Volume 4 Chapter 1 The Great Villain Of The World, Becomes The Center Of Attention
"Kou Tenhou, I congratulate you on safely completing your mission and returning."
Next to the throne, Ryougen-kun declared.
A few days later, we had returned to the capital of Aika Country, Hokurin.
The first place we headed to was the royal palace.
I was assigned to one unit.
What I did in the border area wasn't my personal fight; it was an official duty as a unit.
Well, even though my job was reconnaissance, I ended up fighting the enemy head-on.
Anyway, the unit I led was from Aika Country.
I was the Captain, and Shouou was the vice captain.
Ryougen-kun's subordinate, Tanshi-san, was there to support us.
So, as Captain, I had the duty to report to my superiors.
Of course, His Majesty the King and Ryougen-kun had already been informed by Kairyou-aniue.
This is a place to convey the details of the incident to high-ranking officials, military officers, and civil servants.
As a party involved, my role here is to hear the detailed story.
If there are no issues, I nod, and if there's something different, I get permission to correct it.
This is how this place works.
No one is sitting on the throne.
The King of Aika Country is elderly.
It seems he is absent today due to not feeling well.
Ryougen-kun, the king's younger brother, is acting as his representative.
Next to the empty throne stands Crown Prince Rouen.
The two figures are not visible now.
That's because I have my head bowed.
I am in front of the throne.
Around me are high-ranking officials, military officers, and civil servants.
I hardly recognize any of the faces among them.
At least Kairyou-aniue is here, which is a small comfort.
"I've heard that Kou Tenhou played a big role in the battle at the border."
Ryougen-kun continues with a clear voice.
"I hear you became the liaison officer with the moderates of the Jinkyo Tribe. You've received letters from them. It seems they trust you. Also, I've heard that the idea to spread the document to corner Zeng Taiga was yours."
The throne room buzzes with chatter.
The people present murmur in surprise.
Of course.
Right now, I have no title or rank.
They must be thinking, what is someone like me doing here?
"And you are also the one who defeated the enemy general Zeng Taiga, Kou Tenhou."
With Ryougen-kun's next words, the buzz grows even louder.
"──This person defeated the prince of the Jinkyo Tribe!?"
"──Zeng Taiga was someone who tried to harm His Royal Highness Rouen!?"
"──I've heard he is the war god of the Jinkyo Tribe. How could that be...?"
I listen to the voices while taking deep breaths.
...Calm down.
This is not the time to be shaken or excited.
The Jinkyo Tribe's problem is solved, but that doesn't mean there are no enemies left.
The mysterious organization, Golden Feather Syndicate, is still out there.
Ko Eison, who was the vice captain of Zeng Taiga, has also escaped.
We still don't know the true identity of the miko who was leading the organization.
The whereabouts of the game protagonist, Kai Yougetsu, are also unknown.
To corner them, my power alone isn't enough.
I need to find people who will cooperate with me.
That's why I came here to make this appeal.
"──Quiet down."
With Ryougen-kun's voice, the crowd begins to settle.
Once it's quiet enough, Ryougen-kun says,
"Kou Tenhou has defeated the enemy general. Many have witnessed this. And upon learning that their general was defeated, the Jinkyo Tribe stopped fighting and returned north. Since then, the Jinkyo Tribe has not moved their troops."
Once again, the throne is filled with sighs.
"We have received a letter from the moderates of the Jinkyo Tribe. 'The king has abdicated. From now on, the Jinkyo Tribe will adopt a council system led by the moderates Hailon Taiga and Tougen Shimei. They wish to restore relations with Aika Country and, if possible, engage in tribute.' As proof, Hailon Taiga's daughter will continue to stay in Aika Country as a hostage."
I hear Ryougen-kun folding the letter.
Then, footsteps approach. They stop in front of me.
"Lift your head. Kou Tenhou."
"──Yes. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
"You have greatly contributed to the country in this battle. Your achievements are significant."
When I looked up... Ryougen-kun had a satisfied smile on his face.
It was like he was happy about a child's growth.
Ryougen-kun really seems to love people.
He looks so happy when those he cares about grow or achieve something.
He truly is the ideal boss for someone who works.
... I wonder if I can become an adult like that.
"You will be given a reward. Do you have any wishes?"
──Here it comes.
I thought Ryougen-kun would say that.
I came to the royal palace for this moment.
I will raise the danger of the Golden Feather Syndicate here.
I will ask them to take precautions by sharing information about that organization.
What I want as a reward is that.
I want them to create a unit to be on guard against the Golden Feather Syndicate, and I want to join that unit.
I will make that request here.
"I allow you to speak. If you have a wish, please say it."
"Thank you. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
I slowly choose my words.
"I would like to say that──."
"──E-excuse me. May I have permission to speak?"
Suddenly, a voice rose up.
It came from the line of military officers.
When I looked over, one of the younger military officers was clasping his hands together.
He was a tall, thin officer. Maybe he was nervous because his body was shaking slightly.
Behind him were several other officers.
It looked like a lot of them were pushing one officer forward.
"You are... hmm. Were you Officer Ryou?"
Ryougen-kun nodded.
"Do you have something to say?"
"Excuse me, but I have doubts about Kou Tenhou-dono's actions."
The officer called Ryou lowered his gaze and spoke.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Kairyou-aniue.
He was trying to step forward, but the people around him were stopping him.
It seemed they thought a family member shouldn't speak up in this situation.
"I have a request for Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother. May I be allowed to ask Kou Tenhou-dono a question?"
Officer Ryou continued.
"This question concerns the pride of a warrior. If you answer, I believe the doubts of the officers will be cleared."
"It's not necessary."
"However, Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother, this is not just my concern; many officers feel the same way. I hope you can understand our feelings──"
"...I understand."
Ryougen-kun nodded reluctantly.
"Then let me ask, what doubts do you have about Kou Tenhou's actions?"
"Well, I will say this."
Ryougen-kun clasped his hands and finally turned his gaze toward me.
"Why didn't Kou Tenhou behead Zeng Taiga?"
"About that, Kou Kairyou should have reported it the other day."
It was Ryougen-kun who answered.
"After Kou Tenhou defeated Zeng Taiga, the moderates from the Jinkyo Tribe requested to hand over his body. The moderates' goal was to inform all of the Jinkyo Tribe about Zeng Taiga's death and to show that the times have changed. You heard that report too, didn't you?"
"Yes. I have heard about it."
"The moderates' proposal makes sense. If someone from Aika Country beheads the prince of the Jinkyo Tribe, the people of the Jinkyo Tribe will hold a grudge. To maintain peace, that should be avoided. I think their proposal is reasonable."
Ryougen-kun said this and looked at Military Officer Ryou.
"Do you have any complaints about that, Military Officer Ryou?"
"I must address Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Military Officer Ryou bowed deeply again.
"Excuse me, but I would like to hear Kou Tenhou's opinion."
"Kou Tenhou's opinion?"
"How did he feel when he presented Zeng Taiga's body to the Jinkyo Tribe...? I would like to know what kind of insight led him to return him to the Jinkyo Tribe without taking the head of His Royal Highness Rouen's enemy, leaving him intact."
"Military Officer Ryou. You..."
"Zeng Taiga is an enemy of Aika Country. He is also the sworn enemy who aimed for His Royal Highness Rouen's life. His head should be displayed at the city gate, and his body should be torn apart! Handing his body over to a foreign tribe is something I cannot accept as a military officer!!"
Military Officer Ryou declared loudly.
Voices of agreement rose from the ranks of military officers.
I see.
When you are praised by important people, you start to say things like this.
Maybe this is how Kou Tenhou felt in the game world.
For him, power was probably something needed to erase envy and jealousy...?
But I am different from the game world's Kou Tenhou.
I'm not interested in making others submit through power or authority.
I won't create enemies.
That's obvious. There's a strong enemy called the Golden Feather Syndicate outside our country.
I need to explain things properly to the people of Aika Country so they understand.
"I humbly say this."
I clasped my hands and turned to Military Officer Ryou.
"I handed over Zeng Taiga's body to the Jinkyo Tribe to end the fight right there."
"Can you tell us more about it?"
"Of course. The Jinkyo Tribe has many different people. Even among the moderates, there might be some who are aggressive. If I had cut off Zeng Taiga's head in front of them, they would have been furious and might have attacked us."
"..."
"Also, there were members of Zeng Taiga's direct unit nearby. If I had struck Zeng Taiga, they would have attacked us too. After using up all my strength in battle, I had no way to resist. The angry soldiers of the Jinkyo Tribe could have taken a shortcut to attack our position at the northern fort. To prevent such a situation, I thought handing over the body was the best option."
"But you are someone who defeated Zeng Taiga. The enemy soldiers──."
"I was leading a reconnaissance unit. Our combat power is not very high. Plus, I had exhausted my 'ki' in the fight with Zeng Taiga. I had just started learning martial arts."
".........uh."
"However, I understand what Military Officer Ryou is saying. I should have been more careful to avoid misunderstandings. I appreciate your advice."
Saying that, I bowed deeply.
"Well done, Kou Tenhou."
Ryougen-kun nodded and looked at Military Officer Ryou.
"Are you satisfied now, Military Officer Ryou?"
"However... it seems Kou Tenhou-dono has just started learning martial arts..."
"There's no doubt about it. He just became my subordinate a few months ago. That guy worked hard and took down the enemies of Aika Country. To end the battle right there, he handed over the enemy general's body to the Jinkyo Tribe. For Kou Tenhou, who was completely exhausted from the fight, wasn't that a necessary decision?"
"I understand that. But... there are things that cannot be overlooked."
Military Officer Ryou looked at me with a sharp gaze.
"That is about Kou Tenhou-dono privatizing the spoils of war."
"Privatizing the spoils of war, you say?"
"Could it be... about Zeng Taiga's black horse?"
When I asked, Military Officer Ryou nodded as if to say 'you got it.'
"That horse should be presented to His Royal Highness Rouen, shouldn't it?"
The military officers beside Military Officer Ryou nodded in agreement.
After confirming that, Military Officer Ryou continued.
"Enemy general Zeng Taiga is the one who aimed his spear at His Royal Highness Rouen. He is also the enemy of Aika Country, who tried to harm our respected His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. If we defeat him, we should dedicate that victory to His Royal Highness Rouen. As proof, we will present the black horse to His Royal Highness, letting everyone know that His Royal Highness has triumphed over Zeng Taiga. Isn't that what a loyal subject should do!?"
"──But."
It's impossible.
'Sakugetsu' only trusts me.
Seirei and Shouou can take care of him, but they can never ride him.
So──
"I have received permission about that horse from His Royal Highness the King's younger brother. Kairyou-aniue... no, from Kou Kairyou-dono, who spoke on my behalf. Besides, that horse is quite difficult... I think it's not suitable to present to His Royal Highness──"
"It's become a rumor. Kou Tenhou-dono has obtained the enemy general's horse and is acting like a hero."
Interrupting my words, Military Officer Ryou said.
"To put an end to this unpleasant rumor, shouldn't that horse be presented to His Royal Highness Rouen?"
"...I understand what you are saying, Military Officer Ryou. But──"
"I am speaking for Kou Tenhou-dono. What do you think? That horse belongs to His Royal Highness Rouen──"
"Military Officer Ryou! Enough already──."
"Enough! You fool!!"
In the throne room, a loud voice echoed.
Military Officer Ryou and Ryougen-kun widened their eyes, interrupted.
Crown Prince Rouen glared at Military Officer Ryou.
His gaze was sharp. His expression was filled with anger.
"You want to offer Zeng Taiga's black horse to me!? Are you telling me to take away the achievements of my subordinates!? My subordinate defeated the enemy general and you want me to claim the horse given by the foreign tribe as my own!? Do you think... this Rouen has no sense of shame!?"
"────Huh."
It felt like being hit with words.
Military Officer Ryou knelt down and bowed deeply.
"W-What I, Ryou Tetsu, said was for the sake of Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Zeng Taiga is the enemy of Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. If that horse becomes Your Royal Highness's, everyone will know that Your Royal Highness has defeated him..."
"Zeng Taiga was defeated by Kou Tenhou, not this Rouen!!"
"W-Well, that is..."
"You said, 'Zeng Taiga tried to harm me,' right?"
Crown Prince Rouen had a fearless smile on his face.
He was different from before.
He was angry, but he wasn't losing control. That's how it looked.
"Then let's get to the point. I, Rouen, do not want the horse of someone who tried to harm me. But I also don't want to be so narrow-minded as to kill them. So, it would be better to use the horse of the enemy general who was defeated. A good horse becomes the arms and legs of my subordinates. There's nothing more reassuring than that."
"And, Your Royal Highness..."
"Kou Tenhou's judgment is correct."
Crown Prince Rouen declared firmly.
"The important thing is the peace of the border area. We must avoid unnecessary wars that bring sacrifices to our people and soldiers. Compared to that, taking the head of an enemy general is a trivial matter. Isn't that right?"
"......"
"If you have any objections, speak up. Ryou Tetsu."
"...I have none."
"I will inform others as well! This Rouen does not want the horse of an enemy general. Also, I believe it was the right thing to hand over Zeng Taiga's body to the moderates. Anyone who disagrees should speak to me from now on!!"
Crown Prince Rouen's voice echoed through the hall.
The military and civil officials all bowed their heads at once.
Before I knew it, I had naturally bowed as well.
When I looked up, Crown Prince Rouen was looking at Ryougen-kun with an embarrassed expression.
He seemed to feel ashamed for raising his voice, that kind of expression.
"Uncle, is there anything you would like to add?"
"None at all, Your Royal Highness."
Ryougen-kun looked happy.
He bowed deeply to Crown Prince Rouen and said,
"I believe Your Royal Highness's judgment is truly valuable."
"I see."
"Ryou Tetsu, I understand that you spoke with His Royal Highness in mind. However, you should apologize to Kou Tenhou. Calling someone who risked their life to defeat the enemy a 'hero wannabe' is too much."
"...I am sorry, Kou Tenhou-dono."
"I also apologize for causing any doubts."
Ryou Tetsu and I clasped hands.
...Still, it was surprising.
Not only did Crown Prince Rouen defend me, but I also didn't expect that there were people among the military who questioned my actions.
Maybe it's better to stay quiet for a while.
...I should avoid bringing up the Golden Feather Syndicate here.
Since the issue of handing over Zeng Taiga's body to the Jinkyo Tribe is already a problem, saying something like, 'I heard from the Jinkyo Tribe that a mysterious organization...' would just complicate things.
I'll share detailed information about the Golden Feather Syndicate directly with Ryougen-kun.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, Uncle."
"Let's get back to the topic. It was about the reward for Kou Tenhou."
Ryougen-kun straightened his posture and looked at me again.
"I will inform Kou Tenhou. Please tell me what you seek."
"Thank you. However... I can't decide right now."
I bowed and said,
"I'm sorry, but could I have a little more time?"
"Understood. When you decide, let me know."
"Thank you. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
With that, the report of my return was complete.
I bowed to His Majesty, Crown Prince Rouen, Ryougen-kun, and the other attendees before leaving.
I exited the palace and headed to Master Raikou's residence.
I needed to report and adjust my 'ki' in front of Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei.
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