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.
-()-
Facing the Proud
-()-
Denhou breathed a sigh of relief once more, as she sat behind Ganryou. For once, things were going well.
According to Ganryou, it seemed that Enshou was talked into this by the elders of the En Clan. Sometimes, Denhou forgot that Enshou actually did answer to a clan; it always felt like, when she boasted about her lineage, it was always like she was just boasting about her wealth. In the end, Enshou was simply the face of the En Clan.
In all honesty, Denhou didn't ever see the En Clan elders. They didn't interfere with how Enshou ran things, they didn't care how much money Enshou squandered. Enshou never even paid any tribute to them. This would be the first time that they even so much as put their foot down. It made sense though. If Enshou waged a war and lost, the En Clan would be branded traitors, and they would lose all the prestige associated with being one of the eldest noble families of the Dynasty. Worse, they could be executed as traitors.
But with Enshou silently fuming on her horse as she led their small band of soldiers to Joshuu, that may no longer be something she needed to worry about.
There would not need to be a situation where they need to fight an entire empire.
"This should be the border between Seishuu and Joshuu," Ganryou announced, bringing Denhou out of her mental thoughts.
"This is it?" Bunshuu looked around. "Not much of a border…" All around them are plains, after all. There wasn't even a wall, or a barricade, or soldiers…
"Well, it's more just a political division than a real one," Ganryou replied. "I mean… I guess it would be bad if there were walls within the empire after all."
Right, because if there were walls, then that means the empire was divided among itself. Hmm? That's…
The flag of the Kan Dynasty was waved from the distance, and a small platoon of soldiers walked over to them.
"That's…"
"A border patrol." Ganryou nodded.
A couple of soldiers approached them from the pack, "What is your business in Joshuu?"
Enshou looked practically appalled by this, but Denhou quickly raised her voice, "We were summoned by Emperor Ken! This is our summons!" Denhou pulled out the scroll that she held.
One of the soldiers respectfully took the invitation before walking back to their platoon. It took a minute before the soldier came back, handing the summons back. "You may pass."
"How boorish of them, asking for identification!" Enshou scowled, as they moved away. "I am the En Honsho. For mere soldiers to be…"
"… The captain of that platoon… did you recognize her, Toshi-san?" Denhou asked, tuning out Enshou's rant.
"Eh, umm…" Ganryou frowned, "I wasn't really looking…" She had been busy calming her master down and preventing her from voicing her complaints.
'… That was Houfu.' The skilled archer that she encountered during her escape from the capital. So she became the commander of the border patrol then? Lower than Denhou would have expected of her, but at least she is being recognized for her skill.
-()-
Ryofu Housen, True Name: Ren, looked silently at Enshou's entourage. Once upon a time, she was introduced to Denhou Genkou as Houfu. Now, she was leading her personal platoon to keep track of the northern border of Joshuu. There are proper border patrols, but, seeing as this is the most well-trodden route from Seishuu to Joshuu's Capital, Kahi, Ren decided to take this place as her border patrol route.
"… Does that mean that they aren't going to invade us, Ren-dono?" Chinkyuu Koudai, True Name: Nenene.
"… It doesn't matter." Ren shrugged. She looked back north. "Return to places."
And so, the Ryofu Platoon continued their border watch.
-()-
Within the main offices of Joshuu, where the three leaders (Ryuubi, Kazuto, and Kentei) generally work, Kazuto sat at his desk, the other desks all empty. In front of him are…
"… Welcome, Sousou Moutoku." Kazuto politely greeted the girl. "… Hello, Tou."
"I've returned, Kazuto-sama." Chinkei smiled. Sousou's condescending smile remained unchanged, as she nodded. Behind the two, Kakouton, Kakouen, and Jun'iku silently watched the proceedings. Still, it wouldn't do for him to greet them… he's not exactly their friend.
"Bachou, Tanpopo, hello again. Just you two this time?" Kazuto greeted the other two who arrived at the same time.
"Hello, Hongou." Bachou returned.
"Kazuto-niichan, you remembered, huh?" Tanpopo smiled, "And anyway, what's with you calling us to Joshuu so many times. Soon enough, I'm going to be staying here longer than I would in Ryoushuu."
"Tanpopo." Bachou gave a severe look towards Tanpopo, who merely whistled in response.
"At some point, I'm going to have to personally go to Seiryou to thank Batou for all her support." Kazuto laughed.
"We're just doing our duty to the empire~" Tanpopo remarked. Bachou nodded a bit clumsily.
"Still, I'm grateful."
Sousou frowned at the byplay. Is Hongou deliberately ignoring them? She looked around to the empty desks next to his. This room is rather fascinating, all told. This room has been repurposed as what appears to be like a clerk's office, filled in by the main clerical members of the group. On the desk were plaques detailing who sits where. Kentei sits at the desk furthest from the door, in between the desks of Ryuubi and Hongou. On the Ryuubi side of the room, three other deks are lined up against the wall; Shokatsuryou, a Kanyou and… an empty desk with only the plaque of Reitei on it. On the other side (Hongou's), are Houtou, Bijiku, and… Josho. So all three of Suikyou's students really did wind up here. Aside from Reitei's desk, all desks had some scrolls, some made of paper, others of stitched bamboo, on the side. Likely some work. Sousou internally scoffed at the inefficiency. Likely the Ryuubi Army couldn't even afford to hire clerks.
No, Sousou frowned, that's unlikely. Joshuu is one of the more wealthy provinces in the country, and the population isn't so lacking in learned individuals. It's not that they can't afford to hire clerks, they won't. Likely… they can't trust to hire clerks to handle most of these miscellaneous tasks. If Sousou had to guess, Hongou's group was likely still struggling to find individuals who would help their group uphold their ideals. The group is, quite frankly, newly installed. Likely, the local nobility was still trying to undermine them. Try as Ryuubi might to be as righteous as possible in the world of politics, the rich aren't the type to sit idly by as their methods of enriching themselves are denied and dismantled. If anything, the group is really lucky to even have gotten this far without a few assassinations of their number… or they're ridiculously capable of dissuading such tactics… or the nobility was playing the long game.
Maybe she should ask Hongou about how they managed so far when the situation permitted. For now, "… Is Ryuubi not going to greet us?" Sousou looked at Hongou.
"It's a busy day, I'm afraid." Kazuto shook his head, "Touka is greeting the other representatives from the other states." Kazuto looked at Sousou's entourage once more, "… Is Kanhyoku not among you?"
Sousou merely shook her head, "Kanhyoku Bunsetsu has passed."
"… I see." Kazuto nodded in response, a stab in his heart upon hearing so. There's a story there, but… Kazuto wasn't sure he wanted to know it. Especially considering the expressions on Kakouton and Jun'iku. "That is a shame. And Choukou?"
"We have employed her as a General." Sousou shrugged, "She is in Kyoshou, familiarizing herself with the way I run things."
"And so, the Five Great Generals of Gi are complete, I see." Kyocho, Gakushin, Ukin, Jokou, and now Choukou.
"Ex… cuse me?" Jun'iku couldn't stop herself from saying, "What did you just say?"
"Nothing." Kazuto replied easily.
"You said 'Gi'! How do you know th-"
"Keifa." Sousou sharply glared at her subordinate.
"I'm sorry, Karin-sama!"
"Calm down as well, Aneja." Kakouen told her sister, who recoiled at what Jun'iku just said. Likely, Kakouton hadn't been paying attention.
"…" Sousou looked discerningly at Kazuto, uncertain as to how to proceed here. "What do you know about what you said?"
That Cao Cao Mengde, will take over the Han Dynasty by forcing the emperor to retire and form a Kingdom called Cao Wei. This kingdom, however, will be supplanted by a new Dynasty, the Jin Dynasty before they can truly conquer achieve their goal of being the new Dynasty that rules the country. Kazuto could say all that, but honestly, it's not worth it. Instead, "Does it matter? Sousou Moutoku's ambitions will not be stopped by something as small as that, will it?"
Sousou merely scoffed at his evasive reply, "It's a pleasure to see you once more, Hongou."
"Is it, though? You look a bit shaken there, Sousou?" Kazuto chuckled, "Has the trip tired you out?"
"Maybe it has." Sousou replied easily, "Would you have quarters prepared for us?"
"We have quarters prepared for all guests, but considering your apparent friendship with the Chin Clan…" Kazuto turned to Chinkei, "… Tou, will you be able to house Sousou in your family home, or should we prepare rooms for them?"
"I am more than happy to house them." Chinkei smiled.
"Oh, and why are you so eager to push us out?" Sousou smirked.
"If you want to sleep in the general guest quarters, then fine." Kazuto shrugged, "I don't mind at all."
"We'll do so, then."
"Try not to get under people's skin too much then." Kazuto nodded, "You seem to make a habit of it."
"I could say the same to you," Sousou replied.
"Only to people who could take it." Kazuto laughed. "And since the Generals of Sousou are the elite of the elite, surely a bit of ribbing won't get under their skin so much."
Both Kakouton and Jun'iku glared at him for that insinuation.
"… Shunran, Keifa, what he means is that whatever you do here, it will reflect on me." Sousou told them, causing both to flinch. "You could've given a less subtle warning."
"Unlike all previous occasions when we met, you are now in our territory. It would be bad if a row started between my side and yours." Kazuto shrugged, "All of my officials are under orders to not, under any circumstances, engage you due to differences of opinion. That, however, does not excuse your own forces from not being equally professional."
"Speaking of? What is the status of the city?"
"All able-bodied soldiers are present across the city. Unless you actively seek trouble, no harm should befall you." Kazuto nodded.
"Is that so?" Sousou chuckled, "Putting a lot of faith in your soldiers."
Kazuto merely nodded. "How many rooms will you take, Sousou?" Kazuto asked. "No more than two, I hope?"
"One should be enough." Sousou smiled.
"… We'll give you one of the soundproofed rooms, then." Kazuto sighed. Those were a chore to make.
"Soundproofed?" Sousou blinked, uncertain of what that meant.
"We renovated a few rooms for it." Kazuto shrugged.
Sousou frowned at that. Hongou is treating the concept as if it's some sort of well-known thing. Likely from 'heaven' she supposed. She debated whether she should keep quiet and just pretend to know as well, but the concept intrigues her. "… I'm asking what you mean by 'soundproofing'."
"No sounds will be heard from within." Kazuto chuckled, "Anyway, hopefully, it would keep your neighbors from being too disturbed."
Sousou smiled, knowing exactly what Kazuto is hinting at, and decided to play along a bit. "I'd certainly love to test how that soundproofing works." Sousou smiled, "Maybe I'd even implement it in my own territory."
"It's not perfect soundproofing." Kazuto shook his head, "Try to still be a bit quiet if at all possible."
"No promises."
"U-um… quiet? Why would Sousou need quiet roo…" Bachou's brain likely caught on in the middle of the sentence, before, "O,oh!... Oh… Is this really something you should be talking about here?" Bachou asked, red-faced. Tanpopo, in turn, was chuckling slightly.
"Bachou, Tanpopo, where would you two be sleeping? Not in the barracks this time, I hope?" Kazuto smiled at her.
"Of course not." Tanpopo answered for them both as Bachou was still trying to calm herself, "We're supposed to be guests, right? So…"
"We'll put you in a room next to Kuutan then." Kazuto smiled, amused.
"Please no!" Bachou yelled. The idea of being housed next to the Emperor, former or not… That's pretty much special treatment at that point.
"Unfortunately, our guest rooms are going to wear thin soon, so you'll have to make do…" Kazuto cheerfully replied. "And since you're like, one of the few representatives we can trust in that section of the building…"
"It's fine!" Tanpopo nodded.
"Just not a room next to the Emperor, please?"
"It's fine." Kazuto laughed, "Paitan's room is next to mine. And Kuutan's room is one after that. The room next to that one would be Fan's. You'll be nowhere near their rooms."
"Thank you."
"Quite the special treatment you're giving them." Sousou casually smiled, "Are you insinuating something by that, Hongou?" Sousou challenged.
"Will you take it as an insinuation, Sousou?" Kazuto replied easily, an amused smile on his face, "Would you normally allow outsiders to sleep in the same hall as you would?"
"No, of course not." Sousou shrugged, "But surely you could just simply… post guards on each doorway?"
"We're already spread thin as is." Kazuto frowned, "Speaking of, you brought guards with you, aside from just your generals, right, Sousou?"
"Yes." Sousou nodded.
"You will be allowed to post two guards on your doorway, and two outside your window. If you have a rotation system, we'll take it into consideration as well."
"Shuuran."
"I will see to it, as soon as we see where the rooms are." Kakouen loyally replied.
"Keep in mind that if there are any altercations between the guards, those guards will get kicked out of the building," Kazuto warned. At Sousou's noncommittal shrug, Kazuto turned to the other two occupants in the room, "Bachou, Tanpopo, what about you two?"
"It would be pretty bad if we had guards at our doorway if we're sleeping near the Emperor and the former Emperor, right?" Tanpopo shrugged. "Seeing as you trust us, we'll trust you too." Bachou looked like she would protest, but she didn't seem to particularly disagree with Tanpopo's statement. Still…
"Well, Bachou?"
"It really feels weird for you to be calling my cousin by her True Name and yet you call me 'Bachou'." Bachou chuckled a bit, "But yeah, I don't mind. We shared a tent spot with your group plenty of times before. I don't think it's a big deal."
"Thank you." Kazuto nodded.
"So who else has arrived?" Sousou asked.
"Honestly, you're the last ones, aside from Enshou herself." Kazuto nodded. "To be honest, we did expect Batou's representatives to be the last to arrive, considering the sheer distance, so it's not a problem." Kazuto smiled.
"Ahaha, yeah." Bachou nodded, "We were even on horseback, taking the fastest route we could, and we still arrived a bit late, huh…" Bachou then turned serious, "So you said that Enshou might not come, right?"
"There's a possibility." Kazuto nodded.
"She'll come," Sousou replied with a smirk.
Kazuto looked searchingly at her face, "… You did something didn't you?"
"I've no idea what you mean."
"… Fine. I'll take your word for it." Kazuto nodded, "As for mealtimes, we'll either have them delivered to your door. Or if you prefer to eat outside, feel free to do so. You are by no means prisoners to your rooms."
"Unlike with my cousin?"
"Your cousin was adamant on being either nosy or a pain-in-the-ass. She got what she deserved as far as everyone was concerned." Kazuto replied with a laugh.
"Don't think I forgot that incident, Hongou," Kakouen told him with a stern look on her face.
"You offered," Kazuto replied with a smile. "I didn't even think of the whole hostage possibility until you mentioned it."
Kakouen merely glared harder at that, before sighing and returning to a neutral face.
"Anyway, Sousou, try not to scare my staff… And by that, I mean Miss Blind Kakou over here."
"I know you had something to do with that epithet, Hongou!" Kakouton growled.
"So yeah… I think that's about it."
"… Are you not going to brief me on what you want to do to Enshou?" Sousou asked.
Kazuto dryly looked at her, "… Your subordinates look like they'll throttle me if I even think of giving you orders, so no."
"Ignore them." Sousou rolled her eyes.
"Our only intention is to reach a middle ground with her. At this point, we honestly don't want to make enemies of Enshou, but we are aware that she has been making arrangements to invade."
"So you want her to stop." Her tone pretty much said everything of what she thought of that. The sort of tone of someone slightly disappointed in something but already expecting it so it's not a huge deal. Still…
"I want to figure out what she wants. If it's something we can agree on, then that's good. But if it's something unreasonable, then we intend to talk her down."
"It'll be something unreasonable," Sousou replied matter-of-factly.
"I'm hoping it's not." Kazuto rubbed his head, "I'll be honest, as much as I'd love your help, I don't know what kind of help you would provide…"
"Would you rather you leave me to my own devices?"
"… You know what? Sure." Kazuto nodded. "Sounds like fun. You know Enshou better than anyone here anyway."
"And you aren't afraid that I would aid Reiha?"
"Of course I'm afraid. But then again, it's not as if we're offering anyone anything for helping. If anything, I expect most of the representatives to just be here to watch a spectacle and get free food. Most of them aren't even high-ranked enough to make decisions for their lords, so they're really just here to watch."
"And who are the people noteworthy enough among the audience that they'll have a say in it?"
"You, for one. Bachou, as the heir of Batou, for another. Then there's Sonken Chuubou, who arrived a couple days ago. And Kouchuu Kanshou, although she too has less say than most others."
"The old crowd then. Haven't expanded your list of allies?"
"We wish we could."
"Well, to be fair, all those names are probably the only ones currently in power that are noteworthy enough to matter." Sousou shrugged.
"If you say so." Kazuto nodded, "Anyway, you were asking what you could help me with? To be honest, I really don't plan that far ahead. It never feels worth it. Easier to just feel the situation, than plan for every possibility."
"You did so well with Chiihou, though?"
"Are you saying I should liken dealing with you to dealing with Enshou?" Kazuto pointed out with an amused smile.
"… Fair enough." Sousou conceded that point. "And what if she insists on war?"
"She'll be pretty dense to insist on it in the presence of the Emperor and all the lords of the country… And why are you not denying that…?"
"Because she is?" Sousou smirked. Apparently, Enshou is, according to Sousou herself, was dense enough to insist on war.
"… Then the question is of how she would get away before we capture her and ending any war prematurely by capturing the leader." Kazuto replied with a frown.
"The thing about Reiha is that she's rather… slippery," Sousou replied, amused. "She tends to get out of problems easily."
"… Well, the safety of the guests is the priority." Kazuto sighed, "Anything else?"
"We'll see when the time comes." Sousou shrugged.
"Then, Tou, you know where the guest hall is, correct?"
"But of course." Chinkei nodded.
"In all honesty, I offered the Chin Clan's home because it was probably safer for your group," Kazuto told them. "You won't really need to fear someone doing something wrong to you if you're in the home of someone you can at least have a sizable amount of soldiers with you, if not outright trust."
"Maybe it would be, but I have faith in my soldiers' abilities to deal with any danger. Shuuran will be back with the arrangements for the rotations."
"Do you want me to know something like that?" Kazuto frowned, "That's the sort of thing that can be used against you for your own safety, you know?"
"Ah, silly me. I thought you were saying that we can only have one if we told you." Sousou shrugged, "Then I'll keep it close to my chest then." And with that, Sousou's group followed Chinkei out the door and soon left.
"Bachou, Tanpopo, anything either of you wants to say?"
"You and Sousou really get along." Bachou pointed out.
"You get used to it, dealing with all the barbs." Kazuto shrugged, "Reminds me of talking to some of my friends. Speaking of, you can show up now, Josho."
Josho poked her head out from one of the nearby desks, before sitting down once more. "I'd ask why I needed to hide at all, but it was very informative, I'll give you that."
"You were hiding there?" Tanpopo asked, confused.
"Not just me, honestly." Josho smiled, waving to the other desks. Bachou blinked, as Shuri, Hinari, Touka, and Paitan were seated there, all looking slightly amused.
"Si-since when!?" Bachou blinked.
"Since the beginning." Another voice said, this time behind her, as well as the sound of a door clicking shut. Bachou turned to see Mifa smiling. Mifa then quickly positioned herself behind Touka.
"How did all of you hide…"
"Tanpopo!" Bachou scolded the girl, before turning to Kentei, "Bachou of Ryoushuu greets the Emperor."
"Oh, right… Batai of Ryoushuu greets the Emperor." Both of them bowed.
"It's fine, Bachou-san, Batai-san." Paitan smiled. "Still, that was… informative, to say the least." Somehow, the way Paitan said informative felt much more different than when Josho said it. Maybe it's because of the look that Paitan was giving him.
Anyway, "So, what do you think, Mifa? Will Sousou side with Enshou?" Kazuto turned to her.
"No, I believe not." Mifa shook her head.
"… What she said about Kanhyoku bothered me." Touka said, "What was that about?"
"Kanhyoku's passing…" Shuri nodded.
"You didn't ask more about it, Kazuto-kun." Touka pointed out.
"… To be honest… I didn't want to ask anything more." Kazuto grimaced. "At the very least, Sousou wasn't lying. Kanhyoku has indeed passed away. Asking more… at this point… feels like an imposition. At the very least… I want the answer from Choukou, not Sousou." Considering the solemn yet detached expression on Sousou when saying those words…
"… Yeah, that would be for the best, huh?" Touka nodded sadly.
"And what she said about Enshou, what do you think?" Kazuto turned to the others.
"It's suspicious," Hinari admitted, "that she can guarantee something like that."
"She must have done something." Kazuto nodded, "At the very least, if she's telling the truth, then our preparations aren't in vain. If she's lying, well… we were already prepared for the worst outcome."
"I wish we could get out of this with no war…" Touka said, simultaneously hopefully and helplessly… somehow.
"We can only wish." Paitan nodded. "I'll… try to talk her down if she comes."
"Umm… can I ask something first?" Tanpopo raised her hand.
"What is it, Batai-san?" Touka asked.
"Where were all of you the entire time? There was no one else here earlier… I think."
"Tanpopo!" Bachou scolded her, "S-sorry!"
"… It's been a long day for all of us." Kazuto smiled, amused at the question. "We've been catering to the whims of these state representatives for a few days now, and it's honestly grating, for what it's worth. Just call this a little bit of fun." And training, for Shuri and Hinari. If the perceptive Sousou and Kakouen did not see through their sustained illusion, that pretty much means that they're already on the stage where their illusions are good enough for use. It's another hidden trump card for them to use in a pinch.
"… That's it?" Tanpopo frowned. "Just a bit of fun?"
"Just a bit." Kazuto nodded.
"… Fine." Tanpopo relented.
"Mifa, can you take Bachou and Tanpopo to their quarters?"
"Very well." Mifa smiled
"Okay~" Tanpopo nodded, "So are we invited to dinner?"
"Oh yeah, how are meals handled?" Bachou asked. "You know, for us? Or will it be the same as Sousou?"
"Just ask Mifa." Kazuto shook his head, "But you will probably eat at the same time as the rest of us."
Mifa nodded, "I'll personally take care of it. But please, Kazuto-sama, you must rest. Any day, Enshou could arrive, after all."
"Yeah." Kazuto nodded, before turning to a stack of paperwork next to him, "But first, I sort of want to clear this out, if only so that I don't have to despair as I watch this stack get any larger."
"So many new arrivals the last few days…" Touka nodded with a sigh. "… But since Sousou-san and Bachou-san have come… that means the last of them, aside from Enshou-san is here… so…"
"We can finish the paperwork?" Paitan nodded.
"Unfortunately, Paitan-sama, you will need to work on memorizing the names and faces of all the newly arrived representatives, so you can address them during the meeting with Enshou," Shuri told her, apologetically. "… So your workload… is unlikely to get worked on anytime soon."
"… At least the two newest ones are familiar faces." Paitan nodded towards Bachou. "Bachou of Ryoshuu and Sousou of Enshuu and Yoshuu."
"Touka, help your cousin out." Kazuto smiled kindly.
Touka glared at him, "Kazuto-kun, do you have a grudge against me?"
"Uhh… are all three of you fighting over being able to do work?" Tanpopo pointed out, "Auntie usually tried to ditch her work."
Kazuto merely laughed, "Oh, that? It's mostly because, if we all finish our work, then we get to leave our room to have fun."
"… Uh…"
Touka sighed, "And since there are three of us who can basically all do the same work…" Since all three of them have basically the same rank when it comes to Joshuu affairs.
"Any new work that needs immediate attention will get added onto the pile of whoever's still working at the time." Paitan finished. "If Kazuto-sama and Touka-neesama are done with their work and have left, if Aisha-san, Shuri-san, Rairai-chan, or Josho-san comes in with extra work that needs to be taken care of immediately… Then, it'll become my work, no matter who of the three of us it would be better suited for."
"Better suited for?" Bachou blinked.
"Kazuto-san is really good at dealing with merchants."
"At the end of the day, all merchants, no matter the age, are the same. All that matters is profit. Some might be more noble than others, but profit is their bottom line." Kazuto cheerfully added. "I'm pretty okay with other issues, but I'm particularly horrible with legal affairs." Because he is not at all familiar with the laws of the country. There are some times when Kazuto would try to argue the legality of something only to find that no laws are prohibiting such. Or there being laws that he was entirely unfamiliar with in the first place.
"Touka-neesama is good with civilian affairs."
"It's basically just lending an ear to the public, after all." Touka nodded, "Although… I'm not at all good with military affairs. As for the rest… I'm okay, I guess? Fuurin-sensei taught me all I need to know with those."
"As for myself… my studies lead me to be particularly suited for courtly and legal affairs." Paitan nodded, "I'm… still not as good as I can with both military and civilian affairs… and whenever I do mercantile affairs, Kazuto-san usually has to step in to fix something I overlooked."
"You're getting better," Kazuto told her with a chuckle. "Don't fool yourself otherwise. The last merchant only almost got away with that sneaky tax cut. You spotted it quickly enough."
"With you looking over my shoulder." Paitan sighed. Then she looked at the other two before nodding.
"""Everything else, we leave to Shuri/-chan/-san~""" The three echoed with a smile.
"Hawawa! That's what you three were doing!?"
"Well, except for Military Affairs." Kazuto smiled, "Those go to Hinari."
"Awawa!?"
"And Josho-chan makes her own pile of paperwork all by herself." Touka chuckled.
Josho could only sigh. Well, that's what she signed up for as the spymaster.
"Looking at all that, I think the six of you have everything covered, huh?" Bachou nodded.
"Well, considering most of it goes to Koumei, though~" Tanpopo covered her mouth in a giggle.
"Speaking of things people need to know…" Kazuto smiled, "Touka-chan, aren't you also required to know the names and faces of all these people as well."
"Eh, that's!"
"After all, you're Joshuu's representative, after all," Kazuto smirked.
"If that's the case, then Kazuto-kun too-"
"Sousou Moutoku of Enshuu and Yoshuu, Enshou Honsho of Kahoku, Ryuubi Gentoku of Joshuu, Sonken Chuubou of Koutou, Bachou Mouki and Batai of Ryoushuu, Kouchuu Kanshou of Keishuu, Kouyuu Bunkyo of Seishuu…" he then rattled a few other names. By the end of it, both Paitan and Touka had dull surprise written all over their face. "What? That's just fifteen, seven of which I'm actually acquainted with, one I vaguely remember from our time at the coalition. So basically, just seven more names." Kazuto shrugged. "They did each introduce themselves, you know?"
"Okay, okay!" Josho interrupted, "This is starting to get into our usual derailed conversations. Mifa?"
"Let's go." Mifa smiled, as she gestured for both Bachou and Tanpopo to follow.
"See ya later, niichan!"
"Right, see you later, Bachou, Tanpopo." Kazuto smiled.
"We'll have more to talk about at the table." Touka waved.
"Thank you for coming all this way." Paitan waved as well.
"Oh right!" Kazuto called after them before they got out completely, "… You never met Paitan here, got it?" Kazuto smiled, with a finger to his lips.
"You got it~" Tanpopo nodded.
"Understood." Bachou nodded, although she's audibly confused.
Soon, the three exited the room. As soon as Mifa closed the door, they all politely remained silent. Calmly, patiently waiting… until…
"We've returned, Master, Kentei-sama, Touka-sama." Yue bowed to them, as Ei opened the door. She was carrying a tray of snacks. As soon as the door was closed, everyone there breathed a sigh of relief, causing the two newcomers to blink in surprise. "Umm…"
"Good work," Ei said, as she took some of the teacups on Yue's tray and placed them in front of the others.
"It must have been difficult." Yue nodded, placing the last cup on Kazuto's desk.
"Thanks, Yue, Ei." Kazuto grabbed a biscuit. "Also, good work, Shuri, Hinari." Kazuto smiled. "No one even noticed." Shuri and Hinari nodded. The two of them only looked slightly winded. A big step up from how it was when they started.
"Was it necessary to do so though?" Paitan asked confused.
Kazuto smiled. "The grandeur of the position of Emperor needs to be maintained. At the same time, you need to be familiar with the names and faces of all the representatives, so that you do not make a fool of yourself when the day comes."
"You said this before, but I still think you're just having a bit of fun." Paitan pointed out.
"That too." Kazuto nodded.
"I knew it." Touka nodded with a sigh.
"It was good training." Shuri smiled a bit. "Now both Hinari and I know how well our studies have been going."
When the representatives started pouring in, one of the few things that Kazuto decided to do, was to do a bit of a prank. At the same time, make it so that no representatives ever directly meet Paitan, not until the day that Enshou actually comes. At the same time, he wants Paitan to see each representative directly, and have their names and faces engraved into her mind for that day to come. It adds a layer of mystique to the Emperor if she can label each and every representative without formal introductions.
So, the strategy is simple: use illusions, which Shuri and Hinari have been studying the entire time. In the room, there would seemingly only be Kazuto. But in reality, Touka, Paitan, Mifa, Shuri, Hinari, and Josho would also be present, listening into the conversation. It is also a test for Shuri and Hinari's limits. The average length of a meeting with a representative would be around ten minutes each. They would have to hide all these people for that duration, all the while remembering that they still have quite a bit of work to do after each meeting. There might even be times when the representatives come one after the other, stretching their limits by quite a bit. So they need to know how many people they can hide comfortably without stressing themselves for those ten minutes.
As it turned out, the answer was two. And one of those can't be themselves. Lacking a mirror, Shuri had no idea if what she'll be making would look irregular or not. Ditto for Hinari. So Shuri hid Hinari and Touka, while Hinari hid Paitan and Shuri. Josho used what she learned herself, to simply hide her presence, jumping under her desk when the time comes. Mifa simply used the tried and tested ninja technique of simply remaining out of sight. And so, the illusion was set.
They allowed both Bachou and Kouchuu to meet them directly, more due to familiarity than anything.
"It was also a bit educational, I suppose." Paitan nodded, "Quite a few of them seemed to have… a rather high view of themselves…"
"Still, was it really necessary? This prank as you call it?" Touka frowned.
"Not necessary, but it's always good for the leader to look a bit more capable." Kazuto shrugged, "There's a sort of unsettling feeling when you're dealing with someone who seems as though they can see right through you." Shuri and Hinari unconsciously nodded, having once been the subject of Kazuto's eyes once before.
"Kazuto-kun…"
"Also, it's always important to get a good sense of who you're dealing with with your first impression. People tend to try to put their best foot forward when dealing with people they can't offend. The inverse of that, in turn…"
"To those that they don't care if they offend, they'll be a bit more open to let their own thoughts go wild." Shuri nodded, "Although… considering your reputation as the Heavenly Messenger, we can't really say for certain that they showed everything."
"In my case, I have my Intuition." Kazuto shrugged.
"Cheater," Paitan mumbled.
"Leverage every advantage you have to get ahead in life." Kazuto shrugged. "We can't afford to play fair when we're the one thing in the way of everyone being able to form their own kingdoms. To most other factions, they'll try to do two things: one, accelerate the fall of the Kan Dynasty, or two, get as much clout and influence from the remnants of the Kan Dynasty. Of course, the less ambitious ones would be happier with the continued existence of the Kan Dynasty, as they would have a theoretical big brother to beat up those who are bullying them."
"Right." Paitan nodded. All of them went silent, as they ate the food and drank their tea.
Touka finally broke the silence, as she munched on her fifth biscuit, "… Will Enshou-san really come?"
"We'll see soon enough." Kazuto nodded, before… a swift knock on the door. Josho stood up, opening it. Yue and Ei quickly made themselves scarce, hiding behind Paitan's desk. A messenger came in.
"Yes?"
"A message from General Ryofu! Enshou Honsho has crossed the border! At the pace she is moving, It is estimated that she will arrive by night, assuming that she takes the most direct path here."
"Thank you." Josho nodded, "You may take your leave." The soldier bowed and left quickly.
"… Kazuto-kun?" Touka asked patiently. The accusation is clear.
"I honestly didn't know!" Kazuto defended himself. "I was just saying things to make it sound cool!"
"So it really is a coincidence then." Touka nodded, accepting that answer. Paitan nodded as well, with a sigh, "Or maybe it's that flag thing you were talking about?"
"Maybe, but let's not speculate." Kazuto shrugged, "On the plus side, it means we don't have to worry about handling Sousou for longer than a couple of days, at best…"
"Of course, now that you said that…" Touka muttered.
"Anyway!" Kazuto exclaimed, turning to Shuri. "… Shuri?" He asked, expecting some sort of plan.
Shuri nodded, "Mifa-san, can we ask you to handle her if and when she arrives?"
"It'll be my honor." Mifa nodded. "Where will we house her?"
"Wherever she wants. If she wants to rent out an inn, she can." Kazuto shrugged, "If she wants one of the spare rooms, then it's fine. Just make sure that she knows that she can't really demand us to wake up for her."
"And if she demands to meet one of you?"
"I think we can just leave that to Mifa-chan." Touka smiled. "In the meantime, we'll just… get rid of all this work." Which is looking more and more appealing as the realization of Enshou's arrival was sinking in. Mind-numbing work is a lot easier to handle than worrying about the political fallout of what's going to happen soon.
"Very well." Mifa nodded.
Kazuto nodded before closing his eyes. It's begun. Let's hope that we can get through this quickly.
-()-
Enshou sniffed as she haughtily marched up the palace. Just behind her are her three attendants, Bunshuu, Ganryou, and the ill-looking Denhou.
"How boorish of them to have put me in an inn, when I could've slept in the palace." Enshou huffed.
"… You're the one who wanted to sleep in the inn, saying you don't want to sleep in a small room in the palace." Denhou muttered.
"Hmm? What was that, Machi-san?"
"You are correct, of course." Denhou replied quickly.
"Of course, I'm right! For I am from the greatest of all clans in the Empire! The En Clan! Oh-hohhohhoh!"
This boast was said in the loudest way possible. All around her heard and immediately started edging away. The servants wanted nothing to do with them. The soldiers were looking at them with a glare.
"… Worst first impression, ever." Denhou muttered, this time, as inaudibly as she can. Unfortunately…
"What was that, Machi-san?"
Why are you only sharp when I say things? Denhou complained in her mind. In reality, she merely politely smiled back, "Certainly. The En Clan is truly the greatest."
"Excuse me, Enshou Honsho-sama." A soldier moved forward. "I'm afraid you will have to have to leave your weapons behind from here on out. You will now be entering the presence of the Emperor."
"You wish for us to be unarmed?" Enshou frowned.
"Everyone in the room will be unarmed." The soldier replied. "Will it be a problem?"
"It's not a problem." Ganryou nodded, putting her hammer, the Kinkou Tettsui (Golden Light Iron Hammer) on the ground.
"Eh, don't scratch it." Bunshuu agreed, the Zanzantou (Moutain-Cutting Blade) followed after it.
Enshou grimaced and put the En Clan's Treasured Sword away as well, although she was clearly sniffy about it.
The three, now, disarmed, entered the room, and found the court filled with people who looked like they came from various parts of the empire, judging by their clothing. Enshou merely sniffed haughtily at the sight before marching forward. On the throne was a young girl with light pink hair, dressed in imperial robes. The little sister of Reitei, the one who calls herself Kentei.
"… Greetings to the dear sister of the Emperor." Enshou greeted.
Denhou mentally groaned. If the atmosphere had been merely oppressive earlier, then it was now outright hostile. Enshou has denied Kentei as the emperor. Still, no one in the crowd spoke up. Scandalized looks, incredulous expressions, or an absolutely amused smirk, courtesy of Sousou, as they processed this blasphemy.
Kentei, for her part, at least seemed to have expected this and breathed out. "… It seems that you have not been keeping up with the news, Enshou, Lord of Kahoku." Here Kentei returned a denial. If Enshou were to deny Kentei her position as Emperor, then the Emperor too denied Enshou's claim on her conquered lands of Yuushuu and Kishuu. "For a full year now, I, Kentei, have been seated as the Emperor of this country."
So it has. A year has passed since the Eunuch Uprising that resulted in Reitei's escape and Kentei's rise as Emperor.
Still, Enshou was not to be deterred, "However, Kuutan-sama still lives, if I recall correctly? The Emperor may only be ousted upon their death."
"… I see." Kentei closed her eyes. "Certainly, my sister has not signed an official declaration of her retirement from her position. However, by her own words, as witnessed by the representatives of Joshuu, Ryoushuu, and Keishuu, she has declared that she has no desire to return to the position of Emperor."
"Right." The brown-haired girl with a long ponytail spoke up. "I, Bachou Mouki, as the representative of Ryoshuu, swear to all that this is the truth. Former Emperor Reitei has indeed left the position of Emperor to the current Emperor Kentei."
"I, Kouchuu Kanshou, second this, as the representative of Keishuu." Kouchuu smiled, "I too have witnessed the same event that Bachou spoke of."
"As the representative of Joshuu, I, Ryuubi Gentoku, too concur," Ryuubi spoke up. "Furthermore, Reitei-sama is currently within the building. If need be, we can contact her and have her come here." Ryuubi then turned to the others, "Will that be necessary for any of the other representatives?" The unspoken question is clear: Are you shameless enough to demand the appearance of the former Emperor?
"You might as well do so." Sousou raised her voice, "It will quieten down all dissent if you truly are saying the truth."
"… Very well." Kentei nodded, "My sister will be here momentarily." Kentei then looked at Enshou directly, "However, Lord of Kahoku, while I acknowledge your former friendship with my older sister, the previous Emperor, it is still rude to refer to them by True Name within a court." Kentei pointed out. "Kindly refrain from doing so."
"…"
Overall, success for Enshou so far. Denhou said, as she looked around the room a bit. She has thrown into question the legitimacy of Kentei… but… why is there still this sinking feeling in her stomach?
And as if her nightmares were coming true, a woman from one of the side doors entered. And considering her attire… there is no doubt who it is…
"Kuu… I mean, Reitei-sama." Enshou said, pleased with the sight.
"… Oh, hello, Reiha~" Reitei greeted the woman, before walking over to Kentei. Kentei looked to her sister with a nod. Reitei, in turn, smiled, before pulling out a scroll. "Ahem, then… let's get this through with quickly. I have other business to attend to, after all~"
"Eh?" Enshou blinked.
Reitei handed the scroll to the man that was standing next to Kentei, "Here, Kazuto-san~" Now Denhou remembers who he was. He was… Sawada Kazuto Hongou, The Heavenly Messenger. The one who came from Heaven to bring peace in this age of war… He opened the scroll and opened it for all to see. Reitei then smiled. "This is the scroll declaring that I, Reitei, am abdicating the throne of the Emperor and giving it to the one next in line. In this case, it would be my dear little sister, Paitan."
"… Kuutan-sama!" Enshou raised her voice, "That is!"
But Reitei wasn't paying the least bit of attention, as Sawada whispered something in her ear. Reitei coughed a bit before nodding, "Oh, I see… Very well, I'll repeat that. I, Reitei, with sound mind and body, abdicate the position of Emperor of my own free will. The position will then transfer to, as by law, to the next in line, my little sister, Ryuukyou."
"Can you give us an explanation?" One representative asked. "It is unusual for a seated emperor to willingly abdicate, after all."
"The answer's simple~ Paitan's better at the job than me." Reitei smiled, "She's always been helping me out from the very beginning of my rule, so I thought… isn't it fine for her to take care of it anyway? Besides, this way, I don't have to…"
"Oneesama!" Kentei spoke up, interrupting Reitei, "There is no more need for explanation. What you said should be sufficient for everyone." Here she turned to the court, "Correct?"
The representatives all nodded.
"No!" Enshou declared. "Kuutan-sama! If you are being blackmailed, please say so, so that I could-" Denhou could only grow even more and more concerned as Enshou made a fool of herself.
"Are you accusing me of blackmailing my own sister, Lord of Kahoku?" Kentei pointed out.
"I'm fine, Reiha~ The food's really nice, so I'm happy." Reitei smiled, "Now then, I'm done, right? So I'm going back." Reitei left immediately, not minding everyone else.
"…" And with this, Enshou's momentum was taken away from her. No… Denhou realized, that momentum was all imaginary in the first place. This was a trap! They intentionally held back the official declaration of Reitei's abdication until now, when there are representatives from the entire Empire! That way, they can make sure that ALL the states cannot deny Kentei's authority! Because they were all present when Reitei officially abdicated… Now that she thought about it, her sudden appearance… she must've been there the entire time! Denhou knew that she had to stop Enshou from making more of a mess. "Reiha-sama, please calm down."
"… Grr…" Enshou nodded, "If so, now what? Is that all you called me here for?"
"Have you forgotten what this meeting was all about in the first place, Reiha? It was written in the summons, plain as day." Sousou scoffed.
"Sousou-san. As helpful as you are, please only speak when necessary." Kentei mildly scolded Sousou (who merely gave a polite smile in return) before turning to Enshou, "… But I suppose we have prolonged this for far too long, so I'll get to the point. Sawada-sama." Kentei turned to the man in the white and blue clothes, who nodded, and walked forward.
"The Emperor has gathered all of you today to discuss the events revolving Enjutsu and her declaration as Emperor of the Chuu Dynasty." Sawada said authoritatively.
"First of all, I'd like to thank all those who aided us in that time." Kentei nodded, "Bachou of Ryoushuu, Sousou of Enshuu and Yoshuu, Sonken of Koutou, and Kouchuu of Keishuu…"
"It is as our duty." Kouchuu nodded.
"That is the loyalty of the Ba Clan!" Bachou bowed.
"It was my pleasure." Sousou gallantly bowed.
Sonken bowed as well, although choosing not to say anything.
"As for the Lord representative of Seishuu… Kouyuu Bunkyo, your support was appreciated as well." Kentei politely told him. The former Coalition representative lord bowed.
"So?" Enshou interrupted again, causing Denhou to close her eyes, as she realized just how… unsuited Enshou truly was to this sort of thing. Interrupting the Emperor? Not only that but forcing the focus to be returned to her once more? "What does that have to do with me?"
"… The En Clan is a prominent clan of the Kan Dynasty." Kentei pointed out.
"Oh-hohhohhohoh." Enshou laughed in response.
"… May I speak, Kentei-sama?" Sousou raised her voice again. Kentei looked at her before looking towards Sawada. Sawada merely nodded. Sousou took that as her cue immediately, "I suggest you forego with the subtleties. Those sorts of things fly over the head of a fool, after all."
"What did you say, Karin-san!?" Enshou glared.
Kentei merely nodded, turning to Enshou, "… Enshou-san, we called you here to discuss your recent activities. You are aware that you are the premier representative of the En Clan, correct?"
"But of course!" Enshou nodded proudly.
"… Due to the circumstances of Enjutsu's actions, we are all left questioning whether the En Clan… is truly a loyal family."
"… And?" Enshou said, with a frown. "Miu's actions are truly rash, but I don't see why that's my problem?"
"No. It's not just your cousin's actions. You too have made some rather questionable decisions as well." Sawada then pulled out a scroll and opened it, "So we will have you explain each and every one of them."
"And why must I explain myself to you?"
"So you will not explain yourself?" Kentei raised her own voice, "Are you claiming that the En Clan is our enemy?"
"Will you make the En Clan your enemy?" Enshou haughtily returned.
Kentei turned to Sawada, uncertain how to proceed. Sawada nodded, moving forward, "It is not our desire to make the En Clan our enemy. However… you have made no effort to hide that you have decided to be our enemy."
"Huh!?" Enshou growled.
Sawada gave a polite smile. "Let's ignore all actions prior to Kentei's re-emergence."
"Hah? What's that supposed to mean!?"
Denhou groaned. Enshou should really have not spoken up there.
"You aren't aware? You attacked Yuushuu, remember? Kentei was in Yuushuu at the time. However, it is understandable as we did not announce Kentei's existence in Yuushuu… which is probably for the best considering what you did do when Kentei was announced."
"The girl was not Emperor at the time!"
"Reitei has not reemerged at the time either. Kentei, in turn, has been declared Emperor for months. Kentei is, by the law, the Emperor." Sawada rolled his eyes.
"I've received reports that Kuutan was headed to Yuushuu." Enshou triumphantly smirked. "So Reitei is the Emperor!"
Sawada looked at her with a patient smile, "So, you attacked Yuushuu, risking turning the area into a warzone, making it completely dangerous for the one you refer to as the Emperor to travel into?"
"… That's…"
"What if one of your campaigns had accidentally shot at a traveling Reitei, as they moved on the battlefield?"
"Guh…"
"For your information, the risk of Yuushuu being a warzone is what led Reitei to come to Joshuu with the Yuushuu refugees."
"Excuse me!?" Enshou blinked, "Kuutan-sama has acknowledged me as a friend… Also, if I recall correctly, Hongou, Yuushuu's southern border is…" Denhou idly mentally noted that Enshou referred to the Heavenly Messenger as Hongou, as she processed everything.
"Oh, forgive us, for crossing Kishuu without consulting you." Hongou rolled his eyes, "Oh, wait! No we're not. You aren't the Lord of Kishuu, remember?"
"Kahoku and its surrounding towns are-!"
"Kahoku yes, but the refugees did not cross paths there. So don't bicker on that." Hongou continued to politely smile, "Now then, I did say we were going to ignore your actions prior to Kentei's declaration to resume her rule. Still, are there objections from the court?"
"I object to ignoring this." Sousou raised her own voice, "While she may not have known Kentei-sama's presence in Yuushuu, she was more than aware that Reitei-sama was traveling to Yuushuu. It does not take months to travel to Yuushuu. She risked turning Yuushuu into a warzone, where Reitei-sama could get killed. She has shown negligence as an apparent supporter and friend of Reitei-sama."
"Karin-san, you!" Sousou's declaration had quickly dirtied the clean image that Enshou had been trying to present herself as.
"… I will second that objection." Another representative declared. And soon, a cascade of concurrences followed.
"… I see." Hongou nodded, "Now then, moving on from there. Enjutsu's actions."
"I didn't know anything about her declaring herself an Emperor!"
"Very well, we'll give you the benefit of the doubt there." Hongou nodded.
"Should we?" Sousou challenged.
"I refuse to subject anyone to the concept of your bloodline decides your sins," Hongou replied sternly.
"Excuse me?" Sonken raised her voice, "In support of what Enshou has claimed, Enjutsu has specifically ordered people to not inform Enshou of her actions when she declared herself Emperor. I still disagree with Enshou on principle, but, indeed, she was not informed by Enjutsu."
"Is that a mere misdirection, though?" Sousou pointed out. "If Enshou is already in the loop, then there is no reason that she would need to be informed."
"It doesn't matter whether she has anything to do with Enjutsu's rebellion or not." Hongou sighed, "Because what she has done in the past few months is more than enough."
"… Oh, then let's hear it." Sousou nodded.
"Before we go any further!" Ryuubi raised her own voice, "… Enshou-san, we have no intention of making you our enemy."
Enshou huffed. She didn't even look in Ryuubi's direction.
"However," Hongou opened a scroll, "you, in turn, have been making every hostile action in the book."
"Huh?"
"It's been months since we announced both Kentei and Reitei's survival, and Kentei's desire to resume control of the Empire. Yet the En Clan has not sent any envoys. Instead, the En Clan attacked Kishuu's capital, the territory of Kanhyoku Bunsetsu, who was one of our supporters. Kanhyoku has even signed an alliance with Joshuu, in the presence of the Emperor. This alliance is also publicly declared and yet you attacked and captured her territory."
"That was not me." Enshou scoffed, "That was Kayuu."
"A mere mercenary group taking down a city with a military guard? Hardly a convincing argument." Hongou shook his head, as a show. "There are also reports that you personally lent some personnel for said takeover, so, frankly, your declaration that you had no involvement with Kayuu's takeover is blatantly false."
"Guk!" Enshou grimaced.
"Then there's the fact that you then immediately recruited Kayuu into your army, then immediately set out to conquer the rest of Kishuu." Hongou pointed out, "You are not an innocent bystander who managed to reap benefits from the actions of others. You are a willing conspirator."
"…" Enshou, for the first time in a while, was silent. She merely looked with an annoyed glare at Sawada Kazuto.
"Then there are the reports of your negotiations with Seishuu's Lords to travel your army through them."
"Huh!?" Enshou's silence breaks immediately. "How did you kn-"
"Now, who could you possibly be targeting with a request as that?" Hongou glared.
"There is only one state that Reiha would have to cross Seishuu to reach." Sousou scoffed, "And that is the current seat of power: Joshuu."
"Karin-san, you…"
"Let me repeat what I have said, Enshou." Hongou nodded, "You have given us a great many proofs that you are hostile to Kentei and her current administration. Even if we disregard all actions prior to Kentei's reemergence, planning on marching an army to attack Joshuu is more than enough proof to declare the En Clan a clan of traitors who would claim themselves the protectors of the Kan Dynasty, only to stab it in the back when it is weakened."
"How dare you! You're just a boorish man who got a pointless title! How dare you talk to me as such!"
"And even now, it's all about you. Your ego wouldn't even allow you to see past your own self-interest." Hongou struck at the heart of the matter. "Then allow me to paint a picture. You attacked Yuushuu, believing that since Reitei is planning on entering Yuushuu, so that you can 'welcome' her, ignoring that a war in the area would be a danger to her life. You allowed Enjutsu to rebel upon the country that you were 'planning' on handing back to Reitei, even though she publicly refers to herself as another En Clan heiress. You did not even move to reprimand and scold her. Instead, you just cut ties with her, not realizing that it's far too late for that. And you, in turn, have resorted to the same tactic as you have in Yuushuu, attacking the seat of power of the Empire, just so that you can return Reitei to a throne that she does not want to sit upon, all because you believe that she wants to be on it."
"And… as for who gave Sawada Kazuto Hongou the right to speak to you so…" Kentei spoke up again, "It is I. Or have you forgotten my presence once more, Enshou Honsho?"
"… Enshou. We'll give you a simple task. If you wish the En Clan's name to be cleared, call off your rebellion, release your hold of Kishuu and Yuushuu, and end this nonsense. Furthermore, abdicate from the position of Lord of Kahoku." Hongou looked down at her, "You will not be charged with treason, and the En Clan will not be labeled conspirators."
Enshou defiantly looked at him before scoffing, "… I refuse."
"Reiha-sama!" Denhou yelped, feeling as though her stomach is about to burst.
"I will not be bossed around by a boorish man who doesn't even know the legacy and history of the En Clan! You who took the glory of leading the Coalition I gathered, and then allowed that to flop! You…"
"… Then is this treason?" Emperor Ken asked, "Are you truly intending on rebelling against the Kan Dynasty?"
"Was it not the Kan who abandoned us first?" Enshou pointed out, "I did everything for the Kan!"
"You did everything for no one but yourself." Sousou rolled her eyes. "Anyone who was listening will be able to see that for a fact."
"Be quiet, Karin-san!"
"I refuse."
"Enshou-san, please! Just calm down! If you just calm down and listen, we can have a discussion! We can talk this out!" Ryuubi pleaded.
"Talking things out only works for the rational and the weak," Sousou argued against Ryuubi. "Reiha has never been rational, or at least, not rational by the common definition of the word."
"You called me here to entrap me! I will not stand for thi-"
"Enshou. What would you do then?" Hongou asked. "Let us say that you do succeed with your rebellion, what would you do?"
"Huh?" Enshou blinked.
"It's a simple question. What would you do?"
"And why must I answer to that!?"
"… This is exhausting." Sousou rolled her eyes, "You two are just talking over each other. Reiha will not listen. You are wasting your breath. Arrest her and end this nonsense."
"… Answer, so that we know what you want." Kazuto replied. "What do you want from all this? Why are you being stubborn, and how can we make you stop being antagonistic? All we want is peace. Peace for the country. Peace for the land. So stop spouting ad hominems and other nonsensical fallacies and make your case already."
"Return Reitei to her rightful place! And stop acting as if you are some hotshots when you're just some commoner brats who got a bit of power!" Enshou replied.
"Ignoring, yet again, your ad hominems…"
"I don't even know what that means!"
"And then? What then? A single Emperor cannot rule a country, not without good subordinates. Who would Reitei turn to for advice? As a reminder, most of the Eunuchs of the administration have been killed and slain for rebellion."
"There is no need for worry! For I am part of the En Clan! The most prestigious and noble family in the country! My advice is second to none!" Enshou declared easily, not noticing the incredulous looks of all involved. More than a few were miffed by her declaration.
"… No." Kentei shook her head, "This is not worth it anymore."
"Sorry, Touka. I tried." Hongou sighed, "But this is starting to get even stupider by the second." She's not even trying to make a decent argument. "Talking her down feels like it's getting more and more impossible every time she speaks."
"… I was afraid of that…" Ryuubi nodded sadly.
"So you've finally seen the light." Sousou smiled pityingly at them, to which both Hongou and Ryuubi gave a withering glance at her for that. "Did you not say it before? I know Reiha better than anyone in this hall. Her idiocy, her self-centeredness, and her pride in her bloodline are without par."
"Excuse me!?"
Hongou merely turned to the even more offended Enshou, "We were prepared to negotiate with you, we were prepared to acquiesce some things to you if only you would leave us in peace." Hongou sighed, "You keep refusing us every time we tried. You insult the Emperor to her face, even though the one you tout as a superior Emperor has already claimed her as better suited for the role. You keep refusing to see us as at least equals and keep treading on our goodwill. Unfortunately, we don't really have any leeway to be stepped on all over by what's basically a proud child. We will no longer entertain you."
"And why should I even-"
"Leave." Hongou declared. He didn't even give her the luxury of finishing her rebuttal. "The En Clan will be considered the country's enemies. Their wealth was given to them for their services to the Empire. If they have now betrayed the empire, then it is only right for it to be taken away." Here the representatives all nodded.
Now Denhou knew why the representatives were more than happy to allow such a brutal teardown of Enshou. The En Clan is a prominent clan across the empire. If the En Clan, however, was to be declared the enemy of the Empire… then each of them can legally acquire all of their possessions for their own purposes. That's why none of them are speaking up for Enshou. There might be some that are doing this out of loyalty to the Empire, but that's not what most of those here are for.
"Kazuto-kun…" Ryuubi sadly grimaced, "I… is there really no other way now?".
"This is how the world works. If you don't like it, then step down from your position, Ryuubi." Sousou rolled her eyes, "You can demand peace all you want, but if the other party doesn't even respect you as an equal, all they would do is step all over you."
"… When people are stuck to their own beliefs, that they refuse to compromise, then… peace is only a fantasy." Sonken nodded. "A beautiful one, but a fantasy nonetheless."
Ryuubi silently looked at them before slowly… before shaking her head, "Stepping down means that I will be forced to watch as the world descends into war. I won't stand for that, even one bit. So while your suggestion is tempting, Sousou, I cannot do so." Ryuubi then turned to Enshou. "Enshou-san, are you sure about this? Will you really be our enemy?"
"Do you really think any of you can even be my enemy?" Enshou haughtily scoffed. Even now, her pride remained unbroken.
"… Kazuto-kun…" Ryuubi turned to Hongou, "… Can you give her one more chance to think?"
"It will be pointless." Sousou pointed out. "Getting Enshou to compromise is like pulling a fang off a tiger."
"You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink," Hongou replied. "But we need to at least bring them to water first." Hongou gave a small smile to Ryuubi, before turning to Enshou once more, "Enshou, we'll give you one last chance. We'll take a break for now, and then reconvene this afternoon. This should be plenty of time for heads to cool."
"And?" Enshou frowned, "If I don't come?"
"Then the En Clan is an enemy. With all that entails."
Enshou huffed, spinning on her heel, and left the court. Her vassals quickly followed. Denhou made one last look at Josho, who didn't even look in her direction, merely glaring at Enshou's back. Their eyes met and Josho's eyes widened, but by then, it's too late. She has already left their sight, as the doors were closed behind them.
-()-
"… Do you think she'll listen?" Touka asked, worried.
"Hmm… bet you she leaves the city first chance she gets?" Kazuto replied, making it clear what he thought about this.
"Fool's bet." Sousou rolled her eyes. "I'd never take it. If anything, you should have arrested her immediately."
"All soldiers have been given the orders to arrest Enshou if she were to try to leave the city." Kazuto nodded.
"And I told you before, that one is slippery. And even if she is like that, she inspires an absurd amount of loyalty in her soldiers." Sousou frowned, before turning her head to Touka, "If she escapes and causes more destruction, that's on your head, Ryuubi."
"… That's…" Touka could only look away.
"I was the one who gave the order," Kazuto replied. "If…"
"Hongou, don't you dare take the blame completely. You may have some blame, but most of it is at the foot of this girl. If you hadn't been stalled by the girl's naivety, you would've never suggested it."
Kazuto closed his eyes. Sousou's right, of course. He was prepared to have Enshou arrested immediately, rather than prolong this war.
"… Kazuto-kun?"
"… Those sorts of people… reasoning with them is, in the end, an exercise in absurdity." Kazuto decided to say, "You need to knock them down from their high horse, and then, from a position of power, make them stop."
"And the power of the Emperor is not enough to make her bow?" Paitan asked.
"She has a lot of unearned pride in her bloodline, in being a member of the En Clan. She believes that she is unbreakable as long as the En Clan exists."
"If you were aware, then you should've arrested her, right then and there." Sousou pointed out.
"Thank you, Sousou, for your kind suggestion, but what's done is done," Hongou smiled at her bitterly, "For now…" Kazuto turned to Kentei.
"… For now, we'll use this opportunity to discuss the comings and goings of the Empire." Paitan turned to the other representatives, "Please give me your reports."
They might as well make the most of this event.
-()-
Sonken Kouyuu watched the movements of Enshou Honsho, as she huffed out the palace. She watched as they grabbed their weapons and marched towards their inn. She watched as they grabbed their horses from the stables. She watched as they began leaving town.
A soldier stood in front of the mounted quartet.
"… Let us pass, peasant." Enshou snapped at him.
"Enshou Honsho, if you leave town, you will be declared an enemy of the Kan Dynasty." A soldier warned the four, as they walked out. "Same with your subordinates. If any of you four leave, without certification from the Emperor that you have rescinded your intent to invade Joshuu, we have orders to arrest you."
"Arrest me? The representative of the En Clan, the most prestigious clan in all the empire!?" Enshou looked appalled. Mifa wondered: Does she always have to praise her clan every time she says its name?
"Maybe we should just apologize and all that." Bunshuu scratched her head. "I don't think it would be great if we just up and left."
"Iishe, you would have me go back there and beg for forgiveness from that peasant girl!?"
"That peasant girl is one of Emperor Ken's most trusted." The soldier said sternly. "She is recognized as blood by both Emperor Ken and Emperor Rei."
"I don't believe you." Enshou sniffed. "Anyway, I'll be leaving, and you can't stop me!"
"Reiha-sama, please stop!" Denhou yelled, "This is lunacy! Please do not antagonize the soldiers any further!" All they need to do is turn back, apologize, and they'll be out. They can even betray that apology later if she so desperately wanted.
"Machi-san, have you forgotten?" Enshou didn't seem to care. "I am En Honsho, the ruler of Kishuu, and representative of the En Clan, the best clan in the continent! My army is second to none! Even if the entire Empire were to fight against me, they'll fall to the might of my elite soldiers!" The soldiers in front of them bristled, as Enshou insulted them.
"Ah, she went and said it." Bunshuu scratched her head.
"I guess we have no choice now…" Ganryou grimaced. She let go of the reins of her horse, to reach for her weapon.
Denhou could only look at Enshou before sighing. "… I guess that's it then."
"Hmm?"
"… I quit." Denhou declared. She immediately dismounted, Ganryou being too slow to stop her from doing so. "… I served as your advisor, expecting to be listened to when I give advice. However, many times since the invasion of Yuushuu, you have ignored my advice in favor of the former Empress. No. Any time you could turn to me for advice, you simply chose to move forward without consulting anyone. If you want advice, Kataigou-sama should be able to give you what you want."
"Machi-san, you!"
"… I'm surprised it took me this long to do so, really." Denhou gave a peaceful smile. "… Thank you for everything, Enshou-sama. I will not be needing any of the things in my room. Dispose of them as you will."
"Wait, Machi!" Ganryou called out, but Denhou didn't care.
Denhou walked towards the soldier, "… Please… arrest me, and get it over with."
"… Men." The soldier turned to the other soldiers. "The rope." One soldier nodded, having already been holding some rope (likely because they fully expected that they have to arrest the quartet). He walked forward to tie Denhou's wrists as she surrendered herself.
"Don't you dare touch her!" Enshou growled, "Machi is my vassal! Only I am permitted to…"
"Bun-chan!"
"Eh, ah, Toshi!? What are you-!?"
*CRAAAASH!*
"""GAAAAH!""" A giant hammer smashed into the guards blocking the entrance.
"Toshi!?" Enshou blinked.
"Let's go, Reiha-sama! We need to leave now!" Ganryou declared, her eyes hidden from view.
"Not without-"
"Sorry about this, Reiha-sama~" Bunshuu then slapped the back of Enshou's horse with her sword. With a great neigh, the horse bolted through the hole that Ganryou had created through the soldier's barricade.
"… You will regret this!" Enshou called, as she is whisked away, "All of you! You will regret making En Honsho your enemy!"
And with those parting words, Enshou Honsho and her two vassals made their escape. Denhou stood still there, not even trying to leave, as the soldiers got their bearings back.
"… Truly. Thank you for everything." Denhou bowed, as a twinge of loneliness engulfed her.
Mifa merely walked over. "… I'll take things from here."
-()-
Ryofu Housen looked at an empty field. After Enshou had passed by, she had decided for the group to rest up.
A runner, quickly left on a horse, likely to deliver the news that had just been relayed to her back to Joshuu's Capital.
"… Ren-dono."
"… It's fine."
"If Ren-dono says so but…"
Nenene rarely had doubts about Ren's word. She's like a yes-man for everything Ren does. It just goes to show just how dire the situation is. However… one of the brief glances that Ryofu took from Ei's book told her all she needed to know on how to deal with the problem.
"Numbers matter little." Ryofu nodded, pulling at the bow that she had strapped on her shoulder.
"But it's a really big army, and we're just one platoon!"
"Numbers matter little," Ryofu repeated to assure her. Her instincts are telling her all that she needed to know. She knew exactly what to do.
The cloud sits at the edges of the sky, as it floats about freely, unchained. There is no need for Ryofu to be given command. If Ryofu is at a disadvantage, she'll escape. If Ryofu is at an advantage, she'll attack. Simple as that. For she is the Cloud whose duty is to protect the sky, from an independent standpoint. While the other Guardians are bound by duty, all she was bound by is a promise.
Sawada Kazuto had beaten her once before. Yet he invited her to his home, had given her all she needed, and protected those she cared about. Ren owed him far too much to abandon him here.
And so, there's only one thing she needs to say to any who would dare harm the peace that they've worked so hard to try and achieve: "… Come. I'll defeat you."
This is the quiet yet proud boast of the Ikkitousen, the Flying General, the Continent's Strongest Warrior, Ryofu Housen.
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: May 28, 2021
Last Edited: January 17, 2022
-()-
Beta Reader:Seraphius
Many things could've gone better. But this felt like the most in-character way for things to resolve, at least for my story. It might feel rather stupid that Touka let Enshou go, and that Kazuto let her, and even I would agree that it's stupid, but… well… That's just how Touka and Kazuto are in their current relationship. Kazuto always had a tendency to indulge Touka's ideals, forgoing pragmatism.
Maybe the outcome of this oncoming war against Enshou will change that. Who knows? See you next week!