Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~
Chapter 014: The First Step of the Little Conqueror
Disclaimer: I have no ownership over Koihime Musou, or any other variation of the game and other counterparts. Several new OCs into the Koihime world will be introduced here.
On that note, additional credits to Koihime Musou Wikia, a website I just recently discover around the time I wrote the last chapter that help me out a lot in information about some additional characters that I wished to add in or made me want to add them in.
Kazuto's P.O.V.
Since the Hei-Shuu Forces have fallen, the Anti-Chou-Jou Coalition was dissolved. We went back to Yuu-Shu with our new comrades: Ryo-Fu, Chin-Kyuu, Tou-Taku, Ka-Ku, and also Chou-Sen, who for some reason decided to tag along.
About two months after the Anti-Tou-Taku Campaign ended with the Coalition's Victory, as we were doing our daily jobs in Yuu-Shu, a messenger arrived. As we were wondering where that messenger is from, he gave us the message:
"The Chief Magistrates of Yuu-Shu, Hongou and Ryuu-Bi. For your achievements during the punishment of Tou-Taku, you are promoted to be the Magistrates of Jo-Shou…"
After saying all that in a bossy way, the messenger gave Touka-chan a seal and left.
"The Magistrates of Jo-Shou," Touka-chan repeated after the messenger left, "This is amazing! We are not only the magistrate of one Province but two now…"
"I do not think it works that way," Nenene sighed in displeasure.
"What do you mean?" Aisha wondered.
"Basically," Ei voiced, having been in the room with Yue serving tea to us, "Whoever issue this position is telling you to stop being the magistrates of Yuu-Shu and move to Jo-Shou while they shall send someone else to govern Yuu-Shu in your places…"
"…! No way~!" Touka-chan exclaimed, "What about Rou-Sou City!? What of its people!? I have a responsibility to them! They chose us!"
"…That's true," I hummed, "The citizens of Rou-Sou City for one don't trust the Imperial Court any longer, let alone some new power…"
"However," Hinari hummed in thought, "Jo-Shou is known to be a fertile and well suited province that any warlord could thrive in. Benefits from agricultural harvesting and raw materials outweigh what can be found here in Yuu-Shu…"
"Plus," Shuri added, "Yuu-Shu and Ju-Shou are practically neighbors, so it is not as if we are leaving Yuu-Shu completely, we are simply moving next-door…"
"Hmm~," I hummed in thought, "I suppose if you think it like that, it's okay. But that doesn't change the fact that we are going to leave the people of Yuu-Shu behind…"
"Yes," Aisha began as well, "But according to Hinari, our strength can grow more in Jo-Shou. Unless we are content to being a minor force, moving to Jo-Shou is our only option…"
"…I guess we just have to explain it the citizens. Right now, we don't really have the power to oppose such an order…"
"…Well," Touka-chan suddenly smile, "If we tell them that we are going to Jo-Shou so that the citizens there can smile everyday like we do here, they would understand our position better too…"
"Oh~!" Hinari exclaimed, "That is one way to think about it as well…"
"Right," I smiled, "This city, and all of Yuu-Shu is now a place where everyone can live at ease, thanks to everyone's effort. Let's use what we learned here in the new Province…"
"Yes," Touka-chan nodded eagerly, "Well, everyone, let us prepare to move then!"
"Moving~, moving~, Let us get moving~!" Rinrin sang.
Shuri giggled. "And to think, it is almost fate that Our Lady is to govern Jo-Shou…"
"…? Why is that?" Aisha tilted her head in confusion.
"Jo-Shou is the very same province in which the first emperor of the Kan Dynasty, Ryuu-Hou Koso, originated from. For My Lady, it shall be a home-coming of a sort…"
"Oh~!"
"I am the heir of the Prince of Chuu-Zan, Ryuu-Shou, after all," Touka-chan induced, "Anyhow, once we inform everyone about this, all we can do is to leave Yuu-Shu in the hands of our successors…even though it is a bit regretful…"
"A lot has happened here after all," Aisha smiled in remembrance.
"We fought the Yellow Scarves from this town," I began to list as I went back through my memory, "maintained security, worked on domestic affairs…"
"Whipping that stupid inspector," Rinrin added with a devious grin.
"Hah, that too," We all laughed at that, "…really, a lot…"
"Indeed," Aisha nodded, "But, using those experiences, we can aim higher at Jo-Shou…"
"Past is past," Rinrin stated, "Future is future!"
"Indeed," Shuri nodded before getting us back on the topic of moving, "Then, Hinari-chan and I shall prepare the documents…"
"Rinrin and I shall prepare the troops for transferring," Aisha volunteered herself and Rinrin.
"Understood," Hinari nodded before turning to Yue, Ei, and Nenene, "Yue-san, Ei-san, Nenene-san, may we ask that you handle the household goods?"
"Yes," Yue nodded, "Leave them to us…"
"Sigh~," Ei sighed, "I suppose that is what we attendants are supposed to do after all…"
"…Going from a strategist to a housemaid," Nenene sighed, "What did Ei-sensei do to deserve this?"
"Please do not remind me…"
"…I guess that leaves us with informing the citizen of Rou-Sou," I spoke to Touka-chan.
"I prefer no other task," Touka-chan nodded, "Well, everyone! Let us start the preparation to move~!"
At Touka-chan's cheer, everyone went to their own business. Following everyone with my eyes, I thought about the future that awaits us…
As Kazuto and his comrades prepared themselves to move to Jo-Shou, in Kou-Tou the Son Family and the Kou-Tou Army of Chou-Sa City were preparing to make some finalization to their military force. What they gather is not an army for justice or defense, but rather an army for conquest. Since returning to Kou-Tou, for nearly two months everyone had been working to strengthen what remains of the Kou-Tou Forces. Their objective: securing the immediate small regions around them.
Meirin and Non had made themselves busy formulating battle plans they shall be participating in. Kan-Nei, Kou-Gai, Shuu-Tai and Ryou-Mou meanwhile had been busy training the new recruits that are eager to join. The army now reaches a number of Two-Hundred-Fifty-Thousand.
Why did so many decided to join the Kou-Tou Army of Chou-Sa City? Some would claim that the Kou-Tou Forces' participation in the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition amplify their reputation as a strong force. Some claimed that the rumors about the Son Family possessing the Imperial Seal reinforce the people's belief that they shall one day rule the realm.
But if one was to ask anyone in Chou-Sa City, the Kou-Tou Army, or even the Son Family and the Generals of their Inner Circle one name is given as to why the Army is expanding (even though one may hesitate to admit it): Taiki Sonoma, the Young Tiger of Kou-Tou.
He too had participated in the Anti-Chou-Jou Coalition and has his name spread throughout the land. His reputation for aiding in the capture of Ryo-Fu through strength and his overfriendly connection to En-Jutsu had only serve to allow him to be renown as a mighty warrior everyone in this chaotic time is waiting for.
It was his presence that allows the Kou-Tou Army to rally this massive army in the south, but it didn't mean he wasn't having a difficult time. Nearly two months ago, not long after the Coalition ended, Taiki was seriously injured in the line of duty protecting the Son Family and was supposed to have spent the two months recovering.
But Taiki, being Taiki, wasn't one to be inactive even while heavily injured. For weeks afterwards, Taiki would try to get out of his incarceration and participate in helping out, whether it's training the newly recruits or helping out in the farm field, and every time someone has to force him back in bed (which was surprisingly difficult because Taiki was still incredibly strong regardless of his war injuries).
A compromise was established, therefore, where Taiki can only wander out to inspect and aid in a verbal manner while Sai volunteer to be his escort. Whether or not the compromise is effective…
…is still up to debate.
"Eyes on the ball~~~!" Taiki called out.
Among the many things Taiki could still do is help train some of the new recruits, though he is force to remain only verbally issuing the training session (in other words coaching). His method of training was unusual; instead of military drills, Taiki had insisted to have the recruits participate in the various sports he has introduced. Meirin, still critic about Taiki, initially refused but eventually comply since for some reason the newly recruits are becoming more skillful whenever participating in these sport games rather than they do in standard military training. Currently, Taiki is coaching a game of Volleyball.
"Two hands, Recruit#03~~! God gave you two hands for a reason~~! Recruit#11, don't just watch, go after the ball~~! Good pass, Recruit#08, keep it up! Recruit#01, watch those Spikes~~!"
"C-Careful, Recruit#02!" Sai called as well; at some point, Sai became caught up in the game as well, joining many that are eagerly watching or rooting for their favorite side, "Recruit#07 is right behind you! Don't run into him! Recruit#09, you have team members! Let them help you~! Good job, Recruit#04; you have earn your unit a point!"
(Note from Normama: Sai and Taiki are not being jerks by not calling out the recruits' actual name. First, the Volleyball players are wearing shirts with designated numbers; they're using that. Secondly, give me a break; I can't come up with names for all side-characters that would appear!)
It would be a while later before the game concluded and other teams eagerly took the playing team's place to start another round. Taiki and Sai, by then, decided to move on to see how the other sport games are doing.
"So many games going on, so little time," Taiki chuckled as glance over at Sai, "On that note, I'm glad you seem to be enjoying yourself, Sai…"
"… …Please stop," Sai flushed, remembering how she too was cheering while watching the game, "It was so embarrassing; I do not why, but every time I watch these games with you, this burning passion, not too dissimilar to ones I feel during battle, swell up in me and I loss myself…"
Taiki laughed. "Yeah, watching [sports] does that to you. You get excited eventually even if you're not interested…"
"I heard that just the other day, Meirin was also affected by the enthusiasm; she has not volunteered to go around inspecting the spore-oath since…"
Taiki chuckled a bit at the fact that Meirin finding that her enjoying the sport's contagious atmosphere embarrassing and the fact that Sai was trying hard to repeat the English word [Sport].
"…So how are you feeling Taiki?"
"Hmm? … … …Oh~! You're talking about my war injuries! Yeah, I don't feel the pain when I move my muscle anymore. I give myself another day and I'll be back to normal~!"
"Normally with those types of injuries, two months are not nearly enough…"
Taiki laughed. "I've been told that…"
"…Taiki…do you not enjoy my company?"
"HUH!? Where did that came from?"
Sai pouted. "It just seems to me that you are in a hurry to get out of having an escort…"
"Of course, I rather have you here as a friend or companion than a bodyguard; escorts are too uptight for me…"
"…! A-Ah, I see…" Sai blinked at his answer with a flushed face, before turning her head about, hearing distant cheers from every direction, "Chou-Sa keeps getting livelier and stronger with every passing day…"
"It sure has," Taiki laughed in agreement as he glances about to see various other sports ongoing, "People don't usually want to work to get stronger; people are lazy by nature. They need some way to be motivated; they need a way to get stronger without realizing it. [Sports] help with that…"
"Effectively, yes. When they lose, they urge themselves to get stronger to win next time. The usual training only seems like an exhausting obstacle course in comparison…"
"…-Oi~! Sai-dono~!" A voice called out from ahead; the two turn to see Ashe jogging up to them, "Taiki~!"
"Yo~! Ashe~!" Taiki called to greet, "What's up? What's the big rush?"
"Did something happen?" Sai questioned.
"Sheren-sama wants us to come to meet up in the Throne Hall," Ashe informed, halting in front of the two, "I think she's feeling ready to take the next step now…"
"Oh~!" Taiki cupped his chin, "This got to be good…"
Sai nodded eagerly. "Then let us not keep Sheren waiting then…"
"…Ryuu-Pyou has sent that much again?" Sheren sweat dropped.
"I am afraid so," Meirin confirmed, clicking away on an abacus, "Adding this recent one, we have over Ten Thousand Horse, Eighty-Thousand Catty of Rice, Two-Hundred Jugs of Fragrant Wine, and Sixty-Thousand Sets of Armors and Weapons…"
"…That is a huge amount," Renfa sweat dropped, "all under just two months since we bless Ryuu-Pyou with those lavish gifts…"
"Which the old man didn't exactly deserve," Shaoren pouted, recalling the story of how the Kou-Tou Force was ambushed by the Forces of Kei-Shuu.
"Logistically," Non noted, "I do not believe we will be any short of supply for the upcoming campaign due to the offerings by Ryuu-Pyou…still, I find it hard to believe that we would receive this much…"
"It just goes to show us how much Ryuu-Pyou is regretting his attack upon us," Renfa sighed, "Though for some reason, I feel like the bad guy here…"
"Ryuu-Pyou had it coming to him," Meirin noted, "There is no point in feeling pity for a villain pretending to be a hero…"
"And we are constantly reminding him of that," Sheren chuckled before noticing Ashe, Sai and Taiki entering, "Ah, Sai-dono and Ashe…"
"We greet our Ladyship," The two bow in greeting.
Sheren nodded at the two before turning to Taiki. "And how are you doing, Taiki?"
"Nearly ready for duty again, Sheren!" Taiki flexed his right arm with a smirk.
"That's good to hear. Because we shall be in need of your strength in the campaign we are about to enter…"
"You can count on me~!"
Meirin grumbled, rolling her eyes, before coughing for attention. "Here is the general strategy: We shall first strike Tan-Yo, governed by Ryuu-Yao; Tan-Yo once belonged to Go-Sei-dono, a relative of the Son Family, until Ryuu-Yao stole it from him. After that, we shall spread further south throughout the rest of the Age-Shuu, starting from Yuu-Chan to Go-Gun and finally to Hue-I-Ji. If we can accomplish this, all of Kou-Tou aside from Kei-Shuu will be united…"
"So we are pretty much plowing our way through the southeast of the country, huh?"
"…Basically. The problem is that Ryuu-Yao has a number of gifted generals under his command. Though they will not trouble us in the short run…"
"They may hold up enough resistance to temporarily halt our momentum down southeast," Renfa concluded, "Giving the Commanderies of Yuu-Chan, Go-Gun and Hue-I-Ji a chance to gauge our strength and prepare themselves accordingly for our arrival…"
"Correct. Additionally, Tei-Fu-dono guards the Go-Gun, the Commandery right after we conquer Yuu-Chan. She shall easily gauge our strength by then and prepare accordingly…"
"…? Tei-Fu?" Taiki noted in surprise, "Tei-Fu Tokupou is our enemy?"
"…? Taiki," Sai blinked, "Do you know Sui Rey-san?"
"That's her true name, huh? Well, no I don't know her personally, but I thought she was on our side…"
Sai sighed sadly at this. "Well, she was. But since the passing Lady Bundai, she removed herself from our inner circle…"
"Seriously!?"
"…Yes," Sheren sighed sadly, "She was one of the three closest to Mother, Sai being one of them. When Mother died, she blamed my recklessness for being the cause and was pretty much against me in every conversation we had since. Weeks before your arrival, Taiki, she left to for Go-Gun, which has long since broken off from our control, and has since seized authority there. Last I heard she, she has become Go-Gun's governor…"
"Uh-huh," Taiki nodded in understanding before frowning, "Wait, she's good with wars, right? Why are we saving her second to last then?"
"Because, Taiki Sonoma," Meirin huffed, "Tei-Fu-dono has an exceptionally large army; the plan is to reabsorb Tan-Yo and Yuu-Chan, obtain both of their armies, and used them to even the odds against Tei-Fu-dono…"
"Have you tried asking her nicely to return?"
Meirin rolled her eyes in frustration. "Tei-Fu-dono is a proud warrior and far from indecisive in any decision she makes! How can that possibly work!?"
"Now, now, Meirin," Sheren chuckled, "Don't get so agitated. Taiki has yet to meet her before, so he would not know how she would react…"
"Even so, there is something call common logic, Sheren! Has asking someone who has been hostile to you to be friends again ever work?"
"Yeah," Taiki answered immediately, raising his hand.
"…Eh!?" Everyone sounded in shock.
"Y-You're joking, right?" Shaoren sweat dropped.
"Nope," Taiki shook his head, "I was in a situation like that before and I definitely did pull through with that idea…"
"What story was that?"
"Well, as you all know, I'm friends with both Kazuto and Izumi-chan…"
Provinces away, Izumi managed to muffle a nearly unexpected sneeze. It didn't take her long to guess that Taiki was talking her in an all too familiarly way again. After sighing in contemplation of the fact that she isn't able to do anything about it, she return back her work.
"…and like any friends, there were times that we argue. I don't exactly recall what we were arguing about, but there was this one time that it was so serious that Izumi-chan and I were practically at each other's throats. It got so bad that when the both of us snap at Kazuto, who was just trying to diffuse the argument, and he got really mad; I mean really, really, really, really mad, lectured the two of us briefly and walked off before we could respond! I seriously sense a [disturbance in the force] then; it was also one of the first times I've seen Izumi-chan looking so pale! He didn't acknowledge our existences for two freaking months afterwards, and we cross path with each quite often too! It took two months of constant apologies before he started talking to us again and even longer before we were back to the way we were again…"
Everyone sweat dropped after Taiki concluded his story.
"T-This Kazuto guy must have been scary if even you admitted that, Taiki," Shaoren managed.
"Well, yeah!" Taiki nervously chuckled, "Izumi-chan and I since then agreed not to piss him that far ever again. Meirin's hostile scolding is nothing compare to a silently angered Kazuto Hongou; it literally felt like I'm a criminal at an execution site with his head about to be chopped off…"
"…T-That bad!?" Sheren sweat dropped; it's one thing saying it was scarier than when Meirin gets mad, but it's another putting it on the same fear as about being executed.
"Yeah. So to answer your question, Meirin, yes it does work…eventually…"
Meirin grumbled. "…W-Well, I suppose it would not hurt trying such a method in order to avoid war with Tei-Fu-dono. But that also means Sheren must be the one to write the letter to demonstrate her sincerity in this peaceful conclusion…"
"I don't really mind doing that," Sheren admitted with a sad smile, "After all, Tei-Fu-dono is right in reasoning mother's death is my doing…"
"Nee-sama," Renfa muttered in worry until she notices Taiki drawing closer to Sheren and…
FLICK-BAM! "Da-OW!" Sheren yelped in shock and pain, holding her forehead after Taiki flicked in hard, "T-T-Taiki!?"
"Taiki Sonoma!" Meirin exclaimed in shock and anger, "What are you doing-!?"
"Oi, Sheren~!" Taiki bellowed with a comical "looming silhouette of rage" face, "Don't go all remorseful on us; you did nothing wrong in this case!"
"Eh!? But I did cause Mother to-!" Sheren managed before Taiki…FLICK-BAM…flicked her forehead again, "OW!"
"Okay, fine! Maybe it was your fault that your Mother died, but it was and is still Tei-Fu Tokupou who's at fault for breaking Go-Gun off even further from the rest of Kou-Tou! She can't possibly use that as an excuse; it like say a thief can get away with stealing because he robbed from someone who wronged him! Your mother's case is that case and Tei-Fu's desertion case is this case; don't mix the two up! So you better not write something like it is all your fault that this happen!"
"Eh!? How did you-!?"
"Sure this case is similar with my case with the angry Kazuto, but there's a difference! In my case, Kazuto didn't do anything to get us to snap at him and he avoid us because he didn't want to shatter our relationship any further; in this case, Tei-Fu is just using your mistake to further distance herself from you for personal reasons, like a kid bringing up the fact that their parent wrong them over and over again to get what they want! You can't let that happen, or it'll never end!"
"… …I-I suppose… …but it's not that easy…"
"Oh?"
"…After listening to you and all, I know what I have to do but that means I have to face my past mistake…when I have been shamefully running from for so long…"
"Ah~!" Sai nodded in understanding; she has a good guess what Sheren meant. It means Sheren must write to Tei-Fu how she might have been wrong, it is still not right for her to declare independent for that reason; in short, Sheren must admit to accepting her past and urge Tei-Fu to move on just like her. That would be difficult since Sheren is still somewhat haunted by the consequence of her action-…
FLICK-BAM! "OW~~~~!" Sheren suddenly exclaimed again, having been flicked hard on the forehead again by Taiki (obviously stunning everyone again). By now the area where she is constantly being flicked at is beginning to seethe from pain, swelling up a bit. "T-Taiki~~! What was THAT for!?"
"What are you doing, indeed!?" Meirin scolded only to become flabbergasted when Taiki laughed.
"It doesn't matter," Taiki waved it off, "It's all in the past…"
"What-!? Don't sugarcoat this!"
"Yes!" Sheren rubbed her sore forehead, "It still hurts after all…"
"Oh, yes, the past can still hurt," Taiki nodded sympathetically before brightening, "But as a wise old shaman once said, 'the way I see you can either run from it…or…learn from it'…"
Taiki suddenly aimed for another flick on Sheren's forehead, but this time Sheren caught his hand before he could do so.
"See~? So what are you going to do?"
Sheren blinked at Taiki's question before giggling and raising her hand up in defeat. "I got it, I got it~! I will not write such a submissive message anymore, okay?"
"Yosh!" Taiki nodded in satisfaction, before he cringe his face and pointing at his cheek.
"…? W-What are doing now?"
"I flicked your forehead three times, so now you can punish me three times, like punching my face three times or something! Ready whenever you are!"
Sheren blinked rapidly at this before suppressing her swelling giggles. "I shall remember that and save it for later…"
"EH~~~!? You're not going to do it now~~!?"
"You are still recovering, Taiki, and I also need you to be at a hundred percent on the campaign. I shall save beating the crap out of you afterwards…Is. That. Clear~?"
"…Somehow, that's scarier, but okay…"
Sheren chuckled at Taiki's comical nervousness before turning sternly back to the rest of the comrades. "Yosh! Everyone, prepare for battle. Once the final preparations are complete, we march for Tan-Yo!"
"As you wish!" Everyone sounded off in acknowledgement.
Days later, in the Commandery of Go-Gun, sitting in the chair of a study hall is a woman with long waist-length blue hair with a decorative magenta-color hair ornament tied above her left ear. Her hair fringe slightly hid the small mole under the left side of tender lilac eyes. She wore an exotic red Chinese dress, expressing her well-proportional pale-skin body that easily matches Kou-Gai, with thick long finger-less gloves with wide finned cuffs on the tops.
Despite her appealing looks, anyone standing in the same room with her could testify the deep battle aura of someone demanding respect from those around her. She was also currently in a bad mood since she has receive a message from one of the last person she want to hear from.
"…Tei-Fu-dono," she calmly read the letter, "While we share our differences for each other, we were once comrades who fought side-by-side with each other under the leadership of my Late Mother. I am determined to reunite the region of Kou-Tou under the Son Family flag once again and I insist that you rejoin me in this campaign in memory of my Late Mother. I do not wish for us to fight if we can, but if you insist on standing in my way then I shall face you with full force. I shall not allow your petty resentment for me justify your excuse to ruin my Late Mother's wish to reunite Kou-Tou…"
Silent for a moment, Tei-Fu Tokupou gave a scornful huff before dropping the message on her table.
"Petty resentment, she calls it," she huffed, "She caused the death Bundai-dono, her own mother, and she expect me to forgive her? Such a child; it is such recklessness that allowed it happen in the first place!"
Tei-Fu got up out of her chair and made her way over to the doorway. She peers outside, spotting the dimly-lit moon in the sky.
"Bundai-sama, your elder child is still as reckless as always; she has completely disregarded the fact that you fell in battle because of that! I cannot accept it! I am sorry; I do not wish to have to fight your own flesh and blood by detaching myself from her but I now see I must teach her a lesson once and for all! If Son-Saku Hakufu brings war to me, than I shall show her why I am one of Son-Ken Bundai most-respected veteran general!"
Words of Sheren's campaign to conquer the all of Age-Shuu quickly reached Tan-Yo Commandery. Ryuu-Yao, the current governor of Tan-Yo scrambled to ready his army to repel the Kou-Tou Force of Chou-Sa City. Word has it that he is so worry, he himself lead the army to confront them.
"How many soldiers do they have?" Sheren wondered out loud as she watches everyone scrambling to set up the base camp.
"It is hard to say," Meirin mumbled, "Tan-Yo is a relatively large Commandery; perhaps, about Ten to Eleven Thousand?"
"That's small~!" Taiki frowned in disappointment, "Didn't we have like a good Forty to Fifty Thousand back when we left for Raku-You to join the Coalition?"
"I understand where you are going, Taiki Sonoma, but I am only counting those that Ryuu-Yao could possibly gather with his own ability. If he is more capable, then he could have at least Seventy to Eighty Thousand…"
"Wow! Seriously!?"
Sheren chuckled at Taiki's reaction. They are all part of the expedition force that intends retake Tan-Yo back into Kou-Tou. Despite Meirin's warning, Sheren decided to bring only Thirty Thousand Soldiers and Five Hundred Horsemen, putting her army in numbers of Thirty-Five Thousand in all. On this trip, aside from Sheren, Meirin and Taiki, Shishun along with Minmei, Shaoren and Sai has also tagged along; everyone else has remain behind to manage Chou-Sa City, training soldiers and solving any internal affairs that could affect them in the long-run.
"Anyway, Meirin," Sheren intervened, "what of the enemy's base camp location?"
"That I am unaware of at the moment," Meirin admitted, "But they should be relatively close by. I shall send out scouts soon…"
"Hold that order, Meirin," Sheren smirked as she head over to one of the horses nearby, "I shall go find them and check them out myself…"
"… …You are going to WHAT!?"
"In a battle like this, I rather confirm the location and the formation of enemy with my own eyes rather than leaving it to the vague description of the scouts. Anyone care to join me~?"
"That too reckless!"
"Okay~!" Taiki cheered as he too picked out a horse, "I'll tag along~!"
"Taiki Sonoma! Art thou not supposed to dissuade her instead!?"
Taiki laughed. "A bodyguard's duty is to protect their master wherever they go not prevent them from going…"
"Well put Taiki," Sheren giggled, "Where do you propose we should start the search?"
"How about up those hills?" Taiki suggested, pointing out several mounts not too far from their campsite, "They're pretty high and if can spot the enemy from up there, we can see their formation and condition too…"
"Good idea…"
"W-Wait!" Meirin managed before both of them galloped off towards the hill, "… …Curse it~~~! Shishun! Minmei!"
In a matter of seconds, the two appeared before her.
"You called?" Minmei questioned.
"Sheren and Taiki Sonoma have galloped off up those hills!" Meirin informed, as she hastens towards a horse, "We must follow! Gather up some troops and we shall follow after them!"
"Understood!" Shishun nodded before both she and Minmei scrambled to gather a selected number of soldiers.
"Honestly," Meirin grumbled as she glares at the hill, "Sheren can be quite reckless as always, and that Taiki Sonoma is not helping!"
Meanwhile in the enemy's camp, a scout rushed to his commander with a report.
"Commander!" he began, "The Enemy Commander Son-Saku has been sighted on top of the hills with only one bodyguard…"
"What!?" the commander, who is Ryuu-Yao himself, exclaimed, "Son-Saku herself!? Are you sure!?"
"Yes, without a doubt, commander!"
Ryuu-Yao pondered for a moment on this information. "There is no way she would simply come out with only one bodyguard! This must be a trap!"
"…I would disagree, My Lord," a young voice argued, "I say there is no trap at all!"
"…?" Ryuu-Yao turn to an adolescence girl cover mostly in thick crimson armor, with shoulder-length dark-red hair with left half braided poking out from underneath her helmet, a cute and delicate face to match her playful green eyes. "What are you talking about, Taishi-Ji?"
"I have heard that Son-Saku-dono is reckless by nature. It is possible that she really did come alone with only one bodyguard in order to determine our strength…"
At that, Ryuu-Yao laughed. "No one can be that reckless! This is clearly a trap to lure us out…"
"Even so, My Lord, we must not let this rare chance escape! Please give me the order to go and catch her!"
"Do not be foolish; I can't possibly send my men into an obvious trap! But if you insist on going, then you must go alone!"
"Thank you, My Lord!" Taishi-Ji Shigi bowed before obtaining a steed and riding off towards the hills.
"…Hah! What a fool! She dares charge in, knowing it is a trap!?"
"…Surely this is what people mean when they called her a 'Wild Boar'!" One of the subordinates of Ryuu-Yao laughed, giving the other Generals a chance to laugh too.
"…They really are just on the other side!" Taiki chuckled in amusement as he and Sheren survey the enemy's camp from on top of the hill, "I say they got a good Ten to Eleven Thousand, just like Meirin said…"
Sheren nodded. "Yes. And look there! Those tents are supply tents; large ones for that matter! It shows that this is not an expedition force. Ryuu-Yao must have brought all the soldiers he could muster here…"
"Heh~! You must have really spooked the guy…"
"I supposed so… …Wait, that would mean his city must be nearly defenseless!"
"Oh? You got something in mind to do?"
Sheren nodded before noticing someone approaching. "Taiki!"
"Yeah, I see him—or rather her!"
"Eh!?"
"Halt!" the girl called as she position herself between them and the road back to their camp, "Is the lady there Son-Saku-dono!?"
"Oh~!" Sheren awed, having taken a closer look at the girl; despite her wearing thick crimson armor, it didn't stop her (or Taiki) from seeing how young and cute she is, "Are you not a cute one~! And yes, I am Son-Saku…"
"And I'm Taiki Sonoma," Taiki greeted with a friendly smile, "You can just call me Taiki, though…"
"Sonoma?" the girl noted, "…Ah~! The rumor 'Young Tiger of Kou-Tou'!"
"The same! So who are you?"
"Hah! I am Taishi-Ji Shigi, a subordinate of Ryuu-Yao! I have come just for the head Son-Saku-dono, but I suppose I can try my luck and bag a Young Tiger while I am at it~!"
Sheren giggled at the confidence of Taishi-Ji. "Such confidence for someone so young and adorable~! Right, Taiki?"
Taiki nodded with a chuckle. He too knows who Taishi-Ji is historically, being his second favorite character in games related to the Three Kingdoms.
"Taiki, I have taken a liking to this girl. I wish to test her resolve personally~!"
"As you wish, Sheren," Taiki nodded, moving out of the way to give Sheren a clear path to Taishi-Ji.
Taishi-Ji, meanwhile, glance between Taiki and Sheren in confusion before addressing Taiki. "Hey, what kind of bodyguard are thee, letting me fight thy Lord so easily?"
"Can't be help~! An order is an order; I'll have a match against you next time~!"
Taishi-Ji laughed. "I see, but do not worry! You shall be next soon~!"
"Do not bite more than you can chew now, Taishi-Ji-chan," Sheren cooed, readying her Straight Sword.
"Ah! Rian is just fine, Son-Saku-dono…"
"Eh? Rian is your true name, no? Are you sure?"
"I am going to take your head anyway~!" Taishi-Ji glee as she prepare her Twin Iron Rods, "And I rather like people who fights their own battle rather than hiding behind their shields~!"
Sheren giggled. "If that's the case, you may call me Sheren then…"
"Very well, Sheren-dono, I shall have your head!"
"Ha! Come and try, Rian-chan!"
With that, Taiki watch as the two charged at each other.
"Yah!" Taishi-Ji roared as she swung one of her Iron Rods at Sheren.
WHOOSH! CLASH! But Sheren easily blocked it with her sword.
"My turn!" Sheren echoed as she swung her sword down at Taishi-Ji. "Hah!"
WHOOSH! CLASH! But, just like Sheren, Taishi-Ji blocked it.
"Not bad!" Taishi-Ji complimented, before striking towards the side of Sheren's abdomen, "But I still got more!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"So do I~!" Sheren retorted playfully before striking back…WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Block this one!" Taishi-Ji suddenly aimed for Sheren's head…WHOOSH!
"I am not that stupid~!" Sheren sneered playfully as she dodged the attack before aiming at her opponent's forehead…WHOOSH!
"Whoa, you nearly got me there~!" Taishi-Ji complimented before aiming for Sheren's neck…WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Ugh, a good swing there, Rian-chan!" Sheren grunted before countering…WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Eek-! Nearly fell there!" Taishi-Ji balanced herself on her steed before resuming her attack…WHOOSH!
Taiki continued to watch from the sideline, getting more excited as the duel raged on. He had heard accounts of the duel between Son-Saku and Taishi-Ji before, but the real thing (well, close to the real thing) outmatch any form of accounts. Of course, that doesn't mean Taiki wasn't ready to jump in at a moment's notice to save Sheren; he gripped his metal bat in anticipation.
"Whew~!" Sheren managed a chuckled as she dodge a swing from Taishi-Ji, "I must admit, Rian-chan, you are better than I thought! I cannot let my guard down even for a second!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"And you are far better than even the rumors says, Sheren-dono," Taishi-Ji complimented, "As is your recklessness! I have been dueling you for a while now, yet still no sign of an ambush~!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Well, I did not really come here to do anything more than scout the enemy's camp myself~!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"I knew it!" WHOOSH!
"Well, I didn't expect Ryuu-Yao to have such a talented General like yourself…" WHOOSH!
"Thanks~! But that does not change the fact that I must claim your head, Sheren-dono!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"I would actually denounce you if you were swayed that easily, Rian-chan!" WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Of course, if I let you go, Sheren-dono, you shall no doubt grow into a dangerous threat in the future!" WHOOSH!
"…Darn it," Taiki grumbled a bit regret, "I wish I had [popcorns] with me! Watching this fight is f**king addicting~!"
The duel between the two continues, intensifying as the battle raged on. It wasn't long before Sheren managed to dismount Taishi-Ji off her horse, but not before falling off herself. Even on the ground, the duel continues, neither girls willing to give into each other. They managed several more bouts, however, before Taiki's ears picked up the sound of approaching horse from the direction of their camp.
"Uh, hey~!" Taiki called loudly, catching the two's attention, "Sheren~! It looks like our allies finally caught up!"
"Eh!? Really!?" Sheren managed, now also hearing the approaching horses, "Aw~! The duel was just getting interesting~!"
"I agree," Taishi-Ji managed as she took the opportunity to return to her horse.
"Ah-! Hey! Where are you going, Rian-chan!?"
"I would rather not get ganged up! Although it is a pity I was unable to take your head, I promise we shall conclude our match next time! It has been fun, Sheren-dono~!"
"…Humph, it has! I'm looking forward to our next meeting, Rian-chan," Sheren smiled, sheathing her blade.
"Until we meet again in battle!" Taishi-Ji smiled before she race off back to her camp.
"…AW~~!" Sheren pouted as she strolls back to Taiki's side once Taishi-Ji is out of sight, "The ending is a tad bit disappointing. I wanted a bit more fun~…"
"Maybe next time," Taiki laughed, "Of course before you, Sheren, she got to through me first!"
"Oh? Have you taken an interest in her~?"
"Yeah! I didn't get to fight her this time and she seems really strong too…"
Sheren giggled. "That she is. It has been a while since I move my body so freely…"
"It's kind of lonely being on the top with no one to give you challenge every now and then, huh?" Taiki suggested as he watch Sheren stretch herself.
"Indeed! By the way, I was not expecting you to sit out of the fight all the way through. Why did you?"
Taiki hummed in thought for a moment before holding up three fingers.
"There are three reasons?"
Taiki nodded. "The first is because you order me to. The second is because it was a duel; I'm not the type to interrupt something honorable as a duel between warriors unless I have good reasons to…"
Sheren smiled in understanding, before frowning in confusion. "…Then…what is your third reason?"
"My third reason: any man would agree that it is a healthy fear, getting in the middle of a ladies' quarrel…"
Sheren blinked at Taiki's third reason before breaking down in laughter.
"W-What!?"
"Are you really frighten by such a thing that you try to not get involve!?"
"Really! I've seen girls' fights; I've seen and heard otherworldly things coming out of those brawl clouds. You push some poor sap through that cloud and I'll guarantee you by the time he gets to the other side he has unhealthy looking claws and bite marks!"
As Taiki continued to describe the reason for his fears, Sheren found herself doubling over in more laughter as she listens on.
"I'm serious, Sheren; it's NOT funny. I swear, a girls' fight is a calamity like a hurricane; it exciting when it's far off but when you get in the middle of it, it ends in disaster!"
"Is that so~?"
"Yeah, and the problem is that despite everything that could happen to that poor b**t**d once he enters and exits, the girls come out…relatively better!"
Sheren chuckled, finally broken out of her laughing streak. "That truly is bizarre. My condolence for not understanding…"
"Thanks…"
Sheren chuckled before getting even closer to Taiki. "By the way, remember the other day when you flicked me in the forehead…"
"…? Yeah, I said you can punch me three time in return," Taiki nodded before cringing his face, "If you want to dish out punish now, feel free to! I'm ready~!"
"…He-He~! Okay~!" Sheren suddenly grabbed Taiki's head.
"…?" And in one swift movement, Sheren gave him a light kiss on cheek. "…!? …!?"
"You let me have fun with Rian-chan; that takes care of one flick. And now you let me peck you; that takes care of another. I shall wait before dealing with the third one~!"
"U-Um~…!"
"…WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING!?" a voice suddenly ranged out in rage. Taiki and Sheren, still in an embrace somewhat, turn to see Meirin, Shishun and Minmei staring bewilderedly at the two along with few dozen horsemen.
"Ah, Meirin!" Sheren smiled in greeting.
"…'Ah, Meirin'~! MY FOOT! D-D-D-D-Did you just-!?"
"K-K-K-K-Kiss Taiki!?" Minmei concluded while Shishun simply hanged her jaws
"Yes, on the cheek," Sheren replied indifferently, "So?"
"SO!?" Meirin's face distort in rage with a heavy blush, "Sheren~! Please think about your POSITION~! Do you realize this can be spread as bad reputation for you!?"
"You worry too much, Meirin~!"
"Even so-!"
"Anyway~, let us return now! I have gotten a good idea of the enemy's situation now, so I want to get back and make preparation quickly to show them something interesting within due time…"
"Sheren!" Meirin screamed as Sheren board her steed and began riding off back to camp, causing her to give chase, "We are not finish here!"
The majority of the other horsemen followed after Meirin, leaving Shishun, Minmei and Taiki.
"…? Taiki?" Minmei called to the still dazed Taiki, "Taiki~!"
"Huh!? Oh! W-What!?" Taiki stumbled over his words.
"Are you alright?"
"I imagine him not to be," Shishun sighed, "Being kissed by Our Ladyship like that…"
"…Uh…" Taiki had no words to retort as he gently rubbed the area Sheren has kissed him. "(…that was the first time a girl kissed me…)"
The next day, the two armies now face each other off at a large field not too far from where the Kou-Tou Forces camped at.
"Phew~!" Taiki awed as he survey the battlefield, "Look at this impressive formation~!"
"Ryuu-Yao does have a number of gifted generals under his command," Meirin huffed, "His army should be capable of that much at least…"
"I suppose," Sheren hummed as she survey the army, "…I do not see Rian-chan's flag among the major flag banner, though…"
"Are you speaking of Taishi-Ji again, My Lady?" Shishun noted, "I have heard rumor that while Ryuu-Yao has outstanding military generals under his command, he does not utilize them all properly. It is likely Taishi-Ji had been underestimated among her peers thus is not a major general…"
"WHAT~!? Now that is just rude to one such as herself~! She even gave me a hard time~!"
"Talent is all around us, Sheren," Meirin sighed, "But few recognize them and even fewer utilize them efficiently. It is one of the many reason people such you, Sheren, can be successful while people like Ryuu-Yao are destine to perish in time…"
Taiki laughed. "Well, either way, if we win the battle there's a chance we can get her on our side, right Sai?"
"… …Eh!? A-Ah, yes," Sai managed rather pathetically.
"…? Sai, is something up? You've been like this since yesterday…"
"… … … …No, nothing really…" Sai answered with a pout as she turned away.
Taiki sweat dropped before turning to Minmei with a whisper. "Oi, do you have any idea why Sai seem to be in a bad mood, Minmei? It's kind of creeping me out…"
"I feel the same," Minmei admitted back in whisper, "All I know is that she has been like this since words spread among the camp that Sheren-sama kissed you…"
Indeed, ever since Taiki and Sheren got back, the hectic started then. Meirin, in her frustration over the kissing matter, had forgotten to instruct the horsemen to keep what they saw on the hill confidential. And like a wild fire, the horsemen quickly had the entire camp informed about what they saw. It was the talk of the evening and it had only died out this morning as the upcoming battle approaches. Sai, during that time, had her attitude turn rather cold, especially towards Taiki; she would not talk to him unless it was absolutely necessary and even then it was brief.
"You think she's mad because I became part of a scandal that Sheren has to deal with later?" Taiki guessed.
"Maybe," Minmei shrugged, "I just hope it will not impair her fighting prowess…"
"Yeah, it won't be funny if she got nick in this kind of fight…"
"Hey!" Meirin called suddenly, "Are you two done whispering to each other!?"
"S-Sorry!" Minmei managed in fright.
"Yeah~, we're done here," Taiki laughed, "So what's the plan?"
Meirin grumbled at Taiki's typical laidback replied before continuing. "Listen up everyone! As we have discussed before, due to Our Ladyship's insistence, we are only fighting with an army of Ten Thousand against the Tan-Yo Army of Eleven Thousand; more importantly, our goal during this battle is not to crush our enemies but to keep them here and to outlast them! It will be difficult holding back, but it is vitally important to our other objective; for that, for the next Ten Days we must conserve our strength and play the enemies into thinking we have overestimate ourselves but are too stubborn to give up!"
"So basically we're just keeping the enemies distracted by being here, right?"
"… …To sum it all up, yes!"
"Okay~!" Sheren smirked, preparing her Straight Sword, "Meirin, divide up our position please~!"
"Yes!" Meirin nodded, "Taiki Sonoma! Thou and Sai-dono's units shall be our vanguard! Minmei, take the left flank; Shishun, take the right flank! My Ladyship and I shall be the main force! Our tactics shall be simple: the vanguard will make a quick frontal attack before retreating in-between the flank units where they shall scatter the pursuers; the main force shall provide archery support!"
"Ah~! So I shall be in charge of the support role~? Lame~! I want to go wild~!"
"Sheren, if you go wild in the beginning our objective would be lost!"
"I know, I know~!" Sheren pouted before turning to Taiki with a sigh, "So Taiki, please hold back too~!"
"If that's part of the plan, then okay~!" Taiki laughed, "I'll just pretend my war injuries are still slowing me down~!"
"…I suppose that would be a proper excuse," Minmei chuckled.
"Do not hold back so much as to end up receiving more war injuries now, Taiki," Shishun added, "The last thing our stratagem needs is for you to continue fighting while looking like the undead…"
Taiki chuckled nervously. "Yeah~, I'll be careful…"
Meirin grumbled at this but resume her task. "Alright, everyone! Move out~!"
It was the Kou-Tou Army of Chou-Sa City verse the Tan-Yo Army; Ten Thousand against Eleven Thousand. Ryuu-Yao was no pushover and he made an effort to demonstrate it by arranging his army in a [Spear Head] Formation which empathized on quick and direct attacks. In comparison, the Kou-Tou Army arranged themselves in a [Feint & Ambush] formation, focusing on drawing the enemies' vanguard in before flanking from both side.
Fortunately, perhaps due to Sheren being made the overall General of the Army, which was made all too obvious, and the fact the Kou-Tou Army focus on outfitting themselves mostly with [Archery] Units with [Light Infantry] coming up second, Ryuu-Yao didn't suspect a thing and had the Tan-Yo Army continuing charging at what he presume to be a "greenhorn" leadership.
By the fifth day of the confrontation, Kou-Tou Army of Ten Thousand are reduce to a little under Eight Thousand while the Tan-Yo Army of Eleven Thousand are cut to a little under Ten Thousand.
"…Holding back really hurts~!" Taiki sighed as he survey the battle between his vanguard and that of the Tan-Yo, taking a swing at any enemy soldiers that got too close from on top of his horse, "We're losing more troops than we should…"
"Don't feel too bad, Taiki," Sai reassured as she shot down enemy soldiers on her own stead, "This is war; casualty is to be expect. Fortunately, overall the casualty number is really only under Three to Four Hundred while the rest are only wounded…"
"That's Two Hundred too many still!"
Sai jerked back from Taiki's harsh remark. In the beginning, Sai was acting a bit out of character, but she is a war veteran so it didn't even last the first day though outside battle she still gave Taiki a cold shoulder for the next three days. By now, she was back to normal, both on the battlefield and in the camp, so she was caught off-guard by Taiki's sudden remark.
"…! Ah-! Sorry, I got a little worked up there…"
"No, it is alright. I understand; no one likes casualties no matter how small it may be…"
"I hear that," Taiki sighed before noticing an approaching horseman…a familiar on for that matter, "…Ah~! We got company~!"
Sai turn just in time to see a warrior in crimson armor approach on horseback.
"The one standing there~!" the warrior, a female, called out as she flash her Twin Iron Rods, "Taiki was it~? I am here at last to challenge thee~!"
"… So that must be Taishi-Ji," Sai noted.
"She sure is~!" Taiki chuckled with anticipation as he gallop towards his challenger, "Sai, keep everyone else out of this, would you?"
"What-!? Wait-!"
Taiki turn his attention back to Taishi-Ji, tightening his grip on his Metal Bat. "It's my turn at last, Taishi-Ji… …uh, seriously, can I call you Rian? The other name is too long…"
"Sure~!" Taishi-Ji giggled in response before taking a swing at Taiki, "I am going to kill you anyway~!" WHOOSH!
"Whoa!" Taiki dodged the attack, "Hey that's dangerous!"
"Glad you notice~!" Taishi-Ji smiled before aiming her weapon at Taiki's head again…WHOOSH!
"Yikes~!"
"Here comes another!" WHOOSH-CLASH!
"Fool for me once, shame on you!" Taiki smirked before taking a swing himself, bringing his metal bat down towards Taishi-Ji, "Fool me twice, shame on me~!" WHOOSH-BOOM!
"…!? Eek!" Taishi-Ji narrowly dodged the assault before gasping in shock upon seeing the crater on the ground, caused by Taiki's attack, "Wow! Such strength!"
"And I'm proud of it!" Taiki proclaimed and swung down towards her head…WHOOSH! CLASH-CREAK!
"Eek!? My weapon!" Despite the dent on one of her Iron Rods, Taishi-Ji launches another attack aiming for his shoulder…WHOOSH!
"Whoa! Nearly didn't see that one coming!" Taiki commented as he narrowly dodge and launches an attack of his own…WHOOSH!
"…! Looks like I got take this seriously or I will get hurt!" Taishi-Ji concluded as she resorted to using chain attacks…WHOOSH-WHOOSH-WHOOSH!
"Whoa! Fast!"
"Hah~~!" Not letting up, Taishi-Ji continues her chain attacks…WHOOSH-CLASH! WHOOSH-CLASH!
"You're seriously not giving me an opening huh-!?"
"Yah~~!" WHOOSH! WHOOSH-CLASH! WHOOSH!
"[Jesus~~]!"
"…!? C-Cha-ease-us!? What does that mean-?'
"Ah-! A chance!" Taking advantage of her delay, Taiki counters with a strong swing of his bat…WHOOSH! CLASH-CREAK!
"Ah-! I got distracted!"
"Here, here, here~!" WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
"Kya~~!"
"[Hey, hey, HEY~]!" WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
"Fence!? What does a wall have to do with this!?"
(Note from Normama: Taishi-Ji thought Taiki's English word "Hey" is "Hei" for "Fence" in Japanese. Another quick note, Taiki was mimicking Fat Albert's "Hey, hey, HEY~" there.)
"Just talking to myself-!" Taiki laughed…revealing the opening Taishi-Ji needs.
"Chance!" Taishi-Ji took a swing…WHOOSH-CLASH!
"Not quite~!" Taiki grinned as he block the attack and counter…WHOOSH-BOOM!
"Wow! My head could have cracked if I got hit!"
"Sorry!" WHOOSH!
"It is kind of hard to believe your apology when you aim to kill!'
"Sorry!" WHOOSH!
"You're still doing it~!"
The two continued to duel…well, it was more like Taiki was swinging wildly and Taishi-Ji is dodging and striking whenever she can. Sai, who followed Taiki's order keep all other from interfering with her arrows, watch in awe as the two warriors battled intensely while sending each other friendly banter in-between swings of their weapon. She is only able to watch intensely partly because most of the soldiers, allies and enemies alike, has quickly learn to remain out of the two's battle and partly because many had become captivated by the duel as well. Suddenly, having found an opening Taishi-Ji muster her strength and swatted Taiki's Metal Bat out of his hand.
"I got you now!"
"Ah-! My [Baseball Bat]!"
"You are mine-!" Taishi-Ji declared as she swung one of her Twin Iron Rods down towards Taiki's head…only for Taiki to expertly catch the rod with his grip, "What-!? Eh-!?"
"That's! What! You! Think~!" Taiki smirked as he reign the rod in, taking Taishi-Ji who held on in shock with it, and threw them off to the side.
"WAAAAHHH~~~!" Taishi-Ji screamed in shocked before expertly landing on her feet a good five meters away, "Heavens! What incredible brute strength-!"
Taishi-Ji cut herself off when she notices Taiki pulling out his Cricket Bat…and a baseball which he promptly threw high above his head.
"Eh-?"
"Take this~~! Taiki's [Super Meteor Plow~~]!" Taiki declared as he leapt high above his horse and spun at high-speed three times in the air before his Cricket Bat swatted the descending baseball, sending it rocketing towards Taishi-Ji. KA-BOOM!
"Eek!" Taishi-Ji dived out of the way just in time as the baseball jet passed her, blowing away several dozen unlucky soldiers in its path.
"[Burn]!" Taiki cheered as he landed on the ground before replacing his Cricket Bat with two Hockey Sticks and his Tiger-theme Hockey Mask on his face.
"…I do not know about the mask you are wearing," Taishi-Ji sweat dropped before glancing at the carnage caused by Taiki's earlier attack, "but that absurd strength definitely earns you the title of 'Young Tiger of Kou-Tou'…"
"Thanks for noticing," Taiki nodded before charging forward, swinging the Hockey Sticks wildly, "[BOOYAKASHA~~~]!" WHOOSH-WHOOSH! WHOOSH-WHOOSH!
"Yikes!" Taishi-Ji barely dodged the attack and was once again on the defense, "You are Multi-Weapon Warrior!?"
"That's right~~~!" WHOOSH-WHOOSH! WHOOSH-WHOOSH!
"Wow! Even so, I will not falter so much as to lose!" WHOOSH-CLASH! WHOOSH-CLASH!
"That's the spirit~!" WHOOSH-BOOM! WHOOSH-CLASH!
The two continued to battle fiercely, neither willing to give in to each other. But their duel was suddenly interrupted when…GONG! GONG! …sounds of gongs echoed through the area.
"…! Taiki~!" Sai called now holding the Metal Baseball Bat that was swatted out of Taiki's earlier, "That's the signal for a retreat!"
"Eh? … …Oh~! Right~!" Taiki nodded once he remembered his duty and quickly disengage from Taishi-Ji by knocking her back a good Ten Meters from him, "Sorry Rian, duty calls~!"
"Ah-!? Running away!?" Taishi-Ji exclaimed in shock as she watch Taiki quickly mounted his horse and race to keep up with the steadily retreating Kou-Tou Army.
"Not running~! Just a tactical retreat for today~!"
"Don't let the Kou-Tou Army escape!" A high-ranking Officer ordered as the Tan-Yo Army began to pursue the retreating army.
"Focus on retreat everyone," Taiki called to the Kou-Tou troops as he remove his Hockey gears and place them back into his pack, "Pretend you're all playing [Football] and race to the goal~!"
"Yeah~!" The soldiers cheered as they quickly double their speed, putting extra distance between them and the pursuing.
"Taiki~! Here's your weapon~!" Sai called as she tossed him his metal bat.
"Thanks," Taiki grinned as he caught his metal bat, "Now let's get out of here~!"
"Agreed!" Sai gave one final nod before speeding off with Taiki.
"…We gave chase afterwards," the high-ranking Tan-Yo Officer reported, "But once again, we were ambush and were force to retreat to avoid heavy casualty…"
"So we could not take them out today as well," Ryuu-Yao hummed, "Well, no matter. Once again, our casualty is rather low compare to that of the Kou-Tou Force. It is obvious yet that reckless Son-Saku continues to send her army to do battle the same way day after day. I can practically taste victory already…"
"…My Lord," Taishi-Ji suddenly stepped forward, "I think it is still too early to proclaim victory…"
"…? Why do say so?'
"Today, I fought one of their Generals; he was the renown Young Tiger of Kou-Tou…"
"…Ah~! The one warrior who made a name for himself in the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition…"
"The same. He was formidable; a single projectile from him wiped out a good two units of ours. Yet I get the feeling he is restraining himself greatly. Their retreat was also premature as well; it has been so for the last five days as well. In other words, I think they retreated with the purpose of making us think we are winning…"
"What are trying to say, Shigi?"
"What I am saying is that I think they are but stalling us; distracting us from something…"
The other officers gave each other a glance before laughing.
"…? W-What so funny?"
"Stalling? Distracting?" an officer laughed, "They are taking heavy casualties and you call that stalling?"
"If they truly are stalling, they must be aiming for us to exhaust our food supply," another officer suggested, "But they sadly underestimate our ration supply. We had brought enough to last our army for a good month. If that is the case, we already won…"
"…Um, I do not think it is that simple," Taishi-Ji frowned.
"For youngster like you, it is understandable that for your first campaign you are trying to save face and gain a reputation. But that Son-Saku is not one to think three steps ahead of her; that is why her action caused the death of her Mother…"
"I agree," Ryuu-Yao nodded confidently, "As proof, despite her army's position she has yet to call for any night raids and still fights with only the army she has brought to this battle. She must still think she can win with a frontal confrontation; predictable as guessing what a cat shall do when they confront a mouse…"
"…Perhaps," Taishi-Ji frowned, unconvinced, "But…"
"Well, if they are planning to exhaust our food supply let us try not to disappoint them! Tell our supply captain to relinquish some of the rations. Tonight we shall feast for our eventual victory!"
"Yes sir!" The other officers acknowledged. And with that the meeting was over.
"…I still think it is still too early to celebrate," Taishi-Ji pouted, "… …but a little meal could not hurt I suppose. I just hope I am just overthinking things…"
For the next five day since Taishi-Ji and Taiki's duel, the battle remains relatively the same. Ryuu-Yao continues to send his high-moral troops out with the aim to utterly destroy the Kou-Tou Army. On the other, the Kou-Tou Army continue their Hit-and-Run tactic, suffering little casualty and many wounded in the process.
By the Tenth Day since the two army first engage, the Kou-Tou Army are now only a little above Six Thousand strong; the Tan-Yo Army a little under Nine Thousand strong. But it is on this day that the worries of Taishi-Ji are finally realized.
She and many of the other Generals were on their way out once again preparing themselves to engage with the Kou-Tou on their usual timing of about midway between Morning and Afternoon, when…GONG! GONG! …the sound of gongs echoes from their camp.
"…!? That is the signal for retreat!" Taishi-Ji blinked in confusion.
"The battle has yet to begun!" the Vanguard General noted as he immediately directed the army to retreat as ordered, "What is going on!?"
With a share sense of concern, everyone rushed back to camp where a distraught Ryuu-Yao was waiting.
"My Lord, we have pulled back as you requested but-…"
"Why did My Lord sound the signal for retreat when the battle has just begun!?" Taishi-Ji demanded, "I speak for all of us when I say I cannot accept this-!"
"You idiots! Now is not the time for that!" Ryuu-Yao suddenly roared, "I have just receive dire news; while we were too focus on the enemy in front of us, our castle behind us has fallen into enemy hands!"
"…! What-!? Eh~~~!?" Taishi-Ji gasped in shock as everyone else exchange distraught looks.
"According to the reports, just the night before a massive army under the flag of Son emerged from within the castle itself. Because we brought almost everyone here the castle fell within hours. Now we are at the mercy of two fronts…Damn! I should never have left the castle in the first place…"
After Son-Saku had seen the enemy encampments, she realized that Ryuu-Yao must have taken most of his forces out from his castle, and thus leaving it poorly defended. And so, with Shuu-Yu's guidance, Son-Saku divided her army so that the Twenty-Thousand Troop strong led by Son-Shoukou could capture the castle of Ryuu-Yao in secret.
Ryuu-Yao sighed tiredly. "We have little choice now but to retreat to our nearest fort outpost and rethink our battle strategy…"
"I was about to suggest that as well, My Lord," Taishi-Ji admitted.
"That would be best," Another General added.
"If we are in agreement, then let us not waste any more time!" Ryuu-Yao nodded, "Move out~!"
"Yes, sir!" The rest of the Generals acknowledged as scattered to organize the troops.
"…As I fear, Son-Saku-dono is no simpleton," Taishi-Ji meanwhile pouted where she stands before sighing in regret, "If only I had taken her out back when we first met-…No, had we not thought that moment as a trap and attacked at full force! Our Lord has given up on a once in a lifetime chance…"
Moments later in Kou-Tou Army Camp, a scout rush into the main tent with a report.
"My Ladyship!" The scout began, "The Tan-Yo Forces are retreating in a panic!"
"Oh my~! Already?" Sheren hummed, hardly surprise, "They sure reacted fast…"
"They must be scared that they lost their main base of operation," Meirin noted, "…Still, their numbers are still great. We cannot leave them be…"
"Yea~!" Sheren smirked dangerously, "It's cruel, but we must strike while the iron is hot…Sai!"
"Here at your command," Sai acknowledged.
"Prepare our troops for a couple of…hunting nights~!"
"Understood!" Sai soon left to do as she is instructed.
"As expected of Sheren-sama," Minmei giggled, "With the way she is progress, Sheren-sama may grow to surpass all her predecessor one day…"
"That wouldn't surprise me in the very least," Taiki laughed.
Recognizing the disadvantage they were suddenly in, Ryuu-Yao and his Tan-Yo Force began their retreat towards one of their fort outpost. Seizing the opportunity, Son-Saku and her Kou-Tou Force gave chase.
By day, they kept their retreating enemies less than an hour to rest and by night continuous raids that deplete even more supplies, soldiers and moral. As a result the Tan-Yo Army was left in total disarray and soldiers began to desert their posts…only to be picked up by Taiki and his personal units.
Though Meirin had insisted otherwise, Taiki simply welcome the deserters into his units, providing them food, water and shelter. Of course he didn't give them complete freedom in his units, but his actions and friendly demeanor eventually won the deserters loyalty and was soon added to the Kou-Tou Army's numbers.
After a number of successive defeats, Ryuu-Yao and his remaining Generals eventually gave up trying to resist and sought shelter from Ryuu-Pyou in Kei-Shuu instead. Either that or the Generals simply surrender…all except one who made it to the fort outpost to make one last stand against the Kou-Tou Army.
That General was none other than Taishi-Ji Shigi.
"…What a stubborn brat," Meirin huffed as she survey the stone fort, "Even when her comrades had either fled or surrender, she still wishes to resist…"
Sheren chuckled. "It is that kind of warrior that is worth being a General, Meirin. I would have done the same should our role be reversed…"
Meirin rolled her eyes, but inwardly agreed; Sheren no doubt would fight to the death rather than just fleeing or surrendering.
"Anyway," Sheren eyed the fort, "Since the enemies only number at Two Thousand at best, what do you think about simply attacking head-on?"
"Well, that would be foolish, Sheren. For them to keep fighting with such low number is evidence enough that they are prepared to fight to the death. Moreover, this particular fort is protected by mountains from behind and a swamp from the front…"
"So, in other words," Taiki sighed, "this place is death trap for head-on attacks?"
"…Basically, yes," Sai chuckled at how simply Taiki put it, "Doing it carelessly would only bring about an unnecessarily large amount of casualties for our side…"
"Then what should we do?" Minmei wondered, "We have already wasted enough time here in Tan-Yo. All we need is to put a stop to Taishi-Ji-san and then we can move on to Yuu-Chan already!"
Sheren hummed before turning to Meirin. "Any suggestion?"
"I believe it would be best to send an elite unit of around ten soldiers to secretly enter the fort and start multiple fires. While the enemy is thrown into panic from the fire, we shall attack with full force…"
Sheren nodded at the logic of the tactic before frowning.
"You're thinking about Rian-chan?" Taiki noted.
"I am," Sheren admitted with a sigh, "She such a good general, and a cute one too! If only we can catch her alive and make her one of us…"
Taiki suddenly laughed as he glances over to Meirin. "I'm sure that's not too tall of an order. Right, Meirin?"
"Shuu-Yu!" Meirin snapped, "…But nevertheless, yes. All we have to do is not attack the eastern gate. When we commence the operation, they will naturally flee through the eastern gate, the only place free from enemies and flames…"
"But that's where we'll set a trap for her, right?"
"…Yes, that is the plan…"
"Ah~! I like it~!" Sheren giggled in anticipation, "Alright then, we shall start tonight then everyone!"
"As you wish!" Everyone acknowledge.
Night fell in the area, as everyone scramble to check for the last time before beginning the operation.
"Man, this wind is strong," Taiki commented as the wind blow furiously towards the fort, "But with winds like this, it'll be easy to set fire without worrying about burning ourselves…"
"Indeed," Minmei nodded as turn to her ten selected elite warriors; Minmei has been chosen to led the warriors inside the fort to start the fire, "Everyone, the operation shall begin shortly! The success of this mission depends solely on us, so let us make this count!"
The elite warriors gave a cheer in acknowledgement.
"Remember your rock-climbing games you played in!" Taiki added, "Remember how difficult it was because how steep the rock cliff was? The walls on this fort are nothing in comparison to that! So go show that wall who's boss!"
Another cheer erupts from the unit.
"Everyone!" Sheren came out and addressed the unit, "Your task is simple! You will secretly climb over the fort walls tonight and start up multiple fires inside to throw our enemies in panic! The strong wind tonight will allow the fire to spread very easily! If you succeed and return back alive, you have my word that you will be handsomely rewarded and promoted to a captain commanding a Hundred soldiers!"
The unit gave another cheer in response.
"Now, Minmei," Sheren smiled at Shuu-Tai, "Lead them well~!"
"As you wish!" Minmei nodded before turning to ten elite soldiers, "Let us go, for glory!"
With one final cheer, Minmei and the soldiers dash off towards the fort.
Sheren nodded at their retreating backs before turning to Taiki. "I shall leave Rian-chan's capture to you, Taiki~!"
"Will do~!" Taiki saluted before addressing his own units, "Let's go everyone. We're netting a big fish today~!"
Meanwhile in the fort, Taishi-Ji surveys the fort layout from her command post.
"General Taishi-Ji," her aid suddenly called, "Should you not be getting some rest?"
"I cannot," Taishi-Ji sighed, "Not with Son-Saku-dono camping so close to us. I must be ready for when she shall attack…"
"Is it not possible you are overthinking this, General?"
"Son-Saku gloat us into being distracted long enough for her force to overtake our main camp. She then mercilessly harass our retreat to the fort, so much that Lord Ryuu-Yao gave up and took shelter in Kei-Shou. And now she is but mere moments away from taking Tan-Yo; we are all but stands in her way and she knows it. She is going to make an attempt to strike us down; there is no way I can be overthinking this…"
"I see," the aid nodded in understanding, "But there is something I don't understand, General…"
"…? What is it?"
"It may just be me, General, but it would seem to me you have a certain degree of respect for Son-Saku…"
At this, Taishi-Ji remains silent.
"That itself is rare; even with Lord Ryuu-Yao you show hints of dissatisfaction. This could only mean that Son-Saku has touched the General's heart in more than one ways; she may actually be better as Lord than Lord Ryuu-Yao. So why does the General insist on resisting?"
"My, that is a pretty personal and dangerous question, soldier~!"
"Uh, no! I am sorry…"
Taishi-Ji giggled. "Worry not, I do not mind. And to answer your perfect question, I am resisting because I respect her…"
The aid gave Taishi-Ji a confused look as she glances upward towards the stars.
"All my life, I never really had anyone respect for who I am; my own parents disown me simply because I seek the path of war rather than being a proper lady as they expect me to be. Even after coming this far, not once was I held in high esteem. But Son-Saku-dono is different; she minds not how old I am or my background. She respects me as a General and more so as Warrior; you may call it childish, but I like it even if comes from the enemy…"
Taishi-Ji glances down into her hand before tightly fisting it.
"And for that, I make a stand against her. As warrior, I cannot submit even if I am surrounded. As an enemy General, I must not waver against impossible odds. If I did, then I have lost all credibility as someone Son-Saku-dono can respect; I do not want that from the first person that had respected me, even if she is an enemy…"
"I see. But even so, I do not think Son-Saku-…"
"How she is as a Lord, in my heart, I know. But this how I want it to be, soldier. Even if she wants me to join her regardless of how I do so, I want it to show her that I am General worth obtaining. It is selfish, I know; I am sorry that I have to drag you all into this…"
"Not at all, General! Among all of the Tan-Yo Generals, only General Taishi-Ji has ever treated us mere soldiers with care. Even the town which General has been station in shower praise at your kind demeanor uncommon among in Military personnel. For that, we are honor to follow you wherever…"
Taishi-Ji smiled at this before a scent in the air caught her attention. "…? Do you smell smoke?"
"…? Smoke-? Ah! General! There's a fire outbreak!"
"Huh!?" Taishi-Ji turned in time to see that, at some unknown moment, multiple fires had broken out all around in the fort.
"T-This is bad!"
"Calm yourself soldiers!" Taishi-Ji called, "We must not panic. This must be the enemy's ploy. Let us focus on extinguishing the fire…"
"I do not believe that is possible with the wind blowing this great, General! It is spreading too fast!"
"…That it is," Taishi-Ji grimaced at that revelation before another soldier ran up to her in panic, "…? What is it?"
"G-General!" the soldier began, "It is the Kou-Tou Force! They are attacking in full force! With the enemy approaching from outside and the fire inside, we will be either overwhelmed or burned alive!"
Taishi-Ji grimaced at the report before questioning soldier. "Have they completely surrounded us?"
"To that, no! The enemy is avoiding the eastern gate, no doubt due to the swamp which makes it difficult to cross…"
"… …Alright, send orders for the troops to make a swift escape through the eastern gate. As long as we can escape with our lives, we can fight another day!"
"Understood!" With that, the soldier sprint off to relay the order.
"I think we should be going too, General," The aid insisted, bring a pair of horse.
Taishi-Ji nodded before mounting one of the horses and gallops towards the eastern gate, with her aid a step behind. By the time she reach the eastern gate, the rest of her troops were there ready to follow her out.
"Let us go, everyone!" Taishi-Ji called and as soon as the gate opened, she galloped out, leading her army.
But they barely made one li when soldiers popped out from the tall grasses on the side of road and began using grappling hooks to drag down soldiers after soldiers.
"Damn! An enemy ambush!"
"General!" The aid called, "We shall clear a path for you!"
"Eh!? But-!"
"We shall be fine, General. Please leave this to us!"
"…Alright. But be sure to escape somehow with your life! Understand?"
"Understood!" The aid nodded before calling to the troops, "Clear a path for the General!"
Obey without hesitation, the troops charged forcing the ambush units to grapple with them instead. Using the chance, Taishi-Ji found an opening and dash off.
"Amazing," one of the Kou-Tou Ambush Troop awed, "I can see now why Son-Saku-sama wish to capture her alive!"
"Too bad she's getting away," Another Ambush Troop frowned.
"Not at all! Why do you think he is not here with us?"
"… …Oh~!"
"Regardless, our duty now is to capture these guys without killing them. Let us do it!"
"Yeah~!" The Ambush Troop cheered as they began football tackling the Tan-Yo Troops to submission.
Meanwhile, Taishi-Ji continues to gallop onward, hoping to escape to safety soon. Unfortunately, as she rode through the swamp, a single person on a horse soon appeared in her path.
"Yo~! Rian~!" Taiki lightheartedly greeted, "Long time~!"
"…!? Taiki!" Taishi-Ji gasped as she came to a halt, "How are you-!?"
"Meirin and I don't get along as much as I hope, but that doesn't distract her from predicting your moves…"
"Meirin…? … … …Oh~, Shuu-Yu the Fair~!" Taishi-Ji nodded before sighing, "… …Now I see. The fire and night attack was meant to draw me out of the castle…"
"Oh~! You caught on pretty quickly~! That's right, I'm here to capture you~!"
Taishi-Ji giggled. "Capture me? Surely you are not saying Sheren-dono wants me alive…"
"Actually, she does," Taiki smirked before pulling out his metal baseball bat, "But, asking you to submit peacefully isn't possible, huh?"
"Thank you for understanding," Taishi-Ji smiled as she equipped her Twin Iron Rods, "If you want this General that badly, come and get me!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way~!" Taiki chimed as he rushed forward and took a swing at Taishi-Ji. WHOOSH!
Realizing that she will be hit if she remains on her stead, she quickly leapt off to dodge before launching a series of attacks of her own. WHOOSH-WHOOSH-WHOOSH-CLASH!
Dodging the first two and blocking the last, Taiki summersault over Taishi-Ji and took one mighty swing. WHOOSH-BOOM!
"Eek~!" Taishi-Ji screeched as she had barely turned in time to block the attack which sent her sliding a good five meters away from Taiki. Unfortunately, as she was about to slow to a stop, the earth beneath her collapse. "…!? Kya-!?"
She fallen into a natural swamp pit; the fall shock her enough that she lost her grip on her weapons.
As if on cue, Kou-Tou Soldiers popped out from either side and threw restraints the disorientated warrior before she even knew what had happen.
"What-!? Hey!" Taishi-Ji struggled, but it only serve to entangle her further, "A-A trap!?"
"Sorry Rian-chan," Taiki laughed apologetically, "But my goal today isn't to have a match against you. I'm under orders to take you back alive, no matter what the cost…"
"Boo~~! How underhanded~~~!"
"…Well, if it makes you feel any better, Rian-chan, you falling into the swamp pit wasn't part of the plan; that was a surprise bonus for us…"
Taishi-Ji pouted before cracking a smile and chuckling in defeat.
"…The Young Tiger of Kou-Tou has return with an Enemy General as prize~~~!" Taiki hollered victoriously as he and his units entered the camp hauling a group of captives.
"Humph, welcome back, Taiki Sonoma," Meirin greeted him with a glare.
Taiki laughed. "Too loud of a return, huh?"
"Indeed," Meirin rolled her eyes before her sight fell upon the Crimson Armor General, "So this is General Taishi Shigi?"
"The one and only~!" Taiki grinned as Taishi-Ji remains defiantly silent.
"… …Humph, seeing her for myself now, it appears she has a quite a spirit. Sheren has judged this one correctly…"
"You think so too, huh?" Taiki laughed, "Speaking of which, where's Sheren?"
"…Here I am~!" Sheren announce her presence as she skipped out of the main tent and towards Taiki, "I see that you have return successfully, fine work~!"
"Had I ever fail you?"
"Do not get so full of yourself, Taiki Sonoma," Meirin lectured.
"Now, Meirin, calm down," Sheren giggled in amusement, "You don't have to snap at everything Taiki does; I keep telling you that~!"
"Leave me alone," Meirin grumbled.
Sheren giggled again before turning her attention back to Taishi-Ji. "Good evening, Taishi—no, Rian-chan~! It has been awhile since we last met…"
Taishi-Ji blinked at Sheren's friendly greeting before lowering her head. "While it is true, there is no need for formalities, Sheren-dono. Just cut off my head and be done with it…"
"What~!?" Sheren gave Taishi-Ji a perplex stare, "Now why would I do that?"
"Is it not obvious? I am an Enemy General who stood in your path! By every right, you can do away with me to demonstrate your intention in forcing the land into submission…"
"Ugh~! That is such a downer. Relax, would you, Rian-chan~! Unless of course, you are that desperate to seek death…"
Taishi-Ji huffed. "I am no fool rushing to her death. It is just that, rather than living a second longer in shame as a prisoner of war-…"
"Ah~! Now I see~!" Sheren nodded in understanding, "Like I said, Ran-chan, relax~! I have no plans to make you a prisoner of war. And I shall prove it…"
"…Eh?" Taishi-Ji watch as Sheren gave a nod to Taiki, who promptly untied her binds, "This is…?"
"You fought valiantly until the very end unlike your other comrades who have fled or surrendered long ago. I see no ground to insult or humiliate you in any way. As far as I am concern, the only reason why you ended up losing to me was due to the foolishness of your Lord, Ryuu-Yao…"
Taishi-Ji listen intently to every word that Sheren spoke, noting her sincerity.
"Proof of that is when Ryuu-Yao fail to send anyone aside from you to capture Our Ladyship when she was scouting the other day," Meirin suddenly added, "most likely due to fear of it being an ambush. You on the other, seek to end any further trouble even at the risk of it being a trap. It such a simple thing yet Ryuu-Yao let off that once-in-a-lifetime chance…"
Sheren giggled. "Indeed. It truly is a pity that Ryuu-Yao failed to see your true worth and kept your talents in fetters…"
"As the saying goes, 'a silkworm grown among maggots will not be able to produce proper silk'. Now your Lord has fled and abandons his duty; why continue to stay loyal to such a man?"
Taishi-Ji lowered her gaze.
"…Come now, Rian-chan," Sheren smiled as she closed in and place her hand on Armor General's shoulders, "Spread your wings and live a more meaningful life as one of us. You and your loyal troops; it is rare to find warriors that will lay down their lives for their leader after all…"
"…!? My troops as well!?"
Sheren nodded. "Aside from their loyalty, I see no benefit in slaying them~! It would be a great waste for a warrior as talented as you die a dog's death here, so consider this a bonus to keep you alive~!"
Taishi-Ji blinked before smiling nervously. "So, Sheren-dono is saying if I go off and kill myself, they'll follow shortly?"
"Yep~! That is how bad I want you, Rian-chan~!"
"…So devious," Taishi-Ji noted, but laughed nevertheless before nodding, "I understand…I do not know if I can really be of any use, but I shall agree to join you…"
"Really~!? Hooray~!" Sheren cheered as she practically bear-hugged the startled Taishi-Ji.
"…!? Sheren~~!" Meirin lectured, "Be mindful of your position!"
"Eh~~~!?" Sheren pouted as she push Taishi-Ji in to Meirin's face, "But we got ourselves a cute new comrade~! Don't you think she looks cute too~?"
Meirin stared at Taishi-Ji before readjusting her glasses with a notable blush. "H-How cute she may look is not the issue here…"
"Oh-ho~?" Taiki smirked, "So Meirin has a soft spot for cute things, huh? Didn't know that~!"
"…!? T-That is not true! Cease your assumption at once, Taiki Sonoma!"
"No need to shy about it~!" Taiki laughed as he direct his troops to unbind the captives, "Anyway~! This calls for a celebration~! Let's get inside and feast~!"
"I am NOT being shy! And do not go deciding things on your own~~!"
As she watches on, Taishi-Ji couldn't help but chuckled alongside Sheren.
"…But you know," Sheren pouted a little while later as everyone was enjoying their victory feast, "I am sure I would have won our duel back in those hills had there been just a little more time…"
"Who can say," Rian chuckled, "A battle is an unpredictable thing that easily changes depending on time and place. There is no way to say for sure…"
"Indeed," Meirin sighed, "That is why I always keep telling you to be careful, Sheren…"
"I know~!" Sheren pouted, "It is just-…"
"…-that doesn't stop you from doing so anyway," Sai sighed.
"Exactly!"
"Do not be so proud of that!" Meirin rolled her eyes.
"…Uh, Taishi-Ji-san," Minmei called out to their new friend.
"Ah~! Just 'Rian' would be fine, Shuu-Tai-dono…"
"Ah-! Then you can call me 'Minmei'! So anyway, Rian-san, I was wondering about something…"
"…? Yes?"
"What would you have done if you had successfully captured Sheren-sama back then? Would you have taken her head?"
"Yes," Rian answered immediately, "I am quite certain I would have killed Sheren-sama on the spot if I could…"
"A-An immediate answer!?"
"We were enemy back then; even if I wished to spare Sheren-sama's life, I am sure Ryuu-Yao would have forbid me from doing such a thing…"
Sheren laughed. "Yes, of course…"
"…Well, that is, if I could. I am certain that if Sheren-sama was backed into such a corner, Taiki would have intervened…"
"Of course~," Taiki chuckled, "I can only obey Sheren's orders ever so far. I'm her bodyguard~!"
"Oh~?" Sheren smirked knowingly, "Was it not you who claim that wish not to intervene in a fight between girls~?"
"…Ugh, if I had I choice, I would like to stay out," Taiki comically sulked, "But since I had to protect you…"
"…!? T-Taiki is afraid of getting in the midst of a fight between girls?" Shishun blinked in surprise.
"Oh~? Meirin suddenly smirked in amusement, "I did not realize that one such as yourself has such a pathetic weakness, Taiki Sonoma…"
"Laugh all you want, it ain't funny!" Taiki frowned with a comical pale face, "A guy no matter how strong can be helplessly ripped apart by two angry girls, especially when they get physical…"
"Well, it at least shows Taiki understand to certain extent how scary women are," Sai chuckled.
"That's right," Rian laughed, "Do not cross us, Taiki~!"
"U-Understood~!" Taiki comically whimpered.
Everyone laughed at Taiki's reaction before Sheren turn to Rian. "In any case, I will be expecting great things from you in the future, Rian-chan…"
Rian nodded before giving Sheren a serious look, "…In that case, I have one request to ask right now, Sheren-sama…"
"…? What is it?"
"It concerns the remnants of the Tan-Yo Forces; they are now scattered among the region. Though they have been defeated and dispirited, there are many good soldiers and captains among these people. If Sheren-sama would grant me just three days of freedom, then I shall go forth to bring back Three Thousand of the best soldiers and captains among them; they will prove to be an invaluable asset to Sheren-sama's army…"
"Puh-! T-Three Thousand in Three days!?" Minmei exclaimed as everyone trade worrying glance among each other.
"…Rian-san," Meirin began, "I understand that you wish to prove yourself to Sheren post haste, but Tan-Yo is no small region. To gather Three Thousand in three days is nigh impossible…"
"Perhaps an extra day or two?" Sai offered.
Rian shook her head in response. "Three days shall be more than enough, I assure everyone…"
"And if you fail?"
"Then I have committed false avowal to Sheren-sama. At such, I will offer my head in compensation…"
Hearing Rian's bold and confident declaration, no one knew what to say…that is until Taiki burst out laughing.
"Sheren," Taiki called, "Why not let grant her request?"
"…!? T-Taiki?" Sheren managed in shock, "B-But…"
"Rian can do," Taiki smiled knowingly at Rian, "I know that much…"
"Hold on now," Meirin suddenly intervene, "We cannot just rely on your instinct on this! Even if she can do so, to grant her freedom not long after she joined us? What if this is an excuse for to escape…"
"She won't do that; if she did then it proves that she wasn't worth Sheren's time…"
"…T-That may be, but…"
"Meirin, that's enough," Sheren raised a hand for silent and turn back to Rian, "I have decided, I shall grant you your three days of freedom…"
"…!? S-Sheren!?"
"One of the reason I want her on my side is because she is a warrior of her words. I believe she shall keep her promise to return to us, whether she succeed or fail. Taiki reminded me that…"
Everyone trade worrying glance as Sheren return to addressing Rian.
"Now that the battle in Tan-Yo has cease, we shall be returning to the capture castle my little sister Shaoren has occupied. Once you complete your task, return there; I shall be waiting…"
"Understood," Rian nodded before standing up, "Then I shall start immediately!"
Sheren nodded, and with that Rian left the tent, selected a horse and rode off…leaving all except Taiki and Sheren wondering if the decision is wise or not.
The next morning, everyone began to pack up the camp and ready themselves to venture to the castle where Shaoren was waiting.
"…Whew~," Taiki puffed a sigh of relief, "Finally we can move on~!"
"Indeed," Shishun nodded, "We spent much longer than we should have in Tan-Yo. At this rate, it could take a while to conquer all of Age-Shuu…"
Sheren chuckled. "Oh, it would not~! The only reason why we were delay this time around was because we found a really good girl to join us. Having her added to our force is worth a region of Age-Shuu…"
"Assuming she shall return as promise," Meirin noted.
"She will," Sheren and Taiki affirmed at the same time.
"S-Speaking concurrently at the same time," Minmei sweat dropped, "Sheren-sama and Taiki are close to being one in the same now…"
"Is that so?"
"There you two go again!"
"Indeed," Sai sweat dropped, "Are you two that confident in Rian's trustworthiness?"
"Of course," Taiki laughed as Sheren simply nodded, "She's someone Sheren had her eyes on…"
"… …Well," Meirin sighed, "I cannot deny that…"
Sheren laughed. "Well, what I am trying to say is that I do not think we shall have any similar problem in the next region, Yuu-Chan, like we did here; after all, there should not be as many General like Rian-chan that can perk my interest…"
"True, Yuu-Chan, unlike Tan-Yo, does not really have a strong military force; they only have numbers on their side…"
"Meaning our next battle will be a simple one?" Taiki wondered.
"…I am sure you are deeply disappointed, Taiki Sonoma…"
"Not really. It just means we can move on to Go-Gun even faster…I'm getting pump to face Tei-Fu already…"
"Like I said! You must not underestimate Tei-Fu-dono. She was one of the best warriors under Lady Bundai and has been through countless battles with her…"
"Indeed," Sai nodded anxiously, "Among the three of us closest to Lady Bundai, Sui Rey-san is the fiercest in combat prowess. Even you, Taiki, may find her difficult in battle…"
"Oh~, all the more reason," Taiki laughed, "It's not every day that get meet someone as crazy strong as me…"
"Ugh, so happy-go-lucky," Meirin rolled her eyes.
"And I'm proud of it~!"
Everyone aside from Meirin laughed at the response, until noises from outside the main tent alerted everyone.
"…? What is happening out?" Sheren blinked in confusion, "…Is Rian-chan back already?"
"What-? No!" Meirin sweat dropped, "No matter how much faith you have in her, she cannot complete her task this soon…"
"Then what-?" Sheren began before a tired soldier rushed in, "…!? Who are-!?"
"Ah-!" Shishun blinked in surprise, "You are one of Shaoren-sama's guards! What are you doing here?"
"U-Urgent report," the soldier exclaimed, "The castle where Son-Shoukou-sama is station is under threat of a large attack!"
"…!? W-What did you say!?" Meirin exclaimed in shock, "Explain yourself!"
"A few days ago, while Son-Saku-sama dealt with the remnants of the Tan-Yo Forces, the border suddenly sent words that a large army has crossed the border from the south, heading directly to the castle…"
"From the south?" Sai hummed in thought, "That could only mean it is an army from Yuu-Chan…"
"Correct; their numbers are over Seventy Thousand!"
"…!? Seventy Thousand!?" Minmei gasped, "N-No way! With only Shaoren-sama and her Twenty Thousand…"
"Shaoren is going to get pummel~!" Taiki exclaimed and turn to Sheren, "Sheren, there's no time to spare; we got to move!"
Sheren nodded before turning to Meirin. "Will we make it time?"
"From here to the capital castle of Tan-Yo, it will take us three days," Meirin did some mental calculation and turn to the soldier, "How fast were Yuu-Chan Force?"
"At the rate they are moving," The Soldier wept, "They shall be upon the castle in two days…"
"…!? We would not make it then!"
"We won't know until we try," Taiki started out of the tent, "Shishun! You and units are with me! We're going ahead!"
"Got it!" Shishun quickly followed after Taiki.
"W-Wait a minute you two!" Meirin called, only to be stop by Sheren.
"If it is just those two units, they can make in time," Sheren noted, "In the meantime, as they help stall things out, we have to lead everyone else…"
Sai nodded. "I agree…"
"… …It cannot be help," Meirin sighed before addressing Minmei, "Tell the troops to double time the packing! We shall move at once!"
"Aye!" Minmei saluted before rushing off
Hearing the news that Shaoren was in trouble, Taiki and Shishun along with their personal units rushed off ahead of Sheren's Army, hoping to make it in time to aid in the castle's defense until Sheren's makes it. Unfortunately, it still took them a little over two days to reach the castle.
"Right now, Shaoren-sama's Force and the Yuu-Chan Force must be lock in battle," Shishun noted as they began approaching the said battlefield.
"She can hold out?" Taiki wondered.
"I honestly do not know. Shaoren-sama's experience in leading an army is mediocre at best…"
"… …I see…"
"…? You are awfully calm about this, Taiki. Why is that?"
"…No, it's just… …Uh, how should I explain this? I know we're getting close to the battle right now…but, something seems to be off…"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Normally as you get closer to the battle, there is tenseness…like the suspense you feel when a duel is about to start… …but in this case, I'm not getting that feeling…"
"… …I am not quite sure what are speaking of," Shishun sweat dropped, "…but in a way, I am seeing where you are getting at. By now, I should be able to hear the sound of war cries or sword clashing, but I am hearing none of that…"
"There's that too. So either the Yuu-Chan Force isn't here yet or…"
"…Oh! Now I see…"
"Yeah~! Let's hurry; I'm getting anxious for a different reason…"
Picking up the pace, they soon had the castle in sight. To their shock, there were many tents baring the flag indicating that they originate from Yuu-Chan surrounding the castle. But as the feeling of dread started to sink in, they notice two things incredibly off. The first was the fact that the Kou-Tou Flags and Son Flags still hangs proudly on the castle, indicating that it was still in their control. The second is that the Yuu-Chan Tents are far too close to castle walls, well in firing range.
"…W-What is this?" Shishun managed in confusion, "Nothing in this scenery suggest an ongoing war…"
"There doesn't seem to be any hit of conflicts either," Taiki noted as he peered among the Yuu-Chan Tents, "the field looks way too clean…"
As Taiki and Shishun ponder what to do next, the gates of the castle open and two people rode out towards them. One was a little girl with waist-length powdery-blue wavy hair, wondering violet eyes, and pale skin. She wore a silk dress with a red corset on the outside, all which are under a black uniform coat with white flower decorations, a small official hat perched on top of her head, and high heels. The other was…
"…!? Shaoren-sama!" Shishun exclaimed in shock as the two halt their steed in front of them.
"Hey, Shishun~!" Shaoren chimed in greeting, "I take it that you manage to quell the last resistance of Tan-Yo Force?"
"Y-Yes! Sheren-sama and the rest of the Kou-Tou Force are on their way here as we speak…"
"Oh good," Shaoren turn to her companion, "Looks like you shall be meeting Onee-sama soon, Raika-san!"
"…? And this girl is…?" Taiki managed eying the girl in curiosity.
"Ah~! Forgive This One for my misconduct," the girl apologized as she descended from her steed and bow gracefully, presenting the drape of her dress, "The name of This One is Chou-Shou Shifu. This One hails from the land of Yuu-Chan and has approach you in the name peace…"
"…Huh?"
"She is a bit odd fashion when it comes to speaking," Shaoren chuckled with a sweat drop, "but she is a good person, I can vouch for that much…"
"Uh-huh," Taiki nodded dumbfound, "…So~, what exactly happen here?"
"Ah~, well," Shaoren chuckled shyly, "We were all in quite a panic when the border patrol alert us that over Seventy Thousand had cross over into Tan-Yo and was heading this way in full speed. Not long after I send that messenger to alert you, they appeared right at our doorsteps…"
"This One once again apologizes for such an abrupt arrival," Chou-Shou bowed apologetically.
"No~, it was alright…"
"A-Alright?" Shishun sweat dropped, "Shaoren-sama, how could the arrival of an army three times your size at your doorstep be alright!?"
"Well~, because she did not bring them here to fight…"
"P-Pardon?"
"When they arrive they—or rather Raika-san, called me out to have a meeting. I went out with the resolve to buy as much time as I can so that Onee-sama can come, but was apparently unnecessary. What she had wanted to talk about was not demanding surrender or peace treaty, but rather for joining…"
"Joining?" Taiki hummed in thought, "…Get out~! Don't tell all these guys are here for…"
"Yep~! They want to help us. In other words, Yuu-Chan is demonstrating their willingness to be assimilated without a fight…"
"Seriously!?"
"This One is sure it comes as a great surprise you," Chou-Shou acknowledged, "Yuu-Chan was actually heavily divided whether to embrace the eventual ruler of Age-Shuu or stand unwavering against the new era. The Tan-Yo Force strategic defeat provided Yuu-Chan with the means to unite in favor of the new era. As This One heard of Son-Saku-sama appreciation to army strength, This One mustered a grand army ready to use at her Ladyship's will…"
"Basically, she and Yuu-Chan is in full support of our conquest of Age-Shuu…"
"Oh~~!" Taiki comically wiped off sweat from his forehead, "So that's what this is about…"
"I certainly understand the situation now," Shishun managed, "Still a simple message would have sufficed…"
"Come on now, Shishun~! Some things can't be share through a simple written message. Sincerity and seriousness for starters; I think she wants to show how dedicated Yuu-Chan is to Sheren's conquest by telling her in person…"
"I understand that. But regardless, her action has put even Meirin-dono into quite a panic for a moment…"
"And how~! Well, I'm pretty sure that will end up being another [perk] to her [resume]…"
"Two strange words in your speech and I am already lost," Shaoren commented pouted, "Can you not do that, Taiki-onii-chan?"
Taiki laughed. "Sorry, no promises there; it's a habit…"
"You could at least say you shall consider it!"
"Sorry, I don't make promises that I can't keep…"
Shaoren grumbled in frustration as Chou-Shou spoke up again. "May This One ask when Son-Saku-sama shall arrive?"
"Soon," Shishun announced, "At least by tomorrow. You can properly introduce yourself then…"
"In that case," Shaoren nodded, "Let us head back to the castle. All of you must be tired from the long battle and the journey back…"
Agreeing with a nod, Taiki and Shishun followed the two back to castle.
Taiki, Shishun and their forces were welcomed into the fortress, which had a mixture of both the Kou-Tou Force and the Yuu-Chan Force. It was there that Taiki got to know a bit more about Chou-Shou Shifu, otherwise known as simply Raika.
She was essentially a bookworm, like Non except without the overly intoxication that Taiki narrowly avoid after stumbling across it once. The other difference is the fact that Rakia does not simply engross herself in obtaining knowledge from the documents she reads; she puts that same knowledge she obtain into practice. Taiki even mentally joke that if she read a book about game designing, she'll make an array of different types of game consoles and game programs as soon as she studies up how to.
Because of this, Rakia is an excellent in politics and academic areas; it is specializing in such field that had her conclude that joining the Kou-Tou Force is more productive than standing against it. Likewise, despite speaking mostly in old-tongue language, she has a surprisingly mischievous side to her; she is well aware that she has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge that most others doesn't have and makes use of that in order to verbal trick others into believing in her various tall tales. Shaoren, for one, was nearly taken in by such a tall tale.
Overall, Taiki is comfortable with this kind of bookworm; she is knowledgeable but knows how to have fun (in her own way).
As Shishun predicted, Sheren and her forces arrived about midway to evening. They were too were shocked by usual scenery unbefitting for a battlefield but after being greeted by Shaoren and hearing her explanation, the army's anxiety died down at last.
"This One humbly greets the eventual overlord of Age-Shuu," Raika bowed respectfully to Sheren once she arrived in the banquet hall, "This One apologized for causing discomfort to Son-Saku-sama by arriving in the land of Tan-Yo without prior arrangements…"
"…Oh, it is alright," Sheren laughed, "All in all, nearly half of my intention here in Age-Shuu has been fulfilled due to your deflection into my endeavor…"
"Though, I would advise you not to do something like this again," Meirin sighed tiredly, "I gave me goosebumps thinking that Yuu-Chan took advantage of a golden opportunity to drive us off…"
"Oh~? So even Meirin fail to have foreseen an opening in our approach?"
"…It is not that I did not foresee it, but I did not think there was anyone on Yuu-Chan capable enough to take it…"
"That could not be help, Shuu-Yu-dono," Raika smiled, "This One's arrival to Tan-Yo was but a mere coincident, coinciding with the opening that your formation left…"
"…? So you did not actually perceive the opening until now!?"
"Ugh," Minmei sweat dropped, "If that is the case, you make it far as a military general, Chou-Shou-san…"
"This One has no talent in warfare," Raika admitted, "This One's talent is all statistic and politics. The leading of the army of Yuu-Chan here is but all what This One can really do military-wise…"
"Statistic and politics, you say," Sheren hummed in thought, "That is exactly what my force need at the moment…"
"Indeed," Meirin nodded, "We have people who can do just as much, but by leaving them there to deal with it, it also cut back our military power since those very same people are our strategists and generals. But if Chou-Shou-san were to lend her assistance in that field, we no longer need to leave them behind…"
"Right! So, Chou-Shou-san, will you be willing to handle our domestic affairs as we conquer the land?"
"It will be This One's honor to serve where Son-Saku-sama deem me worthy to aid," Chou-Shou accepted with a respectful bow.
"… …You are seriously too uptight, Raika," Taiki, who was eating off to the sideline, mumbled through a stuffed, "We're comrades now! You can call her by her true name now~!"
"That is not up to thee to decide, Taiki Sonoma!" Meirin snapped.
Sheren, on the other hand, laughed. "Taiki has a point. Would you not do so? I shall call you by your true name as well in return…"
"If Sheren-sama decrees it," Raika nodded, "then This One shall comply…"
"Good! I shall be in your care from now on then, Raika-chan…"
"Likewise, Sheren-sama…"
"I wonder how long it would have taken for Raika-san to open up to us if Taiki did not say anything," Shaoren sweat dropped.
"It would have happen eventually," Meirin concluded as she glared at Taiki, "so next time, do not rudely insert thy opinion, Taiki Sonoma…"
"Got it~!" Taiki nodded, still with a mouthful of food.
"Answer with your mouth empty! That is beyond offensive!"
"Now, now, Meirin," Sheren calmed her friend, "this is a feast. And Taiki is not one to follow formality; you should know that by now…"
"Sheren is too lenient," Meirin pouted, causing everyone to laugh.
"Well, now all we have to do is to wait for Rian-chan to return here…"
"You mean that Enemy General that continued to resist even after Ryuu-Yao fled?" Shaoren wondered, "And the same one Nee-sama gave permission to leave to round up three thousand scatter troops of the Tan-Yo Force? No offence, but even I doubt that general can do all that in three days…"
"She'll do it," Taiki noted.
"Taiki, I know not where your confidences comes from, but the third day is today and it is almost up. I really don't think she will make it-…"
Suddenly, a soldier burst into the banquet hall. "Reporting! An army of Three Thousand has just been sighted and shall arrive at the castle soon!"
"…! What flag do they bare!?" Sheren asked hopefully.
"It is the flag of 'Taishi', My Ladyship!"
"It is Rian-chan~! She came as promise~!"
"…!? She really came back with Three Thousand soldiers!?" Shaoren gawked in shock.
"Sitting here pondering it will get us nowhere," Sai concluded, "If we doubt our ears, we must confirm it with our eyes!"
"Agreed," Meirin nodded and stood up to follow after Sheren and Taiki, who just ran out.
Even from the castle walls, a well-organized army of three thousand soldiers marched proudly towards the castle. Once they arrived, everyone came out to meet the Crimson Armored General who stood in front of the army with a proud smile.
"Sheren-sama!" Rian saluted upon seeing Sheren approaching, "I have return as promise!"
"That you did!" Sheren laughed as she gripped Rian's shoulders proudly, "I am happy to see that you did not disappoint me…"
"I feel the same that I can live up to Sheren-sama's expectation…"
"Told you she can do it," Taiki glee.
"I thank you, Taiki, for believing in me as well…"
"…It would appear that both Sheren-sama and Taiki has the talent to judge someone correctly," Sai chuckled.
Taiki laughed nervously in response. Strictly speaking, he already had a vague idea that something like this was going to happen and knew that Rian, as Taishi-Ji, could do it.
"Well, Rian-san being able to gather the three thousand scatter soldiers of Tan-Yo is a feat just as impress for someone so young…"
"I thank you for the compliment," Rian blushed in response.
"Compliments are hardly enough," Sheren declared, "to be able to perform a nearly impossible feat such as this, a reward must follow…"
"Eh? No! I-I do not believe that is necessary…"
"…Normally not," Meirin noted, "but even I find myself skeptical on your ability; this is simply not a task for any ordinary general to take, let alone a general that had just join our ranks…"
"As that is the case," Sheren smiled, "Name your reward. If it is within my power, I shall grant it…"
Rian peered between Meirin and Sheren before shyly continuing. "… …A-A reward? A-Any kind of reward?"
"Yep! What do you wish for, Rian-chan?"
"… … … …Well, in that case, I—No, forget it…"
"Eh~!? What is this all of a sudden~? Come one, tell me~!"
"No, I cannot wish for more than-…"
"Speak!"
"… …Can I be granted a parental figure?"
"Huh?"
"HUH~~~!?" Everyone exclaimed in shock.
"W-What is that supposed to mean!?" Shishun managed in startled.
"A-Are you asking to be adopted!?" Sai managed.
"…My maternal parents never shower me with any, as you all may call, parental love," Rian explained, "so I had lived a life not truly knowing what it is like despite seeing it all around me. When I decided to enter military ranking, I was practically disown…"
"D-Disown!?" Shaoren puffed her cheek in rage, "Such absurdity! How can a parent deny their own flesh and blood just because they want to do as they wish!?"
"There are people like that in the world," Minmei frowned sadly.
"…I-I am sorry," Rian rushed an apology, "T-That was an unreasonable demand…"
"Well, that is true," Meirin mumbled, "Even with Sheren's authority, we cannot force anyone to adopt you…though if look around hard enough I am sure we can find someone who is willing to-…"
"So Sai is out of the option, huh?" Taiki hummed in thought.
"…Huh!?"
"…!? W-Wait a moment, Taiki!" Sai blushed as she glared at Taiki, "What are you implying exactly!?"
"No, I'm just saying if we are going by a warrior in our ranks that is even qualify to adopt a child her age, it would be-…"
"Taiki! You jerk!" SLAP!
"Ow!" Taiki comically went flying back from the slap as Sai stomped off in anger.
"…I-I never seen Sai-dono act like this before," Minmei trembled from behind Shishun
"… …Taiki," Shaoren sweat dropped at where Taiki landed, "Only you would be brave enough to say that out loud…"
"Ahem," Taiki coughed as he got back up and return to the group, "Uh, back to Rian's wish now…"
"And he got back up as nothing happen…"
"What are we going to do, Meirin?"
"Shuu-Yu!" Meirin grumbled, "…Well, I supposed we can try asking some distinguish family to take her in but…"
"…Rian-chan," Sheren, who has been left in a daze until now, suddenly addressed, "Is this truly what you wish for?"
"…A-As I thought," Rian mumbled embarrassingly, "It was a silly request. Please just forget-…"
"Answer the question!"
"S-Sheren?" Meirin backed a bit from Sheren's unusual serious tone.
"… …Yes," Rian nodded shyly, "More than anything…"
A long silent soon took hold before Sheren closed the distance between her and Rian. In an instant before anyone could even react, Sheren embrace Rian in an affectionate hug and began to nuzzle the startled Rian, despite the armor.
"Hoh~~!" Sheren cooed, "You really must have been lonely all this time~~! Poor thing~~! I see now~~! There is no problem~~! We do not need to search for anyone~~! I shall take you in~~!"
"… …Huh?" Rian blinked.
"…WHAT!?" Everyone exclaimed in shock.
"S-S-S-Sheren! What are you saying!?" Meirin managed in horror, "S-S-S-She is around the same age as you, you know!"
"Eh~~? Age does not matter~~!" Sheren pouted still nuzzling Rian, "I had always thought she was cute, too cute to be a simple friend. But her wish makes this better~! I always want such a cute and reliable child~~!"
"Do not joke around! You are not even married!"
"…? Dai-Kyou doesn't count?" Taiki blinked in confusion.
"Taiki Sonoma! You stay out of this!"
"How about it, Rian-chan~~?" Sheren continued to nuzzle Rian, "Will this be okay~~? I shall show some long-deserve motherly love~~!"
"… …Really?" Rian managed.
"Oh! She's not against it!" Taiki hummed in interest.
"R-Rian!" Meirin exclaimed in shock, "Do not just follow Sheren's flow!"
"Jeez, why are you so against this, Meirin?" Sheren pouted before snickering, "Could it be that you are afraid that I shall be preoccupy with Rian-chan so much that I will not have time for you~~?"
"T-That is not it!"
"If that's all you're worry about," Taiki thumped his palm, "why don't Meirin join too?"
"… …Huh?"
"EH~~!?" Everyone else managed.
"Both Sheren and Meirin can be Rian's foster mothers! That way Sheren can still hang out with both without ignoring either of the two…"
"You cannot be serious," Shishun managed with a sweat dropped.
"… …Actually, it is not a bad idea when you think about it," Shaoren smirked knowingly.
"Even Shaoren-sama?" Minmei sweat dropped.
"W-What kind of sick heresy idea are you cooking up in that twisted mind of yours, Taiki Sonoma!?" Meirin blushed greatly.
"It's not a heresy idea! Raika!" Taiki snapped his fingers to call Raika up, "I'll leave this to you…"
"…Pardon?"
"Ahem," Raika cleared her throat and began reading from a scroll she had produce out of nowhere, "According to what This One has read from these documents, since ancient times when people are but in few small tribes to survive…"
Ten Minutes later…
"…To conclude, regardless of time and needs, as long as there is an agreement, This One believes firmly that as long as the child lives a good life, it matters not the condition or social standing of the parental figures…"
"See?" Taiki gave a thumb up, "it's perfectly [OK]!"
"…Ugh," Meirin comically held her head in confusion, "I-I am no longer sure what we are arguing about anymore…"
"Basically from what I can infer," Sai, who has long since return, hummed, "There is nothing wrong with having two girls act as parents to a child…"
"So it is fine, right Meirin?" Sheren asked hopefully as she usher Meirin to look at Rian, "You said so yourself once that Rian-chan was cute right? And if you are feeling lonely, then we can both take care of her together…"
"… … …! I-I never said that directly!" Meirin blushed after taking another good look at Rian.
"…So is that still a no?"
"…No?" Rian lower her head and gave Meirin an upward glance.
"…Ugh," Meirin reeled back a bit from the posture before sighing in defeat, "…I-I did not say 'no' precisely…"
"Then…it is alright?" Sheren pushed the question further.
"… … … … …Fine~! But is she really alright with this?"
"Yes!" Rian nodded with a bright, "I shall be in both of your cares from now on, Sheren-sama, Shuu-Yu-sama…"
"…Meirin is fine… … …we are family now…"
"She said it!" Taiki announced excitedly, "She mumbled the last part but she said it~~!"
"… …!? T-Taiki Sonoma~~! Hold your tongue~~~!"
Everyone broke out laughing as the verbal argument between the blushing Meirin and teasing Taiki continued.
"…A family," Rian giggled to herself, "I finally have one again…"
"Well, in the end," Shaoren sighed, "all you really got are two mothers; you still need a daddy…"
"Uh, no. I cannot ask for more than this already…"
"A daddy huh?" Sheren hummed in thought before peering over at where Meirin and Taiki are arguing, giggling after a few moments of consideration, "…You may not have to wait long for that, Rian-chan…"
"…?"
"Ahem," Sheren suddenly cleared her throat to gain attention from her comrades and the soldiers, "Everyone, now that Rian-chan's reward has been given let us celebrate one more day. But tomorrow, we resume our campaign in conquering Age-Shuu! Our next opponent is Go-Gun, Tei-Fu-dono herself! She is not one to be underestimated! Hence, I decree that I shall use my full force in our next battle! Eat well, soldiers both fresh and experience! Rest well, soldiers both young and old! After today, we once again set forth for conquest~~!"
The army of Kou-Tou, the remaining force of the Tan-Yo, and even the newly recruited Yuu-Chan cheered at the speech. Hence, Son-Saku is now halfway done with Age-Shuu.
Meanwhile in Jo-Shun…
"…The region of Tan-Yo and Yuu-Chan are now part of the Kou-Tou Force's power," Nanano informed her ladyship, "All that remains now is the subjugation of Go-Gun and Hue-I-Ji, and Son-Saku shall have the entire region of Age-Shuu as her own…"
"Wow," Miu awed, "Son-Saku sure works fast~!"
"Word is it that Taiki had played a crucial role in both regions' subjugation…"
"Eh!? Taiki-onii-chan!? He is alright!?"
"It appears so…"
"…Thank heavens~!" Miu gave a sigh of relief as she sank tiredly in her chair, "When I heard that Taiki-onii-chan was injured severely during the Kou-Tou Force return to their home region, I fear the worse…"
"Miu-sama would regularly ask for his well-being in the reports and wake up in the middle of the night calling for Taiki…"
"Yeah-…Ah-! Wait! Before you misunderstand-!"
"I know, Miu-sama~! Miu-sama has a heart of gold that worries even for the General of another force~…"
"Y-Yeah! I-I-It is not like I was really concern with Taiki-onii-chan or anything…"
"As expected of Miu-sama~! You can never be honest with your feeling and always have some way to hide your embarrassment~!"
"Yes! Praise me more-!" Miu glee before comically catching herself, "Wait a second! Nanano, what kind of joke was that!?"
"Oh my. Miu-sama is surprisingly sharp at times like this…"
"Do not dodge the question~!"
Just then, a soldier entered the throne room.
"My Ladyship," the soldier began, "Someone wishes to meet you…"
"…? I have no time for that. Send that person away~!"
"W-Well, actually, we try that already. But the person seems to be in possession of an Imperial Badge…"
"…? An Imperial Badge?" Nanano gasped, "Miu-sama, this person is likely a messenger from the Imperial Court that was just establish again in Kyo-Shou…"
"A-An Imperial Messenger!?" Miu staggered at the realization, "uh, quickly! Send this person in!"
"Yes!" the soldier saluted before leaving. A little while later, the soldier return with a cloaked person. "I have return with the said person…"
"You are dismissed," Nanano informed, and soldier left.
Miu glared curiously at the cloaked person who was busy chewing away at an apple. Even with the cloak on, she could tell that it was a tall woman with long waist length, wavy white hair sticking out of her hood.
"…W-Who are you?" Miu began slowly; the presence giving off of the cloak woman put her on alert, "Y-You are no mere messenger…"
"…As would be expect of a member of the En Family," the cloaked woman giggled as she tossed aside the eaten apple and pull back her hood, "It has been a while, En-Jutsu Kouro… …no, Miu-chan~!"
"…?" Miu stared at the woman's face now that it can be seen properly, before widening her eyes and let her jaw hanged in shock, "…!? Y-You are-!?"
The woman's childlike violet eyes gleam at Miu's reaction. "Yes, it is I. Think of this as a blessing, Ruler of Jo-Shun; we have much to do…"
Another long chapter clear~~!
This time there are three known characters new to the Koihime Musou Universe: Tei-Fu Tokupou, Taishi-Ji Shigi and Chou-Shou Shifu…though the last one did appear in the KM Universe as an old guy in the anime.
Tei-Fu Tokupou is Cheng Pu Demou, one of the four great veteran generals under Wu. Taishi-Ji Shigi is Taishi Ci Ziyi, a general that Sun Ce recruited during his takeover of the future Wu Domain with great expectation. Chou-Shou Shifu is Zhang Zhao Zibu, an minister that Sun Ce recommend Sun Quan to consult when dealing with internal affairs on his death bed, as well as the leading figure trying to persuade Sun Quan to surrender to Cao Cao before the Battle of Red Cliffs.
The last, who appeared before En-Jutsu, is certainly a new character that will officially be introduce into the Koihime Musou Universe, but in the event of not spoiling the future chapters, I shall not go into further details for now.
No new common names; these new characters already has their own common/style name.
Next chapter, we'll focus back to Kazuto and the future faction of Shoku as they move to Jo-Shou, which is already under trouble. What will they have to deal with this time? Find out next time…and yes, there are going to be lots of new characters new to the KM Universe introduce next chapter including an OC that did not make into the KM Universe.