Volume 5 Chapter 9, Part 2 Tenhou and Ouka, Fulfilling the Role of Messengers
"No, you have grown too, right?"
Brother smiled with a troubled look as he said that.
"I never imagined Tenhou would come as an envoy for His Highness the Crown Prince to the northern fortress."
"I could come this far because Shikei is with me. Coming alone is still scary."
"That's true. I think Tenhou has grown a lot thanks to Sui Kaou-dono. As a brother, I am grateful to Kaou-dono."
"Ehhh!?"
Shouou gasped in surprise.
Brother suddenly clasped hands toward her.
"As his brother, I ask you. Please continue to be by Tenhou's side."
"Of course. Kairyou-sama."
"Naturally, I don't want to burden Kaou-dono. If Tenhou is being too reliant on Kaou-dono, I would appreciate it if you could let me know. I will caution Tenhou."
"No, Tenhou doesn't rely on me. Rather, I wish he would..."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Then this time, when he asked to accompany him to the northern fortress, what did Tenhou say?"
"Um..."
Shouou was confused.
She seemed surprised because Brother suddenly thanked her.
"I properly asked. Brother."
So, I decided to explain on behalf of Shouou.
"I said this: 'I was asked to deliver something very important. It seems I can go with someone.' Then Shikei decided to accompany me."
"Tenhou."
"Yes. Brother."
"Did you think Kaou-dono would refuse?"
"...No."
I shook my head.
Indeed... I hadn't considered being refused.
If there were other plans, that would be different.
But, I believed Shouou would come with me.
"Certainly... thinking about it, I might be relying on Shikei."
"N-no, I don't think so!"
Suddenly, Shouou raised her voice.
"Tenhou is not being sweet at all! Rather, I'd be troubled if you held back because of this!?"
"Is that so, Shikei?"
"That's right! With friends, we rely on each other. In fact, I want you to rely on me more, Tenhou."
"But Shikei has plans too."
"Then what if I said, 'I want you to come with me to Souma Country'?"
"I'd follow you, of course!"
"See!?"
"No, but I'm grateful to Shikei."
"I'm grateful to you too, Tenhou!"
"That's true, but it feels like I'm the one who owes Shikei..."
"That's why! Among friends, we shouldn't worry about debts!"
"It can't be that simple..."
As I was talking with Shouou──
"......Ha, haha. Hahahahahaha!"
──Suddenly, my brother started laughing.
"Ah, I see. I understand now. Thank you, Tenhou, Kaou-dono."
"...Huh?"
"Thanks to you two, I understood the meaning of His Highness Rouen's letter. Now I know why it said I could 'decline' becoming the successor of the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry.' That person was relying on me. No... maybe he was being sweet to me."
My brother said this while laughing.
"Watching you two made me realize that. His Highness Rouen probably doesn't think I would decline. And he trusts me. The reason he gave me room to decline... is likely because he truly considers me a friend."
As a vassal, Kou Kairyou cannot refuse Crown Prince Rouen's orders.
If he could refuse, then it would not be an order but a 'request.'
So, this is a 'request' letter from a friend, Crown Prince Rouen, to a friend, Kairyou.
Formally, it may look like an order, but that's how it is.
"Reliance and being relied upon is what friends are... no, that's what true friends are. I had forgotten that while I was in the position of giving orders to my subordinates. Watching Tenhou and Kaou-dono reminded me of that."
Saying this, my brother clasped hands with us.
Then, he looked towards our father,
"I would like to inform Father. As per His Highness's orders, I wish to be a candidate for the next 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'."
"Hmm. Understood."
Father nodded immediately.
"But then, it's an honor. Do your best."
"Yes, Father. But, could you write a letter of thanks to His Highness from Father? In such cases, it is customary for the person and their family to send a letter of thanks to the royal family."
"I understand. I will prepare it right away."
"Then, I will write it for you."
I clasped hands.
"I will take dictation. Please tell me what you want to say, Father and Brother. After I return to Hokurin, I will report to His Highness the Crown Prince. I will hand over the letter then. No problem. I am good with writing."
"Hmm. I'm counting on you."
"That's a good preparation. Truly... I can't compete with Tenhou."
Father nodded with a smile, and my brother smiled wryly.
Then, the two looked towards Shouou,
"Though he is such a younger brother, Sui Kaou-dono, I hope you will stay by his side."
"I also ask this of you, Kaou-dono. Tenhou needs someone like you."
"Y-yes!!"
Shouou bowed nervously at Father and brother.
"I, too, hope to be with Tenhou for a long time!"
"Thank you. Shikei."
"N-no, I'm the one who should be thanking you. Tenhou said 'let's go together,' so I came to the northern fort and got recognized by the Kou family. It's like I've taken an important first step."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, it's very important."
Shouou nods repeatedly.
Father and brother watch us with kind eyes.
Then, brother looks at father,
"So, father, about the border defense after I return to Hokurin..."
"No problem. I'll be at the fort, along with guest general Gaku Kiryuu-dono."
Father nods with a calm expression.
"We will firmly protect this land."
"Understood. Please take care of my subordinates, father."
"Got it. Well, there's no need to worry too much. We are making progress in peace negotiations with the Jinkyo Tribe."
"I will represent father in the alliance, right?"
"We are just in the middle of messenger exchanges. A reply should be coming soon──"
"'General Skybear' Kou Eishin-sama, I have a message!! "
As we were talking about that, a voice called for father from outside the room.
"The messenger from the Jinkyo Tribe has arrived. What shall we do?"
"Let's meet."
Father's expression changes.
From a calm face talking with family to the tense face of 'General Skybear.'
"I will go immediately. Kairyou should join us."
"Yes, father."
"Tenhou and Kaou-dono should wait in the next room. It would be good to hear what the Jinkyo Tribe's messenger has to say."
Thus, father headed to meet the messenger from the Jinkyo Tribe.
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