him this upset that I can think of."

  Her face contorted in concentration.

  "But what could that be? The Kallergis family...they're all jerks to one extent or another. Maybe practicing dark magic means you have to be a donkey? No, that wouldn't make any sense."

  Theodora shook her head.

  "It doesn't matter what it is exactly. Stratigos Demetrius would probably kill anyone who found out, so I'd best not figure it out. I doubt he could kill me, but I don't want my future husband to want my head," she thought before speaking. "Well, Tomoe, perhaps we could cheer him up together?"

  The stratigos held out her hand. Tomoe hesitated. After a moment of silence, the onna bugeisha spoke.

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  "We have little chance of this. Kallergis-sama's sister couldn't do it. And when Ganzaya came, Kallergis-sama told him to not bother with him and focus on looking for his wife," Tomoe pointed out.

  "Both those are true, but we have a better chance together than alone. And you were going in alone," Theodora replied.

  Tomoe gave her a skeptical look. Still, she nodded.

  "Very well. Let us work together," the onna bugeisha said.

  Theodora gave her a friendly smile.

  "Alright, let's get started," she spoke before knocking on the door.

  Demetrius' voice came from inside of it.

  "Who is it?"

  "It is your fellow stratigos, here with Tomoe," Theodora stated.

  "What do you want?" Demetrius asked with a harsh tone.

  "We want to talk to you, Demetrius. You've been in that room far too long. You should come outside of it."

  A grumbling too low to make out emanated from the room. Then came the sound of footsteps. Demetrius opened the door and stepped outside. Tomoe and Theodora were surprised that Demetrius' hair, as well as his clothing, was in good shape.

  "This is your family's house, so I will obey," Demetrius said.

  Theodora gave him a slight bow.

  "I thank you for your politeness and respect, Demetrius, begrudging as it is," she replied.

  When the Kallergis did not object to Theodora referring to him by his first name, a smile crossed the ice stratigos' face.

  "Why not go out with Tomoe and I? We could have some fun together," Theodora suggested.

  "I don't deserve fun," Demetrius spat. "And you should go with Tomoe alone. Don't bother bringing me."

  A respectful smirk crossed Theodora's face.

  "You may be cunning, Demetrius, but victory is mine this day," she said.

  "I...what?" the Kallergis stratigos asked.

  Theodora wagged her finger.

  "The last time I went out, I was attacked by a demon," she answered. "And demons are vulnerable to dark magic. So, would it not be better if you accompanied Tomoe and I on our outing?"

  Demetrius opened his mouth to object, but he closed it. A grimace crossed his face.

  "It would be best if you two were safe," Demetrius said.

  "Something we all agree on, I am certain," Theodora replied. "So, let's get going."

  She started to walk, just for Demetrius' voice to come into her ears.

  "Not so fast."

  Theodora turned to him.

  "Is something the matter?" she asked.

  "Yes," Demetrius answered. "We are not fully prepared yet."

  "What do you mean?"

  Demetrius pointed at her.

  "You are not wearing armor. And neither am I," he pointed out.

  "Do we really need armor for this trip on the town?" Theodora asked.

  The stratigos of dark magic shrugged.

  "I suppose not," he answered. "But if you do not need armor, do you need another magician with you? After all, the magic I wield is more powerful than any suit of armor."

  Theodora gave Demetrius a light chuckle before nodding.

  "Yes, I suppose you are right. Go get your armor, and I'll get mine," she said.

  Then, the ice stratigos turned to the onna bugeisha.

  "Tomoe, do you have a suit of armor?" Theodora asked.

  "I used to, but it was left at the camp," the onna bugeisha answered.

  Demetrius blinked in shock.

  "You had armor? Yes, I suppose a warrior woman would have armor. Still, I can't believe I didn't even ask," he pondered.

  The stratigos of dark magic shook his head.

  "Tomoe, come with me," Demetrius said. "I might have your armor."

  "You might?" the onna bugeisha blinked in shock but maintained a stoic face otherwise.

  Demetrius nodded.

  "Yes. I had some men gather whatever was left from the camp that the surviving samurai didn't claim. They should have arrived by now, and your armor might be among the items they got."