Volume 5 Chapter 13 Ryougen-kun, Talk with Yuuri
──A few hours later──
Raikou was in the reception room of Ryougen-kun's mansion.
It had already been several hours since he requested a meeting.
Ryougen-kun is at the royal court's assembly,
Since the Chou Family's downfall, a secret power struggle has begun within the country.
Ryougen-kun must be busy trying to control it.
Tenhou, Kaou, and Gen Shuuyoku are in a different location.
They're probably meeting with Fuu Senkou right now.
There, they're likely discussing the legendary secret teaching, the "Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique."
Practicing the legendary secret teaching before investigating Kiryou is to enhance Tenhou and the others' abilities.
The "Golden Feather Syndicate" is an unknown entity.
If they're in Kiryou's town, investigating there would be dangerous.
They need to be prepared for anything.
Ideally, the investigation should only be conducted by Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku.
But Raikou isn't fully recovered yet.
Besides... Tenhou will definitely want to participate in the investigation of Kiryou.
Tenhou sees the "Golden Feather Syndicate" not only as a threat to the country but also as a personal enemy.
Raikou understands that feeling.
Because the "Golden Feather Syndicate" incited the Jinkyo Tribe, Tenhou's brother, Kou Kairyou, was nearly killed.
Kou Eishin's fortress was also attacked.
And Tenhou himself was targeted by Zeng Taiga.
It's natural for Tenhou to harbor animosity towards that organization.
(I can't stop Tenhou... nor can Yokumai. Then... I have to do everything I can to protect him.)
That was the thought of Raikou and Gen Shuuyoku.
(Well, I am interested in the 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique' from the deepest mysteries, too. I want to see how Tenhou and the others' 'ki' changes with it.)
Tenhou and Kaou have talent.
They might even surpass Raikou.
(A disciple surpassing the master... truly, it's the ultimate joy for a master. Master Gyoun would praise it, too. 'Raikou did well,' he would say.)
With a gentle smile, Raikou waited for the time to pass.
Eventually, word came that Ryougen-kun had returned from the palace.
A few minutes later, preparations for the meeting were complete, and Raikou headed to the reception room.
And so, Raikou told Ryougen-kun and Yuuri about Bakkai's testimony.
"──That is all I have to report."
After finishing the report, Raikou clasped her hands (Kyōshu) towards Ryougen-kun and Yuuri.
"The town of Kiryou, and Moukou. I believe these two points are the key to uncovering the 'Golden Feather Syndicate's' true identity. Please, may I have permission to investigate that town?"
"An organization that proclaims the doctrine 'Aika Country will fall,' and its connection to Moukou... is that it?"
Ryougen-kun responded in a serious tone.
"But wasn't Bakkai on the brink of death? Isn't it possible she was speaking deliriously?"
"The Jinkyo Tribe has also provided the same information."
Raikou spoke the words she had prepared in advance.
"Apparently, the Jinkyo Tribe was also investigating the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.' I once protected someone from the Jinkyo Tribe. Thanks to that connection, I was able to obtain this information."
"The Jinkyo Tribe is also investigating the 'Golden Feather Syndicate'..."
"For the Jinkyo Tribe right now, the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' is clearly the enemy, right?"
"Is this about the boss of the 'Hidden Five Gods' thief gang and intelligence from the Jinkyo Tribe?"
"Yes."
"Both of them were once enemies of our country, weren't they?"
"I understand."
"Moukou is a distant relative of mine."
Ryougen-kun sighed.
"The previous Moukou──Mō Boku Etsu-sama was my mother's cousin. He was an excellent military commander and had achieved great merits. As a reward, he was granted a fief and allowed to call himself a marquis."
"Yes, the younger brother of His Highness the King."
"His son, dear Mō Boku Etsu-sama, managed the fief quite well... until the turmoil began."
"I am aware."
"All of my mother's siblings were short-lived. There were 8 of them, and none survived. That's why she cherished her cousin, Mō Boku Etsu-sama."
"I've heard that Mō Boku Etsu-sama was a humble person."
"Ah... yes, he was. And he was also very handsome."
"The name 'General White Crane' has become a legend among martial artists."
"Even in the midst of battle, his armor remained white. No matter how many battles he fought, he never got a single drop of blood on him. It's said that he was like a white bird in a swamp that doesn't soil its feathers, hence the name 'General White Crane'. But... as for Mō Boku Etsu-sama..."
Ryougen-kun swallowed his words.
Even if they are distant relatives, there's still a resistance to criticizing one's kin.
"After the war where Mō Boku Etsu-sama's territory became Ryougen, he was moved to the edge of the country. Since then, I've heard that there have been no issues. The current situation with Moukou being connected to suspicious organizations is... hard to believe."
"We want to investigate this."
"I understand Raikou's feelings, but it's complicated. I received land from the royal family, which was formerly part of Moukou's territory. I've also received information that some of Moukou's subordinates are dissatisfied with this situation. Given that, acting on it myself is..."
The turmoil left Moukou's territory in ruins.
Ryougen managed to revitalize the area beautifully.
Though his intention was to support the local people, some of Moukou's subordinates interpret it as 'having their land taken away by the King's younger brother.'
This might also be because Moukou was relocated to the northwest's barren lands.
It's understandable that his subordinates would feel discontent.
Nevertheless, it's unchanging that Moukou is related to Ryougen.
That's why Ryougen has treated Moukou with kindness,
to show that they are both relatives and allies.
I believed that Moukou would be responsive to this gesture.
While we've crossed paths multiple times at the palace, he never showed any unpleasant expressions toward Ryougen.
It's likely that Ryougen feels some resistance toward investigating someone like Moukou.
"Father, may I be excused for a moment?"
Suddenly, Yuuri spoke up.
She stood up and knelt on the floor.
Raikou's eyes widened in surprise.
Yuuri is always by Ryougen's side,
often joining in on discussions.
This was the first time she had shown such deep respect toward her father.
"I'm aware this might seem disrespectful. However, there's something I absolutely must say."
"...Go ahead."
Ryougen replied.
Yuuri remained with her head deeply bowed to her father,
"I need to tell you about the Chou Family."
"The Chou Family?"
"As you know, Father, 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' Chou Sekimei never suspected his relatives' actions and never doubted them. As a result, Chou Shoukatsu got involved with a gang of thieves, leading to the deaths of many. It was Chou Sekimei's leniency towards his kin that led to such a situation."
Ryougen-kun's shoulders trembled at those words.
Yuuri continued.
"If only Chou Sekimei had been stricter with his relatives, he might have noticed Chou Shoukatsu's actions. The harm caused by the thieves could have been prevented, and perhaps neither Chou Sekimei nor Chou Shoukatsu would have lost their lives... nor would His Highness Rouen have been caused such grief."
"...Yuuri"
"Chou Sekimei's leniency towards his kin led to the worst possible outcome. What are your thoughts on the matter, Father?"
Yuuri continued to gaze at Ryougen-kun as she spoke.
Raikou understood the meaning behind her words.
This was what Yuuri was saying.
'If you turn a blind eye to Moukou's actions, you might end up with the same result as the Chou Family.'
That was the warning Yuuri was giving to Ryougen-kun.
──One must not be lenient with relatives.
──Since you have obtained information about an organization hostile to the nation, you should investigate it immediately.
That was what Yuuri was saying.
It was a statement that went beyond her station.
That was why Yuuri was prostrating herself.
She was prepared to face the consequences of her warning.
"...Raise your head, Yuuri."
Soon, Ryougen-kun spoke up.
"I understand what you're trying to say."
"As your daughter, I've gone beyond my bounds. I accept any punishment."
"There's no way you'll be punished. I'd rather reward you. You gave me the words I needed."
Ryougen-kun reaches out and helps Yuuri to her feet.
"I shouldn't turn a blind eye to what happens within the family...You're right. I'm still immature. To be called by such a grand name as Ryougen-kun, and yet I've forgotten something so simple."
"...Father"
"I'm gathering guests to protect the country. To ignore the information they've gathered would be foolish. It's like plugging my ears and eyes. I understand now."
Ryougen-kun helps Yuuri back into her chair.
Then, he looks at Raikou and says,
"To my guest, Raikou,"
"Hah!"
"Information has come from both Bakkai, the leader of the 'Hidden Five Gods,' and the Jinkyo Tribe. Its credibility is high. I cannot miss this opportunity to get a handle on the tail of the organization that threatens our country──the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'"
"Yes! Your Highness, the King's younger brother"
Raikou instinctively clasps her hands together.
Ryougen-kun nods in agreement and says,
"From now on, I will personally investigate the town of Kiryou. But for now, it's just suspicion. The investigation will be kept secret."
"To avoid raising suspicion from the other party...Is that right?"
"That's right. I want the investigation to go unnoticed by Moukou. If Moukou were connected to the 'Golden Feather Syndicate,' there's a risk of evidence being destroyed. I want to avoid that. Therefore, the investigation will be divided into 2 teams."
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