Volume 4
Side Story 5
The Rain Spatters
on the Drooping Branches
Translator : PolterGlast
The rain poured down,
forming a curtain of black droplets that seemed to last forever, engulfing the
night in Tsuzura. The Ugetsu mansion, nestled deep within Rengyō Mountain, was
filled with the sound of raindrops bouncing off the outer edges of the
courtyard.
I'll have to rely on
the connections of my relatives this winter.
"...-dono.
Kanou-dono."
Kanou Minesuke, lost
in thought, allowed his thoughts to wander from the pressing matters at hand.
Kanou, whose mind was elsewhere and watching the rain through the shoji screen,
turned his gaze to the voice next to him.
"Is something the
matter, Souebashi-dono?"
"Nothing
important... I just noticed you looked a bit weary, so I thought I'd check on
you."
Souebashi, who held
the ninth rank, spoke in a flattering tone. Kanou's lips twitched as he tried
to discern the underlying meaning of the slightly condescending attitude from
someone of a higher rank.
Before he could
respond, the noise from the other room drowned out his words.
"Well then, what
do you propose we do?"
"Even if you ask
me, there's no miracle solution."
"Surely there
must be..."
The room was filled
with heated arguments and shouting. Both Kanou and Souebashi turned their gaze
towards the main hall.
In the innermost,
highest seat sat Ugetsu Tenzan, who had just returned from the Kannamesai
festival. Below him were Ugetsu Souma and his wife, Ugetsu Sanae. The Ugetsu
retainers were seated in order of rank.
The topic of discussion
that was brought up by all the retainers was the Amezuki family's imminent
stripping of their nobility. The news brought by the returning Tenzan had sent
the entire household into turmoil.
In addition, about the
one who would become the head of the new Eight Families.
―Yotsurugi Akira.
Hearing this name,
causing even more confusion among the retainers. This was the same Akira who
had been banished from the Ugetsu clan three years ago. A mere speck of dust
who had fallen from grace and should have been grateful for that. And yet, he
had dared to challenge the Ugetsu heir for the position of head of the Eight
Families.
And the result? Ugetsu
Souma had been defeated, no matter what tricks Akira had used.
The impending doom of
the Ugetsu family had suddenly become a reality. For days, the Ugetsu retainers
had been meeting in the main hall, engaged in endless discussions with no clear
answers.
Pointless debates
filled the retainers with a sense of futility, and Kanou turned his gaze away.
"Thank you for
your concern."
"Don't mention
it. Perhaps it would be best if you went to a separate room. It would ease
everyone's mind."
"I said no need.
Leave me be."
"Is see."
The aged Kanou's
throat choked as he forced out his refusal.
Where did the slight
emotion that flickered across his cheek come from? Uncertain, Souebashi
returned to his kneeling position.
With Souebashi's gaze
averted, Kanou let out a small sigh of relief.
"―First of all!
How is that thing still alive? Who was it that was keeping him?"
"What difference
does it make? More importantly, how did the information about the pseudo-kegare
leak?"
"As if that
matters now! — — —!"
Overhearing the
commotion around him, Kanou covered his trembling fist with his left palm.
He had more than a few
suspicions about where the information had leaked from. Although the night-time
assassin was a mere girl, it had been three months since a retainer had been
killed.
Tracing her identity
had not been difficult.
He was certain that
she was related to the Dogyou family, given her use of Byakuyazuki. There was
only one girl in the direct line of the Dogyou family who possessed such skill.
—Dogyou Sonomi, a servant of Gioin Shizumi.
He had been trembling
in fear of being exposed to someone so high up in the hierarchy who could not
be retaliated against.
The days were spent
dealing with the miasma pools that was spreading throughout Samidare territory.
―Perhaps she had simply wanted to test her skills in a
real battle. Rather than worry about such a convenient interpretation, Kanou
had almost forgotten about the incident due to his busy schedule.
And this was the
outcome of his negligence.
He absolutely could
not let anyone find out.
With that
determination, Kanou clenched his fist until it turned white.
Then, from the middle
of the hall, a mid-ranking retainer approached on his knees.
Bowing deeply, he
spoke resolutely.
"My lord, I have
a suggestion!"
"Speak."
"We won't get
anywhere if things continue like this. We can concede that the pseudo-kegare is
breathing somewhere else. But we cannot tolerate it roaming freely in Samidare
terrutory!
If you give the order,
my lord, we will all join forces to exterminate it."
It was a suggestion
that everyone had considered but was too hesitant to voice. A murmur of
excitement filled the main hall.
The downfall of the
Ugetsu clan was a decision justly made at the Kannamesai festival. Moreover,
the decision was made through the Three Imperial Families.
To harm Akira at this
point would be tantamount to declaring war on the Three Imperial Families and
Four Sovereigns. The fact that the retainers would even suggest such a thing
must have a clear reason.
Until just before the
Kannamesai festival, Souma was the only possible heir to the Ugetsu clan.
Given Souma's
abilities and the fact that no one doubted the eternal prosperity of the Ugetsu
clan, the retainers had already taken action to ensure Souma's succession as
head of the Ugetsu clan.
This was not simply a
matter of changing the family name from Ugetsu to Yotsurugi. It meant that the
transfer of power to Souma was a given, even down to the most remote corners of
the Samidare territory.
If all those
preparations were overturned, it would lead to chaos that would be impossible
to contain.
...No, perhaps the
loyalty that the retainers were proclaiming was just a facade. They were
probably afraid of Akira's unknown abilities, having defeated Souma.
They were clinging to
the hope that if they all attacked together, they might succeed.
"No."
Hearing Tenzan's firm
objection, the retainer stepped forward on his knees.
"Why, my lord!?
That vile wretch who would trample on the Ugetsu clan. Surely, even the Three
Imperial Families and Four Sovereigns have been too generous with their
kindness."
"Because it's
pointless," Tenzan replied coldly. "I feel the same way. But he has
already taken Futsu-no-Awai from Souma. Even if all Ugetsu's retainers join
forces, once we face the power of a divine artifact, the outcome would be clear
as day."
With this definitive
statement of Souma's defeat, everyone in the room gasped. The boy, who had been
sitting with his shoulders slumped, now looked even more dejected.
No one dared to
question how it had happened. The room was once again filled with commotion.
"You look pale.
Why don't youtake a rest?"
Ignoring the commotion
around him, Souebashi turned to Kanou. It was as if he were offering a
matter-of-fact suggestion.
However, Kanou
remained firm in his resolve.
"No need. You
should focus on your own concerns, Souebashi-dono."
"Is that so?
Well, I suppose Akira-sama's decision must be quite troubling for you,
Kanou-sama."
Kanou's trembling
stopped upon hearing those words. His dark gaze pierced Souebashi sharply.
"What are you
talking about?"
"Have you
forgotten?" Souebashi's voice grew even quieter, his tone dripping with
mockery as he addressed Kanou. "I'm talking about that little 'training
session' you were so proud of."
Kanou was dumbfounded,
unable to comprehend the words. As their meaning sank in, his cheeks flushed
with rage.
It was none other than
Kanou who had raised his fist against Akira, who had been so audacious as to
challenge Souma, with the intention of teaching the boy about hierarchy and
etiquette.
Kanou took a secret pride
in the fact that Tenzan himself had praised the "education" he had
given Akira, even though he admitted to having used a bit too much spirit
power.
Certainly, Akira had
been blown all the way to the courtyard in an exaggerated manner. However, he
had only sustained minor injuries.
And it was just a
disciplinary action, a necessary lesson about manners. Instead of gratitude,
why was I being resented!?
He had boasted about
it to several people, but he hadn't expected Souebashi to bring it up in public
like this.
"It was for his
own good. It was a lesson for disregarding the hierarchy."
"Yes, yes, of
course. ...But how Akira-sama views it is a different matter."
"Why are talking
like it was someone else's problem? And why are you so much more concerned about
others than yourself? If we want to bring it up, then, everyone here...!!"
Kanou rose to his feet
in anger, his voice rising uncontrollably.
He realized he had
become too heated. He sat back down, shrinking under the intense gaze of
everyone around him.
It was clear that no
one would dare to approach him after drawing so much attention to himself.
Souebashi, seemingly unconcerned, straightened his back and turned his
attention to the upper seat.
This bastard!!
Kanou finally
understood Souebashi's intentions.
What would happen once
Akira became lord? A purge, disguised as a reorganization of the retainers,
would likely ensue.
Logically, it was
absurd to replace all the retainers just because the Lord had changed. Without
enough nobles, the management of the territory would become unstable.
However, the problem
here was Akira's past experiences. No matter how much they tried to gloss over
it, there was no way Akira could have positive feelings towards Kanou and the
others.
It was impossible to
execute everyone, but it was clear that something had to be done. So, they
would need a scapegoat.
They would choose one
of the retainers who had boasted about their role in Akira's
"training" and subject him to a series of misfortunes. Once that
retainer was ruined, Akira would hopefully understand the loyalty of the
remaining retainers.
If Kanou were to leave
now, Souebashi would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to berate him.
Souebashi would shift
all the blame onto Kanou to protect himself.
If Kanou hadn't been
present when the decision was made, he would have no choice but to accept the
outcome. As long as the final decision was reached by consensus, no one could
oppose it, regardless of who they were.
With renewed
determination, Kanou clenched his fist.
As Kanou turned his
gaze towards the upper seat, the shoji screen leading to the outer corridor
facing the courtyard creaked open slightly.
◇
Trickle-trickle... the
rain gradually lost its intensity. The penetrating cold of the raindrops
gradually sapped his strength.
"...Nothing
changed, I see."
A middle-aged man
looked up at the heavy, overcast sky through the gap in his umbrella and let
out a short sigh. He knocked three times on the official gate located next to
the main gate of the Ugetsu mansion.
After a short wait, a
familiar face appeared from inside.
"―Yes, do you
need something? Oh, Fuwa-sama. When did you arrive?"
"I've just
returned. ...The mansion is quite quiet."
Behind the attendant
who had come to greet him, Fuwa Naotoshi folded his oiled paper umbrella. Drops
of water dripped from the tip of the umbrella as he squeezed the thick paper.
The attendant
responded with a puzzled look to Fuwa's question, which was clearly intended to
sound casual.
"Well, you see,
there's been quite a commotion. The Lord, as well as all the retainers, have
been in a constant state of meeting. It's been very quiet, but then again, I've
heard a lot of heated arguments."
"I see... I would
like to meet with the Lord. Please inform him of my arrival."
With the attendant's
agreement, Fuwa waited for a moment. When he was led into the main hall, he
found everyone, including the retainers, gathered as he had been told.
"It's Fuwa
Naotoshi. I have just returned and wish to report."
"Welcome back,
Naotoshi."
Tenzan, unable to hide
his fatigue, replied to Naotoshi, who was sitting opposite him and kowtowing
Raising his head, Fuwa
looked around at everyone.
None of them could
hide their anxiety and confusion. Souma looked especially haggard, and Ugetsu
Sanae, who rarely participated in such meetings, was also present.
It was easy to imagine
just how serious the situation was.
"Fuwa Noriyori,
head of the Fuwa clan, has entrusted me with a message of gratitude for your
assistance in this difficult matter. Here is the letter."
"Sakou, please.
...Where are the Onmyouji?"
"They are delayed
in their return due to residual miasma in several rivers."
"I understand.
...I am grateful for Lord Fuwa's consideration."
It seemed that Ugetsu
Tenzan had correctly understood Fuwa Noriyori's ambiguous response.
Although the Onmyouji
were valuable assets, they were too dangerous to keep within the Ugetsu clan.
It must have been a difficult decision for Fuwa Noriyori to accept them under
the protection of the Fuwa clan.
With that concern
slightly alleviated, Tenzan looked at Naotoshi.
"Are you bringing
Tae back here?"
"No. With my
return, there is no one to lead the Onmyouji. My wife will take over in my
absence."
"I see, that's a
relief."
Fuwa Tae, Naotoshi's
wife, was a relative of the Ugetsu clan, albeit a distant one. Although it was
unclear how far the Ugetsu clan's downfall would go, he had assumed that the
Ugetsu family name was doomed.
The fact that there
was still a slight possibility gave Tenzan a sense of relief.
"My lord, here is
the letter."
"Alright. ...This
is..."
Tenzan received the
examined letter through Sakou Jinbei. He unfolded the fine paper and scanned
the contents.
Silence. Then, Tenzan
began to laugh uncontrollably, as if he had a fever.
"Ha, ha, ha. This
is quite a sarcastic expression of gratitude."
Everyone except
Naotoshi was stunned by Tenzan's sudden cheerfulness, which they hadn't seen in
a while. Sakou Jinbei, the steward, also furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Was there some
good news?"
"Yes. It's a
heartfelt letter from Lord Fuwa Noriyori. ...Here, take a look."
He casually handed the
letter to them, even though it was not meant to be seen by anyone other than
Tenzan.
Confused, but
encouraged by Naotoshi's nod, Sakou Jinbei also unfolded the letter.
The letter contained
nothing but ordinary greetings and expressions of gratitude for sending the
Onmyouji. However, when they reached the final sentence, a smile spread across
Sakou's face as he understood.
"This is truly
wonderful."
"Isn't it? Now we
can be certain that even the Three Imperial Families regret the decline of the
Ugetsu clan."
At the end of the
letter, there was a single sentence that represented the decision made by the
Three Imperial Families. It would not be immediately understood.
However, when compared
to the decision made regarding Ishibuki, the true meaning became clear.
[The judgment of the
Ugetsu clan will be made in the spring, based on Akira's decision. In other
words, the Ugetsu clan is still a noble family, and depending on Akira's
decision, they may be able to avoid punishment.]
After a burst of
laughter, Tenzan and Sakou Jinbei regained their composure.
"I don't like the
idea of giving it up to a pseudo-kegare, but if I say that I'll give him the
history of the Ugetsu clan, that fool might just jump at it."
"There's no
reason for him to refuse. ...Once Akira-sama returns to Ugetsu, we will need to
give up the position as the heir for a while."
"Even Gioin-sama
wouldn't be satisfied otherwise. ...Souma, is that alright?"
"Y-Yes."
"Wait, what are
you saying!?"
As Souma replied in
agreement, Ugetsu Sanae's face turned pale. A decision that would render all
their hard work meaningless. It was a fact that Sanae could not accept.
"Don't worry,
it's only for a while.
...Jinbei, when that
fool returns to be the heir of the Ugetsu clan, let him him in charge of the
family head. ...Even if it's only temporary, he'll be managing the Ugetsu
finances. Don't hesitate to handle him thoroughly and put an end to it."
"Understood."
If they told Akira
that he could return to the Ugetsu clan, the foolish boy would probably agree
without thinking. As the new heir, Akira would learn the job as the head of the
family. Of course, he would be responsible for managing the finances, and he
would be so overwhelmed by the task of building connections with many merchants
that he would have no time for anything else.
Souma had also gone
through a difficult education. It was doubtful that a fool who was only a year
older could do a satisfactory job. Even if they gave him some
"education" in the form of correction, it would eventually end up
being a matter of gratitude or laughter.
With a solution in
sight, Tenzan breathed a sigh of relief. And finally, his attention turned to
Fuwa Naotoshi, who had been quiet.
"I apologize for
keeping you waiting. Is there anything else you were asked to convey?"
"No. After
hearing your conversation, I finally understand.
My brother said that
when Akira comes through our territory, he would send a telegram."
"I see! I owe
Lord Fuwa a great deal. Please convey my gratitude when things are
settled."
"Yes. It's my
pleasure."
In contrast to Tenzan,
Fuwa Naotoshi bowed formally and stiffly. As he returned to his seat, he let
out a deep sigh of disappointment.
Fuwa Noriyori's
predictions had been correct.
There was no falsehood
in the decision made by the Three Imperial Families, including its content. No
matter who you asked or how you checked, you would only get the truth.
That was why Tenzan,
in his haste and fatigue, had been so easily deceived.
There was one fact
that he had not told the Ugetsu clan.
It was not the Three
Imperial Families who had orchestrated this entire sequence of events.
It was Akira who made
the decision and guided them to this outcome.
The Ugetsu clan had
simply stepped into a trap that was too sweet to resist.
And they would realize
their mistake when it was too late.
◇
The rain had stopped
at some point. A cold breeze was blowing.
It was a little early
for winter, but a few white flakes danced in the night sky.
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