Just Shiro and the Princess

Shiro spoke quietly and seriously. "If this is truly a **** attempt, the bandits will probably regroup and try again. They will probably be able to get reinforcements and return with greater numbers, but you can't get help. So if we get attacked, we will be outnumbered and defeated. The best thing to do would be for me to accompany the Princess alone, and try to get away undetected."

The leader of the guard frowned. "I don't know. I don't like the idea of splitting up; or trusting the Princess to someone we just met and don't know if we can trust."

Shiro smiled. "Well then. You'll just have to offer me something more than what the bandits could. That ought to put your mind at ease." This did not make the guard happy. "We're already paying you handsomely for this job. How much more gold do you want?"

The pink-haired ronin's grin broadened, but it suddenly seemed more dangerous. "Gold!" she chuckled. "If you think my loyalty is for sale to the highest bidder, you must know the bandits can probably pay more than you can. If you don't trust me, the only thing you can do is offer something else; something that only the Kingdom of Noga can provide. I want a magical artifact, which I will choose once we reach your capital."