Matthew smiled when Zaku mentioned Duke Virion, his family had always sucked up to Duke's. He'd never been Virions biggest fan but he had changed things. "Actually he's moved women in noble society up much, most of the commoners back home are considered equals. However since Virions new policies women compete in tourneys and duels, I was actually crowned Champion at the duel one year by the Duke himself. The best part was when I found out that only people who bet on me were my sister, my teacher, and Serenity. I bankrupted a couple people that day, anyway I used some of the gold to purchase supplies for my trip. Paid my parents a sum equal to the dowry they would have gotten if they married off and left. The rest I had spent for on my sister, I got her set up in a good school in Chon'sin Rosanne border area. She can study whatever she likes and it's all paid for, I made sure she was taken care of and not married off to some lecherous old man."

"As for getting hung up on the flag pole Jiro, I doubt that. She's had no competition to sharpen her skills, while I've had plenty." He smiled at the older man. "Beside's Serenity as scary Zaku is silent and as gifted with the sword as Isbelle is at being loud." He stepped up to walk beside the older man as the Pegasus Knight landed. 

"A caravan? Sounds like a bandit trap or a trap already sprung. Can the group stay back a minute, I want to see I can spot any trouble. Also could Silk and Jiro come with me, the rest of you ready weapons. Before you tell me not to order you around you don't have to listen but if you want to into a dozen archers line of sight be my guest." He walked up towards the front. "I'd prefer to see no one die today, so listen to my advice please?" He told them sighing he check his blade and his tome. The mages were worn, he'd need a new spell book soon.