Volume 5 Chapter 4 The Great Villain of the World Knows the State of Affairs in the Capital
I conveyed what happened in Toukaku of Eastern Town to Ryougen-kun.
──About the band of bandits known as the 'Hidden Five Gods.'
──They had previously obtained information from the town of Toukaku.
──Ri Kai-san refused that information.
──About the boss of the band of bandits, Bakkai.
──Bakkai and her disciple were masters of the technique 'Kyuuki' from the 'Four Fiends.'
──The 'Hidden Five Gods' were connected to the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
I talked about these things while choosing my words carefully.
The reason I stumbled at times was that I was shocked by the story of the Chou Family.
I thought Chou Shoukatsu would be punished.
Crown Prince Rouen promised when he came to Toukaku that he would judge the Chou Family.
That person probably carried it out.
Chou Shoukatsu is responsible for the death of Heki Nei-san's sister and her husband.
It's not just that.
Chou Shoukatsu was also leaking security information of other towns to the 'Hidden Five Gods.'
Because of that, Heki Nei-san's sister and her husband were attacked by the band of bandits and killed.
Others must have faced similar fates.
Moreover, the 'Hidden Five Gods' were also connected to the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
The information leaked by Chou Shoukatsu must have reached the 'Golden Feather Syndicate'.
That may be related to the attack on Crown Prince Rouen in the north.
Chou Shoukatsu had no choice but to be executed.
It may have been Crown Prince Rouen's kindness that made him commit suicide.
That much, even I can understand.
But... it was unexpected that Chou Sekimei, his father, died.
That person is Crown Prince Rouen's uncle.
They were quite close.
Crown Prince Rouen called him 'Uncle Chou' and held him in great affection.
Chou Sekimei also protected Hokurin town until the end in the game 'History of Swordmaster' and died fighting.
There's no doubt that he cared deeply for Crown Prince Rouen.
But, Chou Sekimei has passed away.
So... what will Crown Prince Rouen do from now on?
I wonder if there's anyone he can rely on besides Ryougen-kun.
In this world, Crown Prince Rouen is not a bad person.
I hope he can find happiness, if possible...
"──That concludes my report."
Thinking about such things, I finished my story.
And then, finally,
"Among the soldiers of Toukaku, those suspected of leaking information have already been detained. Also, Ri Kai-sama, who was appointed in place of Chou Shoukatsu-sama, has severed ties with the bandits and has made achievements in their subjugation. I kindly ask for your generous consideration."
With those words added, I bowed deeply.
"Raise your head. Kou Tenhou."
"Yes. Your Highness the King's brother."
"I understand your story. You drained the pus that had accumulated in Toukaku. It was Chou Shoukatsu that created that pus. It was inevitable that he lost his life in the process of draining it."
I heard the sound of a long sigh.
"As a result, 2 members of the Chou family died. However, if the pus from Toukaku had been left untreated, it could have become a large swelling. Fortunately, we were able to deal with it before it got to that point. You did a good job."
"It's not just my power"
I will answer.
"It's thanks to the cooperation of Captain Heki Nei and the others from the 'Six-Person Unit' that this is possible. Ever since that person had his family killed by a band of bandits, he have been investigating relentlessly. That obsession must have driven him to corner the 'Hidden Five Gods'."
"So there were capable people in the town of Toukaku as well?"
"Yes. You're absolutely right."
"I was so oblivious to their efforts that I didn't notice the abnormalities in Toukaku. It's pathetic, especially while being called by such an impressive name as Ryougen-kun."
Ryougen-kun looked tired.
The matter of the Chou Family must have been unexpected for Ryougen-kun as well.
That's why he's called me here to ask about the details of the incident.
But, there's a slight sense of discomfort.
In any case, I was supposed to meet Crown Prince Rouen later.
It was Crown Prince Rouen who instructed me in a letter to return to Hokurin.
Since I sent the letter before leaving Toukaku, I will eventually be summoned to the palace.
If I'm present there, Ryougen-kun would also be able to hear from me.
Yet... why did he call me to the mansion?
I also don't understand why his daughter, Yuuri-san, is present...
"...To you, Kou Tenhou-sama,"
Yuuri-san unexpectedly spoke up.
"Please. Could you help His Highness Rouen? "
"...eh"
I couldn't help but say something strange.
Yuuri-san was looking at me with tears in her eyes.
With a serious expression, he stares.
"His Highness Rouen needs people he can trust. Please, for his sake..."
"You're rushing things. Yuuri"
Ryougen-kun raised his hand lightly, stopping Yuuri-san from speaking.
"Kou Tenhou has just learned about the Chou Family. The way he talks about it will leave him confused."
"...I'm sorry, Father."
"Our thoughts are the same. I'll start talking about Kou Tenhou."
After nodding to Yuuri-san, Ryougen-kun looked at me.
I bowed politely and waited for the next words.
Then, Ryougen-kun slightly softened his tone,
"I want to tell you about what's happening in the court, if that's alright."
"...What's happening in the court?"
"That's right. Right now, there is a significant change in the power structure of the Aika Country court. Do you understand why?"
"Well..."
A change in the power structure...?
It's a problem of who is important and who takes a higher position, right?
As for the reason for that change....
"Perhaps it's because the Chou Family has passed away?"
As expected, even I can understand that much.
The Chou Family was related to Crown Prince Rouen.
And Chou Sekimei previously held the position of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' responsible for protecting the capital area.
Though he was ousted, I believe he would have eventually reclaimed his former position.
The relatives of the next king have that kind of power.
But, Chou Sekimei is dead.
Along with his legitimate child, Chou Shoukatsu.
It seems that only the youngest child has survived.
In other words, with the Chou family gone, the position is now vacant.
"You're right. With the Chou family losing power, a power vacuum has been created."
Ryougen-kun continues speaking.
"There are many who are trying to fill that void. To put it simply, they are vying for power, aiming to take over from the Chou family. They want positions to serve His Highness Rouen and to be generals who protect the area around the capital."
"Huh? Why? At a time like this?"
The words just came out of my mouth without me thinking.
I hurriedly cover my mouth.
"I beg your pardon. In front of Your Highness the King's brother..."
"It's fine."
Ryougen-kun smirked.
"It's because you are that kind of person that I decided to talk to you. Only someone like you could think about power struggles at a time like this."
"I beg your pardon."
"Now, please continue with your words."
"...Is that alright?"
"It's fine. I want you to speak in your own words."
"Understood."
I raised my face and announced.
"I don't understand why His Highness Rouen is involved in power struggles when he lost his relatives. There is also the organization that promotes the doctrine of 'The Aika Country shall perish.' They are connected to a band of bandits and were gathering information on the Aika Country. I simply can't understand the reason for engaging in power struggles while such individuals are scheming."
"I share the same opinion."
"I also think the same."
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