[Part 1/4]
"...I must say, I was quite surprised. Who would have thought you'd make such a hasty decision? It's unlike Minister to take such a risky path, isn't it?"
In the dignified study of the palace, those words echoed with meaning.
"..."
Despite the sudden familiarity from the official who employed him as a scribe, the elderly nobleman continued his duties without reproach. With a warm smile, he remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Oh? Didn't you agree? I thought it was a perfect opportunity to weaken the exorcists."
The attack on the envoy, the kidnapping of the representative— the chaos that ensued from these events was significant. The fact that such outrage occurred in the heart of the capital region shook many, leaving even some attendees stunned and speechless.
It was proof of how the court had underestimated this matter. They probably thought that just by sending an envoy in a parade, the other party would surrender easily. Their naive expectations were quickly shattered, and they realized that.
"It's impressive how you can manipulate a chaotic assembly to get the order for suppression. But still, it was reckless, don't you think? Wasn't the Minister of the Right skeptical? It's not admirable to draw suspicion when you're about to criticize that household."
The Ryuen family, one of the families that have traditionally inherited the position of Minister of the Right, is especially cautious. This is true even when it comes to marriage. Due to their vigilance towards connections and blood relations, even Nue, who has reincarnates in various forms, has not been able to penetrate the bloodline of that family. The decision for the Minister of the Left's granddaughter to marry into that family in this generation was the culmination of a plan that had been in the works for over half a century. And...
"But it was also an opportunity. The Middle Counselor (Chuunagon) was also a bit troublesome, just like the Minister of The Right."
The elderly Middle Counselor was knowledgeable nobleman in both the courtly and military matters, quick-witted, and even able to entertain. Even in retirement, one couldn’t let their guard down. If possible, it would have been better for him to die early.
"Moreover, the opponent is that snake. The expedition team will likely be destroyed. But that's fine. That is what is desired."
He didn’t anticipate the divine snake. It was a natural consequence. It was bound to provoke the snake's wrath. The sacrifices would pile up.
And yet...it was all just the remnants of past glory. The tarnished court would send assassins without concern for appearances. Eventually, they would be defeated. And then disaster would be unleashed. Divine punishment would strike the people. It was doubly delicious for him.
"According to you, Master, you have invited them (the snake) several times in the past, right? I’ve heard that Master was rejected."
Despite the deep connection with the imperial court, it also signified something profound with the master right in front of him. The ghost (the master) had tasted the bitterness of the past, much like the snake.
"Cooperation is impossible. Neglect could lead to unforeseen consequences. The snake, with its unnecessarily high status, could become an uncertain variable in our plans. Therefore, we should make the most of it while we can, even if it means using it up. Along with the Tengu."
If the extermination squad is annihilated, the Tengu will have no choice but to fully engage in conflict with the imperial court. Whether the Tengu will submit to the snake or it will become a three-way struggle... in any case, weakening the imperial court is essential.
"The snake will be slain. The Tengu will be eradicated. We are prepared to control the remaining Spiritual Vein."
The Minister of the Left, who advocated for suppression, would likely secure the rights to the Spiritual Vein of the lost Mt. Anma to the fullest extent possible. Killing two birds, maybe even three, with one stone. It's a perfect opportunity. While the negotiations with the Tengu, as originally planned, and attempts to incorporate them into the court and provoke conflict between the court and the Tengu have failed... overall, isn't this landing point not bad?
"Why not just say it clearly? That you want to destroy those birds?"
"..."
The Minister of the Left stopped writing. He looked at his assistant (his master) in silence, his smile stiffening as if glued on.
"...Don't be so cautious. Aren't we in this together?"
"Since when did you notice?"
"From the beginning. Would you believe that?"
The ghost (亡霊) disguised as an assistant answered while resting his chin on his hand. Though his tone seemed playful, the Minister nodded.
"I see. Indeed, it wouldn't be strange at all for you to come to such a conclusion."
During the founding period, this ghost who knew about the great war knew a lot more about the Tengu than the experts in that field. He knew about the Tengu of Anma. He knew about the leader of the Tengu. Of course, because they were acquainted.
"I was rather careless, wasn't I? I should have expected you to be tough on them if you had the chance."
Even though he usually wore the skin of a gentleman, it is important to remember that this Minister is actually a madman. If not a madman, he would not have considered stealing the bodies of his descendants for hundreds of years for his own purposes. Could it be a symptom of aging to forget about it even for a moment in the position of inviting people to hell? It might be a deterioration of the soul. It's an important subject for research.
"Well, I understand the feeling, but it's not good to stray from the path, right? Unlike me, you should focus on the main goal that must be accomplished. A person who chases two rabbits catches neither, you know?"
Saying so, the ghost reached out for the candy dish placed beside the Minister (Daijin). He plucked a red candy egg and savored it, letting the gentle sweetness spread through his borrowed mouth.
"Mmm. This is quite delicious. I believe... it was a gift from the Tachibana merchant guild, right?"
"Yes. With keen ears, they have been selling labor and goods to the expedition team."
The ghost recalled a recent visitor. Bringing Nanban-style sweets invented by the young lady of family while talking about business... it turned into a mere boast about his daughter... remembering the head of the trading company.
When it came to his daughter being treated as his successor, it was a pathetic sight, but Minister of the Left knew that he was not to be underestimated. He may not be all-knowing, but it was unusual how something decided in a private council could be known the next day. His ears seemed even sharper after the purge of the merchant guild a few years ago.
"It's a troublesome situation, isn't it? Is the daughter of his fixated on Onitsuki's second princess? Truly troublesome."
Taking another bite of the red candy egg, he sipped his tea and pondered for a moment. Then... he looked squarely at the Minister.
"As a master, as an elder, and as a collaborator, let me advise you. Make arrangements so that you can retract your orders immediately without getting too involved."
The ghost recommended this to the disciple, who was also a collaborator, just like a teacher imparting wisdom to a student. Yet, it was sincere and urgent.
It was a gesture truly uncharacteristic of the enigmatic figure of a hundred faces.
"...You think it won't go well?"
"Well, you know... hm. Well, Kouka-kun seems to have failed in the meantime, too. It would be better to handle the situation before it becomes a mess."
Nue who had been hiding and watching the Tengu mountain as a messenger. The Minister of the Left sighs when he realizes this.
"It’s frustrating."
"You shouldn’t be greedy. At least we have eliminated uncertainties. No matter what happens between the snake and the Tengu, the court will not be at ease. Our attention should be on Anma's mountain. Or rather, we should direct it there. That way, things will be easier for us."
Nue proposes a plan to send an army and the Seven Demon-Sealing Warriors to the mountain as a heavy support. It is not a bad idea for a large army and skilled exorcists to be away from the capital.
"Indeed, that makes sense."
"You don’t fully agree, do you?"
The Minister remained silent in response to the sharp question. This attitude seemed to be that of a ghost of obsession and determination. In the chaotic times, even the Tengu demons took part in the human sacrifices offered by the priestesses. At least, that's what the deceased think.
From Nue's perspective, it may seem like a bit of a grudge, but...well, he won't point it out intentionally. Even if he points it out, he won't be satisfied. It's best not to touch it and risk ruining the relationship.
"...Minister, it's about time. Your carriage has arrived."
"...Is it already that time?"
The heavy atmosphere was broken not inside the room, but from outside. The Minister responded with dignity to the maid's call from the other side of the shouji paper door.
"Time?"
"I have plans to go out. I have been invited to a tea party. Can I not refuse such a kindness?"
The exchange transitioning from mentor and disciple, from comrades to the facade of master and servant, reminded Nue of something the failed shrine maiden had once mentioned...
It would serve as a fitting distraction. Perhaps, by seeing her, the fervor among the Tengu would cool down a bit. Nue anticipated this.
"Now, I'll prepare to depart..."
"Alright. While I'm away, should I handle most of the remaining tasks before returning home? Should I expect your excellent skills as a assistant?"
With a gentlemanly air, the Minister of the Left stood up and instructed the scribe. It was a natural order considering the circumstances, and although Nue smiled and accepted it, internally he felt frustrated.
This incompetent disciple, he thought to himself.
"Understood, I will carry out your orders."
The assistant (Nue) picks up the candied eggs again and eats them. The calligraphy brush is respectfully thrown away with all his heart and soul towards his master. Just by listening to the voice, no one could measure his true intentions. They smile at each other.
...Well, well. Since he has been left behind, there is no point in complaining. Let's start processing the stack of letters that have arrived from various places with care.
Generating friction, twisting the country as it rots, right...?
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