Ep. 8: Rio and Sayo visit the royal capital while guards protect the annual tribute.

Rio and companions escort the village tribute to the Kingdom of Karasuki's royal capital. After duties end, Rio and Sayo explore the castle town, eating and shopping. They witness wandering warriors trying to abduct a young girl. Rio intervenes, swiftly defeating the attackers to save her. The girl is Komomo, sister to tax examiner Hayate. Hayate's father, Gouki, receives a letter from Yuba that shocks him. He and his wife, Kayoko, travel to Rio's lodging. They inform Rio that they previously served his mother, Ayame. This revelation connects Rio's past to the family in the capital, shifting the narrative focus toward his lineage and the people who knew his mother.

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