Volume 6 Chapter 14 It's Actually Annoying, But...
As soon as Mikage returned, she locked herself in her room at the clinic. It seems she needed time to sort things out within herself, just as Aina had said.
"I've been keeping this to myself, but the name 'Egawa' sounded familiar to me."
Aina started to explain.
"It's from a distant island country called 'Sanmoto.' It's an island nation surrounded by the sea, with a unique culture where noble class called 'bushi' reside in various regions."
"Considering the story, it seems like Sanmoto is Mikage's hometown."
Mikage didn't like to talk much about her past. While she did share the reason she left his home, she never mentioned details about her background or family. It didn't bother me or Aina and the others.
However, it seems we can't avoid talking about it now.
"And, the Egawa family is the 'shogun family' of Sanmoto."
Kyunei tilted her head at unfamiliar words.
"Is 'Shogun' like a noble title, similar to a Baron or Marquis? How important is it?"
"It's not just important, it's the pinnacle."
"Oh?"
"The Egawa family leads the Sanmoto. I was surprised when I remembered it in the middle of our conversation. I did my best not to show it on my face."
Kyunei couldn't help but let out a strange sound at Aina's unexpected answer. I must be making a similar expression to hers right now. Did Aina experience our current feelings while talking with Rouza and the others? I might end up not just respecting her, but being in awe. She used to be royalty too.
A serious realization struck me here.
"──So, Rouza is the next king!? Is that so!?"
It's a bit unsettling to think about him being the next king with that carefree attitude.
"Mikage was supposed to be engaged to that prince. In other words, it could be seen as a romantic story in a different setting, something you could chat about over drinks."
Kyunei shrugged her shoulders as she exhaled.
"It's a common tale of a young lady who ran away from marriage and found happiness with a wandering traveler she met on her journey. But then, her former fiancé shows up and causes some trouble. It's a typical plot, but that's why it's easy to relate to, right?"
"That's exactly what's happening in reality."
"I understand. That's why we're all here scratching our heads over it."
It's usually easier to talk about things that don't involve people themselves personally. I mean, if they were directly involved, it wouldn't be a laughing matter. Even in Brave's adventure stories, they sound exciting to listen to, but if Brave himself was actually asked to join, unless he was very confident in his abilities, he'd definitely decline.
"I couldn't help it, but looking back, I do regret not being able to keep up. If I had stayed with her, I could have properly supported Mikage."
"Speaking of that, it's our fault for being actually close by. We knew Mikage had been troubled recently."
If I had known this would happen, I should have tried to listen to her worries, even if it was difficult.
"But, it's strange that guy who seems so carefree is Mikage's fiancé, even if he used to be someone important and former."
I don't know the actual details, but considering her current personality, Mikage must have been raised under strict parents. In that case, would they really engage their precious daughter to that carefree prince charming?
"──It would be wise not to be deceived by that frivolity (silliness), Yukina-sama."
When I turned towards the voice, Mikage, who should have been back in the room, was there.
"Are you... okay?"
"I apologize for causing concern. I have calmed down now."
At least on the surface, even though she appears calm, it's hard to believe it completely. When she sits at the empty seat at the table, Kyunei stands up and heads towards the kitchen, saying, "I'll make some tea."
"I'm sorry. I went ahead and talked some things without permission."
"No, I should be the one apologizing. I've caused quite a bit of confusion for everyone with this sudden situation. It's only right for me to explain the circumstances."
Mikage shook her head in response to Aina's words.
When Kyunei returns with the tea, Mikage looks at the steaming teapot and begins to speak slowly.
"Rouza-sama does have a whimsical side indeed. His extravagant behavior has even troubled the Shogun and his retainers."
According to Mikage, just as expected from the first impression, even in his hometown of Sanmoto, he was quite free-spirited. He always made sure not to cross the line into crime, but even considering that, he would often venture into the castle town and fool around.
"However, that person is undoubtedly the future shogun among many siblings — appointed by our lord. his father, to inherit the position of the next shogun."
Mikage's assertive tone indicated the seriousness of the situation. It showed that there was no falsehood, only the truth.
"By the way, how many siblings are there?"
"If we include all the children of the main wife and concubines, there are seven. The right to inherit the shogunate is only for male children, but if we include daughters, there are about fifteen."
"Oh my, quite a prosperous king indeed. It seems like there will be quite a dispute over the heir issue."
Kyunei placed a hand on her cheek in surprise. However, Mikage just shook her head.
"Sanmoto has a history where numerous small countries have been in turmoil, with warlords vying for power for a long time."
"I heard that about a hundred years ago, the Egawa family rose to the position of shogun and pacified Sanmoto. Before that, there had been continuous wars in various parts of the country."
"You really know your stuff, Aina-sama."
After nodding in agreement and taking a sip of tea, Mikage continued.
"Of course, in times of war, many lives are lost. This includes the heirs of lords. If wars over territories are frequent, the likelihood of the heir dying in battle naturally increases."
"I see. Having many siblings is like an insurance policy in case the heir passes away."
It seems that it's more of a problem if all the heirs are wiped out rather than just arguing over the heir issue. Without children to succeed them, there wouldn't even be anything to argue about.
"Due to such historical background, the shogun of the Egawa family, who stands at the pinnacle of the samurai, is also obligated to leave behind many children."
It's not about romantic love but rather about procreation as a duty. Whether it's enviable or troublesome is a difficult question.
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