Chapter 200: Farewell to the Country at the Eastern Edge, and the Usual Sight

◆ Haruomi ◆

“We will now conduct the Shogun succession ritual for Youren Yukinojo.”

Along with a solemn atmosphere, the Shogun succession ritual was held.

The one conducting the ritual was the Mikado, who had come out of the priests’ village.

And the one undergoing the ritual was my younger brother, Yukinojo.

“From today onward, you shall bear the name Youren Toujin.”

“Haha!”

From the Mikado, Yukinojo was bestowed the character for the season of winter, Tou.

Originally, it was a name he should have received along with his coming-of-age ceremony, but because the seas were rough due to the Majin’s arts, Domain Lords from various regions couldn’t participate in the ritual, so it had been postponed.

But with the Majin subjugated, that problem was resolved, and the Shogun succession ritual came to be held alongside the funeral for the previous Shogun.

“Toujin, devote yourself to the country together with your older brother, Shun’ou.”

“Hahaa!”

At the Mikado’s words, the eyes of the surrounding vassals turned towards me.

But they were not eyes looking at a traitor who killed the Shogun and joined forces with a Majin.

They were gazes of bewilderment and curiosity towards the fact that someone from the bloodline of the executed Togo family was alive.

After that incident, I was forgiven by Yukinojo and the Mikado for the sin of killing my father.

Because the reason that drove me to kill my father had been twisted by the Majin.

Though it seems the Mikado also felt a sense of guilt regarding the Togo family being crushed.

All the responsibility was pinned on the dead Majins.

Well, it doesn’t change the fact that they were the root cause.

But it is an undeniable fact that I killed my father and even tried to eliminate my younger brother.

I have no intention of running away from that sin.

However, my younger brother said this:

“If you believe your actions are a sin, then atone for the sin of disturbing the world by becoming my strength.”

Good grief, even though he’s my younger brother, he is far too soft.

But it’s also a fact that exactly because of that, I can’t leave him be.

If my younger brother is like that, I suppose I am who I am too.

And so, the story became that the previous Shogun, sensing the conspiracy behind the Togo family’s treason, protected my person, and I discarded the Shogun family’s name, throwing myself into activities for the sake of the house to find the true culprit.

As proof of that, I provided the Shogunate with information on the Domain Lords and prominent merchants who were secretly allied with the Majin I knew of, so the senior vassals had no choice but to accept that my activities were the truth.

Because for those guys as well, they gained the benefit of their political rivals decreasing.

At any rate, thanks to the efforts of my younger brother and the Mikado, I became a hero who subjugated the Majin together with the next Shogun, and the Togo family regained its name.

And I too was permitted to bear the name Shun’ou once again as a member of the Shogun’s family.

However, since it was already decided that my younger brother would become the next Shogun, the succession dispute was avoided with the scenario that I would become the head of the restored Togo house.

That being said, the Togo family’s territory had already been annexed by other domains, and its assets confiscated, so it was a situation where returning everything in full now was impossible.

As compensation for that, I was granted the position of a close aide to the Shogun.

Because the treatment is far too perfect, gossipy folks are spreading rumors that it was planned to be that way from the start, but in reality, it’s just my younger brother’s selfishness wanting me to help him with his work.

In the end, what I do isn’t much different from before my younger brother succeeded as Shogun, though.

But well, it’s a somewhat better future than sullying my own hands with the blood of my kin to steal the Shogun’s seat.

“He’s a clumsy younger brother, but I’ll protect him in your stead, Father.”

◆

“Here are the requested goods.”

When Yukinojo-san’s Shogun succession concluded safely and we returned to Echigoya, we received a message from Seibei-san that the requested goods had just arrived.

“Man, thanks to the authorities issuing an official notice that there’s no more worry about storms, ships have finally started coming again.”

While we were checking the cargo he procured for us, Seibei-san raised a joyful voice, happy that ships were coming to the port again.

By subjugating the Volcanic Turtle that was the cause of the disasters, it seems the sea disasters were properly quelled too.

“Well then, we’ve safely received the cargo, so we will return to our country.”

“Eh? But there are no plans for any ships to head to the continent yet, you know. Even though storms are no longer occurring, heading to the continent would be disastrous if something were to happen. The sailors won’t head out to the open ocean until they’ve traveled the nearby seas for a while and are completely certain there’s no more worry about storms.”

Seibei-san informed us about the sailors’ circumstances.

“Ah, if that’s the case, it’s fine. We have a means of return.”

“What!? Have you already made arrangements with some sailor!?”

“Ahaha, well, something like that.”

Storing the luggage in the magic bag, I left the shop to meet up with everyone waiting outside.

“Huh?”

I stepped outside the shop, but somehow a strange situation had developed.

Because…

“I see, so you are already returning, Mina.”

“Yeah, our business is finished, after all.”

Surprisingly, Yukinojo-san had come. Along with a large number of attendants.

“H-Hey. Isn’t the flag those samurai attendants are raising the crest of the Shogun’s family?”

“R-Right. Does that mean that gentleman is the new Shogun!?”

” ” ” “H-Hieeeeh!!” ” ” “

The people watching from a distance hurriedly prostrated themselves on the ground.

“Ah, it is fine, it is fine. I came incognito today. You may be at ease.”

Incognito, you say… Bringing a massive entourage dressed in attire so obviously belonging to nobility really lacks persuasiveness…

“No, having such a massive entourage with you makes it completely obvious, you know.”

” ” ” “Hiiih!?” ” ” “

At Mina-san’s remark, the surrounding people screamed.

“Hm? Ah, it cannot be helped. When I said I was going out, they said guards were necessary and trailed after me in droves. Even though my older brother alone would be fine for a guard.”

“No, no, no. We cannot have that.”

Haruomi-san… I mean, Shun’ou-san raised a bitter voice.

“You are the leader of this Amatsumine. A corresponding number of guards is necessary.”

“My older brother is stiff. Well, that is how it is. More importantly, Mina. Could you not stay a while longer? As far as I am concerned, you are benefactors to the country and my family; I wish to welcome you with the entire nation’s hospitality.”

“That kind of thing isn’t in my nature. Besides, we came here for work. We have a responsibility to deliver the requested cargo.”

“If you like, I can order my vassals to transport it?”

“Don’t say stupid things!”

“No good?”

“Of course it isn’t!”

Scolded by Mina-san, Yukinojo-san shrugged his shoulders in disappointment.

But he didn’t really look like he was genuinely disappointed.

“As I thought, it’s no good if it is me… Say, Mina.”

“What?”

“What is the relationship between you and that Jairo?”

“Heh!? Wh-What’s this all of a sudden!?”

“Hm? What about me?”

“Umu, that reaction told me everything.”

When Mina-san acted surprised at the sudden question, Yukinojo-san chuckled softly, seeming convinced.

“Then I shall give up so as not to expose myself to any further shame.”

“What on earth is this! Don’t just reach a conclusion on your own!”

“But, Mina.”

“What.”

“If you ever run out of patience with that guy, you can come to me. I will leave the seat of the lawful wife open, so you can become my consort at any time.”

” ” ” ” ” “Haaaaaaah!?” ” ” ” ” “

At Yukinojo-san’s outrageous remark, not just Mina-san but all the people around raised voices of surprise.

“Eh!? Eeeh!? The Shogun loves that girl!?”

“I-Is that true, Your Majesty!?”

“Ah, geez, even though you’ve become Shogun, you really are…!”

Amidst the uproar, only Shun’ou-san was holding his head and sighing.

“Umm, what should we do about this?”

“Shouldn’t we just go home already?”

When I consulted Liliera-san on what to do, she shrugged her shoulders with an attitude that said it had nothing to do with her.

U-Umm, it’s true we received the requested goods.

While I was thinking that, another commotion occurred.

“I found you! Lord Jairo!”

“Jairo-san! I came to make you delicious food just as promised!”

“Lord Jairo! I persuaded my parents! Please make me your bride!”

Astonishingly, dozens of girls came running over while calling Jairo-kun’s name.

“Ugeh!? Why are you guys here!?”

They apparently knew each other, as Jairo-kun raised a surprised voice.

“As I thought, I just couldn’t give up on you, Lord Jairo!”

“That’s right! So I decided! If you can’t stay in the town, Jairo-san, then I just have to go to where you are!”

“Eh? Seriously!?”

“Hold on, Jairo, what is the meaning of this!?”

While Jairo-kun was bewildered, Mina-san, with a terrifying expression, grabbed his shoulder and pressed him for answers.

“Say, Mina. As I thought, wouldn’t I be better?”

“Yuki—no, Your Majesty, please refrain from poking your head into this foolish uproar any further.”

It was a complete mess with various people, and the street was in an uproar.

“Wow, this turned into something incredible.”

“Shouldn’t we really just go home right now?”

Yeah. If we stay here any longer, we’re likely to get dragged into a new commotion.

Adopting Liliera-san’s proposal, I called out to everyone.

“A-Alright. Everyone! We’re going home!”

“O-Oh!”

“Yes, yes.”

“Eh? Yeah, understood.”

“Man, going home in this situation is quite flashy in itself, isn’t it?”

“Someone was going to be surprised either way; that’s the usual.”

“Kyuu!”

Everyone gathered swiftly without being swallowed by the waves of surrounding people.

Alright, teleportation magic formula activated.

“Well then, everyone, goodbye!”

“See ya later~”

With those words, the teleportation magic activated, and we left the land of the Eastern Country behind.

◆ Yukinojo◆

“…Huh?”

Along with words of farewell, Mina and the others’ figures vanished.

As if no one had been there from the very beginning.

『They vanisheddddddddddd!?』

The citizens were astonished that people suddenly disappeared in the middle of a crowd.

No, not just the citizens. I, my older brother, and my vassals were all raising voices of surprise together.

Even looking around, Mina and the others’ figures were nowhere to be found.

“Wh-Where on earth did they go!?”

I thought they had flown in the sky with magic again, but their figures weren’t in the sky either.

They truly vanished completely.

“…C-Could it be. To vanish at the very, very end… were those people truly of this world?”

I supported my older brother, who was staggering while holding his head.

“Absolutely. Even after surprising people no matter what they did, to think they hadn’t surprised us enough yet…”

Honestly, my shock hasn’t faded yet either.

“But, unexpectedly, they might truly not have been of this world.”

“What?”

“Perhaps, those people were messengers of the Gods sent to protect this land of Amatsumine.”

“No, surely that can’t… surely.”

While trying to deny it saying that couldn’t be true, a smile spilled from me at the sight of my older brother unable to fully deny the possibility.

“Haha, even if they were not truly messengers of the Gods, it is fine. Because those people saved me and you, older brother.”

“…That is… true.”

At my words, my older brother nodded with a wry smile.

“For us, either way is the same… huh.”

While smiling wryly at the state of the street still in an uproar, my older brother and I laughed and looked up at the sky.

Incidentally, because of this commotion, Mina and the others came to be worshipped as messengers of the Gods, and on the streets, the adventure action-drama of ‘Jairo, the Sky-Soaring Samurai,’ and the love story between me and the celestial maiden Mina became popular. Though, I couldn’t help but wish they’d stop the latter because it was far too embarrassing.

Ah, hey, older brother. Did you buy another new celestial maiden story! It’s embarrassing, so please stop buying them every time you find one!

◆??? ◆

“Kukuku, this time has finally come.”

The invasion weapon I spent many years repairing has finally been resurrected.

Due to technical problems and issues with the quality of obtainable materials, the fact that it can only exhibit about 30% of its original performance is a problem, but even so, it is more than enough power to trample the current humans.

“The S-rank adventurers, my only concern, received my fabricated requests and are far across the sea. They absolutely cannot return in time now.”

Yes, the irregular S-rank adventurers who could affect my plan all fell for my scheme and have headed to lands far from this country.

In the lands where my brethren who lost contact were reportedly conducting operations, the figures of the fierce warriors the humans call S-rank adventurers had been confirmed.

I absolutely cannot fathom humans being able to fight us on equal footing, but since our operations have failed, it must mean there are individuals with considerable power among the humans as well.

“There are those among the humans who possess ancient magic items, after all. My brethren were probably hit by a surprise attack while their guards were down.”

Good grief, even if they are my brethren, what a foolish bunch.

But such trump cards cannot be used if they are not here.

“I have already grasped the capabilities of this country’s—no, the current era’s human armies. They have no means to do anything against my resurrected weapon.”

Perfect. It is truly perfect!

“Kukukuku, tremble in fear, humans! From this day forth, your era ends, and the names of us Majins shall carve terror into the world once again!”

To carve the supreme terror into the humans, I used monsters the humans fear as A-rank to send a declaration of war to the country’s upper echelons.

Thanks to that, the humans’ castle is in a massive uproar. Even though I merely had monsters deliver letters. Hahahaha!

As my invasion weapon approached the Royal Capital, a group like small ants came heading out from the Royal Capital. The humans’ Knight Order.

The Knight Order intercepted my invasion weapon flying in the sky with bows and magic.

But bows cannot reach my invasion weapon flying at high altitudes.

Magic reaches it, but they must have expended their magic power just to make it reach this far. It wasn’t enough to pierce my armor.

“Hahahahahaha! It is perfect!”

At the overwhelmingly dominant sight, I couldn’t stop laughing.

“Now, then, I shall start with you lot. Humans, can you remain calm when the Knight Order you rely on is annihilated? Fuhahahaha, raise screams to color the ruin of the human race—”

It was then. From beyond, a dazzling light pierced through me.

“!?”

Bathed in that light, I lost my consciousness—no, my life, for all eternity.

◆

“I wonder what on earth that was? It was releasing magic waves all over the place and seemed dangerous, so I accidentally broke it.”

Having returned to the mansion in the Royal Capital using the teleportation gate, we immediately went outside to deliver the requested goods to the Adventurer’s Guild… but the state of the town seemed a bit strange.

Wondering what was going on, I went up into the sky with flight magic, and a massive magic item with a weird shape was launching an attack? at the Royal Capital. So, I accidentally caught it, amplified its power, and reflected it back. Was it okay that I broke it?

If a magic item that big attacked, the Knight Order and the Court Mages should have intercepted it ages ago, right?

Could it be they were in the middle of some kind of experiment? Like testing a new defensive barrier for city defense.

“Isn’t it fine? We were the ones being attacked, after all. Since it attacked us out of nowhere, they can’t complain that we fought back.”

“Hmm… well, I suppose that’s true.”

Even if that was an experiment for national defense, if they honestly reported “It was repelled by passing adventurers,” the person in charge would catch hell from their boss saying, “What kind of weapon gets neutralized by a civilian!” so they’ll probably keep quiet for us.

Well, in my previous life, there were plenty of warriors acting as “civilians” who could destroy military weapons, so the written apologies from the departments in charge were a nightmare.

Yeah, I’m glad I’m an adventurer in this life.

Convinced by Jairo-kun’s words, we decided we didn’t see anything and arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild.

“Yes, we have received the requested goods. Now, the Adventurer’s Guild will take responsibility and hand this over to the client. Man, it was a real lifesaver having you do this, Rex-san. To think you’d complete the request this quickly!”

Receiving the report of the request’s completion, the receptionist happily expressed her gratitude.

Yeah, being thanked so honestly makes me happy too.

“Ahaha, the wind direction for the ship just happened to be good.”

By the way, behind her, other staff members are screaming with terrifying expressions like, “The enemy that attacked the Royal Capital was destroyed by something!” and “Hurry up and investigate the cause!” Is that okay?

“Then, here is your reward.”

Having received our reward, we left the guild where the staff members were still running around like a storm.

“With this, the request is finally complete.”

“Since the destination was far this time, it was a long journey.”

Truly. I never thought we’d encounter a storm, or get involved in a succession dispute and a Majin’s secret maneuvers.

“Well, the trip back was instantaneous, though.”

“Yeah. It doesn’t feel like we got tired on the way back at all.”

As long as I place a teleportation gate marker, the trip back takes an instant, after all.

“But returning to the Royal Capital really gives a feeling of having come home.”

Norb-san floated a soft smile, saying the familiar sight of the town was comforting.

“I get it. Especially the food. The food over there was delicious too, but. I still wanna eat food with a flavor I’m used to.”

Then Jairo-kun rubbed his belly and raised his voice saying he wanted to eat.

I don’t think that much time has passed since we ate breakfast, though.

“I’m gonna buy a bunch of stuff from the food stalls!”

“Sounds good, doesn’t it?”

“Alright, then let’s have street food for lunch today!”

” ” ” ” “Agreed!” ” ” ” “

In this way, our journey to the Eastern Country came to an end.

However, there was just one strange thing.

You see, regarding the requested cargo we entrusted to the guild: for some reason, no matter how much time passed, the client never showed up to claim it.

Because of that, the cargo waiting for its recipient remained in the guild’s warehouse indefinitely, and eventually, it came to be told as one of the Seven Wonders of the Guild…