"You should be aware of this, right? Edo has not been very peaceful recently. It’s best for you and Miss Angoulême to go out less often."

Before Anthony could respond, Elodie chuckled and replied on behalf of her grandfather in a half-joking tone, "You have shown us such great kindness; it would be too discourteous not to visit you personally!"

Anthony nodded and immediately added, "Do not worry about me and Elodie. I know Edo has not been peaceful recently, which is why I specifically chose to visit at night and brought along bodyguards recommended by a friend."

"At night, when it’s quiet and there aren’t many people on the streets, it won’t be easy for outsiders to notice that Elodie and I are Westerners."

"The 8 samurai waiting outside now were recommended by an English friend who has lived in Japan for a long time as strong and reliable bodyguards."

Anthony’s bodyguards were now waiting quietly outside Shiwei Hall for Anthony and Elodie to come out. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Anthony and Elodie’s insistence on visiting to express gratitude despite the unrest in Edo made Aoto feel more favorable toward the grandfather and granddaughter.

Aoto always had a favorable impression of those who valued relationships.

Respectfully and solemnly accepting the gift Anthony handed over, Aoto started chatting casually with Anthony.

Unknowingly, they talked about Oomura and others who had fought to the death alongside Aoto against the "Anti-foreigner Faction" that night.

Because many were still recuperating from their injuries, Oomura and the others were still in Edo and hadn’t set off for Osaka yet. In the middle of last month, Aoto even took the time to visit these comrades who had fought together with him.

During the visit, Oomura mentioned to Aoto that they would probably depart for Osaka around the end of March.

Anthony said he had visited Oomura and the others yesterday with Elodie, who had similarly shown great kindness in saving them, and had given Oomura and his companions generous gifts, not withholding comfort for those who unfortunately died in battle.

...

...

Though they had strong bodyguards, the current security situation in Edo was still unsuitable for Westerners like Anthony and Elodie to linger outside for too long.

The expressions of gratitude and the gifts had been delivered; the purpose of this trip had been achieved.

So, after chatting casually with Aoto again, Anthony prepared to take his leave.

Aoto personally escorted Anthony and Elodie to the gate of Shiwei Hall, standing quietly as the figures of the grandfather and granddaughter, their faces thoroughly covered with straw hats and face masks, vanished into the night.

"That little girl is so beautiful." At this point, Chokata suddenly emerged from behind Aoto, tiptoeing to catch a glimpse of Elodie as her figure began to fade into the shadows.

"What?" Aoto jokingly said, "Mr. Chokata, have you developed a liking for her?"

"Not at all." Chokata unhesitatingly snorted, "I wouldn’t like someone younger than me. That girl’s age can’t be more than 14, can it?"

Aoto nodded, "Miss Angoulême is 12 this year."

"Just 12...," Chokata clicked his tongue, "already so adorable at such a young age..."

While Chokata was silently admiring Elodie’s lovely appearance, Aoto couldn’t help but raise his gaze, taking a few more looks at Elodie’s back as she nearly disappeared into the darkness.

Elodie’s demeanor today left a deep impression on Aoto.

Previously, Aoto’s impression of Elodie was lively, active, and friendly.

Only recently did Aoto see her dignified and elegant side.

Just now, Elodie’s every gesture was poised and composed.

She sat quietly beside her grandfather, suitably expressing gratitude and bowing to Aoto alongside him.

Among all the people Aoto knew... probably only Chiba Sonako could compete with Elodie in "who has the more graceful movements."

If Elodie were dressed in splendid attire and maintained her elegant demeanor as she just did, one could easily mistake her for a princess from some European kingdom.

After Elodie and the others’ figures completely disappeared from view, Aoto returned inside with Chokata who had come out to join the fun.

Chokata went back to the room upstairs.

Aoto returned to the hall to organize the gift Anthony had handed over personally.

He opened the brocade box—the golden glow radiating from inside made Aoto squint.

As his eyes gradually adjusted to the brilliant glow, Aoto sighed deeply, "The purse finally isn’t as tight."

Anthony gave him 120 gold coins, added to the previous 80 gold coins of gifts from the French Embassy and 50 gold coins of reward from the Shogunate... Aoto’s personal assets, cleared by the fire at his home, became abundant again.

Although at first glance, Aoto seemed extremely wealthy now, with personal savings directly hitting the 200 gold coin mark, this amount was still insufficient to solve Aoto’s current financial issues.

Firstly—this money was far from enough to rebuild his home.

To rebuild their house on the piece of land belonging to the Tachibana Family at Hachidori-bori, he would need to buy a lot of timber and then hire a reliable enough carpenter to help him construct the house.