「それで若君。今宵は何用だろうか？
　まさか、僕と仲良くなろうとでも言うのかい」
「あなたはそうやってまた煙に巻くつもりか。
　偽りの蛮行にこの私が気付かないとでも？」

都に現れた賊の噂。
しかし、その対象となったのは私腹を肥やす権力者、権威を笠に着る商人、その走狗となっている無頼漢たち―――

ついに辿り着いた首魁と思しき道士の住処。
真意を質すべく現れた若き君子を、奥に控えた老兵の眼光が鋭く見据える。

「覚悟なくば立ち去るがよい」

若人は手にした盃を見つめると、一思いに飲み干した。

"Ah, the young prince, what is your business with me tonight? Surely you haven't come here to befriend me."

"Must you always be obfuscating? Did you think I wouldn't see through your pretense of barbarity?"

Rumors abound of bandits in the capital. However, the bandits targeted only corrupt politicians, merchants who wield their influence like a club, and the thugs who serve as their lackeys... At last, the young man seeking the truth has arrived at the dwelling of the man thought to be the bandits' leader. The still sharp eyes of the old soldier standing guard in the back of the room never leave the young prince.

"If you are not truly resolved, it would be better to leave."

The young man takes a good look at the goblet in his hand, then drains its contents in a single gulp.