Chapter 190: Setting Sail! To the Land of the Ritual!

“Magnificent! Truly magnificent!”

The moment Yukinojo-sama woke up, he said those words the second he saw my face.

“Rex. I, Yukinojo, am deeply impressed by your formidable martial prowess! Umu, umu… with skill like that, it is only natural that Mina would admire you. You are truly worthy of being called a Sword Saint!”

“No, I’m really not that impressive.”

A grand title like “Sword Saint” is completely ill-suited for me. After all, the Sword Saint I knew in my previous life was a ridiculous person who could cleave a mountain with a blade without using a drop of mana. And they didn’t even use a special magic sword—they did it with a standard, mass-produced iron sword. It was terrifying.

“Do not be humble. Your strength is extraordinary. Haruomi told me everything. You were the one who drove off the Majin that attacked us, were you not?”

“Well, yes.”

Though, honestly, I think Mina-san could have managed that Majin on her own. She was only at a disadvantage then because she was restricted by the need to protect Yukinojo-sama and the others.

“I heard you kicked aside a Majin of legend as if you were dealing with a child. I have seen many masters in the training halls, but they are incomparable to you. Truly magnificent! I, Yukinojo, thank you!”

“H-Haah…”

Being praised this much is honestly a bit embarrassing.

“Hey, isn’t Yukinojo acting a bit strange? He’s being oddly… straightforward.”

“Well, the Young Master tends to judge things based on whether someone is strong or weak… In short, he has acknowledged Lord Rex as a superior because he is stronger than himself.”

Mina-san and Haruomi-san were whispering behind me.

“Is it really okay for a noble to have such a muscle-brained way of thinking?”

“I am truly sorry…”

◆

“To think a Majin was involved in that storm…”

Once Yukinojo-sama had settled down, I decided to share the information Mina-san and I had pieced together.

“Yes. The Majin that attacked Yukinojo-sama was equipped with magic items over his entire body. Furthermore, in a job we took before, a massive magic item created by a Majin caused a huge uproar. That’s why I suspect a Majin is using magic items to cause this storm as well.”

Yukinojo-sama and Haruomi-san looked astonished to hear that the storm spanning the entire country might be man-made.

“It is true that the Majins of legend exist. If that is the case, it is more convincing to believe this storm is a calamity caused by a Majin rather than a natural phenomenon that just happened to coincide with our departure.”

“Umu, I suppose… so.”

The two still seemed unable to fully believe it, but they chose to trust my words, finding it more plausible than pure coincidence.

“But I can’t imagine a Majin causing a storm for no reason, or getting involved in a human family feud just to target Yukinojo’s life.”

Mina-san joined in, prompting Yukinojo-sama and Haruomi-san for an explanation.

“In other words, you suspect that my circumstances are related to the Majins’ objectives?”

“Insolence! Do you mere commoners intend to stick your noses into the affairs of a warrior house!”

Haruomi-san raised his voice in anger, realizing we wanted to know Yukinojo-sama’s secrets. I understand that nobles don’t like people prying into their business, but we can’t afford to be tight-lipped in this situation. Yukinojo-sama seemed to realize this as well and stopped Haruomi-san.

“Quiet, Haruomi. Mina’s concerns are natural. In fact, now that the Majins—whom we thought were mere legends—are a reality, it is vital to uncover their schemes. After all, in every folktale we have heard, the Majin is the sworn enemy of humanity.”

“That is true, but…”

Admonished that this was a problem for the whole world rather than a personal matter, Haruomi-san faltered.

“Regardless, I cannot defeat the Head House Elder and a powerful Majin without Mina and the others’ help. I need allies.”

“…If that is your decision, Young Master.”

Knowing Yukinojo-sama’s will was firm, Haruomi-san stepped back reluctantly.

“Umu. Then, I shall speak of the circumstances I have kept hidden from Mina and the others.”

After taking a breath, Yukinojo-sama began to speak.

“My father’s name is Youren Natsunori. He is the Shogun of this country.”

I see, so Yukinojo-sama’s father was the Shogun. Wait, in this country, the Shogun is…

“The Shogun!? Does that mean!?”

Mina-san must have reached the same conclusion. she turned a startled gaze toward Yukinojo-sama.

“Umu. You may have heard of it, but in this country, the King—called the Mikado—and the priests handle divine rituals, while we, the warrior houses who are his vassals, handle politics. In short, my father is the actual supreme authority of this country.”

With the answer from Yukinojo-sama, we began to grasp the Majins’ objective. Or rather, we became certain of it.

“I see, so that’s why…”

“If it involves the succession of the country’s actual leader, that’s more than enough reason for a Majin to be involved.”

I don’t know specifically what they’re planning, but it’s certainly nothing good.

“Indeed. If it is a Majin who once terrorized the human world, it would not be strange if their goal was to ravage this country by joining forces with the Head House Elder.”

Yukinojo-sama likely felt the same. He looked at us with a serious gaze.

“That is precisely why I need you to lend me your strength. I will succeed as Shogun and strike down the Head House Elder. If I do, the country will regain its stability, and the Majins will no longer be able to interfere so easily.”

Yes, stabilizing the country. That is the most solid countermeasure.

“Right! We can’t just stand by and watch innocent people suffer! We have to stop the Majins’ ambitions no matter what!”

Exactly. I don’t know what they’re plotting, but we only have one task: to stop them.

“Umu! Well said! Let us repel the ambitions of the Majin and the Head House Elder together!”

Having said that, Yukinojo-sama looked toward Mina-san.

“…”

Receiving that expectant gaze, Mina-san let out a small sigh and spoke.

“Fine, fine. I’ll help too.”

Hearing those words, Yukinojo-sama’s face lit up with joy.

“Oh! As I thought—”

“Provided the reward is right.”

“…Umu.”

Yukinojo-sama’s shoulders slumped as she cut him off with the punchline.

“Umm, so about our future plan…”

Now that we had heard Yukinojo-sama’s story and established a cooperative relationship, we decided on our next move.

“Umu. First, my succession as Shogun is the top priority.”

“You need to perform a ritual somewhere, right?”

At Mina-san’s confirmation, Yukinojo-sama pointed to a massive mountain towering in the far distance.

“That is correct. The destination is the ancient ruins sleeping on the sacred peak, Mt. Amatsukami, the symbol of our nation. To get there, we must first head to the village of the priests at the foot of the sacred peak.”

However, Yukinojo-sama said he wouldn’t head directly to the ruins, but would stop by the village first.

“A village of priests?”

“You’re not going straight to the ruins?”

At Mina-san’s question, Yukinojo-sama shook his head.

“No, the succession ritual requires a priest to accompany us. After all, we need someone to certify that the ritual was performed.”

Ah, now that he mentions it, that makes sense. If there’s no one to vouch for it, people might not believe him even if he says he did it.

“I see, so that’s why you need the priests.”

Mina-san spoke in understanding after hearing Yukinojo-sama’s explanation.

“What do you mean?”

“The priests are the attendants of the Mikado, who handles the divine rituals of this country. Due to their role, they keep their distance from us warrior houses.”

“In other words, one of the priests’ jobs is to witness the succession ritual as a third party, without being involved with any specific faction.”

“I see, so that’s how it works.”

Yukinojo-sama then took a single letter from his pocket.

“And this is a letter my uncle prepared for the Domain Lord who manages the land around the priests’ village. If I present this, they should assist with the succession ritual.”

But Mina-san put a stop to Yukinojo-sama’s optimism.

“Hey, can that Domain Lord be trusted? Other Domain Lords have been siding with the Head House Elder until now. Isn’t there a chance this one will turn out to be our enemy too?”

Mina-san’s concern is valid. We don’t know how far that Domain Lord can be trusted.

“Of course there is. That is precisely why I hired you.”

“Ah, so you actually did think that through.”

Mina-san shrugged at Yukinojo-sama’s grin, which seemed to say “Make sure you work hard.” Haha, she just got a taste of her own medicine from earlier.

“However, the clan of the Domain Lord who hosts the priests’ village has the blood of the priest clan flowing strongly through them. Therefore, even if the Shogun’s family and the Head House Elder fight openly, they will prioritize the Mikado and the priests.”

Yukinojo-sama asserted that there was no need for worry. I see, if the Domain Lord is on the Mikado’s side, our internal squabbles don’t matter to them.

“However, I believe the problem lies before we get there.”

Just when I thought our worries were over, Haruomi-san announced that there was another problem.

“Before we get there?”

“Indeed. The Head House Elder must have guessed our goal. Therefore, he will likely be waiting with a massive force to prevent us from entering that domain. Not just at the checkpoints, but at every possible entry point.”

I see. From their perspective, they wouldn’t just be chasing us; they’d have soldiers stationed at our destination as well.

“Then should we fly into the domain again? Rex is here now, so we can transport everyone at once.”

“No, I do not think the same trick will work twice. If they realize we are flying, we will be turned into pin-cushions by arrows and magic. Furthermore, the enemy will likely have slipped into the domain secretly as well.”

“But going straight through on the ground is impossible too.”

“Hmm…”

Everyone began to fret over what to do. The ground is covered by a massive force, so just entering the domain isn’t enough. In that case…

“Ah, I know.”

I remembered that I had a certain something.

“Umm, since we’re at it, why don’t we use Mina-san’s idea?”

“My idea?”

“Yes, the plan to fly. But not just to cross a checkpoint—we fly all the way to the priests’ village in one go.”

“But flying in the sky for that long carries a high risk of being spotted. If we are attacked there, we won’t stand a chance.”

Yukinojo-sama and the others looked uneasy at the suggestion.

“It’s okay. We’ll be going by ship.”

” “A ship?” “

Yukinojo-sama and Haruomi-san tilted their heads in unison.

◆

“The ship is this way.”

I lead everyone to the harbor. Yes, we are heading there to use that pirate ship we modified to fly. Since it’s already half-broken anyway, as long as it lasts until we reach the priests’ village even if we’re attacked from the ground, that’ll be enough. If I set up some defensive magic formulas just in case, it should help a bit.

“Is a ship truly… going to fly in the sky?”

Yukinojo-sama muttered in bewilderment upon hearing we would fly to our destination in a modified pirate ship.

“Well, I know it’s hard to believe, but since it’s Rex, you won’t lose anything by believing him.”

“Muu, if Mina says so…”

Receiving a seal of approval from Mina-san, whom he knew, Yukinojo-sama nodded reluctantly.

“Well, I was hesitant to use it at first, but if Yukinojo-sama is the next Shogun, we don’t need to worry about being seen as checkpoint-breakers. Besides, in the sky, it’s easier to detect attacks than being ambushed from the shadows on the ground. As long as we block the attacks fired at us, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Y-You’re going on the assumption that we will be attacked!?”

Yukinojo-sama doesn’t seem used to that way of fighting, but in my experience, it’s easier to intercept attacks if you head straight in and make the enemy’s moves easy to read, rather than trying to hide poorly.

“And besides, if a flying ship serves as a landmark, it increases the chance that we can meet up with Jairo-kun… my other comrades, not just enemies. That way we can aim to boost our combat power too.”

“Doesn’t the danger of being attacked by enemies far outweigh the expectation of gaining allies!?”

While talking about such things, we entered the harbor, but I suddenly felt a sense of wrongness in the surroundings.

“…”

“What is it?”

Yukinojo-sama didn’t seem to notice, but Mina-san and Haruomi-san sensed my state and began to alert their surroundings. And as if to prove their intuition correct, men emitting a dangerous aura appeared, surrounding us.

“Heh heh heh, it’s a dead end ahead.”

“Though, it’s a dead end behind you as well.”

As I thought, the men were clearly targeting us.

“Why don’t you be good boys and girls, runts.”

“You bastards… are you Ronin?”

Haruomi-san muttered as he looked at the men.

“Ronin?”

“In your language, they are people who have been stripped of their noble status and fallen into ruin.”

“Former nobles? They seem a bit unrefined for that, though.”

True. They felt more like thugs.

“The nobles of our country are also warrior houses. Due to the fact that they prioritize strength over etiquette, it is true that many of them lack refinement.”

“Sorry for being unrefined! The point is that we just have to win!”

No sooner had they said that than the men attacked all at once. I parried the attack of the Ronin who lunged at me from the front and immediately counter-attacked.

“Hah! Sei!”

“Gwaaaah!”

But the attack connected with the Ronin so easily that I was bewildered.

“Huh? They aren’t very strong?”

Weren’t the pursuers supposed to be skilled!? Ah, come to think of it, Haruomi-san said they were fallen warrior houses, so they probably hadn’t been practicing their martial arts very seriously.

“Compared to a Majin, normal humans are like this. STORM BURST!”

Mina-san used a rapid-fire wind magic to attack the Ronin individually, making sure not to damage the surrounding cargo.

” ” ” “Gwaaaaah!?” ” ” “

As expected, the other Ronin hadn’t been training seriously either, and they fell one after another after being hit by Mina-san’s magic. However, among them, there were a few Ronin whose movements were different.

“Hah!”

Those Ronin dodged Mina-san’s magic, slashed through it with their swords, or even lunged into the magic themselves and broke through with almost no damage.

“No way!?”

It seems that among the amateur-like Ronin, there were skilled individuals hiding their true strength.

“Ugh!”

Mina-san immediately used physical enhancement magic to dodge the Ronin’s attacks and fired warning magic while backing away significantly.

“Gwaah!”

Meanwhile, Yukinojo-sama, who had clashed with a skilled Ronin, was hit by an enemy’s kick and slammed into the cargo behind him.

“Young Master!?”

“Yukinojo!?”

“I’ve got you!”

Seeing the chance, a Ronin lunged at Yukinojo-sama.

“I won’t let you!”

But I immediately stepped between Yukinojo-sama and the Ronin, blocked the attack, and counter-attacked.

“Wha-!? When did you—gwaah!”

“Huh?”

Suddenly, I felt a sense of wrongness at the lightness of the Ronin’s attack. That’s strange. Seeing how he blew away Yukinojo-sama, I thought a much heavier attack was coming.

“No, now’s not the time for that. Sei!”

I struck down the Ronin’s sword and drove the hilt of my sword into his solar plexus to neutralize him. I have to leave a few as witnesses to the crime.

“Gbuoh!?”

Looking around, the other skilled ones had also been suppressed by Mina-san and Haruomi-san.

“Ugh… if I’d won this, I could have gained employment… thud.”

With those words, the last one fell.

“It seems they were being used with the bait of employment.”

“Fools. Even if they gained employment, it would be meaningless if they turned against the Shogun’s family.”

Haruomi-san spoke in exasperation at the Ronin who had attacked without thinking ahead.

“But what was with these guys? Some of them were oddly strong.”

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. Even if we don’t account for quality, their movements were abnormally different.”

“If they had such strong subordinates, they should have used them sooner.”

Mina-san and Haruomi-san also seemed bothered by the inconsistent strength of the Ronin. And I realized the likely reason for it.

“It seems this is the cause.”

I collected the weapons and strange tools the Ronin had been holding.

“That… could it be a magic item!?”

As expected of Mina-san, she realized what it was immediately.

“Yes. It seems all the Ronin I thought were skilled were equipped with magic items.”

It wasn’t that there were skilled individuals mixed in; it seems their strength was being bolstered by magic items.

“Wow. To have magic items, Ronin sure are rich.”

“Impossible! A Ronin possessing a magic tool!? That cannot be!?”

In contrast to the impressed Mina-san, Haruomi-san raised a voice of disbelief, saying it was impossible.

“Eh? Really? But wouldn’t it be no surprise if they had family treasures passed down for generations? They are former nobles, even if they’ve fallen, right?”

“No. Not all Ronin are former nobles. There are also vassals who served warrior houses. Above all, for us samurai, the battlefield is the opportunity to show our own strength. If they possessed magic tools capable of exerting this much power, they should have distinguished themselves long ago. Even more so if it were a family heirloom.”

“I see, so that’s how it works in this country.”

It seems that in this country, brawn affects one’s career more than in the continent we live in. Over there, not just martial arts, but jobs that use wisdom like civil officials are also highly valued.

“But well, they aren’t very well-made magic items. The quality is poor, so they don’t look like family treasures.”

At best, they are mass-produced… no, these are inferior goods even below that.

“It seems there was too much of a difference in quality, so even items with the same function had a huge difference in performance.”

Maybe everyone was equipped with these magic items. But because there were so many items that could only exert extremely weak magic power, it seems it was hard to notice they were being enhanced by magic items. Hmm, was this intentional?

“Only the Ronin who used relatively well-made items might have appeared to be skilled.”

“So you mean there were half-broken magic items mixed in?”

“Mu, now that you mention it, magic tools were originally things unearthed from ruins. If that’s the case, there’s a possibility they were stuck with half-broken items.”

“No, about these magic items… they don’t seem to be normal magic items.”

“Not normal? What do you mean?”

“Look at the inside. This isn’t the magic formula used for normal magic items.”

“…Even if you say ‘look at the inside’… is that how it is?”

“I don’t understand it at all.”

The two aren’t magic item specialists, so it can’t be helped that they don’t understand.

“It’s not uncommon for magic formulas used in magic items to have unique standards or security set up by the workshop to prevent the structure from being analyzed.”

“I-I see…”

“But this magic formula is different at its core.”

Yes, it’s a problem before standards or security.

“Umm, can I just hear the conclusion?”

“This isn’t a formula used by humans.”

“Not a formula used by humans?”

“Yes. And we’ve seen magic formulas similar to this before.”

“Not used by humans. That means… no way!?”

At my words, Mina-san remembered what she had seen on that island—no, on top of that living creature.

“Yes. This is the magic formula often seen in magic items used by Majins.”

Yes, this was a structure often seen in magic items used by Majins.

“Does that mean these guys were given magic items by a Majin!?”

“Yes. My guess is they were given to the Ronin to get rid of inferior magic items. Maybe they were even tricked into accepting them as part of their reward.”

There were many scams in my life before the previous one where inferior goods were passed off as the real thing to get people to take jobs. A common tactic in those scams was to mix in a few real ones instead of making them all inferior. Most likely, only the Ronin who moved well were given decent magic items, and the people tricked by that were stuck with the inferior ones.

“Umu, inferior magic items… But as long as they are technically magic items, can one really call it a scam…?”

“Well, from a Majin’s perspective, they probably just successfully tricked and used some humans. Worrying about how they and Rex think is just a waste of time.”

“I-Is that how it is?”

“That’s how it is.”

Mina-san is comforting Haruomi-san, who is troubled by the difference in thinking compared to a Majin, but I wonder why my name was included in that?

“At any rate, since we’ve defeated the pursuers, shall we head to the ship?”

“Yeah, let’s.”

“Umu.”

“…”

“Huh? Yukinojo?”

Then, we realized Yukinojo-sama hadn’t joined the conversation for a while and looked at him. What we found was Yukinojo-sama lying limp on the ground.

“…cough“

“Yukinojo—!!”

“Young Master—!”

“Yukinojo-sa—n!”

It was only then that we finally realized Yukinojo-sama had lost consciousness.