Volume 3
Chapter 12
Part 2
Intentions
Collide, Schemes Spark and Scatter 2
Translator : PolterGlast
*Bump*. A
steam-powered car shook violently as it sped down the main street of the
Central Capital, perhaps bumping up against a pebble on the road.
The inside of the car
was dominated by a sense of stagnation that belied its nimble speed.
The passenger looked
out the window with a sense of escapism, and saw that the daily life of the
city seemed to be the same as usual.
A wry smile
involuntarily formed on the corner of her mouth at the sight of such an
irrelevant scene.
"―What's wrong,
Hime-sama?"
"I was just
thinking that the people of the Central Capital are ridiculously indifferent to
the impending defiled beasts."
Hariin Homare, sitting
in the last row of seats, plastered a smile on her face and turned her gaze
back to the front.
The person sitting
directly in front of Homare shrugged lightly and scoffed sarcastically.
"It can't be
helped. The impregnable Five Elemental Barrier is the pride of my hometown,
which boasts of a 4,000-year-old history of the Central Capital.
Even if we warn the
people that defiled beasts are coming near their feet, they will still feel as
if the fire is on the other side of the river until they witness the situation
firsthand."
"That's quite
frank.
―I heard that Hōjō was originally from an old family in
the past, but do you still have any thoughts on the matter?"
"To think that
you would bring up a subject that goes back many generations ago.
―My ancestors may have had some thoughts about it, but
I have none in particular. Even in this case, I offered my help because of my
loyalty to Hariin. ......I hope you'll trust me a little."
―I wish that were the case.
Homare's mutterings,
akin to complaints, disappeared into her own closed mouth.
Whether he was aware
of her dislike for him was unclear. However, there was no particular pursuit of
the matter, and the woman sitting in front of Homare only smiled wryly.
Homare recalled that
this woman was in her mid-30s, if her memory served her right.
However, perhaps
because of the vitality that overflowed from her well-trained physique, she
looked younger than her age.
Her tanned skin was
overflowing with wild vitality, and her smile peeking out from between her
richly wavy hair was fierce yet feminine.
That one point. Seeing
there was a katana's polearm over the woman's left eye, Homare squinted her
eyes slightly.
"Did you replace
the eyepatch on your left eye?"
"The wound has
healed though.
But, since
Utanomiya-sama's eye patch was so stylish, I put on this polearm to rival
it."
On the eye patch,
which she pointed to with her finger, a vivid family crest dyed in vermilion
and blue stood out.
―A peony with a target arrow pattern.
With the exception of
the Four Sovereigns and the Three Imperial Families, there have been very few
female heads in the history of the nobility.
Even that exception is
only due to a choice made for an unavoidable reason.
However, this woman is
different.
She literally used
only her own strength to overcome the male candidates and succeeded in taking
the position of the head of the family.
The exuberance that
overflowed her body was a manifestation of her self-confidence.
In the eastern Kabeju
Province, which is famous for its female leaders such as Hariin Homare, only
the current head of the Hōjō family stands tall above the rest.
―The Hōjō family is ranked fourth among the eight
families. Hōjō Izana, the head of the Hōjō family, chuckled proudly.
"You're too old
to sing and dance, no?
Now that you have a
child, why don't you consider retiring?"
"Oh my. What a
rather docile word coming from the visionary Princess.
―Well, it's a good piece of advice. I'll think about it
once the Hyakki Yagyo is over."
While shaking her
shoulders and scoffing, she pondered while resonded accordingly.
Just the fact that she
could pull off such a gesture, which could be seen as masculine, was enough to
drop the matter.
Homare's gaze then
turned outward.
"Since the head
of Hariin (older sister) has dispatched her personal aide, the mobilization of
the academy should be completed. ―We're going to stop by the academy to make
sure everything is in order before heading to Mt. Himorogi, is that
alright?"
"I don't mind.
―Ah, come to think of it, I heard that Yuge Koujo has
already arrived in the Central Capital. Where is he staying now?"
A wry smile formed at
the corners of Homare's mouth as she inwardly responded to Izana's casual tone,
"This is her main aim, I suppose".
One of Hōjō Izana's
faults was her well-known tendency to compete with other warriors.
She had unofficially
fought several times against Yuge Koujou, who was known as the strongest in
Takamagahara.
And she was defeated
every time.
Hōjō Izana is the head
of the eight families. It was understandable that she could not just sit back
and accept defeat, even if it was against a superior opponent.
"Who knows? He's
a busy man, besides, I haven't heard anything either.
―That being said, you surely would not be satisfied
with that answer, would you? Once we have successfully ended the Hyakki Yagyo,
I will consider making a contact for you."
"A promise from
my Lord sure gives me great expectations.
In that case, I shall
be sufficiently reassured."
Hōjō Izana's
principles of action always revolved around martial arts.
Even if it was an
imperial decree from the head of Hariin, it would be difficult to get the
decree through to Hōjō without her interest being involved.
If she could motivate
Hōjō Izana by using Yuge Kojou as a bargaining chip, it would be a fortuitous
situation for Homare, even if it meant more work for her.
A moment of silence
prevailed for a while.
Eventually, as the
academy came into view, the corner of Izana’s eyes turned outward, and her eyes
twitched with delight.
Across the street, out
of Homare's line of sight, a flash of spiritual power was indeed unleashed.
A ferocious smile that
did not reveal one’s emotions colored Izana’s lips.
"You seem to be
amused by something, eh?"
"Well~, it's
nothing.
―I just thought it was nice to know that there would be
hot-blooded people no matter where you go."
Homare's gaze wandered
outside the window, drawn by Izana's ambiguous reply.
But all she could see
was the autumn sky, unchanged from usual.
What did she see? Just
as she was about to ask, the steam-powered car braked with a high-pitched
sound.
The car has arrived at
the main gate of the academy.
"I'm going to
stay at the Academy for a bit, what about you, Lord Hōjō?"
"Since I've come
all the way here, I'll go with you.
The academy is also
the abode of my youth, so there's no harm in indulging in a bit of
nostalgia."
"Alright then.
―Please wait here for a bit, Mr. Driver."
She was tempted to
tease her by saying that she was not the type to indulge in nostalgia, but she
had no desire to engage in unnecessary conversation.
After giving commands
to the driver, Homare and Izana got down of the car and continued on their way
to the academy.
The business at the
academy was finished in less than 30 minutes.
The reason was simple.
Except for the emergency contact officers, the academy had been ordered to
mobilize the entire staff.
"All of the
prospective guardians had already departed for the Cornerstone Mountains, huh?
It seems that the
military commanders have taken a drastic measure."
"It is not
limited to Kabeju Province, but all of the four provinces are making the same
decision.
It seems that they
followed the lead of Kihoin who raised the warning of the Hyakki Yagyo."
Homare's assessment of
the current situation matched Izana's grumbling, who had no time to indulge in
nostalgia.
Two hurried footsteps
echoed through the corridor, where a holiday-like silence reigned even though
it was a weekday afternoon.
As they passed through
the central building and arrived at the entrance where their shoes were placed,
Homare recognized a figure standing in front of them.
"―Homare-sama."
"Souma-kun? We're
on an urgent business, what are you doing here?"
Ugetsu Souma's figure
was standing there, looking bewildered and impatient. Homare's tone was laced
with an unintentional hint of reprimand.
"I was ordered to
stand by by Sonomi-sama.
I insisted on
accompanying her, but I could not persuade her to agree with it......"
"What a
fool!"
She understood that
there was a conflict of trust between Gioin and Ugetsu. But it would be foolish
to abandon a valuable divine spirit user for nothing.
Homare had exchanged
opinions with Sonomi, who is also Gioin Shizumi's aide, on a number of
occasions.
She didn't seem to be
the kind of person who would let her emotions get the better of her and commit
such a visible blunder.
"......Is this
the heir of Ugetsu?"
"Yes.
Lord Hōjō, is this
your first time meeting him? ......What's the matter? You seem rather alarmed,
you know?"
Homare tilted her head
in surprise upon noticing the hint of caution in Izana's hushed voice.
As Ugetsu's successor,
Souma has never been formally introduced to the other provinces.
Considering Izana's
character, she shouldn't be particularly alarmed by the current situation.
"It's nothing. I
just remembered Midori-sama's advice given to me before I left.
Don't get involved
with Ugetsu, which is in the middle of a troublesome situation."
"Indeed. But in
the current circumstances, we can't just ignore it either.
―Souma-kun. You made an effort to contact us, the
representatives of the other families. You're not here just to greet us,
right?"
Homare tilted her head
inwardly at the way Izana's mouth was slurring her words.
It was the first time
for Homare to see a woman with a reputation for decisiveness in her work being
distressed.
However, rather than
pursue the matter, she cut the conversation short and turned her attention back
to Souma.
Rather than worrying
about Gioin's internal situation, Homare needed to enter the windhole under her
jurisdiction as soon as possible.
"Then, let me be
straightforward.
―Please be an intermediary between me and Shizumi
Gioin.
In this time of
urgency, no matter whether Shizumi-sama is the current head of the family or
not, she cannot ignore Homare-sama's mediation."
Hōjō Izana took a step
forward in response to this brazen request to the four sovereigns, even if they
were from another province.
However, Homare
silently stopped her and spoke up.
"That's certainly
true.
But I, too, have to go
guarding the windhole for a while now.
What's in it for me to
give up my spare time and labor for the Ugetsu family?"
"......In the
past uprising, Ugetsu interceded on behalf of the Kabeju Province.
We would like you to
pay back that debt to us through this one case."
It is a well-known
story that during the uprising 400 years ago, while the Gioin were holding
their ground, Ugetsu stood by the Hariin and thus stopped the civil war from
breaking out.
Since then, Hariin had
a weakness that prevented them from taking a strong stand against Ugetsu.
Paying that debt now
surely would erase that source of concern for Hariin.
―That was an extraordinary offer, but it was also true that
the decision was far beyond the authority of the next head of the family
(Ugetsu Souma).
"......I think
it's fine, Hime-sama.
Somewhat difficult,
but worth the price."
While Homare was
hesitating at the possibility of being outbid on a verbal promise, Izana pushed
her to make a decision.
"What do you have
in mind, Lord Hōjō?"
"Nothing, it was just
a suggestion to relieve Hariin's future.
We are running out of
time, so it is up to Hime-sama to decide."
"Ha~a. ―It can't
be helped then.
Souma-kun. I don't
have the time to go to another family's windhole either. ...... Instead, I will
give you a position to defend at Mt. Himorogi. Depending on your performance in
the upcoming battle, I will undertake as mediator between you and Gioin until
the Kannamesai Festival."
Hearing Hōjō Izana's
words, Homare intensified her gaze on Souma.
That was the limit of
the concession that could be offered to Souma.
If he were to disagree
with this, Homare would immediately cut off negotiations, but he seemed to be
aware of where the line should be drawn.
Without showing any
disapproval of his bargained-for proposal, Souma responded with a stiff nod.
Perhaps they had
already discussed this in advance, the vassals' children of Ugetsu stepped out
from behind Souma's back.
Seeing this unified
force, Homare's eyes flashed slightly.
"We're going
ahead. Souma-kun, please secure your own means of transportation.
―Any objections?"
"No, that's fine.
Once again please take good care of us."
"Very well.
―Let's go then."
♢
A slashing flash fell.
Rindō Saki, having
fully assessed its trajectory, lightly kicked the ground backward.
Using her left leg as
a pivot, half of her body turned around lightly.
The naginata, still in
its scabbard, turned to intercept Dōgyou Sonomi's pursuing attack.
The clanging blades
echoed in a series of exchanges, and the tachi and naginata, still in their
sheaths, scattered sparks between them.
―It's tough!
Saki honestly admitted
to herself that she was failing in her attacks, but even so, she maintained her
offensive stance.
She repeatedly exhaled
fiercely, expelling the uncontrollable heat from her lungs.
With her legs braving
the impact of each blow, she launched counterattacks with her blade, draining
her spirit power.
Sonomi's tachi blocked
the violet-colored attack that loomed over her, and another offensive strike
shot toward Saki.
The offense and
defense switched rapidly, and each time the two girls' spirit lights flashed.
They were in a corner
of an alley behind Tenryō Academy, at a reasonable distance from the academy.
With no fear of being
spotted, there was no stopping Saki and Soonori from quarreling.
What little
rationality remained in both of them was only guaranteed by the scabbard that
still housed their blades.
―Saki has no intention of taking Dōgyo Sonomi's skill
lightly.
There is a three-year
age difference between them. The age difference is directly related to the
difference in experience.
Even with the
advantage of the naginata (the 3x steps rule), the difference in ability proved
to be an undeniable fact of the gap between the two.
"Sonomi-sama,
don't you have a duty to attend to as an aide?
I believe you have no
time to interfere in the affairs of the Shumon Province."
"No need to worry
about it. It is also my duty as an aide to guide a junior.
―What about you, Saki-san? Do you have the time to
squabble with me like this?"
"This is merely
the Rindo family (5th rank) guiding the Dogyou family (7th rank). Also, your
family's ears will surely hurt if they hear you keep yapping."
Provocation was met
with another provocation. Without giving Sonomi time to reply, Saki took a big
step forward.
The distance between
the two dissolved instantly, and the tip of the naginata intercepted the
impending attack without fear.
While being
overwhelmed by the pressure, Saki's spirit power sparked and diverted the
trajectory of the oncoming thrust.
Sonomi's footwork was
slightly disrupted. Without missing the opportunity, Saki's naginata attacked
forward in a form of a thrust.
The trajectory seemed
certain to hit the target. However, her hand felt no feedback, and the thrust
just pierced through empty air.
Saki could only grit
her teeth as she watched Sonomi move away with a fluid gait.
Kihoin-style is known
for its powerful attack in the form of offensive footwork. After parrying a
powerful attack, she should be launching a counterattack. Slipping in between
the gaps of breaths, and unleashed a difficult-to-avoid thrust.
The characteristic of
the Gioin style, on the other hand, is that it is focused on defense and aims
to strike at the right moment.
―Solid in defense. This is the true essence of the
Gioin style, and it was this nature of the Gioin-style that made it difficult
for Saki to maintain her momentum.
An overwhelming
disadvantage.
However, she could not
lose here. She could not give up either.
If she were to
retreat, it would be the same as allowing the other party the right to speak up
about Akira.
More than anything
else, it would be a shame to pardon the impudence of an outsider who had not
even met Akira, and to ask her to concede victory based solely on the advantage
of one's position.
―The pride of a woman that resided within Saki would never
allow such a thing to happen.
But the same was also
true for Dōgyou Sonomi.
She could not concede
either.
Saki's presence was an
obstacle to regaining her relationship with Akira.
The battle unfolding
in the back alley became a decisive battle that would determine the fate of
both parties.
The two carefully
measure the distance while exhaling,
―Without prior agreement, the two took a step forward
at the same time.
Their head-on strikes
carved a path through the void to cross with each other.
At that moment, Ezuka
Ehime, who resided within Saki, cried out a warning of the greatest magnitude.
The source of the
warning was the glint of a metal blade that intruded from the edge of her
vision. Following their spirits' warning, half reflexively, Saki and Somomi
changed the trajectory of their strikes.
*Clang*. With a spark,
the trajectory of the blade twisted and danced, parrying the two's strikes.
Double strike. Both
were repelled by the successive impacts, and someone landed in the gap between
the girls, which was opened due to their retreat.
"―Good grief.
Even though I aspired
to be a warrior, so this is why I ended up being nothing more than a fisherman.
There is no use in
playing tricks against guardians, huh?"
A grumbling voice from
the depths of the blowing dust, and a glare pierced through the two girls.
A middle-aged man
wearing only a ragged kimono stood there.
But Saki couldn't let
our guard down. Saki lowered her waist and readied her naginata as Ezuka Ehime
urged her to be on alert.
"......Who are
you?"
"Sorry. Even if
you asked me, I don't have a name worth telling. That being said, it would be
impolite of me not to tell you."
The man laughed openly
while saying so.
"My name is
Yamamoto Gorozaemon.
―By the order of my Lord, I have come to claim your
head."
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