Il Cielo dei Tre Regni
by Lunar Wave
Disclaimer: This story borrows the setting and characters of the Koihime†Musou series and borrows multiple elements from Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I own neither series as they both belong to their respective owners. Also, considering Koihime†Musou could be considered a fanfic of the Three Kingdoms, I'd like to say I don't own anything related to the stories of the Three Kingdoms.
-()-
Settling in
-()-
"Okay, paperwork, done." Kazuto collapsed on the table, as Sonken Kouyuu (Mifa) smiled courteously as she picked up the last scroll, moving it from his desk, and, in turn, placed a teacup and some snacks. "Thank you Mifa."
"It is as my duty, Master." Mifa smiled, as she turned to Touka and moved to put away the paperwork Touka's done with. As soon as the front of her desk is cleared, Touka collapsed onto it. Touka's ability for paperwork is not the best, but she's been improving enough that she's at the same pace as Kazuto. It's not as if there was a mountain of paperwork they have to go through. Most of the papers were just for the sake of them familiarizing with the land, the important people, the structure already in place. In the end, it's mostly reading, but that doesn't mean there wasn't a large amount of brush-waving they both had to do.
"I'm still not used to this…" Touka moaned as she grabbed a biscuit from the plate Mifa put in front of her. "Isn't it better to learn the layout of the city by, I dunno, visiting the city?"
"That is a great idea." Touken hummed from where he sat. He served as mostly a supervisor for both of them but did not do much aside from asking a few queries. "However, it would not do if you were to be unprotected…"
"… Mifa, go with Touka and have fun~" Kazuto waved them off.
"Eh?" Touka blinked, "You're not coming, Kazuto-kun?"
"Reborn left me a bunch of homework to do," Kazuto grumbled. "Math today, I think."
"Ah…"
"So Mifa, before you go anywhere?" And to keep his mind off his homework for just a bit longer. "How's Yue and Ei doing?"
"They're doing quite marvelously, I must say~" Mifa hummed, "Those new clothes you designed for them suit them much better than the plain servant clothes they've been wearing."
"You don't mind I based it off you?" Or rather, he based it on a maid outfit. More cosplay than actual ones, but still clearly maid outfits.
"It looks rather different from my attire regardless." Mifa laughed. Kazuto did design them to be much more conservative than Mifa's, after all.
"Why did you make them wear different clothes anyway, Kazuto-kun?" Touka asked as she bit into another snack.
"Mostly because I thought it was fun?" Kazuto tilted his head. "There's no big reason for them to change clothes." This world's sense of fashion is bizarrely modern. He thought that Yue and Ei would look cute in Maid outfits. But had decided against introducing the concept of maids to this world, to avoid absolutely ruining (in his opinion) the era, but seeing Mifa just made him decide, 'Screw it. If it looks good on them, then he'll put them in it'. A lesson he learned from Aunt Lussuria.
"Does Ei-chan know?" Touka gave a small smile.
"Oh, I already got an earful. But Yue seemed to like it fine." Kazuto shrugged. "She even asked to have multiple sets so that she can wear it all the time… I think she's planning on making it her full-time clothes."
"Well, it does look cute, I'll give you that much." Touka smiled. "But what about Ei-chan?"
"Oh, she's following suit, because Yue's doing it." Kazuto smiled. "So, if you're done with snacks, are you going?"
"Oh, right, of course! I also need to visit Rairai and Denden's family to thank them for their endorsement…" Touka smiled, and Kazuto chuckled, almost forgetting that they do need to do that, huh… "So where are you going to go, Kazuto-kun?"
"Hmm… well, since we're done for today, I'm gonna finish up the homework Reborn gave me."
Touka asked, "You… don't really like doing that alone, though? And everyone's busy."
"Well, it's not like there's anyone in our group willing to do math homework with me." Kazuto chuckled. After learning how to calculate percentages, interest, and credit, even the most skilled 'mathematicians' among them, Rairai and Denden, have decided against helping him out.
"Ah, yeah… please keep it away from us." Touka backed off.
"Right! So… I'm going to go visit someone who I promised to at least visit once a day, to stave off her boredom~"
"… Do you want to torture her?" Touka frowned.
"She's a treasurer; she's bound to have some semblance of math ability~" Notably, he didn't deny it.
"If you say so." Touka sighed.
-()-
"Are you trying to torture me?" Soukou frowned.
"That's really basic! Eleven-year-olds are expected to be able to do that!"
"By the standards of your country!" Soukou growled, "And I have to work with a translator for the numbers because you have to use these symbols that mean nothing to me!"
"So you're claiming you're worse than an eleven-year-old?" Kazuto teased.
"Don't patronize me! I'll solve this just so I can rub it in your face!" Soukou growled as she worked on the problems. By staring at it mostly, and transcribing the symbols to kanji, and then solving them. Granted, once she translated the numbers, she's rather quick, but… "I don't even know what use a number this big is for!"
"Yeah, once you reach a billion, it's rather hard to keep track, huh?"
"What do you even use a number this big for?"
"Does it matter?" Kazuto asked. He could answer the population of the world, but he doesn't have a clue what the population of the world is back in the 200s.
"If you waste your time learning something that has no use in the real world, then you're just wasting your time."
"And how can you be sure that it has no use in the real world if you never learned it in the first place?" Kazuto asked. "Just so we're clear, I'm not defending my world's school system; I, more than anyone, know how pointless it is for someone like me to learn that the powerhouse of the cell is called the mitochondria. Or to memorize the Periodic Table." All he really would care to know about that is the body is made of cells and there's something inside that powers it. None of all those special fancy names. Especially all those obscure elements on the periodic table. Kazuto could swear that they named most of those so that they could scare away everyone with a modicum of interest in science.
"The what is the what of the what? Periodic Table?"
"Do you really want to know the answer to that when you're lagging behind? Didn't you say that you wanted to rub it in my face that you can solve something ten-year-olds can?"
"Fine… hey! Did the age just go down?" Soukou pointed out.
"I've no idea what you're talking about." As he looked at his homework and scribbled onto the sheaf of notes that he's using to answer his homework.
"Why are you even here, and doing problems that are even more unnecessarily complicated in front of my face?" Soukou frowned.
"Because I wanted a conversation partner as I do my homework. And you wanted a conversation partner and I'm the only one available."
"I'd have others if you didn't order them to not talk to me," Soukou grumbled.
"Aisha and Sei." Kazuto pointed out. Soukou shot a dirty look at him.
"They're not talking."
"Then maybe you shouldn't have annoyed their soldiers during your week of captivity."
"… Petty." Soukou grumbled.
"Mmhmm. Very petty." Kazuto hummed. "What's Sousou like?"
"Huh?"
"Well, so far all our family has had are negative or neutral interactions with her. She's not made it easy for us to figure her out. However, a… trusted companion of mine claimed that she's someone that can help me grow up or something." Kazuto shrugged.
"Trusted companion? One of your officials said that?"
"The one that you're squeeing about being cute when I caught you." Kazuto noncommittally responded. Trusted Companion is the best he could consider Reborn as.
"Oh, shut up." Soukou blushed but understood exactly who he meant.
"Also the one who gave me these." Kazuto tapped the homework he was working on.
"Huh…" Soukou nodded, "And this?" Soukou pointed to the papers he gave her.
"Was meant for Rinrin." Kazuto shrugged, but Rinrin shrugged it off and went out to train her flames with Reborn. Which Reborn didn't mind all that much apparently.
"Fair enough." Soukou sighed. "So, Karin, huh… Overall, she's someone that I and my cousins think is capable of leading the family. Talent, Skill, Beauty, she has it all, really."
"That tells me nothing about how she's like."
"Well, you're not getting all that much from me." Soukou scoffed, "I'm not going to reveal her weak points for you to exploit."
"Fair enough." Kazuto shrugged, "We'll leave it at that then."
Soukou grumbled, "Sometimes I can't understand you, Sawada."
"Not my problem." Kazuto chuckled, "I admit it's kind of cute to see you try and frustrate me."
"… Calling me cute again…" Soukou growled, "Are you just flirting!?"
"Is it flirting if it's the truth?" Kazuto pointed out.
"Yes!"
"Ah, I see." Kazuto nodded, "Well, it's still true."
"See? This is why men are so…" she eventually grumbled away inaudibly as she did calculations and put answers in each box.
Kazuto rolled his eyes. If she truly didn't want him there, she really could just say so. But honestly, it seems she's just happy for the distraction. It seems that she's the type to enjoy being busy, even if she complains. With nothing to do, she probably ends up sleeping far too much.
In relative silence, the two worked on their math sheets.
-()-
Soon enough, they were done, and Kazuto left. For someone unused to Arabic Numerals, she sure got the handle on them pretty quick, he'll give her that much.
"Heavenly Messenger."
Kazuto blinked as he walked into the office. He walked towards his desk to put the homework away, along with Rinrin's. "Hello, Fan."
"… Kuutan-sama wants to see you."
"More storytime?" Kazuto sighed. Fan merely gave him an annoyed glare.
"… What Kuutan-sama wants from you, is not my place to care."
"Yeah, yeah… speaking of, I made a few designs for clothes that Paitan and Kuutan could wear outside." Kazuto hummed. "I might as well run it by her."
"You will show it to me, before-"
"It's this." Kazuto showed it to her, already prepared for her tirade. Fan's entire existence seems to revolve around Kuutan or, rather, Kuutan's "innocence". Anything that could potentially ruin it is no go. Well, it's not like he cares what she thinks. Kuutan is far, far too old to be babied so.
"… It's… fine." Fan admitted. "Not garish or anything."
"Yeah, yeah." Kazuto shrugged, "I did have outside help." Of course, Chiihou helped with the design aspect. They've been working on this ever since Paitan almost tripped over when visiting Chiihou's rehearsals. Although Chiihou did spend quite a bit of time trying to convince him to make it skimpier. Which he vetoed because he's already being weird by making what's basically a school uniform, without making it be a school uniform from an H-Game. Some part of it might be his nostalgia for school uniforms though; he even designed PE Uniforms for them to wear. A shirt, a jacket, and jogging pants.
But Fan wasn't paying attention, "It's certainly unique… and…" Fan started daydreaming for some reason. Kazuto could only feel disturbed seeing her like this. In Kazuto's opinion, Fan is one of the most devilish women he's ever met. From Paitan's stories, it seems that Fan tends to spoil Kuutan to an almost toxic degree, pampering her and pandering to her a lot. It's even worse considering what Rouan and Fuurin told him of their travels. Because of Fuurin's association with two of the representatives of Yuushuu, they had intended on imposing on them as soon as Kuutan was forced to go on the run. Rouan believed that the reason they didn't get to Yuushuu as soon as they could have was that Kuutan kept wanting things and Fan naturally derails them to accommodate what Kuutan wants. Then when news of Paitan's victory against the forces of the Eunuchs reached their ears, they turned back but again got side-tracked. Long enough that the rumors of Toutaku's tyranny reached them and they turned away again. Afterward, they ran out of money so Fuurin and Rouan had to take a few side-jobs to earn it back. The sheer number of times they kept getting side-tracked was so absurd that was supposed to be a few-weeks journey took months.
Kazuto could only pity them. He tapped Fan on the shoulder, "Fan."
"Ah, yes! I'll have these made as soon as possible!" Fan's eyes shone brilliantly and she rushed off, carrying the design documents away. Kazuto blankly sighed, before walking off alone to Kuutan. For what it's worth, Kuutan is immensely curious about his origins, so he'll spend a bit of time with her for today.
-()-
Touka, Fuurin, and Mifa all walked away from the Bi Family Household, alongside their erstwhile bodyguards: Rairai and Denden, who happily introduced their family to her. Contrary to what she vaguely remembered Kazuto mention, they didn't seem to have a little sister or brother for that matter. So… her being suddenly married to the Bi clan seems to be unlikely… well Reborn and Kazuto mentioned that their world has some clear differences, so this must be another one. Honestly, they could only consider it a good thing. It means that their future is most certainly not set in stone. That their actions still have meaning.
"Thank you for accompanying me, Fuurin-sensei."
"Is it appropriate for you to address me as sensei anymore, Touka-chan?" Fuurin laughed.
"Isn't it fine?" Touka pouted, "Fuurin-sensei is my teacher so…"
"It's fine, Touka-chan." Fuurin patted her on the shoulder.
"Your greetings were well done, Touka-sama." Mifa smiled, "Your formal conduct is rather impressive, especially considering your background."
"Well… my mother wanted me to eventually move up in life so…" To the point of forcing her to carry her ancestor's sword around as much as possible. "That's how we met Fuurin-sensei as well, really."
"Yes." Fuurin laughed, "Her mother insisted on having Touka as one of my students. I had no reason to deny her."
"So Lady Touka is your accomplishment then, Fuurin-san." Mifa laughed.
"Hardly, Mifa. Touka-chan is the one who carved her path out for herself. I merely guided her for a while." Fuurin chuckled, "The most my teachings would've done is aid her to become a government official, not a full-blown lord."
"Mou, you two! I'm right here!" Touka pouted. "So, now that we're done here, what else do I need to do, Mifa?"
"I believe that the Military Training Grounds should be our next stop. Greeting the other generals who will be serving you should be of use." Mifa nodded.
"But Aisha-chan would be there and…" Touka sighed. She might get dragged into swordplay practice again.
"I doubt Aisha-san would willingly humiliate you, Touka-chan." Fuurin smiled.
"I guess so." Touka nodded. "Rairai, Denden, can you take us to the training grounds?"
"Okay~"
"Leave it to us!" The two shifted directions and started moving down another path.
Amiable chatter began between the three of them, as Rairai and Denden led the path. The two are rather popular, Touka noted, as they were given small treats from the local merchants who recognized them.
"They're trying to curry favor from them." Fuurin chuckled. "Since they're now the primary Economic Advisors for the territory."
"I'm surprised that the other economic advisors accepted that so easily…" Touka frowned. "In fact… why did no one complain about it?" They did ask Touken's staff about any objections, but…
"Because there's barely any left," Mifa replied, her smile waning a bit. "The only ones left are the apprentices, which is why the Bi Clan children were able to supplant them quickly."
"Why? The war didn't even reach here…" Touka blinked. "Did… the Yellow Turban Rebellion?"
"The Yellow Turban Rebellion was months ago, Touka-chan." Fuurin pointed out, "By this point, such positions would've been compensated already."
"The old officials stepped down the moment they heard Sousou's declaration of war." Mifa's smile waned further, "Fair-weather friends, I believe is the term for them."
"How come they did that anyway?" Touka asked. "I mean, we didn't really think Sousou overwhelmingly beats Touken when we were considering joining the war."
"Why indeed." Mifa frowned. "You might meet her soon. She's likely to approach you soon enough."
"Who is she?" Touka asked.
"…" Mifa silently walked for a while before, "Chinkei Kanyu." Mifa finally replied.
"What did she do?" Fuurin asked.
"She convinced many of the lords to step down when they could. This is why Lord Touken needed to ask for your alliance in the first place. Added to that, we added the incentive of becoming regent as Lord Touken retires." Now some things are starting to make more sense than Touka thought before.
"… Where is she now?" Touka asked. She didn't remember a Chinkei during the announcement ceremony for their new position as regents.
"She stepped down as well. However, her daughter is still an official. Granted she's an agricultural advisor so she spends most of her time in the farms."
"Really now…" Touka hummed, "I'd love to meet her." Someone who's an official, yet willing to dirty her hands on the farm? She sounds rather interesting.
"Right now, she should be busy helping with food preservation." Mifa smiled, "but let's focus on the task at hand. We're here."
"Hmm? Oh right!" Touka looked around seeing soldiers training around. At the head is Rouan, overseeing it all. Aisha and Sei are also there, seemingly sparring. "I'll go greet them!"
Mifa smiled as Touka, Rairai, and Denden moved on ahead.
"Mifa-chan."
"Yes, Fuurin-sama?"
"Once news of Touken's victory in the war spread, those fair-weather friends, as you called them, should've immediately come running back, asking… no demanding their old positions back. And yet this is the first time Touka-chan's hearing of them?"
Mifa looked at Fuurin before chuckling silently, "It is not that Touka-sama didn't receive any. It is that Master is the one that's going through them, and Touka-sama didn't really pay attention to it since she was busy with her own work."
"Really?" Fuurin blinked surprised.
Mifa merely smiled in acknowledgment, "Master Kazuto had asked the workload be separated into court affairs and civil affairs. Anything that has to do with their ascension into their position, the military, and recruitment be shuffled through him for… at least a few days." Fuurin could practically feel the amount of staunch nobility just from hearing Mifa list those. All with the air of pompousness and backstabbing that implies. Mifa continued, "It seems that's how the two have split their workload."
"So, Touka-chan handled the civil affairs…" Fuurin nodded. "I see… but have you asked him as to why he rejected them?"
"He mentioned something about," here she imitates a male voice, "Sheesh, who tries to get into their old job by giving disparaging comments and backhanded compliments hidden behind a veil of bullshit professionalism? That's just asking to be backstabbed when trouble rises. I can't even trust you in your request, the hell am I trusting you with a court or civil duty." Mifa laughed, returning to her normal tone. "Touken-sama and I almost did say something but… he was already writing his message, telling them that, since they deserted them in their hour of need, they get to start at the bottom of the ladder and earn their old positions back. Some accepted. Others declined." Rising from the ground up is not something most entitled nobles could just do. Most reached their positions by having said position for generations, not any form of talent. Since they got in through connections, when there are no connections then they're unlikely to get anywhere. "Touka-sama should've been in the room with us, but it seems she was more worried about the commoner requests that were piled on her table. I believe she was looking at something about a family whose storeroom got infested by pests and asking for some form of aid."
"And this Chinkei?" Fuurin asked.
"She hasn't approached just yet." Mifa shook her head, "I've been making sure to take note of them so I'm quite certain of this."
"Fuurin-sensei!" Touka approached them, Pairen and Kanyou trailing behind her, "Rouan-san's amazing! The soldiers are doing really well! Also, also, Aisha, Rinrin, Sei, and Ren are all high-ranking generals now…"
"That quick?" Fuurin chuckled, "Would've thought they'd be stuck as low-ranking officers for a while." Which was the concession that they had to do upon their group becoming regent. It would look bad if the old generals were supplanted by outsiders. But… there are problems with putting hyper-competent generals under those below their skill level.
"Well…" Touka winced, "The old generals tried to pull rank on them, and they apparently just told them to prove that they're better generals than they are. Then they… beat the generals and their personal platoons."
"So they each got a share of humble pie." Fuurin chuckled. "Can't say I'm surprised. Although I'm surprised their platoons could match the old platoons, considering how worried you all were about your army's training…"
"That's the thing, Fuurin-sensei…" Pairen approached, a towel on her head as she dried off from her own training, "They didn't bring their platoons with them. It's just them."
Mifa and Fuurin looked at each other, "… I sorely underestimated how capable your army's generals are." Fuurin hesitantly said. "Also, hello Pairen-chan. Are things working out for you here?"
"Not used to not having a full white horse platoon but it's going well enough. Reborn-sensei also said that he was evaluating me as a member of the Family, so…" Pairen winced, clearly unnerved by that. "Seems he stopped a while ago and is shadowing someone else now, though. I didn't even realize he left."
"We're back~" Rairai and Denden called, running back to them. "Saw a few old friends in the soldiers, so we thought we'd say hi."
"It's fine~" Touka smiled, before turning to Mifa. "Now, let's go meet the one you mentioned."
"Hmm?" Mifa tilted her head. "Umm… Chinkei-dono isn't really…"
"No, not her." Touka shook her head, "I'm more interested in her daughter. Umm…"
"Chintou Genryuu, the agriculture official." Kanyou hummed, "I see, I see. Well, she is pretty interesting, I'll give you that. If we go to the farmers we might see her."
"Ah, Suu, huh?" Rairai thought. "She's a weird one, but she's nice enough."
"She likes going to the farms more than eating." Denden followed up.
"Then let's go~!" Touka smiled.
The group moved on, heading to the farms.
-()-
"If you're done here, then leave!"
And with those words, Kazuto was pushed out of Kuutan's room. Fan sure got things done quickly, and they're now just waiting for the new clothes at this stage. Hopefully, it would look good on them. Also, he'll have to offer apologies to the seamstresses for Fan's likely overbearing requests.
Now then, it's lunchtime so he should get some food. Who's available at this hour, he wonders… ah, if there's no one, then he'll take Chiihou. Chiihou hasn't been out and about ever since their arrival, mostly because she has no shows scheduled, seeing as there's… Sousou's request. He's been giving her a bit of space to sort out her thoughts. But completely avoiding her would make her feel as though they were trying to drive her away. Now then, her place should be…
"Hello there~" A whimsical mature woman's voice was heard from behind him.
Kazuto frowned, as he turned. There was no killing intent, but there's something about the tone that he doesn't like. Besides… "This hall isn't for outsiders to come in. I'll have you arrested for trespassing." Kazuto frowned. Considering Kuutan is right there. No one not in their group is allowed here. No exceptions.
The woman is a blue-violet-haired adult woman, wearing a rather skimpy Chinese-style clothing that does nothing to hide her ample breasts (it's a miracle that her nipples are even hidden), some parts of her waist are clearly visible from the flower hole designs on her side, and that's not even noting that the outfit doesn't even hide her entire right leg. A white ribbon strap is around her waist there, her underwear. Revealing outfits seem to be some sort of pattern for the higher-ranking women he meets. He could only be grateful that most of his Family doesn't reveal themselves so easily… She seemed to be entertained by his gaze, as she chuckled, "Oh, the guards let me through~ They know me after all."
"That's not a good thing and said guards will be lucky to have their jobs when we're through here. Now, if you want to talk to me, let's move somewhere else. I have a perfectly usable office." Lunch will have to wait till he deals with this headache of a woman.
"Oh dear? But can't we just choose a room here?"
"No. Whatever you want from me, we'll do it in the office." Kazuto replied. If rumors of him being spotted in a room with an unknown woman are spread all over, they won't be able to erase that blemish.
"I see~ Just the two of us?"
Kazuto grumbled, hoping that Touken is still there or that a Suikyou Student Trio member has returned, but considering the time, likely not. He'll leave the door open if no one else is there.
Kazuto led the woman through the hallway, observing her actions as much as possible. She's good, he'll grant her that. Her intentions are largely hidden. But she wants something from him, that much he can tell. As they walk to the guards of the residential area, he turned to the two of them.
"You, and you." Kazuto looked at them. "Don't expect much from your next evaluation. A blatant violation of orders is unacceptable."
"B-but, sir!" The guard protested. "She said that you wanted to meet her!"
"If you fell for that, then I hope you learned how to patrol the walls, cause that's what you'll be doing as far as I'm concerned." Kazuto crisply told them. "You have a list of people that can go in and out of the residential area. She's not one of them."
"Yet~" The woman whimsically added.
"… If what you're asking for is what I think it is, then you won't be allowed in there for months at the least. Especially from a member of a family that has a house in the city."
"How cruel~" The woman gave a half-hearted protest while emphasizing her breasts.
"Just… just let's go to the office."
The woman spends time trying to coax him as they walked the hall toward the office. To Kazuto's silent dismay, there really is no one in the room. He stood aside and directed her in.
"Oh, how nice." The woman chuckled as she steps in. "Mere days and you've already made this room more homely than when Touken had it."
"Thank you," Kazuto replied, as he deliberately left the door open.
"Oh dear, did you leave the door open?" The woman smiled.
"Woman, if you close that door, I'm jumping the window, my legs be damned," Kazuto replied as he sat behind his desk. "So, what does the infamous Chinkei Kanyu, the woman who coaxed most of Joshuu's officials into retirement, want from me?"
"Oh, you know me?" Chinkei chuckled. "My reputation precedes me, it seems."
"I guessed. I've gone through enough stupid requests from former officials who claimed that it was your fault they left. So why have you come? You're not here because you want your former job, that's for sure."
"Really?"
"I made my policy clear with that. If you jumped ship, then, when you want to get on board again, you can start as a cabin boy." Kazuto scoffed.
"Nautical terms? Seems you've had an interesting life." Chinkei smiled, although Kazuto can tell she was mildly confused by the terms. She's good at hiding her ignorance.
"More well-read." Kazuto denied. He's never been on a ship his whole life. It's either planes, helicopters, or Byakuran's teleporter for his travel method. That last one was really disconcerting.
"So, if you think I've no interest in my former job, what do you think I want?" She leaned forward, her breasts bouncing in front of his eyes.
"I dunno. You tell me." Kazuto looked blankly at her. Why must his morning have to deal with overbearing people? Oh wait, he wanted to deal with Soukou so that's his own fault. And it's technically not morning anymore.
"For someone with a reputation of bringing a different woman to bed every night, you're rather prudish." The woman frowned, finally letting some of her annoyance out.
"You don't want to sleep with me anyway. You just want to see if I'll fall for it." Kazuto sighed.
"Oh? Not into older women?"
"You're pretty to look at." Kazuto honestly replied. "You don't look like someone who gave birth to a now teenage daughter." And considering how young she looks, Kazuto does not want to ask how young she did get pregnant with Chintou.
"Flattery can get you anywhere."
It got her past the stupid guards, that's for sure, Kazuto added in his mind, but kept it out of his face. "So why did you advocate abandoning Touken?"
"Hmm?"
"… You expected Sousou to win, didn't you?"
"How so?" Chinkei asked. Notably, Kazuto noted a brief look of surprise on her face. The kind that says: 'He's sharp'. Bingo, then.
"If Sousou won, then you can get into her good graces, by claiming that Touken's denial of the crime is atrocious. You'll be able to get in her good books… I'm completely off-base, I see." Kazuto sighed, causing Chinkei to be surprised. "Then, new theory. You already met Sousou, and already got in her good graces. So to show your loyalty to her, you sabotaged Touken's chance of victory by trying to remove his generals and staff from his side." And that's the bingo he was looking for. She has a good poker face, Kazuto admits, but dealing with this sort of person is exactly what he's trained for. And she's no Reborn.
"…" Chinkei gave a smile that has no emotion.
"The chink in your plan is when your daughter chose not to abandon ship, making it impossible for you to jump enemy lines as your daughter would remain here. Following that, is Touken's declaration of making the one who earns the most glory from battle in the war with Sousou be regent."
"You missed another one." Chinkei shrugged, "You."
"Oh, of course. That two no-name lords chose to aid Touken and not only gain the position of regent but successfully turn Sousou away."
"No-name? Coming from the one who led the Coalition? You are hardly a no-name, Hongou Kazuto. Ah, my apologies. Sawada Kazuto Hongou."
"Fair enough." Kazuto looked at her. "So… if you're still here that means you want something from me? Or are you going to betray me like you did Touken?"
"If Enshou were to attack, will you run away again, or will you stay and fight?" An accusation. She made her point clear.
"Depends on what the prospects of victory are." Kazuto closed his eyes. "Enshou is not an easy opponent to beat."
"And that's why I believe Sousou to be the better choice if my family is to live freely in these troubled times."
"… Sousou said something along the lines of Enshou becoming easier and easier to beat the more she waits, didn't she?" Kazuto opened his eyes as he looked at the woman, now no longer trying to coax him into anything.
"If you know what's good for you, you would side with her as well. I know that she believes that you are worth something as well. You would be able to get into a high-ranking position quickly, faster than if you remain with the commoner girl whose only claim is her heritage."
"If you're trying to provoke me, you're barking up the wrong tree."
"I'm merely telling the truth."
"You seem to be under the mistaken assumption that I want a high-ranking position." Kazuto shrugged. "What I want is, like you, that my Family be safe and free."
"If your group were to decide to subordinate themselves to Sousou then…"
"Free," Kazuto stressed. "Do you think Sousou, seeing the skills that Kan'u and Ryofu have, would just let them choose their future? Her want for talent is suffocating in its own way."
"And you can claim that? How certain are you that Karin won't let you move freely?"
"Because we already opposed her."
"Your evaluation of Sousou is rather lacking."
"Would Sousou be willing to have an entire faction, revolving around Ryuubi and I, to fester in her territory?"
"… I see your point." Chinkei frowned. If it's just a single family, her and her daughter, they could easily pledge allegiance with Sousou. But with the diverse group of Kazuto's… that's a rebellion waiting to happen. "So, now that you pulled out my true intentions from me, what will you do?" She didn't expect to be pushed this far. Meeting Hongou was supposed to be easy. The rumors claim that he was a notorious philanderer who brought a new girl to bed every night. That he'll fold like a blanket to a girl's advances. But that couldn't seem to be further from the truth as in front of her is a man who can see through everyone. Lending credence to his epithet, Heavenly Messenger. A man who can see through all. And now that she was exposed, he could call for treason and have her killed. She could likely use her connections to get out of that, but…
"People are free to think as they want. I will not persecute you for thinking Sousou is a better leader than Touken, Touka, or me. Otherwise, we'd be forced to persecute the entire Sousou army." Kazuto scoffed. "Do as you please. But don't expect to be able to walk in here freely. Get an appointment properly." Kazuto stood up.
"And if I turn out to be a spy for her?"
"Then you better be careful we don't feed you misinformation to send to your erstwhile masters." Kazuto shrugged.
"Fair enough." Chinkei smiled.
"… So, what do you want from me?" Kazuto asked with a sigh. "Why are you still here?"
"I've not achieved my objective yet, after all."
"And that would be?"
"Well…" Chinkei coyly moved forward.
"Chintou-san, your mother's being frisky again, please stop her." Kazuto dully said.
"My, my, must you lie like that?" Chinkei chuckled. Suu should be nowhere near here…
"Mother, please stop!"
"Wha-?" Chinkei whipped her head around, as she was now face-to-face with Chintou Genryuu, her daughter.
"… Bad time?" Touka asked, poking her head in. Behind her, Kazuto could spot Rairai, Denden, Mifa, and Fuurin.
"Perfect time. Get her out of this room before I do something I regret." Kazuto cheerfully waved at her. And by that, he meant jumping out the window and trying his hand at catching himself by speed switching to his flight boots. Again. Rairai and Denden nodded, quickly moving forward.
"Master Sawada, umm… please listen to what my mother has to say for a bit." Chintou bowed to him, "While she acts like that, she usually has a reason for it, and…"
"… Fine." Kazuto turned to the woman who's being restrained by Rairai and Denden, each with pouts.
"Hmm… Then I'd like to ask for a position in the court."
"You can start as an archivist under Fuurin-sensei," Kazuto replied, and Fuurin's smile wilted slightly at the idea but nodded a bit.
"That's hardly a position in court." Chinkei mock-pouted.
"It's a blanket policy for all deserters. Not only that but you threatened me with the chance of you being a spy."
"Mother…" Chintou silently murmured.
"I was merely testing you, you know?"
"Well, I'm definitely not letting you touch the state's finances or anything to do with security," Kazuto replied.
"Stingy."
"If you want, I could let Touka decide your future job for you." Kazuto offered. And Chinkei turned to the girl.
"Hmm… She can be Suu-chan's subordinate in the farms." Touka thought. "That department seemed under-staffed." And coincidentally, the department that will spend the least time in the palace.
Chintou looked alarmed at the prospect. "Please no." Chintou shook her head, "Mother's not good at anything for agriculture…" A cruel evaluation from the daughter, but notably one that Chinkei didn't seem to deny.
"You do need someone who writes things down for you, Suu-chan…" Touka pointed out. "Your notes are… good, but they're…" From Touka's voice, it seems that Chintou's notes may be either, not legible enough, or obtuse to the point of incomprehensible.
"… Archivist it is." Chinkei sighed, "Being a subordinate to my daughter is a novel concept, but I'm ill-equipped for farmwork. And it wouldn't look good for my superior to be doing farming and I'm not." She then coyly turns to Kazuto, "I expect a promotion if I do a good job?"
"Fuurin-sensei gets to decide that. All I can promise is that I won't discriminate against you if she gives you a sterling recommendation."
"Must you be so stingy?"
"Even if you offer to sleep with me, this is my stance." Kazuto shrugged.
"But Kazuto-niichan still hasn't slept with Touka-neechan, so you can't!" Denden declared.
"Denden-chan!" Touka yelped. "Not so loud and not in front of others!"
"Oh dear, are you two still virgins?" Chinkei grinned. "Even though you sleep with girls every night?"
"Is there something wrong with that?" Kazuto tilted his head with a roll of his eyes, "If they want to, and I want to, then we'll do it then, but I'm not really braying for a chance for it."
"Oh dear… you must be so sorely backed up then. Especially since your nighttime sanctuary is being invaded every night. You can't even masturbate properly…"
"I-is that true, Kazuto-kun!?" Touka asked, turning to Kazuto.
"Enough!" Kazuto slammed his hand on his desk, "This is a topic that has no bearing being talked about in the middle of the day and in this room at all. And I haven't even had lunch yet! So I'm taking charge of this conversation right now before we derail further. Mifa, those guards that are at the residential hall, replace them with people who won't let strangers through. Fuurin, please take Chinkei-san to her workstation and give her something to do that she doesn't have any time to spend wasting all of my break like this." Fuurin nodded, as she grabbed Chinkei by her wrist and dragged her away, in the meantime, both Rairai and Denden are pushing her out. "… So why'd you bring Chintou-san with you, Touka?" Kazuto sighed, as he collapsed into his chair.
"Ah, that's…" Touka blinked, slightly side-tracked, "Oh right, I should introduce you… or are you already introduced? You did recognize her quickly…"
"I saw her face horrified at what Chinkei was doing and I put two and two together." Kazuto shrugged.
"Your intuition is as amazing as ever." Touka chuckled. "Right then, then let me introduce you! This is Chintou Genryuu, the uh… unofficially the head of the Agriculture Officials." Chintou looked slightly flustered as she took a stance and coughed. She has the same colored hair like her mother, but her skin is tanned, likely a sign of her spending more time in the sun. Her clothes are much more conservative, although the skirt is on the short side. Glasses adorn her face as she wiggled a bit under his evaluating gaze.
Soon enough, she coughed and straightened herself up, "Nice to meet you, Hongou-sama… Sorry about my mother, she's…"
"If you apologize for everything your mother does, you won't be able to get any work done," Kazuto advised her.
"… Very well." Chintou nodded. So the silent type. Her mother seems to bring out her more flustered side easily, likely due to how embarrassing she might get. Especially considering how open Chinkei is when it comes to matters of sex. "Touka-sama said that I should introduce myself to you… but… why?"
"I see that the two of you exchanged True Names." Kazuto chuckled, "Then call me Kazuto as well."
"… Master." Chintou said, and Kazuto could only sigh in regret, "Then please, refer to me as Suu."
"Suu. So you're the one in charge of Agriculture?" Kazuto hummed, "Touken mentioned that you're a pioneer in that field."
"I… well…" Suu awkwardly looked away. "Is… is it bad?"
"Of course not. Any advances in agriculture mean that we can build up a better state quicker. If you were to, say, be able to create a system where the crops flourish well enough that we get an excess of food, then we won't have to worry about famines. If you can improve farming methods, then it might make it easier for farmers to do their work. All of society is built on agriculture." Kazuto chuckled.
"… It's the same as… Ah, sorry." Suu bowed.
"Sousou, right?" Kazuto chuckled, as Suu looked startled, like a deer in headlights. "Well, it's an easy conclusion to make. Chinkei seemed to believe that Sousou is a good leader, so naturally, she would've introduced you to her. How did you meet?"
"You know Sousou, Suu-chan?" Touka asked, a small frown on her face, and a marked sigh of disappointment that Sousou met her first.
"… A couple years ago. She was visiting. Mother introduced her to me. She understood the importance of agriculture too… Although… it was a bit more…"
"War-focused, I'm guessing? An excess of food means you can feed an army easier."
"How long ago has Sousou been planning for this…?" Touka sighed.
"… Neither of you like Karin?" Suu asked, before snapping her hand to her mouth.
"We don't really mind if you're friends with Sousou, Suu. Don't worry." Kazuto shrugged. "As for our relations with Sousou… we find her willingness to go to war… excessive? Difficult to deal with? She's really headstrong about it and she thinks we're stupid for not wanting to go to war."
"… I see." Suu nodded slowly. "Then I'm not in trouble?" This one's directed to Touka.
"You're a good person, so I don't mind it. And what you're doing is helping the farmers, so I think you're really amazing! As long as you do your best, we don't mind… I think…"
"Still, I'd love to know what you and Sousou talked about." Kazuto shrugged, "But that's an imposition on your rights. So let's just talk farming for now."
"You know a bit?"
"I've some knowledge." Jammed into him by Reborn, "I'm going to run them by you… as soon as I can get some food in me… You two want to come with and look for a place to eat?"
"Ah… that's…" Suu winced, looking at her clothes. She's slightly dirty, likely from whatever she was doing before coming here.
"Ah, I see. Well, don't worry about it. We'll be with you."
"That's not exactly…"
"Then how about the dining hall?" Mifa asked, standing next to Touka as though she never left. "There is food ready for you." About as expected of Mifa. The moment she heard him mention having not eaten, she must have rushed there while doing the task that Kazuto gave her.
"Really!?" Rairai blinked.
"Yes, our cooks prepared it, so I'm sure it'll taste okay. Made with ingredients that Suu herself helped grow."
"That's!" Suu blushed at the praise, "You didn't need to… I…"
"Ah, but we already ate at the Bi Clan's home…" Touka sighed. Rairai and Denden also winced.
"I'm sure we have some light snacks there so that you may accompany both Suu and Master while they eat."
"Then we'll go." Touka nodded. And the group left.
A fun lunch, and a fun time. Admittedly Suu is a bit reticent. She's not like Hinari who would curl up if praised too far, but she's more likely to just quietly contemplate information than share them. Her commitment to improving agriculture is something Kazuto can admit is a good thing. And so, he told Suu to talk to Shuri and hash out some plans and structures to improve things come next season when they begin planting crops once more. He suggested a few "modern" innovations in farming. Letting land rest, fertilizer, and some tools that could potentially help farmers do their jobs without too much back pain. If in Yuushuu, the group was just passively allowing the world to move, this time, they'll be trying to keep getting ahead of it. So that they'll have a foundation that they can use to combat the era of war. And for that, Chintou Genryuu becomes a member of their family.
And, while Kazuto finds the mother overbearing, Suu did give some semblance of knowledge about Chinkei Kanyu, and her strengths. She's someone who's been entrenched in the politics of the era. Diplomatic actions, underhanded deals, and cunning strategies are her forte. Overall, if Kazuto could bring himself to trust her with such tasks, she might be a useful asset so that he's not the sole person working in that manner. But her actions make it difficult to think of her as useful. Kazuto wondered why she made such a bold move in the first place. Chintou then gave him the simple answer: no one expected the Ryuubi Army to aid Touken. While from Kazuto's perspective, what they did was natural, in the eyes of the world, that was a completely ridiculous action that had no obvious benefit to them. An action of a wild card. And that wild card is the one who foiled Chinkei's plan to submit the land to Sousou's rule.
"My mother views Sousou as the ideal ruler of the land," is what Chintou concluded. As for her own opinion, "All that matters to me is that the farmers are protected. If Touka-sama, Kazuto-sama, or Karin-san were to be the rulers, since all of you see the value of farming and agriculture, I'll stand by whoever is the ruler."
And for that, neither Kazuto nor Touka could find fault in her for that declaration.
-()-
An eventful day draws to a close, as Kazuto finished up his last business. Incidentally, this was to deal with a minor scuffle in the barracks. Likely a result of the sudden merging of the Ryuubi-Hongou Army and the Touken Army, as the new Joshuu Army. Frankly speaking, it was an absurd incident. All that means is simple: he'll punish whoever started the nonsense, whether it be from Yuushuu or a native. If neither of them can be professional about their chosen profession (since they're in the barracks then they can't be conscripted soldiers) then they can start looking for new work. Aisha stayed behind to keep things sorted, as he leaves. But still…
The transition into their rule is not smooth in the slightest. There is friction, definitely. Even with the Bi Clan's endorsement, there's an air of "You don't belong here" that Kazuto could sense from their surroundings. As far as most are concerned, they're only regents; replaceable leaders that don't have true power, as Touken is still alive. Well, if that's what they believe then it doesn't really mean much for them. All they can do is begin their improvements. Some wisdom from the more northern situated Yuushuu dwellers gave some insight into how to keep wood dry into the winter, although Joshuu has their own brand of wisdom in that way too. Still, it would be good if the refugees could find some common ground with the locals, and an exchange of ideas is a good place to start.
"Hey~ Sawada~" Someone called from the nearby shop. Kazuto turned, recognizing the voice, slurred as it is from the alcohol she was drinking.
"Kanyou." Kazuto greeted.
"Wanna have a drink with me?" Kanyou asked.
"I have a feeling that if I go drinking with you, I'll be dragging you home afterward." Kazuto ruefully shook his head. Besides, he's never been too fond of drinking.
"Come on, don't be such a buzzkill~"
"Fine. You did help out quite a bit with the transition." Kazuto sighed, as he entered the shop. It was a standard bar, for what it's worth. He made a quick order for the lightest alcohol they have, and some meat to chew through it.
"Sheesh, you ain't gonna impress the ladies with that."
"Well when drinking with someone as drunk as you, at least one person needs to be sober to get the other home." Honestly, he's still rather against drinking alcohol. He's still eighteen after all, and the Japanese Drinking Age is 20. Then again, his Italian upbringing meant he has friends who started drinking a long time ago. The Cavallone heir springs to mind. Besides. Mafia. He's had alcohol, even if it wasn't legal, but he can't say he liked it. But since there are no laws in this world that would prohibit him from drinking alcohol, then it's a social faux pas to not do so. Still, he'll give any excuse just to not drink as much.
"Sheesh, you're a bit of a killjoy."
"One of us has to look at documents tomorrow and I'd rather not do that with a raging headache, since I'll already have one as I do it."
"Fine. But next time, when we bring more people, you're gonna get blackout drunk with me."
"Yeah, yeah." Kazuto shrugged, "So what brought you to drink today?" Kazuto asked, trying to pinpoint the reason.
"Can't a girl just want a drink?"
"You can, but…" Side-eyeing the other patrons, who were all amused by her denial, "I have a feeling that you aren't the type."
"Prick. How do you read people so well…"
"It's my job." Kazuto shrugged.
She silently glugged down another cup before frowning, "Does Touka-chan really not recognize me?" Kanyou asked.
"… Huh?" Kazuto blinked. Last he checked Kanyou and Touka didn't exchange True Names yet… so… Wait… wasn't Jian Yong… "Ah, you're childhood friends with Touka…" Kazuto's mind finally clicked to the answer. In the back of his mind, Reborn is calling him an idiot.
"Eh? So you knew, after all, ~ If you know then there's no way that Touka-chan didn't recognize me… so why is she so…"
"Dunno. It's not like Touka tells me much about her childhood." Kazuto shrugged taking a sip.
"She… never mentioned a Yuuka to you before?"
"That your True Name?" Kazuto asked. At the nod, "Well, I think she mentioned one… once or twice?" It was among the miscellaneous stories that Touka had a habit of telling Kazuto about. But she usually focuses on her day, rather than the past. "I think she was referring to a Kouyou though." Kazuto frowned as he tried dredging up said stories.
"… Ah… right… changed my name… forgot…"
"Why did you change your name?" Kazuto asked, blinking.
"Dunno… forgot…" Kanyou yawned.
"That really isn't something you just forget, you know? Least of all since it's your last name."
"… Hmm… guess I got angry at my dad wanted me to stay in Yuushuu… wanted to go south to make a name for myself. Then turns out Touka's better at that than me. Figures. She's always been good with people. I just wind up driving people away." She did act rather condescendingly to them the first time… but maybe that's just her being friendly?
"How old were you when you went?" Kazuto asked.
"… about five years ago?" So there's no way that her actual physical appearance is too different… unless…
"Do you still wear the same type of clothes as you were before you moved down here?"
"… hair's longer…" Tied up in a ponytail, "started trying out more girly things… like this …" She pointed to the spider lily hair decoration tying up her hair.
"A bit of a tomboy as a kid, and now trying to be girly, is that it?" Yeah, Kazuto can see why Touka wouldn't recognize her. If your friend's appearance drastically changed, it's difficult to remember all that much about them unless they act generally the same. On some level, Kazuto himself can't remember Damien without thinking of his stupid cowboy hat. He wears that so often that it became his icon. So when he has to remove it, like during parties, Kazuto and his friends wind up not recognizing him till he goes the full "It's me" routine on them. They'd immediately recognize him from that and then they'd pretend that he's some random mafia kid that they know nothing about. Fun times.
"Shut up…" Oh right, his bad. He shouldn't be daydreaming when there's someone there trying to let her feelings out next to him, "not trying to be girly… just…"
"Right, my bad, my bad. But if you changed a lot since you last met, don't you think it's natural that she doesn't recognize you?"
"… Then I'll have to make her remember…" And she collapsed on the bar. Sheesh, that was quick. How long has she been here? Kazuto sighed, as he finished his food. "How many times has she done this, owner?"
"Hmm? Every time something happens." The owner laughed, "She's a riot when she gets going though, but you found her at a much tamer time. Lucky you. In the beginning, she's complained about being passed over because of her outsider status. After that, she complained about some woman making fun of her for lacking feminine charm." Why does Kazuto have a distinct feeling that whoever this woman is, he's already met… it's probably Chinkei, isn't it? "She soon started taking to wearing women's clothing to try and prove a point. After that, she stopped after she complained about it being too difficult to maintain." Which probably led to her current attire of a Chinese peasant's outfit decorated by a lot of flowers. A compromise with wearing something that looks feminine but still feeling comfortable to work in. She's still taking good care of it, Kazuto noted, as there aren't the usual random patches that most peasant's attire fall into once it gets old.
"Sounds like a handful."
"She brings life to the party, honestly. Lots of Lord Touken's officials are old-timers with sticks stuck up their asses, or brats who only got in because they're related to some asshole. She's the first to get in and not get turned away by the bullshit. So we just let her have her fun. No one's gonna be touching her till she wakes up."
"Still, would be better to get her to a bed." Kazuto sighed, as he drank down the alcohol. "Thanks."
"You bringing her home?"
"Well, if she wants to complain about her childhood friend, then her childhood friend can take care of her." Kazuto scoffed. Touka's bound to remember the moment he tells her this one's old name. That would be fun to watch.
"Don't hurt her, got it?"
Kazuto frowned before, pulling off one of his boxes from his belt. "Here. Keep it and I'll get it back once I swing by here with her."
"Sheesh, you're a serious one, arentcha?" The owner scoffed, pushing it back. "Don't need it, kid. That thing's clearly more valuable than my shop. Ain't gonna have something like that around here. Just promise to swing by here with her again, and order a bit more than just one cup of wine. I'd love to see how much you can actually down."
"I'm not risking myself dying by alcohol poisoning, but fine." Kazuto shrugged.
"Hey, you're gonna have to put your money where your mouth is and take it like a champ."
"Fine, fine." Kazuto chuckled, "Then, I'll be taking this one home…" Kazuto hefted the girl on his shoulder. "Hoy, Kanyou, can you walk by yourself."
"… Not Kanyou… Yuuka…"
"I'm not calling you by your True Name if you're half-asleep when you entrust it, Kanyou." Kazuto sighed, before turning to the side, "Hoy, Aisha! Help me out here! We got a drunkard that needs an escort."
Aisha blinked upon seeing him exit the shop before she nodded, and moved over to lift her by her other arm. "What happened to her?"
"Got moody about Touka not recognizing her. Apparently, she was her childhood friend, Kouyou."
"Huh…" Aisha racked her brains, "I think I remember Touka-sama mention her before… A childhood friend who went south… so it's Kanyou?"
"Changed her name when she got here." Kazuto chuckled. In the original story, it's that Jian Yong is closer to how it is normally pronounced in his hometown so he changed it. But if that was the case here, Touka should've recognized Kanyou as the correct way to call her old friend. Instead, it seems Touka remembers Kouyou. So apparently it's just teenage rebellion this time around.
"Where are we taking her? It's not like we know where her home is…" Aisha asked.
"Touka."
"… Fine." Aisha nodded. "Are you going to be fine walking her?"
"… Ah, she fell asleep. Sheesh." Kazuto sighed, as he hefted her on her back. She's a bit lighter than Touka at least. "Last time we had a night walk like this, it was with Touka, huh, Aisha?"
"Yeah." Aisha smiled. "Touka-sama overworked herself and didn't sleep one night, so we had to carry her home after she met the village elders."
Kazuto laughed, "Well, let's get going then. We should get back home before people start worrying."
"Of course."
As expected, when they told Touka about Kanyou, she freaked out from not recognizing her childhood friend and immediately started making plans to hang out with her more as an apology. Touka even nursed her from her hangover. And so, Kanyou Kenwa (Yuuka) joins the family.
-()-
It didn't take long for Sousou to send the message that they've successfully retaken Kyoshou back from Choubaku. Despite the massive disadvantages of not having a proper supply chain or other issues, it appears Sousou swiftly fixed those issues and summarily declared victory from Choubaku's invasion. The motivations are hazy. Hazy enough that Kazuto wonders what the hell's going on. The letter also made it clear that Sousou will no longer pursue vengeance for her father's death. There is no more war between Joshuu and Kyoshou.
And with Kyoshou in Sousou's control once more, and the war declared over with, while not completely clean, a victory for the Joshuu forces, it means that it's time for Soukou to go home, and with them, Chiihou and Sei to make their one visit to see Chiihou's sisters.
The ones seeing them off are just Kazuto, Touka, Aisha, and Rinrin.
"Take care alright." Touka smiled at them.
"Couldn't afford a bigger escort?" Soukou scoffed.
"You get two squads. Sei's and Chiihou's. Take it or leave it." Kazuto cheerfully told her. "I'll miss the math classes we shared."
"Shut up. That was torture and you know it." Soukou grumbled, turning away, as she hopped onto the back of the horse that they're lending her, refusing to be seated with any of the other escorts.
Kazuto turned to Chiihou. "… Do what your heart tells you is right. We will never hate you for what you choose."
"I know." Chiihou smiled. "See you again, Kazuto~"
"Not niisan anymore?" Kazuto teased.
"Well, I need to grow up eventually." Chiihou looked ahead. "Unless… you still…"
"It is always your choice."
"… Then… since Touka-san already did it, I don't have to hold back right now, right?"
"Did what?" Kazuto turned to Touka, who only blinked. Aisha and Rinrin's eyes widened as if they understood the implications.
Chiihou impishly walked forward and gave him a kiss on the lips. "If I choose to come back, will you give me a reward?"
"I, uh… what?" Kazuto blinked.
"… Ahehe…" Touka blushed, "… Uh… that's…"
Kazuto shook his head. This wasn't the time to be tongue-tied, no matter how much his mind is still processing the situation, "Maybe." Kazuto told her. "I'll make no promises, but… no matter what you choose, I doubt it's goodbye forever. We'll meet again."
"Mmhmm…" Chiihou hummed.
"This is why boys are so…" Soukou grumbled, a small blush on her face. "Are you done flirting?"
"What about me?" Sei pouted. "Don't I get a reward when I get home?"
"We'll give you a plate of menma and a bottle of sake when you get home. All yours."
"Now you're talking~" Sei grinned, "I'll hold you to it."
And soon the three left with their escorts. At the border between Joshuu and Enshuu, Sousou should have an escort to bring Soukou, Chiihou, and Sei further in, while the rest return home… though Chiihou's bodyguard squad will likely ask to come with. That's to the discretion of Sousou's army though.
Meanwhile… Kazuto turned to Touka, "So you really did remember that whole business." He's been under the impression she was half-asleep and forgot about it.
"Vaguely?" Touka shrugged. "But it's fine, isn't it?"
"And yet you're completely fine with Chiihou doing it too?" Kazuto asked.
"Mmhmm. It's fine." Touka hummed, "You already know that it's normal for someone to have multiple wives in this world right?"
"One to one is the norm."
"Because most people can't afford multiple wives. And there's a problem with inheritance as well. So it's often better if there aren't multiple wives." Somehow, he feels like that isn't something Touka considers a problem. Is this some sort of loyalty test or something? No… doesn't feel like it… So… why?
"Why are you okay with this? Most girls would be happy to monopolize the boy she likes."
"If it means making a rift between me and the other girls, I'm going to choose to have all of you." Touka smiled, "As long as I can get all your firsts, I'll be happy. I said as much to the others."
Touka basically admitted to him that the harem that he's going to be building up would be her harem too. Honestly, he can agree with that. "… I'm guessing you have a restriction on who I can have as a lover or cannot?"
"Anyone I approve of." Touka replied with a cheery smile.
"So basically all our friends." Kazuto replied with a small smile. Touka awkwardly smiled back.
"You're accepting this easily, Kazuto-sama." Aisha looked at him judgingly.
"It's fine, isn't it?" Rinrin pointed out, "As long as everyone's happy, there's no big deal when it comes to how many there are. We can all be one big happy family!"
Kazuto smiled, as he patted Rinrin's head, looking towards Touka "Yeah, fine, but only if it's mutual. I will not have anyone be forced into it, be peer pressured into it, or anything. They have to fall in love with me, and I with them. And they must be aware of how many people I'm dating. If it turns them away, I won't pursue. And no one will force them."
"Mmhmm, wouldn't have it any other way~"
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: December 11, 2020
Last Updated: December 14, 2020
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
Hello~ Here's the promised chapter for this week~
I could've had Kazuto complain a bit more but that's because that's how I'd feel, but that doesn't feel, right, I guess? He's basically being given a harem, by the girl that he likes. His intuition is telling him that Touka is being genuine. So… he's a healthy, slightly sexually repressed boy who sleeps with a girl every night, who he respects enough that he's not going to even consider doing anything that might make her uncomfortable. He'll practically jump at the chance to have relations, but only if the girl asks for it, and only if they want it.
Great… one of my OCs just got a bit of character. Not development, just character. Kanyou Kenwa, original counterpart: Jian Yong Xianhe. Her True Name, which I completely made up is Yuuka. Yuuka's True Name is basically just Touka's True Name, switching the first character for the character for Friend. It's probably difficult to keep track, huh? Eh, it's not like Kanyou's going to be a major character. She's a character that will revolve around Touka. I toyed with Kanyou being male and becoming Kazuto's "rival" but that just feels like unnecessary padding to this story. Besides, I'm horrible at character designs, and describing them is going to be basics of basics. As a reminder, Kanyou Kenwa is Jian Yong Xianhe, who I pretty much got from Is this the True History of the Three Kingdoms? Her design is based on that, but otherwise, I'm wholesale just making things up for her, as I barely remember anything about Jian Yong from that story, aside from the scene where she got all drunk and pissy about Liu Bei forgetting her… before something about a childhood marriage promise… what? I didn't say I was completely original with her.
Now then, since Kanyou got a True Name, what does that mean for Josho? I'm toying with just making her True Name, Tomori. Same basic method. Take Shuri's True Name, switch the first character for the character for Friend. Eh, right now she's Genchoku-chan, and I have a working reason as to not give her a True Name yet so it probably won't matter anytime soon. Maybe. Considering my plans, it might come up, but I don't want to.
So, place your bets, everyone! Does Chiihou stay or leave? I've already written the next chapter, so I already know the answer though… See you next week~