Haruka's eyes widened and her tail began wagging back and forth furiously. This old man reminded her much of master. He seemed kind and brave and adventurous! She began reminiscing about all of the stories master told her, and wondered if this old man had similar stories. Perhaps she would ask him later, since they were both heading to the same place. For now, it seemed like it would not be long until they reached their destination.

"That is a good way to think, old man! I mean, Jack! I am Haruka," the girl replied, with a wide smile on her face.

She listened to the guard talk for a while until they reached their destination. He seemed to know an awful lot, so Haruka still had to ponder why the lord had to meet with them face to face. He must be a busy man to meet with all the adventurers going to the temple. Well, that he met with each one face to face was respectable in its own way. Haruka could understand that a little.

As Jack struggled to open the heavy door up for her, Haruka reached out a hand as if to stop him, but retracted it as he finished. It would have been much easier and less stressful for her to do that. She was very strong, and the old man was getting on in years. She decided to let it go this time, however, seeing the smile on Jack's face.

"Ah, yes, I thank you," said Haruka, as she hurried inside. What a nice man. She had heard many bad stories about westerners, but that was not her experience with them so far. In fact, most of them were very nice like Jack and the guard.