Tuesday, November 28, 2023

[WN] God Slumbers : Volume 2 Chapter 2 Part 5


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.

 

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