Volume 2 Chapter 32 The Great Villain Of The World, Prepares To Return Home Iv
──The Next Day (Gaku Kiryuu's Perspective)──
The next day.
Tanshi and Gaku Kiryuu left the fortress with a few guards.
They were heading to Aika Country to talk about the Jinkyo Tribe's invasion and their friendship with the Bokou Tribe.
The main group would leave later under Gen Shuuyoku's command.
They needed to bring back the prisoners.
They had to get more information from Kai Shuujaku and the Jinkyo Tribe's leader.
However, bringing back the prisoners would take time.
So, Tanshi and Gaku Kiryuu decided to go to Aika Country first.
It was a rushed journey with a small group.
There was a risk of exhausting their horses, but they managed to meet up with a unit that had come from Aika Country.
A few days ago, right after meeting Gaku Kiryuu, they had sent a fast horse to inform others, and it paid off.
Ryougen-kun quickly sent soldiers to help them.
After joining the unit, Tanshi explained the situation to the commander.
Then, he asked them to go to the Bokou Tribe's fortress.
This was to ensure they could defend the fortress when the Jinkyo Tribe's reinforcements arrived.
After sharing the necessary information and changing horses, Tanshi and Gaku Kiryuu set off again.
They headed straight for the capital of Aika Country, Hokurin.
A few days later, they safely arrived at Ryougen-kun's location.
"I understand the situation. I will do everything I can to help Gaku Kiryuu meet His Majesty."
After hearing the news, Ryougen quickly took action.
He went to the royal palace himself, without using his subordinates, and spoke to the nobles and high officials.
──The Jinkyo Tribe has invaded the Bokou Tribe's village.
──The Bokou Tribe has offered to serve Aika Country.
──There is a mysterious organization spreading the doctrine that 'Aika Country will be destroyed.'
This information quickly spread throughout the royal palace.
The royal family and high officials were shocked.
The problem is not that the Bokou Tribe was invaded.
It's that this was preparation for attacking and destroying Aika Country.
The Jinkyo Tribe truly believes that Aika Country will be destroyed.
They are trying to make it happen by any means necessary.
This was made very clear.
"We should establish friendly relations with the Bokou Tribe. As much as possible, on equal terms."
In front of the gathered high officials, Ryougen said.
"Of course, on the surface, it will appear that the Bokou Tribe is serving us. However, we should do our best to favor them. If we do this, other tribes that fear the Jinkyo Tribe will send envoys of friendship to Aika Country. By joining forces with them, we can surround the Jinkyo Tribe."
"...Hmm."
"I understand what Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother is saying, but..."
"...The opponent is from a different tribe. We don't know what they are like."
The high-ranking officials spoke vaguely.
For the powerful Aika Country, these foreign tribes were hard to understand.
They probably couldn't feel any real connection to forming friendly relations with them.
Ryougen-kun had expected this reaction.
"Then, may I request a meeting?"
Looking around at the officials, Ryougen-kun said.
"A person named Gaku Kiryuu from the Bokou Tribe has come. I hear he is a strong warrior. He has defeated Ren Padu from the Jinkyo Tribe in this battle. I believe he is a talented individual who can effectively lead troops."
Those words became the deciding factor.
"──Ren Padu?"
"──Isn't that the general who recently invaded our northern territory?"
"──I heard he was driven away by 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin..."
"──Are you saying the Bokou Tribe defeated the general of the Jinkyo Tribe?"
Ren Padu had invaded the northern part of the country many times.
He was highly trusted by the king of the Jinkyo Tribe. He was also a fierce warrior who led attacks.
Countless soldiers from Aika Country had been killed by Ren Padu.
By defeating Ren Padu, Gaku Kiryuu had brought benefits to Aika Country.
Such thoughts must have crossed the minds of the officials.
As he looked around at them, Ryougen-kun felt a shift in the atmosphere.
"I will be the guardian of Gaku Kiryuu. If possible, I would like him to work as a guest general. For that reason, I hope everyone, and Your Majesty the King, can assess his character."
"...It is my brother's recommendation. Let us meet him."
Soon, an answer came from the throne.
Sitting there was the 11th King of Aika Country, Ai Moushi.
"If he is a warrior my brother recognizes, I would like to see his face as well. Very well. I permit the Bokou Tribe's envoy, Gaku Kiryuu, to have an audience."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Let Rouen join us as well. If the Bokou Tribe is to serve Aika Country, we will be dealing with them for a long time. The next generation of kings should also meet them."
"What Your Majesty says is indeed precious."
Saying this, Ryougen-kun deeply bowed his head to his older brother, the king.
Thus, Gaku Kiryuu's audience with the King of Aika Country was realized.
──On the day of the audience──
"I am Gaku Kiryuu, captain of the defense of the Bokou Tribe. I have arrived."
Dressed in formal attire, Gaku Kiryuu entered the throne room.
He wore the formal outfit of the Bokou Tribe, characterized by a red scarf.
However, the clothing was prepared by Ryougen-kun.
Ryougen-kun heard about the Bokou Tribe's clothing from Gaku Kiryuu and Tanshi. He also had a tailor with him. The tailor is one of Ryougen-kun's guests. He knows a lot about all kinds of clothes and can make outfits based on what the client wants.
The outfit made by the tailor was suitable for meeting the king of Aika Country, representing the Bokou Tribe.
It highlighted the features of the Bokou Tribe while also looking like something a military officer from Aika Country would wear.
Now, Gaku Kiryuu, dressed in that outfit, is walking toward the throne.
With a deep red scarf around his neck, he blends in with the royal palace of Aika Country.
That was the current appearance of Gaku Kiryuu.
"──Is that the general of the Bokou Tribe?"
"──He looks more impressive than I expected."
"──He seems like a capable person, no doubt."
The high-ranking officials whisper among themselves.
Gaku Kiryuu pays no attention to the rude stares directed at him.
The only ones he is focused on are the king of Aika Country sitting on the throne and the Crown Prince Rouen next to him.
(His Royal Highness the King's younger brother and Tanshi-dono are also present. I must not embarrass them.)
Ryougen-kun preparing the outfit for the audience was not just out of kindness.
There is likely a wish behind it for him to wear this outfit and work for Aika Country.
(The people of Aika Country believe in me. Then, I must respond to that trust.)
With that, Gaku Kiryuu knelt before the throne.
"I am truly honored to have this opportunity to meet you."
Gaku Kiryuu raised his voice.
"It is an unexpected joy for a person from the borderlands to have an audience with Your Majesty the King. As the representative of the Bokou Tribe, I would like to express my gratitude to you and everyone present here."
"──Gaku Kiryuu-dono."
The one who spoke was Ryougen-kun, who stood beside the throne.
"I would like you to tell us about the events of this incident. Please share everything about what the Bokou Tribe desires."
"Understood. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Gaku Kiryuu bowed and then began to speak.
──He had been ambushed by the Jinkyo Tribe, and women and children were taken hostage.
──They had lost their fortress.
──He met Tanshi and gained the cooperation of Aika Country's soldiers.
──He defeated the enemy commander, Ren Padu, and captured a martial artist named Kai Shuujaku.
──Later, he would bring the captives back with the main force.
──The Bokou Tribe wishes to submit to Aika Country and seek protection in the future.
Gaku Kiryuu continued to speak confidently about these matters.
If Tenhou had been here, he might have said, "As expected of the great general, Gaku Kiryuu."
In 'History of Swordmaster', Gaku Kiryuu is not only skilled in martial power and leadership but also excels in strategy.
This was being demonstrated in the royal palace of Aika Country.
"I burned the secret book of the 'Four Fiends' that the Jinkyo Tribe was seeking."
Gaku Kiryuu stated calmly.
"That was a treasure of the Bokou Tribe, but I couldn't leave something that would invite the enemy. Also, I didn't want to cause trouble for the people of Aika Country by clinging to the treasure, so I made this difficult decision. If you could understand my feelings, the entire Bokou Tribe would be grateful."
With that, Gaku Kiryuu concluded his speech.
Soon, the palace was filled with murmurs.
Gaku Kiryuu's dignified presence struck a chord with the high officials.
They never expected someone like him to come from the Bokou Tribe, which was considered a group from the outskirts.
"...I am pleased that the Bokou Tribe will serve Aika Country."
The king of Aika Country began to speak.
"I understand your situation. The Jinkyo Tribe is our common enemy. I would like to move forward positively regarding your hopes."
"Thank you very much!"
"I have also heard from my brother about the proposal to build a fortress in the border area and to work together with the Bokou Tribe to protect the outskirts. It is a good idea. We will start on it soon. In any case..."
Aika Country's king smiled with satisfaction.
"I have no objections to forming a friendly relationship with the Bokou Tribe. Understand that."
"Thank you very much! Your Majesty!!"
"Later, I will hold a banquet to honor you. At that time, I would like to hear more of your story. You have traveled far as a messenger, and I appreciate your efforts."
"I am grateful for your kind words."
"This audience is now over. After this, I will have a meeting with the high officials."
Aika Country's king stood up and looked down at Gaku Kiryuu.
"Lastly, I will allow you to speak frankly. As the representative of the Bokou Tribe, do you have something to say?"
"Then, I will speak."
Gaku Kiryuu kept his head down as he replied.
"As the representative of the Bokou Tribe, I would like to express my gratitude to someone. May I take this opportunity to say thank you to that person?"
"That is fine... but who is it? Is it my brother?"
"Of course, I am also grateful to Your Majesty the King and Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Gaku Kiryuu continued.
"However, the person I want to thank is... the one who created the opportunity for the people of Aika Country to come to us."
"Hmm. Who is that?"
"It is His Royal Highness Rouen."
"────What!?"
Crown Prince Rouen's shoulders jumped.
He never thought his name would be called.
Rouen looked at Gaku Kiryuu with wide eyes.
"W-What does this mean!? You want to thank me, Rouen?"
"I've heard that the envoy from Aika Country came to us because of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's words."
"My words?"
"Yes. I heard about it from Tanshi-dono and Kou Tenhou-dono."
Gaku Kiryuu bowed deeply,
"At the banquet in the palace, His Royal Highness Rouen asked Kou Tenhou-dono about countermeasures against the Jinkyo Tribe. In response, Kou Tenhou-dono said, 'We should ally with the Bokou Tribe.' This reached many ears and led to the sending of the messenger."
He had heard this in casual conversation.
It was an ordinary story, but Gaku Kiryuu was moved.
He realized that a small coincidence had saved the Bokou Tribe.
The Bokou Tribe values these coincidences.
The very birth of their tribe was due to a meeting with the hermit, Suimei Shin-kun.
They decided to entrust the 'secret book of chaos' to Gen Shuuyoku for the same reason.
When they were in crisis, they met those people, and the Bokou Tribe was saved.
I want to cherish this encounter──Chief and Gaku Kiryuu thought this way.
"Thanks to Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince's words, we, the Bokou Tribe, have been saved."
Gaku Kiryuu bowed his head to the floor.
"I cannot thank Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince enough. These humble words may not be much, but please allow me to express my gratitude."
"...It was nothing special."
Crown Prince Rouen replied in a trembling voice.
He looked as if he couldn't believe he was being thanked.
"That was just... casual talk. It wasn't my achievement..."
"However, it doesn't change the fact that the Bokou Tribe was saved by Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Still bowing, Gaku Kiryuu continued.
"For us, the Bokou Tribe, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the one who brings us good fortune. Please allow us to call you 'Your Royal Highness the Lucky Crown Prince.' Or, if we could call you 'Your Royal Highness the Good omen Crown Prince,' we would be very grateful."
His voice was not loud.
But it seemed that Gaku Kiryuu's words reached everyone in the palace.
No one spoke.
Even the king was staring in shock.
Ryougen-kun and Tanshi were the same.
──Your Royal Highness the Lucky Crown Prince.
──Your Royal Highness the Good omenCrown Prince brings good signs.
Everyone was astonished that these words came from the mouth of a foreigner who didn't know the nickname of Crown Prince Rouen.
"...You..."
Finally, Crown Prince Rouen spoke.
"......Do you know anything about me, Rouen?"
"Yes. At the royal banquet, you spoke with Kou Tenhou-dono."
"No... not that. About me, Rouen..."
"I'm sorry. I rushed here, so I don't know anything else."
That was the truth.
Kou Tenhou didn't know that Crown Prince Rouen would be present at the audience.
If he had known, he might have shared information about his character, but that didn't happen.
Ryougen-kun and Tanshi were the same.
They were only able to teach Gaku Kiryuu about tailoring and the etiquette of the audience.
No one had told Gaku Kiryuu about the nickname of Crown Prince Rouen.
"If I have been rude in any way, I apologize. I'm very sorry──"
"No, you haven't... done anything rude."
Crown Prince Rouen finally said just that.
"Your Highness── no, I have received the gratitude from the Bokou Tribe. It is a great honor."
"Thank you very much. Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"I hope you will serve the country from now on. That is all."
"Yes, sir."
After that, a brief exchange took place, and the audience came to an end.
The room was filled with a strange tension during the meeting.
Still, Gaku Kiryuu's response was enough to leave a good impression on the people.
So after the audience, a meeting with high officials, including the king, was held──
It was officially decided that Aika Country would establish a friendly relationship with the Bokou Tribe and work together to oppose the Jinkyo Tribe.
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