Volume 3 Chapter 11 Kou Tenhou And Gen Touri Head To The Jinkyo Tribe's Land Ii
"There are mainly 3 paths to the Jinkyo Tribe's land."
As we walked along the road, Reki explained.
"One path goes near the northern fortress guarded by 'General Skybear.' The second path is the one that I and the young lady took, which goes through the forest. After we got through this path, we were attacked by enemies."
"So, you were saved by Master Raikou there, right?"
"That's right. The last path is a mountain road. It's hard for horses to travel, but it's definitely less noticeable. The problem is that there are fewer places to escape if we get attacked..."
"Soukaku-san, is there another path?"
"...Huh?"
"The Jinkyo Tribe and the people of Aika Country are doing private trade, right? Isn't there a secret path they use?"
"...Tenhou-sama... n-no, Shuu Rikuhou-sama."
"Yes, Reki-san."
"...How do you know about that?"
"...I heard it through rumors."
It's a lie, though.
This is knowledge from the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
In the game, the Jinkyo Tribe sends troops to Aika Country from 4 directions.
The 'Northern Fortress Route,' 'Forest Route,' 'Mountain Route,' and the route between the forest and the mountain.
Since it goes near the river, it's called the 'River Route.'
"Aika Country's merchants and some people from the Jinkyo Tribe are secretly trading, right? If that's the case, they would move without being seen, right? That means the area near the northern fortress isn't suitable. The mountains and forests make it hard to carry goods. So, I thought there might be hidden paths that only people involved in trading know about."
"That's true... I've heard about those paths from young lady's father."
Reki nodded several times.
"'When you grow up, you will also be involved in trading with Aika Country. You should understand that you shouldn't be enemies with that country,' he said. But, the river route is used by merchants..."
"Because there's a risk of being seen, you didn't take that route when you came, right?"
"...Y-yes."
Suuki and Reki were being chased by the hardliners of the Jinkyo Tribe.
So, they had no choice but to choose a less crowded path.
The 'river route' might have merchants from Aika Country.
Merchants are not closely related to the hardliners, but still, there's a chance they could find out about Suuki and Reki's location.
That's probably why Suuki's father told them not to use the 'river route.'
"But, right now, Reki-san is dressed as a girl. From any angle, you look like a cute girl. Maybe it's okay to use the riverside path now?"
"...That's true. It might be."
After hearing my words, Reki seemed to think for a moment.
Then, he nodded as if he understood.
"I believe Rikuhou-sama's idea is correct. I will guide you to the river path."
He said that and guided me to a narrow path along the river.
It was a quiet road.
On the east side, a shallow river flowed, clear enough to see the bottom.
On the west side, there was a deep forest.
The path was narrow, probably because it wasn't used much. A cart could barely pass through.
"Hou-sama, there are no signs of people around..."
As we entered the 'river path,' Touri said.
Having helped Shuu-sensei, she was good at sensing the intentions and movements of patients.
Because of that, she said she could feel the presence around us.
"I think it's okay to speed up."
"Got it... I mean, yeah, okay."
Right now, Touri and I are pretending to be a married couple.
Speaking formally feels unnatural.
"Then Touri and Soukaku-san will ride the horse. I'll run by myself."
"Understood."
"Run... wait, Rikuho-sama?"
"Just keep up. 'Five Divine Steps'──!"
I started running in the Byakko tiger style of 'Five Divine Steps.'
"──Hou-sama, you're running even faster. That's amazing!"
"──Is this the martial arts of Aika Country!?"
Hearing the voices of the two running alongside on horseback, I continued down the narrow path.
So far, there were no signs of enemies.
This path is used by traders, so maybe the Zeng Taiga aren't interested.
But other Jinkyo Tribe members might pass through. I need to get through as quickly as possible.
"...It's my first time entering Jinkyo Tribe territory."
It's hard to enter the Jinkyo Tribe's territory in the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
That's because the Jinkyo Tribe's army is too strong.
Their military power is greater than the game's hero army.
It's led by the strongest military commander, Zeng Taiga.
Plus, he has powerful military commanders under his command.
For example, there's Ren Padu, Zeng Taiga's right-hand man. And Gaku Kiryuu, who has balanced stats. These 2 are quite a threat.
There are also wise strategists and military commanders skilled in cavalry.
The Jinkyo Tribe in the game has a deep pool of talent.
But now, the situation should be different from the game.
Zeng Taiga has lost an arm.
Ren Padu was defeated by Gaku Kiryuu. Gaku Kiryuu has also become an ally of Aika Country.
Within the Jinkyo Tribe, moderate factions that want peace with Aika Country have emerged.
Even if the Jinkyo Tribe invades Aika Country in ten years, their military strength should be weaker than in the game.
Whether they can be repelled depends on Crown Prince Rouen──on Rouen the King ten years from now.
Speaking of which, I wonder how Crown Prince Rouen is doing lately.
According to Ryougen-kun, he seems to be handling government affairs normally now.
I hope he recovers and becomes a good king.
Anyway, it's clear that this is a turning point.
If the moderates announce their connection to Aika Country, we can contain Zeng Taiga's movements.
If things go well, we might be able to bring more of the Jinkyo Tribe into the moderates' side.
To do that, I need to deliver Suuki's letter as soon as possible.
Thinking about this, I keep running.
In the evening, we were resting in a cave by the river.
The entrance was hidden by trees.
We found this place thanks to Reki telling us where it was.
Even among the Jinkyo Tribe, there are those who want to trade.
So, they create these casual resting spots.
Maybe... this is also a save point.
A place like in games where characters rest, recover, and prepare their gear.
It seems there are such spots on this route too.
Outside, it's raining.
We're starting a fire at the cave entrance to rest.
We've covered quite a distance today. By tomorrow, we should be close to the moderates' village.
If things keep going like this, we might be able to complete our mission without any problems.
While we were talking about this──
"...Someone is coming."
Suddenly, Touri said.
I heard footsteps splashing through the rain.
And also, the sound of a dog barking.
Soon... a tall young man appeared.
He had a short sword at his waist. On his back, he carried a bow and a fishing rod.
Tied to his waist were river fish.
He didn't look like a soldier. Maybe he was a hunter from the Jinkyo Tribe.
He looked like a hunter because he had a dog with him.
Next to the young man was a large black dog.
The creature growled, watching us warily.
"...It's okay. He's not allies of His Royal Highness Zeng Taiga."
Reki whispered in my ear.
"He's a distant relative of Suuki Taiga. He's not exactly moderates, but he belong to a trading clan."
In the Jinkyo Tribe, there are clans.
They are groups of people who share the same ancestor and all have the same last name. The strongest clan is 'Taiga.' For the past few decades, the Taiga clan has been ruling the Jinkyo Tribe.
The person approaching the cave is a distant relative, but seems to have little connection to Zeng Taiga.
Touri-san and I move to the corner of the cave.
This is a place where the Jinkyo Tribe people rest.
As merchants from Aika Country──at least that's our cover──we should stay quiet in the corner.
Since we're entering the Jinkyo Tribe's territory, we were prepared to meet them.
Now, it's just a matter of how long we can keep up the act of being merchants.
"May I warm myself by the fire?"
The young man spoke politely.
"I was fishing, but got caught in the rain. If you lend me some fire, I can share some fish with you. How about a trade?"
"Grrr."
"Don't growl. I'll make sure to save some fish for you."
"...woof."
When the young man spoke, the dog obediently sat at the entrance of the cave.
It seems well-trained.
The young man is definitely from the Jinkyo Tribe.
But Reki said he's not allies of Zeng Taiga.
The Jinkyo Tribe isn't united.
There are hardliners who support Zeng Taiga, and there are moderates who dislike fighting.
It seems there are also neutral clans, like this young man.
"Are you two merchants from Aika Country?"
"Yes. We plan to trade in a northern village."
"I see... Ah, you don't need to be on guard. My clan is also involved in trade. I have no intention of getting in your way or punishing you."
The young man shrugged and smiled.
"Is that girl from some clan? Which family does she belong to?"
"...She's from the Soukaku clan."
"I'm sorry. There are too many Soukaku, so I don't know which one. Well, I don't intend to press you on it."
Saying that, the boy started to remove the fish's innards.
Touri and I began to carve branches to make skewers for the fish.
Then I asked Touri to make some tea.
We were carrying tea as a product to disguise ourselves as merchants.
"Here you go. Could you please taste it?"
"This is southern tea, right? Is it okay for me to have some?"
"I'd like you to check what kind of products I have. As a token of friendship, please."
I fully embraced my role as a merchant and began to explain.
"I have various products prepared. Is there anything you desire?"
"Desire? If I had to say, it would be... books."
"I'm sorry. Books are quite expensive."
"I understand. Ah, but if I could read a rare book, I wouldn't mind spending a lot of money..."
The young man smiled wryly.
Somehow... I feel like I recognize this person.
I don't think there was anyone this carefree in the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
It's a time of chaos. Everyone had tense expressions.
If this person were a character in the game... who could he be?
"If you need any books, I can get them for you."
"Is that so?"
"After we finish our business, we will return to the town of Toushun. Should I bring the books then? The price is..."
I mentioned the price I found when I bought the Martial Arts Manual in Hokurin.
Then, the young man looked up at the cave ceiling and said,
"Ah, that's no good. I can't afford that."
"That's too bad."
"My father told me... not to come home until I die. So, I'm wandering around. Well, maybe it's more accurate to say I was abandoned because I wander too much?"
"Is it okay for me to hear such a story?"
"Sure. Everyone in the Jinkyo Tribe knows about it."
The young man said.
I glanced at Reki.
Reki nodded slightly and said,
"The rumors have reached the Soukaku clan as well. There was someone who traveled to gain knowledge and didn't return to the clan for 5 years."
"I'm that person. Well, it's embarrassing..."
The young man took something from his bag that made a clattering sound.
It was a bundle of wooden tablets.
They were made by carving wood into uneven boards and tying them together with string.
There were pictures and writing on them.
They showed drawings of flowers and plants.
It looked like he was drawn with charcoal. They were rough, but they captured the features well.
The wooden tablet has writing on it.
It contains explanations about the names of plants, their types, and where they grow.
There are also writings about the locations of hills, rivers, and their depths.
This person... must be someone who enjoys observing nature.
No, since he has left such detailed records, maybe he should be called a scholar.
"This is... a valuable record."
Touri looked at the wooden tablet, her eyes shining.
"When I see this drawing, I can clearly understand the shape of the medicinal herbs. It even shows where they grow, their colors, and the surrounding scenery. As an apprentice traveling doctor, it's very interesting."
"I like to record what I see during my travels. My dream is to read many books someday and gain more knowledge."
"...Knowledge."
Hearing those words, I realized who this person was.
So, I decided to introduce myself.
"I'm sorry for the late introduction. I am Shuu Rikuhou, a merchant. This must be some kind of fate. May I ask for your name?"
"That's fine. But, I have no money."
The young man tilted his head with a friendly expression.
"Because of my wandering habit, I was abandoned by my father. I don't think I can be a business partner."
"A merchant values connections."
"Uh, well, it's okay to introduce myself. Since I received tea."
The young man smiled wryly.
"My name is Tougen Shimei. I'm just a traveler. Abandoned by my family, I continue to live on the road. I don't think I'll have a chance to trade with you, but please take care of me."
"Thank you, Tougen-sama."
I bowed to the young man──Tougen Shimei.
I was doing my best to hide my tense expression.
My guess was right.
Tougen Shimei is one of the characters from 'History of Swordmaster,' part of the Jinkyo Tribe.
He is skilled in using the terrain for strategies and formations, and he has the intelligence to counter the hero army's plans.
In other words, Tougen Shimei will become the strategist of the Jinkyo Tribe in ten years.
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