Volume 2
Chapter 2 Part
5
At Kamotsu,
Walking into a Headwind 5
Translator : PolterGlast
"―Saki-ojousama."
"......
What?"
At 2 pm, with their
backs to the main gate of the Kuga family, two shadows descend the gentle
cobbled slope that leads to the main street where people pass by.
―Hearing a hesitant voice, the shadow leading the way
stopped in its tracks.
Saki, still furrowing
her brow, looked at Akira with a sulky expression on her face.
Seeing Saki's anger
for the first time, Akira managed to speak while suppressing his fright.
"Pardon me. But,
I've never heard of such rumours about you, Saki-ojousama."
"Such rumors?
...... A~a, that's not what I'm mulling over."
"Eh?"
Akira, who had
previously assumed that Saki was in a bad mood over the fact that she was being
mistakenly perceived as having a relationship with the commoner Akira, was
surprised by the response he received.
"You see. It's
unlikely that people will get the wrong idea about my relationship with
Akira-kun unless someone blows the whistle on it. That was a phony statement
made by old man Mikuriya."
"Phony statement,
huh?"
"On the surface,
Akira's instructor is none other than Uncle Asogi. In fact, he did most of the
teaching, so there's no room for any doubts."
It was explained that
the reason Saki stayed in the 8th garrison was because of her trust in her
former bodyguard, Asogi Genji.
Besides, apart from
Kihoin's family, the only people who have been told about Kanna-no-Mikura were
Rindo Kozaburo, plus his daughter Saki.
The details of
Kanna-no-Mikura are a confidential matter that even Akira himself does not
know.
Even Saki, who is in
charge of mentoring him, has only been given a superficial knowledge of Kanna-no-Mikura due to concerns about
information leaks.
It is not possible to
share all the information that Kihouin knows with Akira and Saki.
After all, although
this is just a speculation, it is likely that Akira had been treated in much
the same way as an oppressed person in his own homeland.
If Akira were to find
out everything about this fact, there is a possibility that he would be
overcome by hatred bordering on insanity.
―So severe that he might even attack Kokuten Province
on his own.
Kihouin Tsuguho might
be able to calm Akira's fury.
She could also implore
him to restrain himself.
...... However, using
force to stop it in reality would be an overreaching act even for Kihouin.
This is because the
Great Divine Pillar of Shumon Province will tolerate all of Akira's actions.
Shuka will even accept
Akira's rampage with a smile on her face. If she has to weigh up the balance
between the people's livelihood and Akira, she will choose Akira without
hesitation.
Even if the only thing
that would remain after that would be ruins where even governing is beyond
possibility.
Since Kihouin cannot
condone such an outcome, they can only encourage Akira to grow mentally and
emotionally to the point where he can control himself even after receiving all
the information related to him.
"...... I'm angry
that the reason they brought us here is to set up this stupid trap."
And at herself for
having fallen into that trap.
Kuga Houri's intention
was undoubtedly to have Saki married to Kuga Ryota as a concubine.
To achieve this, the
presence of Akira, whom she mentored, became a hindrance.
Although the reason
for this might not have been ascertained, it was known that Kihouin was fond of
Akira to a certain extent.
As long as that
remained the case, it would be difficult to interfere directly with Akira, as
it might incur Kihouin's displeasure.
That was why, as a
start, they took the measure of physically separating Saki and Akira.
It was no wonder that
they were able to arrange a meeting as soon as they arrived.
If they were to be
allowed to spend the night at the same inn even once, the arguments they had
prepared would be weakened.
Therefore, they must
have prepared in advance so that they could meet with Saki and Akira whenever
they arrived.
While Saki was venting
her anger, Akira was pondering what to do about this problem.
Even Akira, who was
not experienced in this kind of topic, understood that Saki had no feelings for
Ryota, but he did not want to get involved in the marriage dispute of the
nobility.
After all, Akira is
too occupied to survive on a daily basis.
Currently, the only
thing he is most concerned about is the weight on his pocket, which has
lightened considerably due to the cost of accommodation.
To be honest, he
cannot afford to be swayed by Kihouin and the Rindou family's intentions.
"So, what shall
we do?"
"...... We have
no choice. The Kuga clan is probably up to something anyway, so let's just make
the first move. I'll be staying at the high-class inn up ahead. In the
meantime, you should also confirm the location of your inn, Akira-kun. I want
to make sure that even in the worst-case scenario, the two of us can coordinate
with each other."
"Alright. ......
Nevertheless, why is the Kuga clan so obsessed with you, Saki-ojousama? With
all due respect, I don't think there's any reason to go so far as to worsen
their relationship with the Rindo family."
"―From an
outsider's point of view, yes. What they are expecting from me is to be
Kuga-kun's restraint."
As Akira mentioned,
the Kuga clan has little reason to seek out Saki.
Even though she is a
third daughter, to want a princess from the same eight families as a concubine
would be too arrogant, and if they were to quarrel with the Rindo family over
this, it could turn into a serious situation.
However, Kuga Houri
must be in such a desperate hurry that he still wanted to have her as Ryota's
concubine.
Kuga Houri's ultimate
goal is to make Kuga Ryota as Kihouin Tsuguho's consort, so there is no choice
but to take the others as concubines.
―The Kuga clan is still unaware that the consort
selection process is no longer taking place.
The fact that
Kanna-no-Mikura has been informally chosen as Tsuguho Kihoin's consort is a
confidential matter and has not been made public.
In fact, in the
absence of Kanna-no-Mikura, the selection result would be almost certain to be
Ryota, who is of the same age.
This is because his
family's status and his abilities in the literary and military fields were
sufficient for the Kuga clan to be able to send him with confidence.
Nevertheless, the main
concern that caused difficulties was his personality and prudence.
Kuga Ryota had the
flaw of losing interest in those he perceived as inferior. Moreover, although
he was clever, he was not wise or prudent.
As a companion to a
sovereign, this is a fatal flaw.
...... In particular,
compared to Ugetsu Souma, who has been publicly announced as Gioin Shizumi's
consort, these points are so clear that it is hard to deny that Ryota is two or
three ranks inferior to Souma.
"...... Since
we're acquainted through our family's ranks, he listens to my words relatively
well. Besides, having Nonoka-san as a concubine means they need to have a fire
lineage guardian as a concubine."
"Five Elements
affinity, huh?"
In the Five Elements
System, the Earth Element, which governs the concept of foundation, is very
powerful, but as it is only one of the Five Elements, it cannot be the
strongest, even if it is powerful.
Wood conquers Earth.
In other words, it is the Wood Element that can triumph over the Earth Element.
Furthermore, since
fire is generated from wood, a wood-element spirit practitioner is an excellent
match for a fire-element practitioner.
Therefore, having a
wood-element practitioner is the best solution for controlling the
earth-element spirit practitioner in Shumon Province.
In other words, if
Tatewaki Nonoka were to team up with a fire lineage guardian, even if Kuga
Ryota went out of control, it would be possible to suppress him with sheer
force.
"Yes. As a member
of high-ranked nobility, Nonoka-san's ability must be quite high. It should
have been less than half a year since she came to the Kuga clan, but she is
already in charge of the internal affairs of the Kuga clan. She handled the
greetings that were supposed to be done by the housekeeper, instead, so her
skills in domestic affairs can't be taken lightly either."
The excellence of
Tatewaki Nonoka. That was probably the other miscalculation that Kuga Houri had
to deal with.
Nonoka is a member of
Kabeju Province nobility. If she continues to be entrusted with Kuga's internal
affairs, the Kabeju Province nobility may have a voice that cannot be ignored
against the eight families of Shumon Province.
Furthermore, since
they want Kihouin Tsuguho to be the main wife, they have no choice but to
welcome another concubine from Shumon Province in order to keep Nonoka's
political power in check and to unite the Kuga clan.
The minimum
requirements for such a concubine would be an unmarried, fire-element
practitioner of the same or higher rank as the Tatewaki, with an undecided
marriage partner.
They must select a
person who meets at least these requirements from among the nobles belonging to
the Shumon Province.
At this point, there
are almost no other candidates.
Saki guessed that this
was the reason why they were trying to forcefully win her over.
"Anyway, this is
not a conversation to be had in such a public place, so shall we go now?
--Akira-kun, you
should also at least protect yourself. Although Kihouin's backing surely will
protect you, malice is not the only way to bring down an opponent."
"............
Yes."
Although there was
nobody in sight, there were people like Nonoka, who could hear Saki's
whispering voice amidst all the noises.
It would be too
negligent to relax and engage in conversation here.
As Saki turned on her
heel while paying attention to her surroundings, Akira only returned a short
nod and followed her.
"――Huh?"
While descending the
slope connecting to Kuga's mansion, Akira involuntarily exclaimed at the sight
of several people climbing up from below his field of vision.
That in itself was not
surprising. The sun was still high in the sky and the visit of Akira and Saki
was probably not the only meeting the Kuga family had on their schedule.
However, the group was
dressed in clothes that were more peculiar than any that Akira could remember.
Under the blazing sun
in the middle of summer, a man with a slender, tall frame dressed in a long
black robe led by two men dressed in a rather simple blue outfit. Surrounded by
the three was a girl of about 18 years of age dressed in a long, pure white
robe.
Their clothing was
unusual, but what was a shock to Akira was the color of their hair.
They had hair of a
pale color never before seen on humans in the Takamagahara.
Flaxen, red,
―and the girl in the middle has lustrous golden hair.
"What's wrong?
―A~a."
Saki, who was lost in
thought, also noticed the group from Akira's reaction.
"They're people
from the Western Tomoe Continent. You probably rarely see them in Karen, but in
Kamotsu, you'll see them from time to time."
For Saki, although
they were unusual, she was familiar enough with them that she did not find it
surprising.
While being careful
not to make eye contact, Akira concentrated on keeping his pace undisturbed.
―In the end, they passed each other without making eye
contact and without changing their pace.
"......
Hhaa~a~a~a!"
As soon as the group
disappeared from sight, Akira breathed out heavily out of relief.
"Is it really
something to be so nervous about? I know it's hard to get used to the way they
look, but at the end of the day, they're all humans just like us."
"This is the
first time I've seen them. Are you used to it, Ojou-sama?'
"It's indeed unusual,
but it's not my first time, so it's not something that would make me
nervous."
Saki's response was as
though it was nothing at all.
Amazing, he thought
back to the group from earlier, with an out-of-place admiration.
"......They were
quite different from the Western-style clothes that were popular in Karen. What
is the fashion trend like over there?"
"I don't think it
has anything to do with fashions, though.
―I believe those were the bishop's uniform of the [Holy
Church of Ariadne]."
"Eh!?"
Akira couldn't help
but let out a cry at what he was casually told.
The mother religion of
the [Holy Church of Guidance], as told to him by Tsuguho.
The fact that Saki did
not show any signs of vigilance made Akira wonder whether he or Saki was
mistaken.
"U-Um, is it
really the [Holy Church of Ariadne]?"
"? Yeah."
"I-Is it really
alright?"
"What do you
mean? Of course, it is alright. It's an annual thing for Vansuir to send
emissaries for religious missions and stuff."
Hearing Saki's casual
response, Akira began to loosen up, wondering if he was being overly anxious.
That's right, Tsuguho
had said so too.
There's little
possibility that things will turn rough.
The tone of Saki's
voice calmed him down, and Akira resumed his steps.
―But the anxiety that was once mentioned remained in
his mind, like lees.
――――――――――――――――
―...... Those two.
Benedetta glanced
backward over her shoulder.
Subconsciously, she
looked for the young man and woman who had passed her a moment ago.
However, the midsummer
haze was blocking her vision and it was already too late to spot their backs.
"Benedetta,
what's wrong?"
Salvatore Torliani, a
friend who had known Benedetta since she was a child and who had accompanied
her to the Far East because of this connection, noticed Benedetta's behavior
and called out to her.
"...... About
those two people from earlier, I was wondering what their relationship
was."
The girl was dressed
in well-tailored clothes that were unusual because she was from another
country, while the boy was dressed in a military uniform similar to that of the
Rondalia-inspired uniform.
When they passed each
other, the boy stayed one step behind, so as not to impede the girl's steps.
―If one were to think of it in a simple way, they
looked like a young lady from a respectable family and her squire.
"Aren't they just
a young lady and her squire?
...... he's far too
thin to be described as her knight."
Benedetta couldn't
help but gasp at Salvatore's assessment given that he was known for his great
stature.
She felt bad for the
boy, but compared to Salvatore, Benedetta's self-proclaimed knight, the boy was
too thin despite being in his growing years.
"Compared to you,
that is.
―It's not that, it's just that the young lady seemed to
care more about her squire, so I was a little curious about their
relationship."
The way they
positioned themselves and the way they walked, one could assume that they were
in a relationship between a nobleman and a squire.
However, the girl's
gestures towards the boy seemed to give off a hint of respect toward a
high-ranking figure.
"I wonder if they
deliberately switched their positions as master and squire? Children would
often play such pranks after all.
...... I have fond
memories of a long time ago, when a tomboyish princess from somewhere visited
an eastern summer resort, forcing her knight friend to switch positions and go
to the beach to play."
"Salvatore!!
...... Gosh, how many years ago is that? It was nothing more than a youthful
folly more than ten years ago."
Benedetta's cheeks
flushed red when she heard about the prank she had pulled when she was a child.
Alessandro Trovato,
who was walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Salvatore, interjected into the
conversation while chuckling gleefully.
"Ha-ha.
Casalini-jou's tomboyish behavior, huh?
That reminds me, Sir
Torliani was a childhood friend of the Saintess.
You seem to have a lot
of stories to tell about."
"Indeed! I've
been involved in most of her shenanigans.
―One night won't be enough to tell you everything."
"Hohou~. ......
Well, then, to lighten your burden, I'm going to ask you to join me for a drink
tonight."
"Sir
Trovato!!"
"Oopsie, have I
touched the ire of our Lady the saintess?"
As expected, she can't
bear to have her own mischiefs served as an appetizer to their drinks.
Benedetta raised her
eyebrows and glared at the two cathedral knights, who were laughing while
shrugging their shoulders.
―At that moment,
"―Three of you,
please leave it at that."
Vincenzo Ambrosio, the
bishop walking in the forefront, admonished them in a stern tone.
"Since you are
using Vansuir language, there is less likelihood that the monkeys of the Far
East will overhear you, but there is no reason for you to blindly reveal any
information either. Even I didn't expect to have to attend an audience with
such a lack of preparation, so I'd like to reduce as much of the uncertainty as
possible."
"............ Yes,
my apologies, Sir Ambrosio."
Their conversations
were about their personal pasts, which contained nothing special.
It was one of those
topics that, if overheard, would have no use other than to laugh bitterly. No
one would be that fixated on it if it was overheard.
Benedetta was slightly
tempted to make a rebuttal, but in the end, without saying anything, she only
returned a nod to Ambrosio.
Because she could
understand Ambrosio's concern.
Vansuir is located
almost on the other side of the world. Because of the distance between them, it
is unlikely that Takamagahara would be that vigilant, but Benedetta and her
team have come with the intention of invading Takamagahara.
If their intentions
were to be exposed, it would be quite possible that they would be secretly
killed on the spot.
Certainly, they should
keep their guard up.
"―However, it was
a little unexpected that the request for a meeting with the Lord would be
granted as soon as we requested it. And since we were the ones who made the
request, we couldn't refuse."
At first, Benedetta
and her team thought they would have to wait at least a day before they could
land and a day before they were granted a meeting.
However, from the
moment they crossed the high tide separating the open sea, they were blessed
with relatively calm currents and winds, and were able to land at noon.
Furthermore, in order
to see the reaction of the Lord of Kamotsu, Ambrosio forced an appointment for
a meeting on the same day and, surprisingly, his request was also accepted
immediately.
Although the
appointment was arranged in order to impose difficulties, it was Ambrosio who
was panicked when the appointment was approved.
"...... As they
cannot read the future, they must not know what we have come to do. A Lord of
an island nation. He was probably having a lot of free time on his hands
anyway. For now, if we can stay in a church here for a month, our minimum
condition will be fulfilled. All that remains now is to see how many
concessions we can extract from the Lord here."
"............
Yes."
Benedetta felt
invisible anxiety, as if there were a pit somewhere, but she did not refute
Ambrosio's words.
Perhaps confirming
Benedetta and her group's arrival, the wooden gate, which was far from solid
compared to its stone counterpart, still opened with a heavy rattle.
On the other side, a
girl around Benedetta's age was seen welcoming them with a deep bow.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
Aiden Elliott
Coatl45
Kcx1
Kyle Wiggins
Marvin Sanchez
Matthew Shuler
Swagaraga
[Gold]
Godman gaming
[Silver]
Adrian Betancourt
ArUnInAcTiOn
CoolmanMTD
Daniel Saldana
Glasses Kun
LemonLover
Nazmun Saikat
Thiago Leite Denedai
Zyran
Abhinav Choudhury
Alden H
Anton Lim
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Duncan Rodgers
Freyja Bjarnadóttir
Стас Удрис
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
