Volume 2
Side Story 13
Battle in the
Summer, Two Lilies Scattering Sparks 2
Translator : PolterGlast
The meeting place they
chose to settle down in before their discussion was a conference room located
in the same central building.
Late afternoon has not
yet passed, and the bustle of activity is heard from the school buildings at
both ends.
In contrast to the
bustling outside, the conference room, filled with silence, remained quiet and
unsettled as the two sides, Gioin and Kihouin, were separated and confronting
each other.
"Now, then.
Before we begin the meeting, I'd like to ask you a preliminary question: how
far do you know, Shizumi-sama?"
"......For the
most part.
Though, I was only
convinced of Akira-san's survival because Kuro-sama's regeneration talisman was
activated."
"Regeneration
talisman?
The Talisman
Association had been doing backroom deals with Akira-san (Gensei), and his
talisman has been in circulation for quite some time, but......."
As if asking for
affirmation, Tsuguho looked in turn to Saki and two of her entourage.
Instead of replying,
Saki and the others only nodded their heads in affirmation.
It was only a few days
ago that they had finished retrieving Gensei's talismans from the Talisman
Association, based on the information in the telegram received from Saki.
Since Gensei's
talismans were well-known within the association, there was considerable
resistance to transferring all of them to Kihoin's jurisdiction.
It was easy to foresee
that the delivery of the regeneration talismans would continue after that, so
they were prepared to overstep their authority and apply pressure from the
political side.
"Not that
talisman.
When granting him the
pseudonym of Gensei, Kuro-sama personally gave a part of her own divine name to
one of his talismans and approved it.
The talisman
containing a part of a divine name was synonymous with Kuro-sama herself, and
when the talisman was activated, we were convinced that Akira-san was
alive."
Saki and the others
standing behind Tsuguho only looked at each other in confusion, but Shizumi's
reply brought an understanding to Tsuguho.
The fact that it
contained a part of a divine name meant that even if it looked like a mere
regeneration talisman, it was actually regarded the same as a sacred artifact.
The evidence of the
use of the regeneration talisman could be traced back to the large-scale
recovery as mentioned in Gennaji's report.
"I see, I
understand everything now.
Would you like me to
tell you about our situation as well?"
".......Please."
Three years is too
long a separation. It's easy to imagine that a boy who is still in the process
of growing up has changed more than one might expect, both in terms of height
and personality.
Since it came from the
Four Sovereigns, falsehoods would never be uttered. With this fact as her only
reliance, Shizumi responded to Tsuguho's suggestion with a nod of approval.
"......That being
said, I don't know that much about his life over the past three years either.
Akira-san 's life
is......"
Shizumi simply
listened to Tsuguho's story of Akira's life with a sad and happy look on her
face.
Even though the sense
of unrest remained, the girls were somehow calm and left themselves to the
passage of time.
――――――――――
".......-that's
how his life has been."
"He sure went
through a lot of hardship, huh?
What did he say about
us?"
Shizumi could not help
but sigh after she finished listening for a while.
The 8th garrison. The
tenement. After knowing that much, it would be easy to trace Akira's
whereabouts.
However, it was a
relief, even for Shizumi, that contrary to what she had imagined, Akira seemed
to be leading a fairly peaceful life.
If that were the case,
she should be happy for him to stay in Karen.
However, Akira is
Kanna-no-Mikura. This fact is a reality that Gioin could not withdraw from.
"Although it was
not me who asked him directly, my mother did ask him about Gioin.
―He said he wanted to say a few words of apology that
he couldn't say in the past."
"......~!"
Shizumi was caught off
guard and held back the tears that were about to spill.
―Apology is the opposite of separation. It means that
Akira's heart is no longer tied to Kokuten Province.
However, she could not
just nod her head and assume so.
"If Giouin so
wishes, I will arrange a meeting between you and Akira-san."
"―Is it all right
for me to interpret it as Kihouin’s consensus?"
She knew that Kihoin
had no intention of backing down either. For Kihoin, no, even for Shuka, Akira
is the first Kanna-no-Mikura they have obtained after 500 years.
However, for Gioin,
Akira was the first Kanna-no-Mikura they had ever obtained.
If they miss this
opportunity, there is no guarantee that they will be able to obtain the next
Kanna-no-Mikura.
This is the critical
point.
"―Yes."
"Fuji-no-Morimiya.
No, even if I tell you that I may file a complaint to Tsukinomiya?"
"In that case, I
think it is easy to foresee that there is a high possibility that Gioin will
suffer an unfavorable outcome."
With the Fuji-no-Morimiya,
which oversees the judicial authority, and the Tsukinomiya, the symbol of the
nation, in the background, the pressure intensified, but Tsuguho's face did not
show the slightest sign of weakness.
It is likely that they
have already anticipated all of our actions.
Shizumi gritted her
teeth inwardly upon receiving Tsuguho's swift response.
In light of Akira's
life up to this point, he must have been living in Haraku under a lot of
oppression.
If it were to be
pointed out that Gioin had failed to be aware of Akira's situation, whether it
was for practical or emotional reasons, the odds would definitely tilted in
favor of Kihouin.
"...... Kuro-sama
won't back down."
"And neither will
Aka-sama."
"Fine."
Hearing Tsuguho's
answer, Shizumi stood up with a clear look of hostility in her eyes.
She was prepared for
this, but if someone replied so forcefully with such an assertion, it would be
tantamount to a declaration of war.
"As soon as the
divine energy of Kuro-sama, which is sealed inside Akira-san, is drained away,
we will regard it as a signal for the start of a war.
Since he hasn't used
Aragamioroshi, then we all know that he won't be able to perform at the
Kanna-no-Matsuri (offering of the year's new rice harvest). If you demand more,
please remember that we will also resort to forceful measures as well."
With these words,
Shizumi turned her back on Tsuguho.
She turned on her heel
to leave the meeting room, sensing that her aides were following behind her.
But Tsuguho's words
once again put Shizumi's stride to a halt.
"Please hold on a
second.
Akira-san has already
used Aragamioroshi on Aka-sama."
"What did you
say!?"
It is a basic rule
that only one spirit can dwell in each vessel.
In fact, whether it is
a dragon den or a wind cave, regardless of the size of the vessel, there can
only be one spirit that can dwell in it.
Looking back on the
fact that they sealed Genrei's divine power, it implies that Genrei's existence
has not been erased from Akira's very being.
Under the current
circumstances, that was the only hope that was left for Gioin.
This is because, for
Genrei's divine energy to be forced out of Akira's body, Akira's consent is
also required as a minimum condition.
―Akira's vessel has not yet been fully dyed by the
other divine pillars. The hope that Genrei and Shizumi had staked their
hopes on was also dependent on this one point.
However, Tsuguho's
response turned all of Shizumi's hopes upside down.
If the vessel had not
been fully dyed, it would still be possible for it to receive Shuka's blessing
and divine power along with Kuro's, but it would be a different story if it
already become a vessel for the divine pillar itself.
This proves the fact
that more than one divine pillar could reside in Akira's body.
What makes this
possible is not only having a vessel known as Kanna-no-Mikura.
It is a privilege that
comes only after one has accomplished the feat of ascending to the highest rank
and becoming an empty vessel that has been stripped of one's ego.
The [Misogiharae] is a
ritual that forcibly recreates the feats accomplished by previous predecessors.
It is said that the
success of the purification ceremony is achieved by visiting the five shrines
that exist in each of the five provinces.
Scraping away one's
ego. It is easy to imagine that the pain is not something a sane person can
endure.
Almost absolutely
nothing but a crippled person will remain. Even if one succeeds, the only thing
that remains is a mere vessel called a human being.
Even though they knew
that the ritual existed, these were the main reasons why Kanna-no-Mikura had
never challenged it until now.
"You sent
Akira-san forth to perform the [Misogiharae]!?"
"It was not our
intention.
It was the opposite.
It was only because Akira-san went through the ritual that Aka-sama was able to
recognize him."
"―Nonsense!!"
"Shizumi-sama
must be well aware that we cannot lie.
The reason Akira-san
initially visited the Chinowa Shrine, which is the focal point of Karen's Five
Shrines, was to receive the [Shrine Parishioner Lottery]."
Although the subjects
and conditions of both [Shrine Parishioner Lottery] and [Misogiharae] are
different, the rituals are the same.
The reason is that the
[Shrine Parishioner Lottery] is a modified version of the [Misogiharae] by
extracting only the advantages and degrading it to the utmost extent.
Since they are the
same ritual, it is only natural that the higher-rank ritual would take priority
as long as the conditions and the subject match.
"How is
Akira-san.......?"
"Please rest
assured. The [Misogiharae] has been completely done.
Akira's vessel itself
is complete, but no significant changes to his personality have been confirmed.
―It seems that there were memories and emotions that he
did not want to discard, and it seems that a considerable number of spirits
joined forces to protect his ego."
"So he is fine?
......Thank
goodness."
Shizumi exhaled deeply
upon receiving Tsuguho's comforting words.
Seeing this, a feeling
akin to cloudiness swirled in Saki's chest.
It was neither anger
nor pity, but a feeling of calm similar to that just before a storm.
"........................
Excuse me!!"
"Saki-san!?"
Saki stepped forward,
as if to express her feelings in the face of two people she was fundamentally
incapable of dealing with.
"If you care so
much about Akira-kun, why don't you see him more often? From my point of view,
it seems to me that both of you are avoiding contact with Akira-kun as much as
possible.
I heard that
Tsuguho-sama as well as Aka-sama only meet Akira-kun once a week.
Even if it's
Akira-kun, the thought of being engaged will surely make him wonder!"
"...... You
are?"
"...... My name
is Saki, the third daughter of the Rindou family."
For Shizumi, the Rindo
family is the eighth family belonging to other provinces.
She may have knowledge
about the appearance of the head of the family, but it does not extend to their
youngest daughter.
Shizumi's eyes grew
sharp as she listened to the reproachful response from someone she did not even
know.
Saki's waist began to
flinch as she was met with that gaze, but even so, her legs showed no sign of
retreating.
Tsuguho spoke up as if
to intervene.
"Saki-san is
currently mentoring Akira-san.
―Yes. I understand that Shizumi-sama must have
something to say regarding this.
But some circumstances
compel me to put Saki-san in charge of his training."
We didn't have much
time, after all.
Perhaps understanding
something from Tsuguho's monologue that spilled after her response, Shizumi
turned her contention toward Saki.
"Is this how you
are stalling for time?
―Saki-san. Whether it is me or Tsuguho-sama, we must
refrain as much as possible from having any contact with Akira-san before he
comes of age. This is the ironclad rule concerning relationships with
Kanna-no-Mikura."
"Even if that
were the case, ......"
Let's say that was
really the case. However, there is no doubt that the root cause of the problems
that have actually arisen is Gioin's lack of awareness regarding its
information-sharing policies.
Even regarding Akira's
treatment in his own family. Gioin should have had ample time available to investigate
Ugetsu's behavior.
It was a blunder on
the part of Gioin that could have been judged as a failure.
Before Shizumi could
explain further, Tsuguho opened her mouth.
"We can't.
Akira-san is
Kanna-no-Mikura. I told you that this is the title of the same rank as Miko and
Kannagi belonged to Sannomiya-Shiin (The Four Sovereigns and the Three
Palaces), didn't I?"
"―Yes."
"To be more
precise, Miko and Kannagi are created artificially based on Kanna-no-Mikura.
...... In other words, Kanna-no-Mikura is a title of the highest order.
Moreover, divine
pillars will not even hesitate to give up all that they have to obtain this
Kanna-no-Mikura."
The fact that it is
the highest title means that if Akira so desires it, he can exercise the Kotodama (power of words) of Servitude just like Tsuguho.
Needless to say, this
power is even capable of affecting Tsuguho, who is lower in rank.
Although it does not
affect the Divine Pillars, they will never stand in the way of
Kanna-no-Mikura's actions.
This was, after all,
to point out the fact that Akira had the ability to control anyone if he wanted
to.
Such an absurd
existence exists in this world with nothing but its own pure human soul.
The reason why Akira
has not exercised this Kotodama so far is only due to a combination of his
unawareness and good fortune.
Rather than giving him
a lousy education and raising a tyrant who abuses the Kotodama, they would
rather have him grow up as an honest, normal human being.
It is only after one's
spirit has matured as a human being that one develops a clear sense of
companionship. This is the best way to educate Kanna-no-Mikura, according to
the old tradition.
In the first place,
the unprecedented blunder made by Ugetsu in banishing him is beyond the scope
of their expectations.
"―If you
understand that much and still put Saki-san in charge of mentoring him, then
Gioin won't have anything to say about it."
Shizumi, unwilling to
admit defeat, interjected and turned on her heel.
"I will now
return to Kokuten Province.
Though it is only a
little, I would like to express my gratitude to Aka-sama. Since Akira-san is
doing well, Kuro-sama will also find some peace of mind for a while.
......Also, what about
the arrangements for the meeting?"
"The outline
should be ready to be finalized by October.
I will return to
Shumon Province to prepare for further negotiations.
...... Now that I
think about it, how do you intend to deal with the Ugetsu?"
"They are a
member of Kouken Province's nobility, so their fate will be left up to Gioin.
―Is there a problem?"
"No.
Forgive me for being
presumptuous, but I think it would be best to postpone it until October.
It won't be too long,
and there is no need to rush."
"Are you telling
me to have mercy on Ugetsu?"
Shizumi frowned upon hearing
Tsuguho's comment, which could be taken as interfering with the internal
affairs of Gioin.
Perhaps expecting
this, Tsuguho responded with a faint smile.
"Quite the
opposite. The biggest victim here is Akira-san.
...... If there is no
place for the hatred to go, people will not be able to sort out their hearts.
For the sake of
Akira-san's growth, I just thought it would be fair to leave the final decision
on Ugetsu's fate in his hands."
"....... That's
true.
Alright then, since
Kuro-sama's attention has shifted to Akira-san's survival, it won't be
difficult to delay Ugetsu's punishment.
I will send a
messenger from here to discuss it later."
"By all
means."
With short parting
words, Shizumi left the conference room without even a trace of hesitation.
Her departing back
disappeared behind the creaking sliding door. Saki exhaled deeply from relief
that the suffocating negotiations were over.
"...........................
Haaaaa~~!"
"Good work.
Saki-san, was this
your first time in this kind of negotiation?"
"My father has
taken me to the Kuga family several times to negotiate.
But this is the first
time I've been so nervous."
Saki smiled at the
comforting words spoken by Tsuguho. The twitching in Saki's cheeks spoke
eloquently of the awkwardness of her smile, but without daring to point it out,
Tsuguho stood up.
"It is an
outdated way of thinking that women should simply stay inside their homes.
I heard that on the
West Tomoe Continent, it is common for women to go out and work in public.
Now then. Once I
finish my business at the academy, I will return to Karen.
―Are you coming back with us, Saki-san?"
"...... No. Akira-kun
has just begun enrolling in school, so I'm going to stay here at the academy.
And since Uncle Asogi
is accompanying Akira-kun, we can't afford to give him any unwarranted
suspicions."
Even now, he had
enough suspicions about it.
Saki felt the need to
distance herself from Akira, even temporarily, before Asogi Genji, who, despite
his personality, has a keen intuition, poked his head inside.
"I see.
But you have to get
back to Karen before October begins.
―We have to help Akira-san with his preparations."
"Yes."
Tsuguho nodded in
satisfaction at Saki's affirmation and left the conference room.
This was the beginning
of a silent war over Akira that was unknown to the public.
―In 3999, at the end of August.
It was the moment when
the footsteps of autumn began to be heard in the distance.
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