Volume 3
Side Story 3
The Answer is
Far Away, Confirmation Comes to a Conclusion 2
Translator : PolterGlast
―Eastern part of Kabeju Province, capital city of
Suzuyashiro.
Sacred Realm, Suiki
Sacred Cave.
The floorboards of the
roofed corridor were being stomped on wildly.
Seiran, the owner of
the footsteps, headed for the inner sanctum of the Sacred Cave with Hariin
Midori, the head of the family, in tow.
"I hope you are
telling the truth!"
"This is a
message from Fuwa Naotoshi, who was staying in Ugetsu.
There is no reason for
him to lie, and the fact that he panicked when he learned the name
Kanna-no-Mikura is the best proof of this."
Midori's response
caused Seiran's glistening blue eyes to twitch angrily.
"......~! Fools!
―Unyaaa~!?"
"...........................Are
you alright, Ao-sama?"
"Ughh~ ......-no
problem!"
The sliding door was
opened and she took a big step toward her seat.
―The momentum caused her feet to slip and she fell
head-first onto the tatami mats.
Her indigo-black hair
spread across the tatami, and her slender limbs quivered from embarrassment.
Midori helped Seiran
up, feeling a slight sense of relief at the usual scene.
Shaking off her teary
eyes, Seiran messily sat down on her seat.
"Kanna-no-Mikura
was born in Kokuten Province.
...... This in itself
is nothing but a joyous event that should be welcomed.
It is the return of
Mikura which has not been born since the civil war 400 years ago. Especially
for us, even a mere congratulatory message is enough to lift a load off our shoulders."
"Yes. ―The
problem is, that Kanna-no-Mikura was abandoned by Ugetsu's own decision.
......Kokuten Province
is in disarray, perhaps because of the Descend of Aragami."
"Undoubtedly so.
If the current state of lull is the calm before the storm, I wouldn't be
surprised if it bursts at any moment.
......Is it true that
Kanna-no-Mikura is dead?"
"I heard that an
official from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs brought the soul stone
straight to Ugetsu's main residence.
Apparently, Ugetsu
regarded him as nothing more than an incompetent person, so no one would bother
to make any attempt to manipulate it."
"If the soul
stone had lost its luster, then 90% no mistake.
The blessing of a
divine pillar is basically limited to the land it controls, so if one crosses
the border of the province, he or she is no different than a mere ordinary
human being."
More precisely, until
the divine energy that fills one's body runs out, but in any case, it's only a
matter of time.
"...... I'm
amazed that hasn't been exposed in three years.
Gioin is not exempt
from being blamed for the blunder, though."
"Gioin must have
been excited about the birth of Kanna-no-Mikura, which was their long-cherished
wish.
Moreover, it is highly
possible that they were hesitant to interfere with the internal affairs of the
loyal and long-established Ugetsu."
As she spoke, Seiran
also had a vague understanding of Genrei's situation.
The divine precinct is
the divine pillar itself. It is essentially the inside of the divine pillar,
which is not allowed to be entered by others, and there is no consideration for
people just spending time there.
As the name suggests,
Seiran's sanctuary was originally a cave surrounded by rocks. When
Kanna-no-Mikura was first obtained, it had a past that took more than a year to
renovate.
The reconfiguration of
a sacred precinct is a delicate and burdensome task for a divine pillar.
It is not a task that
can be accomplished overnight, and it is only natural that one should be
devoted to it for the sake of welcoming one's spouse.
"―Did you get any
details from Naotoshi?"
"The head of the
Fuwa family is the one hearing the details, but I heard them directly from him
as well.
Did you have any
concerns?"
"Kanna-no-Mikura
was banished because of his incompetence, right?
...... Is that
true?"
In response to
Seiran's question, Midori slightly lowered her gaze.
If it was about
banishment, Ugetsu's argument would definitely focus on that area.
But, in the face of
Kanna-no-Mikura, incompetence should never be an issue.......
"Even Fuwa
Naotoshi's testimony was vague in that matter. ...... However, he said that at
the very least, he taught him how to write a regeneration talisman.
The fact that he could
write a regeneration talisman means that he had at least the minimum knowledge
as an Onmyoji."
"If he could
write a regeneration talisman at the age of 10, at least he's not incompetent.
Are Ugetsu all dumb
and stupid?"
"Since he has
enough knowledge to write a regeneration talisman, it is certain that he is at
least outside the scope of what elementary school students can provide.
―Maybe the reason why Ugetsu declared him as
incompetent was because of the preconceived notion that comes from the absence
of a spirit."
Midori tried her best
to analyze the situation calmly, but Seiran snorted lightly at her.
"In the end,
everything happened because Ugetsu Tenzan was incompetent beyond saving.
...... Even Ugetsu has
fallen. I never thought that with such a descendant as the head of the family,
Kokuten Province would sink with him as collateral damage."
"I have heard
reports from my sister that their heir, Souma, is outstanding.
[Treasure of the
North]. He has talents that are worthy of that title."
"―So what?"
When Seiran gave her
an inquiring look, Midori lightly shrugged her shoulders in return.
The flip side of that
evaluation is that it means that Souma is outstanding only at a level that can
be measured by others.
To Divine Pillars,
that fact was not even close to being attractive.
"Ugetsu's
punishment falls under Gioin's jurisdiction. However, Fuwa Noriyori has
requested that Naotoshi be pardoned.
Fortunately, he has
not relinquished his Fuwa family name, so extenuating circumstances should be
taken into consideration."
"I guess it's up
to Gioin. ...... However, we could at least provide a little help here.
―Kanna-no-Mikura died outside of the state, but do you
have any idea where?"
"It was said that
at the time of his banishment, he should have passed through the old southern
road in the Samidare territory.
I am not familiar with
the geography of that area, but that old road should have intersected with a
mountain ridge on the border of Central Province and Kabeju Province.
Even if he crossed
over, he might have lived in that area."
"So, there's a
50-50 chance that he died in Mother's or in my domain, huh?"
Midori nodded with a
serious expression.
Even the anger of a
single human being is uncontrollable. If a Divine Pillar were to become
enraged, it might even go out of control and run amok.
"If so, scour the
surrounding towns. If he was relying on the regeneration talisman for his
income, we wouldn't miss anything, especially if we focus on the Talisman
Association.
―Even if his remains are a hopeless case, if we are
lucky, we may be able to retrieve one of his mementos."
If the idea was to
appease Genrei's anger with his memento then,
"......But it
might add fuel to the fire."
"That's why.
Until Kurome, exhausted by her anger, retreats to Kuroyouden, we must focus on
Samidare territory and burn everything down in one fell swoop.
The damage to the
surroundings will be extraordinary, but the damage to Kabeju Province will be
minimized.
If the outcome is the
destruction of the land, whether it is 100 or 1000, 1000 damage in 1 year will
be better than 100 damage in 10 years."
If one damages the
land by exceeding the upper limit, the result given will not be more than the
upper limit. Then it would be logical to decide that the shorter the time, the
better. The people in the vicinity may not be pleased with it, but they should
accept it as fate.
Despite Seiran's
cold-hearted judgment, Midori still agreed without making any protest.
They rule Kabeju
Province, so there is no need to worry about Samidare territory, which is a
region of another province.
"Let's send
Homare to the northern part of the Central Province, just to be safe.
Similarly, I'll have
him search around the northern border of Central Province to investigate the
Talisman Association's business dealings."
"That's too
risky. It would be better not to give him any details so that he will refrain
from making any unnecessary moves.
Did you say
Kanna-no-Mikura's name was Akira? But I doubt that he uses that name in his
dealings."
"If so, Gioin
must have bestowed upon him a pseudonym. When it comes to dealing with
talismans, I think he would prefer to use it."
Very well. After
listening to everything, Seiran nodded her head in agreement.
If the current
situation was a sign of Aragami's descent, the damage to the surrounding area
would spread overwhelmingly over time.
Finding the location
of Akira's death as quickly as possible became their first priority.
"The unusual
existence of a child with a pseudonym would have attracted a great deal of
attention.
If we search with all
our resources, we should have no trouble finding him.
―What was his pseudonym?"
When asked by Seiran,
Midori was not sure whether to say it or not.
Because if one hears
it, one can also see through Genrei's feelings toward Akira.
...... However, her
hesitation was short-lived. With determination, Midori opened her mouth.
"Gensei. That's
the name they gave him."
"...........................
I see."
―To live with Kuro*1.
Unable to find the
words to respond to this wish, which had presumably vanished in vain, Seiran
simply and bitterly said just that.
*1
Gensei (玄生). Gen (玄) can also be read as
Kuro, Sei (生) means living or to live.
♢
―The western part of Hakudō Province, the capital city
of Konusa.
The sacred precinct,
the Great Shrine Junkei.
Otedamas danced lightly near
the ceiling of the latticework that spanned the sanctuary.
"One, two, ......
ah~."
Kagura happily counted
while singing, following her otedamas with her eyes and smiling, then caught
one that missed its rhythm with her forehead.
"―Kagura sure is
fond of otedama, huh?"
"Yes!"
Once again, without
getting tired of it. The process repeated, and Tsukishiro smiled with closed
eyes as the scene continued.
The white sake cup in
her hand swayed with a sweet fragrance on the surface of the water as the time
passed peacefully.
The usual scene was
eventually broken by an interrupting voice.
"Shiro-sama!"
"Hotori? That
expression on your face suggests that you have good news."
With two pieces of
paper in her hands, Jinrouin Hotori stepped into the sanctuary with an amused
smile on her face.
Seeing that smile,
Tsukishiro was convinced that her plan had borne fruit, and she smiled back at
her.
"At his
discretion. My husband (Kojou) has sent a telegram.
―A guest god named Nurarihyon has attacked Karen and
may have escaped.
My husband, together
with an acquaintance in Shumon Province, is hurrying to the Central Province,
supposedly to chase after it."
"But that's not
all, is it?"
It may be important,
but that doesn't sound like good news.
Replying with a grin,
Tsukishiro urged to continue with the message.
The telegram Kojou
sent was obviously subjected to censorship, so undoubtedly, all the information
written in it was publicly available.
―However, since it was a telegram sent by Nakiri Jin to
Nakiri territory, the censorship net is thinner.
The text itself is of
little significance. What is important is the date and the postscript.
Combined, they reveal
what and why.
"It said, Akasama
has obtained Kanna-no-Mikura. My husband is currently working together with
him."
"For the first
time in 400 years? It seems that the wrath of the heavens, which has been
ongoing since the last civil war, has finally melted away.
―Do you think that Kihoin is still unaware that we are
working with them?"
"That's very
likely.
It is difficult to
conceive, given common sense, that anyone would accompany Kanna-no-Mikura to
the Central Province, based solely on combining two pieces of
information."
It was also an
unlikely situation.
An important time
before the unveiling at the Kannamesai Festival. When the Kanna-no-Mikura would
become known to the public. The Divine Pillar would never welcome the intrusion
of people from other provinces.
From this fact, it
could be inferred that they feared that the true identity of the Godless Throne
would be exposed if interference were to occur.
"―Although I'm a
bit concerned about the connection with Kuro, it's kind of interesting."
"Are you going to
make a move?"
At Hotori's words of
confirmation, Tsukishiro happily responded with a simple nod.
With the exception of
400 years ago, Tsukishiro would have to go back 700 years to recall the last
time she obtained Kanna-no-Mikura.
...... It does not
matter if she is not an official spouse.
This was the first
opportunity offered to her in a long time, and she wanted to take it even if
she had to engage in a fight with Shuka.
While assessing the
situation and Shuka's personality, she drew up a few plans.
Genrei, who was about
to lose her virginity, would refrain from interfering, but Seiran, who was stingy
during the civil war 400 years ago, would most likely interfere.
Before that, it would
be quicker to make a secret agreement about sharing with Shuka, but where
should I begin?
She took a thoughtful
glance at Kagura, who was following the otedama with her eyes.
"......Kagura.
Stand still for a moment."
"? Yes."
After closing the fan
in her hand, Tsukishiro stopped Kagura from moving.
She circled around
Kagura who was standing still, and examined her appearance from top to bottom.
A white silk robe and
vermilion-dyed nagajuban (kimono-like
garment) wrap around her limbs, which have just begun to develop.
The girl's
well-groomed face shows great promise for the future, and her jet-black colored
hair, trimmed around her shoulders, accentuates her innocent youthfulness.
...... Even with a
lustful heart, one could only recognize her as a child's cuteness.
"Hmm. ......No
matter how hard I look at her, I can't find any sex appeal."
"What do you
expect from a child who has just turned ten?"
The tone of Hotori's
voice was laced with a sense of dismay.
She understood what
Tsukishiro was trying to say, but it was wrong to expect something like sex
appeal from a child.
"You fool. What
is necessary for a woman's seduction is her courage.
Its essence is to
seduce the other person's feelings by teasing through eyes and words.
Does age even
matter?"
"Of course, it
does. It is only those of the same age or younger that don't need to be
concerned with appearance."
"...... Hmm. Do
you know the age of the other party?"
"Unfortunately,
no. ...... But I can estimate it.
He was just granted
permission to head to Central Province, and has not yet been formally debuted.
―If so, the lower limit is 12 and the upper limit is
15."
"So, in the
worst-case scenario, the age difference between Kagura and him is five, huh?
Which family is he
from?"
Tsukishiro's question
made Hotori think.
Marriages in
Takamagahara are basically determined by consultation among the members of the
nobility and the heads of the families.
In the case of
Kanna-no-Mikura marriage, it was not difficult to imagine that it would be
completely determined by Kihoin's wishes as well as the wishes of the head of
the family where he was born.
Tsukishiro is
exceptionally fond of scheming, but on the other hand, she shows no interest
when it comes to love affairs. However, if she wanted to get her hands on
Kanna-no-Mikura, the only way left to interfere was to make him fall in love
with her before then.
In other words,
Jinrouin would be forced to compete in the area where Tsukishiro was the
weakest.
"The Kuga family
has already announced the Kuga prodigy (Kuga Ryota) as the next head of the
family, and given the nature of Kuga Houri, there is no logical reason not to promote
Kanna-no-Mikura to the forefront.
If so, he must have
been born to the Rindo family."
Hotori's memory of the
Rindo family structure is hazy, but there was only one eldest son who was
publicly announced.
He would have been
over 20 already, so he is not the one.
"......Although
it is unlikely given Rindo Kozaburo's character, I think it's more likely that
he came from Rindo's concubine."
Hearing these
assumptions, Tsukishiro gave a simple nod.
For love matters, it
is essential to have a strategy, but in many cases, feelings often come before
calculations.
Therefore, a strategy
that appeals to the emotions would be the most effective.
"If he is an
illegitimate child, it is highly unlikely that he has any family other than his
mother.
―Kagura. I have a favor to ask of you."
"Yes, Shiro-sama!
Anything you wish."
"Good answer.
―In two years, you too will be enrolled at the Tenryō
Academy in the Central Province. Would you like to see the academy now?"
"Eeh~, is that
alright?"
She had never been to
the Central Province, let alone Konusa, its capital city.
The girl's face, a
mixture of anxiety about being asked to do something difficult and anticipation
of her first visit to the Central Province, was radiant with excitement.
Tsukishiro was
satisfied with her honest expression.
"Uh-uh. That
being said, Hotori will remain in the capital city. So, you may go by train
with an escort.
Ah, right. Kojou will
also be in the Central Province, but he may be too busy to move.
―Instead, you must put your trust in the person Kojou
sent to meet you, whom you will regard as your older brother."
"O-Older
brother?"
"Yes. You may act
as spoiled as you like."
Those who are directly
descended from the Sannomiya-Shiin will never give birth to a male child.
Kagura's eyes went
black and white at this far-fetched statement.
Behind Tsukishiro, she
could see a dismayed-looking Hotori looking up at the ceiling.
She looked back and
forth between Tsukishiro and her mother, but then nodded her head in
understanding.
"O-Okay! I will
do my best to live up to your expectations, Shiro-sama!!"
"Good, good.
―Now, go and prepare for your departure."
Kagura left the
sanctuary on an impatient gait, perhaps unable to suppress her excitement.
As Tsukishiro saw her
off with a beaming smile, an emotionless voice struck her in the back.
"......What are
you up to, Shiro-sama?"
"It can't be
helped.
Since there's no sex
appeal, it's better to slip into his heart as a younger sister.
What? Your daughter is
definitely of the finest caliber. If she behaves naturally, he will certainly
be emotionally bound to her.
―Look, Aka's (Shuka) outward appearance is just another
girl. If she suffers from her jealousy, we have a good chance of winning."
"...........................Haa."
Hotori could only sigh
in reply to Tsukishiro's confident assurances.
Trying to seduce a boy
with a younger girl. There's nothing wrong with it, but nonetheless, she felt
that it was a little too brazen.
"I wanted her to
get accustomed to the city, so this is a good opportunity for her.
...... I'm a little
concerned about that evil god, though. There's no denying that he may be
plotting to cause a disturbance in the Central Province."
"I've been
divining, ...... but no oracle has given me an answer, and Central Province
seems to be on the defensive.
Well, since we keep
Kojou standing by, we won't have any problems.
As long as he is
allowed to vacate the area in sight, he alone can do anything he wants."
Tsukishiro's reply was
met with a simple nod.
A bamboo divination
stick fell out of the palm of the Great Divine Pillar, as if it had been in her
hand at some point.
Even if he had only
been granted a single spirit vessel, it was impossible to imagine a future in
which Yuge Kojou would be defeated by a mere Hyakki Yagyo.
Yuge Kojou is not only
a man of military power, but also a man capable in writing so reliably that he
can stand as Jinrouin's equal in the field.
Hoping that this would
not affect their relationship with Kihoin, Hotori followed Kagura to help her
young daughter with her departure.
――――――――――
TIPS: About
Compatibility
Regarding the
compatibility of spirit vessels, which has been mentioned several times in the
story.
To put it simply, there
is a difference in whether one's forte is in moving spiritual power or in
fixing it.
The spiritual
technique is based on one's own spiritual veins and is built up half
instinctively.
Onmyojutsu involves
fixing the spiritual power at one's fingertips and drawing up a formula in
space.
The spiritual power
that has gained direction is regarded as something different from the residing
spirit, so a spirit vessel that serves as an intermediary is necessary in order
to exercise the spiritual technique.
On the other hand,
Onmyojutsu writes spiritual power directly in space, so it basically does not
require a medium.
In the story, Akira
exercised spirit techniques through the medium of a talisman, but this was
possible only because it was Akira, and others were incapable of doing so.
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