Volume 1 Chapter 22 The Great Villain Of The World And His Senior Disciple Become Friends
"I showed you a weird side of me, didn't I?"
After Kaou-shikei's mother fell asleep, we left the mansion.
We needed to contact our master to let her know we were taking a break.
I didn't think I could focus on training in this state.
"And... I'm sorry. You probably understood from my mother's story, but I'm not really a foreign exchange student."
"Huh?"
"I'm actually a hostage sent from Souma Country to Aika Country. Thanks to Ryougen-kun's arrangements, I'm pretending to be a foreign exchange student. Being able to walk freely around town is also thanks to him."
Shikei seems to come from a noble family in Souma Country.
However, his mother's status was low.
So when Souma Country decided to send a hostage to Aika Country, Shikei was chosen.
"Even though I'm a hostage, I'm not being restricted. My mother and I are here to prove that Souma Country is complying with Aika Country."
Kaou-shikei explains.
"Souma Country probably wanted to have a hostage in a big country. It serves as proof that they won't rebel, and if things go well, they might receive support. Aika Country can also show its capability as a great nation by treating the hostage with respect."
"Aika Country and Souma Country have a good relationship, after all."
"Yeah. That's why Ryougen-kun made me a foreign exchange student. When I asked, he got me a martial arts master. Of course, it was on the condition that it would help Aika Country."
"...Is that so?"
"Why do you have such a gloomy face, Tenhou?"
Kaou-shikei peeked at my face and laughed.
"Are you thinking again that 'I'm getting in the way of Kaou-shikei'?"
"Do you understand?"
"I do. It's about you, Tenhou."
"But it's true. Shikei came to a faraway country and finally became Master Raikou's disciple, and then I barged in."
"Hmm. I think it's great that I became Tenhou's senior disciple."
"I'm happy to be Kaou-shikei's junior disciple too."
"Then, isn't that good?"
"But... your mother is worried, isn't she?"
I said.
"Shikei's mother said she wanted to ask Ryougen-kun for help. That must be after you fulfill your 'duty,' right? I think Shikei's mother believes I'm going to take that right away."
"That's not true. The reason my mother is like that is... because my father's letter arrived."
Kaou-shikei looked towards the southern sky.
It was noon, with a clear sky and not a single cloud.
Shielding his eyes from the sunlight, Kaou-shikei had a distant look in his eyes.
"One of my father's concubines gave birth to a child. I think my father sent a letter because he was happy that our family was growing. But my mother seemed worried that she might become unnecessary. So, she got really drunk... and ended up in that state."
Kaou-shikei had a sad smile on his face.
"I believe my father sending the letter is proof that he hasn't forgotten about us. But my mother didn't think that way. She must be really anxious about being apart from my father. It's silly. It's impossible for me to become my father's successor anyway..."
"...I understand Shikei's situation."
It sounds really tough for Shikei.
I respect him. So, I want to help.
But... do I even have the energy to worry about someone else?
I'm destined to be executed as a great villain in the future.
By helping Seirei, I think I've taken her off the path to the harem. But that doesn't mean the chance of reaching a 'Destruction ending' is 0.
If I want to help someone, shouldn't I make sure to completely avoid the 'Destruction ending' first...?
──No, when would I even confirm 'avoiding the Destruction ending'...?
I can't help but smile wryly at my thoughts.
The start of 'History of Swordmaster' is ten years from now.
That means confirming the avoidance of the 'Kou Tenhou Destruction ending' will take even longer.
Am I going to live just to avoid the 'Destruction ending' until then?
Did I just abandon the person I called my 'respected' and 'important senior'?
...No way.
That would be no different from Kou Tenhou, who lived for his own selfish desires in the 'History of Swordmaster.'
"I, I want to help Shikei."
I looked straight at Kaou-shikei and said.
"I consider Shikei... no, Sui Kaou-sama to be a friend."
A friend (朋友) in this world means 'a friend closer than family.'
It signifies a relationship where you would risk your life to protect each other, even closer than best friends.
"A friend... but I'm from another country, right?"
Shikei looked at me with a surprised expression.
"I'm not from Aika Country. I was born far away in Souma Country――."
"It doesn't matter."
If we go by that logic, I'm a reincarnator.
"I respect Kaou-shikei. I'm really happy that Shikei shared your story with me. That's why I want to help Shikei. Of course, what I can do is just a little thing."
"...Thank you. Tenhou."
Shikei looked at me with a shy expression.
His big eyes seemed to glisten slightly.
"That's right. Tenhou is my friend. Even if we were born in different places, we learn from the same master, and you're a trustworthy friend."
"Yes. Shikei."
"One day, my mother will return to Souma Country."
Kaou-shikei's gaze turned distant again.
"...At that moment, I want to tell you something important. So... until then, it would help if you didn't touch on my situation. Is that okay?"
"Of course. If it's a promise with a friend, I will definitely keep it."
"I'm sorry. There are things I can't say while being a hostage."
"Right. There are things people can't talk about. I understand."
"...You really get to the point quickly."
And so, we started walking side by side again.
After that, we went to Master Raikou's place.
In the end, today's training was canceled.
However, Master said that Kaou-shikei's 'ki' was disturbed, so we decided to do 'Beast Body Guidance' just to fix that.
Emotional turmoil affects the 'ki' flowing through the meridians.
It's understandable that Shikei's 'ki' is disturbed after everything with his mom.
So, Shikei and I decided to become animals again.
In the form of a whimsical and innocent cat, a shape-shifting and cunning snake, a quiet turtle, and a chicken announcing dawn――while we were fully in our beast forms, it seemed like Kaou-shikei calmed down.
"Today is special. I will make Gēng soup for you."
After the guidance was over, Master said.
"I created it, and it's probably a dish that will lift your spirits. You can look forward to it!"
"Wait a moment, Master!"
"What is it, Kaou?"
"I will cook."
"I can't have my disciple doing things other than training. I can cook just fine if I try."
"I can't let Tenhou get sick."
"Hey, hey, before my 'duty', I want you all to cheer up──."
"Do you forget about the Gēng soup you made me drink before? After that, I had to take a break from training for 5 days..."
"I admit that was a failure. But this time, my instincts as a martial artist say――."
"Cooking isn't something you do by instinct. As his friend, I have a duty to protect Tenhou's stomach."
"...Friend?"
"Yes. Even if it means getting in trouble with my master, I will protect my friend."
"...Well, if Kaou says that much..."
"Um... Master. Shikei."
Seeing my master slump his shoulders, I raised my hand.
"Master's cooking..."
"There are some things in this world that are better left unknown, Tenhou."
"...Yes. Shikei."
"...Okay. I'll leave the cooking to you, Kaou."
With that, my master just flopped down on the couch and fell asleep.
Well, she immediately jumped up when he caught a whiff of Shikei's cooking.
So we ate the food Shikei made while talking──
And for the first time in a while, we had a relaxing time.
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