Volume 2 Chapter 38 Kou Tenhou Meets Crown Prince Rouen I
A few days later, I was in a room in the royal palace.
This was a hall used by the royal family for private meetings.
In front of me sat Crown Prince Rouen.
Next to him was Ryougen-kun.
Facing them, I was kneeling on the floor with Shuu-sensei.
...I never thought I would be called by Crown Prince Rouen.
I was told it was to report on the Bokou Tribe incident, but the official report should have already been given by Shuu-sensei and Tanshi-san.
There shouldn't be any reason for them to call me specifically...?
"Gen Shuuyoku, Kou Tenhou. Raise your head."
"Yes."
"Yes. Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
At Ryougen-kun's voice, I lifted my head.
I could see Crown Prince Rouen's face.
It was different from his usual confident expression.
He looked strangely calm, quietly watching me and Shuu-sensei.
"I have already heard about the incident from Gen Shuuyoku and my uncle's subordinate, Tanshi."
Crown Prince Rouen began to speak.
"The Bokou Tribe was attacked by the Jinkyo Tribe. There is a mysterious organization called the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.' This organization has arrogantly declared that 'Aika Country will perish.' Of course, I am also aware of your achievements."
It feels strange.
I feel like Crown Prince Rouen used to speak much faster.
When he talked in the general office or at Ryougen-kun's mansion, he had a way of speaking that felt really pressuring, like he wouldn't let anyone argue back.
This is the first time I've seen Crown Prince Rouen speak so calmly.
"Your efforts are recognized by my father──His Majesty the King. Thank you for your hard work."
"I am honored, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"I am humbled."
Shuu-sensei and I bow our heads.
"What I want to know is about a person named Kai Shuujaku."
"Actually, opinions are divided among the officials on how to deal with that man."
Crown Prince Rouen's words were taken over by Ryougen-kun.
"I'm thinking of imprisoning Kai Shuujaku to extract information. He is a dangerous person. There are also voices saying he should be executed immediately to avoid any future problems."
"Uncle is right."
Crown Prince Rouen nodded at Ryougen-kun's words.
"Some officials are shouting that they don't even want to see such an ominous person. I, Rouen, also want to get rid of anyone who speaks such terrible words as 'Aika Country will perish.' But──."
There was a pause for a while.
Crown Prince Rouen shook his head, then looked at me and Shuu-sensei.
"I cannot execute a prisoner based on personal feelings. Besides, we need information. Even if they are a detestable enemy, we must learn about the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'."
He said this with a serious expression.
"Therefore, before making a decision about the prisoner, I decided to hear the opinions of those who fought against him. I called Gen Shuuyoku, the deputy messenger, and Kou Tenhou, the child of 'General Skybear,' for that reason."
"Not calling Sui Kaou was my decision."
Ryougen-kun said.
Sui Kaou──Shouou is not here because she is the princess of Souma Country.
If Shouou were to give her opinion in an official setting, it might become 'the opinion of Souma Country.'
"With Kou Tenhou, can't you speak in place of your brother?"
"Yes. I will fulfill my duty."
"Thank you. Now, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may I allow Gen Shuuyoku and Kou Tenhou to speak freely?"
"Ah, yes. They have my permission."
Crown Prince Rouen took a deep breath and then announced.
"There's no need to hold back. Gen Shuuyoku, and you too, Kou Tenhou. Tell me everything about that man, Kai Shuujaku, without hiding anything from me."
After that, Shuu-sensei and I talked about the battle at the Bokou Tribe's fortress.
──Shuu-sensei's Pressure Point Technique didn't work on the enemy soldiers.
──For some reason, my and Shouou's Sui Kaou technique did work on the enemy soldiers.
──Kai Shuujaku's 'Poison Ki' has the power to strengthen the enemy soldiers.
──There is someone using the same technique in the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
We shared all this with Crown Prince Rouen.
Of course, we told him that we burned the 'secret book of chaos.'
We promised the people of the Bokou Tribe to keep the existence of the secret book a secret.
This is a matter of personal trust, separate from loyalty to our lord──it's about chivalry.
"'Four Fiends' technique, Kyuuki..."
Crown Prince Rouen listened with excitement.
He gripped the armrests of his chair tightly, his eyes shining.
"It is certainly dangerous, but also powerful. If this 'Kyuuki' can be mastered by me or the 'Wolf Cavalry,' we might have nothing to fear..."
"Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I must say."
I bowed deeply before speaking.
"'Kyuuki' is a deadly poison that destroys people. It reshapes others with its poison and turns them into their tools. It is not something Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince should master."
"...Are you saying that this Rouen will be intoxicated by poison and consumed by it?"
"I don't know. But──."
The dream I saw before is still in my head.
In that dream, Crown Prince Rouen said.
'Eventually, this continent will be devoured by the Four Fiends.'
──That means Aika Country was destroyed by a user of the 'Four Fiends Technique.'
But... there's another way to think about it.
For example, the Rouen King in the game got involved with the 'Four Fiends Technique,' and because of that, the country fell.
Of course, I might be overthinking it.
But for me, I don't want Crown Prince Rouen to get involved with the 'Four Fiends Technique.'
"Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince said, 'No need to hold back.' I will follow that word. Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince should not touch the 'Four Fiends Technique.' This is the opinion of someone who has actually fought against 'Kyuuki.' Please, I hope you will listen."
This might earn the anger of Crown Prince Rouen.
But, I have to say what needs to be said──
"...I understand. I will accept your words."
──Just when I thought that, surprisingly honest words came back.
When I looked up, Crown Prince Rouen was smiling, still wearing a bitter expression.
"These are the words of someone who has actually faced 'Kyuuki.' I have no choice but to accept them. Besides... I was taught by my uncle that advice is often bitter. As royalty, one must start by swallowing bitter words."
Ryougen-kun's teachings...? Is Crown Prince Rouen learning from Ryougen-kun?
When did that happen?
"It is dangerous for me, Rouen, to master the 'Four Fiends Technique.' I understand. Thank you for saying that, Kou Tenhou."
"...Thank you, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"You seem to be quite clever. Therefore, I have something I want to ask."
"What is it about?"
"As I mentioned earlier, it's about how to handle Kai Shuujaku."
Crown Prince Rouen looked straight at me and said.
"From your discussions, I realized that Kai Shuujaku is a dangerous presence. We cannot leave someone who spreads 'Poison Ki' unchecked. However, the information he possesses is also valuable."
"Your Royal Highness is correct."
"However... this is something my uncle also mentioned, but keeping him as a prisoner is dangerous. The so-called 'Golden Feather Syndicate' might sneak into this town in Hokurin and try to rescue him. They are the ones saying things like 'Aika Country will perish.' You never know what they might do."
"They could set fire to the town, create chaos, and in that confusion, try to rescue Kai Shuujaku."
Crown Prince Rouen's words were taken over by Ryougen-kun.
"Of course, we plan to tighten security in the town. However, we can't keep a strict alert forever just for one prisoner. Should we eliminate Kai Shuujaku to cut off future worries... or keep him as a prisoner and extract information? It's a tough decision."
"So, I want to hear the opinion of the one who defeated him. Kou Tenhou, what do you think we should do with Kai Shuujaku?"
Crown Prince Rouen and Ryougen-kun were staring at me intently.
What should we do with Kai Shuujaku?
...It's a difficult problem.
Kai Shuujaku is the father of the game protagonist, Kai Yougetsu.
If Aika Country executes Kai Shuujaku, this country will become an enemy of Kai Yougetsu.
Just like how in the game, Kai Yougetsu saw Kou Tenhou as an enemy... he might come to hate Aika Country itself as an enemy.
But we can't keep Kai Shuujaku as a prisoner forever.
The 'Four Fiends Technique: Kyuuki' is too powerful.
There's a chance that the guard soldiers could be affected by 'Poison Ki.'
It's also possible that Kai Yougetsu or the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' might come to rescue Kai Shuujaku.
If that's the case...
"...we might need to decide how long to keep him as a prisoner."
I realized I had said that out loud.
"How about we lock up Kai Shuujaku close to this town, Hokurin, for... 6 months or maybe a year, and see how it goes?"
"Six months to a year, huh? That should allow us to keep a tight watch."
Crown Prince Rouen nodded.
"But, Kai Shuujaku is a user of 'Poison Ki,' right? So, we need someone who can counter that to keep watch. Who could take on that role──"
"Tenhou."
Suddenly, Shuu-sensei spoke up.
She looked at me with kind eyes and asked,
"Are you planning to be the one to watch over Kai Shuujaku?"
"Yes, Shuu-sensei."
I nodded.
"'Poison Ki' doesn't affect me. I think I'm the best choice for the watch."
"Did you mention a place close to Hokurin so that we can send help quickly if the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' comes to rescue Kai Shuujaku?"
"You're right, Shuu-sensei."
"I see. That makes sense. As expected, you're smart."
"...No. I'm just a coward."
"A coward? You, who are trying to face Kai Shuujaku?"
"If we execute him... we will lose our lead on the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.' That's what I'm afraid of. And..."
I thought for a moment,
"...and Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother said that the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' might come to get Kai Shuujaku back. If we use that to our advantage... we might be able to capture the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' members."
"I see. So that's it."
"Of course, I can't do it alone, so I will need to call for backup."
"If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' comes, Tenhou can buy us some time. So, we can call for help or, if worst comes to worst, we can escape, right?"
"I'm confident in my escape skills. Plus, I can buy some time."
"But what about martial arts training? No... maybe it's not a problem. If you move close to Hokurin, we can just go with you. I see. Outside of Hokurin, we can train without worrying about being seen."
"Will you come with us too, Shuu-sensei?"
"Of course, right? Kai Shuujaku is my enemy. Since Tenhou is trying to get involved with him, I can't just run away. Besides... if I'm supposed to deal with him in a year, then I'm the right person for the job."
"...Shuu-sensei."
"Of course, this is only if we have permission from Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Saying that, Shuu-sensei nodded.
"...I don't understand this, Uncle. What are Gen Shuuyoku and Kou Tenhou talking about?"
"Gen Shuuyoku and Kou Tenhou are suggesting a plan to capture the 'Golden Feather Syndicate,' Your Royal Highness Rouen."
Ryougen-kun answered Crown Prince Rouen's question.
As expected of Ryougen-kun. He seems to understand what I and Shuu-sensei are thinking.
If we keep Kai Shuujaku confined, there's a chance that the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' will come to rescue him.
Hokurin is the capital of Aika Country.
Every day, many people come and go. In the midst of that, the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' might sneak in.
They could set fire to the town or attack innocent people. They might create chaos to rescue Kai Shuujaku.
Ryougen-kun is probably worried about that.
If that's the case, we should just lock Kai Shuujaku in a place with few people.
An unused fortress or mansion... anyway, somewhere with strong defenses.
That way, we should be able to prevent harm to the general public.
Honestly... I don't want to get involved with the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
I also don't want to get close to the game protagonist, Kai Yougetsu. No matter how much I train, the game's weakest character, Kou Tenhou, can't possibly win against the protagonist.
But, I need information.
To avoid the 'Destruction ending,' I can't just keep running away.
...I'm really scared, though.
"I would like to ask Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
I looked up and saw the two of them.
"I heard a rumor that there's an old, unused castle near Hokurin. Is that true?"
At least, that's how it was in the game.
There was a sturdy castle near Hokurin. It was said to be the place where a royal family member from generations ago died under mysterious circumstances, so it wasn't used because it was considered bad luck.
In the game, a young military commander enters that castle to block the protagonists' advance.
The protagonists attack and take over the castle to make it their base.
Then, they set up their main camp there and aim for the capital of Aika Country, Hokurin.
That place has strong defenses. It even has a dungeon.
I think it would be a good place to lock up Kai Shuujaku...
"...Ah, yes. It definitely exists. You know it well, Kou Tenhou."
Ryougen-kun nodded.
"That fortress was built when Aika Country was a much smaller nation. Since my great-uncle and the king passed away there, we haven't stationed any soldiers, but... it has been maintained."
"How about we confine Kai Shuujaku there?"
"If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' comes, we can handle it there?"
"Or, we might even be able to capture them."
"...That's true. It's not a bad idea."
"No, Uncle! Please wait. Isn't Kou Tenhou saying something dangerous!?"
Suddenly, Crown Prince Rouen raised his voice.
"Kou Tenhou as the guard for Kai Shuujaku? If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' comes to rescue Kai Shuujaku... capture them, you say? That can't be..."
"With all due respect, I, Gen Shuuyoku, would also like to assist."
"You too!? Why!?"
"Kou Tenhou is my disciple. If my disciple is about to take a risk, it's the duty of a master to lend a hand."
"B-but... Uncle! What do you think!?"
"I think it's not a bad strategy."
Ryougen-kun said.
"If it's for a year, we can maintain a state of high alert. I was just thinking of assigning a unit to Kou Tenhou. It would be good to give them soldiers to keep watch over the fortress."
"B-but, what if the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' really shows up!?"
"Let's organize a support team in advance. I'll leave the command to Gaku Kiryuu. And I will take responsibility for this operation."
"...B-but. But!!"
Crown Prince Rouen shook his head, then looked at me.
"But I don't understand! Kou Tenhou, why are you going this far!?"
──He said that.
"You have no title or rank. There shouldn't be a reason for you to act as a lookout like Kai Shuujaku. If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' really appears... you might be in danger!!"
"...I'm prepared."
I'm actually really scared.
But Shuu-sensei will be with me. Gaku Kiryuu will also lead the support team.
If Shuu-sensei is by my side, I can learn the 'Four Fiends Technique・chaos.' Maybe I can gain the power to fight against the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
Also... I know how to attack that castle near Hokurin.
I know the easy routes to sneak in.
If we focus our soldiers there, we should be able to prevent the enemy from getting in.
"Honestly, I'm scared of both the 'Four Fiends Technique' and the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.' I'd rather not get close to them."
"Then...!"
"But if things happen without my knowledge... and as a result, someone important gets hurt... that would be even scarier."
"────!?"
"I want to see... the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' with my own eyes, if possible, and find out what kind of people they are. If I can, I want to talk to them. I want to know why they believe that 'Aika Country will fall.' If that's not possible, at least I want to confirm their location. That way... I can feel a little more at ease."
I'm not strong enough to fight the enemy alone.
I can't stand up to them as a hero protecting the country from destruction.
But I think I can at least keep an eye on the captives.
As someone who has resistance to 'Poison Ki,' I can watch over Kai Shuujaku and interrogate him.
If the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' members or the game protagonist Kai Yougetsu show up, I can buy some time and wait for help.
I think I can manage that much.
"Kou Tenhou. You are Kairyou's younger brother..."
"I just want to do what I can. Your Royal Highness."
I bowed to Crown Prince Rouen and Ryougen-kun.
"To imprison Kai Shuujaku as a captive. I would like to serve as his lookout. Please, would you consider it? Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)