Volume 3 Chapter 12 Kou Tenhou And Gen Touri Head To The Jinkyo Tribe's Land Iii
In the game 'History of Swordmaster', Tougen Shimei's combat power isn't very strong.
Instead, his intelligence is so high that it matches the strategist of the Hero Army.
Even if traps and strategies are set up in his unit, he can see right through them.
So when Zeng Taiga and Tougen Shimei appear at the same time, it becomes a significant threat.
Zeng Taiga is the strongest.
If the Hero Army fights him head-on, they will suffer considerable damage.
But even if they try to counter with strategies and traps, Tougen Shimei will see through them.
Because of this, players start to avoid battles with the Jinkyo Tribe.
It's easier to take down the capital of Aika Country and defeat King Rouen and Kou Tenhou than to fight a strong enemy.
To avoid the bad ending of being destroyed by the Jinkyo Tribe, players aim for the normal ending of killing Kou Tenhou. That's the theory of the game 'History of Swordmaster'.
However... right now, Tougen Shimei is not Zeng Taiga's subordinate.
Moreover, according to him, he seems to be living a wandering life after being abandoned by his clan. He appears to enjoy this lifestyle, but... what will happen in ten years?
In a world of war, he probably won't be able to live so carefree.
Life will become tough.
Maybe in ten years, Tougen Shimei will lose his place and end up becoming Zeng Taiga's subordinate because of it.
Will he have to get a job as a strategist since he can no longer live a wandering life?
Tougen Shimei has a high level of intelligence... I can tell just by looking at this wooden tablet. It has detailed records written on it.
The information about the terrain, herbs, and plants is something that only a keen observer could write.
This observation skill will probably be used in strategies that take advantage of the terrain.
That Tougen Shimei will become a subordinate of Zeng Taiga in ten years.
The Jinkyo Tribe will gain a powerful strategist.
What can I do to stop that?
There are limits to what I can do.
I can't just forcefully stop him with martial arts, and I can't make the moderates side with me by being pushy. Besides, it would be too unnatural for a merchant to do something like that. It could also turn Tougen Shimei into an enemy.
Moreover, this is the territory of the Jinkyo Tribe. I can't borrow the connections of Ryougen-kun or my father like I could when I was in Aika Country.
Even so, what I can do now is──
"I ask of you, Tougen Shimei-sama."
I clasped my hands together in a gesture of respect.
"Could you please sell me this wooden tablet that has information about these plants?"
"...Huh!?"
"This record is valuable. As the husband of an apprentice traveling doctor, it could be useful for medical purposes. I would really like to buy it."
"Are you serious!?"
"A merchant never speaks twice!"
"This is something that my companions didn't even look at!? My father even said, 'Burn this or I'll cut ties with you!'."
"I'm thinking that Tougen-sama's talent is meant to help people. Please! Let me buy this wooden tablet!"
Tougen-Shimei has been abandoned by his clan.
In such a situation, he probably can't refuse the invitation from Zeng Taiga.
So, in the near future, Tougen-Shimei might become the strategist of the Jinkyo Tribe.
If that's the case, I'll support Tougen-Shimei.
That way, he can continue his beloved nature observation.
While he enjoys his free and wandering life, I'll connect Aika Country with the moderates of the Jinkyo Tribe.
Then, the exchange between Aika Country and the moderates might begin.
After that, I'll introduce Tougen-Shimei to Ryougen-kun.
Ryougen-kun values talented people.
He might want to make Tougen-Shimei a guest.
If that happens, it could prevent Tougen-Shimei from becoming the strategist of the Jinkyo Tribe.
That should also weaken Zeng Taiga's power.
"I'm going to receive a valuable record. Of course, I intend to pay a fair price."
Thinking about that, I bowed to Tougen-Shimei.
"Is it okay if I pay with Aika Country's currency? If you prefer a trade, I can give you cloth from Aika Country. Which would you prefer?"
"Y-yes. Then... can I have the cloth?"
"Understood."
"Is that really okay? You truly think my recorded work has value..."
"Yes. The wooden tablet from Tougen-Shimei is very valuable."
I took out the cloth I planned to use for trading and held it out with both hands.
"Of course, I only need the records about medicinal herbs. The records about the terrain can be useful in battles too. So, I must decline."
"W-Well, I understand. The wooden tablet about medicinal herbs, right? Here you go."
"Thank you. And... Tougen-sama."
"W-What is it?"
"Do you have any other records like this?"
"Yes. I have entrusted them to my trusted people... I mean, my siblings."
"That's wonderful. Please, I would like to continue my relationship with you, Tougen-sama!"
If possible, I want to keep in touch with Tougen-Shimei from now on.
Well, it's not guaranteed that he will easily become my ally.
Anyway, I want to buy some time.
I want to reduce Zeng Taiga's influence, even just a little.
Also... even if the world is in chaos, I don't think everyone needs to fight.
Isn't it okay for some people to continue observing nature, keeping records, and enjoying life?
I want Tougen-Shimei to keep living that way.
"If you are interested... I will consult with my acquaintances and send someone here. I would be happy if we could trade again then."
"...Y-Yes. I will think about it."
"Thank you."
"Merchant... you said your name is Shuu Rikuhou."
"Yes."
"You believe that the records I made have value, don't you?"
"Of course. My wife, the apprentice traveling doctor, also finds value in Tougen-sama's records. These wooden tablets can save lives. As a merchant, it's only natural to acquire them."
"What do you plan to do with these records?"
"I will carefully copy them and make them into readable letters. I hope to use them to help my wife and those who aspire to study medicine."
"Ah... that sounds good."
Tougen-Shimei smiled with a very kind expression.
"I think that's very good. If you do that, I will be happy too."
"Tougen-sama's records can save lives."
I clasped my hands again towards Tougen Shimei.
"Please remember that."
I hope Tougen-Shimei never becomes someone who would harm the people of Aika Country.
I want him to be someone who loves travel and records.
While wishing for that, I continued to clasp my hands.
Tougen-Shimei was silent for a while.
He looked at me with wide eyes.
And then──
"...Woof woof."
"It seems the rain has stopped."
While petting the dog beside him, Tougen-Shimei looked outside the cave.
"We still have time until sunset. I think I will move a little more."
"I see. It's a bit sad to leave."
"It was a fun time. Shuu Rikuhou-sama."
"I am also grateful for the wonderful deal we made."
"When you want to make a deal with me... well, please look for someone from the Shimei clan in the nearby village. That way, they can pass the message to me."
Tougen-Shimei said this as if he had made up his mind.
"Everyone knows about my wandering habits. They will find out that you are my acquaintance."
"Thank you."
"Well then, see you later."
"Woof woof."
With that, Tougen-Shimei left with his dog into the evening darkness.
──After parting with Tenhou, Tougen-Shimei──
"────Young master! Young master──!!"
A voice called out to Tougen-Shimei as he walked through the forest, a few dozen minutes after leaving the cave.
In front of him were several horse riders.
The riders slowly surrounded Tougen.
Then, they all got off their horses and knelt down.
"We finally found you, young master. Please stop wandering around!"
The leading woman looked up and shouted.
"This is a difficult time! Please return to our Shimei clan's base!!"
"I have been abandoned by my father, you know? Big Sis."
Tougen shrugged his shoulders.
"Isn't it better if someone like me isn't around? Can't you let me be free?"
"It is your father's dying wish for you to become the head of the Shimei clan. I have told you this many times!?"
The woman's face turned bright red as she raised her voice.
Within the Jinkyo Tribe, there are various clans.
They share the same ancestors and have the same surname.
One of them is the Shimei clan.
The one who ruled the Shimei clan was Tougen's father.
Tougen's father died just a few days ago.
Only the clan members know this information.
As the chief's son, Tougen also attended the funeral.
He thought that was enough and began his wandering life again...
"Everyone in the clan heard your father's last words! 'Tougen, the chief's son, should lead the Shimei clan!' 'With the eyes of someone who has seen the wide world, choose whether to side with the hardliners or the moderates.' I told you this, didn't I!? Yet, young master, you keep wandering around... please stop it already!!"
"Isn't the real issue who the Shimei clan should side with? Can't you just decide together?"
"If we decide together, will you follow us, Tougen-sama?"
The woman makes a bitter face.
She is Tougen's wet nurse.
Tougen's mother died shortly after giving birth to him.
Because of this, he survived by drinking milk from the woman he calls his Big Sis.
However, Tougen's father did not care for either his real mother or the wet nurse.
It was after this that Tougen left his father's side to wander.
"What do everyone's opinions say? Who does the Shimei clan think we should side with?"
"Tougen-sama's father valued strength above all."
"So, you mean we should side with Prince Zeng... the hardliners?"
This was to be expected.
Tougen's father was fascinated by the war god Prince Zeng.
If asked to choose between Prince Zeng and the moderates, it was natural to side with the prince.
However, Tougen does not like fighting.
What he prefers is knowledge, practical observation, and thinking based on that.
Tougen can vividly picture what he sees in his mind.
His records about herbs and terrain are made using that ability.
By creating these records, he moves people. That is his area of interest.
That ability will make him a great strategist in ten years, but──
──he has no way of knowing that now.
"His Royal Highness Zeng and those around him have sent a letter to Tougen-sama."
Tougen's sister said.
"The main point is this: 'If Shigen's clan follows, the wealth gained from invading Aika Country will be as you wish. Also, His Royal Highness's subordinates are ready to hand over the books to Tougen-dono.'"
"Wealth and books, huh?"
"That shows how much His Royal Highness values Tougen-sama."
"What His Royal Highness values is the military power of Shigen's clan, not me."
Prince Zeng started sending letters to Tougen after his father died.
Before that, he never paid any attention to Tougen.
Tougen once met Prince Zeng while wandering.
Of course, they didn't talk. He was just looked down upon.
At that time, Tougen was wearing ragged clothes and had messy hair.
Prince Zeng probably didn't realize he was the son of the chief of Shigen's clan.
Even now, Tougen hasn't changed.
He is still a ragged wanderer. But──
"Still... there are those who appreciate what I've done."
"Tougen-sama?"
"Big Sis, do you remember the vow of the Shigen clan?"
"'The words are heard by the God of the Plains. A promise once made is as strong as iron. Never break it.'"
"That's right. And I made a promise with a merchant from Aika Country."
Tougen shrugged.
At his words, the Big Sis and those around them began to murmur.
"A merchant from Aika Country!? What kind of promise!?"
"He was an interesting boy. He looked at the records I wrote about herbs and bought them from me. He said he wanted more records too. I promised to meet him again. This is the proof."
Tougen took a piece of cloth from his bag.
It was something fine that couldn't be made by the Jinkyo Tribe.
He tossed it to his younger siblings and laughed.
Then, he became serious──
"Listen well! People of the Shimei clan!!"
Tougen looked around at the clan members and shouted.
"If it's my father's last will, then it can't be helped! From now on, Tougen Shimei will become the clan leader!"
──It's time to make a resolution.
──If my father has passed away, then it can't be helped. The clan must be carried by me.
──If I've decided to carry it, I will make choices that lead the clan to a better future.
With that determination in his heart, Tougen Shimei raised his voice.
"The Shimei clan will side with the moderates! Those who have objections, please listen to my words first!!"
"""Y-yes, chief!!"""
"My father respected the war god His Royal Highness Zeng. But now, there are suspicious people moving around His Royal Highness Zeng. They might be trying to trick His Royal Highness Zeng into reckless attacks. Until we clear these doubts, it is dangerous to serve under His Royal Highness Zeng!!"
Tougen Shimei continues.
──If we side with Prince Zeng now, we will be helping the bad people who want to use the prince.
──They are using Prince Zeng's authority. It's hard to go against them.
──First, we should keep our distance and figure out the true nature of the enemies on your side.
Hearing his words, the clan members are drawn in.
"And... I made one mistake. I did business with a merchant from Aika Country. And I promised him that next time we meet, he should call my name."
Suddenly, Tougen Shimei said this.
"In other words, I, Tougen Shimei, have connections with a merchant from Aika Country. Even if I say I want to be a subordinate, I won't gain His Royal Highness Zeng's trust. Maybe in the past, His Royal Highness Zeng would have trusted me, but not now."
The current Zeng Taiga is a tyrant.
He punishes and even kills people for just a little suspicion.
After serving such a person, what would happen if the connection between Tougen and the merchants of Aika Country was discovered──
"Even if His Royal Highness Zeng forgives me, what about those who are close to that person? If they are truly evil people who use His Royal Highness Zeng... wouldn't they just say I was in league with the people of Aika Country and take my head?"
Tougen Shimei placed a hand on his neck.
"There must be people in the Shimei clan who have dealt with the merchants of Aika Country. If the current His Royal Highness Zeng finds out about that, what would they think? For me to become a close aide to His Royal Highness Zeng means getting closer to those from the clan. It might put everyone's lives in danger."
"...Tougen-sama."
"First, we should figure out the true identity of the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' that is near His Royal Highness Zeng."
Tougen raised his arm and spoke again.
"For that, we need to keep our distance from His Royal Highness Zeng for now. If necessary, we can lend our strength to the moderates. Ah, of course, I'm not opposing His Royal Highness Zeng. It's just to uncover the true identity of those around that person. I believe that is the way to truly empower the Shimei clan and... our Jinkyo Tribe!"
"...O-oh."
"...Oh."
"Oooohhh!!!"
""OOOOOOHHHHHH!!!"""
The clan's voice turned into a shout, and soon it changed into a big wave.
──The goal is to figure out the true identity of those near Prince Zeng.
──The cause is to truly support the clan and the Jinkyo Tribe.
──The mercy is to protect those who were trading with Aika Country.
Tougen Shimei──The decision for the new leader of the Shimei clan convinced everyone.
"So, Big Sis. Where is His Royal Highness Zeng now?"
"Yes... that's the thing."
"What happened?"
"His Royal Highness Zeng and the followers have started to break the siege of the moderates. His Royal Highness is moving towards the fortress of Aika Country."
"That's the northern fortress guarded by 'General Skybear,' right?"
"According to rumors, the activity at the northern fortress has increased recently. There are reports of messengers coming and going a lot. His Royal Highness Zeng is probably on guard about that."
"So, the area around the moderates is weak now."
Prince Zeng's soldiers surrounded the mountain where the moderates were.
If they have started to move, then Tougen's next move should be──
"Then, let's move to a position where we can support the moderates. We will pretend not to show our flags clearly and contact the moderates."
"Understood. By the way... young master."
"What is it, Big Sis?"
"Looks like you've lost a lot of your hesitation, huh?"
"Ah, is that so?"
Tougen covered his mouth and laughed.
"They say my talent is meant to save people, you know?"
"Really?"
"I was told that by a merchant from Aika Country. Well... he might not be a merchant after all. Either way, he seems to be someone skilled at understanding people's hearts. He easily saw through my wishes."
"So, young master, is that why you made a deal with the merchant from Aika Country in this situation?"
"Because I found his proposal appealing. He was quite a remarkable person. Once he grows up, he will become a great merchant..."
After all, that boy understood what customers wanted.
He became the one Tougen desired the most──'the one who understands talent.'
His father did not recognize Tougen's talent.
For his father, who supported Zeng Taiga's strength, talent was only for defeating enemies and making them submit.
He did not see talent as something that simply enjoys what it sees and brings out the best in people, like Tougen did.
However, Shuu Rikuhou said he wanted the wooden tablet that Tougen created.
He recognized its value and wished to connect with him.
They could never understand how happy that made Tougen.
He was reluctant to turn his soldiers against them.
Then he should side with the moderates.
Of course, it wasn't just for personal reasons.
There was also the greater cause of removing the unknown people around Prince Zeng.
There were rational goals as well. There was also the reason to protect his friends.
That was what blew away Tougen's hesitation.
"Even if His Royal Highness Zeng prepared a lot of books... I might have become a hardliner. Or maybe, he could give me the library of Aika Country."
But it's too late now.
Tougen made his decision. He would remove the treachery from his side.
To protect the Shimei clan and to make use of his talents.
"Let's go, Big Sis."
"Y-yes, young master."
"We'll work together to get rid of the suspicious people around His Royal Highness Zeng. After we restore the Jinkyo Tribe to its rightful state... can I wander again?"
"Of course not!?"
"...Right."
With a new goal in mind, Tougen Shimei began to run.
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