Volume 1
Chapter 2 Part
5
Dancing in the
Burning Dust, Rindo Flower 5
Translator : PolterGlast
"I see. I'll give
you a letter of introduction for guardianship later. You have a day off until
tomorrow, so get your [Shrine Parishioner Lottery] done as soon as
possible."
"......Eh?"
The actual content of
the conversation, however, was something that Akira couldn't ignore.
Blurred vision filled
with tears, the pain deep in his heart. The memory of a blank sheet of lottery
paper gouged out the wounds in Akira's heart.
"W-, why do I
have to take [Shrine Parishioner Lottery]?"
Akira's involuntary
trembling tone indicated that he was agitated.
"Why?... Of
course, because it's necessary, no?"
In response to Genji's
unquestioning response, Akira desperately thought of an excuse to avoid the
[Shrine Parishioner Lottery]. In place of Genji, who was not able to explain
well enough, Niikura, who came in for a follow-up, explained the reason why the
[Shrine Parishioner Lottery] was necessary.
"Originally, it
is not that necessary by nature. ――[Shrine Parishioner Lottery] is an oath of
faith to not change the land in which you live in exchange for the protection
of the land god. Shrine Parishioner Dismissal is a way of temporarily lifting
this oath, but it does not mean that the vow itself will be completely
annulled. Akira-kun, do you know what a soul stone is?"
"...... No, I
have never heard of it."
"When a human
being is born, he or she undergoes a ceremony called Soul-Printing. It is to
identify the spirit that resides in the baby, and also to record the radiance
of the baby's soul spirit on a stone called a soul stone."
"...Why is
that?"
"Because the soul
stone will lose its radiance upon the person's death. After Soul-Printing, the
soul stone is kept in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and is strictly
supervised. No matter what kind of person you are, unless you are a mountain
dweller, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will take care of your soul
stone. They will always keep track of one's life and death based on whether or
not the soul stone is shining."
"Then, if they
shatter the soul stone, does that mean the person will die?"
This information made
Akira's complexion pale. His family probably knows that he is still alive. If
Ugetsu Tenzan became impatient with Akira's survival, it would not be
surprising if he began to mess with his soul stone.
"That's
impossible. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs does not allow anyone to
interfere with the soul stone for any reason. Well, soul stones can't be
shattered in the first place."
"Can't be
shattered?"
"As far as I have
heard. The soul stone under the influence of soul-printing cannot be shattered
by human hands."
Huff~. Akira heaves
out a sigh of relief without letting Genji and Niikura notice.
一Although he has gained some peace of mind, the problem
is not yet solved.
"...... What does
that soul stone have to do with [Shrine Parishioner Lottery]?"
"Akira-kun, your
soul stone is housed in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs of the Province in
which you were born. In order to move it to this province, you need proof that
your parishioner has transferred to this province."
*Clech*. Akira
clenched his fist. Certainly, in that case, it would be necessary to complete
the [Shrine Parishioner Lottery].
"I understand.
But what should I do if I'm not recognized as a Shrine Parishioner?"
Yes, that's the issue
Akira had.
"A~a. Every child
who has been disqualified as a Shrine Parishioner always worries about that.
――But don't worry. I've heard that some shrines don't accept people because of
local affinity, but I've never heard of anyone not being accepted as a Shrine
Parishioner in the first place. Even if they don't accept you, you just have to
retake it at another shrine."
"I...I see. I'm relieved
then."
Genji, who
misunderstood Akira's concern, said this as if to reassure him.
Akira's problem lies
somewhere else entirely, but even so, he could not bring himself to say
anything about his own problem and was unable to continue.
And, although he heard
about soul stone for the first time, it has also become a new problem for him.
Akira could not read
what kind of action Ugetsu Tenzan would take, so he had to deal with it as soon
as possible.
However, there was
also good news. Although Ugetsu has more than a certain amount of influence
over Kokuten, that influence should decrease considerably once it crosses the
border.
If this was the case,
he needed to move his soul stone to Shumon by any means necessary.
"Well, it's not
every day that a shrine's soul stone is transferred, so it's not surprising
that you don't know about it. ――What? Are you still worried about it?"
".......Yes. I
don't have any good memories of [Shrine Parishioner Lottery], so I'm still
concerned about it......"
Haha~. Well, I hear
that a lot. About that. If you're so worried, I can introduce you to some
shrines."
"Are you sure?
I'm afraid it will increase your workload of introductions."
Niikura was concerned
about Genji, but he simply waved his hand lightly and said that he would have
to write the introduction anyway, so the workload would be the same.
"Let's see...
Since you are going to enroll in a high-class seminary, it would be better to
at least become a Shrine Parishioner in some reputable shrine, so I suggest you
go to Chinowa Shrine, which is located in the 1st district, though it is a bit
of a long trip."
"Chinowa Shrine,
sir?"
"It's one of the
oldest shrines in the capital city of Karen. The local deity there is famous
for having generous hearts in spite of its prestige, and it is hard to imagine
them not accepting shrine parishioners."
"Is it one of the
Five Central Shrines of Karen? Captain, I didn't know you had connections
there."
"Five Central
Shrines?"
Niikura took
responsibility for explaining to Akira, who tilted his head at the unfamiliar
name.
"Chinowa, Shoro,
Himorogi, Mitsutorii, Kugatachi. These five shrines that share a history as
long as that of Karen are called [Karen Five Central Shrines]. Because of this
history, the shrine parishioners there are highly respected by the other
parishioners."
"The shrine you
become a shrine's parishioner is more important than you might think. Chinowa
Shrine is under the protection of Kihoin and is treated exceptionally well
among the Five Central Shrines. If you could be accepted there, it would be an
umbrella for your lack of status at the seminary."
Genji's thoughtfulness
made Akira happy. He was also anxious about enrolling in a high-class seminary,
and in that sense, he was grateful.
However, Akira's
problem was not so much related to that. The problem of not being able to
become a shrine parishioner due to the fact that he has no spirit is the root
of the problem that Akira has.
And the result of the
[Shrine Parishioner Lottery] has already been confirmed.
Akira understood
better than anyone else how those who could not become shrine parishioners
would be treated when he was still in Ugetsu's mansion.
――But nevertheless, he
has no choice but to comply with it.
Since he has been
offered such an opportunity, it would be a serious offense if he did not accept
it.
".......
Understood. I'll take a rest today and go to Chinowa Shrine tomorrow."
"Ou, do that. I
have to file an application with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, so the
sooner you take care of these things, the better. ――I'll give you until Sunday
to check the necessary documents and stuff."
"Yes, sir."
Even if he could not
become a shrine parishioner in his hometown, there might be a different result
in Shumon.
Akira nodded his head,
hoping for a glimmer of hope.
――――――――――――――――
"Ah, you. Is your
body alright?"
When Akira left the
tent after finishing the discussion about some issues that arose during the
mountain hunting, Saki noticed him and forcefully broke off her conversation with
Ryota Kuga and approached Akira.
Ryota did not stop her
either, so the content of the conversation must not have been anything serious.
However, Ryota's gaze
toward Akira turned murderous, and Akira wished that he would stop it.
Akira dared to move Ryota
out of his vision and bowed his head to Saki.
"I am very
grateful for your concern, Saki-ojōsama. It was thanks to you that my life was
saved."
"Don't worry
about it. ...... If it is you, you would have been alright even without my
help."
The reason for her
slightly hushed voice is probably due to the fact of Akira's constitution,
which is immune to miasma, nevertheless, Akira wishes her to stop bringing her
face close without caution.
From the side, it may
look like they are amicably enjoying a private conversation, and one could
sense Kuga Ryota's atmosphere becoming sharper with murderous intent.
"...... it's not
only about that, it's also about Captain's consideration. Thank you. Thanks to
you, Ojōsama, Captain is willing to be my guarantor."
"It's because you
saved my life first, you know. I would have been in danger if I had stayed at
that spot, and because you blocked the Lord's body in my place, the damage
didn't spread. ――Be proud of yourself. It is a just reward for your hard
work."
"――Ha. What's the
matter, Saki? Even if it was a Lord, did you just take a beating to the likes
of a boar?"
Ryota forcefully
interrupted the conversation for some unknown reason.
"...... Yeah. If
he hadn't protected me, it would have been a little dangerous."
For a moment, she
scrutinized her eyes in annoyance, but then she quickly erased that hint of
annoyance and gave a response to Ryota.
Ryota looked
displeased at Saki's praise for Akira, then immediately turned his attention
back to Akira.
"Don't get too
carried away, you outsider. Nothing good can happen if someone from Kokuten
wanders across the border."
Overwhelmed by the
sudden threat, Akira almost took a step backward.
But, in a slight show
of defiance, he put all his strength into his legs and stayed where he was.
"......I'm sorry.
I have overstepped my bounds."
"You're not
overstepping your bounds, don't worry. ――Besides, soon you won't even be an
outsider anymore. I heard that Uncle Genji would be bringing you under his
guardianship."
"What's the
difference? ――Remember, whether you
become a shrine parishioner or registered in the Ministry of Humanitarian
Affairs, you are still an outsider for the rest of your life. Keep in mind that
you are not a legitimate member of the local community."
Akira stood there
without words. He wondered what should he say to Ryota, who turned on his heel
and walked away.
As Akira stood there
looking speechless, Saki, who was also looking bewildered, stepped forward to
intervene.
"Sorry. He's,
umm, he's not usually like that. Maybe he was a little tense because of the
mountain hunt."
"Is that so? I
apologize if I have offended Kuga-sama."
Akira's first
impression of Ryota was so overwhelming that he couldn't imagine a situation in
which Ryota would be so friendly, so he only nodded his head vaguely in
response to Saki's words.
――Besides, rather than
being tense, he was more like a domesticated dog threatening a male who stepped
into its territory.
"......
Aah~."
Akira was so convinced
that he couldn't help but raise his voice.
Although Akira was not
very interested in it, such conversations often took place within the garrison,
so he was not that unfamiliar with it.
He then cast a
sideways glance at Saki.
The look in Saki's
eyes as she watches Ryota leave, despite her bewilderment, doesn't seem to have
any other emotion within it.
"...... Um, I
don't mean to be rude, but have the two of you been teaming up for a long
time?"
"Me and Kuga-kun?
No, this is our first time. We often see each other, but I'm a little
uncomfortable with him because he gets into trouble a lot. ...... Ah, please
keep this a secret."
Akira could not help
but feel sorry for him.
――But isn't this quite
heartless?
Looks like Ryota is
having unrequited love.
However, Akira, who
was once engaged to a member of the eighth family, Gioin, knew that upper-class
romance does not actually consist of pure love.
If the parents of the
eight families are planning to match them and have an engagement relationship,
Ryota should still have a chance to win.
Let's hope it happens.
If he can relax his mind a bit, he might be a little more friendly to others――.
As the early summer
sun, which is gradually increasing its heat, paints the air of Mt. Myokaku,
Akira looks up at the blue sky with an
inward sigh.
――――――――――――――――
At the break of dawn,
Haru, known to Akira as "Granny", laid out dried radishes, eggplants,
and cucumbers on the eaves of the tenement and sat down to take a rest.
Selling rice crackers
was a way to earn some extra money, and Haru's main business was selling
vegetables from her own fields in front of her tenement.
Perhaps because she
had been blind for so long, Haru's other senses were quite keen.
From across the street,
she could hear the sound of the footsteps of a boy she had brought home after a
long sleepless night.
"――......Granny,
I'm home."
"Welcome home,
Akira-boy. ...... something happened today?"
Haru tilted her head
to the side when she saw Akira's facial expression.
Although Akira has a
habit of looking at the world in a strangely twisted way, he fundamentally has
a quiet and straightforward personality.
And this is the first
time Haru has seen Akira this deep in his thoughts ever since she picked him up
three years ago when he first came to Karen.
"Granny, can I
talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure."
It was a sudden
request from Akira, but Haru agreed to it without hesitation, as there were not
many customers at the moment.
――Whether Akira was
searching for the right words or coming to terms with his own feelings, a quiet
moment elapsed between them.
After a few moments,
Akira eventually opened his mouth.
"...... Today, I
was offered an early registration with the Ministry of Humanitarian
Affairs."
"...Hou. Isn't
that a good news?"
Haru prepared herself
for what kind of a bad news it would be, only to be shocked by the good news
that went far beyond what she had expected.
Akira's retirement age
in the garrison is 16, and it would have required a dizzying sum of money and
the guardianship of an influential person to accelerate his retirement age and
enable him to register with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
It is unlikely that
Akira, who was not allowed to own private property and had no connections,
could have come up with such a large sum of money.
Therefore, she could
assume that someone had provided guardianship for him.
"Then, who is
your guardian?"
"The Captain of
the garrison, Asogi, told me he would be my guardian."
If that is the case,
there should be no problem. Asogi Genji is one of the most famous and respected
military leaders among Shumon's guardians, and he is popular among the
commoners.
It would be dangerous
to place too much trust in him, but he did not seem like the kind of person who
would resort to petty tricks to fool one of his own soldiers.
"What the, isn't
that a good thing? What are you so worried about? "
"That's not
what's bothering me. ...... I was told that to register with the Ministry of
Humanitarian Affairs, I need to complete a [Shrine Parishioner Lottery]."
"...... A~a. I
see."
Haru had previously
been told that the reason Akira was banished was because he was not recognized
by the [Shrine Parishioner Lottery] in his hometown, and could not become a
Parishioner.
This time, he is
probably afraid that he will not be recognized by the [Shrine Parishioner
Lottery] this time either.
In fact, there are
people who are not recognized as parishioners, although it is very rare.
This is due to the
compatibility between the spirit that resides in them and the local deity, but
the problem is that in this Takamagahara, where divinity is known, there is a
tendency for those who are not recognized as parishioners to not be recognized
as full-fledged members of the community.
The end of the road
for those who fail to become parishioners is usually to be chased out of their
land, just like Akira, but there is no such thing as incompatibility with the
local deity, and it is not uncommon to hear that a person can become a
parishioner by paying a visit to a neighboring shrine.
But nonetheless, the
fact that they were banished may still leave them with a fear of [Shrine
Parishioner Lottery].
"Are you
afraid?"
"Afraid?
......Yes. I am afraid. More than anything, I am afraid of the eyes of those
around me when they find out I can't become a parishioner."
That is Akira's true
feelings.
Akira was no one's
expected child. He was a non-existent being. He lived his life in a corner of
the Ugetsu mansion, crawling and crouching, stifling his breath.
If he had not done so,
he would not have been allowed to even breathe.
――However, things were
different in Karen.
There are people who
accepted him without even asking him about his situation. There are friends in
the garrison who are treated similarly. There are those who pay him for selling
talismans as equals.
All of these have
given Akira a sense of security and a sense of being a part of this society.
Akira feared that all
of this could be destroyed.
Haru rummaged in her
pocket and pulled out a long smoking pipe.
Using the burner, she
lit it over an open flame and inhaled a puff of smoke.
The smell of burned
tobacco must be unpleasant for a vegetable vendor, but she had an irresistible
urge to smoke.
"...... There is a saying in the land of Rondaria, [The Goddess of Fortune Dwells Above the Eyelashes]*1."
The heat of the summer
scorched the street in front of the tenement mercilessly, but the shady spot
where they stood made it bearable.
"Since the
Goddess of Fortune is in such a volatile place, she would soon be gone."
"........."
Having finished
smoking, she dropped her cigarette butt to the ground and stepped on it with
the soles of her sandals.
"Don't hesitate,
Akira-boy."
In the end, what Akira
needs is a hand to push his back.
Whether strong or
weak, gentle or firm.
"The Goddess of
Fortune is dancing above your eyelashes right now. You have to smile at her
before she disappears."
All he needs is the
strength to take the first step.
A silent moment, not
even knowing if it was short or long, passed by. In Haru's blinded vision
shrouded in darkness, she couldn't even tell what kind of expression Akira was
standing there with.
"............ One
cucumber, please."
She didn't need to ask
about his decision. The only thing Haru could understand was that his voice
sounded a little brighter.
She grabbed one of the
five fresh and juicy cucumbers in the colander.
"It's 2
rin."
Two rin coins fell
into her palm.
"Wait a
minute."
She stopped Akira, who
was about to take the cucumber in her hand, and then offered him a small bowl
of barley miso.
"You're going to
eat here, right? It's on the house."
"Thank you,
Granny."
After a short bow,
Akira chomped on the cucumber with a crunching sound.
"...... Have you
decided what you're going to do?"
Was it about today's
matter or the future?
Haru asked Akira a
question that was deliberately vague.
"...... I'm going
to take the [Shrine Parishioner Lottery] today. ――I'll hurry up and give her a
smile while the Goddess of Fortune is still around."
"Off you
go."
It seemed a little too
hasty to be doing it today after a long sleepless night, but Haru, who had no
intention of dampening Akira's eagerness, nodded her head in approval.
In any case, it would
not take that long for completing [Shrine Parishioner Lottery].
――Regardless of the
result, it might not be a bad idea to take the [Shrine Parishioner Lottery] as
soon as possible.
Seeing Akira walking
toward the shrine to which he had probably been introduced, instead of
returning to the tenement, Haru lit her long smoking pipe once more and took a
puff of her cigarette.
*1 Idiom :
Opportunities must be seized when they come.
――――――――――――――――
TIPS: About the
[Shrine Parishioner Lottery].
It is a kind of
contract made between a person and a land deity.
When this contract is
made, as long as one stays in the territory of the land deity, he or she will
be given some privileges and blessings.
However, since it is
necessary to stay in that land, one is forced to live bound to the land.
There are five types
of results: Shrine Parishioner, Protector, Divine Messenger, Shrine Maiden, and
Guardian.
The result will change
depending on the rank of the spirit that resides in the person.
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