Volume 5 Chapter 13-2 Ryougen-kun, Talk with Yuuri
Group One will infiltrate Kiryou Town disguised as merchants and travelers.
They'll gather information about the town and listen in on the locals' gossip.
Group Two will boldly visit Moukou, using Ryougen-kun's connections to gain access.
They'll invent an excuse to enter the estate and conduct a survey of the surrounding area.
That was Ryougen-kun's plan.
"I want Group One to ask Kou Tenhou and Sui Kaou for a favor. They're still unknown, so they won't raise suspicion if they disguise themselves. I could have my subordinates pose as merchants and have the two of them work as their apprentices."
"That's a good idea."
"Let's have Raikou join Group Two."
"Understood. What excuse will Group Two use to visit Moukou?"
"The death anniversary of the previous Moukou, Mō Boku Etsu, is coming up soon. Using that as an excuse, we should be able to get an audience."
After saying that, Ryougen-kun fell into thought.
"The problem is, who will lead Group Two..."
"How about Tanshi-dono? He's familiar with the Golden Feather Syndicate, so he'd be a suitable candidate."
"Tanshi is currently away from Hokurin."
"...I see."
"If we exclude him, it's difficult. Mō Etsu is very proud and would find a low-ranking messenger suspicious. But having me leave Hokurin is out of the question. Everyone is on edge because of the Chou Family matters."
"Yes. And if His Highness the King's younger brother went directly, it would attract too much attention."
"That's true. It would make it impossible to move freely and conduct any investigations."
With the undercurrent of power struggles, Ryougen-kun couldn't leave Hokurin.
If he send someone of low status, they might attract suspicion from Moukou.
There's also a chance they won't be able to get close to the mansion.
That wouldn't be a proper investigation.
Other than that, the only people suitable for the investigation are──
"I'll do it!"
Unexpectedly, Yuuri stood up and spoke.
"As the King's younger brother's daughter, I can get close to Moukou-sama. Visiting the late Moukou-sama's grave wouldn't be out of place either. Wouldn't it be appropriate for me to lead the first investigation team?"
"You?"
"Yes, Father."
"That's... are you serious? Yuuri."
"Yes, I am serious."
Yuuri clasped her hands together and looked at her father.
"I am the King's younger brother's daughter and His Highness Rouen's cousin. If someone from our family is involved with someone who is disrupting the country, I cannot just stand by. Please, entrust me with the investigation."
"Yuuri..."
"Yes, Father."
"You understand the danger of the Golden Feather Syndicate, right?"
"I do."
Yuuri nodded.
"I've read the files. Seirei-sama also told me about it. I've also heard from Fuu Senkou-sama, the guest."
Fuu Senkou is holed up in the mansion's library.
She should have returned to the Eastern Town's Toukaku long ago.
The postponement was because Kou Tenhou had to leave Hokurin suddenly due to an urgent matter.
Yuuri also kept Fuu Senkou.
She immediately saw that Fuu Senkou had talent.
So, she said she would look after her and convinced her to stay at the mansion.
It was also Yuuri's job to ensure Fuu Senkou took a break and was fed.
Yuuri volunteered for the task.
In between, Yuuri heard about the events in the town of Toukaku and the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
It was to gather knowledge about the enemies of Aika Country's──Rouen's adversaries.
"I've had many conversations with Fuu Senkou-sama."
Yuuri continued.
"I intend to have all the necessary information about the enemy in my head."
"...I understand what you're thinking."
Ryougen-kun stared at Yuuri intently and nodded.
"But I have a few things I want to confirm."
"Yes, Father."
"Regarding this incident, you don't need to take any risks. You understand that, right?"
"Yes."
"I've had you sit in on meetings and handle entertaining guests so far to give you experience. But... you haven't worked outside the town yet. That's not your role. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Even so, you still want to participate in Kiryou's investigation? Is that the only reason?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Tell me your reasons."
"To ensure a peaceful reign for His Highness Rouen."
Yuuri answered with a calm expression.
She looked at her father with a strong gaze,
"I simply wish for His Highness Rouen's era to be tranquil, so he never has to suffer under a heartless nickname again. I want him to be a happy king. That's all I... wish for."
"...Yuuri"
"For that, I'm not afraid to take risks."
"...Yuuri, could it be that you... feel that way about him..."
"What do you mean, Father?"
"...No, it's good."
Ryougen-kun shook his head.
It was as if he had seen something painful.
"Stopping you... would be futile, wouldn't it?"
"If it's you, Father, you must understand my situation, right?"
"Ah. I understand. Well, I should say I'm just now starting to understand. I thought I had a good eye for people... but when it comes to family, it's hard to see."
"Will you be angry with me, Father?"
With a trembling voice, Yuuri asked.
"I don't mind being seen as a disappointing daughter. Still... I would like you to entrust me with this task."
"I won't be angry. I know that human emotions often don't follow logic. After all, I've seen many people in my life."
Saying this, Ryougen placed a hand on Yuuri's shoulder.
"But I want you to understand my feelings as a father. I wish for your happiness..."
"Thank you, Father. Please forgive your disappointing daughter."
"You're not disappointing at all. You're... too wise."
"Is that so?"
"If you were truly a disappointing daughter, you would act solely on your own feelings, ignoring everything around you... including my position. In that case, I could have forcibly stopped you. But you're wise enough to choose your own path, fully aware of everything."
"...That may be true."
"However, that is a painful path. Do you understand that?"
"I believe I've chosen the happiest path for myself."
"Ah... I see. That's how it is, isn't it? Then as your father... I have nothing more to say."
Ryougen nodded while still resting his hand on Yuuri's shoulder.
Yuuri wore a gentle smile.
Ryougen lowered his gaze.
It seemed he understood Yuuri's heart, having seen many talented individuals.
He recognized the feelings that Yuuri had desperately tried to hide until now.
It was almost as if it pained him to see it, as Ryougen quietly shook his head.
"Raikou, I command you. Investigate the town of Kiryou with Yuuri."
Ryougen turned his gaze toward Raikou.
"Yuuri will meet with Moukou on my behalf. Raikou, you will accompany Yuuri in the investigation, but prioritize Yuuri's safety above all. This is not a request as the King's younger brother, but as Yuuri's father."
"Understood, Your Highness the King's younger brother!"
Raikou turned to Ryougen-kun and clasped his hand.
"But is it truly necessary for Yuuri-sama to come along? It's such a dangerous mission..."
"Yuuri won't be deterred."
"Yes, I understand that Yuuri-sama has the country's best interests at heart."
"Ah, if only he thought of the country alone, it would be easier."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean..."
"It's fine if you don't. Take care of Yuuri."
"With my life!"
"Alright, let's start preparing."
Ryougen-kun nodded after looking at Yuuri and Raikou.
"We'll be visiting Moukou's estate. We must prepare accordingly. Raikou, you should do the same. Yuuri will tell everyone that he's going on a sightseeing trip to visit the previous Moukou's grave. That should help ease their suspicions. And then──"
Ryougen-kun began to give detailed instructions.
Prepare the carriage.
Secure personnel.
Ready the guards.
And──
"Yuuri should bring a friend along."
"A friend?"
"Yes, how about Ryuu Seirei?"
Ryougen-kun said.
"Ryuu Seirei has a mysterious power that might help you. I have a feeling about it. And──"
──in case of an emergency, Kou Tenhou will protect Yuuri along with Ryuu Seirei.
──and by Kou Tenhou's side, there will always be Sui Kaou.
──As long as Raikou, Kou, and Sui are together...it'll be fine.
He doesn't voice those words.
He just prays.
As a father, he prays for Yuuri's safety.
And for Yuuri's future to be filled with happiness.
With that hope in his heart, Ryougen continues to give his orders.
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