Volume 5 Chapter 10 Meeting the Envoys of the Jinkyo Tribe, Kou Eishin and Kou Kairyou
──Kou Kairyou's Perspective──
Kairyou and his father Eishin were in the audience chamber of the fortress.
They were there to meet with the envoy from the Jinkyo Tribe.
A non-aggression pact was to be established with the Jinkyo Tribe.
They would offer a sacrificial cow and vow not to infringe upon each other's territories.
From Aika Country, 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin would attend, and from the Jinkyo Tribe, a figure named Hailon Taiga, a close aide to the king, would be present.
Hailon Taiga was the representative of the moderates and the central figure of the current Jinkyo Tribe.
If they could establish a pact with him, the non-aggression vow would be solidified.
The northern border would stabilize.
Aika Country and the Jinkyo Tribe had been adversaries for a long time.
This was the first time they would establish a non-aggression pact.
Therefore, the matter had to be approached with caution.
The frequent exchanges of envoys were for that reason.
"Welcome, esteemed envoy."
Sitting in a chair, Kou Eishin poured tea into a cup and took a sip.
Then, he offered tea to the envoy across from him.
Drinking first was to show that there was no poison.
Sitting in chairs indicated that they were on equal footing.
The envoy was a young man.
His name was Ranga Shimei.
He was said to be the younger brother of Hailon Taiga's trusted aide.
Ranga surveyed the surroundings with vigilant eyes and then finished his tea.
This likely indicated his trust in Kou Eishin and that he feared no poisoning.
Negotiations with foreign tribes must be conducted with an understanding of each other's cultures and customs.
Thus, Kou Eishin, who had long been involved with the Jinkyo Tribe, was chosen as the representative for the pact.
"Ranga-dono, is it acceptable to set the date of the pact for the next full moon?"
Kou Eishin inquired.
"The location is the border. There, we will build an altar and sacrifice a cow to make an oath. We will prepare the cow here. I have heard that a banquet hosted by the Jinkyo Tribe will take place afterward, is that correct?"
"That is correct."
A young man named Ranga bowed.
"Our representative is Hailon Taiga-sama and his aide, Tougen Shimei."
"I have heard that Tougen Shimei-dono holds a position similar to that of a chancellor."
"Indeed."
"You are of the same Shimei clan, correct? Forgive my rudeness, but what is your relation?"
"Tougen is my brother."
"Is that so?"
"I would like to confirm your country's representative at the alliance."
"I and the guest general Gaku Kiryuu will be the representatives."
"Gaku Kiryuu is from the Bokou Tribe, correct? Is it acceptable for him to be the representative?"
"Gaku-dono has been appointed as my deputy by His Majesty the King. He is a person of great wisdom and courage. I want him by my side as an aide."
"However, he is still from the Bokou Tribe."
The envoy Ranga stared intently at Kou Eishin.
"We cannot help but sense Aika Country's intentions in having him as the representative."
"Could it be because the Bokou Tribe previously suffered an invasion from the Jinkyo Tribe?"
"That is correct."
"Are we to understand that having Gaku-dono attend the alliance implies an intention to criticize that? Is that what the envoy suggests?"
"There are those who interpret it that way."
"Have you considered the opposite?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Our country has also had conflicts with the Jinkyo Tribe. However, our King, His Majesty, has agreed to swear peace with the Jinkyo Tribe, regardless of past events. Your King would feel the same, would he not?"
"...That is indeed true."
"Gaku-dono also desires peace in the same way. That is why he agreed to attend the alliance meeting. I hope you understand the significance of that."
"Understood. I will convey your opinion to Hailon-dono."
The envoy Ranga nodded gravely.
Then he looked at Eishin with a strong gaze,
"There is something I want to confirm."
"Please, go ahead."
"The Jinkyo Tribe does not intend to submit to Aika Country. It is important that this is not misunderstood."
Ranga glanced briefly at the door behind him.
Beyond the door was the waiting room.
The envoy Ranga nodded as if to confirm that, and then spoke in a dignified tone,
"We only swear peace with Aika Country. We will never be beneath Aika Country, nor will we pledge loyalty to your nation. I want to make that clear."
"I understand."
"Indeed. Aika Country has not defeated my clan."
"Hmm."
"If your nation looks down on us, the talks of the alliance will fall through. I hope you understand that."
"I must speak to the envoy!"
Kairyou raised his voice.
Standing beside his father, he stared straight at the envoy and declared.
"You are a messenger of peace, are you not!? Yet your words are far too rude!?"
"Silence! Kairyou!!"
"But father!!"
"I understand what you want to say. For now, hold your tongue."
"────Yes."
Kairyou obediently backed down.
Outside the room were the envoy Ranga's attendants and guards.
Of course, there were also the soldiers of the fortress.
They must be able to hear the voices here.
Kou Eishin and Hailon Taiga had decided to conduct their discussions in writing so that their subordinates could hear the contents of the meeting.
This was a sign of trust and also a means of protecting each other.
Aika Country and the Jinkyo Tribe had been in conflict for a long time.
This was the first time they would formally swear peace.
Therefore, both sides' soldiers were on high alert.
──Could Kou Eishin kill the envoy at the meeting?
──Could the envoy harm General Skybear and his child?
──Would either side deceive the other?
A soldier thinking this might grab a weapon and fight.
Hence, soldiers were placed in the waiting room where voices could be heard.
To show them that the meeting was peaceful.
To clearly convey that neither side fears the other.
(The envoy Ranga understands this. That's why he probably made provocative comments.)
There are also belligerent members within the Jinkyo Tribe.
They might be mixed among the guards.
Hence, the envoy Ranga needed to declare, "The Jinkyo Tribe does not submit to Aika Country." "We will not allow Aika Country to look down upon us."
To suppress the emotions of the warlike individuals.
Kairyou's show of anger was to calm the soldiers of Aika Country.
There are assertive individuals among our soldiers too.
If they were to remain silent, they might harbor resentment toward Kou Eishin.
There could be a conflict with the Jinkyo Tribe's guards...and it's possible to ruin the alliance if things go poorly.
To prevent such a situation, Kairyou needed to reprimand the envoy for his rudeness.
(I'm glad I spoke with my father and Tenhou before meeting the envoy.)
Kairyou getting angry and Eishin reprimanding him were all part of the plan.
This was something Kairyou, Eishin, Tenhou, and Kaou had discussed and decided.
Tenhou and Kaou went to the land of the Jinkyo Tribe and met with the locals.
They are also aware that there are moderates and hardliners within the Jinkyo Tribe.
Upon hearing the envoy's clan name, Tenhou said, "Perhaps the envoy is very wise, or he has been advised by a wise person."
If that's the type of envoy, it's possible he might try to provoke them.
Understanding this, they were able to respond calmly.
"I thank Kou Eishin-dono."
The envoy Ranga bowed with a calm expression toward Eishin and Kairyou.
"I understand very well that you are treating us as equals. You are indeed someone worth speaking with."
The envoy Ranga appeared pleased.
It seemed he was also grateful that Eishin and Kairyou had seen through his intentions.
(Diplomacy... is also a test of mutual wits. I still have much to learn.)
Otherwise, the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' would not be able to protect the capital.
Aware of his own inexperience, Kairyou involuntarily sighed.
"It seems I have spoken too much. I apologize."
"No, I too have mentioned something that my child exceeded in."
"As a sign of apology, I would like to offer you a gift."
"A gift?"
Eishin tilted his head.
"But wasn't it customary to exchange gifts during the alliance? From your side, a fine steed, and from ours, silk and adornments were to be presented."
"This is something separate. May I call my servant who carries the gift?"
"Please do."
"Thank you. Now, from my brother Tougen Shimei, the gift will be presented here."
"In the name of 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin, I command: Open the door!"
The envoy Ranga clapped his hands, and Eishin gave instructions to those outside the door.
Soon, Ranga's servant entered the audience chamber.
What the servant offered was wrapped in cloth.
It was large enough to be cradled in both hands.
The edge of the cloth revealed something made of leather.
It was likely not a weapon.
"This is a gift for our clan's fine steed."
The envoy Ranga said.
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