Soon, a youth stepped forward toward Barlin, speaking in fluent Oskian, "Sir, I speak Oskian as I've studied in an Oskian college."

Barlin nodded in satisfaction. "Your name?"

"Matsushita Heiji, sir," the youth replied, bowing his head.

"Matsus… Whatever," Barlin growled, waving him off in annoyance. "From now on, your name is Dog, and you will do wholeheartedly anything I tell you to. And address me as 'My Lord', understood?"

"Yes, My Lord," the youth replied worshipfully.

Barlin nodded. "