Volume 4
Chapter 3 Part
5
A Pivotal Moment,
Pointing to Light and Darkness 5
Translator : PolterGlast
The Raden Room,
located on Santen-ryō, was a severely simple hall, contrary to its name.
Only one decorative
pillar set up in the inner room adorned the bleak space.
After wrapping up the
general outline, everyone looked at Tenzan and Souma, who were sitting on the
floor with their heads down.
On the surface, they
seemed disinterested. However, they were not so indifferent to the fall of the
first of the Eight Families, and their eyes occasionally wandered over to them.
—Even at a time like this, there are ambitious people.
Squinting at Kuga
Hōri's behavior, Akira straightened his posture as if it were none of his
business.
—For Akira, this was the main event of the Kannamesai
Festival.
"—We've kept you
waiting, Ugetsu.
We will now announce
your punishment."
Takamikura, seated in
the inner seat, leaned back on the armrest.
There was no shadow on
her smiling lips.
It was clear that even
the decline of the Ugetsu family, which boasted a history rivaling the Three
Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns, held little interest for her as a divine
pillar.
Prompted by her gaze,
Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko, the one who presided over the judicial power of
Takamagahara, stood up in the silence.
Tenzan and Souma's
heads hung even lower at the judicial decision.
"First, the Giōin
family has filed a lawsuit against the Ugetsu family's disgraceful conduct.
One, that they
unjustly banished Ugetsu Akira, who was the heir to the Ugetsu family.
Two, that they
arbitrarily misinterpreted the terms of the engagement with the Giōin family
and attempted to deceive them.
That's all. Is there
any disagreement, Ugetsu?"
"...Yes,
Fujinomorimiya-sama."
Tenzan's fingernails
clawed at the tatami mats as he was asked the question again.
Trembling with an
unfathomable emotion, he responded in a hushed voice that seemed to squeeze his
lungs.
In fact, by the time
he reached the Raden Room, the charges had already been decided.
Kaoruko's question
about disagreement was merely a formality.
Kaoruko tilted her
head, thinking that the Ugetsu family might not be unaware of this.
However, even though
the charges against Ugetsu were already decided, the right to refute the
charges was still granted.
Prompted by her silent
gesture, Tenzan opened his mouth.
"First, Ugetsu
had legitimate reasons for disinheriting him.
Second, although you
say it was misinterpreted, is there any evidence of misinterpretation in the
terms of the engagement?"
"Upon examining
the terms of the engagement, there was only one sentence included, which stated
that she was to be betrothed to Ugetsu's heir.
—I see. There is no mention of Ugetsu Akira."
Upon hearing Kouruko's
words without changing her expression, a slight relief appeared on Tenzan's
face.
As a half-god and
half-human being, even Kaoruko, as a divine child, cannot lie.
Therefore, she has no
choice but to measure the charges fairly.
Only at this moment,
when one is allowed to refute, even Ugetsu (the sinner) would be on an equal
footing with the Four Sovereigns.
Thanks to the basic
knowledge about [Kanna-no-Mikura] that Yukitsuna had conveyed, which Ugetsu
lacked, Tenzan could not afford to miss this opportunity to regain the trust of
the Ugetsu family.
"...We of the
Giōin family, request to be allowed to speak."
"Permission
granted."
"It is only
natural as a matter of courtesy not to specify the name in the marriage clause.
Rather, the first
thing to be questioned is why they treated Akira-sama, who was also in the
custody of the Giōin family, so unfairly."
Tenzan's throat made a
strange sound, perhaps due to nervousness.
Although he was
skeptical, he was now convinced that Yukitsuna's advice was true.
It remains a mystery
why the former head of the Sanezaki family, from another province and with
little connection to the Ugetsu family, would lend a helping hand to the Ugetsu
family, which was in a dire situation.
At this point, the
Three Imperial Families,
—Or at least Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko, does not know that
Ugetsu has discovered the oral tradition about Kanna-no-Mikura.
The reason why the
crucial topic of Kanna-no-Mikura is not being raised in this judgment is that
the Three Imperial Families have decided that Ugetsu no longer needs this knowledge.
It was a thin thread
of a gap that the Three Imperial Families had opened.
Without being noticed,
Tenzan pulled on the last lifeline that had been left to him in his ignorance.
"You may call it
unfair, but it is an undeniable fact that for Ugetsu, he was a fool.
He was slow in
mastering swordsmanship and not proficient in the art of talismans. In the end,
he was so easily discouraged by a little provocation.
Even if it wasn't
Ugetsu, expulsion would be the natural course of action—"
"No, no. At the
age of ten, he was recognized for his regeneration talisman and given a pen
name, which is said to be an extraordinary talent even for the second-ranked of
the Eight Families (the Kuga family).
To say that he is not
proficient at it. Truly, the first-ranked of the Eight Families (the Ugetsu
family) has different standards."
"T-That's...!"
"What? I heard
that Tenzan-dono's greatest pride is that you are a master of offensive
talismans.
You should have a good
understanding of how hard it is to achieve it."
With a chuckle, Kuga
Houri threw a provocation.
As Tenzan was about to
retort to the obvious taunt, Yuge Kōjō smilingly intervened from the other
side.
"Stop."
Seeing that it was
getting nowhere, Kaoruko sighed and glared at Tenzan.
"However, there is
some truth to what you say. —Tenzan, do you have any explanation?"
"I am not denying
the Ugetsu family's shortcomings.
Therefore, I would
like to be given an opportunity to redeem myself, and I, Tenzan, am willing to
prostrate myself here."
"...I shall ask
you then, What you will do to restore the Ugetsu family?"
"I have come to
understand that the Three Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns, value that
incompetent.
Therefore, I would
like to re-educate him so that he can be offered to the Giōin family once
again."
Ugetsu is not to
blame, and they will work to elevate the incompetent (Akira) to a suitable
position.
This brazenly arrogant
statement heated up the emotions within the hall.
Without a word to calm
the noisy hall, Kaoruko pondered.
To be honest, this was
within her expectations.
It was because it was
certain that Ugetsu Tenzan did not know about Kanna-no-Mikura until he set foot
in Santen-ryō.
That is why, in this
judgment, Tenzan has no choice but to use Akira's incompetence as a reason for
his defense.
Everything was going
as expected.
—But for some reason, Kaoruko had a vision of a
sneer-like smirk floating on the other party's cheek while he remained face
down.
Shaking off her
unpleasant imagination, Kaoruko opened her mouth again.
"I reject it.
Your offer is merely shifting the blame."
"Although it is a
scandal to replace the heir of a noble family, it is something that many nobles
have experienced.
If this were to be
strictly punished, the noble society would start to collapse.
It is unacceptable
that we are the only ones to be blamed."
"—Indeed. Your
argument is valid."
Suddenly, in response
to Tenzan's insistent defense, Takamikura opened her mouth.
A faint curiosity
appeared in her eyes, which had shown little interest.
"It would be
somewhat awkward for us to make a judgment that could reduce the number of
those who bear the burden of protecting the country.
However, we can't
simply ignore what you've done."
The eyes of those
present turned to Akira, who was standing beside Shuka, who was close to the
upper seat.
The Divine Pillar of
Central Province nodded in response to the intersecting gazes.
"Therefore, I
will leave this decision to Akira, the person involved.
—What kind of punishment do you want for the Ugetsu
family?"
"...With all due
respect. I no longer have any feelings for Ugetsu.
That being said, that
doesn't mean I have nothing to say."
Having been told to do
whatever he wanted with Ugetsu, Akira hesitated before continuing.
Akira no longer felt
anything for Ugetsu.
That was the truth.
Blaming himself,
blaming others. Yet, in the end, it is the truth. Just as how Ugetsu abandoned
Akira, Akira also left Ugetsu behind a long time ago.
When he was banished
three years ago and looked up at the closed main gate, their relationship was
irrevocably severed.
That's why, for Akira,
there was only one punishment he wanted from Ugetsu.
"The punishment I
want is for Ugetsu to accept the same punishment that they gave me three years
ago.
—A promise that I will never cross paths with any of
the members of the Ugetsu family again."
Fully understanding
what consequences this decision would bring, Akira bowed his head.
The hall was quiet at
the seemingly lenient judgment.
Tenzan was one of
them. He secretly patted his chest, relieved that Akira's foolish decision had
saved him.
For the time being, he
would have to return to his territory and keep a low profile for a while,
including seeking help from others.
First, he would have
to continue talking to the Giōin family to get more concessions.
While Tensan was
pondering this, Kaoruko announced the closing of the judgment.
"Very well. I
will give an order to Ugetsu in accordance with Akira's request."
"—Yes."
"By the end of
the year, Ugetsu, you shall lead all of your retainers and leave Samidare
territory.
Thereafter, you shall
not be allowed to act as members of the nobility."
"Please wait! How
can you twist such a punishment from simply forbidding us to see each
other!?"
Tenzan raised his head
vigorously, his composure shattered by the unexpected punishment.
Tenzan's eyes, which
were only trying to mend his desperation, were met with the cold-hearted Three
Imperial Families, the Four Sovereigns, and the Eight Families' gazes.
The intense glare of
the obsidian black transformed into an intangible pressure, and once again
pressed Tenzan's head down onto the tatami mat.
"Ga-h..."
"S-Silence,
Ugetsu.
—Have you forgotten what you told Akira three years
ago?"
"We merely
banished him from Ugetsu!"
"You sure know
how to play dumb, huh? You must have snickered with glee.
You said that he would
be banished from Samidare territory and that he would be hunted down if he were
found in Kokuten Province."
Akira returned all of
that to the Ugetsu family exactly as it was.
"I totally agree
with that punishment.
Kokuten Province is
where Akira will also set his foot in, and every time he does so, the remnants
of those arrogant Ugetsu will surely come back to bite him."
"If he never
stepped into Samidare territory, there shouldn't be any problems."
"Why should the
person imposing the punishment yield to those being punished?
—It should be your side that yields."
Tenzan's gaze wandered
around the room, seeking help from the decision made by the Divine Pillar of
Kokuten Province.
Tenzan, who was
seeking an answer, was met with cold emotions.
"We, Kabeju
Province, cannot welcome them (Ugetsu), because I cannot afford to hear my
little sister's dissatisfaction."
"We, Hakudō
Province, too, have no interest in taking in incompetents who have forgotten
their place."
The glittering
blue-black eyes that seemed bored and the golden eyes that remained closed
pierced Tenzan coldly.
As the number of
support hands dwindled in an instant, Shuka's blue eyes met Tenzan's.
"Let me tell you
in advance, I'm actually grateful.
Thanks to you, I was
able to find Akira."
"Then!"
With a glimmer of
hope, Tenzan rushed forward.
Mocking Tenzan's
desperate appearance, Shuka pulled Akira's arm towards her as if to show off.
"—But
unfortunately, since Akira lives in this Mistress' land (Shumon Province,
There will be no place
for you."
With all hope cut off
by those words, Tenzan looked up at the ceiling with a blank look.
Rejected by all the
Provinces, there was only one place left for the Ugetsu Family and their
retainers.
A small piece of land
on the mountain ridge, at the border of the Provinces.
Even with careful
selection, the Ugetsu Family and their retainers numbered close to a hundred.
If one were to include
their families, the number would multiply several times.
With such a large
number of people, it would be impossible to survive the harsh winter in the
north.
It is not difficult to
imagine the chain of collapses.
—Finally, he remembered.
Three years ago,
Tenzan had made arrangements so that Akira would die alone on the border of the
province.
—I went to a great deal of trouble so that you could
die in peace. Are you planning to repay my kindness with evil, as revenge!?
Tenzan's gazes, driven
with emotion, pierced Takamikura from below.
The premise of the
plan brought by Sanezaki Yukitsuna was in place.
Akira, as an
individual, had placed the punishment on the first-ranked of the Eight Families
without having to disclose fatal information about Kanna-no-Mikura.
And there was a reason
for it to be done here, where the Three Imperial Families looked down on them
when their positions were temporarily equal.
―Tenzan has already placed his hopes on one side of the
scale.
"...Takamikura-sama.
Currently, the divine artifact, Futsuno Awa, is in the possession of the Ugetsu
family, and the Ugetsu family still holds the seat of the Eight Families. Is
this correct?"
"That is
correct."
Takamikura responded
with a very simple affirmation.
"The Great Law of
the Ten Heavenly Stems, which protects the five elements. As long as Futsuno
Awa, the essence of Mizunoe (ninth of the Sexagenary Cycle), is entrusted to
them, the Ugetsu family is undoubtedly one of the Eight Families."
Having gained final
confirmation, Tenzan turned his gaze to Souma.
A silent conversation
only they as father and son could understand. Though still tense, Souma
returned a strong assent.
With Souma's
confidence as a tailwind, Tenzan once again roused his pride.
"I consider that
Akira over there is demanding the position of head of the Ugetsu family.
—Based on the Ancient Covenant, I would like to request
that Her Eminence, Takamikura-sama, hold an Imperial Bout."
"How dare this
forgetful fool bring up the Ancient Covenant. —Who gave you this idea?"
As the Raden Room
became noisy, Kaoruko stood up in front of Takamikura upon hearing Tenzan's
words.
Kaoruko finally
realized that the true purpose of allowing the judgment to proceed favorably
was to insert these words at the last moment.
"I have no idea
about who you're referring to.
Takamikura-sama, may I
request permission to hold an Imperial Bout, the original purpose of which is
to change the heads of the Eight Families?"
♢
—Let me state this clearly. No matter how hard Ugetsu
Souma tries, he will never be able to defeat Kanna-no-Mikura.
The old man's wrinkled
mouth twisted into a smirk as he uttered those words.
No matter how great
Souma's abilities were, or how foolish Akira was, the final outcome would be in
Akira's favor.
It's not about skill.
It's more like a matter of how much the world loves them.
There's absolutely no
way to win against Akira.
—That's why we have to exploit the loopholes in the
Ancient Covenant.
Divine Pillars and
half-gods cannot lie. Therefore, to avoid being trapped, the Ancient Covenant
has many loopholes.
Rāvana had resorted to
weakening Akira's divine energy through continuous battles and severing Shuka's
divine protection, which resided within Akira, with an artifact.
However, it is
impossible for Ugetsu, who has only a small number of men, to resort to such a
method.
Moreover, Yukitsuna
did not underestimate Akira, thinking that he would not fall into the same
trap.
At this critical
moment, only one option remains for Ugetsu.
The Great Law of the
Ten Heavenly Stems. In other words, to make the most of the true value of being
one of the Eight Families, which protects the five elements.
—The Three Imperial Families would surely bring the
matter to a conclusion by concealing Kanna-no-Mikura, so as not to give away
unnecessary information.
The important thing is
not to include information about Kanna-no-Mikura, which can overturn the
advantages or disadvantages, in the judgment.
—And to speak up about their mutual desires.
The conditions, which
were like stepping on thin ice, were all in place.
At this point,
Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko has concluded the words she has inlaid, and she has no
choice but to conduct the Imperial Bout in order not to pose as a falsehood.
—Those who possess the artifact inherently have an
overwhelming advantage. Therefore, in order to ensure maximum fairness, the
Imperial Bout is designed to reduce basic advantages.
This also applies to
Kanna-no-Mikura.
In Imperial Bout held
at the knee of Takamikura, even with Kanna-no-Mikura as its contestant, the
outcome would be uncertain.
—The rest is up to you, Ugetsu family. Don't disappoint
us.
♢
"Very well."
Breaking the long
silence, Takamikura nodded magnanimously.
"Indeed, that is
undoubtedly your right.
—An Imperial Bout, the first in a long time, shall be
held. Is there any objection from either Akira or Ugetsu?"
The clothes of
everyone present rustled at once.
Glancing at everyone
who had bowed their heads in agreement, her Eminence Takamikura smiled thinly.
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