Volume 5 Chapter 11-2 The Great Villain of the World Reads a Secret Letter
It was Crown Prince Rouen who desired that.
My failure... could potentially have a bad impact on Crown Prince Rouen.
I want to avoid that.
This time, it seems I can't afford to be reckless.
Anyway, I should share information with someone.
Tougen recommends passing the secret information to a trustworthy person.
And I have many trustworthy people.
Among them, if I were to consult anyone besides Shouou about this matter──
"First, let's consult Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei."
"I agree. Once we return to Hokurin and report, let's head straight for Toukaku of Eastern Town."
"That sounds good."
"I also want to see Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei after such a long time."
After finishing our discussion, we decided to set off again.
I approached the horse I had tied up──Sakugetsu.
Sakugetsu, adorned with brand new gear, looked at me with its black eyes.
'Shiver... shiver'
Sakugetsu's breath was heavy.
It stared at me as if trying to convey something.
This is... could it be....
"Sakugetsu. Were you... listening to my conversation with Shouou?"
In response to my words, Sakugetsu stomped the ground with a 'neigh'.
As if to express its anger.
"Are you also angry at the 'Golden Feather Syndicate'?"
'Brrr'
"I see. Zeng Taiga was talking with the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' when you weren't around. So you didn't know much about them."
Sakugetsu nodded at my words.
It kicked the ground hard.
Again and again.
'Brrr! Brrr!!'
"Yeah, I understand. I won't let them go either. Lend me your strength, Sakugetsu."
I mounted Sakugetsu and grasped the reins.
Sakugetsu tried to sprint toward Hokurin with all his might──but quickly slowed down.
It seemed he noticed Shouou's horse beside him.
Soon, Sakugetsu started to match pace with Shouou's horse.
Such a remarkable horse, appearing once every thousand years.
Intelligent.
Tougen Shimei provided me with information about the enemy.
I can't let it go to waste.
I need to think of a way to investigate the town of Giryō.
While contemplating this, we returned to Hokurin.
Before reporting back to Crown Prince Rouen, I stopped by home.
To tell my mother and Seirei, "I've returned safely."
Also, I wanted to tidy myself up and take a quick break before heading to the palace.
With that in mind, I headed towards the Kou family with Shouou.
"Welcome back, brother! Kaou-sama, there's an urgent message!!"
As I approached the Kou family, Seirei dashed out of the gate.
I wondered if she had been waiting for my return every day... but it felt different this time.
She seemed very flustered.
Coming towards me in a quick run.
"Is something wrong, Seirei?"
"There's a message from Raikou-sama and Gen Shuuyoku-sama for you and Kaou-sama."
"From my masters?"
"Did they return from Toukaku?"
"Y-Yes. It seems they're currently at the dormitory..."
Seirei clasped her hands towards me, who had dismounted from the horse.
"Once you and Kaou-san return, you are to come immediately. I have prepared your change of clothes, so both of you should change and head to the dormitory. If you'd like, I can help with your clothes!"
Seirei said this while gazing intently at me.
"I've been waiting for you, Tenhou, Kaou."
"You've done well. First, let me brew some tea for you."
Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei were waiting at the dormitory.
Shouou and I clasped hands toward the two of them.
"It's been a while. Master, and Shuu-sensei."
"I am glad to hear you've returned safely."
"Likewise. I didn't expect you two to be out of Hokurin."
Master Raikou nodded.
"Anyway, I'm just glad you're back safe."
"Thank you, Master."
I bowed toward Master Raikou.
"Um... since you two are back, does that mean Bakkai..."
"...has passed away."
It was Shuu-sensei who answered.
Next to her, Master Raikou had a pained expression.
"Bakkai was in our care. Given her condition, I think she held on well."
"Shuu-sensei... may I ask something?"
I looked at Shuu-sensei.
"...I'm really curious. Did Bakkai say anything before she died?"
"...she did, just a little."
Shuu-sensei nodded.
"However, I'm not sure if it was true, a delirium, or just words to confuse us."
"Ah, as Yokumai said."
Master Raikou crossed her arms in thought.
"If those words are true, it is serious. If false, we cannot carelessly share them. Yet, I cannot believe he would lie so boldly."
"Sister disciple is correct. This involves the royal family as well."
"So I want to hear Tenhou and Kaou's opinions too."
"It's important, so I ask for discretion."
Saying this, Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei looked at us.
"Understood."
I said.
I then exchanged glances with Shouou.
I felt like I understood what Bakkai had spoken.
"But before that, there is something I want to ask."
"Yeah. Go ahead and say it."
"Well then, I will ask Master Raikou. What Bakkai mentioned was about the connection between the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' and 'Kiryō's town', wasn't it?"
I took a deep breath, and then I spoke those words.
"────!?"
"How does Tenhou-kun know about that!?"
Master Raikou's eyes widened, and Shuu-sensei raised her voice.
It seemed I was correct.
The results of Tougen's investigation matched Bakkai's testimony.
Perhaps... this confirms it.
The credibility increased with the combination of the two pieces of information.
And then──
"...I think Bakkai finally spoke the truth."
I continued my explanation.
"That person, who was the Boss of the 'Hidden Five Gods', must have acknowledged that she was wrong. So, she probably told Master Raikou the truth."
"...Ah, I see."
Master Raikou's gaze turned distant.
She was looking southeast... towards the direction of Toukaku's town.
Bakkai must have been buried there.
"It might be as Tenhou said. Bakkai faced defeat in the end... realizing her mistake, she revealed the truth."
Eventually, Master Raikou returned her gaze and let out a long sigh.
"It was far too late... and that doesn't erase her sins. But, my heart... feels a little lighter now. Thank you, Tenhou."
"But Tenhou-kun, where did you get that information?"
"I'll explain that now."
I told the two of them.
"However, this is also important information. So──"
"Understood. It must not be spoken of."
"I swear by Master Gyoun, I will keep it a secret."
Master Raikou and Shuu-sensei nodded.
I began to speak about the contents of the secret letter I received from Tougen Shimei.
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