Editing Horizon:GT3 Chapter13

==Chapter 13: First Move and Victory==
[[Image:Horizon_GT3_p295.jpg|thumb]]
''Listen

''What matters here

''Is that Tsukinowa

''Is mimicking me

'''Point Allocation (Super Cute)

●

Masazumi made the first move. Before Suden could do anything, she opened a sign frame displaying all thirteen articles.

'''1. Dedicate yourselves to literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship.

::::'''Work at cultural and military skills, mkay?

'''2. Show restraint in drink and amusement.

::::'''Don’t be a drunk or a lazy bum, mkay?

'''3. Do not harbor those who violate the Shohatto.

::::'''Report anyone who disobeys these laws, mkay?

'''4. Rebels and killers must not be employed and must be expelled.

::::'''No hiring terrorists or murderers, mkay?

'''5. People of other domains must not be employed.

::::'''No hiring people from other domains, mkay?

'''6. Building new castles and repairing old castles without advance notice is forbidden.

::::'''No building or fixing castles without letting us know, mkay?

'''7. Report any in neighboring domains who are plotting rebellion.

::::'''Report any rebels you notice, even if they’re with your neighbors, mkay?

'''8. Marriage without permission is forbidden.

::::'''The buke can’t get married without our permission, mkay?

'''9. Each daimyo must periodically visit Edo to serve the shogunate.

::::'''Come visit us from time to time, mkay?

'''10. Follow the rules for clothing based on status.

::::'''We’ll choose the fashions for different kinds of people, mkay?

'''11. Restrict who can ride a palanquin regardless of status.

::::'''Don’t squander money riding around on palanquins all the time, mkay?

'''12. Be frugal.

::::'''Don’t waste money, mkay?

'''13. Domain leaders must choose capable people for government roles.

::::'''Domain leaders need to focus on skill and capability when filling government jobs, mkay?

“Ishin Suden, this is our reading of the 13 articles from your Buke Shohatto. If you have no objections, I would like to discuss what form they will take.”

●

''It’s finally started,'' thought Suzu, taking a deep breath. But…

…''M-me being…nervous…doesn’t help any…does it?

She just had one major question.

“How are we…supposed to handle…a debate like this?”

It was Gin who responded. While checking a few sign frames she had been given, providing the details of what had happened so far.

“We have determined that, for whatever reason, Ishin Suden is planning to restrict the other nations using the Buke Shohatto. However, Musashi has protested restrictions of that sort, so Musashi must accept the Buke Shohatto as a history recreation while also changing what is open to interpretation.

“Meaning,” continued Gin. “The 13 articles brought by Ishin Suden are meant to protect the Far East’s rule, but they are ''too much'' for the future Musashi wants.”

And…

“The Musashi Vice President is using this debate to weaken her allies’ excessive power while using our opinions to create a version of the 13 articles that can be used to work with the other nations.”

“That’s right,” replied Mary, who had changed into her English uniform. The specifics of the 13 articles being determined here would influence her relationship with Tenzou and where she could live, but she showed no timidity here. “Lady Masazumi told me earlier that she will be engaging in 13 arguments, so I only need to watch the two of them pit their arguments against each other each time. Even if I do not understand what they are talking about, I will be safe as long as she wins.”

''Couldn’t you explain that a little more to her, Masazumi?

●

With the 13 articles displayed, Masazumi was ready to fight.

…''This includes Neshinbara’s notes, but that should help put her on her guard.

Suden wanted the 13 articles to be enacted “as is”.

Her reasons and purposes behind influencing this in that direction were unclear, but if these were enacted in their current form, it would lead to considerable hostility toward Musashi from the other nations. It would also directly influence Mary’s life as well as some others.

…''So even if I can’t tear it all down, there is room for interpretation!

It helped a lot that they had made it this far using interpretations. Maybe they were being too idealistic, but this was Musashi’s policy. They had chosen that policy, so they had to stick to it even if it meant betrayal from the other nations.

'''Vice President:''' “We’ve chosen a really pain-in-the-ass national policy, haven’t we?”

'''Novice:''' “But we announced it at Mikawa and applied to England. We prevent abuse of the history recreation and use interpretations to their fullest, but the Buke Shohatto are the opposite of that. Even if we do make them our own, we will lose the trust of the other nations if we don’t prevent them from being abused and don’t allow interpretations.”

She knew that.

…''But Suden knows what she’s doing.

Suden knew how to twist her own opinion and use alternate interpretations to get her way.

That was why Masazumi had displayed clear definitions. That way, at least, Suden couldn’t twist the original text.

“What do you say?”

They were surrounded by the colors of scarlet-tinged shadow. They were on the starboard side, which currently meant west. The sun was setting, but the Musashi’s altitude wasn’t low enough for the sunset to fall upon the Asama Shrine’s belowdecks atrium.

The Asama Shrine was bathed in shadow at this time. So when they looked to each other, they saw the other within the shadows.

This masked their expressions. The atrium structure turned sunset into a haunted time of day.

Suden’s voice rose from within that.

“I see no mistake in these 13 articles. …I assume you have also considered the supplementary items in the actual articles?”

“Judge. We have. For example, the actual Article 2 includes a supplementary restriction on lewdness and gambling, but we have simply chosen not to display that here.”

“Testament. Very good then. So what now? I would like to proceed with the articles as they are. And you said yesterday that you would not relax these restrictions to avoid trouble with other nations, didn’t you?”

“Judge,” replied Masazumi. “We will not relax any of these restrictions to avoid trouble with other nations.”

She repeated the phrase to recognize Suden’s intent.

And Suden responded with an “oh?”

“You have an idea, don’t you? One that won’t let this go my way.”

“Judge. Because these 13 articles will go into effect once we of the Far East have taken over the world.”

“Hah! I hope you aren’t about to suggest you’ll give up taking over the world in order to keep the 13 articles from going into effect as a way for me and the world as a whole to save face.”

“We will not be doing that. We will take over the world. Because our idiot doesn’t have a light enough touch to understand walking right up to the line and not crossing it.. …But I do have a question.”

Masazumi ignored the “what kind of question?” look directed her way and responded.

“Do you think we will complete the history recreation properly on our way to taking over the world?”

“Not a chance.” Suden didn’t hesitate. “You already used interpretations to oppose the Testament Union at Mikawa. The Testament Union also used interpretations to a pretty ridiculous extent, but you did the same. And you did it again at England. So at this point, it simply isn’t possible for you to take over the world without interpretations.”

“Judge. I see. In that case…”

Just as Masazumi was about to continue, Suden jabbed her index finger down onto the table.

“Are you saying you’ll allow the other nations to ‘interpret’ these 13 articles in the same way you do?”

Suden laughed.

“Fool. Do you really expect me to allow that!? Think these things through, coward!”

●

'''Art-Ga:''' “Oof.”

'''Horizey:''' “I am listening in while grabbing some popcorn in the neighboring tent, but does this mean Masazumi-sama will be hitting her with a bad one in about 3 minutes’ time!? Make it a really devastating one!”

'''Me:''' “Hmm? Hold on, Seijun-kun. What’s this about you not thinking it through? Maybe you need to read some more books? Or get more social experience?”

'''Vice President:''' “Sh-shut up! She’s saying we can’t change our attitude or our view of the issue! So just watch!”

●

Suden watched the Musashi Vice President breathe deep.

Did this mean she had a response for Suden’s accusation?

But Suden did know one thing for sure.

“Testament. So you plan to officially put my 13 articles into effect while secretly not applying them to the world, is that right?”

“I’m not sure what you mean, Ishin Suden.”

…''Trying to play dumb?

“Then you’re agreeing to all 13 articles and this meeting is over? That’s what this will mean.”

“Judge. That’s fine with me if it is with you. …But are you sure about that?”

“What if I say I am?”

“Then to establish the history recreation of the Buke Shohatto’s 13 articles, I was thinking I would issue a single article as a trial.”

“As a trial?”

The girl nodded in the shadows.

“These 13 articles were decided by Ishin Suden, aka Urban VIII. So they must be good, right? So to see how they work in practice, I was thinking we could recreate one of the articles ahead of time.”

The Musashi Vice President tapped a spot on her sign frame. The very top. The article there said…

'''1. Dedicate yourselves to literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship.

“I want to issue this one early.”

●

Suden froze.

She became a being only capable of breathing and directing her eyes.

Because she needed to work out what the Musashi Vice President’s angle was here.

And perhaps to assist her, the Musashi Vice President spoke.

“Literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship. This effectively means to regularly practice both literary and martial skills plus anything that will be useful in wartime. In this age, this one should fit right in for any nation, whether they are engaged in the Warring States or the Thirty Years’ War.”

That much was true. Suden had also felt that a few of the articles would fit right in during this era and for Tsirhc.

This was one of those, but…

…''She wouldn’t bring it up now unless there was some trick hidden in it.

Suden needed to consider Musashi’s strategy.

…''They intend to recognize each nation’s discretion.

Their strategy was to allow interpretations to reduce the articles’ restrictions to mere guidelines.

If that happened, the other nations could remain safe even after Musashi completed this history recreation. The breadth of a nation’s discretion would split the nations between those that benefited under Musashi’s rule and those that did not.

“Testament. So that’s it.”

Suden finally allowed herself to move.

“'''1. Dedicate yourselves to literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship.''' This would fit right in for any nation during the current era. But not all nations have the same options when it comes to literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship. And the extent they can ‘dedicate themselves’ to those things differs as well. This article and its supplementary item cannot be realistically followed based on a strict definition of dedication and of the listed skills.”

What happened then?”

“Each nation would be given the discretion to follow Article 1 as a mere guideline. And then, when the remaining 12 articles are issued later on, those too will naturally be followed at each nation’s discretion. …Isn’t that right?”

●

Next to Asama, Mitotsudaira watched Masazumi’s back as she realized where this discussion was headed.

…''So Suden figured out our policy is to make the 13 articles discretionary.

'''Silver Wolf:''' “By the way, should I really be here? Wouldn’t Futayo be a better choice?”

'''Vice President:''' “Judge. She used to be Urban VIII, but now she’s Ishin Suden, no more than a civil official. Placing our Vice Chancellor against someone without a bodyguard could be taken as a hostile act.”

'''Asama:''' “And given the location, I was chosen to record the proceedings instead of Neshinbara-kun. Mito, you can help me with that to an extent and you’re really here to guard me and the Asama Shrine more than anything.”

'''Tonbokiri:''' “I am currently in the surface nature district overlooking the Asama Shrine to ensure there is no repeat of yesterday’s attack.”

'''Novice:''' “And I am providing knowledge support. Open a dedicated sign frame and you can get real-time information from me.”

…''Oh, so the Secretary is the one behind the sign frame displaying endless theories as if to say “Look at everything I noticed. Eh heh heh.”

With that, Mitotsudaira understood their formation and strategy. Now she only had to see how this would play out. But…

'''Novice:''' “Really, it would be safer to restrict the other nations to wear them down. That was the original point of the 13 articles, after all.”

'''Silver Wolf:''' “But that would mean rejecting Musashi’s usage of interpretations, allowing a convenient way to ‘erase’ the things we’ve done.”

'''Tachibana Wife:''' “So the question is whether to prioritize your own safety or your trustworthiness and rationality. Ishin Suden has chosen the former while Musashi has chosen the latter. But…why has Ishin Suden chosen the former?”

''That is a good question,'' thought Mitotsudaira.

…''Why is she so insistent on making more enemies like this?

Mitotsudaira sent a questioning gaze toward Suden who sighed. After the audible breath, she crossed her arms and formed words.

“Discretion? I’m not allowing that. If you want people to dedicate themselves to literature, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship, ''you need to define your terms.'' What are you recommending? How exactly are they meant to dedicate themselves to those things and to what extent? Don’t leave it up to their discretion – provide instruction. That way you can place the other nations’ military forces under your control and subservient to your own. Can’t you see that giving them discretionary freedom will only lead to them using broad interpretations to bolster their military forces!?”

○

'''Circle Be:''' “Fantastic! I wish I could talk to the customers like that!”

'''Flat Vassal:''' “I thought you did, just not quite so directly.”

'''Still Got It:''' “Now, I know I’m playing the Suden role…but could you really do that?”

'''Tachibana Wife:''' “Judge, we can. After taking over the world, we could demand just about anything.”

●

Masazumi listened to Suden.

“Have you forgotten!? Or did you just not notice because you’re not in that position!? There’s already a way of defining and controlling the world nations’ military forces!”

Masazumi knew what Suden was talking about. So she responded.

“Do you mean the academies?”

“Yes, the academies!!”

The reflexive response came with a raised-eyebrow smile.

“The current academy system was put in place by the provisional ruling nations. Once you take over the world, you need only place that system under Far Eastern management! Then it just becomes an issue of curriculum! Literature can be taught in classes and controlled through the textbooks! Swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship can be included as part of the curriculum! And if any further military forces are needed, the Far East can provide them! That’s all it takes! Then the other nations lose their military might and the Far East can tighten its grip by sending forces to the national borders ‘for security’. And with your physical education making the entire world healthier, no one has any room to complain! Give up yet!?”

Masazumi wasn’t quite sure what to make of that last question, but it did seem to fit her character. Also…

'''Circle Be:''' “Oh! That’s a great idea! As the ones choosing the approved textbooks and equipment, we can make tons and tons of money from the sales! Let’s do it! I sense profit, Masazumi! Can I side with her!?”

'''Vice President:''' “Aren’t you being a little open about your treachery!?”

But Masazumi did have something else to say.

“Doing that for the Far East is one thing, but defining what can be taught in other nations’ academies is the same as rejecting their cultures and overwriting them with Far Eastern culture!”

Also…

“If we did that, the entire world would work towards abandoning the 13 articles. It could even lead to a war with the entire world opposing the Far East. What’s the point of creating a law that would end so quickly?”

“Fool! This is why cowards can never take the first step!”

Suden uncrossed her arms and slammed her hands against the table. She sighed before continuing.

“That’s what the Buke Shohatto are! Bad laws!? Unworkable!? Foreign culture!? Who cares!? These laws were issued in the Far East in the past and many domains were punished or even taken over for violating them! And now we’re the ones doing it! So you need to be ready!”

Furthermore…

“Listen! Think carefully! My 13 articles will not be abandoned! Why can’t you see that we can use the promise of future hope as bait? Answer me, Far Eastern Representative!”

●

…''Huh? They won’t be abandoned? Hope as bait?

''What is she talking about?'' wondered Masazumi.

…''Is she saying we can bait them into keeping these bad laws in effect?

What bait was there regarding the Buke Shohatto?

“The revision to the Buke Shohatto!?”

“Testament! My 13 article Buke Shohatto was issued in 1615, but they were issued again in 1635! That version was more restrictive than my version and created an even greater hell, but it isn’t mine. Do you get what I mean!? It isn’t mine! Not M-I-N-E – mine! So the nations hoping to do what they want will see that as their hope. If they follow the Far East and Urban VIII’s bad laws for just 20 years, they think they’ll be back in control!”

Suden pounded on the table again.

“How about that!? For 20 years, the Far East can push for its own interests and reap the benefits. And when the next Buke Shohatto – the one with 19 articles – comes along, then you can play your games when it comes to those restrictions! It couldn’t be more perfectly set up, so why hesitate!?”

●

Adele heard Suden’s dignified voice ringing out through the tent’s cloth wall.

…''Now that is a voice that carries.

Behind her, Ohiroshiki sighed deeply.

“The precious sound of a little girl voice. …Oh, if only she wasn’t a loli hag.”

“Is Ishin Suden-san really that old?”

“Judge.” Ohiroshiki put on a firm smile. “”But based on her voice and the lung capacity used to lay out her words, her body seems to be that of a child. However, her knowledge, her wisdom to link that knowledge together, and the way she verbally wields that knowledge comes much more smoothly than your average adult. So while she looks like a child, she is an adult – or even older – on the inside.”

“Is she an automaton like me, Ohiroshiki-sama?” asked Horizon.

“Creating little girl automata is challenging and her movements are those of a child’s musculature, not of mechanical control. I suspect this is the result of body modifications by a divine protection or spell.”

“That’s impressive, but schwarz creepy, Piroshki.”

“Yes. It’s incredible, but weiss creepy, Ohiroshiki.”

“Why is it always you two!?” shouted Ohiroshiki as someone else stirred. It was the 1st Special Duty Officer. He turned to face Mary where she sat next to him.

Adele looked over to see Mary’s head was lowered and her expression tense.

“What’s the matter, Mary-dono?”

“Well, um…I’m not certain, but this seems to fit with a question and hope I’ve had for a while now.”

While Adele wondered what that could mean, a new question arrived.

From the Vice President. A sign frame appeared in front of them all.

'''Vice President:''' “What’s going on here? Suden is compromising?”

●

''That’s right,'' thought Mary, agreeing with Masazumi.

…''Before, all Lady Ishin Suden did was tell us what she wanted to do and demand we obey.

But this was different.

'''Asama:''' “She said the Far East can push for its own interests and reap the benefits for 20 years.”

Mary saw that as a compromise. Suden had been pushing for her own benefit and for the accuracy of the history recreation, but now she had pulled back from that.

'''Scarred:''' “She’s said a lot now, but ultimately she’s saying we ''only need to'' follow the 13 articles for ''20 years''.”

But why the change of heart? Why suddenly compromise on the length of time?

●

Masazumi read Asama and Mary’s thoughts and realized her shoulders were tensing.

…''Oops.

She had had a few doubts and concerns, but this compromise seemed to start linking them together.

This was a risky situation, but she felt the need to take the first step. So…

“Ishin Suden, I have a question. What obstacle currently stands in your way?”

Suden looked up. She had been sharply glaring up at Masazumi before, but now she viewed her head on.

“Your silly ideas of justice. Your silly cowardice saying the conditions should be identical for you and the other nations. If you want to call that equality or fairness, then the laws and regulations governing culture must also be made equal and fair. Understand?”

“Judge, I understand. And I agree we need to form an international committee to come up with a common curriculum with the bare minimum of knowledge and skills that should be taught alongside that nation’s own culture. I believe the two can coexist.

“But,” she added. “I would like to set aside our ideas of justice for now.”

“And do what?”

She wanted to check something. Immediately.

…''About Ishin Suden herself.

Masazumi wanted to know what Suden was thinking, how she was acting, and what she wanted. Of course, Suden wasn’t the type to answer a direct question. So instead…

“I want to know what you will do with the 13 articles.”

●

Suden scooted forward in her chair.

“Hmph. So with your justice set aside, you’re finally willing to hear me out?”

Even as she spoke, she thought to herself.

…''Has she figured it out? She does seem sharp when it comes to the workings of people’s minds.

''Whatever,'' she decided, eliminating her concerns. She was honestly making a gamble here, but the other side hadn’t figured out what really mattered. If she kept pushing, she could get through this. Also…

…''Innocen and his group are on my side.

It wasn’t perfect, but she could ''hold her position''. This would have unraveled faster if she were on her own.

If she contacted them later on, she knew she had to warn them to not put on an unconvincing act. But…

“Very well.”

It was time to compare their views of the 13 articles.

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