Xiulote, escorted by a squad of guards, advanced forward. He was slightly startled to find that the leader of the Temple Guards was none other than Elvi, a samurai he had known since childhood who guarded the Holy City Butterfly Palace and who loved to flash a fearsome grin.
"Elvi, did grandfather send you here?"
From beneath the wolf's head, Elvi revealed a genial smile.
"Your Highness, I am relieved to see you. After receiving the guard's report, the High Priest was quite concerned. With the promulgation of new laws imminent and the situation in the Capital City unpredictable, the High Priest sent me with a full squad just in case," Elvi replied.
Xiulote nodded, aware that two hundred elite Temple Guards would be enough to protect him from most nobility assaults. After pondering for a moment, he instructed Elvi.
"Leave sixty Temple Guards to take immediate control of the Great Salt Mine. I will return to report to the King and the High Priest about this matter."