The Wolf and the Man [Erchanhardt, Illya]

"You don't have to worry about that, I still travel light to this day."

He might've carried some weight on his body in the form of armour, a few tools, satchel, and cloak, but this was all he needed. He could leave tonight if required though he was a bit glum at the loss of an opportunity for a hunting trip between the two of them to catch up on times.

"Very well. I'll make sure none of the issues of China reach your daughter as she looks into it."

A curt nod was all he needed to make this the case for him.

"Do you? Good, then we won't need to worry about readying for your travel. That gives us a day or two to catch up then, unless you find yourself itching to get away so quickly."

Erchanhardt hardly expected that Illya would in fact be so quick to leave, of course. It had been a long while since they'd had a chance to catch up, and they weren't the sort of men who could properly do such a thing here in the comfort of the castle.

"Shall I tell my empress that I will be away in the forest for the next two days? Surely even if you have been out of practice, your hunting must have remained exceptional. I could hardly imagine you finding your meals much other way."

"Sounds like an idea you sly old dog."

He was to easy to read it seems as Erchanhardt brought back up the topic of hunting. Two days was tight but he was seasoned enough that it could do. In theory even if they didn't catch anything, it was short enough that they could do it tough for a few days without food to catch up.

"We can get you some more sun, you look a little bit more pale than when I saw you last. You haven't become a shut-in since you took charge I hope."

Maybe he spoke a bit too casually for someone addressing an emperor but he served his hetman, not this country. Erchanhardt was Erchanhardt to him. Always was, always will be.

"Not on account of my taking the throne, at least, but I suppose I did spend a bit of time sequestered away somewhat recently. A couple of arrancar attacked the castle here, and I took no small injuries in the process. The people of Konigsberg remained safe, however, so I have no regrets."

However, Erchanhardt had still wondered about what they took. One of the many artifacts that had long been in their family line, claimed to have been held by the legendary Siegfried himself. Well, it was impossible to say whether that was true or not, but it had certainly always been kept out of mortal hands.

"I am afraid I've not been on hunt since those injuries, so I hope you can show me how it's done, hm?"

The smile Erchanhardt wore made it clear that was equal parts lighthearted banter and friendly challenge, curious to see just how Illya had grown as an outdoorsman in the past few years.

Couple of arrancar, eh? That seemed weird but he knew enough hollows could be problematic that it made sense that some remained like that after becoming more humanoid. He wondered what could make them do that but there was more immediate things presented to him. A firm nod was the response to the man's question. Of course he could give him a good time out and refining those skills that were probably equally as sharp as his senses still were.

"I'd hope you didn't forget them overnight. A friendly contest then of who can bring in the best game?"

He shot out the challenge. It was always good to test oneself in situations like this. A man's pride being on the line made him put twice as much effort into it and could temper him if he failed in it.