Volume 2 Chapter 34 The Great Villain Of The World, Prepares To Return Home Vi
──Tenhou's Perspective──
A few days later, soldiers from Aika Country arrived at the Bokou Tribe's fortress.
They were the support troops sent by Ryougen-kun.
"I have heard the situation from Tanshi-dono and Gaku Kiryuu-dono."
The leader of the troops said.
It seems that Tanshi-san and the others met with them and exchanged information before heading to Aika Country.
They probably arrived in Hokurin's town by now.
The leader of the arriving troops spoke with Shuu-sensei.
Shuu-sensei is serving as the deputy messenger for the friendly mission.
Since the official messenger Tanshi-san is absent, Shuu-sensei is in charge.
So, with Shuu-sensei as the mediator, discussions took place between the support troops and the Bokou Tribe.
I and Shouou were also present.
They said it would make the Bokou Tribe people feel more at ease.
"Ten-sama and the others are friends of the Bokou Tribe."
Kaine Shurt, the chief's daughter, said next to me.
"Benefactors and people we respect. So, please stay with us."
"Understood."
"Thank you very much. Kaine, nice to meet you."
...It's nice that she is grateful, but it feels a bit too close.
Kaine sat right next to me, snuggling up closely.
It was like a little kitten playing around.
"Being by Ten-sama feels comfortable."
"Is that so?"
"It's calming me. Phew..."
Kaine closed her eyes and started to breathe softly.
Watching her, Shouou said,
"...Nona-san."
"Y-yes. What is it, Kaou-sama?"
"It looks like Kaine-san is getting attached to Tenhou."
"Yes. It's quite heartwarming!"
"Kaine-san is the chief's daughter, right? Even though you have a noble status... is that okay?"
"Kaine-sama carries a heavy mission."
Nona Kiryuu said.
A heavy mission... that refers to her role as the miko of the 'chaos's secret book.'
Without Kaine's keywords, the 'Konton's secret book' cannot be deciphered.
So Kaine has the duty to remember it and pass it on to the next generation.
"The chief said to let her do other things as freely as possible."
"Indeed, the chief has a face that seems to enjoy heartwarming things..."
We sat in the corner of the hall, listening to Shuu-sensei and the others talk.
The chief occasionally turned around to look at us.
Even when he saw Kaine clinging to me, he said nothing.
In fact, he had a very gentle expression.
...The mission of the miko who protects the secret book is tough.
It seems true that they let her do other things freely.
"Hey, Tenhou."
"What is it? Shikei?"
"I suddenly want to try the 'form of the cat' from 'Beast Body Guidance.'."
"We're in a meeting right now, though!?"
"...Ugh."
"Ah, could it be that we need to adjust our energy because of the battle?"
"...Y-yeah. That might be it!"
"Let's do it later when we have time, Shikei."
"Okay. Got it. Later then."
For some reason, Shouou moved next to me and nodded.
While watching Shouou, Nona's eyes are sparkling. It seems she can't take her eyes off her.
She said, "I was captivated by Kaou-sama's princely appearance."
Kaou... in other words, she can't help but be interested in Shouou.
"──So, the support team will stay at the fortress for a while."
"──We have been ordered by Ryougen-kun to protect the Bokou Tribe."
"──We have already decided to serve Aika Country. There are no objections."
While we are talking, the meeting is progressing.
The support team members, being Ryougen-kun's subordinates, are quick to discuss things.
The Bokou Tribe also trusts Shuu-sensei and the people of Aika Country.
So, the conversation quickly comes together.
──To prepare for the re-invasion of the Jinkyo Tribe, the support team will stay at the fortress.
──As soon as we get permission from Aika Country, we will build another fortress along the highway.
──Kai Shuujaku and some of the Jinkyo Tribe soldiers will be taken to Aika Country.
──The remaining Jinkyo Tribe will stay here and be used as labor.
──The members of the friendly delegation will return to Aika Country as soon as they are ready.
──At that time, Kaine and Nona were to accompany us as guests.
As a result of our meeting, that decision was made.
"Gen Shuuyoku-dono. Kou Tenhou-dono. Sui Kaou-dono. Please take care of Kaine and Nona."
The chief of the Bokou Tribe bowed deeply.
After finishing the meeting with the support team, we moved to another building.
The members were me, Shouou, and Shuu-sensei.
The chief of the Bokou Tribe, Kaine, and Nona. There were 6 of us.
"I believe that you will use the 'Secret Book of Chaos' correctly."
"I will do my best to live up to your trust."
"In the name of my homeland and my parents."
At the chief's words, Shouou and I clasped hands.
"We should open the Secret Book after we return to Aika Country."
Shuu-sensei said.
"Because it is important, we should investigate it in a calm environment. First, let's send Kaine-dono and Nona-dono to Aika Country, and after they settle down, we can look into it. We will also need Master Raikou's help."
"Master Raikou went on a journey to investigate a certain organization."
I said, recalling my master's letter.
"My master said she was looking for the organization spreading the rumor that 'Aika Country will perish.' But we already know the identity of that organization. If we tell her that, I think she will come back right away."
"Tenhou is right."
Shuu-sensei nodded.
"When we return to Aika Country, let's investigate Raikou's whereabouts and send a letter right away. She might be nearby."
"Yes, Shuu-sensei."
"I also want to meet Master Raikou."
"That's true. Considering the situation... we should contact her as soon as possible."
Saying this, Shuu-sensei turned to face the chief of the Bokou Tribe.
"So, we plan to depart as soon as tomorrow."
"Understood. Gen Shuuyoku-dono."
"I will take full responsibility for Kaine-dono and Nona-dono's safety. I also vow to protect the 'Secret Book of Konton' with my life."
"Yes. The entire Bokou Tribe trusts you."
The chief bowed deeply again.
Then he looked at Kaine and Nona.
"Kaine and Nona, take care of yourselves. I believe Gaku-dono will be there, so you should be fine... but you are going to a foreign land. There may be worries. If you have any questions, rely on Shuu-dono, Kou Tenhou-dono, or Sui Kaou-dono."
"Yes, Father."
"I will support you, Kaine-sama."
"I'm here to protect the place you will return to."
The chief took Kaine and Nona's hands.
"Stay healthy until the next time you come back. That is our wish."
"Yes, Father."
"Understood, Chief."
"It's going to be a long journey. You both should use the hot spring near the shrine to cleanse yourselves."
In the end, the chief said that.
Shouou and I tilted our heads, and Shuu-sensei explained,
"Ah. There is a shrine nearby dedicated to Suimei Shin-kun. It is said that a hot spring opened by Shin-kun is bubbling up next to the shrine."
──That's how he explained it.
"The Bokou Tribe has a custom of cleansing themselves there before a long journey."
"If you'd like, Kou Tenhou-dono and Sui Kaou-dono can also soak in the hot spring."
The chief continued Shuu-sensei's words.
"You are the ones who will inherit the 'Secret Book of Konton.' Suimei Shin-kun will surely allow you to soak in the hot spring. In fact, it might be better to soak in the hot spring to strengthen your bond with Shin-kun."
"Kaine agrees. As a miko, I fully permit it."
"I think it would be nice for the boys to enjoy it together without hesitation."
"Eh?"
Shouou and I exchanged glances.
...Boys together? Ah... I see.
The people of the Bokou Tribe think Shouou──I mean, Sui Kaou is a boy.
So that's why they're saying we should go into the hot spring together.
"...What should we do, Tenhou?"
Shouou looked at me with a troubled expression.
But I was just as troubled.
We need to keep Shouou's true identity a secret.But it's impossible for Shouou and me to soak in the hot spring together.
So if I refuse to enter the hot spring, the Bokou Tribe might get upset.
By rejecting the chance to connect with Suimei Shin-kun, it could also affect the teaching of the 'Konton Secret Scroll.'
...If that's the case, the best course of action here is──
"It's a small hot spring. So, only one person can enter at a time."
"That's unfortunate. It would be nice to go together and take turns."
──Just as I was thinking that, Kaine and Nona said.
Shuu-sensei had a look on her face like she understood everything and shrugged her shoulders.
""...Ah... I see.""
My and Shouou's lines overlapped.
The Bokou Tribe's secret hot spring is for one person.
It seems that Shouou and I are supposed to go together and take turns.
"Kaine wants Ten-sama to wash my hair in the bath."
"Kaine-sama!?"
"When I'm with him, I feel calm. It's relaxing. It would feel nice to have my hair washed."
"Kaine-sama, that's a bit too much."
"...Really?"
"Please be patient. I, Nona, will take care of you, Kaine-sama."
"...Okay. I'll be patient this time."
"We mustn't trouble the people of Aika Country, Kaine-sama."
Nona said, placing her hands on her hips.
Kaine was nodding with a blank expression.
The chief had a look like he was watching something heartwarming.
The chief really trusts us.
That's why he can safely leave Kaine and Nona in our care.
I also want to respond to that trust.
The Bokou Tribe has become allies of Aika Country.
In the game 'History of Swordmaster,' Gaku Kiryuu, who was on the side of the Jinkyo Tribe, will now be a guest general of Aika Country.
The changes in the Bokou Tribe must have influenced the 'Kou Tenhou Destruction End' and the 'Aika Country Destruction End.'
That's because the chief and the people of the Bokou Tribe believed in us.
I owe a debt to the Bokou Tribe.
So, to help Kaine and Nona live peacefully in Aika Country, I will also cooperate.
While watching Kaine and Nona play around, I was thinking about that.
That evening, we headed to the Bokou Tribe's secret hot spring.
The location is at the end of a small path that leads from the fortress.
The path ends at a dead end, but in the forest beyond, there are small markers on the trees. They are tiny things that you might miss if you don't know.
If you follow those markers, you will see a shrine made of stacked stones.
It's a shrine dedicated to Suimei Shin-kun, the guardian deity of the Bokou Tribe.
Next to it, there is a space surrounded by bamboo.
It's about the size of a small room.
Inside the enclosure, there is a hot spring just big enough for one person and a small washing area.
By the way, Nona and Kaine are already in the hot spring.
Just a little while ago, Kaine, soaking wet, jumped on me while I was waiting on the path.
Nona was desperately chasing after her, drying Kaine's hair.
The two of them must have returned to the fortress first and are getting ready to leave.
I and Shouou are standing at the entrance of the secret hot spring, holding our change of clothes.
I open the small door, and then──
"Go ahead, Shouou."
──I decided to let Shouou go in the bath first.
"I'll be over by the shrine, so call me if anything happens."
"...Huh?"
"It'll be more relaxing for you, right?"
"No way! I need you here, Tenhou!"
Shouou looks flustered.
"What if Kaine-san or Nona-san come to check on us? Kaine-san is really curious, so... they might accidentally come in. Then they'll find out I'm a girl..."
"That does seem possible."
"Y-Yeah. So I want you to stay here, Tenhou."
Shouou nods repeatedly.
"More than that... if it's Tenhou, you can stay by my side while I'm in the bath. We've done 'Beast Body Guidance' in the cave while soaking wet, and brothers and sisters are like family... so it's okay to be together in the bath..."
Shouou starts to say something but looks down.
She covers her cheeks with both hands.
"I'm sorry... but maybe that's too much."
"Yeah, I get it."
"It's strange. I was fine back then... Why do I feel embarrassed now? Is it because my chest got bigger again? What do you think, Tenhou?"
"Shouou."
"Yeah, Tenhou?"
"We don't have much time, so you should get in quickly."
"...U-Yeah. You're right."
Saying that, Shouou slipped through the bamboo door.
And then──slip, I heard the sound of a belt being undone.
After a while, I heard the sound of Shouou pouring hot water over herself.
"Haah," she let out a voice that sounded really relaxed.
It seems like she's enjoying the hot spring and relaxing. That's good.
Both Shouou and I have been working non-stop.
──After leaving Aika Country, we met Gaku Kiryuu on our way to the Bokou Tribe village.
──We sneaked into the fortress and rescued the hostages.
──We fought against Kai Shuujaku, who uses the 'Four Fiends' techniques.
It really has been a tough journey.
I'm glad we can finally soak in the hot spring and rest our bodies.
"Tenhou. You're there, right?"
"I'm here."
"I'd hate it if you disappeared, you know?"
"I won't go anywhere. Please relax and enjoy."
"I'm washing my legs at the washing area right now. I'll be up soon, so wait for me."
"Understood."
"You promise, okay? I'm going to wash my stomach next. Then..."
"You don't need to explain. Just enjoy the hot spring."
"U-uh, okay. I got it."
I heard the sound of Shouou soaking in the water.
"Phew," I heard a sigh.
"It's strange, isn't it? Tenhou."
Shouou muttered softly.
"I came to Aika Country as a hostage, and I lived hiding my true self in Hokurin... and now, here I am, exposing my real self in the distant mountains... soaking in a hot spring. I never imagined this just a little while ago."
"...Yeah."
"You know, I'm really, really grateful to you, Tenhou?"
"I'm grateful to you too, Shouou."
"I understand. But I think my gratitude is much, much bigger. If I hadn't met Tenhou, I wouldn't be who I am now. And I really like the me who is now by Tenhou's side, much more than the me back in Souma Country."
"...I feel a bit shy now."
"Oh, that's true. Tenhou, your earlobes are bright red."
"That's not true!"
"No, really, it is."
"How does Shouou know that?"
"Huh? Well, the wall has loose spots where the bamboo connects, and there are gaps big enough for my fingers to fit through..."
Splash.
I heard Shouou sink into the hot water.
I turned my back to the bamboo wall.
...Come to think of it, this hot spring is a secret spot.
They probably don't take care of the walls. If it's a secret hot spring where no one comes, then a privacy wall isn't really needed. There can be gaps in the wall.
"I'm, I'm getting out soon! Tenhou!"
"Got it. I'm facing the wall."
"I know. So, it's your turn next, Tenhou, okay?"
With that, I ended up taking turns in the Bokou Tribe's hot spring──
During that time, Shouou was pressed against the wall──
"...Tenhou."
"Yes?"
"Can you see anything through the gaps in the wall?"
"...I can see Shouou's neck, which is bright red."
"This hot spring is weird! Why is it more embarrassing to be outside!?"
"It's strange, isn't it...?"
──We continued to chat leisurely through the wall.
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