Volume 3 Chapter 16 Raikou And Gen Shuuyoku Encounter The Aika Country Army
──Meanwhile, Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku──
"Is that the army of Aika Country?"
"There's no doubt about it, Yokumai. And that flag... it's His Royal Highness Rouen and Ryougen-kun."
"W-What? The famous younger brother of the King of Aika Country is here!? Why are they here!?"
Suuki Taiga's eyes widen at Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku's words.
After leaving the town of Toushun, Raikou and the others were hurrying towards Hokurin.
It was lucky that they got horses in Toushun.
After Tenhou and Touri headed north, they only had Gen Shuuyoku's horse left. So, they decided to get horses in Toushun for Raikou and Suuki Taiga to use.
For Raikou, who usually moves freely with 'Five Divine Steps,' traveling by horse must have felt frustrating.
Gen Shuuyoku had to stop her several times as she instinctively tried to jump off the horse and run. Raikou's injuries were starting to heal, but they weren't completely better yet.
Of course, Gen Shuuyoku was just as anxious.
The moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe is worth forming an alliance with for Aika Country.
She thought that if they could get them on their side, they could gain their information and also keep Zeng Taiga in check. On the other hand, if they were destroyed, Aika Country would lose a valuable ally.
So, she must hurry.
It's only a few days' journey from Hokurin to Toushun, but she still felt anxious.
She was thinking that she needed to reach Hokurin as fast as possible, even if it meant arriving a second sooner──
──I never expected to encounter Aika Country's troops just 2 days after leaving Toushun.
"Is Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother here!? This is Raikou, a subordinate of Your Royal Highness, and Gen Shuuyoku!!"
Raikou called out to Aika Country's army, her voice filled with 'ki' energy.
The air trembled, and the soldiers of Aika Country turned to look at her.
"I apologize for the intrusion regarding the country's important matters. I wish to meet with His Royal Highness!!"
"Oh! Raikou! You've returned!!"
A man stepped forward.
It was Tanshi, a trusted subordinate of Ryougen-kun.
"I heard that Kou Tenhou-dono and the others went to look for you. Have you joined them? However, it seems Kou Tenhou-dono and Gen Touri-dono are not here..."
"Those 2 went north in my place."
"North, you say?"
"It's a pathetic story. As their master, I've caused trouble for Tenhou and Touri."
Raikou answered in a trembling voice.
"But it seems it was worth it. Fortunately, I was able to meet Your Royal Highness here. There is someone I want you to meet, Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother. I hope to arrange this quickly! We must not waste Tenhou and Touri's feelings, so let's hurry!!"
"I am Suuki Taiga, the niece of the Jinkyo Tribe King. It is an honor to meet Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Aika Country and Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
The meeting with Ryougen-kun happened right away.
Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku are subordinates of Ryougen-kun.
It was natural for Ryougen-kun to be interested since those 2 protected the royal family of the Jinkyo Tribe.
Ryougen-kun and Crown Prince Rouen were traveling along the road to send a delegation to Souma Country and to head to the northern fortress.
Originally, it was supposed to be only Crown Prince Rouen going north.
Ryougen-kun ended up accompanying Crown Prince Rouen because of his words.
Crown Prince Rouen said he would visit the grave of the 'Wolf Cavalry' at the northern fortress.
He admitted that he lost his subordinates because of his own mistakes and promised at the grave that he would not repeat them. He shared this with Ryougen-kun.
Those words moved Ryougen-kun.
So, he decided to see Crown Prince Rouen off partway.
He was also guiding the messenger from Souma Country to the sea.
The messenger from Souma Country was already heading to the sea, along with the escort soldiers.
After parting ways with them, Ryougen-kun and Crown Prince Rouen decided to stop near the highway to listen to Raikou's report.
"I'm surprised. The moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe is asking for support from our country..."
Hearing Raikou's report, Ryougen-kun looked deep in thought.
It was hard for him to believe.
However, in front of Ryougen-kun was an obsidian dagger that showed Suuki Taiga was royalty of the Jinkyo Tribe.
It was presented by Suuki Taiga herself.
"If you doubt me, then stab me with that," she said.
The obsidian dagger and her words were enough to dispel Ryougen-kun's doubts.
"Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. May I ask for your opinion on this matter?"
Ryougen-kun spoke to Crown Prince Rouen, who was sitting next to him.
While listening to Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku's discussion, Rouen had remained silent the whole time.
It's understandable that he was confused.
Crown Prince Rouen was fighting against Zeng Taiga's troops in the northern lands.
It was Zeng Taiga who had killed the members of the 'Wolf Cavalry.'
Even if some of the Jinkyo Tribe sought friendly relations, it would be hard to believe them.
"I understand how you feel, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Ryougen-kun said in a calm tone.
"However, I think there is merit in considering the proposals from the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe. If we can gain allies within the Jinkyo Tribe, it could become a strength for Aika Country. Of course, I know it's difficult to decide right away──"
"That's not right, Uncle."
Rouen replied in a hoarse voice.
"I already told you. I will not make the same mistake again."
Rouen clenched his fist on his knee.
He was staring down, as if he was tracing back bitter memories and chewing on them.
"Previously, when I fought the Jinkyo Tribe in the north, I acted based on my emotions. Because of that, I lost loyal subordinates. I will not make the same mistake again."
"...Your Royal Highness Rouen"
"And now, what I should prioritize is not my feelings. It is to stabilize the border area. And to restrict the movements of Zeng Taiga, the prince of the Jinkyo Tribe."
Eventually, Rouen raised his face and declared clearly.
"If there are those who will cooperate with that... I have no hesitation in joining hands. I thank you for bringing good news. Raikou, Gen Shuuyoku. And Suuki Taiga of the Jinkyo Tribe."
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
"Oh, I thank Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Aika Country!!"
Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku clasped hands, and Suuki Taiga bowed deeply.
"Uncle. This Rouen intends to head north and enter the fortress where Kou Eishin is."
Rouen asked Ryougen-kun.
"The goal is to draw Zeng Taiga in. If they gather their troops at the border, wary of our soldiers, the enemy's forces will be spread out. I think the moderates of the Jinkyo Tribe will have an easier time, but what do you think? Is this Rouen's judgment incorrect?"
"I believe it is the correct judgment."
Ryougen-kun stood up and clasped hands.
He showed his respect to Crown Prince Rouen.
"Then Kou Tenhou and the others should be able to return safely."
"Kou Tenhou, huh? That person really takes risks. This time is no different. If Kairyou hears about this, he might just faint."
Rouen smiled with a troubled expression.
"Now that I think about it... it was like that from the first time we met. Kou Tenhou asked me about the world. I thought he was just boasting, even though he barely had any 'ki' energy."
But... it seems he really is acting for the sake of the world."
"...What a mysterious person he is."
Crown Prince Rouen gave a wry smile.
Then, suddenly realizing something,
"By the way, this army has Kou Tenhou's younger sister with them, right?"
"Yes. She has been attending to the Souma Country's messenger along with Yuuri. Right now, she is at the back of the army. Also, Kou Tenhou's senior disciple is still here."
"Sui Kaou? Didn't he go to the sea with the Souma Country's messenger?"
"It seems he decided to stay with the army. As a disciple, he wants to prioritize his master for now."
"Then, tell Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku about Kou Tenhou."
Rouen said to Raikou and the others.
"If only you all returned, they would be worried sick. You have permission to share the situation. But keep it confidential."
"Understood."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku bow.
Rouen nods and says,
"If possible, I would like to send someone to welcome Kou Tenhou and Gen Touri in the town of Toushun... what do you think, Uncle?"
"I have a plan for that."
Ryougen-kun answers Crown Prince Rouen with his hands clasped.
"As for sending a welcome to Toushun, I will take care of everything. It would be best for Your Royal Highness to hurry to the northern fortress."
"...Understood. I will follow my uncle's advice."
Crown Prince Rouen somewhat understood Ryougen-kun's thoughts.
Ryougen-kun intended to strengthen the defenses of the town of Toushun.
Zeng Taiga, seeing the soldiers from Aika Country gathering at the northern fortress, might come down from another route. If they have soldiers in Toushun, they can prevent that. Also, they can hear from the returning Kou Tenhou and move the soldiers based on that information.
If the moderates from the Jinkyo Tribe are trustworthy, the town of Toushun will be their point of contact.
If, by any chance, the moderates are not trustworthy, it is necessary to strengthen the defenses of Toushun.
Of course, Ryougen-kun does not believe that Suuki Taiga is lying.
However, he has a duty to protect the people.
To prepare for everything, they need to take all possible measures.
"It would be best for Your Royal Highness to head north boldly, drawing attention."
Ryougen-kun smiled confidently.
"Rumors tend to spread unexpectedly. If the king of the Jinkyo Tribe learns that Your Royal Highness is heading north, he will become cautious. They will quickly gather their troops at the border."
"Is that uncle's plan? ...I still have much to learn from my uncle."
Hearing Ryougen-kun's words, Crown Prince Rouen nodded.
Then he turned to his subordinates.
"Prepare a fast horse! I need to contact Hokurin's father! And... uncle──."
"I will head to Hokurin. To build friendly relations with the moderates of the Jinkyo Tribe, we need His Majesty's approval."
"I ask this of you, Uncle."
"Let's leave Yuuri behind. She needs to host the guests from the north. Ah... Suuki Taiga-dono. There's no need to be nervous. My daughter is a kind girl. I'm sure you will become good friends."
Thus, Suuki Taiga was welcomed by Crown Prince Rouen and Ryougen-kun──
and Ryougen-kun and Crown Prince Rouen began their actions.
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