Volume 3
Chapter 7 Part
2
Touring the
Central Capital, a Myriad of Flowers 2
Translator : PolterGlast
Just when they thought
they had crossed a similar street, they would see it again from the other side.
Although
"well-organized" sounds good, Akira and the others had been walking
northward through the center of the monotonous cityscape.
"It's a very
well-organized town, isn't it? The main streets of the central city are laid
out in a grid pattern, and if you're not used to it, you'll get lost."
"I'll be careful.
I thought that since it claims to be the center of Takamagahara, Central City
must surely be very prosperous, but it's quite-......"
"You can feel its
history, right?"
Asogi Genji chuckled
as he walked in front of Akira, who was not sure of what to say.
The expression
"history" is also a good way of putting it. But if one were to
describe it as something else, it would be something like,
"―It's kind of
old-fashioned, I guess."
"You're talking
too much, Jin.
There are people
around. You never know who might be listening."
Nakiri Jin folded his
hands on the back of his head and gave a follow-up to Akira and Genji's words.
Yuge Kojou scolded him
with a wry smile at his blunt comment.
An elderly woman in a
kimono walking from the other side of the street, perhaps overhearing what they
were saying, flashed her eyes and walked past them.
Did she hear us? Genji
scratched his brow to cover his awkwardness and resumed his steps.
Jin described it as
old-fashioned, but in reality, it was not that old-fashioned.
There was a large flow
of people coming and going along the main street, and steam-powered vehicles
could be seen in the area, along with horse-drawn carriages.
However, many of the
surrounding buildings consisted of row-houses, which gave the impression that
the town had somehow been left behind by the times.
The surrounding
mountains and ridges gave another impression that there was not much space in
the central city.
"The people of
Central City have a strong aversion to change. The wave of civilization and
enlightenment is the best example of this.
In fact, there is no
other city that clings to its history as tightly as this Capital.
―Even so, the culture of the Western Continent has
penetrated here regardless."
Genji muttered so as a
brand-new tram passed in front of his eyes.
The flow of people
moved in a more orderly manner than seen in Karen.
And so, naturally, the
steps of Akira and the others followed suit.
"Ah, right. There
are quite a few good coffee shops in particular.
―Junior. I'm not sure if you can afford it, but I'll
give you my recommendation later..."
"Your coffee shop
visits are probably because you want to see the waitresses.
―Do I need to ask you where you got the money for
that?"
"M-Master.
T-That's, umm......."
Kojou smiled with a
blue vein popped on his face, and Jin Xun, who had poked a snake, retreated
while making excuses.
Kojou, who had figured
out most of it from Jin's behavior, let out a big sigh.
"......You're
earning pocket money by selling talismans, huh?
I'm not worried about
your grades at the academy, so I won't mention it, but try not to waste your
money."
"O-Osu."
Genji, perhaps
intrigued by Kojou's exchange, turned to him while holding back his chuckle.
"Hou~. Nakiri is
a talisman user, as well, eh? How far can he write?"
"It's metal
offensive talisman. ......Hakudō Province is famous for their talismans rather
than their spirit techniques after all."
"Kojou-dono, when
you say it, it sounds like you are being sarcastic.
―I envy you, Shumon Province lacking in
talismans."
"The
compatibility is just bad.
...... So, what about
him?"
Kojou, perhaps sensing
the implication of Genji's words, expressed his doubts.
It's not a
particularly secretive subject. Laughing, Genji turned his attention to Akira.
"Akira? This guy
is quite skilled, and I don't know where he learned how to write recovery
talismans.
Thanks to him, the 8th
garrison has a bit of a reserve of talismans."
"That's
impressive. If so, you might have a lot to learn from the academy I'm going to
introduce you to.
―Akira-kun. Have you completed the transfer
paperwork?"
Kojou's gaze turned to
Akira as he cut off his conversation with Genji.
Hakudo Province is
second only to Kokuten Province in terms of compatibility with Onmyoujutsu.
Perhaps it was because
Akira had been in contact with Kojou so often, but there was no surprise in his
eyes.
"Yes. My middle
school teachers were quite reluctant to let me apply, though."
"I heard that you
have excellent grades, but I wonder if that is the reason. Well, there's
nothing to worry about. It's just a short term, and it's also good lessons for
the teachers."
Even though Akira is a
year behind, his grades are so high that he is in the top ranks.
Not only is he adept,
but he has never lacked hard work.
Perhaps the homeroom
teacher would like to avoid having credits taken away from him in order to
assert his achievements.
...... But that's for
the convenience of the teaching staff (adults), not for Akira's.
If one were only to
look at Akira's interests, Kojou's proposal would certainly be more appealing.
While continuing to
chat lightly, Akira and the others eventually arrived at a plot of land
overlooking the center of the central city.
The surrounding
buildings, which lined the street, looked more like public facilities than
stores or residences.
"We will soon
arrive at the headquarters of the central city's garrison. ―But before we
enter, I have a strict order for you."
When the flow of
people had thinned out, Genji turned around with a mysterious look on his face.
His hand was lifted
and three fingers were held up.
"First, don't
talk. Second, don't move your eyes.
―And third, never, ever, get angry."
Akira and Jin were
taken aback by the strange orders, which were given with a very serious
expression.
Kojou followed Genji's
lead with a wry smile, as if he knew how they felt.
"It's true. Jin,
have you ever had any friendship with the people of Central City?
"No. In the
academy, it was basic to stick together with people from the same background.
―Well, I have a strong impression that they are a very
stuck-up bunch."
"That impression
is not wrong for the most part.
Let's talk about the
detailed reasons later. Remember, don't be offended."
""Understood.""
Even though they
didn't understand the reason, they both replied in unison.
Although he felt
uneasy, Genji turned his feet in the direction of the headquarters without
mentioning anything in particular.
――――――――――
―Oh, indeed.
After 30 minutes,
Akira inwardly reflected on the meaning of Genji's words.
He looked at Jin with
a sideways glance. Although he was only pretending on the surface, his
displeased true feelings were clear.
"We have
certainly received your message, Asogi-dono.
Although you are
mistaken that we would be in trouble for the news of the Hyakki Yagyo, but
honestly speaking, we are grateful for your concern about us."
"......In other
words, commander-in-chief thinks that Kihoin-sama's concern is
unnecessary?"
"No, no. It's the
opposite. Her concern is to be admired of."
A somewhat tense,
euphemistic exchange of words.
Asogi sat on the sofa
in the reception room facing Ninokuruwa Akikiyo, the commander-in-chief of the
Central Capital garrison, across the table.
He was about 40 years
old. And unlike Banda, the commander-in-chief of the Karen garrison, he had a
softer demeanor that left Genji feeling uncomfortable, as if his words were
just slipping past the surface.
"It seems you don't
understand the gravity of the situation.
―Nurarihyon can transform himself into a human
being."
"It is not
something unusual. For example, Shōjō is an expert in the art of human
language."
"His
transformation is on a completely different level compared to that.
―Even Banda-dono, the former commander-in-chief of
Karen, was replaced at some point and left to do as he pleased."
In response to Genji's
warning, the aloof Ninokuruwa's mouth quirked up slightly.
A smile, but only a
superficial one. The smile, which could be described as a sneer, clashed with
Genji's gaze.
"So you mean to
say that you guys are being played by a bunch of metamorphs? I have heard the
rumors.
―About Banda-dono, who has transformed himself into a
long-insect."
"It doesn't
matter. The problem is that his true motive may not be Karen, but rather,
Central City."
"Even if he has
lived for a long time, he is still an impure man, and his thinking seems to be
very poor."
Kuku~. Ninokuruwa's
tone did not waver as a sneer escaped from the corner of his mouth.
"Banda was a man
who was obsessed with money, was he not? If he had been content to stay in his
little corner of the south, he wouldn't have been led astray."
"So you are
saying that this whole mess is not a problem for the central city?"
"Of course. If
you look around the central city, you will see that Kihoin-sama's concern is
rather excessive.
―It has been 4,000 years since the rise of
Takamagahara. Has the protection of the central city ever been breached?
I heard that in four
provinces, monsters often attack their capitals. I suppose it would be
difficult to ease people's minds if that's the case."
The obvious boasting
and disparaging remarks about the other provinces caused everyone in the room
except Ninokuruwa to furrow their brows.
"Hmm, so,
Ninokuruwa-dono doesn't even need my help, huh?"
"It can't be
helped since the central city is always in perfect condition.
......However, it
would ruin the name of the one who is given the duty to protect the central
city to disregard the kindness of Jinrouin-sama as well as Kihoin-sama.
We do not have the
luxury to send a force, but I hope you will be satisfied with hunting in the
surrounding mountains.
―Well, we have been hunting too much recently, and even
the shadows of the defiled beasts seem to be getting scarce. We will not hear
your complaints if the numbers are not enough to meet your expectations."
―Surely, this was a subtle reveal of Ninokuruwa's true
feelings.
A mocking emotion
blended into his flat tone of voice. The meeting continued for a while after
that, but that was the only impression that remained with Akira and the others.
The several agreements
that followed did not take much time.
Without so much as a
word of farewell, Akira and the others left the headquarters.
"I’m done."
"Damn. I'm tired
for doing nothing."
As they turned down
the street beyond the sight of the headquarters, Akira and Jin stood shoulder
to shoulder and exhaled loudly.
The conversation left
them feeling nothing but fatigue, and the sense of liberation they were feeling
was quite satisfying.
"Both of you
endured it well.
Whenever a stranger
confronts them, they usually make trouble over it."
"......Isn't that
just a special case?"
"Sorry to break
it to you, but even he was kind enough to listen to our request.
It seems that even
Ninokuruwa-dono could not ignore Kihoin's letter."
That was plainly
obvious. Facing the unnecessary trouble, the expressions on the faces of Akira
and others became bitter.
Kojou's wry smile
deepened as if he fully understood their feelings.
"Ninokuruwa
family is part of the old noble family, after all.
......I believe they
were once in charge of western provinces' management.
Their pride and
history is greater than that of the Eight Families. I'm sure inwardly they were
looking down on us."
"It sounded like
they treat Lady Kihoin lightly, is that really alright?"
Kojou's words caused
Akira to raise a question.
He did not know the
details of the old noble families, but Takamagahara's top rank in the pecking
order were the Eight Families, Sannomiya (the Three Imperial Families), and
Shiin (the Four Sovereigns).
However, if Ninokuruwa's
words and actions were to be taken as they were, they sounded as if he would
have no hesitation in disrespecting even Kihoin, depending on the situation.
Naturally, Genji and
the others were aware of this, but they did not mention it.
It was because they
were well aware of the futility of making comments about it.
The power structure of
the old-style nobility is completely connected to the Sannomiya, the
highest-ranking position in the Takamagahara.
Many of their roles
are similar, and some families have the right to speak on behalf of the
Sannomiya.
In the extreme and
limited sense, they are permitted to act as representatives of the imperial
family.
―Which was also the reason why, over the years, they
mistakenly believed themselves to be on the same level as the Imperial
Families.
"......There are
some aspects that can't be helped.
The old family
nobility, the Central Province nobility in general, originally had no reason to
bend their knees to the other provinces.
They were reluctant to
go along with us because they stood above us in the pecking order.
I think that's what
they were really thinking."
"The
heck......"
"The main reason
for this is the fact that Sannomiya is an arbiter, but is surprisingly
indifferent to their own knees.
Because of this, they
have allowed them to grow."
"―Enough of this.
Akira, you should follow Nakiri's example in this regard."
Genji silenced Akira's
chagrin and began to walk away. The baggage on his back shook heavily as he
walked.
"Except for the
Imperial Tournament, I've never been to Central City, and I don't really know
how to get along with them either."
"We've secured a
certain amount of freedom, which is a good thing.
Both of you. Genji and
I will stay in the garrison, but you guys need to prioritize your studies.
―Jin, go and guide Akira to the site. If you go there
now, you will be able to attend classes from noon."
Jin, who had been
standing in silence with a look of indifference on his face, expressed his
displeasure at these words.
But he couldn't argue.
He had not attended classes for half a month, and if he missed more than this,
let alone go on to higher education, he could be expelled from the school.
"Usu.
Understood."
Jin left a bow and
turned on his heel along with Akira.
They would meet up
with Kojou and Genji in the evening.
―Akira and Jin also needed to finish what they had to
do.
♢
Along the main road
running north-south in the center of the city, Jin and Akira headed north, side
by side.
Although not quite
old, the rows of distinctive row houses left Akira with the impression that
they had been stranded in time.
"―Speaking of
which, where is this middle school that Yuge-sama is introducing us to?
I haven't heard
anything about it."
"Didn't he tell
you? No matter how capable Master is, he doesn't have a connection to an
ordinary junior high school, so he asked me to help you transfer to my
school."
"Senpai's school,
huh? If I'm not mistaken, it's-......."
"Tenryō Academy. Master
has an acquaintance who is a teacher there, so I'm entrusted with a letter of
introduction addressed to him.
He's also my training
instructor, so I'm kind of bummed about it."
Even though he has a
good reason, his absence for more than half a month is still going to be a
pain.
It is easy to imagine
that the gaze directed toward Jin would also be harsh.
Akira gave a wry smile
in response to Jin's sullen expression.
"What goes around
comes around.
But, Tenryō Academy,
huh ......"
"What's
wrong?"
"No, I thought
I'd heard of it before.
―Where did I hear it again?"
"Of course you
have. If I recall correctly, young lady Rindo was admitted this year, and the
Rindo family is your guardian, no? You should at least say hello.
It's not just Rindo.
There's a lot of talk this year about all the children of the top nobility. All
of the four sovereign families, except for Jinroin, are enrolling there. Even
Kuga of the Eight Families, ...... ah, Ugetsu as well."
"Oh, Saki-sama
...... -wait, what?"
Akira's steps came to
a stunned halt upon hearing Jin's casual muttering.
...... Akira's memory
of his hometown came back to him.
―You're a nuisance.
From the first time
they met, he was always looked down upon and scorned by that gaze.
The one who could only
breathe as if squirming in the shade, and the other who was allowed to smile
under the sun.
Three years have
passed. Akira is suddenly confronted with the possibility of encountering his
younger brother, Ugetsu Souma.
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