Volume 2
Chapter 2 Part
4
At Kamotsu,
Walking into a Headwind 4
Translator : PolterGlast
The meeting with Kuga
Houri lasted only a quarter of an hour.
Although it was only a
brief, it was a very intense meeting.
Saki and Akira were
once again walking down the corridor with Nonoka leading the way, desperately
trying to hide their inner exhaustion.
Saki recalled the
previous meeting while looking at Nonoka, who was walking in front of her.
Akira had refrained
himself from speaking, and there was no way for him to say anything.
Saki was also careful
and satisfied that she had responded naturally.
......There should
have been nothing wrong at all, but she couldn't shake the feeling of
discomfort, which felt like a small bone was stuck in her throat.
Kuga Houri never acted
with good intentions.
Saki was well aware of
this.
He would always act
based on the greatest interest.
However, as long as
his intentions remain unknown, Saki won't be able to take action.
She wanted to deal
with it, but she couldn't. Because of this, Saki was caught in a dilemma.
With one sigh, Saki
decided to open her mouth.
"......Nonoka-san,
may I have a word?"
"Of course,
Rindo-sama."
"Just Saki is
fine, we're going to stick together for a while after all.
―I'd like to understand the current situation.
Especially before we discuss it with Kuga-kun, I would like to compare our
views."
"Okay, I will
prepare a private room for us then. And how about you?"
Akira panicked when
she suddenly turned to look at him.
"I-, I'll head
back first."
"―Don't. I think
it's better to at least listen to our discussion. Akira-kun, you're going to
take part in the investigation, remember?"
"............
Right."
For some reason, he
had a premonition that he was going to be involved in something very troublesome,
but Saki's unquestioning decisions made him sink without a second thought.
The private room to
which they were led to was a small room of about five tatami mats in size.
All of them sat down
on the floor around a table.
"Now, first of
all, I would like to ask you, what is your rank, Nonoka-san?"
"I have mastered
the Hariin-style's Okuden. ―However, I haven't mastered Kaiden, so I can't use
it."
Even though she would
become a concubine, as long as she married into the eight families, it was
certain that she would have a high-ranking spirit.
Considering the fact
that she is older than Saki, she has a suitable rank.
Since Saki is a
Chuden, if they were to go by rank order, Nonoka would be qualified to take
command.
"What shall we
do? Would it be better to let you take charge, Nonoka-san?"
"―No, since I
joined as a concubine. In terms of status, Saki-sama is higher than me. I think
it would be better if Saki-sama were in charge."
"...... Alright.
Then, let me ask you, are you able to use all of Chuden?"
"Yes. I am well
aware of your concerns, Saki-sama. Therefore, I will answer your question, yes,
I can use that spirit technique as well."
"Great. I was
told that the chances of a catastrophic incident occurring were slim, but
there's no harm in being prepared. ―Then, one more thing. Have you heard about
Kuga-kun's issue?"
"―Yes. When the
decision was made for me to become a concubine, I was also told of Ryota-sama's
personality and the role they expected me to fulfill."
"...... Thank you
for being honest with me.
I will also give you
my side of information. I have mastered the Chuden of the Kihoin school.
Akira here has just
started learning Shoden, he has learned four Shoden and two Consecutive
Techniques.
Although his coping
ability is still lacking, he is able to use all of his techniques without using
incantations, so he should be able to maintain the frontline for a long time if
he doesn't encounter anyone extremely skilled."
"I see.
―Akira-san, was it? I look forward to working with you."
"Y-Yes. That
applies to me as well."
"About Kuga-kun,
...... he is a Chuden of Tsukinomiya school. If it hasn't changed since a month
ago, he specializes in one-on-one combat, striking maximum firepower at a
single point."
Saki sent confirmation
to Nonoka with her eyes, and Nonoka replied with a silent nod indicating
affirmation.
"...... In case
things get rough, let's ask Kuga-kun to take on the role of hammering the
enemy's core. Kamotsu is Kuga clan's territory, so there is no need for us to
interfere more than necessary."
Originally, from Kuga
Houri's point of view, the objective was to let Ryota gain experience and
achievements.
Saki and Akira were
merely recruited as an extra.
However, while the
impulsive Ryota might be interested in a struggle for military glory, it would
be unlikely that he would be interested in a struggle for leadership.
Saki was indeed
requested to resolve this matter by Kihoin, but the one who should resolve it
was never specified.
Therefore, Saki has
decided to abandon any struggle for military glory as soon as possible and has
decided to work behind the scenes.
"―Y-Yo, Saki! You
came?"
When Saki came near
the entrance after finishing her discussion with Nonoka, Kuga Ryota walked
toward her from the other direction, together with an elderly man.
He was probably on his
way back from training.
Saki couldn't help but
twitch her mouth upon seeing Ryota's figure, who was covered in sweat, giving
no consideration to others as usual.
"...... Yes. It's
been a while, Kuga-kun."
"Yeah. It's been
a month since we parted ways during the guardian's apprenticeship training.
...... and."
While talking to her,
he finally noticed Akira, who was standing behind Saki.
Akira hung his head in
silence, so as not to cause any unnecessary provocation.
"What the heck,
you're here too, huh? You outcast.
What? Aren't you
enjoying yourself leeching off of her?"
Ryota provoked Akira
with a taunt that probably contained a hint of malice, but Akira was unable to
raise any objections, so he simply kept silent and continued to bow his head.
Ryota snorted and
turned towards Saki, perhaps having rapidly lost interest in Akira, who showed
no response.
"So, Saki, are
you here regarding that matter?"
"Yes. We were
told to investigate and solve the issue regarding the [Holy Church of Guidance]
by Kihouin-sama's order. I have already heard the details, and if you're free,
I'd like for us to arrange a time to discuss it."
"It's not that
I'm busy, but after dinner would be fine. We don't act tomorrow anyway."
"Dinner? But,
it'll be late at night when we're done. How am I supposed to return back to my
lodging?"
The garrison is
accustomed to working late into the night on night duty and sleepless nights, but
only because it is part of the operational activities.
If one were to exclude
all those things, Saki is a lady from a noble family.
She is at an age where
she would think twice about going out at night.
"Return back?
What are you talking about? Of course, you're going to stay the night, I've
already prepared a room for you."
Ryota said so as if it
was natural, and turned his gaze to Nonoka.
In response to the
glance, Nonoka nodded although she was bewildered.
"Y-Yes. I have
arranged a guest room as per your instructions, Ryota-sama. ...... U-um, I
believe you told me that she might be staying the night here."
"............
What nonsense are you talking about!?"
Upon hearing these
words, Saki was more stunned than surprised.
[Men and women at the
age of seven shall never share a room or a meal together] is the basic
principle of chastity in the modern age in which they currently living.
There is no problem
for a man to rent a room in another house, but for an unmarried woman to rent a
room in another house would raise considerable problems.
It would be fine if a
young girl (before the age of seven) were to stay with her parents, but for
Saki to spend the night at the Kuga residence would be tantamount to declaring
a marriage relationship with the consent of both families.
Moreover, while the
power to have a say in marriage is normally left to the female side of the
family, in cases where a woman inadvertently stays in another family, the right
to have a say in marriage is heavily granted to the male side of the family.
As expected, Saki was
not tolerant enough to let the brazenness of declaring that she would do so
slide.
"Does the head of
the Kuga clan know about this matter?"
Depending on the
reply, she would not just leave it at that, and she was determined to pursue
the matter with a resolute stance.
Saki had a proper
grasp of her own values.
Although it is ranked
fifth, Rindo is unquestionably one of the eight families.
Moreover, Saki is the
third daughter of the head of the family.
Even if the other
party is the Kuga family, which is ranked second among the eight families,
there is no justification for them to insist on her becoming a concubine
without any discussion.
It was a humiliation
to have such an invaluable bargaining chip treated like a discarded card.
"Do you mean
about you coming to my place? When I mentioned it to him, he was quite
happy."
"In other words,
you haven't discussed it with the head of Rindo?
I'm amazed. If such an
attitude could lead to marital relations with the eight families, then the head
of the Kuga clan would surely nod his head in great joy."
Saki could tell from
the way he spoke that he was more or less aware of the situation.
Although he knew about
it, he was very much encouraged to keep quiet about it.
If it went well, it
would be a blessing in disguise. If not, even if Rindo Kosaburo complained,
they thought they could convince him to make a compromise.
"Does it matter?
The marriage between the eight families is sufficient in terms of family
status. The fifth is desired by the second as a concubine. What's there to
complain about?"
"Of course,
everything matters. Even Rindo won't keep quiet if you're planning to proceed
without any discussion with my father. ...... Let's go, Akira-kun. Kuga-kun
seems to be busy, so let's come back tomorrow to discuss the
investigation!"
Saki said so and
started walking towards the entrance while stomping her feet.
"―Would you mind
holding on for a second?"
"...... I don't
recall knowing you, sir. You are?"
What quelled Saki's
angry feelings was a quiet, aged voice that she did not recognize.
While suppressing her
irritation in consideration of age and seniority, she looked at the old man
standing next to Ryota, the man who presumably spoke to her.
"I beg your
pardon. I am a member of the lowest-ranking family among Hisashi Province
nobility, and my name is Mikuriya Shishin. I have been invited to the Kuga
family as an instructor of the Tsukinomiya school. Princess of Rindo, I look
forward to being acquainted with you from now on."
"...... I see,
Senior is from Hisashi Province, pleased to meet you."
He treated Saki, who
was supposed to be younger than him, with the utmost courtesy.
Seeing the old man's
face, which did not even make a slight twitch when facing her anger, which was
belonged to the Eight Families, made Saki change her stance, as she realized
that she might be caught in the wrong footing if she became too emotional.
There is a tendency
among the Hisashi Province nobilities to regard other provinces as inferior to
their own.
There are various
reasons for this, but it is said that their pride is largely supported by the
fact that the earth-element spirits, which are considered to be more powerful
than other elements, mainly reside in the Hisashi Province.
An old man with a high
degree of pride in himself, it would be troublesome if he were to be offended.
And, no doubt, he was
a little canny.
"Iya~, I've seen many
people behave so well at the age of 12, but your majestic stance makes me feel
that you are indeed a princess of the Eight Families."
―Sure enough, he immediately set up a battle to
deterimine who was superior.
Perhaps aware of
Saki's wariness, Mikuriya Shishin began his speech by praising her.
One could see his
craftiness, which is of a different kind from Kuga Houri's.
His true nature was
completely hidden behind a facade of good-natured geezerishness.
But the intention
behind his words, which he was trying to put on the facade on all sides, was a
contest to determine who was superior to the other.
Therefore, Saki was
not moved by the compliments that the other party expressed in succession.
"......To receive
such high praise from a member of the Hisashi Province nobility, I feel that it
is excessive praise and that I am unworthy of it."
She kept her words
short and expressed her gratitude towards her superior.
The reason for using
casual words was to avoid giving the other party a false impression.
Perhaps noticing
Saki's intention, Mikuriya Shishin raised an eyebrow in amusement.
Saki couldn't read
whether he was intrigued or inwardly spat at her for being cheeky.
However, what was
certain was that Mikuriya Shishin became eager to talk to Saki.
"What are you
saying? Even though you are from the south, we are all members of the nobility.
Provincial barriers and noble ranks make no difference before the Princess and
Sannomiya, the sovereigns of Takamagahara, who will all bow in the same way
before them."
"Wha――!!"
―There is no difference between the eight families in
front of the one who governs the Central Province.
He was courteous only
on the surface. Saki's emotions were shaken once again upon hearing Mikuriya Shishin
say it with arrogance and irreverence.
There was no doubt
that this experienced old man would not miss the change of emotions displayed
by the young Saki.
"...... Of
course, it would be a bit too much to say to a princess of eight families that
she must be willing to marry into the Kuga family since she has set foot on
Kuga's territory. It would be necessary to give sufficient consideration to the
Rindo family regarding the Kuga family's gallantry. ―Though, I would also like
you to consider Ryota-dono's concerns."
"......kuh."
When Saki was at a
loss for words, Mikuriya Shishin quickly inserted a convenient argument while
showing consideration for the Rindou family.
"I heard that
Saki-dono is accompanying someone as a mentor. But no matter how much of a
servant you are to Kihoin-sama, it would be too presumptuous if you were told
to get so close to someone of a lower class. To force a person who could be the
birth mother of the Kuga family to do such menial work is to belittle the
dignity of Rindo family."
"―The roof is the
same, but the rooms are different, so there should be no problem. We have also
received permission from the head of Rindo family. Above all, unless I fulfill
my duty to assist him until he becomes a full-fledged warrior, I will not be
able to apologize to Kihouin-sama."
"Of course, of
course. I have not the slightest intention of dishonoring you, Saki-dono.
However, you cannot demand accountability for rumors that may be spread by
others. I wish you had taken into consideration Ryota-dono's concerns when he
heard that a woman with whom he could feel at ease had been the subject of
gossip on the streets."
There was no need to
be considerate toward Kuga Ryota and in fact, there were no rumours in the
first place.
The commoners were not
that interested in the nobility, and even if it was mentioned that someone was
an instructor, it should be Asogi Genji who was in the public eye.
The Kuga Clan
undoubtedly investigated this.
A
well-intention-sounded proposal from the old man in front of her, or from Kuga
Houri.
―Are they trying to tell me that if I reject all of
their proposals, they won't let things go either?
Realizing she was at a
disadvantage, Saki decided to end the argument early.
In any case, the other
party probably already prepared a compromise plan in case something like this
happened.
"............Then,
Senior Mikuriya wants me, Rindo Saki, to stay the night, out of consideration
for the Kuga family?"
This is the turning
point. If they told her to cross it, she would no longer be able to cooperate
with the Kuga family, even if it was under the orders of Kihoin.
Seemed like the old
man was also aware of this, so he shook his head smilingly.
"No way. However,
it would be a relief for Ryota-dono if you could stay at the accommodation we
have prepared for you. Please rest assured. It is close to the Kuga family and
is said to be the most popular inn in Kamotsu."
―As I thought, the inn has already been prepared.
Even though she knew
it was pointless, Saki let out sarcasm on her tongue out of frustration.
"...... Of
course, there are no male guests, are there? It would be a scandal if I were to
share a roof with a man in an unknown inn."
"Don't worry. The
inn is completely rented out, so there are no guests other than you,
Saki-dono."
"............ I
understand. Then, please introduce me to the inn."
Saki expected him to
make a slight mistake, but the old man smugly denied it.
―In the end, she was unable to get the upper hand
against Mikuriya Shishin in a battle of words.
Just how far was he
prepared himself in order to determine Saki's actions?
Saki finally relented,
though she inwardly clicked her tongue at the forced gesture of goodwill, which
was too much by any stretch of the imagination.
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