Volume 4 Chapter 7 Ryougen-Kun Asks About Kou Tenhou's Personnel Matters
──At the Royal Palace──
"I was surprised to hear that you all are interested in Kou Tenhou's personnel matters."
Ryougen-kun asked the gathered high officials.
The people sitting in the council were military and civil officials from Aika Country.
They awkwardly looked away.
The King of Aika Country and Crown Prince Rouen were not present.
When there is no topic significant enough for the King and Crown Prince to decide, the council is left to Ryougen-kun.
Taking this opportunity, Ryougen-kun decided to ask about Kou Tenhou.
(Could it be... that His Majesty the King personally appointed Kou Tenhou to a position?)
Kou Tenhou was appointed as the Vice Captain of the defense unit in the eastern town──Toukaku──just the day before.
Moreover, it was said to be the King of Aika Country's decision.
Ryougen-kun heard this from a report from his subordinate.
It was completely unexpected.
The reason for Kou Tenhou receiving the appointment became clear quickly.
High-ranking civil and military officials had jointly submitted a report regarding Kou Tenhou's personnel matters.
The King of Aika Country accepted it and likely appointed Kou Tenhou to the position.
(I was planning to assign Kou Tenhou to deal with the Golden Feather Syndicate...)
Zeng Taiga was controlled by the organization known as the Golden Feather Syndicate.
The true nature of this organization remains unclear.
How big is the organization? Where is its base? Who is its leader? ──All of it is shrouded in mystery.
However, there is no doubt that they are a threat.
For the future of Aika Country, we must eliminate them.
Ryougen-kun intended to leave the investigation of the Golden Feather Syndicate to Kou Tenhou.
He is trustworthy.
He is the child of 'General Skybear,' a disciple of Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku, and he has a strong sense of duty to the country. You rarely find someone as reliable as him.
Moreover, Kou Tenhou is also supported by the Jinkyo Tribe.
He is acquainted with the leader of the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe.
He is also close to Tougen Shimei, who is one of the leader's trusted aides.
With Kou Tenhou, he should be able to gather information from the people of the Jinkyo Tribe.
(But the king has already given Kou Tenhou a position. Before I could assign him a role.)
The personnel changes have already been announced.
If he cancels it, he will be accused of changing the orders on a whim.
Kou Tenhou's position would also be worsened.
'Could it be that Kou Tenhou used the prince's power to cancel the king's orders?'
──There will surely be those who harbor such doubts.
That would be a problem.
Kou Tenhou is a valuable asset. He doesn't want to damage his reputation.
Then──
(I have no choice but to assign Kou Tenhou to Toukaku.)
And he will call him back as soon as possible.
After that, he will be in charge of dealing with the Golden Feather Syndicate. This is the only option.
(...I need to find out how this situation came to be.)
Thinking this, Ryougen-kun looked around at the people gathered in the council.
"I'm honestly surprised that everyone is so interested in Kou Tenhou."
Ryougen-kun said in a calm tone.
"Kou Tenhou has been without rank or title until now. Plus, he is still quite young. I want to know why you all are getting involved in his affairs. Until now, his name has never come up in our discussions."
"I apologize for interrupting."
One of the officials stepped forward.
He was in his early thirties, but his hair and beard were white.
He clasped his hands together and addressed Ryougen-kun.
"I am Ryou Gin, a civil servant. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother are inquiring about the personnel of the second son of 'General Skybear,' correct?"
"That's right."
"Then let me explain. We have simply assigned suitable positions to those with ability."
"What do you mean by that?"
Ryougen-kun looked at the official, Ryou Gin.
Ryou Gin lowered his gaze,
"Kou Tenhou has achieved a great feat. He defeated the enemy general Zeng Taiga, saved the northern fortress from danger, and even became a bridge to the Jinkyo Tribe. There's no doubt he is a capable young man. Isn't it natural to think of placing him in a high position?"
"But Ryou Gin, didn't your younger brother have doubts about Kou Tenhou?"
"You're referring to Ryou Tetsu, right? I apologize on behalf of my younger brother for offending Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Ryou Gin bowed deeply.
"That person is currently under house arrest. For a while, Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother and His Royal Highness Rouen won't have to see him."
"That's fine. However, this personnel decision after Ryou Tetsu cast doubt on Kou Tenhou makes me feel there's some kind of intention behind it."
"Those words don't sound like something Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother would say."
"Is that so?"
"'Those with ability should have a fitting role'──this is what I have heard is the thought of Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother. Therefore, Your Royal Highness is hosting many guests and giving them suitable roles, right?"
"That's correct."
Ryougen-kun nodded and said,
"However, you intended to give Kou Tenhou a different role."
"Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother must have your own thoughts. But, the position of Vice Captain of the Toukaku eastert town is also an important task for Aika Country. No 14-year-old boy has ever been appointed to this role. We value him that much."
Ryou Gin replied in an overly polite tone.
"Giving those with ability the chance to show it. I believe this aligns with Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother's thoughts, don't you think?"
The meeting room buzzed with chatter.
People voiced their agreement with Ryou Gin's words.
──Rewarding and punishing is the foundation of the nation. Those who achieve merit should receive a fitting position.
──Appointing a 14-year-old boy as Deputy Captain is an unusual honor.
──We value Kou Tenhou.
Such words filled the room.
(...Indeed, I sense a strategy behind this personnel decision.)
Kou Tenhou had achieved great merit.
So, this is why this personnel decision was made.
Ryougen-kun has always supported his older brother, the king, as a younger brother.
Because of that, he understands.
This decision is meant to restrict someone who has achieved great success.
There are several ways to restrict someone who has achieved great success.
One way is to slander them.
However, Kou Tenhou is the child of 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin, and Ryougen-kun is backing him.
If they openly attack him, they will make enemies of Kou Eishin and Ryougen-kun.
That's why the high officials placed Kou Tenhou in a high position.
Probably as a way to restrict someone who has risen too quickly.
Because... someone who is in a position too high for them is likely to fail.
──An unfamiliar role.
──Unfamiliar subordinates.
──An unknown place.
──And a position that others envy.
In such a workplace, it's easy to trip up.
Especially if you rush to show results.
Many have failed and lost their positions in history.
The high officials, including Ryou Gin, are probably aiming for that.
By giving Kou Tenhou a high position... if he fails, they might demote him to a local bureaucrat.
To keep troublesome talent away.
It was a clever plan.
If they say, 'We are promoting him because we value him,' it's hard to oppose.
Normally, you could stop a personnel decision by saying 'He's too young' or 'He has little experience,' but in Kou Tenhou's case, that method can't be used.
Because the young and inexperienced Kou Tenhou has defeated Zeng Taiga and settled the conflict with the foreign tribes. Stopping his rise is difficult even for Ryougen-kun.
(Old people used to say, "If you want to make someone fail, first put them in a high position. Those who reach a high position without a solid foundation will only panic and fall apart.")
Not being able to predict this outcome was a mistake.
After Ryou Tetsu criticized Kou Tenhou, immediate action should have been taken.
(All I can do now is... assign an assistant to Kou Tenhou. Protect him and, when the time is right, call him back to Hokurin. That's all I can do.)
This is his own failure. He owes Kou Tenhou a debt.
He will definitely repay it, especially with a name as grand as Ryougen-kun.
──With that resolve, Ryougen-kun shifted his mindset.
"I understand. If that is everyone's consensus, then it cannot be helped."
Ryougen-kun nodded with a calm expression.
He wanted to convey to everyone that "this is not such a serious matter."
If Ryougen-kun were to question the high officials about Kou Tenhou, the pressure might fall on him.
So he kept his expression and tone calm, keeping it light.
This was one of Ryougen-kun's specialties in conversation.
"By the way... Does His Royal Highness Rouen know about this matter?"
"I have already informed him."
Ryou Gin nodded.
"I persuaded His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as a representative. Sending Kou Tenhou to Toukaku will also benefit His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"
"The one in charge of the defense unit in the Toukaku was Chou Shoukatsu-dono. However, the Chou Family has currently been dismissed from their position. So, we need a new unit leader and vice-captain. Sending capable people will also be for the benefit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
(...So that's how it is.)
The vice-captain of the defense unit in the Toukaku of Eastern Town is absent because Chou Shoukatsu and his subordinates have been dismissed.
The reason for the dismissal is that Chou Sekimei caused the death of the prisoner, Kai Shuujaku.
And it was Crown Prince Rouen who decided to punish the Chou Family.
The personnel changes in there are also the responsibility of Crown Prince Rouen.
If they say they will use Kou Tenhou to fill that gap, Rouen cannot say 'no.'
Crown Prince Rouen decided to distance himself from the Chou Family, which changed the power dynamics among the high officials.
It gave those who feared the Chou Family a chance to rise in rank and the motivation to do so.
That must have influenced Kou Tenhou's personnel decisions.
(I didn't expect this situation. I'm still inexperienced. I need to learn more from His Royal Highness Rouen.)
Ryougen-kun clenched his fist in his sleeve.
Still, his expression remained a smile──
"If His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are satisfied, I have nothing to say."
Ryougen-kun announced to those lined up in the shrine council.
Then, he bowed to them and said,
"But... let's see. When Kou Tenhou finishes his duties and returns from Toukaku, I will talk to him. He might have a position he desires as well."
"Understood. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
Ryou Gin clasped his hands.
"I also value him. I hope he can show his abilities in Toukaku."
"Who knows? He might exceed your expectations."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The task of guarding Toukaku might not be enough for Kou Tenhou. It's possible he will achieve more than expected and rise to a higher position. Don't you think so, Ryou Gin?"
"You're joking."
"Whether it's a joke or not, we will find out eventually."
With that, Ryougen-kun left the palace.
──Tenhou's Perspective──
"──That's how it is. I'm sorry, but I need you to go to Toukaku."
The day after receiving the order, I visited Ryougen-kun's mansion.
I was there to hear his explanation and apology.
I never thought I would receive an apology from Ryougen-kun.
In the game 'History of Swordmaster,' Ryougen-kun was a great and flawless character.
I never imagined that he would say, "I'm sorry for sending you to an unwanted position because I let my guard down."
"I will assign Tanshi as your assistant. He will support you well. I promise to return you to Hokurin as soon as possible. After that, I will give you the position you desire."
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
I clasped my hands towards Ryougen-kun.
As expected, Ryougen-kun is a person of virtue.
Even though it wasn't his fault that I had to go to Toukaku, he is still looking out for me like this.
Also... I was careless too.
When I was tangled up with a guy named Ryou Tetsu in the throne room, I should have been more cautious.
I should have predicted that there might be others thinking the same way.
"As you command, I will head to Toukaku."
I said.
"During that time, I would appreciate it if you could continue the investigation of the Golden Feather Syndicate."
"I understand. I promise."
Ryougen-kun nodded and said,
"By the way, I haven't given you a reward yet. Is there anything you want?"
"Right now... I can't think of anything."
"I see. When you have something in mind, just let me know in writing."
"Understood."
"Kou Tenhou."
"Yes. Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
"It's strange. To me, you seem to be passionate about your upcoming work. Didn't you want to investigate the Golden Feather Syndicate? So, isn't it disappointing to be sent to Toukaku?"
"I am the child of 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin, and a subject of His Majesty the King."
I bowed and said,
"I intend to carry out the orders from His Majesty with all my strength."
"Yes... A person like you is what we call a loyal subject."
Ryougen-kun let out a breath, as if he was moved.
...I'm sorry, Ryougen-kun. That's a lie.
The reason I'm motivated is that I remembered the game 'History of Swordmaster.'
In the town southeast of Hokurin, Toukaku.
When I heard that name, I recalled the opening of 'History of Swordmaster.'
The scene where the great villain, Kou Tenhou, is talked about.
In the opening, it is told that Kou Tenhou, who holds power, was attacking a town that opposed him. With images of the town engulfed in flames in the background.
There, the name of the burned town was also mentioned.
The town of 'Toukaku' appears there.
It is mentioned only briefly as one of the victims due to Kou Tenhou.
In other words, Toukaku is one of the towns that Kou Tenhou burned down in the game world.
Moreover, in the game, it is said to be the first town he attacked.
Kou Tenhou, who appears in the game 'History of Swordmaster,' is said to be a great villain.
So I thought he attacked the town of Toukaku to set an example for those who opposed him.
But... now it's different.
I am starting to doubt whether Kou Tenhou in the game was really a villain.
After I fought Zeng Taiga for the first time, I had a dream.
In the dream, the town of Hokurin was burning.
Kou Tenhou was desperately trying to stop King Rouen from going out to battle.
In the dream, Kou Tenhou was regretting his lack of power.
He felt his strength was not enough. That's why this happened...
He looked like he was regretting, sad, and trying to hold back his tears.
Kou Tenhou in the dream did not seem like a villain.
Of course, that was just a dream. It's not reality.
But... I am starting to lose confidence in whether he was really a great villain.
So, I want to find out.
What is in the town of Toukaku? I want to know why that guy burned the town.
Maybe... something is happening in the town of Toukaku?
Because of that, did Kou Tenhou have to attack Toukaku ten years later?
Is the Golden Feather Syndicate involved in this?
I want to know that.
The reason I'm motivated after receiving the order is because of this.
"I appreciate Your Royal Highness the King's younger brother's consideration."
Thinking about that, I bowed to Ryougen-kun.
"Please take care of everyone in the Kou family... Shikei and my little sister while I'm away."
I asked Ryougen-kun to look after things while I was gone.
Ryougen-kun nodded firmly.
After confirming that──
"Kou Tenhou, by the order of His Majesty the King, I will head to my post."
──I declared this to Ryougen-kun.
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