Volume 3
Chapter 11
Part 2
Clashing with
the Ladies' Determinations and Schemes 2
Translator : PolterGlast
Out of breath, Saki
went through the gate of Tenryō Academy.
Her naginata bag and
the stakes tied to it screamed in protest as they were shaken by the momentum.
However, Saki did not
have the time to pay attention to them.
With her ponytail
dancing behind her, Saki rushed to a secluded part of the academy without any
hesitation.
With boisterous voices
echoing from the training hall by her side, the girl's feet headed for the
Rokkaku-kan (hexagonal hall).
When she opened the
door, the hustle and bustle of the training hall quickly faded away, and
replaced by the smell of aged paper.
Walking among the
shelves filled with the same quietness, she reached for the shelf she intended
to check up on.
She took a book that
Akira picked up the other day. The pages danced vigorously, a string of letters
passing by.
Eventually, Saki
reached the passage she had seen when she peered in from the side.
She traced it
carefully, running her fingers back and forth across the text.
"......I knew it.
If that were true, there would be a contradiction."
―The book says. Kidou is an external method used by
evil immortals who have returned from the dead. It is a type of sorcery that
uses miasma to control the demonic beings.
It would be possible
if one were to simply use a talisman.
However, can Ambrosio
(an ordinary person) really safely handle the art of consuming miasma?
Furthermore, Kidou is
one of the hermit techniques.
It should be
impossible for Ambrosio, with his limited knowledge of the Eastern Continent,
to use a technique to interfere with Baratush's sacred artifacts with borrowed
knowledge.
If she were to assume
that the jutsu that allowed Ambrosio to pull out the sacred artifact was
something else than Kidou, it would make more sense to Saki.
―Jutsu is one of the concepts similar to the myth of
the Divine Pillar.
A Divine Pillar cannot
handle concepts that deviate from its own myth (essence). In other words, it should
be more logical that a Divine Pillar who specializes in Kidou should be capable
of dealing only with Kidou.
Furthermore, the
concept has an absolute influence on the principles behind the action as well.
Why is he targeting
Takamagahara, using Kidou, mysterious technique, and the Holy Church of
Ariadne?
―All of these reasons have one thing in common, and
that is where Nurarihyon's true identity lies.
"I guess I'll
have to seek expert advice beyond this point.
―Maybe Akira-kun, no, I can't."
The face of a boy whom
she would not be able to see anytime soon due to patrol duty came to her mind,
but Saki dismissed it immediately afterward.
Akira's knowledge
regarding the talisman is hard to ignore, but the distance between the two is
the real problem.
In the current
situation, the options available to Saki are extremely limited.
Among them, the one
whom she is sure to be allowed to meet and whose knowledge she can count on is
.......
"―I think
Tsuguho-sama is the one, after all.
Mt. Kugatachi is a bit
far, but if I depart now, I should be able to meet her while the sun is still
high."
Having made a swift
decision, Saki stood up to leave the Rokkaku-kan.
Saki walked briskly to
the front of Rokkaku-kan, but as she walked, she was met by a shadow.
With the owner of the shadow in sight, Saki's
toes lost their momentum,
......Eventually, she
came to a halt.
The color of the
collar peeking out from the sailor's uniform is that of a high school student.
There is no murderous
intent in the figure standing naturally. However, the other party standing in
front of her seemed to be filled with a calmness similar to that before a
storm.
"Good day, Rindō
Saki-san."
"―Good day to you, Dogyou Sonomi-sama.
I was surprised to see
that you had returned to the Central Capital."
"Yes, I have some
business to attend to, and I am the only one who has returned early.
Don't worry,
Shizumi-sama is on schedule."
"I see."
On the surface, they
exchanged dry smiles.
―Since when did she arrive in the Central Capital?
With the continued
good fortune of the absence of the Four Sovereigns in Central Capital, perhaps
she has unconsciously let her guard down.
Saki bit her lips
inwardly as she exchanged smiles and greetings.
Rokkaku-kan is located
in a secluded part of the academy.
There is only one
entrance and exit through a corridor that leads to the school building. If this
is blocked, it will be difficult for Saki to force her way through.
Moreover, Sonomi
mentioned Shizumi's plans.
The Kihoin family was
also intensively keeping track of the Gioin family's movements.
This fact has been
exposed, at least to the Gioin family.
Currently, Gioin
Shizumi is on her way to the Central Capital by train, and Saki was informed
that her arrival would be in the evening assuming that her travel schedule was
smooth.
But to meet Dogyou
Sonomi, who serves as Sonomi's aide, earlier means....
"As you already
noticed, I have been given the authority by Shizumi-sama to act on behalf of
Gioin.
Please understand that
my words are synonymous with Gioin's intentions."
As expected, she
declared the greatest privilege that an aide could have, the right to be the
representative of Gioin.
......In other words,
she cannot escape.
"I heard that
this is the first time in the history of the Gioin family that a member of the
Eight Families has been appointed as an aide.
As someone who has
never been given that much trust or authority, I truly envy you."
Saki replied to
Sonomi's declaration in a blunt manner.
The edge of Sonomi's
mouth contorted into a self-deprecating smile upon hearing her junior's words.
"Quite the
opposite. After all, I was merely receiving a small portion of Akira-sama's
leftovers. Saki-san is the one who is highly trusted by the Kihoin family, and
is apparently a rising star that even the Kuga family is shocked by.
I heard that the even
head of the Kuga family has been telling people around him that he has missed
out on a precious flower."
"........................Well,
thanks."
―We are both in the same boat, are we not?
Accurately reading the
true meaning of Sonomi's words, which she covered up with modesty, Saki felt
her cheeks tense up.
It had not even been a
month since Gioin learned of Akira's survival.
And yet, they are
aware of the inner workings of the Kuga family, which is located right on the
opposite side of Takatenhara.
―The question is, to what extent is it known?
It was impossible to
tell from Sonomi's expression.
"I'll get
straight to the point.
―The Gioin family would like to make a formal request
to Saki-san to act as an intermediary for Yotsurugi Akira-sama."
"I understand
your intention, but I think it will be difficult for me to comply with your
request.
Certainly, I am
Akira-kun's mentor, but the matter you requested is not within the scope of my
authority.
Besides, I am a member
of the Eighth Families of the Shumon Province, so I cannot accept your request
unless it goes through the Kihoin family."
Yotsurugi family name.
Since she brought it up, it must have been revealed that Akira attends the
academy.
―Although it is unclear how long it has been revealed,
it is likely that they are aware of his most recent activities.
The lack of
restrictions on Akira's actions backfired, due to the fear of Hariin and
Jinroin's meddling.
Sonomi's request,
while formal in appearance, was in reality nearly illegal.
It was difficult for
Saki to comply with the request that was made over Kihoin's head.
Even Sonomi knew that
the request would be turned down.
―But the girl, who was familiar with the situation as
an aide, stubbornly shook her head.
"If we were to go
through that formality, it would be too late, and Saki-san knew it well.
Since the Hyakki Yakko
is going to happen before the Kannamesai Festival, it will definitely be
difficult for them to meet, no?"
"........................"
It is only natural,
since the Kihoin family has been acting in such a way to make this happen.
To Sonomi's question,
Saki responded with a silent affirmation
The Kannamesai
Festival, in which the Divine Pillars, which normally never leave their Dragon
Dens, gather together to fulfill several roles.
For the commoners, it
is a festival to pray for a bountiful harvest. For the nobility, it is a time
to learn about the national outline for the next year.
For the Divine
Pillars, it is a major event for the adjustment of the dragon veins,
―For the Eight Families, the Four Sovereigns, and the
Sannomiya, it was also a great opportunity to formally announce the succession
of the family.
Essentially, only the
head of the family and his successor are officially recognized.
In other words, others
are not even qualified to participate in this grand event.
The period during
which a person is officially recognized as a successor is between the ages of
12 and 15. However, since unveiling at the final age is seen as a flaw, the de
facto final age is 14 years old.
Gioin Shizumi is
currently 14, which is the last age for a de facto debutante.
Originally, they
intended to debut her last year in line with Akira's betrothal, but were forced
to give up after facing fierce opposition from Ugetsu, who had concealed their
intention of betrothing her to Souma.
Although the
announcement of her marriage partner was not final, the other party was
Kanna-no-Mikura.
Another reason for the
delay was that many people regarded it as an opportunity in the decision-making
process.
Now that all plans for
the future had collapsed, Gioin had no time to make any pretense.
"―I have no
intention of blaming you, Saki-san.
I assure you that
Gioin is prepared to pay you back in full for the kindness you have shown to
Akira-san."
"No need. The
Kihoin family has already given me ample compensation."
It may be an
extraordinary offer for Saki personally, but it is too lenient toward Akira's
value.
Saki shook her head
inwardly at the other party's proposal, which also lacked the necessary
resources as a starting point.
"Of course, I
have no intention of stirring up the Rindō family's loyalty with doubt.
―If you agree to my offer, I promise to reward your
family handsomely."
"That is a
generous offer, but I cannot accept your it.
After all, I am merely
a mentor. I don't have much authority to intervene in Akira-kun's
decision."
"......That's
very humble of you. I understand that it would be difficult for the Rindō
family to let go of Akira-sama.
But what about
Yunosuke-dono, the heir to the Rindō family?"
Saki's eyelids
flickered at the sudden change of subject.
The Rindō situation
that Sonomi had entered into was a topic that even Saki had not anticipated.
The only people
involved in Kanna-no-Mikura are the Rindō family head, who stands as his
guardian, and Saki.
There was no room for
Saki's older brother, Rindō Yunosuke, to be involved in the conversation.
Rindō Yunosuke, who is
19 years old this year, has been officially recognized as Rindō's successor,
and he must be busy laying the groundwork.
When she met with her
father (Rindō Kozaburō), she had not heard of any change in the family
heirship.
"My brother has
never been involved in Akira-kun's teaching, though."
"If Saki-san were
to become Akira-sama's concubine, he would be involved to a great extent."
"Eh!? B-But,
Akira-kun and I are not in that kind of relationship!!"
The sudden and
unexpected surprise caused an unconcealable blush to splash across Saki's
cheeks.
For the girl who is
still unaware of this aspect of her life, she has a preconceived notion that Akira
is only her training partner,
―She is only aware of him as a companion at best.
Having her deepest
feelings exposed, Saki's behavior became somewhat erratic.
While waving her hands
aimlessly, Saki covered up the heat in her cheeks.
Seeing a defenseless
gesture. Sonomi, who knew that Saki's words were not false, took a step closer
to her.
"Judging from
Kihoin family's decision to place Saki, who is still inexperienced, in charge
of teaching, their intentions are clear.
Considering the hard
work of your brother who has been struggling as the heir to Rindō, I am sure
that you cannot help but feel uneasy about this fact.
As a member of the
same Eight Families, I would like to offer the Dogyou Family's assistance in
alleviating the Rindō Family's concerns.
"......What do
you mean?"
Sonomi's words made
Saki regain their composure.
She pretended to be
unaware of the sharpness in Saki's eyes,
―The distance between them melted another step.
"I would like you
to give your tacit permission for me, from the Dogyou family, to support
Saki-san from behind the scenes as Akira-sama's concubine. If it is known that
Akira-sama will eventually leave the Rindō family, Yunosuke-dono's anxiety will
no longer be necessary."
Given the surprising
example of Tatewaki Nonoka's betrothal to the Kuga family, it is a practice
avoided by the guardians to marry crossing the province's border, which would
diminish the guardians' protection.
In addition, the
eldest daughter of the Dogyou family supporting the consortship of the Rindō
family would be tantamount to an acknowledgment by both families that Dogyou
was under the Rindō.
This is an
unbelievable offer that the Rindō family would find difficult to refuse.
Except for the
possibility that it would provide the Dogyou family with a reason to make the
Rindō family, and by extension the Kihoin family, forcefully let go of Akira.
It was a disrespectful
proposal that was just nicely presented,
―There was no possibility that Saki would choose to
accept the proposal.
"I refuse.
Our family is
Akira-kun's guardian, and he has a good relationship of trust with me.
His choice is up to
him, but I think it would be a somewhat cheap decision for him to leave Rindo
(5th rank) and go with you (7th rank)."
Not to be outdone,
Saki also took a step closer, while remembering Ezuka-hime's raging fire inside
her.
The distance between
them is no greater than the width of their shoulders.
"Sonomi-sama,
please rest assured and wait for the Kannamesai Festival that will begin in a
few days."
"I was merely
concerned about my inexperienced junior. What a shame that you would disrespect
the good intentions of your senior.
You sure are treating
me rather lightly, huh?"
Their relationship has
only grown over one short summer.
But the expression on
Akira's face, rooted in Saki's future, came to her mind as she felt a wild
surge of emotion.
―This is determination. The absolute unyielding
determination of a lady.
Saki and Sonomi's
gazes were locked at a distance and even their breaths were touching each
other.
"......Your
opinion is unnecessary. I believe there is no point in meddling with
Akira-kun's relationship with me.
In the Dogyou family,
wouldn't it be better for you to get along with your peer, Ugetsu, so that you
won't cause any more trouble?"
"―I am offended
to be treated on the same level as Ugetsu."
As far as she was
concerned, she didn't want to be judged by someone who hadn't even had a chance
to meet him before.
So she threw sarcasm
filled with her stubbornness.
The edges of Sonomi's
mouth contorted into a wry smile upon hearing Saki's sarcastic remark.
Ugetsu's value has
already plummeted to the ground, though his people are unaware of it.
Currently, the faction
that had strong ties with Ugetsu is in the process of being cut off.
Advice from someone
who knows the inner workings of the situation, hoping it will lead to a dump,
is nothing more than sarcasm.
―In short, Saki has fully grasped Sonomi's intentions.
In the first place,
Sonomi has no intention of making her offers successful.
This was just an
opportunity to educate Saki as to who was better.
It is said that any
male will risk life and death in order to win a female.
But it is very much
the same for the females.
To attract a better
male, they show themselves as the best nectar.
Sweeter and more
fragrant than the neighboring nectar.
From Kihoin, from Gioin,
from Rindō, from Dogyou.
The act of ripening
oneself (nectar) to ensure the attraction of Akira (the best male).
"Do you know that
when a Kanna-no-Mikura is born, the Eight Families are always chosen to be his
concubines? In other words, just as the Kihoin family chose the Rindō family,
the Gioin family chose the Dogyou family.
―I don't think that you, Saki-san, who lacks
preparation and education, will be able to serve as his partner from now
on."
"Indeed, I am
still young and inexperienced. But, Senpai, you don't have to worry about me,
I'll just have to work hard from now on."
Their eyes, which had
been locked and strained, turned sharp and murderous at the same time as Saki's
declaration.
Without a voice on
either side, they simultaneously moved as their shoulders brushed against each
other.
―This is a ritual based on a woman's instinct to cut
each other down.
No words were needed
at this point.
The gushing spiritual
power scattered between Saki and Sonomi, causing them to fizzle and dissipate
as if bursting
♢
The waltz of competing
girls.
The gaze looking down
from somewhere landed on one of them, which was lit up by the flames.
―I found you.
As the sacred artifact
of stake danced on its back, a smile was distortedly formed in the eye holes
drilled in the wooden carved mask.
No words were spoken,
not even a will was expressed.
Simply, a non-human
being moved its body in accordance with the memories engraved on the mask.
―Sizzle.
Spatting out miasma,
the memories etched into its mask distorted its body.
Sizzle, sizzle. The
transformation was gradual, but it continued without stagnation.
After the slightest
trace of the miasma dispersed into the void, the color was lost,
Standing there was a
man with a well-trained physique.
"Hmmm.
―Not bad."
A rugged smile adorned
his lips as he lifted the sword that lay at his side.
Just as he remembered
it before his death. No, his body moved with a fluid motion, even more so than
before.
"Now then. ......
As his Lordship had wished, I will raise a smoke signal when the time is
right."
Suddenly sitting down
on the spot, the man was amused by the battle unfolding below him.
―Several hundred years ago, there was a commoner who
was famous for his swordsmanship.
After spending many
years fighting in the field, he became obsessed with creating a sword technique
that surpassed the spirit technique.
No one knows what
became of him.
There are various
theories that he gave up his blade and spent the rest of his life in solitude,
or that he hid a book of the secrets of his mastery of swordsmanship somewhere
and died a lonely death.
Only his name remains
in people's memories with admiration.
―Yamamoto Gorozaemon.
The once great
swordsman, who could never have existed, was sneering at the place where he was
not supposed to be.
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