Volume 5 Chapter 3, Part 2 The Great Villain of the World, Welcomed by the People of Hokurin
It's not something I can help, since it's her privacy.
There are complicated reasons why her real age and her appearance age are different.
Fuu Senkou probably doesn't want many people to know either.
So, that being said──
"Yes. I've always wanted a big sister..."
Fuu Senkou gave a very safe answer.
She didn't touch on the subject of age at all.
It was a well-considered answer.
As expected of the future's strongest strategist.
"I think there are some shortcomings, but please take care of me."
"Thank you. Is it okay if I call you Senkou-sama?"
"Of course. Can Kō also call you Seirei-sama?"
"Yes. Please get along with me, Senkou-sama."
Saying that, Seirei smiled.
Then she looked at me and,
"Well then, big brother. First, please rest your body. And... I would like to do guidance together after a long time..."
"Sure. But it will be after I finish some errands, is that okay?"
"Yes. Big brother!"
And so, Fuu Senkou and I settled down with the Kou family.
While resting at home, a messenger arrived at the Kou family.
It was a message from Ryougen-kun.
"His Highness the King's younger brother wishes to hear from Kou Tenhou-dono about the people he found in Toukaku."
The messenger said.
"This is after receiving a letter from martial artist Raikou-sama and physician Gen Shuuyoku-dono. First, discuss the matter with His Highness the King's younger brother."
"I understand. I'll get ready right away."
Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei listened to my request and wrote a letter of introduction to Ryougen-kun.
So that Fuu Senkou can use Ryougen-kun's archives.
The letter arrived at Hokurin before me.
So, Ryougen-kun knew that I returned to Hokurin and sent a messenger.
"I will call Kō-san right away. Please wait a moment."
"No, first it's Kou Tenhou-dono, they said."
"Just me, is it?"
"Yes. That is the wish of His Highness the King's younger brother."
"I understand."
I left home after explaining the situation to my mother and Seirei, Fuu Senkou.
I knew I would meet Ryougen-kun.
So I had mentally prepared myself and also got changes of clothes ready.
That's why I could get ready quickly.
After that, I got into the carriage and headed to Ryougen-kun's mansion with the messenger.
I thought I would go to the usual audience hall... but it was different.
I was led to a private room deep within the mansion.
Waiting there was Ryougen-kun, sitting in a chair.
Behind him stood his aide, Tanshi-san.
And sitting in the chair next to Ryougen-kun was──
"It's the first time we've met, isn't it? Kou Tenhou-sama."
"Could it be... Yuuri-sama?"
"Yes. Your younger sister, Seirei-sama, has been very kind to me."
Ryougen-kun's youngest daughter, Yuuri-san, was also there.
I heard about her from Seirei.
Even though we are of different social classes, she treats me well as a friend.
Yuuri-san's age should be a little older than Seirei.
But Yuuri-san in front of me exuded the aura of a grown woman.
Her long hair is tied up and she is wearing a silver hair accessory.
The clothes she is wearing are intricately embroidered.
I can't imagine how expensive it is.
Probably, it was finished by a guest of Ryougen-kun.
I lower my eyes and do a clasped hand.
I didn't think Yuuri-san would be there.
If I had known, I would have asked Seirei about her beforehand.
"I'm sorry. I didn't intend to have Yuuri join us."
Ryougen-kun said.
"When I talked about you, she insisted that she wanted to join, so please forgive her."
"No, it's fine."
That was all I could manage to reply.
I felt a strange sensation.
The situation was different from when Ryougen-kun usually meets with guests.
The place wasn't the audience chamber, but a small room deep inside the estate.
Only Ryougen-kun, his daughter, and his aide, Tanshi-san, were present.
The attendants and house servants had been completely sent away.
It was as if they were trying to avoid being seen by others.
"The reason I called you here is to ask about the incident that occurred in Toukaku. You were significantly involved from the time it was discovered until it was resolved. I want you to tell me what you saw and heard."
"Understood."
I nodded.
"But... may I ask you something before that?"
"Go ahead."
"In Toukaku's town, His Highness Rouen is directly present. There should also be reports coming in from the scene. So why me?"
"Because the situation has changed."
"Changed?"
"The Chou family has passed away"
Ryougen-kun spoke in a quiet tone.
"Chou Shoukatsu-dono was ordered to kill himself for his association with a band of thieves. But before he was given a sword to do so, Chou Sekimei-dono was executed. Afterwards, Chou Sekimei-dono killed himself, bearing the sin of disobeying the orders of His Highness the Crown Prince."
"......eh"
"The only one still alive in the main Chou family is the youngest brother, Sonkyuu. He will soon be called back to Hokurin and become the heir to the Chou family."
"...Did something like that happen?"
"Yes. While you were assigned to Toukaku, we also took significant action in Hokurin Town. So, I thought it was necessary for us to exchange information."
"Is it me and Your Highness the King's brother?"
I couldn't help but say those words aloud.
However, Ryougen-kun nodded,
"This is also something Yuuri proposed."
"I... would like the Kou family to support His Highness Rouen."
Yuuri-san said.
With her eyes cast down, as if she were praying.
"Kou Kairyou-sama is a friend of His Highness Rouen. And Kou Tenhou-sama has accomplished many great deeds. I want you all to be a support to His Highness Rouen."
"...That's flattering praise."
So, this is what Yuuri-san was like.
Since she's Ryougen-kun's daughter, I thought she wasn't just an ordinary young lady.
In the game 'History of Swordmaster,' Yuuri was an NPC (non-player character).
She doesn't appear very often.
She only shows up to encourage the hero's army.
'Please bring down Hokurin and put an end to King Rouen.'
Yuuri in the game said those words.
I thought that was a hateful remark towards King Rouen... was I wrong?
Was King Rouen an important person to Yuuri in the game?
So... when she realized that she couldn't save King Rouen anymore, she wanted to put him at ease... and that's why she said those words?
I don't know.
However, Yuuri-san and I have the same interests.
I want to help Crown Prince Rouen just as much as she does.
If that person becomes a good king, we can prevent the 'Aika Country Ruin End'.
"I understand"
I clasped hands towards Ryougen-kun and Yuuri-san.
"I humbly, without disrespect... will convey what I know to Your Highness the King's brother and Yuuri-sama."
And so I began to narrate the details of the incident at Toukaku.
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