Volume 4
Chapter 5 Part
4
Playfully
Scheming, with No End in Sight 4
Translator : PolterGlast
—The Central Capital Sacred Precincts, Santen Ryō. The
middle day of the Kannamesai Festival.
Winter arrived earlier
in the mountain-encircled central city compared to the north. Feeling the
harshness of the approaching winter in the autumn breeze, Mikuriya Shishin
shivered slightly with his aged body. Even a slight chill seeped into his
bones. The participants huddled together in various parts of the grand hall.
Factional strife even
now, as we are about to face the Three Imperial Families? Unconsciously, a
smile twisted at the corners of Shishin's mouth at their ugliness.
"Father,"
his son, who had sat down beside him, said, his expression changing. "I've
asked around, but Ugetsu still hasn't shown up."
"And the other
factions?"
From the way Mikuriya
Hirotada shook his head, it was clear that there was no hope.
The other Eight
Families had shown up. Since Ugetsu's faction was exceptionally large, even
among the Gioin nobles, it was unthinkable to overlook them.
"We should be
prepared that we have displeased the Gioin family."
"What should we
do?"
"I'll focus the
topic on the Kuga family. Since I've been staying in the south for a while,
it's a good topic."
For the nobility, evaluation
is basically a points deduction system. It was a natural historical flow that
had arisen due to the lack of change in the rank of the spirits they possessed.
"Rather, let's
cut off Ugetsu. From this point on, I believe that we will only be sold at a
loss."
"It's fine to
just distance ourselves.
Fortunately, except
for the matter of marrying Sanae, the relationship between Mikuriya and Ugetsu
is not public. It will be easy to disguise."
—If we're going to cut ties, we can do it anytime.
Shishin silently
concluded this, straightened his knees that had become slightly disarrayed, and
regained his outward composure.
Although he hated to
admit it, Ugetsu's proud 4,000-year history surpassed even the noble
bloodlines.
It had never occurred
to him why he would discard Ugetsu by weighing it against an incompetent
person.
Understanding this,
Hirotada did not pursue the matter further.
Shishin shifted his
gaze from the corner of the hall where he was sitting to the front row.
Shishin gnashed his
teeth at the back of Tsuwabuki Samon, who was chatting in the upper seat.
Although they, the
Inner Palace and the Imperial Guards, were at odds, their positions as old
families seeking to guide Takamagahara were the same.
Even Shishin had
believed until he was expelled from the position of Imperial Guards, that the
unity of the old families was solid.
He was no longer the
foolish self who understood the Tsuwabuki family.
He would use his
legitimate rights to drive the Tsuwabuki family into decline and avenge his shame
in his own generation.
—Once my great desire is fulfilled, I will not allow
even a fragment of the Tsuwabuki to remain in the old families.
With renewed
determination, Shishin's gaze sharpened as the sound of robes rustling came
from the corridor leading to the upper seats.
Like a tidal wave, the
waves of conversation receded. It was as if the top ranks of the guests were
about to enter. Without saying a word, the heads of the nobles bowed at once.
Amidst the bowing
nobles, the presence of the Three Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns filled
the upper seats.
Everyone held their
breath, waiting for the voice of the Imperial Families.
—And then, after a short but tense silence, Tsukinomiya
Shuu opened his mouth.
"Although the
Kannamesai Festival was once in danger of being canceled due to the Hyakki
Yagyo, we have now safely reached the mid-schedule of the festival.
First, I would like to
offer my congratulations for your efforts to ensure the peace of mind of the
people."
"Receiving
Tsukinomiya-sama's words, the nobles of Takamagahara surely felt rewarded.
I, Tsuwabuki Samon, on
behalf of the nobility, express my gratitude."
Tsuwabuki Samon
responded arrogantly, merely bowing his head in a superficial manner. He was
implicitly asserting that he himself was the representative of the nobility.
"Very well. Then,
let's settle the matters that will hinder us in the future.
—Before the main agenda, we will begin the discussion
of merits and demerits."
"Please wait a
moment.
It has always been
customary to present the annual outline before the discussion of merits and
demerits.
How can we disrupt the
tradition without a good reason?"
"It's just that
it will affect the outline, so I've put it forward first.
—Is there any problem, Inner Palace Tsuwabuki?"
"No... I
apologize."
His objection was
twisted without question, and the end of Samon's words became muddled with
dissatisfaction as he continued to bow.
It was just a matter
of changing the order. Normally, there would be no problem. However, since Tsukinomiya
Shuu had declared that it would be related to the outline, the discussion of
merits and demerits could be very serious.
Usually, the Three
Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns did not approve of wielding power
arbitrarily.
In recent years, they
had tended to simply go through the motions as usual, even showing little
interest in domestic affairs.
Therefore, Samon was
beginning to be agitated, hoping that this year would be the year to set his
ambitions in motion.
He was to be given the
real power of domestic affairs from the Three Imperial Families and Four
Sovereigns. This year was to be the greatest turning point for the Tsuwabuki
family to fully seize its original rights.
—The blunder during the Hyakki Yagyo that occurred just
before the Kannamesai Festival.
Usually, the Three
Imperial Families would not have seen it as a problem, but who knows whether he
will be evaluated at the last minute.
Although Tsuwabuki
Samon had nothing to be ashamed of, it was quite conceivable that it would cast
a shadow over the operation of his faction.
"First, I would
like to express my gratitude from the Three Imperial Families, in addition to
the guardians of each province, for defending the Cornerstone Mountains that
connect the spiritual paths.
Each of the four
provinces, please distribute some wealth to the guardians according to their
evaluations."
"“We have
certainly received the kindness of Tsukinomiya-sama.””
The Four Sovereigns
chanted in unison, and the nobles of each province bowed deeply. While the nobles
of the Central Province, in particular, watched bitterly, the evaluation of
merits and demerits was carried out calmly only on the surface.
Without any complaints
about the evaluation of the four provinces, the evaluation of the Central
Province followed.
"The
commander-in-chief of the garrisons, Nikuruwa Akikiyo—"
However, Tsukinomiya's
summons was met with only silence. The surrounding nobles started to look
around and make a fuss.
"What happened to
Nikuruwa?"
"Yes. It was
discovered late this morning, so the report probably hasn't come in yet."
Tsuwabuki Samon opened
his mouth, inwardly relieved that he had made it in time.
"For abandoning
his duty as commander-in-chief of the defense during the Hyakki Yagyo, he has
taken his own life in his room.
—I have received his will."
A letter stained with
blood slid across the tatami mat. The gruesome sight drew the attention of
everyone around him.
Among the old families
belonging to the garrisons and the Imperial Guards, there was no one who had not
comitted a blunder. In particular, this tendency was more pronounced among
factions close to the Tsuwabuki family.
Nikuruwa Akikiyo, who
was the commander-in-chief of the garrisons, was at the edge of his faction.
Taking advantage of the fact that he was someone who could be discarded without
regret, Samon shifted all the blame for the faction onto Nikuruwa Akikiyo.
"Is that so?
...There seems to be some discrepancy between this report of yours and
ours."
"Yes, the delay
in information due to the disconnection of the phone line is something that is
beyond our control."
However, Shuu simply
shook his head at Samon's reply.
"That's not
it."
"Excuse me?"
"I heard from
Fujinomorimiya that Nikuruwa served as the Central Capital's defense
force."
"—Yes. He was
responsible for the construction and command of the Central Capital's defense
line. While his abilities may have been lacking, there is no doubt about his
dedication to protecting the country."
"Quite the
opposite. His failure was obvious. That's why,"
"Are you
questioning the conclusion that the Three Imperial Families have seen
firsthand, Tsuwabuki?"
"How could I?
—It seems that our report is somehow delayed."
Being stared at
sharply by Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko, Samon hurriedly bowed his head.
He couldn't afford to
make more mistakes in the current situation. His mind, scrambling to mend
things up, trembled in agitation as he searched for words.
There was a definite
discrepancy in the information. It was likely that someone in the Imperial
Guards or someone else in the vicinity had tried to shift the blame for their
own mistakes.
Even though he could
guess as much, it was too late after the die had been cast. Samon decided that
he had no choice but to carry on.
"I heard that
Fujinomorimiya-sama commanded the situation in the Central Capital.
In fact, the Imperial
Guards went there, but they were coldly chased away. There have been complaints
that they were unable to give instructions."
"Hmm. Is that
true, Fujinomorimiya?"
"...Yes. Someone
claiming to be from the Imperial Guards came with drawn swords, so I drove them
away as they were interfering with the command. In fact, it didn't seem
necessary."
"Were they
confirmed to be from the Imperial Guards?"
"I wonder. I
kicked them out before that, and it doesn't matter."
Hearing Kaoruko's
indifferent reply, Samon slapped his knee in delight.
A clap. The only sound
that echoed was a dull and faint one.
"I see. What a
blunder it was for Fujinomorimiya, who held military authority, to dismiss the
largest fighting force in the Central Capital during the Hyakki Yagyo."
Without even noticing
the cold gaze of the Three Imperial Families, Samon flushed with excitement.
His voice rose more
out of desire than excitement.
"Moreover, as has
been reported before.
The rituals of the
Imperial Families should be given priority, but isn't politics been neglected a
little too much?"
"Indeed. It is
true that I have distanced myself from politics until now.
—In that case, Tsuwabuki. Do you intend to return all
the authority I have entrusted to you?"
"No. The Imperial
Families's priority should only be the rituals. As before, the old families
will continue to serve so that the Imperial Families can feel at ease."
"Hou."
Among the Central
Province nobles, those who served in the Santen Ryō sanctuary were called old
families. They were a unique group of nobles who existed to ensure the peace of
the Central Capital.
The old families, who
prided themselves on serving only at the knees of the Three Imperial Families,
had gradually come to delude themselves into thinking that they possessed the
authority of the Three Imperial Families.
But no matter how hard
they struggled, reality would not change.
The priority of the
Three Imperial Families, Four Sovereigns, and Eight Families would not change,
and the old families were, after all, nothing more than a bonus.
—Just a little more, just a little bit more. It doesn't
matter if the Three Imperial Families are interested. As long as they agree to
this one thing, the old families' ambition will be fulfilled by my hands.
Was it desire or
desperation? Tsuwabuki Samon breathed roughly, frustrated by the blunder that
had occurred at the last moment of his accomplishment.
"This time, the
blunder of the Hyakki Yagyo was the one that Nikuruwa Akikiyo, the
commander-in-chief of the garrison, placed a great deal of importance on. Now
that he has settled the matter by committing suicide, the remaining
responsibility should return to those who gave the orders.
—I hate to say it, but it is Fujinomorimiya, who drove
away the Imperial Guards, who should be questioned."
"...If that is
the truth, then I will admit that you have a point."
"I swear
it."
As Tsukinomiya Shuu
responded, Samon leaned forward and gave an immediate reply.
He pressed his palms
firmly against the tatami mat and looked at Shuu with the utmost sincerity.
"It is the norm
for those who make mistakes to take responsibility, so Fujinomorimiya-sama
should also take responsibility!
It pains me to blame
my superiors, but this too is out of loyalty.
—I, Samon, will dare, dare to make a suggestion.
I would like to
request that the military authority held by the Fujinomorimiya be entrusted,
even if only temporarily, to the old families. We will serve with all our
sincerity so that the Imperial Families can protect the rituals."
Although he said
temporarily, Samon had no intention of keeping his word.
Even military
authority was just a stepping stone for him.
The outline of the
Kannamesai Festival also extends to military authority.
—In other words, being granted military authority means
being allowed to participate in the annual outline to a limited extent.
It was the old
families' greatest desire to grasp all of the annual outline.
If they missed this
opportunity, there would definitely be no next time.
To protect his
faction, he had cut off the end of his umbrella (Nikuruwa) with his own hands.
He would protect the
rest of his faction and achieve his great desire. He clutched Nikuruwa's will
in his hand, revealing his anger at those who had dragged him down.
—The paper was wrinkled, and the red spatter marks were
distorted.
"Tsukinomiya-sama.
I would like you to make a wise decision."
Silence reigned in the
hall. Overwhelmed by Tsuwabuki Samon's determination, even the sound of
breathing was swallowed up.
—After a while, Shuu smiled thinly and opened his
mouth.
"Those who make
mistakes should take responsibility. There are no two other ways about it,
Samon."
"Naturally!"
With a smile that
contained intent, Shuu's gaze turned to Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko.
The two exchanged nods
with smiles containing the same thing.
"That's how it
should be. Kaoruko."
"Alright.
—Samon. You should investigate the report in detail.
Even if they are from the same faction, it doesn't necessarily mean they are
reporting the truth."
"Huh?"
Samon let out a
dumbfounded voice when the words that had staked his entire life on being
returned to him.
His emotions, which
had been fueled by momentum, ran out of steam, and his old body went limp.
"You seem genuinely
unaware.
The Imperial Guards
arrived with drawn swords after the Hyakki Yagyo was over.
Even during wartime,
it would be laughable to claim to be the Imperial Guards while standing on a
large road where only rubble remained after the Five Provinces' troops had
fought."
"Wha?"
Samon was astounded,
but no one else voiced their surprise. It was as if the situation was simply
repeating itself, just like with Nikuruwa Akikiyo.
"Now, we must
determine who is responsible.
—At the very least, should we punish the Imperial
Guards who abandoned the defense of the Central Capital?"
"Wa, wait a
second! Such an outrageous act would make it impossible to maintain the
Imperial Guards."
"Do you think
guards who cannot be relied upon as a fighting force are qualified to protect
the country?
—At the very least, the disbandment of the Yellow Army
is inevitable."
With each decisive
decision, Tsuwabuki Samon desperately searched for a way to survive.
The moment he thought
he could seize military power, the ladder was pulled out from under him, and he
was in a desperate situation.
And then, he realized.
All pleadings so far
had been aimed toward the purpose of eliminating the Imperial Guards,
especially the guardians of the old families.
There was no doubt about
it. This was a fatal blow aimed at the moment when the old families' authority
had been concentrated in Tsuwabuki's hands.
"Such a foolish
decision. If we neglect the old families, the state's order continuation will
not last forever."
"Old families? Tsuwabuki
and some others often spout such nonsense.
When did we ever
acknowledge you?"
"What!?"
"There's no
reason to employ those who devour the national treasury. Your hubris is beyond
belief."
"………………”
Samon could only close
his mouth at Shuu's decisive words.
He realized that he
was in a losing position if he tried to argue further.
Tsukinomiya Shuu's
assertion caused the old families of the Tsuwabuki family to finally begin to
make a fuss.
However, they were
glared at by those around them, and their voices quickly subsided.
At this point, the
Imperial Guards was of no consequence.
To keep the old family system alive, Tsuwabuki Samon had no choice but
to seek a way to survive.
Fortunately, Samon had
no involvement whatsoever in the foolish actions of the Imperial Guards.
The Three Imperial
Families and the Divine Pillars would not question a crime he had not
committed.
That was the last
lifeline for Tsuwabuki Samon to survive.
"Finally, let us
examine your merits and demerits, Tsuwabuki Samon."
"Wha?! What kind
of absurd thing is this!!
I myself have had
absolutely no involvement in the actions of the Imperial Guards. I swear
it."
However, that silence
was fleetingly shattered by the voice of Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko.
The fat old man rose from
his seat in dismay.
Yet, he did not waver
under the gaze of the Three Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns.
"There is no need
to swear. I am convinced.
—But you declared it yourself a moment ago."
"It was a sincere
suggestion made with your best interests in mind! Even if you are our Lords,
such outrageous act cannot be forgiven."
"It seems that
even a tongue that twirls so fast will forget to breathe once it stops.
—You said yourself that those who make mistakes should
take responsibility."
That is why he had
given up both the garrisons and the authority of the Imperial Guards.
His face flushed with
rage, and he looked like a demon. Fujinomorimiya Kaoruko calmly accepted his
hatred and pointed it out.
"You are
responsible for appointing them.
—The Imperial Guards, the garrisons, and even in the
depths of personnel matters, your influence can easily be traced."
They might have
overlooked one mistake.
However, there were
too many instances where the source of the series of blunders could be traced
back to Tsuwabuki Samon.
To expand his faction,
he appointed people who were not even guardians to the garrisons and the
Imperial Guards.
In his haste to be
just one step away from his ambition, he had tripped.
With his words
silenced, Tsuwabuki Samon collapsed helplessly.
He was cut off not
only from any chance of recovery but also from his future as a noble.
—In the end, all that remained was a powerless old man.
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