As a swordsmanship school, the Toudou-ryu is renowned worldwide. In this era, the activity of Genestellars has ensured that these martial arts traditions receive far more attention than they did before the Invertia.
However, Roy hadn't fully grasped just how famous the Toudou-ryu was—until he arrived at the main family's estate. Only then did he understand just how extravagant this school truly was.
The estate was situated on a hill in the outskirts of Sendai. Across its vast grounds stood several traditional tea houses and multiple dojo-like structures, so grand that one might mistake it for the mansion of an Edo-period feudal lord.
"Welcome to the Toudou-ryu main family."
By the time Roy arrived in the deputy governor's car, the key members of Kirin's family had already gathered at the main gate, likely having been informed in advance.
Toudou Kirin, her father Seijirou, and a woman who appeared to be Kirin's elder sister all greeted Roy with dignified formality—neither putting on airs nor being overly familiar, showing just the right level of respect for the new prefectural governor.
Standing among them was an elderly woman. Petite in stature, her white hair was tied in a bun, and she wore an obviously expensive silk kimono. Deep wrinkles lined her face, yet despite her advanced age, she stood as straight and sharp as a finely honed blade.
"You're all too kind. I apologize for arriving so suddenly without proper gifts."
Roy adopted a humble and courteous demeanor as he spoke. No sooner had he finished than the driver began unloading several neatly wrapped gift boxes from the car.
"Ohoho, if you're Kirin's Senpai, there's no need for such formalities."
The elderly woman's expression was cool yet not unkind, exuding both authority and grace. As she spoke, she gestured for a disciple nearby to accept the gifts.
"Standing here any longer might give the impression that the Toudou clan lacks hospitality. Please, come inside."
Roy naturally agreed.
Beyond the main gate lay a vast open space, featuring a small courtyard garden. The surrounding lawn was meticulously maintained, and in the distance stood a main house along with several annexes, all arranged in perfect order. The sight alone conveyed solemnity and discipline, evoking the Toudou-ryu's famously strict teaching style.
"Far more impressive than I imagined!"
Roy murmured in admiration. This estate wasn't just ten times larger than the Aozaki residence—it might have been a hundred.
"The Toudou-ryu has many disciples. Across all our dojos worldwide, we have over ten thousand members!"
Kirin stepped forward with quick, light steps, proudly and attentively explaining to Roy.
"Disciples from all over often come to the headquarters for training, which is why the estate is built to such a scale."
So that was it. Ten thousand disciples worldwide—in an ordinary world, such a number would be unimaginable. Even in this one, ten thousand disciples represented a formidable force, especially considering some among them might be influential figures.
As the two whispered to each other, the elderly woman frowned slightly but said nothing.
Meanwhile, the woman who resembled Kirin—likely her sister—cast a gentle gaze at Roy, as if looking at a child of her own.
"This old woman hasn't introduced herself yet. My name is Agatsuma Yoshino. Though I married into a branch family, due to certain circumstances, I now serve as the acting head of the main family."
In the main house, within a spacious room that felt almost too vast, the elderly woman sat facing Roy, while Seijirou, Kirin, and another woman stood nearby.
Roy glanced at the three standing beside them but made no comment. The Toudou family had always been known for its strictness, and given that he was visiting in his capacity as the newly appointed prefectural governor, the overly formal atmosphere was somewhat expected.
"Is it because of Seijirou's imprisonment?"
"That's correct."
The elderly woman, Agatsuma Yoshino, nodded expressionlessly.
"I was originally the younger aunt of Kouichirou and Seijirou. Kouichirou proved utterly incompetent, so the main family's succession fell to Seijirou. Unfortunately, he was imprisoned years ago, forcing this old woman to drag her bones back from the branch family to act as the head. Of course, once Seijirou recovers, the position will be returned to him."
"We owe Seijirou's release to your mediation, Governor Roy. This old woman thanks you. Should you ever need the Toudou family's assistance in the future, we hope you'll remember us. We will spare no effort to help!"
"We feel the same. Thank you for your intervention, Governor!"
Agatsuma Yoshino, along with Seijirou and the other two, bowed deeply to Roy with utmost solemnity—even Kirin was no exception.
"Being overly humble at this point might come across as arrogance, so I'll accept your gratitude without reservation."
Roy remained unflustered, smiling as he acknowledged the family's sincerity.
"That's even better!"
Toudou Seijirou exhaled in relief, casting a grateful look at Roy.
It was clear this family held themselves to rigorous standards—owing a debt meant expressing gratitude and finding ways to repay it. Of course, this approach was entirely different from Julis's. The Toudou family upheld a disciplined and self-restrained household tradition, whereas Julis preferred drawing clear boundaries with others. Though lately, she had changed quite a bit, no longer as prickly as before.
Agatsuma Yoshino also gave Roy a surprised glance, thinking to herself that this was indeed the man who dared to shake the nation's foundations. Though he appeared brash and youthful in competitions, meeting him in person revealed a courteous demeanor—his aura shifting between boldness and restraint as he pleased. One might mistake him for the heir of some great family.
If only this young man could marry into the Toudou family, the future of their Dojo would be secure.
But she dismissed the thought almost immediately. This young man was no ordinary fish—their small pond might not be enough to contain him.
"How about it? Will you stay for dinner tonight?"
"Actually, I'm even greedier than that—I'd like to spend the night."
"Hahaha! Then you're even more welcome!"
Agatsuma Yoshino burst into laughter at his words.
"If you don't mind, why not hold a martial demonstration tonight to welcome our distinguished guest?"
The old woman winked at him, her expression suggesting she had already seen through him.
Roy's expression shifted slightly.
"Granny, you're quite perceptive."
"Just the tacit understanding between martial artists."
Agatsuma Yoshino smiled faintly.
"Truth be told, this old woman is eager to witness the swordsmanship of a Festa champion!"
"Then I'll gladly oblige."
Receiving Roy's affirmative answer, Agatsuma Yoshino nodded with evident satisfaction before rising from the main hall to gather her disciples and arrange tonight's martial arts demonstration, leaving the hosting duties to the Seijirou.
"Whew, Great-Aunt is finally gone!"
Kirin cautiously watched the elderly woman's retreating figure, only letting out a deep sigh of relief after a long moment.
"Kirin is still so afraid of Great-Aunt, isn't she?"
The woman standing beside Kirin, who carried herself like an elder sister, smiled as she gently patted Kirin's head, her face brimming with affection.
"Great-Aunt is just too imposing."
Kirin nodded emphatically.
Her father had been imprisoned early in her life, and from the time she could understand things, it had largely been Great-Aunt who instructed and supervised her swordsmanship training. To her, Great-Aunt possessed the same authority as a homeroom teacher—a single glance was enough to make her tremble with apprehension.
"Roy-senpai actually managed to chat and laugh with Great-Aunt, even making her burst into laughter! That's truly amazing!"
The thought of Great-Aunt's hearty laugh, something she hadn't heard in years, made Kirin unable to resist casting an admiring gaze at Roy. His standing in her estimation had likely risen quite a bit.