Volume 3
Chapter 9 Part
4
The Girl
Comes, Raising the Signal 4
Translator : PolterGlast
Akira and the others,
who had not been to Tenryō Station in several days, blinked their eyelids at
the transformation.
Hurried staff members
sweeping the corridors, and an old man, apparently a member of a high-ranking
noble family, spitting out orders.
At the entrance to the
station, guardians carrying white banners were chasing away curious onlookers.
In front of the
stunned Akira and the others, a line of steam-powered cars drove by, carrying
goods and people.
Behind Akira, Rindō
Saki coughed, perhaps feeling a tickle in her nose from the soot from the
exhaust smoke.
"Cough, cough.
What's with all this ruckus?"
"...... They're
probably guardians on dispatch from the Hakudō Province to the Imperial Guards.
I believe they have
been instructed by Jinroin not to cause any trouble, but perhaps they went out
of control when they heard the news."
The Imperial Guards,
whose main mission is to protect the Central Province, is the largest armed
force in Takamagahara aside from the Eight Families.
The main force is made
up of the local guardians, but the guardians from each of the provinces also
contribute their part to the force.
As if to confirm Jin's
prediction, the Jinroin family crest on a pure white banner inlaid with gold
brocade rose into the clear sky.
Looking up at the
waves of silk cloth fluttering in the autumn breeze, the old man who had been
yelling at the others snorted with satisfaction.
"I see you are
from the White Forces of the Imperial Guards, but - what in the world is all
this fuss about?"
"Hmm. Oh,
Nakiri-dono.
Thank you for
Yuge-sama and your help the other day."
Jin called out to the
old man's back, his voice tinged with dismay.
The old man's frown
slightly loosened upon recognizing Jin, who had taken a step ahead of Akira and
the others.
Akira wondered if Jin
knew this old man, and his questioning gaze fell on Jin.
"...-Yeah, I was
merely tagging along behind Master's back, but I am honored that you remember
me."
―He must have forgotten.
The way he replied,
there was no trace of stagnation in his smooth tone. However, Akira did not
miss the pause of half a breath that crept in just before he spoke.
Just before meeting
Akira and the others in Shumon Province, he heard that Jin had attended a
negotiation in the Central Capital together with Kojou.
Perhaps they had met
at that time.
"But of course.
As the disciple of Yuge Kojou, as well as someone from the first branch of the
Yuge family, even the Imperial Guards has been talking about you as being the
next generation's leading figure.
Even we, the White
Force, have a whiff of it......"
"I don't think
topic about me is important at the moment.
I don't know where you
heard it from, but I am sure Jinroin informed you that it was not necessary to
make a welcoming reception.
―Does Master know about this commotion you're
making?"
"...... Haha. I'm
sure he's already been informed.
However, to think that
we would stand idly by when we heard that young lady Jinroin would be visiting
the Central Capital, I would think that the White Force's credentials would be
questioned.
I thought it would be
more appropriate for us to escort her, despite us being a small unit.
―Nakiri-dono, I would appreciate it if you would wait leisurely
at Jinroin's villa."
"It would be a
waste of time to return now that we have come all the way here.
If you find it silly,
then you should understand that it is also reasonable if I were to ask you to
withdraw."
"You have a point.
But I do not think it
would be wise, considering the future, to narrow Kagura-sama's horizons with a
tour consisting solely of young acquaintances.
―Nakiri-dono, you may have your reasons for issuing
this order, but for now, I would like to ask you to give us face in honor of
this old man's age."
He was probably better
at politics than he was at warfare. His eloquent speech was so effective that
it forced Jin to withdraw.
Jin's gaze looked
downward emotionlessly at the old man's deeply bowed grey-haired head.
In short, he wanted to
be the first to welcome Kagura, the next head of Jinroin, in order to spread
the word to those around him that it was a great honor for him to be chosen for
the role.
......But if Jin gave
up his role to this old man, there would be a risk that he might spout all
sorts of nonsense to her.
However, it was
difficult to drive away the old man, who refused to compromise, because he had
been exposed to public attention.
―Especially now, a situation in which the Hyakki Yagyo
might become a threat.
He could not afford to
let their relationship deteriorate by making this old man lose face, especially
since he was currently seated in the Imperial Guards.
While Jin was
pondering over how to handle the situation, Akira took a step forward.
"Excuse me for
interrupting,...... but I would like to express my gratitude to Imperial
Guard-dono for your efforts in arranging the welcoming reception."
"Hmm? I see that
you are a protector, but whose faction do you belong to?"
At first glance, he
appeared to be a boy in a protector's uniform, without a guardian's haori.
However, his voice was unwavering, and the old man gave Akira an appraising
stare.
"My name is
Yotsurugi Akira, and I have been assigned as a protector in the Shumon
Province.
Since your
conversation did not seem to be making any progress, I thought it would be
better if I intervened."
"What? To think
that a mere subordinate of another province would meddle in the affairs of
Hakudō Province's future.
―Nakiri-dono, I don't know what your true intentions
are, but I would advise you to reconsider your friendship with him."
After having assessed
Akira's value, the old man's gaze flashed a hint of contempt.
Jin, on the other
hand, furrowed his eyebrows when he heard the old man's words, which only
focused on the other party's status.
―When Jin was about to say something, Akira stopped him
and then went on to add more words.
"Indeed, the
Shumon Province has no authority to interfere in the future of the Hakudō
Province.
Therefore, the head of
the Yuge family has granted us permission to accompany Nakiri-dono."
Because they have no
authority over it, therefore, they have no hidden agendas.
The top of the old
man's head flushed to the point of boiling from Akira's sarcasm, which took
advantage of his opponent's background and character.
"You sure are
quite the talker, huh?
You're merely a
subordinate who can't even keep his mouth shut unless you hide behind
Nakiri-dono's back."
"Yes. I am a puny
fellow, so puny that I am not even worthy of having ulterior motives, but I bet
Yuge-sama is more at ease with someone like me.
―It's time to withdraw, old man. I advise you to leave
while you still can."
"Wha!!"
―You should forget about all the hard work you have put
in.
The old man was so
enraged by Akira's implicit words.
However, Akira's
follow-up words closed his mouth as he tried to raise a second argument.
"I do not doubt
your loyalty.
...... However, if you
were to neglect your duty as Imperial Guards and push the Yuge family aside
just to make the welcoming reception, I am sure that Jinroin would be deeply
disappointed and would take disciplinary action.
―If you would kindly give up on this matter before that
happens, I am sure that the Yuge family will be able to keep this matter under
wraps."
"Ugh."
The old man, who had
been trying to maintain his presence by shouting loudly, had to be silenced
when Akira pointed out that Jinroin did not need to be greeted.
As Jinroin had clearly
stated that there was no need for him to be there, the old man's actions
constituted a clear violation of the order.
Even if he were to use
the Central Province's jurisdiction as a pretext, he would still be punished as
long as the White Force consisted of Jinroin's guardians.
The old man's actions
were more likely to anger Jinroin than to please them.
Having had this
painful truth pointed out directly to him, the old man had no choice but to
remain silent.
"Of course.
Nakiri-dono has no intention of ignoring your White Force's behind-the-scenes
efforts in cleaning up the station where Jinroin's heir will arrive. If you
withdraw from this place, he would be happy to convey the White Force of the
Imperial Guards and your name to Jinroin-sama. ―Right?"
"Y-Yeah. I have
no intention of wasting the White Force's labor.
If you withdraw now,
there will be ample opportunity for a meeting at a later date."
"......I have
indeed requested a meeting."
Akira spoke over the
silence that prevailed, and Jin, who was jabbed by Akira's elbow, hurriedly
rode on Akira's words.
The old man, perhaps
deciding that persisting any longer would not be in his favor, reluctantly
raised his right hand in dismissal toward the lined-up White Force.
The old man and his
men got into the steam car they had prepared and left, kicking up a cloud of
dust.
The typhoon had
passed. Jin looked around the station premises, which had eventually returned
to a state of a mess not much different from before it was cleaned up, and he
spoke up with a tinge of exasperation.
"You've gotten
really good at running your mouth, huh? ...... Where did you learn such
eloquence?"
"Banda was always
looking down on me after all. Since they're on the same level, it was easy for
me to convey my sarcasm."
"I see. ......You
saved me there, but was that really all right with you, Junior?
If it turns out that
we sold him an empty promise that we can't guarantee, the old man is going to
resent us."
Akira said there would
be an opportunity for a meeting, but in reality, it was unlikely to happen.
The old man was
overbearing, but the number of guardians he had with him suggested that he
would be a squad leader at the very least.
Although on a tour,
Jinroin Kagura's schedule must be packed, so it would be easy to imagine that
she could not afford to be bothered with merely a squad leader.
However, when Jin
pointed this out, Akira simply responded with a shrug.
The old man was so
similar to Banda that he simply adapted this technique from the one Tsuguho had
shown him.
It is indeed an empty
promise, but since the old man is the one who will be in trouble, he should be
grateful to hear from whom it came.
"We are not
lying. All we promised was that we would mention the old man's name.
Well, I don't know the
old man's name, though ...... and I'm sure you've forgotten his name."
"That’s true."
Having his true
thoughts exposed, Jin let a wry smile appear at the corner of his mouth.
He had no intention of
taking any unnecessary trouble that might arise in the future.
"I'm glad things
turned out well.
With such a large
group, it's going to be difficult to move, and it's only going to attract
unnecessary attention."
"Agreed, but by
the way, I don't recall inviting young lady Rindō.
―Why is she here, Junior?"
"Beats
me......."
Was this payback for
earlier? Jin nudged him in the side with his elbow, and with a hushed voice,
reproached him.
When asked why she was
there, he had no response other than to say that she forced her way in.
Although the official
reason for being here is to greet dignitaries, Akira has only been told that he
is there to entertain a child.
Akira has little
reason to be on guard, and he has no idea why Saki is acting so eagerly.
Saki, perhaps having
overheard their secret conversation, raised her eyebrows and glared at the two
men.
"I'm in charge of
Akira-kun's training after all.
Besides, since it is
Jinroin's heir we're talking about, it must be a girl, how could I leave her
with a pair of rough men?"
"Alright,
alright. You have a good point.
―Good thing I prepared two steam cars. One of us might
get left out for sure."
Jin praised his past
self for deciding to arrange two steam cars, remembering the one with the
Jinroin banner waiting in the street.
Once the White Force
had withdrawn, the station building had regained its former atmosphere. From
beyond Akira and the others' field of vision, the whistle signaling the train's
arrival sounded.
The majestic sight of
the speeding train came to a halt as if exhausting its immense heat.
Amidst the smell of
brand-new iron oil mixed in with the swirling wind, steam erupted haphazardly
from the valves.
―In the middle of the steam-filled train, a girl around
10 years old stepped out of the car door with Jinroin's family crest on it.
She is dressed in a
white robe and scarlet hakama. Her clothes, which are similar to those of a
Miko (shrine maiden), are fluttered by the wind that sweeps through the steam.
Jinroin Kagura, with
her young limbs stretched with all the dignity she could muster, and
accompanied by personal attendants she brought, put her white hat back on with
a smile on her face.
With the same childish
mannerisms that one would expect from first impressions, her gaze turned to
Akira and the others.
"―Nakiri, it's
been a while. Is everything well?"
"Yes. My only
redeeming quality is my robustness after all.
I am relieved that you
have arrived safely. Princess."
"Mother has
arranged for a private train, so I am not in the slightest bit worried about
the journey.
―And who are they?"
A sweet, clear voice
graced Jin's ears as she shifted her gaze to the two unfamiliar people and
tilted her head slightly.
Saki, who had already
taken a step back, opened her mouth before Akira, who had lowered his gaze,
fearing it would be rude.
"―I am delighted
to hear of the safe arrival of the heir to Jinroin.
I, Rindō Saki, have
been entrusted by Kihoin Tsuguho, the next head of Kihoin, with the task of
welcoming you."
"Rindō? The Eight
Families of Shumon Province, right?
Just before our
departure, Fujimorimiya-sama asked us to join forces with you. I will ask for
more details later.
―What about him?"
Realizing that her
gaze had shifted toward him, Akira bowed his head with a downcast gaze.
However, the
three-year age difference in growth is quite significant. Even with Akira's
downcast gaze, they still exchanged glances due to the difference in their
physiques, as Kagura looked upward at him.
"I am Yotsurugi
Akira, and I am under the guidance of Rindō-sama.
Today, Nakiri-senpai
has invited me to come and talk with you."
"Yotsurugi,
......Akira-sama. It seems that my father places a great deal of trust in you.
I am looking forward to talking with you as well.
Umm..."
―You may regard him as your older brother and act as
spoiled as you like.
Tsukishiro's words
crossed Kagura's mind.
If she were to exclude
Nakiri Jin whom she had already been acquainted with, there would be only one
person who would fit the criteria.
This is where
Tsukishiro's wish will come true, she thought, clenching her fists inwardly and
letting out a determined exhale.
"―May I call you older brother?"
""......-pardon?
""
Silence fell over the
place.
After a brief pause,
voices with a tinge of confusion echoed in one corner of the station in unison.
♢
The leather seat in
the steam car was a little too high for Kagura's feet to reach.
She sat down a little
on the edge than Akira and the others, and the way she played with her feet,
wiggling her toes happily, was not so different from that of children of her
age.
The girl sat next to
Jin facing Akira and Saki. They looked just like a brother and sister when they
sat side by side.
Perhaps curious about
something, she frequently looked out the window and let out a hushed giggle.
"―There aren't
many tall buildings in the Central Capital, I see."
"I've heard that
many people object to it because they believe it brings bad luck for the
Imperial Throne.
But it seems that most
of it is based on the dissatisfaction of the old families."
I see. Saki's response
was light and cheerful.
Perhaps tired of
observing the passing scenery of white plaster walls, she turned her gaze back
to Akira and the others.
"I heard that
there is a plan to build a radio tower in Shumon Province. I hear that it will
be tall enough to pierce the clouds.
"Although pierce
the clouds may be an exaggeration, there is no doubt that the tower will be so
high that one would have to look up to see it.
At the very least, it
will definitely be high enough to be able to transmit signals in all
directions."
Saki responded to
Kagura's question before Akira did.
The centralized radio
tower that maintained the radio band for radio broadcasting, which had opened a
few years earlier, sought patronage by promoting the fact that its broadcasts
could be heard even across the island.
Although Akira did not
have much experience with the tower, he recalled listening to the radio talk
show at the eaves of the taverns that stretched along the street.
Kagura's finger
pointed as she asked, "What is this?", several times, to which Saki
politely responded while glancing at the window.
Behind the lively
conversation, Jin and Akira, who had been sitting next to each other, leaned in
closer and spoke in hushed voices.
"...... So,
what's going on, Junior?
Don't complain if
someone spears you for trying to make a move on the Four Sovereigns of the Other
Provinces."
"I should be the
one asking you that, Senpai.
Isn't this what the
Yuge Lord arranged?"
She is certainly a
lovely girl, but even if it arouses his desire to protect her, Akira has no
intention of doing so.
......Akira already
buried such an emotion all due to his family.
Even if he were to be
adored as an older brother, he would take a step back, and the difference in
status between him and her would only make him feel uncomfortable when asked to
be intimate with her.
"That's... true.
―Damn it, what is Master thinking of?"
"Well, we're just
here to accompany here, aren't we? ...... How about stopping by Senpai's
favorite cafe?"
"I can't take her
to a run-of-the-mill cafe.
―I've already prepared some sweets, so we'll go
directly to the villa."
Although they were
whispering, Kagura's eyes lit up and turned to Akira and Jin, perhaps grasping
the edge of the sentence in the bustle of the cramped car.
"Do you have some
sweets?"
"Yes. We have
prepared egg confectioneries imported from overseas.
It is made of sweet
bean paste sandwiched between two pieces of dough and is said to be the most
popular in the Central Capital in recent years."
Having been asked
about the topic, Jin responded to Kagura's question while maintaining a
composed facial expression.
With a smile that
belied Jin's emotions, the young girl of higher rank than anyone else present
shook her young toes as her emotions took over.
"I can't wait.
Would you like to join us, Ani-sama (older brother)?
"Ye-, ――."
"―Akira-kun has not yet established his position as a
member of the nobility to be able to share a table with Jinroin's heir.
Our apologies, but we
would like to decline your invitation."
Akira was about to
accept the invitation, but Saki's elbow blocked his mouth, and before he could
even cry out in agony, Saki's refusal flew past him.
Kagura lowered her
eyebrows in disappointment and shifted her gaze to Akira as if peering at him.
With a troubled smile,
Akira somehow managed to reciprocate Saki's words with a nod.
Deciding that no more
room for being spoiled was possible, the girl let out a single sigh of sadness
and sat back deeper in her seat.
"Too bad. I've
got a rough day tomorrow, and I thought we'd have some fun before then."
"Tomorrow?"
"I'll be traveling
west to Mount Mitsu-Torii from tomorrow to deal with the Hyakki Yagyo.
I have to perform a
purification ceremony so that I can summon the Deity Pillar."
Akira and the others
had no words to say in reply to the girl's words.
Even though the sacred
realm and the mountains directly under their jurisdiction are connected by the
dragon vein, it is not so different from being forced to exercise
Arawakamioroshi at all times when the Divine Pillar is summoned to strengthen
the Five Elemental Barriers.
The unimaginable rough
labor forced Saki and the others to pause for a moment before replying.
While Akira and the
others were at a loss for words, Kagura tilted her head slightly and voiced her
doubts.
"......Although I
don't know much about it, I do know that barriers are used for protection. But.
Is that really enough to withstand the Hyakki Yagyo?"
"I've heard from
Tsuguho-sama that it can at best buy time. Therefore, as a means of
counteroffensive, we are currently investigating Nurarihyon's history."
Kagura's gaze was
drawn to Akira's reply, intrigued.
The characteristics of
the guest god and the history of his defeats. She nodded in return, struggling
to understand the clues to the counteroffensive that were told to her in hushed
tones.
As the discussion
eventually turned to the doubts about the Divine Pillar that had been expelled
from the Western Continent, Kagura opened her mouth with a distinctly furrowed
brow.
"............Based
on what you've told me, I don't think he was a Divine Pillar who originated
from the Western Continent."
""Eh?""
A denial raised
abruptly.
Kagura pointed it out,
and Akira and Saki raised their voices in surprise.
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