The rest of the evening was calm and relatively uneventful. The constable stopped by to get a statement from Ishawari. He gave the officer meager details; just enough info to confirm the villager’s testimonies. The man looked visibly frustrated while taking note of it all, as if annoyed for having to do his own job. Ishawari didn’t care for him, not one bit. The man was assigned to Hanowa from a big city in the east, and village gossip suggests it was punishment for a misdeed. Judging by his attitude, Ishawari wasn’t surprised. He just hoped the officer was competent enough to transfer those bandits to the port city authorities in a timely manner. 

The constable, however, wasn’t completely useless. He did in fact confirm what Jin mentioned with regard to increased port security. Ishawari tried to press the constable about any news regarding the assassination attempt on the prince, but the man didn’t know, or seem to care.

“I’m sure the prince is nice and safe,” The constable yawned. “Better locked in that castle, then out here in the... wild. Such an overreaction! Why increase security out here anyways? The trouble is at the Emperor’s own doorstep for crying out loud!” 

[center]***[/center]

Today’s events weighed heavily on Ishawari’s mind, so much so that sleep wasn’t a viable option; the rain and thunder would make sure of it. And judging from by the sounds coming from the other room, he wasn’t the only one. As usual, Prince Hotaru was fast asleep. Ishawari looked to the corner where Jin was clearly distraught. He approached her when he felt it was appropriate and said: 

“The prince’s snoring keeping you up too, huh?” He joked, hoping to ease her mind. 

He glanced at Hotaru, then gestured with his index finger out into the living space and said:

“Care for some tea? I’ve some at the dinner table.” 

Ishawari isn’t one to pry, but if Jin was willing to open herself up to him, he made it a point to be graceful about it.