Volume 4
Chapter 7 Part
2
Headwinds and Nostalgia
2
Translator : PolterGlast
By the time the steam
locomotive carrying Akira and Saki had crossed two provinces, the rain had
subsided to just a few drops mixed with a gentle breeze.
Gii-gi, gi, gi-gii.
The train groaned and creaked
as its massive body slowly slowed down, ending its long journey. The carriage
entered the station grounds and eventually came to a stop.
The thin traces of
rain on the steamy engine compartment turned into steam. Amidst the mixture of
exhaust steam and soot, many passengers got off the carriages.
Clack, clack. The
tickets were clipped one after another, and lights lit up in the inns around
the station. As the flow of people paused for a moment, Akira and Saki exited
the ticket gate.
"What about using
a fire spirit technique from the Kihoin-school with a water spirit
technique?"
"The strength of
the fire element is purification. Even if the water element imitates it, it
won't produce any power."
"Then what about
the other way around?"
"The characteristic
of the water element is its weight, and the desired direction of power is
different from that of the fire element.
You know, no matter
how many times I think about it, conquering it seems like a
contradiction."
"If we reach a
dead end on the mutual generation, then maybe... That's what I thought..."
A lonely wind blew
through the empty station. Walking boldly in front of the station, Akira
glanced around.
The sign for Tsudzura
Station was clearly written in black ink on a cedar board erected in front of
the station. The scene that unfolded before his eyes was no different from the
memory of him rushing through the twilight three years ago.
"It's not a bad
idea. But relying on mutual restraint is...
―Anyway, Tsudzura Station looks pretty deserted for the
provincial capital of Samidare Territory."
"Maybe they
weren't prepared for the first descent of the evil spirits. Even if they heard
it had subsided, it's another question whether the scattered residents would
have the courage to return."
Putting down her
luggage, Saki looked around at the quiet surroundings. The main street was
lined with shops and lumber stores, befitting the provincial capital of the Eight
Families. The street is less crowded after dusk, but it still gives the
impression of being somewhat desolate.
"The street was
deserted, though."
"It's because the
nighttime curfew hasn't been lifted."
A voice came from
behind in response to Saki's murmur. Saki looked in the direction she was
looking, and a man in his late twenties was faintly illuminated by a gas lamp.
"Even though the
descent of the evil spirits has subsided, new miasma pools continue to emerge.
We have to purify the existing miasma pools and the Hyakki Yagyo
ourselves."
"...Naotoshi-sensei."
Not knowing how to
respond, the man who had been his teacher smiled softly at Akira, who was at a
loss for words.
Guided by Fuwa
Naotoshi, they boarded a steam carriage from which warm steam rose.
After waiting for the
boy and girl to get into the back seat, Naotoshi sat in the driver's seat and
slowly accelerated the car.
Filled only with the
unique noise of a steam car, the interior remained silent.
As the car gradually
turned onto a side road next to a rice paddy, Naotoshi broke the silence.
"So, are you Miss
Saki of the Rindo family?"
"Yes, and you
must be Mr. Naotoshi of the Fuwa family."
"I'm no longer
part of the Fuwa family, so there's no need for formalities. -Oopsie."
The car shook
violently, perhaps it had stepped on a stone. The conversation was interrupted
by the sudden jolt, and Naotoshi turned to Akira.
"Akira-kun, I was
so relieved to hear that you were safe in Karen.
I've heard rumors
about your powerful talismans, and to be honest, I'm quite proud."
"Thanks to the
knowledge I learned from Naotoshi-sensei, I've been able to survive each day
without starving. ...I can't thank you enough."
It was a heavy
statement. Akira's reply was stiff, but Naotoshi's lips curved into a satisfied
smile.
The knowledge of
talismans that Akira had learned from his grandmother, Ugetsu Fusae, and his
teacher, Fuwa Naotoshi, was undoubtedly Akira's greatest asset. It was because
of this knowledge that Akira had a chance of surviving any adversity.
As dusk deepened, the
dark shadow of Renkyo Mountain pressed down. Saki lightly touched Akira's fist,
who was trembling with tension.
"I'm sure you've
expected this, but I must warn you that the attitude of the Ugetsu head has not
changed.
And one more thing.
There has been a presence of visitors in the mansion for the past few
days."
"I don't see how
a declining Ugetsy family could possibly be of any value., though?"
"I think so too,
but it seems that there are those who have found something of value."
Saki blinked, but
Naotoshi shook his head.
He had been in contact
with some of the retainers and had heard vague rumors. But he couldn't get any
details, as they seemed to be keeping their mouths shut.
"I wonder who it
could be. I can't think of any noble families."
"Well, if they
try to put pressure on us, that would be a huge mistake."
Saki went through her
memories and gave up looking for clues. Akira just shrugged and looked away.
As they approached the
foot of Mount Renkyo, a torii gate suddenly appeared in their field of vision.
"Naotoshi-sensei,
could you stop here?"
"The Ugetsu
family is preparing a welcome for you, but... well, alright."
With a slight
hesitation at the boy's request, Fuwa Naotoshi nodded lightly.
The Ugetsu family had
been waiting for Akira, but Akira had never waited for them.
At most, they would
simply be waiting for the next few hours, and they had no right to complain.
Leaving behind only
the quiet sound of its engine, the car came to a stop.
Akira got off right in
front of the Renkyo Shrine, the largest in Samidare Territory.
A cold wind caressed
his skin. Without feeling any emotion, he and Saki walked down the approach to
the shrine together.
He had many memories
here.
The way home from
elementary school. The white slips of paper for the local shrine festival.
And the occasional
stroll with his grandmother, where he gazed at the blooming Forsythia.
"It's cold."
Saki murmured with a
hint of a scream in her voice, feeling a strange sensation on her cheek.
There was a slight
dampness on her fingertips.
Looking up at the sky,
she saw something white fluttering.
"What is
this?"
"Snow fleas. They
fly on the wind, so they're called that in the north. I heard it's a sign of a
blizzard, but I'm not sure about that."
"Do 'fleas' sound
nice to the ear? I think flowers sound better."
"There's also the
expression 'wind flowers', but... I don't hear it often."
"I like that
better."
Akira looked up at the
snowflakes dancing in the sky with Saki.
Running his fingers
through the wind that blew through the trees, Akira touched the withered
branches of the Forsythia.
The dry, rustling
sensation was cold, and spring seemed far away.
The Forsythia-lined
path still showed no sign of turning golden.
From the time he was
banished three years ago, and even now that he has returned,
"...Am I still
distant?"
Akira's monologue
carried on the cold wind, without any intention of being heard by anyone.
After a moment, Akira
turned around and a piece of Forsythia remained on his finger.
A fragile twig that
seemed ready to crumble and turn to dust.
"...Alright,"
He hesitated for a
moment, wondering if he should shake it off, but then he changed his mind and
tossed it into his sleeve.
Without being asked
for details, the car started again.
As they exchanged idle
words, they soon arrived in front of the mansion.
"...When did you
realize your talisman was complete?"
"I don't know. I
forget when."
Akira brusquely
dismissed Naotoshi's question and looked at the gravel road in front of the
mansion.
—No, he hadn't forgotten. He remembered very well. He
remembered clearly the gravel road he had fallen on and the bitter tears he had
cried out of frustration.
As if it had been just
a casual topic, Naotoshi merely murmured, "Is that so?"
As if reluctant to end
the conversation, the steam car made a short braking sound.
With a single signal
from Fuwa Naotoshi, the heavy gate of the Ugetsu family mansion creaked open.
The gate, which had
only been opened slightly three years ago, was now wide open.
Beyond that, the
entire Ugetsu family, including even the retainers, stood just as Akira had
imagined during his final moments three years ago.
"Hmph. To keep us
waiting several hours more than expected, your stupidity seems to be the same
as ever."
"Ara~. We've been
waiting impatiently for this moment. Ha ha. You don't have to say anything
bitter on such an auspicious day."
"That's right.
Both your mother and I have been worried about you."
"…………"
There was no response
from Akira to the hollow-sounding exchange in front of him.
Seeing Akira's
attitude towards his parents, Tenzan clenched his fist.
—But he merely expressed his great disappointment,
knowing it was useless to waste words on the incompetent.
"Well, never
mind. You wouldn't be so foolish as to reject the relief offered by the Three
Imperial Families, right?
We have prepared a
banquet for you in the grand hall. —Follow me."
Naturally, there was
no reply, and without expecting any, Tenzan turned on his heel.
In a gathering where
even the retainers were present, he did not mention about Kanna-no-Mikura.
Tenzan was grateful for the fact that Akira had at least the minimum amount of
intelligence.
Knowledge about
Kanna-no-Mikura was only permitted to the heads of the Eight Families and their
direct descendants.
If the retainers were
present, they could prevent Akira from acting as the Kanna-no-Mikura. By
killing the card of him being the Kanna-no-Mikura, the negotiation would turn
in Ugetsu's favor.
Up to this point,
Tenzan's plan had been proceeding as expected.
Following Tenzan and
the others, Akira and Saki walked behind them, and the retainers greeted them
with smiles.
"Oh my, what a
joyous occasion.
To think that
Akira-sama, who bears the hopes of all of us, has grown up to be so
impressive."
"What can I say?
—I was already expecting this.
When you came to the
dojo, I had the honor of sparring with you. Do you remember?"
"At that time, I
was too distracted by the shadow of others. But of course, since you already
become such a great talent, it is only natural that you don't mind about it,
no?"
—Hahaha.
Amidst the hollow
laughter of those around him, the expressionless Akira and the stiff-faced Saki
walked on.
After passing through
the middle hall, they all reached a large hall overlooking the courtyard.
Although Akira knew
about the large hall where celebrations and banquets were held, he had no
memory of ever stepping foot in it. He had never even known that it was
connected to the middle hall by a corridor. Akira quickly forgot about his
slight interest.
With candles and light
bulbs illuminating the room, Tenzan sat in the honored seat, and the retainers
flowed to the sides.
As far as he could
see, the seating order of the retainers was the same as in the middle hall.
Following their gazes,
Akira couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye.
—Two brocade cushions and a vermilion dining table,
placed directly in front of Tenzan.
The seat closest to
the honored seat was reserved for important guests.
Ignoring the pretense,
Akira sat down at the end of the corridor.
The surrounding people
let out confused breaths.
...The intention was
obvious. Surely everyone could understand by now.
It was the seat at the
end, where a criminal would wait for judgment, a place where even one's will
was not permitted. It was the same seat Akira had occupied in the middle hall
during his childhood.
♢
—Are you trying to ruin my face after I made the
concession to at least treat you as a member of the nobility!?
Seeing where Akira was
seated, Tenzan's fist clenched white.
Tenzan understood that
the negotiation would be unpleasant for both sides.
He had been relieved
when Akira had made a weak response at the front gate, thinking that he
understood the situation despite his dissatisfaction,
—but, this happened right away.
Moreover, sitting
beside him was the daughter of the Rindou family (the fifth of the Eight
Families).
Since their head was
Rindou Kosaburo, they probably wouldn't make a big deal out of it, but he still
had to be prepared for complaints.
"Gotten cocky
after just one victory, he has really become quite vulgar."
"He's just a fool
after all. Being hailed as the new head of the Eight Families, he's probably
not keeping up with etiquette."
"...I'll be sure
to educate him thoroughly on that matter."
Sakou Jinbei, the head
retainer, leaned in and whispered.
With a frown, he
nodded and waved to a maid.
Despite their
confusion, the maids began to carry the trays as instructed by Tenzan.
♢
One by one, starting
from the honored seat, trays were placed on the dining tables.
The sweet bean paste
and taro, and grilled thrush with miso. The colorful seasonal delicacies
created a fragrant steam in front of everyone.
"Ha ha. This
looks delicious."
"It's a fine day
for the Ugetsu. It seems the head of the family is serious about emptying the
warehouse."
Whispers rippled
through the crowd, and Tenzan was the first to pick up his chopsticks, followed
by the others.
The sweet taste of the
bean paste, and the fragrant aroma of the grilled miso and chicken, all invited
conversation among the retainers.
Gradually, between
their conversations, the retainers began to glance at the lowest seat.
Glancing, glancing.
Unable to resist, their curious gazes swept over Akira and Saki.
The vermilion dining
table was placed before Akira and Saki. The steam rising from it was simply
left to cool.
A meal for the
nobility, especially a banquet, is not merely about filling one's stomach. It
is about concluding negotiations and demonstrating one's position relative to
others.
The meaning of such a
demonstration varies, but it always contains one thing.
—Even if there are grievances between nobles, they will
outwardly reconcile with each other.
The purpose of this
banquet was to clearly express this intention.
"Y-You..."
"―my lord."
After thoroughly
humiliating the Ugetsu family, Akira further smeared mud on their face. Though
enraged, Tenzan finally straightened his posture at Fuwa Naotoshi's restraint.
If he ruined the
banquet, Tenzan himself would be ruining the face of Fuwa Naotoshi, who had
arranged the gathering.
The revival of the
Ugetsu family depended on this very moment.
He let out an exhale
of anger through his trembling throat, waved his hand wildly, and looked away.
That was all Tenzan
could do.
Except for one corner,
the meal proceeded smoothly on the surface. Gradually, sake was poured into
cups, and a maid with a decanter stood before Akira and Saki.
"...Ugetsu-sama.
May I pour for you?"
On the tray was a
lonely, empty sake cup left to dry. The decanter next to it was filled with
clear water, but there was no sign of it being touched.
Without looking up, he
remained silent.
Saki, too, simply let
time pass.
"Uh..." The
maid stammered, seeking help from someone else. She looked around at Tenzan.
With a look of obvious
relief upon seeing Tenzan's waving hand, the maid quickly disappeared into the
corridor.
A distance grew
between everyone—and then. Akira reached into his sleeve.
In his palm, he held a
small blue bamboo tube.
With a splash, it made
a sound of water as it was shaken. He took out a similarly cut bamboo cup and
poured the contents into it.
A sweet, rich aroma
filled the large hall.
Did he understand the
meaning of this act? Nevertheless, Akira drank the contents without hesitation.
Spiritual light,
vermillion-gold, mixed with the boy's breath.
If a noble's meal is
about outward reconciliation, then preparing one's own meal in defiance is the
opposite.
—It was the ultimate insult.
Anyone who didn't
understand this by now didn't belong here.
—Haha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...
The waves of
conversation that had barely remained gradually turned into a suffocating
silence.
The lavish meal was no
longer something to savor. It was merely like chewing sand.
By now, the banquet
was nothing more than a task of moving chopsticks back and forth.
In the suffocating
time, when Tenzan's tray was finally empty, Akira finally spoke.
"So? Is the farce
over, Ugetsu Tenzan?"
For Akira, this was
not even a prelude.
It was simply a sight
of people who mistook themselves for nobles behaving like a caricature.
—It was nothing more than something to be erased at the
edge of time.
The wind blowing
through Mount Renkyo spread heavy clouds across the night sky.
Mixed with the sound
of the roaring wind, the snow fleas that were scattered across the sky
gradually increased in intensity.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
Aiden Elliott
MaxKne
Swagaraga
[Gold]
B random
DavidA
[Silver]
blue shooting
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Pristia
Anton Lim
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
