Volume 4
Chapter 2 Part
3
Days Continue,
Like a Buried Fire 3
Translator : PolterGlast
The day after the
Hyakki Yagyo, despite the casualties among the mobilized guardian candidates,
everyday life maintained its calm on the surface.
Not to mention the
garrison. Even for the protectors and guardians with a low mortality rate,
defiled beasts remained a threat. The loss of an unfamiliar schoolmate did not
seem to affect the ongoing daily routine.
With a brief
condolences, the dead were simply left behind in the past. Everyone knew, even
without saying it, that it was the duty of the living to give priority to daily
life.
However, the shadow of
the Hyakki Yagyo could not be wiped away, and the undeniable reality creaked in
various parts of everyday life.
The tranquil
afternoons in the central building had become a thing of the past. Yotsurugi
Akira and Rindō Saki found themselves facing such a reality.
"This is my last
uniform..."
"You don't have
any spares?"
"I received three
uniforms when I was promoted to protector.
Since it's not easy to
sew them, they've been worn out like this."
It was torn open from
the shoulder, and countless small tears were scattered everywhere.
...Somehow. It was as
if being forced, or rather, it was barely hanging on to the body.
Witnessing the fate of
the uniform that had survived the fierce battle, Saki couldn't help but hold
her head.
Since her own uniform
was almost the same, she had nothing to say.
In her case, she had a
Tenryō Academy uniform, and she had plenty of spares prepared. The fact that
she hadn't ended up in the same situation was simply because her original
position was different.
The cost of
temporarily replacing Akira's uniform with a similar garrison uniform. The
disastrous situation, where repairs couldn't keep up, was the result of running
out of spare uniforms.
—Or rather, it was Akira's combat record that was
abnormal.
Starting with the
battle against the Vansuir, and the first battle against the Nurarihyon in
Karen. In the Central Capital, he had been involved in everything from the
extermination of the Jorōgumo to the end of the Hyakki Yagyo by the divine
pillar, Ravana.
Even if one were to
consider his promotion as a protector, it was only about three months. Compared
to ordinary guardians, the quality and quantity of his battles were on an
abnormally extraordinary scale.
One uniform for each
battle. Considering that, it was a reasonable outcome.
"Major battles
are one thing, but you weren't unscathed during your daily missions either. How
did you deal with it?"
"...We trainee
soldiers have weak vertical connections, but our horizontal ones are
surprisingly strong.
The people that
Kansuke has a connection with are willing to repair our uniforms for a low
price."
Trainee soldiers are
basically commoners' children gathered from the countryside. Without
connections and wealth, they rely on each other who are in the same circumstances.
The many trades that
these boys often apprenticed into were far more varied than one might imagine.
Kansuke, who was an apprentice at a cloth merchant, had many acquaintances in a
similar line of work.
"There should be
sewing workshops everywhere, right?"
"Even in Karen,
specializing in Western dressmaking means dealing with nobles, so the threshold
is too high.
Besides, the uniforms
are sturdy. I heard them complain that even the tailor's needles and sewing
machines were about to break."
"Of course,
they're designed to withstand normal combat and miasma to some extent.
But isn't this too
sloppy? It seems like a quick fix."
Saki casually extended
her fingertips toward Akira, who was in a sorry state. She traced the large
tear in the shoulder seam.
—She felt the strong thread on her fingertips.
"It's a pretty
stiff thread. Is it cheap?"
"—The shop that
Akira-san asked probably doesn't have experience handling protector's
uniforms."
"Tsuguho-sama!"
They might be sturdy,
but they are not flexible, making them vulnerable.
Saki's honest opinion,
which she had inadvertently uttered, was met with a voice from behind her.
Straightening their
backs to the familiar voice, Saki and Akira turned to see Kihōin Tsuguho and
her attendant.
"It's a shop I've
been dealing with since I was a trainee.
And the shopkeeper'
has great skills, even if it's cheap."
"A protector's
uniform is not just clothing.
Although it may seem
like the same fabric to the touch, the materials are different."
Akira looked
dissatisfied with the harsh criticism of the shop he had relied on. Tsuguho
responded that she she didn't doubt that part, and took a glance at the state
of the uniform
"Isn't it the
sturdier, the better?"
"Only if it is
combat, sure. However, there are too many differences in terms of magnitude and
limits.
Perhaps the thread is
the strongest one that can be obtained in the market.
The tailor probably
did their best with Akira's request."
It would be difficult
to notice this flaw because they look and feel the same. The treatment applied
to a protector's uniform is like tying an iron plate with a rough rope.
The armor with iron
plates tied to it is impervious to blades and arrows, and can easily survive a
single battle.
—But what would happen if it were to be used twice or
thrice?
The extreme difference
in strength would tilt the wear and tear in one direction. Even if the strength
was sufficient, the durability of the object would come to an abrupt end as a
result.
"I was aware of
the number of battles Akira-san has been participating in, but I guess I
underestimated it.
As a temporary measure,
here's a new uniform."
"...Thank you.
Umm, about the cost..."
Akira was speechless
as a familiar-looking uniform was handed to him. Uniforms are initially
provided, but their maintenance is the individual's responsibility. Normally,
reissues are not granted unless there is a very good reason.
"Please rest
assured. Akira-san's expenses will be covered entirely by the Kuhoin
family."
Akira's slight worry
melted away at Tsuguho's smile. Saki peered at the uniform he was receiving
with relief.
"I see that you
still don't have uniforms from Tenryo Gakuin.
—Would you like me to send you one from my
family?"
"I heard that the
orders for next year are already full, so even if we started sewing now, it
wouldn't be finished in time."
Tsuguho shook her head
with a wry smile at the suggestion.
Although the design of
the Tenryō Academy uniform was similar, the materials used were not the same as
those used for regular clothes. If what Tsuguho said was true, it would be much
easier to prepare a protector uniform instead.
If she were referring
only to the time and effort required, then Saki's assumption was correct.
However, the Tenryō Academy uniform was difficult to obtain due to another
reason.
Steam-powered sewing
machines, which enabled the standardized quality required for uniforms, and the
skilled workers who could operate them were very few in number, partly due to
the low number of orders.
Currently, the
production of Tenryō Academy uniforms is full until next year's orders. It was
not due to a lack of money, but a severe shortage of equipment and technology.
"No, it's not
that."
Saki chuckled in
response to this point of view.
She gave a proud smile
as if she had taken a step ahead as a woman.
"My brother,
Rindou Yuunosuke's uniform is just sitting there in the back of the dresser.
It might need some
adjustment, but it should be just right for Akira-kun."
"Oh, a used one?
I didn't expect that."
Tsuguho laughed
involuntarily at being pointed out that it was about used clothing.
The Kihōin family,
which is part of the Three Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns, does not have
the mindset of passing used things down to others. The idea of a commoner
reusing things was far from Tsuguho's mind.
"Is that okay,
Akira-kun?
My brother is a little
strict, so it always ends up looking worn."
"I don't mind.
Sorry, I have to trouble you."
Even though Akira had
started receiving a monthly salary as a protector, his wallet remained empty
due to his continuous expenses. He breathed a sigh of relief at the kind offer.
"Excuse me for
interrupting your conversation.
—She has arrived."
The peaceful
conversation, a rare occurrence, was abruptly ended by Tsuguho's attendant,
Niikawa Natsu. The tension she couldn't hide was evident in her tone.
If the attendant of
Tsuguho Kihōin was so reverent, then the visitor must be one of the few in the
academy. As she was respectfully welcomed in, a girl stepped quietly into the
conference room.
Her family background
was unparalleled. The sight of her standing beside Tsuguho was praised as two
lilies in the Tenryō Academy.
"Thank you for
giving me this opportunity. —Tsuguho Kihōin-sama."
"No, it was
nothing.
—Would you like us to leave?"
"No, it's okay.
By all means, please join us."
While the atmosphere
remained calm, the underlying tone of their words was almost a provocation.
After a formal exchange, the girl with nostalgic recollections turned to Akira.
In the past, when he
was in Kokuten Province, there was only one place besides his grandmother's
where he could feel at ease. A part of the Giōin mansion in Nanatsuo.
Not even a single
noise could reach him, let alone Ugetsu Tenzan
—A peaceful day, left to flow.
Three years. It wasn't
a short period, but for Akira and the others who were growing up, there was an
even greater gap between them. The girl, one year older, had the same gentle
features as before but also possessed an incomparable elegance.
"It's been a while, Shizumi-sama."
"……Yes. I'm glad
you're safe, Akira-san."
Shizumi Giōin, who had
once been engaged to Akira, bowed her head, leaving a faint sound of her
clothes rustling.
They sat across from
each other at a desk in the center of the conference room. The atmosphere in the
room was more akin to tension.
For a while, neither
Akira nor Shizumi could formulate any words, and a silence fell between them.
They were both aware.
—It's scary.
If they put their
feelings into words, they felt like something would break, and they wouldn't be
able to take it back.
Still, Shizumi could
not waste this time that she had finally managed to connect with him.
With a short, forceful
exhale, she resolutely raised her eyes.
"Let's start with
the practical matters first.
—Is that alright with you, Akira-san?"
"Yes,
please."
With Akira's
agreement, one of Shizumi's attendants, who was standing behind her, stepped
forward. Whether or not anyone other than Tsuguho and Saki, who were
acquaintances, realized that this person was the heir of the Dōgyō family, one
of the Eight Families, was unknown.
Sonomi then opened her
mouth.
"The main topic
is the measures related to the aftermath of the Hyakki Yagyo.
Given the current
situation where we cannot predict the movements of the other Four Sovereigns,
we propose that the Giōin and Kihōin families join forces."
"—We need to fill
the gaps we exposed during the Hyakki Yagyo before the Central Capital nobility
can take advantage of it."
Shizumi continued,
following Sonomi's words.
That matter would also
be beneficial to the Kihōin family. Without a moment's hesitation, Tsuguho
nodded in agreement.
"As expected, the
merits and demerits be discussed at the Kannamesai Festival, huh?"
"Yes. Aya-sama of
the Utanomiya hinted at the schedule in a casual conversation. If we calculate
backwards, it seems that it will be summarized during the middle of the
Kannamesai Festival, in the presence of the Three Imperial Families.
—It seems that the current Utanomiya is quite flexible
in their approach."
"I don't know her
personally, but she seems to have an unusual temperament."
Flexibility also means
change.
However,
fundamentally, the Three Imperial Families have a tendency to dislike change.
Tsuguho, who knew this temperament well, was surprised by Shizumi's comment.
The role of the Three
Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns, half-god and half-human, is to act as a
wedge to hold together the Age of the Gods (a substitute for the Kanna-no-Mikura).
The Age of the Gods is the past, and in extreme terms, it is an existence that
goes against the modern age, which is changing towards the future.
It is rare to see the
Three Imperial Families welcome changes. The only other person Tsuguho knew who
was fond of new things was her mother, Kihōin Shion.
"I had hoped she
would understand my concerns, but her refusal to give any details, major and
minor, is troubling.
Although she is not
much older than us, she must have something hidden."
"……Do you think
she might make some demands of the Four Sovereigns?"
"No. Her
attention was not directed towards the Four Sovereigns in particular.
Rather, she was quite
curious about which individuals would be chosen to represent the various
provinces in the upcoming Tenran Tournament."
If one were to listen
only to the surface, she would seem to be a noble who simply enjoys martial
arts competitions.
However, the timing is
too convenient.
Tsuguho could not see
what she was aiming for with every word she said. How relieved Tsuguho would be
if she was simply thinking nothing and was merely interested.
"……We, the Kihōin
family, are also aware that the existence of Kanna-no-Mikura has been
exposed."
"They contacted
me when I went to Mount Shōrō, so it's a foregone conclusion."
Tsuguho, who had been
informed beforehand, and Shizumi nodded without surprise at Akira's testimony.
Otherwise, the
overlapping circumstances that could not be explained would not make sense.
"She may be
interested in Kanna-no-Mikura, but you don't need to worry about that.
The Three Imperial
Families, or rather, Her Eminence Takamikura, have declared that they will not
interfere with Kanna-no-Mikura.
So, instead, we need
to quickly determine how far the other party's actions would be influencing
us."
Shizumi expressed her
greatest concern about this matter.
To obtain maximum
output from the Five Elemental Barrier, it is necessary to perform
Arawakamioroshi at the Cornerstone Mountains corresponding to the Three
Imperial Families and the Four Sovereigns.
Shizumi and Tsuguho
were convinced that even though three of the Four Sovereigns were enrolled at
Tenryo Academy in the Central Capital, their entry to the Cornerstone Mountains
had been intentionally delayed.
Just because things
went well doesn't mean there are no complaints. Since they don't know the
extent to which the other party's decisions were involved, there's a
possibility that unnecessary damage would be caused as a result.
In particular, both
the Kihōin and Giōin families have suffered not only numerous casualties but
also failures. Making up for these losses was something they urgently needed to
do.
"The Kihōin
family had their fire divine spirit stolen and the Kanoe Shrine, their rear
base, fell."
"The Giōin family
arrived in the capital several hours later.
—It was confirmed that Ravana had invaded through
Chinowa, perhaps exploiting a gap in the delay in response. Furthermore, the
barrier on our Cornerstone Mountain has been breached, allowing the invasion of
Kankyō Dōji ."
After listing the
circumstances, everyone sitting there let out a weary sigh.
Compared to the Hariin
and Jinrōin families, their failures were clearly lopsided.
It was clear that a
higher-ranking decision had intervened in the matter.
"It would be so
much easier if we could just pursue the responsibility of the Imperial
Families."
"……It would be
difficult. Even if we were able to prove it, we would have to face the possibility
of having our arguments dismissed."
"I suppose
so."
Tsuguho offered
consolation to Shizumi's grumbling complaint.
Although the damage
was widespread, it was also true that the enemy offensive was drastically
thwarted.
Although the Kanoe
Shrine had fallen, the only other family stationed at the Cornerstone Mountains
at that time was Jinrōin Kagura. The backlash from the collapse of the
spiritual path of Soukoku and was almost entirely absorbed by Shuka before even
reaching Tsukishiro.
On the other hand, on
the Giōin family's side, Ravana was forced to disperse her forces. Even if it
was the largest-scale Hyakki Yagyo, dividing it into five parts would have
reduced it to a scale that even inexperienced guardians could handle.
Shizumi, who arrived
late, did not have enough time to perform the Arawakamioroshi, and as a result,
Akira was able to perform the Arawakamioroshi first. Even if the Imperial
Families admitted responsibility, it would be difficult to complain openly,
since both Tsuguho and Shizumi benefitted from it.
"On the contrary,
the Imperial Families is in a position where they can't openly claim any
achievements."
Akira interjected from
beside Tsuguho, who was at a loss as to what to do.
"In other words,
unless someone brings it up, our failures won't be pursued.
Unless something
extraordinary happens, this matter will probably be swept under the rug."
"I hope so, but
the parties that might pursue this matter are all of the nobles participating
in the Three Imperial Families' audience.
If someone were to
carelessly demand responsibility, we would have to respond accordingly."
Tsuguho's fears were
justified. After fully understanding the situation, Akira turned his gaze to
the girl sitting next to him.
"It doesn't
matter if they do.
Since I, who is kept
secret under oral tradition, was at the core of the plan, the Imperial Families
is bound to do everything in their power to silence any nobles who
interfere."
"……I see. So, if
things go as planned, the focus will inevitably be on you, Akira-kun.
I mistakenly thought
that everything would calm down after we got past the previous unveiling."
Saki voiced her
agreement with Akira's statement. She had mistakenly believed that it would be
impossible to continue hiding Akira's talent.
"There seems to
be no problem. Then, next,
...about the treatment
of Ugetsu."
Sonomi hesitated
before uttering the name.
—At that moment, everyone seemed to hear the sound of
the air freezing.
"I know you don't
want to hear it now, but we decided that the disposal of them should be left to
you, Akira-san. We are prepared to respond to any questions you may have about
the current situation as best we can.
If you need some time
to think, then..."
"—No, that's
fine."
Interrupting Shizumi,
who was about to continue, Akira squeezed out the words.
He had been thinking
about it for a long time.
His hatred and
expectations had long since dried up.
He had even become too
lazy to think about what he wanted to do with them.
Just like the uniform
he wore.
It was worn out and on
the verge of becoming rags, clinging to Akira's past like a parasite.
Nevertheless, he
needed to make a decision.
Expressing his
gratitude for being given this opportunity, Akira uttered the resolution he had
made in his childhood when he was banished.
"I..."
♢
"—Akira-san"
"Yes"
The short time that
felt so long, filled with emotions, was finally coming to an end. Just as Akira
was about to stand up and take his leave, a nostalgic voice called out to him,
stopping him in his tracks. In the direction of the gaze that held him back,
there was Shizumi's hesitant smile.
"Do you mind
staying with me for a little longer?"
"――――I don't
mind."
Akira was currently
affiliated with Shumon Province. Out of consideration, he glanced at Tsuguho,
but the smiling girl simply nodded in agreement.
Following Akira's
lead, Shizumi sat down as well.
"I don't mean to
make a big deal out of it.
—But I really want to hear about what Akira-san has
seen and done over the past three years."
"……It's just trivial,
everyday stories though."
"Yes, I know. But
for some reason, I desperately want to know every bit of it."
It was really nothing
but three years of trivial things.
He was tormented and
frustrated. ―When he fled, he was saved by a grandma.
Dawdled and laughed
with his fellow trainee soldiers.
He was just a helpless
little boy, swept away by reality.
—But those were irreplaceable, golden days.
Shizumi listened
happily, and Akira wove stories about whatever he had experienced in the past,
exaggerating them a little.
—Eventually, as the two of them became engrossed in
their conversation, Tsuguho and the others quietly left the room.
In that time, when
nostalgia overlooked them, the endless topics made even the approaching end
seem too much to bear.
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