"-will you join me in soul and in body, and become my wife?"
"Eh...? Ehhh?!"
Did this guy just proposed to a lady that he barely knew?!
"Wait wait wait, this is too sudden!"
"There is nothing wrong with being fast to act. They say the early bird gets the worm.... and in this case, you."
"But I have family back in Ataraxia!"
"I can send envoys to take them here."
"I need to find my lost sister!"
"Simple work for my men."
"I am still Kenshin-sama's bodyguard!"
"They'll die soon anyway."
Wait.... What?
"Wha.... What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that the collapse of these clans are imminent.... By then, I cannot guarantee your safety if you aren't here. That is why I want you to be by my side."
"What are you saying....?"
"There is a reason for this meeting with the Three Major Clans... I will once again like my ancestors did, unify Japan. I am planning to start yet another Sengoku Period - a Civil War, with the collaboration of the Oda Clan."
"T-that's ridiculous! You can't just-"
Suddenly, the Royal Guard outside yelled at me.
"Watch your tongue lady! Even if the emperor has permitted you to speak informally, no disrespect can be-"
"Let her be, Rikimaru."
"Y-yes, Tenno-sama...."
"...Nara-sama, the civil war a decade ago caused millions of death... And yet you still plan to start another one?!"
"I do, but I have a reason.... Japan as it is right now is rotten and diseased, governed by tyrannical feudal war lords who only have their own interests in mind."
"That's just not right! Uesugi Kenshin was a great Lord and a generous man!
Takeda Shingen helped countless villages to establish their farmlands and even driven away countless bandits!
And Oda Nobunaga alongside his retainer Tokugawa Ieyasu opened Japan's trade relations to the outside, bringing countless goods and jobs to Japan!
I don't see your point being valid, because all three of them are good people."
"You may be right for now.... But think about it, are all Lords as great and virtuous as them? From a decade ago, there are countless warlords besides the current three clans who are in over their own head.....
The war started over a power struggle and territorial conflicts ten years ago, and I believe it will start again in the near future. It is simply inevitable that a land full of different rulers will have things that they may not be able to agree on.
These people who started and ended the civil war back them is now very VERY old - from during the Great Demonic War almost 50 years ago! Once they die of old age, guess who'll inherit their place?"
"That's...!"
"Besides, what I am really doing is to control an inevitable fire and have it burn until it extinguishes with minimal damage.... Would you rather a wild fire to burn down a tree, or an entire forest?
If the three clans fought and one of them stood as a victor, that'd mean one thing.... Stability and control.
The Moonfall Continent - Japan is a small land.... There is not enough space for so many rulers, just one is enough. With just one ruler, we can ensure that there'll be no more repeats of the Sengoku Period."
"Even if it came at the price of countless deaths?!"
"Like I said, this deliberate spark of war will be much tamer and controlled than one that starts without anyone's manipulation. What's wrong with paying a smaller price now, compare to paying more in the future?!"
"But this is human lives we are talking about, not money! How could you regard so little of people's lives?!
All you emperors and kings are the same.... Only caring about your own security and wealth, with a total disregard of the bloodshed that you need to achieve it!"
"That's not what I wanted...! Not really...!"
"Why do you sound so unsure about it then?"
"....Alright, the truth then. I DO need security, and wealth. Want to know why?"
The emperor stood up on his place, and headed it of the Gazebo.... I followed him closely as he walks out deeper into the garden.
"It's because I have a dream. The reason I respect you warriors so much.... is because I cannot even imagine fighting in a cruel world just to survive.
I have but one wish.... To see to that no one in my country will need to fight, to kill, to steal just to survive. A country without a proper ruler will only cause further problems - rebellions, bandits, and monsters taking over most of our land.
Under the proper rule of the Oda Clan - the most successful clan in all of Japan, they'll be able to spare forces and power out to help the citizens outside. There'll be no more bandits, no more monsters, and no more killings."
"That still does not justify the means you take to achieve this...!"
The emperor continued walking and finally stopped once he stood on top of a small arc bridge, over a tiny river in the garden.
The sun has just set, the moon is visible, the sky turns from pink and slight orange into a dark blueish tint.
"What's so different about you warriors then? Even if you are fighting bandits and outlaws, you are still taking human lives. I find your statement to stand in the same place as mine - we are both using killing as a means to end killings.
It is the mere difference in our ideals that make us disagrees with each other, why can't you see that?!"
"No... I am different! You will cause countless innocents to die in your pointless war, while I am using my sword to kill those who hurt the innocents. We are different in that my means do justify the ends, while yours don't!"
"You still don't get it - I am using war as a means to end all wars! There will be innocent deaths regardless of when and how this war happens, I am creating a situation where no more wars can happen in the future!
Everyone is free to live their own lives following their own set of rules! There will be no need to worry about the future, they won't have to fight and kill just to protect their loved ones like what you are doing, Fujiwara Takina!
I will create An Ideal World!"
"...!"
"Besides, manipulating the clans into fighting each other is just further prove of how volatile feudalism is! My actions is just the spark, not a fire.
The three clans wanted this war for ages, even after Sengoku Period. Can't you see that these warlords are not to be trusted?!"
"....."
"So... what do you think?"
"How the hell did no one find out about this...."
"Hahaha, well I don't write this into my speeches....
You should try fighting for what you believe in sometimes, Takina. Not for the ideals of another person, or the consensus of people, but for yourself. It is what I am doing now."
"Myself huh.... Maybe I was wrong about you."
Upon hearing my words, the emperor turned to look at me with a shocked face.
"Am I finally getting through?"
'Hooo....' The wind blows past, creating a gentle and cool breeze.
The emperor quickly walks down the bridge and back to me.... He holds my hands with his own.
"I'll rid Japan of pointless wars, Takina. And when I am doing it, I want your support and your affections.... I want you by my side."
I gripped his hand with my own, and started to shake it like I am doing a hand shake....
"I was wrong about you - you are not selfish..."
"Hahaha, I knew you'd understand if I explained to you clearly! Now, let us head to my quarters and spend the night togethe-"
"You're just a fucking psychopath!"
"Wha-?!"
I violently shook his hands off my own and stepped back from him to keep our distance.
"You told me to abandon my clan, and even ask of me to fight alongside you - against my own clan.... Isn't it obvious why I'd never do that?"
"Why is it?!"
"It's because I can't just betray the Uesugi Clan, they're worth more than that to me! Sora-sama, Genji-sama, Kenshin-sama, Monkey-san, Enna-chan.... They are all irreplaceable people in my life, I'd never betray them for the likes of you!
You're just a psychopath who can't understand empathy and loyalty!"
"Oof...."
"You even have 5 wives already, isn't that enough?! Why the hell would I spread my legs for you, you dirty cheating manwhore?!"
"Ouch..."
"Go back to school and make some friends because you don't even have any! Maybe that'll teach you about empathy in the future, you emotionless rascal!"
"Guh...! Was the friendless part really necessary-"
"It is, you idiot! I never want to see you again, you sad sorry excuse of a Emperor!"
I proceeded to run away from the garden without saying anything (after uttering those profanities).... I did remember to take my baby - my katana before I leave though.
__________________
[???'s POV]
"Your Highness, you are being awfully lenient with her aren't you? Normally you wouldn't take such disrespect...."
"It's fine. I've long since wanted to debate my stance with someone like her.... But I think she has a point...."
"After finding out that she's completely opposed to your ideals.... Do you still love her?"
"Huhahaha! You sure pick the most painful thing to ask, Rikimaru!"
"...."
"Sigh.... Yes."
"...May I ask why?"
"Was there ever a reason to liking someone?"
"N-no, Tenno-sama...."
"But if I had to choose a reason.... I guess it is precisely because I can't get her that makes me want her. Being unobtainable is what makes certain things attractive after all."
____________________
(10 minutes later....)
[Takina's POV]
"What you said?!" Genji yelled out, on the table of a restaurant inside the palace.
"Keep your voice down! You want everyone else to hear us?!"
"R-right.... But I was just shocked to find out that the Emperor is planning to start the Unification of Japan so soon...."
" 'So soon'? Does this mean you already knew?"
"I didn't. But Takeda Shingen and Oji-sama predicted it the last time they talked.... and they had been mustering their army in preparation for the devious tricks that the emperor has."
"Does this mean that the Uesugi Clan will go to war with Oda Clan?"
"Possibly. It may be possible for us to negotiate out of the war as well on the meeting tomorrow.... But until then, we'll just have to see."
"Right...."
"But for now, it's too risky for you to be in the palace. Sneak out by yourself, and regroup with the rest of our clan.... Tell them what you told me, and find someone else to serve as my bodyguard instead."
"I know which inn our clan members resides in but who am I going to get?"
"Find General Tamahara Oniwa, head of the Seven Spears of Uesugi. He came with us on this trip as well, even though he laid low for the entire trip."
"General Tamahara huh?... Alright, I'll find him. Sorry that I can't fulfill my role tomorrow, and good luck to you."
"I wish the same on you, Takina-san. Now go, before any of the guards capture you are throw you into the emperor's captivity-"
"I know I know, you don't have to go into the gruesome details!"
And so I departed from the restaurant towards the quarters to take my stuffs....
As I walked on the road, at the distance I saw a few guards looking around....
"Great, just my luck...." It'd be best for me to avoid all guards from now on.
Looking around me, I noticed a bunch of bushed nearby.... Without any hesitation, I dived right into the bush before the guard was able to see me.
'Rustle...'
The two guards walked down the road peacefully, doing their usual patrol as if nothing happened. I eavesdropped on them as they passes through....
"-I heard something happened at the Sakura Garden.... Apparently, the emperor was going to dine with that woman who saved him."
"Really? He rarely ever invites anyone to eat with him anyway.... The fact that he got someone from the Uesugi Clan - a potential enemy clan, must mean that he's interested in her."
"I guess so. But she's not half bad as well.... a beauty from the west, with red hair and a slim body. She could probably dominate you in bed as well, seeing as how she's so strong and can fight off 4 assassins by herself!"
"I bet she'd even make the emperor be the bottom one when they are doing it!" "Hahaha!" (2x)
I wish I could punch these two idiots right now.... But I'd best not expose myself.
Well it's not like they are incorrect though, I'd chain and beat the shit out of that guy should he take me to the bed- wait, why the hell did I imagine having sex with him?!
Luckily, it seems that the message of me slandering the Emperor haven't arrived at the common guard's ears. Not yet anyway.
After the guards got pass me, I quietly go out of the road and sneaked to the quarters where I packed my stuff.
_______________
(15 minutes later....)
'Thud!' With my luggage in hand, I climbed and vaulted over the shortest wall of the palace where I jumped off to the ground.
"Phew.... Climbing is harder than I thought...."
I'd go through the main gate but there are many guards there. I can't risk getting captured.
"Now then...."
Sora alongside roughly 40 other people from our clan went and stayed at an inn not far off from the palace. It'd take only a 5 minute walk for me to reach there-
As I was immersed in my own thoughts while standing in the middle of the crowded night streets, a figure passes by me walking the other direction.
When the corner of my eye caught sight of that young girl, I only had one word in mind.... White.
Her skin is pale like snow. Her hair is just as white as Lynn's. And I caught a glimpse of her eyes.... Red as blood.
Without a doubt, she's an albino.
But that's not all.... What made her so eye catching on top of her appearance is the long spear that she carries in her hand. Taller in length compared to herself, the spear is at least 1.7 meters long.
Her height is much smaller than that.... About 1.5 meters tall, slightly shorter than me. For such a small lady she sure is carrying a big weapon.
The lady continued walking without taking notice of me. Soon, she disappeared into the crowds in the street.
"...." She sure looked familiar though, even if I only saw her back.... Was it because of her uncanny resemblance to Lynn?
"....Whatever." I have no time to waste, I need to make my way to the inn.
Well at least I can confirm she's not Lynn.... Lynn has a much more intimidating aura, and is much taller than her. She also has some big boobs, about E or F in size! Compared to me and that girl just now, Lynn has us both beat without a chance to fight back....
___________________
It only took me 5 minutes to walk to the inn where Sora and the rest of our clan members are at.
At the front porch of the inn, I saw a familiar boy sitting on a bench placed in front of the inn. He has his head downwards, with his hands covering his face.
"Sniffs.... Sob...."
He's... crying...?
Hmm.... "Very well."
I put down my luggage on the ground and sat myself next to him.... Without saying anything, I hugged him with my arms.
"Wha.... Takina-san...?"
"I'm back. Did you missed me?" I said to him, with a faint smile.
".....Idiot."
He wiped his tears away without looking at me.... And then he looks at the opposite direction and said out. "I hate you...."
"Huhu, I know."
"...." Without saying anything, he immediately turned back and hugged me.
He was trying his best to hide his emotions but in the end he gave in.... All according to plans.
"....Isn't it difficult to move and... heavy?" He said to me, still burying his face in my arms.
"What do you mean?"
"Your kimono.... There's so many layers."
"Ah this.... Well, a little bit."
I still wonder why he's crying out here alone....
"So, what are you doing out here?"
"Well, putting it into words may be a bit hard.... impossible even. You'll have to see for yourself."
Sora stood up from the bench and headed inside.... In front of the door, he waved his hands at me as if gesturing me to "come in".
Upon entering the inn....
"Kanpai!!!" (?x)
There were almost 20 to 30 buff men in the main lobby of the inn, dressed in their underwear and emptying bottles of sake like it's plain water.
"This is not the answer I want or expected.... but it's interesting."
He's crying over some half naked guys drinking wine?
"It's not interesting!"
"Did they bully you? I'll beat the shit out of them if they did-"
"Oh, are you the lady who acted as Genji's bodyguard? What brings you here, and in these fancy clothes even?" One of the men in the inn spoke to me....
This guy is huge! It won't be a stretch to call him a "mountain of a man", because he is almost 2 heads taller than me! I bet he stands at least 190 cm tall....
"Mmm? She froze in place?"
"...Ahem. I'm looking for General Tamahara Oniwa, head of the Seven Spears. Do you know him?"
"Of course I know him, he's me."
"Ah.... Well, I have to ask you to-"
"Before you ask anything, you have to beat me first!"
"You mean in a fight?"
There's no god damned way I can beat him.
"I commend you for having a warrior's spirit, lady, but what I meant is booze! You must beat me in Rock Paper Scissors drinking game!"
"Takina-san.... They are trying to take advantage of you-"
"Hahaha, idiots! I'll let you know that you've challenged the wrong person to a drinking game!"
"Oh?! You heard her boys! Yet another challenger appears to compete with the champion - myself! Let's show her what we made of!"
"Yeah!!!" (?x)
"Bring it on, big guy! I'll show you who's the dancer lady that can out drink even the biggest man!"
"Takina-san.... I still hate you!"
_______________
(20 more minutes later....)
[Sora's POV]
Somehow, after Takina muttered a bunch of nonsense about another war coming up, she started drinking with the samurais like she's one of them.
They were playing a game of rock paper scissors where the loser has to drink a shot of sake.... And they've been going at it for almost half an hour.
Sometimes it feels like Takina-san is not even a girl.... More like a guy residing in a young girl's body. Well, what the hell am I saying of course she's a girl.....
In the end, she didn't even cared about what I was crying about....
(AN : She did.)
I stared out the window of the room in the inn, located at the third floor. The city is still brightly lit, it is 8 p.m. , just another hour later and everyone will be fast asleep.
"....." I wonder what is father and mother doing.... Have they finally convinced Lord Takeda to not take the Severance blade from my body?
I'd go back home with Takina-san, back to Edo to check up on chichiue and hahaue.... But it might still be too dangerous.
The whole reason I'm sent away is because the Takeda people can't be trusted anyway.... Why would I wander directly into their doorsteps?
But still.... I wanna just ignore everything and go home.... Why do I have to put up with the responsibility of carrying this cursed blade of mine?!
Can't they just seal the sword in that girl's body?! Why do they have to split it into two?! I hate you, chichiue and hahaue! Why have you burdened me with this terrible fate?!
As I got increasingly angry, the faint but familiar sound of a mumbling lady was heard from the outside.....
"-let me go! I can still drink! You perverted old man!"
"What are you saying? You are already this drunk, and I'm a woman like you!"
"No~.... I don't wanna sleep with you...! Stupid emperor! Inhuman monster!"
"Sheesh...."
"Sigh...." Just how much did she drink again?
'Goo!' I slide open the door and walked out to the hallway.
"Sora-kun, there you are!" Said the lady carrying Takina-san.
"It's alright, I'll handle her from now on...."
"Mmm? Sora-sama~? What are you doing- Hic!... in the palace...?"
"This is not the palace, Takina-san!" I said out as I walked forward and supported her in my hands.
"So heavy...!"
Almost breaking my back in the process, I dragged her corpse into my room where I prepared a second futon for her to sleep in.
"Here's her katana, Sora-kun.... She held it with an iron grip even while she's rambling off on her drunken spree, I had to fight her just to take it out."
"Haha, that sounds just like her! Thank you for carrying Takina-san all the way here."
"Naturally, we ladies got to look out for each other you know? Anyway, good night."
"Good night."
I closed the door and walked over to Takina, with a blanket in hand.
"Zzz...."
"Geez, it feels like I'm taking care of you more than you're taking care of me..."
When I put the blanket on her, she woke up once more.
"Mmm...? Sora....? Come 'ere...!"
'Grab!' She grabbed my hand?! "Wha-?!"
And then she pulled me into her futon.... Hugging me in her sleep and pressing my face into her chest.
It's soft.
"H-hey! You're too close-"
"I'm so sowwy about leaving you alone.... You were cryin' because your lonely.... right...?" She said as she gently cradled my head as if I'm her very own blood brother.
"....Mmm."
"I'll be here for you.... So.... Promise me not to cry anymo' okay...?"
"....Mmm."
"Listen~... I hate the empwror! He's a perverted old man! He's annoying! And he's a monster! He's a scum! I wanna punch his face in and kick his groin!"
That's.... interesting. Something must've happened to her and the emperor then, since there's no way she'll just randomly leave Genji's side.
"....I-I see."
"But~ You're kind.... You're cute.... And you're warm.... I like ywu, Sora-sama.... Nothin' romantic o' course.... but.... I like you...."
She hugs me even tighter in her arms as she rests her chin on my head.
"Sheesh... I'll get embarrassed you know? I'm still a boy...."
"Zzz...."
"Asleep again huh? It can't be helped then, I'll become your hug pillow.... tonight."
Her hug is.... warm. I've never felt this safe and wanted for a while and I don't want anyone or anything to disturb us for now....
"Maybe carrying this cursed sword inside my body is not so bad afterall...."
After all, if it wasn't for this collection of this coincidence, I'd not have met Takina-san.
Fine.... Takina, I promise you.
"...I'll not cry again as long as you're by my side."
(Chapter end)