Difference between revisions of "Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 9 Illustrations"
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| − | The manor stood atop the hill that overlooked the village. The manor was |
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| − | designed differently to the other houses they saw on their way. The manor |
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| − | itself had 3 different buildings lined up in a triangle connected by corridors, |
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| − | with a large building in the middle of said triangle. |
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| − | The dignified looking structure was the inner shrine, where sacred rituals and |
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| − | ceremonies to bond spirits took place. |
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| − | “This way.” |
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| − | After parking the car, Shuuya led Basara and the others down a long corridor. |
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| − | Basara could feel the air around him being purified with each step he took. It |
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| − | meant that they were closing in on the most sacred of places within this holy |
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| − | area. |
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| − | But something was off. |
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| − | As he trailed Shuuya, there was a nagging feeling at the back of his mind. |
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| − | The Hero Clan gets their power from signing pacts with the spirits and |
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| − | mythical creatures. So more than anything, the Hero Clan is careful not to |
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| − | corrupt or expose the spirits and the creatures to any impurities. |
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| − | When the Hero Clan attacked Mio that one time, the reason why Takashi and |
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| − | Shiba set up a dimensional barrier to create a copy of the city, was to keep thefight away from the forests and nature where a lot of the spirits reside. That |
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| − | was the lengths they are willing to take in order to ensure that the spirits |
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| − | aren’t corrupted. |
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| − | Yet, the place they were heading to now, “The Ceremonial Chamber” was |
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| − | one of the most sacred sites in the Village. Of course, by going there, the |
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| − | sheer sanctity of the chamber may be enough to seal away Takigawa and |
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| − | Mio’s power all together. But it will also mean exposing the chamber itself to |
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| − | demons, which will threaten its sanctimony. |
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| − | If they were using the chamber to accommodate the Hearing Officer from the |
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| − | Vatican tomorrow, Basara would understand the reasoning for using the |
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| − | Ceremonial Chamber. But if it’s just to repress Mio and Takigawa’s demonic |
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| − | spirit, then they could have easily set up a separate holy dimension |
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| − | elsewhere. |
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| − | Then why would they use the chamber? |
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| − | Because the elders have other plans. That was the only logical conclusion that |
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| − | Basara could think of. And whatever that other plan was, they were about to |
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| − | find out. |
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| − | Mio let out a slight gasp and Basara turned to see her worried face. Of course |
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| − | she was afraid. She was nervous when she visited the Demon World. But |
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| − | back then, they knew that they had their supporters within the Moderates |
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| − | Faction. But now? Mio was going to face people who didn’t see Naruse Mio. |
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| − | She was going to engage with people who only see her as the daughter of the |
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| − | previous Demon Lord, Wilbert. And to top it all off, she was about to see |
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| − | them in the most sacred location in the Village.In contrast, Takigawa looked just like he always did. His life as a spy, always |
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| − | slipping behind enemy lines sure have prepared him for moments like this. |
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| − | No wonder both Ramusas and Leohart put so much faith in his abilities. But |
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| − | it would be nonsensical to expect Mio to display the same amount of calm. |
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| − | So Basara put his hand on Mio’s shoulder and gave her a small reassuring |
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| − | grip and a thin smile. |
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| − | Without saying anything, he told her that everything was going to be alright. |
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| − | And just like that, Mio’s nerves disappeared and she returned a smile of her |
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| − | own. |
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| − | “Are you guys ready?” |
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| − | Basara and the others nodded to Shuuya’s question, and he turned to face the |
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| − | double doors at the end of their path. |
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| − | “Please excuse me. I have brought Toujou Basara, Naruse Mio, and the one |
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| − | who calls himself the special envoy.” |
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| − | “…Enter”. |
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| − | With the command from the raspy voice from across the door, Shuuya |
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| − | pushed open the double doors and they made their way in.PART 2 |
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| − | Mio was taken back by the Ceremonial Chamber. To keep its sanctity, there |
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| − | was not a single window in the chamber. Nor were there any lights or |
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| − | candles. Yet, there was a warmth and glow in the room. |
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| − | “Oh…” |
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| − | Mio saw the source of the warm glow of the room. She saw some items |
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| − | places in the four corners of the chamber. And one of them, she definitely |
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| − | recognized. The long white spear was the weapon used by Hayase Takashi to |
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| − | try and kill her. |
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| − | Byakko. |
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| − | The tranquil way it lay in its corner was very different to the out-of-control |
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| − | spear she remembered. |
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| − | That meant that the other three weapons lying in their respective corners must |
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| − | be “Suzaku”, “Seiryuu” and “Genbu”. Judging by the layout of the room, the |
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| − | weapon to the left of Byakko should be Suzaku, with Genbu to the right. And |
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| − | Seiryuu across the room on the other side. |
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| − | The sanctity of this chamber was most likely brought from the existence of |
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| − | the four weapons. And it would explain why spirits found it easy to relax and |
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| − | sign pacts in this chamber.Surprisingly, even with her demon blood, Mio didn’t feel like the chamber |
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| − | was rejecting her. Although the large room did have a slight chill in the air. |
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| − | “You’re…. Here.” |
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| − | In front of them, sitting on a slightly elevated platform, were three old men. |
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| − | The one in the middle was the one who spoke. The old men were exactly like |
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| − | how Basara described them to be before they arrived at the Village. |
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| − | They were the Three Elders who governed the Hero Clan of Japan. |
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| − | Which would mean, that it was these three men, who drove out Basara and |
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| − | Jin from the Village 5 years ago. |
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| − | Mio cares very deeply for Basara. And no matter the reason, she just couldn’t |
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| − | find it in her to trust these men who made Basara suffer so much. |
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| − | But that being said, if Basara was never driven out of the Village, the two of |
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| − | them would have never met. And even if they did meet, if the circumstances |
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| − | were different, they may have even been enemies. The irony of all of this |
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| − | might just be something she can never really figure out. |
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| − | However, it wasn’t just Basara and Mio. All of them were raised in the most |
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| − | ironic of situations. Sisters who live with the outcast and demons while |
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| − | serving the Village, a succubus who had to betray her master in order to save |
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| − | her own mother, a daughter created by a monster who now lives as a maid. |
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| − | And it is because of such ironies, that they are all able to live together. |
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| − | Overcoming many trials together and surviving together.But what if this was the trial they couldn’t overcome? What if the Village |
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| − | didn’t accept them for what they were? Mio was lost in her nervousness when |
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| − | she was interrupted. |
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| − | “What are you doing just standing there? Come here.” |
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| − | The Elder on the left spoke in his rough voice. |
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| − | Shuuya approached the platform then sat on his heels right in front of it. Mio |
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| − | and the others also walked towards where Shuuya was sitting. |
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| − | “Well, you lot should take a seat as well. You must have been tired from your |
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| − | long trip.” |
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| − | With that, Mio and the others all sat down as well, with Basara sitting |
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| − | between Yuki and Mio, and Kurumi sitting next to Yuki. While they all sat |
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| − | on their heels in the polite Japanese manner, Takigawa opted to sit with his |
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| − | legs crossed on the floor. |
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| − | “Hey! Takigawa…” |
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| − | Mio hissed at his rudeness. |
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| − | “Let him sit as he wishes.” |
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| − | The elder ignored Mio’s hiss and looked at Takigawa. |
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| − | “You must be the special envoy from the Demons that Shuuya spoke about. I |
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| − | heard that the two factions decided to send you here. They did…strongly |
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| − | insist.”While the elder spoke in a joking manner, it was nothing but, and suddenly |
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| − | tension in the room became thick. |
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| − | “Yea well, both Basacchi and the old man there said the same thing too. But |
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| − | ya know, I’m just a lowly henchmen. The higher ups wanted me here so here |
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| − | I am. If you guys wanna complain, please direct your anger their way.” |
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| − | “Well, depending on the contents of your top secret document, we might just |
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| − | do that.” |
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| − | After saying so, the Elder in the middle turned to Mio. |
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| − | “So you must be the daughter of Wilbert.” |
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| − | “….” |
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| − | Mio couldn’t say anything. For she saw in their eyes, something very cold. |
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| − | When Elders in the Hero Tribe assume their position, they are given a name |
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| − | for their position. The Elder in the middle must be “Fuji”, and the Elder on |
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| − | his right being “Kumano” and the Elder on his left, “Atsuta”. Their names are |
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| − | chosen from the 3 mountains of Japan where the gods are said to reside. |
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| − | Ancient China also worshiped 4 different gods. When their culture came over |
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| − | to Japan a long time ago, Japan also started to worship the 4 deities from |
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| − | China. And they are now represented by the 4 weapons in this very chamber. |
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| − | It was no accident that 3 Japanese gods were chosen along with the 4 Chinese |
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| − | gods. By having even and odd numbers, there are no power struggles |
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| − | between the two groups, which means that any additional dimensional barrier |
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| − | created by the gods will not negate each other. Further to that, together they |
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| − | form the number 7. 7, as is displayed in the number of days, holds a veryspecial power on its own, and it was this type of power that led to the |
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| − | powerful barrier protecting the Village. |
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| − | Mio maintained her silence as she stared at the Elders. While she could not |
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| − | hide her nervousness, she wasn’t scared. After having faced the likes of |
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| − | Ramusas, Leohart, Belphegor and Zolgear, she has built up some tolerance |
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| − | towards things that scare her. |
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| − | And of course, she has Basara with her. Yuki and Kurumi too. And Zest and |
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| − | Maria were not too far either. So there was nothing to fear. |
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| − | As if to see through Mio’s strength, Fuji spoke up. |
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| − | “Ahh… I see. That’s how it is.” |
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| − | He stroked his beard with his right hand. |
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| − | “Well then…” |
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| − | And with these words, the meeting began. All the Elders faced the man |
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| − | sitting next to Mio. |
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| − | “It’s been a while… Basara.”PART 3 |
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| − | “Yes, it’s nice to see you sir.” |
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| − | Basara bowed as he greeted the Elder. Then Atsuta and Kumano also chimed |
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| − | in. |
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| − | “I guess it’s been 5… no, 6 years.” |
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| − | “We were receiving reports but you look like you’ve been doing well.” |
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| − | “…Yes I have.” |
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| − | Basara was controlling the way he spoke. Not just to show politeness to the |
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| − | Elders who he hasn’t seen in a long time, but also to keep his own feelings in |
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| − | check. There will be nothing gained by having the Hero Clan as their enemy. |
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| − | But there was indeed something strange. |
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| − | While it was strange enough that the Ceremonial Chamber was chosen for |
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| − | this meeting. But there was a more pressing issue. |
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| − | Where were the guards? |
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| − | If they were to count Yuki and Kurumi on Basara’s side, the Hero Clan only |
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| − | have the Elders and Shuuya. And while the chamber will negate a lot of |
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| − | attacks, that still didn’t remove Mio and Takigawa as threats. And withBasara’s Banishing Shift was the very reason he was driven out of the Village |
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| − | in the first place. |
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| − | There is absolutely no reason as to why they wouldn’t have guards. |
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| − | Especially with the Elders being unable to fight. This wasn’t because they |
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| − | were powerless however. After all, they did rise to the position of Elder |
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| − | through their strengths. It was because their powers being used to uphold the |
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| − | various dimensional barriers to protect the Village from the outside world. |
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| − | But that meant that the only one capable of fighting was Shuuya. Of course, |
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| − | Shuuya was no pushover. In the war he was second to Jin in strength, and that |
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| − | was the reason for their close friendship. So they had to avoid fighting |
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| − | Shuuya at all costs. But Basara knew that Shuuya had taken a back seat from |
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| − | combat ever since he lost his eye in the war, the eyepatch on his left eye a |
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| − | testament of his loss. |
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| − | The worst case scenario for the Elders would be if Basara and the rest all |
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| − | decided to attack them at once. |
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| − | While Basara had no intention to do that whatsoever, was it really wise for |
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| − | the Elders to leave Shuuya as the sole individual responsible for their well |
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| − | being? In order to maintain the dimensional barriers and to protect the |
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| − | Village, the Elders are supposed to prioritize their own safety foremost. But |
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| − | currently, the only ones in the chamber were the Elders themselves and |
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| − | Shuuya. |
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| − | In that case…they must have prepared some sort of “insurance”. |
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| − | And so, Basara started to think of the various plans he would have made if he |
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| − | were in the Elders’ shoes.“You don’t have to be so alert.” |
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| − | Fuji spoke as if looking right through him. |
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| − | “It is true that we have had our ‘disagreements’ in the past… and it is true |
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| − | that we have invited you here to this place. I can understand that there are a |
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| − | lot of things that are going through your mind at the moment.” |
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| − | “But I hope you believe us when we say that we no longer have any intention |
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| − | to draw our blades on you.” |
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| − | “Well…at least for now. If the situation arises, that will be a matter for then.” |
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| − | Kumano chuckled at Atsuta’s joke at the end before staring at Basara. |
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| − | “It’s been 8 months since you and Jin took in that girl… and your |
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| − | circumstances have been changing and we too, have been adjusting to your |
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| − | situation.” |
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| − | “…I see.” |
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| − | “We have been receiving reports from Yuki and Kurumi. But living with you |
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| − | and spending time with you, their feelings are bound to become softer.” |
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| − | Fuji continued. |
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| − | “And so, for things to continue, we decided that it would be for the best if we |
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| − | saw for ourselves how you guys are, in order for us to pass any judgment.” |
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| − | “I understand.”Basara nodded in understanding. Of course he wasn’t just going to take what |
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| − | Fuji just said with open arms. He was certain that the Elders were definitely |
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| − | plotting something from this. But he will find a way out of this. |
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| − | Atsuta took over from Fuji. |
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| − | “Well then… why don’t you tell us about the things that have happened so |
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| − | far? The things you’ve been doing since you left the Village and how you’ve |
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| − | been living your life.”PART 4 |
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| − | Per the request of the Elders, Mio and Basara spoke about their past. Yuki |
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| − | Nonaka, stood beside Basara, listening to their story. About how Basara lived |
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| − | after being driven out of the Village. How Mio grew up as a human and being |
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| − | loved by her parents. |
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| − | The Elders simply nodded while they listened. They didn’t say anything, but |
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| − | their eyes were sharp and they were analyzing each and every word to make |
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| − | sure there were no holes in their stories. |
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| − | Yuki already knew all this. Not only her, but Kurumi, and Zest and Maria as |
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| − | well. After all, they were a big family living together in the same house. Just |
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| − | because the problem at the Demon World was solved for now, didn’t mean |
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| − | that they wouldn’t have to face any challenges in the future. So in order to |
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| − | deepen their bonds and get to know each other better, the girls have all told |
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| − | each other about their story and their background. And that indeed gave birth |
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| − | to the strong bond that they all shared. |
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| − | “And so, last summer, my father told me that he was getting remarried and |
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| − | that was when I met Mio and Maria for the first time.” |
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| − | They finally got to the part where they met. From here on out, they will have |
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| − | to be careful on what information they disclose. After all, there were some |
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| − | things that were best kept away from the Elders. But Mio and Basara will |
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| − | never mix in a lie. They will simply omit some parts of their story.Basara did not want to betray the Village. While it is true that they did |
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| − | ostracize him and it is true that many in the Village do hate him, for Basara, |
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| − | the Village was still the home that he grew up in. And it was still very dear to |
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| − | him. |
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| − | But they did have to cover their tracks. Since the moment they were |
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| − | summoned by the Village, Basara and the others got together to discuss what |
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| − | they will omit from their stories. What they decided not to disclose was |
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| − | Basara and Takigawa’s various dealings, the Master-Servant contract |
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| − | between Basara and the girls, and about the identity regarding Basara’s |
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| − | mother. |
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| − | Yuki and Kurumi also made sure to not cover these topics whenever they |
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| − | made their routine reports to the Village. After all, there will be suspicion |
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| − | placed on them if their reports and the stories here didn’t match up. |
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| − | “…And that is a summary of all the things that occurred.” |
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| − | Basara finished by talking about the peace treaty between the Moderate |
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| − | Faction and Current Demon Lord Faction in the Demon World. He also told |
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| − | them that Kurumi and Yuki took part in the fight as members of the Moderate |
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| − | Faction. |
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| − | But this was something the Nonaka sisters have already informed the Elders |
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| − | about. They reasoned that taking part in the fight in the Demon World, will |
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| − | end the conflict there and will prevent demons from coming to the Human |
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| − | World to try and hunt down Mio. They made sure to emphasize that they |
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| − | fought in the battle to represent the Hero Tribe and to ensure that the Human |
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| − | World was kept away from danger. And they also made included that Mio |
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| − | has better control of the powers she inherited from Wilbert and evensuggested that, while they wouldn’t go as far as to suggest that she be |
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| − | removed from the watch list, but have Kurumi and Yuki continue to observe |
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| − | her. |
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| − | “….I see.” |
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| − | Kumano nodded in understanding. |
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| − | “I think I have a clearer picture of your situation now. And if the two factions |
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| − | in the demon world did indeed sort out their quarrel, it would explain why |
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| − | they sent their special envoy here.” |
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| − | Atsuta also chimed in. |
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| − | “If what you say is true and they are indeed moving towards peace, that |
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| − | would be a historic change for the Demon World.” |
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| − | While stroking his impressive beard, Fuji looked Basara in the eye. |
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| − | “So then Basara… how would you assess your involvement in the two |
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| − | factions finding peace?”PART 5 |
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| − | The trap has been sprung. |
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| − | Basara knew that this question signaled the start of the true intention of this |
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| − | meeting. |
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| − | What Basara and the others accomplished was no small feat. Peace between |
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| − | two opposing factions in the Demon World does not happen often. But this is |
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| − | not an accomplishment they can just brag about here in the Village. For the |
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| − | Village, the new peace treaty between the two factions would only increase |
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| − | their threat to the Human World. |
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| − | While Basara and Yuki made a claim that ‘resolving the dispute in the |
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| − | Demon World ensured that Mio Naruse would not be targeted in the Human |
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| − | World’, there were those in the Hero Tribe who believed that the best strategy |
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| − | would have simply been to watch the two factions destroy each other. Some |
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| − | even suggested having Yuki and Kurumi sabotage the peace by fanning the |
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| − | flames of war between the two factions while they were there. |
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| − | However, that would mean supporting the killings and fighting between |
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| − | Demons who bore no threat to the Human World. Encouraging such actions |
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| − | will definitely lead to ‘corruption’ and will risk their relationships with the |
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| − | spirits and gods they have signed pacts with. The very reason they agreed to |
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| − | Wilbert’s peace treaty to end the Great War was to ensure that they didn’t ‘goagainst peace’ and risk angering the spirits and gods who did not wish to see |
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| − | a world in conflict. |
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| − | Of course Basara could use that as his defense. He could say that they were |
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| − | respecting the wishes of the previous generation by maintaining the peace. |
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| − | But by doing so, and legitimizing their actions, they would be ‘making |
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| − | excuses’ and ‘going against’ the Village. That was a position he didn’t want |
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| − | to put himself and the others in. |
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| − | “I cannot say for sure how much of an influence we had on the peace treaty |
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| − | between the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction. All we |
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| − | did was fight to keep our way of life and our peace.” |
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| − | Basara was very careful with his words. He made sure that there was no lie in |
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| − | what he said. |
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| − | “But you could roughly estimate your influence can’t you?” |
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| − | Atsuta didn’t let him off the hook however. |
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| − | “As you surely understand, the peace treaty between the two factions is very |
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| − | concerning news for the Village. We just want to make sure that we |
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| − | understand everything that took place and all the options that were |
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| − | considered.” |
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| − | “While that may be so, the actions we took were to protect Mio and our |
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| − | livelihood in the Human World. It will not be a fair assessment for us to |
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| − | compare our independent actions to the overallpeace process as it was never |
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| − | our intention to bring the two factions together. That was simply the result of |
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| − | many different events.”That was Basara’s angle: That their actions were taken independently without |
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| − | any intention to influence the outcome. |
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| − | “Ah, well we don’t mind if it’s not a fair assessment. You guys were right |
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| − | there in the turning point of history. Don’t think over the details too much |
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| − | and just tell us how you felt.” |
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| − | Basara knew that the Elders were leading them into a trap. He could see the |
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| − | various escape routes being cut off in the argument. He knew that if he were |
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| − | to speak based on how he felt, they would use what he said against him down |
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| − | the road. |
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| − | When he was wracking his brains for an escape, his eyes glanced towards |
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| − | Takigawa and an idea popped in his mind. |
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| − | “While I understand… we are currently joined by the special envoy sent by |
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| − | the two factions of the Demon World.” |
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| − | “Huh? Me?” |
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| − | Takigawa was taken by surprise with his sudden inclusion in the |
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| − | conversation. |
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| − | “We just overcame the whole situation between the Demon World and Mio. |
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| − | If I were to say something here that causes a misunderstanding, we will risk |
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| − | having some new problems on our hands.” |
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| − | Basara knew that the Village wouldn’t want to risk having any disputes or |
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| − | misunderstandings with the Demon World. Especially with the Hearing |
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| − | Officer from the Vatican arriving tomorrow.“Perhaps you do have a point…” |
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| − | Fuji gave the impression of agreeing, before turning to Takigawa. |
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| − | “Then let me ask you special envoy… how would you assess Basara’s |
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| − | contribution towards the two factions finding peace this time around?” |
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| − | Basara bit down on his tongue. They got him. If Basara was to say |
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| − | something, there would be a risk of him offending the Demon World, but if a |
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| − | demon himself was to say something, there will be no risks. |
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| − | “Hmmm… his contribution huh…” |
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| − | Knowing Basara’s situation, Takigawa feigned boredom while analyzing the |
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| − | question. If he was to say that Basara did have a big part in the two sides |
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| − | finding peace, the Village will use that as a reason to prove Basara’s |
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| − | closeness with the demons. On the other hand, if he were to say that Basara’s |
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| − | actions didn’t do anything to affect the outcome, the Village could press him |
||
| − | as to why he didn’t take any measures to sabotage the peace. It was a loaded |
||
| − | question designed to implicate Basara regardless. |
||
| − | But Basara had faith in Takigawa’s aptitude. |
||
| − | “As I said before, I’m just a messenger. I can’t speak for the Demon Lord or |
||
| − | the Moderate Faction. If I were to say something here and you guys took it |
||
| − | the wrong way, I’ll have a lot to answer to once I get back. If you guys really |
||
| − | wanna know, you guys could always meet up and discuss with the higher ups |
||
| − | of the Demon World.” |
||
| − | And just like Basara, Takigawa found a weasel his way out of trouble.“I see. Sorry for pushing that question on to you then.” |
||
| − | Fuji backed down. While he could interrogate Basara with further questions, |
||
| − | that kind of disrespect to Takigawa will have its consequences. Consequences |
||
| − | he cannot risk to shoulder. Basara made eye contact with Takigawa and he |
||
| − | saw what he was saying with his eyes: “You owe me.” |
||
| − | Basara conveyed his thanks with a look then focused on the situation at hand. |
||
| − | By now, it was obvious what the Village is trying to do by implicating him. |
||
| − | The only reason Basara got off this time was because his relationship with |
||
| − | Takigawa was kept a secret. |
||
| − | But one thing was for certain. The Village did not see Basara in a favorable |
||
| − | light. But if they did see him as an enemy, they wouldn’t have invited him all |
||
| − | the way out here. Instead of doing something so troublesome, they could |
||
| − | have just launched an ambush. |
||
| − | Or was it that they were afraid of angering the gods and spirits? They have |
||
| − | already tried to assassinate Mio once, only to fail and put her on watch again. |
||
| − | Unless they can prove that Basara and the others were a threat to humanity |
||
| − | and the world, killing them would most likely ‘corrupt’ the relationship the |
||
| − | Village had with many of their gods and spirits. |
||
| − | Damn it. |
||
| − | Basara had to control himself. There was just so many ways this meeting |
||
| − | could go wrong and so many things he had to consider. But he has to keep his |
||
| − | cool and find an opportunity to end all of this. |
||
| − | “Well then, all ow me to change the question a little bit.”It was Kumano who spoke next. |
||
| − | “Knowing that Demons are no longer coming after you for now… what do |
||
| − | you all hope to achieve? And what is the future that you envision?” |
||
| − | That was a questions they knew they were going to be asked. And they did |
||
| − | prepare for it. Even to the point of choosing who would answer the question. |
||
| − | In a quiet, yet strong voice, it was Mio who answered. |
||
| − | “I wish to live with Basara.”PART 6 |
||
| − | That was Mio’s answer to Kumano’s question. And it wasn’t something they |
||
| − | made up. That was her putting out her real feelings on display. |
||
| − | “I wish to continue living with Basara and the others just like we always |
||
| − | have… That’s my goal… |
||
| − | that’s the only thing I wish for.” |
||
| − | “I was raised in this world as a human. After my parents were killed and |
||
| − | meeting with Maria, I was faced with the reality that I’m a demon. But I still |
||
| − | wish to live as a human, and this is the world that I want to live in.” |
||
| − | “I just want to live normally with Basara and Maria… with Yuki, Kurumi |
||
| − | and Zest…. That’s all .” |
||
| − | A deafening silence followed Mio’s declaration. No one spoke a word. Mio |
||
| − | gripped her hands into fists on her lap. She said everything that she had to |
||
| − | say. She didn’t ask for anything more. Just what she really felt from the |
||
| − | bottom of her heart. She prayed that her feelings reached the Elders. |
||
| − | “Well then… how can you prove that you are saying the truth?” |
||
| − | Fuji’s words broke the silence. |
||
| − | “Prove…?”“It is easy to say things. But how can you prove that your words are not lies |
||
| − | and that you don’t have any other motive?” |
||
| − | Kumano followed with his input. |
||
| − | “Or, how could you assure us that your feelings will not change down the |
||
| − | road?” |
||
| − | “Even if it may be the truth now, people’s feelings change… you might |
||
| − | change in the future and pose as a threat to the world.” |
||
| − | “But…that’s…” |
||
| − | “I mean, have you all considered the current strengths you possess?” |
||
| − | Atsuta cut in with a biting tone. |
||
| − | “Naruse Mio…You and that demon Zest are both S class mages. That |
||
| − | succubus Maria is a sub S class, with Yuki and Kurumi also being around the |
||
| − | same.” |
||
| − | His eyes then shifted towards Basara. |
||
| − | “And Basara… when you were still in the Village, people were praising you |
||
| − | as the ‘prodigy’ but you lacked any real combat experience. That made you a |
||
| − | B rank at best. And even when you defeated Takashi, we still only considered |
||
| − | you an A rank.” |
||
| − | “But currently, you are a S rank, and one that is far stronger than Naruse Mio. |
||
| − | The growth that you all went through in this short amount of time is simply |
||
| − | incomprehensible. And your immense strength is a threat. All of you together |
||
| − | are way past the point of us simply keeping tabs on you.”There was nothing Mio could say against that. She was prepared that her |
||
| − | feelings might not have reached them. She knew that no matter what she said, |
||
| − | some in the Village would not accept her simple because she was the |
||
| − | daughter of Wilbert. |
||
| − | But their strengths were not because of their desire for fame and fortune. |
||
| − | They had to get stronger in order to survive. But if the Village was to reject |
||
| − | this, how exactly were they supposed to have survived all this time? |
||
| − | Mio bit her lip in anger. She really had no response to the questions. |
||
| − | “Why remain quiet? Are you not saying anything before the words from |
||
| − | before were simply lies?” |
||
| − | Atsuta didn’t hold anything back in his interrogation. |
||
| − | A tear was about to form in Mio’s eye. For the Elders have rejected |
||
| − | everything. She simply tried to convey her honest and true feelings. But they |
||
| − | swatted that away in an instant. |
||
| − | She just felt so weak… |
||
| − | She knew that the longer she held her silence, and if she was to shed a tear, |
||
| − | the Elders will use that as evidence against them. That they would determine |
||
| − | them a threat that must be exterminated. |
||
| − | So she had to speak. She had to say something. |
||
| − | “I-.. I…” |
||
| − | It was at that moment when Mio spoke up, that she heard someone else speak |
||
| − | up.“Sir Elder, could you please take back what you just said?” |
||
| − | It was Basara. |
||
| − | The piercing gazes of the occupants in the room all focused on him. For up |
||
| − | until now, Basara had maintained a very polite and professional tone with |
||
| − | them. But his current tone was anything but gentle. |
||
| − | Just like how Atsuta cannot overlook the rising threat of those living in the |
||
| − | Toujou household, Basara too couldn’t just oversee what he said to Mio. |
||
| − | Basara knew all about the girls in his care. That’s why there was no way he |
||
| − | could forgive those who denied their past and how they grew up. |
||
| − | “You’re telling me to take back my statement?” |
||
| − | Atsuta snapped at him. |
||
| − | “Trusting someone’s feelings only comes from those who trust each other. |
||
| − | And the future is ful of different possibilities. It would be impossible to |
||
| − | guarantee and make promises based on that.” |
||
| − | “You were the one who asked us questions, yet to refuse to accept any of our |
||
| − | answers and reject them. Is that a worthy behaviour of someone in your |
||
| − | position?” |
||
| − | He took a breath. |
||
| − | “And in this chamber of all places?” |
||
| − | Just as he said that, the air in the chamber started to thicken. This was the |
||
| − | judgment by the gods and spirits who reside in this room. The ‘corruption’ |
||
| − | has started.“This is…” |
||
| − | The Elders could logically understand the situation but they couldn’t come to |
||
| − | terms to it. They should know about this Ceremonial Chamber more than |
||
| − | anyone. But they could not understand why there was corruption taking place |
||
| − | inside this chamber. |
||
| − | Of course they wouldn’t. |
||
| − | The Elders do not know that Basara is able to borrow, and is contracted with, |
||
| − | Hasegawa, an ex 10 God. Further to that, they spent a year together, in a |
||
| − | different dimension, on their hot spring trip, so currently, the blood of |
||
| − | Raphaeline, his mother on the God’s side, coursed through his veins as strong |
||
| − | as ever. |
||
| − | Which all meant that Basara was under the divine protection of 2 individuals |
||
| − | of a Togami class. And their positions were far higher than that of gods, |
||
| − | including the 4 Gods, residing in this current chamber. |
||
| − | So that is why Basara remained non-confrontational with the Elders up until |
||
| − | now. If they were to fight, the corruption from such an encounter won’t just |
||
| − | threaten the chamber but the very Village itself. |
||
| − | But Basara cannot let this meeting continue in a way that will lead to the end |
||
| − | of the peace his family was striving for. And in order to keep that peace, he |
||
| − | decided that it was okay to let a little bit of corruption run through the |
||
| − | chamber. There was no way the Elders would all ow for corruption to remain |
||
| − | in the Chamber of Ceremonies. And if they were to realize that it was their |
||
| − | own words and actions that caused it, it would lead to a big shift in their |
||
| − | behaviour as well.“But as Elders, it is our responsibility to make sure that our Village is safe. |
||
| − | It’s only natural that we eliminate or weaken anything that threatens the |
||
| − | Village.” |
||
| − | Basara did not back down. |
||
| − | “It’s ridiculous to expect absolute certainty for our futures. And if it is the |
||
| − | Village’s responsibility to eliminate anything that might become a potential |
||
| − | threat in the future, what’s the Village’s proof that they will continue this?” |
||
| − | Fuji spoke up to retaliate against Basara. |
||
| − | “Our history is our proof.” |
||
| − | ‘Our ancestors have been protecting this world from the very beginning and |
||
| − | our Village has been protecting this country as well. And it will remain this |
||
| − | way in the future as well.” |
||
| − | However, Basara saw the weakness in that point raised by Fuji. |
||
| − | “But isn’t that based on our past accomplishments? How is that proof, or |
||
| − | guarantees the Village will continue to protect this country?” |
||
| − | “That’s because when we say ‘future guarantee’, we do not refer to it as the |
||
| − | 100% you see in statistics and data. It depends on whether we can entrust the |
||
| − | future to you.” |
||
| − | This was Atsuta trying to define the word ‘absolute’ to legitimize their |
||
| − | argument. |
||
| − | “For centuries, the Hero Tribe has been protecting the Human World from |
||
| − | Demons. Our history and track record is the very proof we need that we willcontinue to do so in the future.” |
||
| − | Basara paused. Not because he didn’t have anything to say back. But because |
||
| − | he finally understood their angle. The Hero Clan has a record of protecting |
||
| − | the world. But Mio does not have any record of her not being a threat to |
||
| − | humanity. And in fact, after inheriting Wilbert’s power, there have been a |
||
| − | number of assassination attempts on her life. Basara could see that they plan |
||
| − | to argue that Mio’s existence itself is a threat if people come and try to attack |
||
| − | her. |
||
| − | “Basara…” |
||
| − | Basara turned to see Mio’s defeated look as she kept her eyes on the floor. |
||
| − | And so he placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head when she looked |
||
| − | his way. |
||
| − | Of course there was the risk of people making an attempt on Mio’s life in the |
||
| − | future. They can’t rule out the possibility of someone trying to do so. |
||
| − | But that was the same for the Hero Clan. While they preach about absolute |
||
| − | guarantees based on their past accomplishments, they refuse to accept Mio’s |
||
| − | words because she lacked any past records. |
||
| − | So Basara took a deep breath and looked at the Elders in front of him. |
||
| − | “Well…. If we’re talking about past accomplishments… how would you |
||
| − | explain the tragedy from 5 years ago?”PART 7 |
||
| − | Basara’s words could have frozen the air in the room. |
||
| − | “How can the Village guarantee that there won’t be another person like Seito�san, who will go berserk with rage, and a person like me who won’t be able |
||
| − | to control their power?” |
||
| − | This was Basara’s last resort. To use his own tragedy as the piece to break the |
||
| − | ‘logic’ of the Elders. |
||
| − | “Last time, you were able to keep the casualties and damages to within the |
||
| − | Village, but there is no guarantee that the next time something happens, it |
||
| − | will be conveniently within the barrier of this Village.” |
||
| − | “How dare you… Basara, do you plan to abandon your responsibility for |
||
| − | your crimes?” |
||
| − | Atsuta spewed in anger. |
||
| − | “No, not at all sir. I am to blame for that tragedy and I do not plan to run |
||
| − | away from it. It is something I will have to shoulder for the rest of my life.” |
||
| − | Basara took a breath. |
||
| − | “But if you all say that any future you create is based absolutely on your past |
||
| − | accomplishments, then you will be sidelining that tragedy to ‘something thatjust happened.’” |
||
| − | The corruption in the room became thicker still. But that was not because of |
||
| − | Basara. What he said were his true and honest feelings of regret. The spirits |
||
| − | and the gods have understood what he just said and have even sided with |
||
| − | him. So any further disputes by the Elders will only worsen the corruption. |
||
| − | “So could you please take back what you said?” |
||
| − | There were two things that the Elders would have to retract. The first would |
||
| − | be their denial of Mio’s future plans. The other, being the idea that they can |
||
| − | just ignore the tragedy from 5 years ago and claim that the future of the Hero |
||
| − | Clan shines brightly with absolute confidence. |
||
| − | In order to stop the current corruption in the chamber, they would most likely |
||
| − | have to retract both statements. The Elders knew that the tragedy in the |
||
| − | Village must never be forgotten, so it will be relatively easy for them to |
||
| − | retract that statement, but they can’t show weakness in retracting their |
||
| − | statement regarding Mio’s future. |
||
| − | But Basara did not specify which statement they had to take back when he |
||
| − | made his request. But that was the beauty of this strategy. Even if the Elders |
||
| − | didn’t know what they were retracting, doing so will win them back the favor |
||
| − | of the gods and spirits and the corruption in this room will most likely |
||
| − | disappear. But if they were to not retract either one, the corruption will only |
||
| − | worsen. That meant that the Elders will have to retract both in order to |
||
| − | appease the gods and spirits. |
||
| − | “…We understand.” |
||
| − | “Yes. Please excuse me for my behaviour as well.”Basara answered almost immediately, which felt very strange for Kurumi. |
||
| − | But then she saw why he quickly forgave Fuji. The corruption had |
||
| − | disappeared. And it all started to make sense now. The reason why Basara |
||
| − | immediately accepted Fuji’s apology was to remove the corruption right |
||
| − | there, and not show the Elders what the source of the corruption was. And |
||
| − | that would help prove that Basara and the others did not come to the Village |
||
| − | to fight against them. |
||
| − | Fuji took a deep breath of understanding, before asking. |
||
| − | “So let me ask…what is it that you guys wish for?” |
||
| − | “Exactly what Mio said before. That is what we all wish for. But we |
||
| − | unfortunately don’t have any proof to show how serious we are, but if you |
||
| − | give us the opportunity, maybe we can discuss on how and what we can do to |
||
| − | build a case for our goal and to provide proof for the Village that we won’t |
||
| − | turn into a threat.” |
||
| − | The keyword here was “discuss”, not “tell us”. That splits the power balance |
||
| − | between the Village and Basara and the others, while also making the Elders |
||
| − | partially responsible for any outcomes as the outcome will be the result of |
||
| − | their discussion. |
||
| − | Kurumi was shocked. Basara had completely outsmarted the Elders and only |
||
| − | leaving them the option to accept and discuss with Basara, or else they annoy |
||
| − | the spirits and gods any further. |
||
| − | “I see, well then…” |
||
| − | Just as Fuji was about to finish what he was saying, the door to the chamber |
||
| − | opened.“Of course, I will be the judge of whether your conditions are apt or not. If |
||
| − | you can’t convince me, there will be no agreement.”PART 8 |
||
| − | Basara looked back towards the voice the echoed through the ceremonial. |
||
| − | As he did so, two people with looks he wasn’t familiar with stood a step |
||
| − | away from the door. |
||
| − | One of them was a man who wore a dark navy suit. The other, was a woman |
||
| − | who wore a gold-designed cloak long enough to reach her ankles, her face |
||
| − | covered with a white hood. Basara narrowed his eyes as he saw the design of |
||
| − | her shining emblem. |
||
| − | …That is. |
||
| − | Without a mistake – it was the emblem of the << Vatican >>. Furthermore, |
||
| − | despite being shadowed by her cloak, she was armed with a sword. Basara |
||
| − | could make shape of it right away. |
||
| − | And then, she probably noticed the same thing of him. On the upper stage – |
||
| − | on its side, Shuya was silenced, “I can see you’re the inquisition from the |
||
| − | <<Vatican>>… But I have heard that you were not supposed to arrive until |
||
| − | tomorrow?” |
||
| − | “–So that our plan could go faster, we had been told from the top” |
||
| − | The woman said, as she walked up gracefully.There’s a thin, calm smile upon her lips. |
||
| − | “I think this is improbable but… It’s so before our present hearing, those here |
||
| − | in Japan do not hold a covered up discussion for your own conveniences.” |
||
| − | At those words, Basara understood the goal of the <<Vatican>>, which did |
||
| − | not have conclusive evidence. |
||
| − | …The subject of this proceeding is both us and the << Village >>, huh… |
||
| − | Of course, it wasn’t as if they had optimism that it had nothing to do with |
||
| − | them but, …Damn, even though it’s just a little more… |
||
| − | Without thinking, Basara clenched. The meeting with the elders had been |
||
| − | brought to a good conclusion here; the path for the argument to be concluded |
||
| − | was being opened… Just a little more. They’re not decided at the worst |
||
| − | possible time. If the proceeding open here, the talk clumsily turned around – |
||
| − | at worst, their united talks with the elders could be completely turned over. |
||
| − | “..” |
||
| − | As the <<Vatican>> woman saw Basara grinding down the back of his teeth. |
||
| − | “Please don’t make such an awful face Basara… Just as we are meeting again |
||
| − | after a long time” |
||
| − | “Eh—?” |
||
| − | At his confused tone the woman walked over and stopped by him. |
||
| − | And then – she took off her hood.The figure underneath was of brilliant blonde hair and translucent emerald |
||
| − | eyes. From her calm manners, he had thought that she was an older woman, |
||
| − | but she was younger than his expectation… She was most likely around |
||
| − | Basara’s age, a beautiful young girl. |
||
| − | – That girl had said ‘meeting again after a long time’. |
||
| − | In Basara’s past, when he had contact with the << Vatican >> would have |
||
| − | been before he was expelled from the village – that means, at most 5 – 6 |
||
| − | years ago. |
||
| − | …That’s right. |
||
| − | There was a time when they exchanged combat tactics with other districts, |
||
| − | including that of the << Vatican >>. At the time, Basara and the rest were |
||
| − | still small, so they didn’t go overseas but from one of the << Vatican >> units |
||
| − | that came, there was a girl that was about their age. From the form of the girl |
||
| − | in front of him, Toujou Basara was able to see a vestige of the girl he met in |
||
| − | those past days, “Celis…?” |
||
| − | As Basara dumbfoundedly spilled out the name of his childhood friend from |
||
| − | overseas, “Yes… So you do remember me” |
||
| − | She said, happily, the girl – Celis nodded, she then moved her eyes to those |
||
| − | beside him,“Yuki and Kurumi too, I’m glad you all seem well” |
||
| − | To that Celis who’s smiling, |
||
| − | “Celis-nee, it’s you…?” “Why… Are you here?” |
||
| − | At this unexpected timing, to be able to meet again put Kurumi and Yuki to |
||
| − | confusion first. To that, Celis gave a sigh. |
||
| − | “All of you are too surprised… Well, it can’t really be helped” |
||
| − | Because, “There’s a lot to talk about – a lot between us” |
||
| − | Celis said, her eyes glazed with nostalgia. The meanings of those words were |
||
| − | in regards to, the tragedy that happened when they were apart, and how that |
||
| − | changed their standing and relationships. The tragedy that happened in this |
||
| − | Japanese << village >> was told to the other Hero districts too. |
||
| − | Celis too knew – what happened in this << village >> with Basara. But, “…I |
||
| − | apologize, but first I must do my work” |
||
| − | Saying that, Celis faced the elders directly. Then, she put her hand on her |
||
| − | chest. |
||
| − | “Greetings to all three of you elders… So, just in case, I shall introduce |
||
| − | myself once more” |
||
| − | A pause. |
||
| − | “Celis Reinhartd. Coming here on the behest of the Pope from the << Vatican |
||
| − | >>”Then, indicating the youth behind her with her eyes. |
||
| − | “This is my aide, Cleo Angeles” “…” |
||
| − | At Celis’ introduction, the youth named Cleo just gave a silent nod. |
||
| − | “As such – the two of us shall perform the hearing here for everyone here” |
||
| − | She said, a loud declaration. |
||
| − | So then, with the Vatican officer intervention, the discussion was rushed to a |
||
| − | new place. |
||
| − | In the midst of that, Toujou Basara refrained his remarks, and waited for the |
||
| − | words Celis would choose next. |
||
| − | …First, to know the aim of the << Vatican >>. |
||
| − | The possibility for this kind of situation had been in the corner of his mind |
||
| − | since he had heard from Shuuya that a car is bringing the hearing officers to |
||
| − | the << village >> from Shuuya. However – this time, his opponent is the << |
||
| − | village >>. Still holding on deeply to the trauma of the tragedy, no matter |
||
| − | what, his consciousness would be concentrated in front of nervous eyes. |
||
| − | He also didn’t regret having retaliated on the elders’ unreasonable pursuit of |
||
| − | Mio, and he did not think that was a mistake. |
||
| − | …But. |
||
| − | He had lacked a little cool. |
||
| − | – That fact was undeniable.In one on one debate, there are times where feelings would go through, but |
||
| − | that was a no go with a discussion with the three of them. If his reasoning |
||
| − | was agitated, it could have an opening for it to be stabbed by logic. He must |
||
| − | not turn both the << Village >> and << Vatican >> into his enemies, avoiding |
||
| − | a 2-on-1 confrontation. |
||
| − | …On top of it. |
||
| − | How Shuuya had leaked the coming of the << Vatican >> party to Basara and |
||
| − | the others, there’s a chance that the elders don’t know that. Even if the elders |
||
| − | might know, it was unexpected that the hearing officer would be Celis. In |
||
| − | other words they can play dumb, stunned at this opportunity. |
||
| − | More than anything, Celis’ declaration of earlier just now. Although she had |
||
| − | said ‘for everyone’, the statement was issued right after her greeting to the |
||
| − | elders. Of course, it could be pointed to everyone here, but so to say, the |
||
| − | elders know that her real role was to perform intervention on behalf of the << |
||
| − | Vatican >>. In that, just as Basara resolved to wait, “It’s been a while, Miss |
||
| − | Celis… For you to be the hearing officer from the << Vatican >> was a |
||
| − | surprise” |
||
| − | The one who sparked that was Kumano. |
||
| − | “A hearing in regard to us, that is quite unsettling… Furthermore, coming |
||
| − | earlier due to the possibility of us carrying out an unjust discussion, we have |
||
| − | only heard that officers from the Vatican would come, without knowing the |
||
| − | intention. In this, we would have no way to hold any of such.” |
||
| − | “Yes… That’s why, as I have mentioned, I too think it is improbable.”To Kumano who had a nasty smile surfaced on his face, Celis replied with |
||
| − | once more, a calm smile. |
||
| − | “So then – let us ask the details behind our hearing.” |
||
| − | This time, it was Atsuta who had asked aloud. |
||
| − | “Why did the << Vatican >> decide this was necessary?” |
||
| − | To those words, |
||
| − | “–Naruse Mio” |
||
| − | Celis let out Mio’s name quietly. |
||
| − | “–?” |
||
| − | Beside Basara, Mio gulped down in surprise, looking at Celis. Having her |
||
| − | name said out like that – that’s a natural reaction. But on the other hand Celis, |
||
| − | without looking at Mio, continued to fix her gaze on the elders. |
||
| − | “No, more than simply her, all of Basara’s group that had included Naruse |
||
| − | Mio” |
||
| − | Upon saying that – she made decisive words. |
||
| − | “We know that presently, the << village >> in Japan had been monitoring |
||
| − | them but – the Vatican determined, that there’s a problem with this decision.”PART 9 |
||
| − | The words Celis said was more than enough to tense up the whole place. |
||
| − | The face of Mio beside him paled, Yuki and Kurumi’s expression crunched |
||
| − | up, “…” |
||
| − | Toujou Basara thought of the meaning of Celis’ words calmly. |
||
| − | …Which is it? |
||
| − | She said it vaguely, on whether or not the brunt of the problem faced their |
||
| − | side or otherwise. |
||
| − | That being said, as a result of being silent to this point, the flow which had |
||
| − | taken a bad direction was irreversible, and there’s a danger his chance to |
||
| − | strike would disappear. |
||
| − | Therefore, Basara decided to move before it was too late. |
||
| − | “Celis… Is the << Vatican >> thinking it’s reasonable to erase us?” |
||
| − | As he asked with a soft voice, Celis turned to him, “—No, I do not mean to |
||
| − | say that. In our judgment, we see you monitored as more reasonable than |
||
| − | erasure…. Although the rank for that is definitely a Special S” |
||
| − | With these words, Mio sighed in relief, for the time being.– However, Basara’s face was still stiff. |
||
| − | The words earlier, still did not contain Celis’ – << Vatican’s >> intention. |
||
| − | “We would be thankful if you could tell us, how you agreed with our decision |
||
| − | to monitor them, but there’s still a problem with it. If it was just the |
||
| − | difference between S-class and Special S-class, they would not send a party |
||
| − | from overseas, I’m sure” |
||
| − | “Yes, of course… Although monitored, there may be problems that arise that |
||
| − | required it to be switched to erasure, and depending on the situation, |
||
| − | assistance may be required” |
||
| − | Celis responded to Fuji’s words. |
||
| − | “However, unfortunately, presently the Japan << village >> does not have a |
||
| − | fighting power that would be effective to just deal with the Special S-class |
||
| − | that is Basara’s group… We << Vatican >> think so, and we question your |
||
| − | decision” |
||
| − | At those words of Celis, |
||
| − | …So it’s like that. |
||
| − | This was the point of agreement. And, at the same time, it strengthens |
||
| − | Basara’s conviction. The << Vatican >> was not aiming at them – but at the |
||
| − | << village >>. At the very least in this case, they were not on a lone struggle, |
||
| − | cornered by both the << Vatican >> and << village >>. |
||
| − | …But.This close-to-call situation continued. Depending on the flow of the talk, it |
||
| − | would not be strange for them to be sparked up. |
||
| − | To the Basara, who watched over this with worry, “…There’s concerns on |
||
| − | whether our fighting power is not effective towards Basara’s group?” |
||
| − | “Rather than a concern, it would be more appropriate to say there’s a |
||
| − | suspicion” |
||
| − | At the words of Atsuta, which is laced with anger, Celis answered, her gaze |
||
| − | looking upward to the right. |
||
| − | What those emerald eyes were looking at was one of the ‘Four Gods’ – The |
||
| − | spirit spear “Byakko”. |
||
| − | “A few months ago… You had decided to switch to erasing Naruse Mio from |
||
| − | monitoring her, and it seemed that it was with Takashi who wield the spear |
||
| − | “Byakko”.” |
||
| − | It wasn’t odd for the << Vatican >> to know about the usage of “Byakko”. It |
||
| − | can’t be helped, that the usage of one of the “Four Gods” out of the village |
||
| − | would disrupt the village barrier. |
||
| − | Therefore, there needs to be an explanation for the reason the village dealt |
||
| − | with the outside – along with a legitimate one to use “Byakko”. With this, |
||
| − | Celis narrowed her eyes and she gazed at “Byakko”. |
||
| − | “And then… After that, you quickly returned to monitoring” |
||
| − | A pause.“For “Byakko” to run reckless, and on top of that with Basara’s group… |
||
| − | There’s no more shameful result than this failure” |
||
| − | “T-That’s” |
||
| − | Atsuta replying, but quickly swallowed his words. |
||
| − | When “Byakko” ran reckless, it was within a barrier in the city. Of course, |
||
| − | when one of the “Four Gods” was taken out, The Vatican tracked the wave of |
||
| − | it to watch over “Byakko”, foreseeing that the power of it weakening and a |
||
| − | possible “reckless” running of it – and Basara’s group convergence with it |
||
| − | was something they should know. Of course, with the << village >> not |
||
| − | reporting their own blunder, and that of Mio’s state being returned to being |
||
| − | monitored, as they should with appropriate reasons. |
||
| − | … |
||
| − | Most likely. |
||
| − | Celis has some ability as a hearing officer. Whether it’s to perceive the waves |
||
| − | given off by “Byakko”, or he doesn’t know if she could communicate directly |
||
| − | with “Byakko”, but she must have some way to know the truth of that time. |
||
| − | As such, with someone with that ability, any excuses would have the opposite |
||
| − | effect. |
||
| − | To Atsuta, whose rebuttal was sealed, |
||
| − | “Yuki’s actions were affected… but even so? If you’re going to use that |
||
| − | excuse, then that does not just say about your decision to send Yuki to |
||
| − | monitor to begin with, but also for her to return to it after – returning to a |
||
| − | misleading situation. That evidenced your lack of grasp on the situation.”She said, with a cold tone of voice. |
||
| − | “Fact is – you had previous records. We admit you had drawn the army of the |
||
| − | previous demon king Wilbert, and brought it to a cease-fire. Because of this, |
||
| − | we the << Vatican >> had tolerated the monopoly of supervision and |
||
| − | management over Jin-san who’s touted as the strongest and his only son |
||
| − | Basara.” |
||
| − | But, said Celis. |
||
| − | “On the tragedy five years ago, you had kept it confidential without |
||
| − | consulting the other districts… Saying you’re not done handling Basara or |
||
| − | Jin-san, you here, not wanting to call upon us in your weakened state, giving |
||
| − | us the finished post report.” |
||
| − | A pause. |
||
| − | “—With Basara and Jin, expelled from the heroes” |
||
| − | At those words |
||
| − | “—” |
||
| − | Silence descended upon the ceremonial. It occurred, as everyone was at a loss |
||
| − | for words. Even while embracing their bitter thoughts, each had their own |
||
| − | feelings. The sadness that was born from that tragedy, and the resentment that |
||
| − | came with it. As an outcome, they could no longer accept the being that |
||
| − | caused it, or even looked at him. Ever since that day, they all lived with a |
||
| − | sense of loss and crushing despair. Losing an important person – an |
||
| − | irreplaceable person, is like that. And then, “…”Celis, whose remark caused the silence, also diverted her eyes in sadness. |
||
| − | That expression was not one that came out with ill intention or callousness in |
||
| − | her remarks. Celis understood what her words had meant to the people here. |
||
| − | Even so, there was still anguish for the person who had to say that. |
||
| − | However – Celis continued on her responsibility. |
||
| − | “As a result of the determination to expel Basara… Jin-san too had held |
||
| − | suspicion for the << Vatican >> and other district representatives, taking a |
||
| − | distance from us. Though the Vatican archbishop had offered protection, Jin |
||
| − | had seemingly said, “If you come close to us, you will cause hostility” |
||
| − | “My old man saying that…” |
||
| − | What Celis said, was a truth Basara didn’t know. |
||
| − | …Old man. |
||
| − | Toujou Basara thinks of his father who’s far away. Recently, Basara had just |
||
| − | heard of the hopes and expectations, along with what they’ve given for him. |
||
| − | The Raphaeline who had risked her everything to birth him, Sapphire who |
||
| − | lived away from her standing – and Jin, who raised Basara with the thoughts |
||
| − | of his two wives, must also have things he could not take that happened as a |
||
| − | result of that tragedy. In front of Basara who was quieted, “However, if the |
||
| − | << Village >> had cooperated with the << Vatican >> on seeking a judgment, |
||
| − | when it wasn’t in this complicated state, it wouldn’t have gone to this…. We |
||
| − | do think that. And it would be best not to repeat the same mistakes. So then, |
||
| − | as to not get the worst results in leaving it in your hands, we had decided to |
||
| − | move more aggressively”Celis Reinhartd declared to the elders. |
||
| − | “The << Village >> is to give up all authority and responsibility on Toujou |
||
| − | Basara and his monitoring, for this to be given to us – that is, the consensus |
||
| − | the << Vatican >> had come to.”PART 10 |
||
| − | At Celis’ announcement, the elders made a dark face as they’re pushed to |
||
| − | silence. Fol owing where their eyesight had landed, |
||
| − | …As expected. |
||
| − | Toujou Basara’s conviction was further deepened. The underlying aspect of |
||
| − | the << Vatican’s >> intervention this time, is to bring the leadership struggle |
||
| − | within the << village >> through the matter of Basara’s custody. |
||
| − | Originally, in this home of the hero clan – was under jurisdiction of the main |
||
| − | church European based << Vatican >> but, due to the achievement of Jin in |
||
| − | the previous war, they have come to a ceasefire with the demon realm. In |
||
| − | according to that, the authority of the << Vatican >> in the Heroes’ << |
||
| − | Village >> was a mere facade. With this matter, they aim to dispel that. |
||
| − | …However |
||
| − | The << Village >> won’t just accept that with a “yes, we get it”. Even if they |
||
| − | may be able to accept the << Vatican >>‘s ambition, for them to recognize |
||
| − | the << Vatican >>‘s request, there is a chance it may snowball into more. If |
||
| − | they don’t handle it well, not the << Vatican >>, but other areas may put the |
||
| − | << Village >> under siege.At the worst case, it is not impossible for the << Village >> to be dissolved |
||
| − | and absorbed into the << Vatican >>, putting Japan under the << Vatican |
||
| − | >>‘s direct jurisdiction. |
||
| − | “Hmm… We understand the << Vatican’s >> criticism of us. It is an |
||
| − | expected move with regards to us in this situation.” |
||
| − | But before that, says Kumano. |
||
| − | “Since the rationale of the << Vatican >>in anxiety over our fighting |
||
| − | power… In that case, do you have what’s needed to respond to Basara?” |
||
| − | “Yes. It is possible. Within our secret military’s hearing officers are those |
||
| − | enrolled in S-class Holy Knights.” |
||
| − | Upon hearing the situation calmly stated by Celis, “…Basara, is that so?” |
||
| − | Mio who was beside quietly whispered to him. Basara said “yes” with an |
||
| − | affirming nod, the “<< Vatican >> had collected those with powerful abilities |
||
| − | from various heroes territories” |
||
| − | Jin had also been affiliated with the << Vatican >>, as he had heard from his |
||
| − | pillow talks during his time within the barrier with Hasegawa. Though that |
||
| − | being said, Jin who tends to act on his own, eventually collided with the |
||
| − | upper levels of the << Vatican >>, eventually returning to the Japan << |
||
| − | Village >>, but Raphaeline had known of Jin from that time and the story |
||
| − | held interest. |
||
| − | “…That’s some great confidence you have”Said Atsuta at Celis words. “But means would you do? Are you planning to |
||
| − | appoint those S-class officers here in Japan?” |
||
| − | “No. As you know, Europe is the region that has lots of areas that borders on |
||
| − | many alien worlds, especially that of demon world. The numbers of missions |
||
| − | too is incomparable to here… At this point in time, isn’t realistic to devote |
||
| − | the manpower of the S-class officers here” |
||
| − | “Hmm… In other words” |
||
| − | At Fuji’s words, Celis nodded a “Yes”, |
||
| − | “Hand over the custody of Basara and the others – the << Vatican >> will |
||
| − | monitor them” |
||
| − | At those words, |
||
| − | “– Wait, Celis” |
||
| − | Basara interrupted without thinking, |
||
| − | “Ah, what is it Basara? Might you have objections?” |
||
| − | Celis looked at him with an elegant smile. While her facial expression and |
||
| − | tone is calm, it carries a pressure on Basara. In a roundabout way, the smile |
||
| − | tells him that he does not have a choice. Because the heroes had overlooked |
||
| − | it, it was placed as ‘monitoring target’ rather than ‘erasing target’. It could be |
||
| − | said they had purposely overlooked it. And then that judgment, depending on |
||
| − | how the correspondence goes, could possibly switch to ‘erasing target’. |
||
| − | …This is bad.The negotiations with the elders had been effective, but to the center of it, |
||
| − | during the “Ritual” of the village, the situation of the hearing officers from |
||
| − | Vatican arriving had complicated the matters. |
||
| − | If Kegare happens in this place, the elders would be held responsible. |
||
| − | The home-court advantage can be used by the opponent instead. |
||
| − | – However, the Celis who had come from Vatican isn’t using this hand. |
||
| − | To begin with, the management of this place isn’t under the << Vatican >>, |
||
| − | and no matter how ??* this place would be, it’s still possible to push through |
||
| − | with differences in their opinions. |
||
| − | …Even so. |
||
| − | The elders had lost this debate. To further fight the << Vatican >> here is to |
||
| − | risk the << Village >> being attacked all at once. |
||
| − | …No, even before that. |
||
| − | The criticism Celis stated of the << Village >> is legitimate from the |
||
| − | standpoint of the << Vatican >>. Even if it’s just backdoor political |
||
| − | speculation, that doesn’t matter. It is likely that Celis who is here doesn’t |
||
| − | doubt her own sense of justice. She surely believes taking Basara to the << |
||
| − | Vatican >> is the best choice. Straight on, the point of naivety – precisely |
||
| − | because of this did the upper levels of the << Vatican >> dispatch Celis in |
||
| − | this particular instance. On the other hand, …They… |
||
| − | Basara, took a cursory glance at Cleo at Celis’ back. |
||
| − | “…”Celis appeared in the ceremony, Cleo had not said a word. Nothing can be |
||
| − | read from his expression, and in a way he’s more eerie than Celis is. He had |
||
| − | been said to be Celis’ aide, but whether that is true or not remains unclear. It |
||
| − | wouldn’t matter if Cleo is just a decorative figurehead, but alternatively it is |
||
| − | possible that Cleo is who’s truly involved with the upper levels of the Vatican |
||
| − | and was sent to closely watch the situation. It’s best not to show poor |
||
| − | movements. |
||
| − | They had fought to achieve peace. This time too, their objective for coming |
||
| − | to the << Village >> is to put an end to their observation. That aim had gone |
||
| − | a step further. But – Even as an ‘observation target’, for them to be taken to |
||
| − | the <<Vatican >>is further away from the peace they wish for. |
||
| − | …Furthermore. |
||
| − | If the intervention this time has a seductive underlying motive for << Vatican |
||
| − | >> – one can’t think that they would stop with taking Basara to the |
||
| − | <<Vatican>>. It is likely the upper echelons of << Vatican >> would |
||
| − | conspire by making use of Basara’s presence. Being monitored by the most |
||
| − | powerful force among the heroes, an unfamiliar situation – this adverse |
||
| − | condition makes it uncertain whether or not they could secure Mio’s safety. |
||
| − | That being said, they condition is sealing their path to refute. Thus, …To |
||
| − | overcome this situation. |
||
| − | While thinking of this, Toujou Basara sees. By intervening on the problem |
||
| − | between Basara and the << Village >> they tilted the flow of the problem to |
||
| − | all ow outside presence to pull into the << Village >>. |
||
| − | Takigawa Yahiro. With that, Takigawa glanced at him.“…” |
||
| − | After shooting an unpleasant look, he scratched the back of his head. |
||
| − | “Ahh – What to say, sorry to raise up this talk” |
||
| − | Saying that with a tone mixed with a sigh, his sight lands on Celis.PART 11 |
||
| − | With that remark, all attention in the room turned to Takigawa Yahiro. |
||
| − | …Aah, how troublesome… |
||
| − | These things are not originally Takigawa’s role. Without being in the front, |
||
| − | moving at the back til the end, unseen till the end – however, achieving |
||
| − | maximum results. |
||
| − | Precisely that, is what’s sought after by Takigawa as a spy. He had learned |
||
| − | much from the course of it, one of which is to not do excess things. Gathering |
||
| − | attention to himself now is absurd. To add to it, Takigawa is putting himself |
||
| − | on the stage of ‘politics’, which he hates. Furthermore is an opposing hero |
||
| − | clan, the place their home – right at the centre. Since Takigawa had decided |
||
| − | to act with Basara’s group, the word expelled had been floating within his |
||
| − | mind. |
||
| − | …This really is an unnecessary risk. |
||
| − | To add to it, as this is a problem that deeply involves Basara’s group, it could |
||
| − | also be forced on Takigawa. |
||
| − | If Basara is right in guessing that Ramsus is Wilbert, a father would not all |
||
| − | ow Takigawa to risk his precious daughter, and not completing his duty as aspecial envoy, that beloved psycho woman of Leohart would kill him with a |
||
| − | smile. |
||
| − | …Hmm |
||
| − | It was the worst condition. Not to be self-pitying, but they had reached the |
||
| − | point of which they can run. |
||
| − | As the three elders of the Japan village bask upon the sight of the Vatican |
||
| − | holy knights who serve as hearing officers, Takigawa thought back sadly to |
||
| − | his own standing. |
||
| − | “On such a sacred place, it’s not just for any demons. More so, while it’s on |
||
| − | Naruse Mio’s escort… We now, are talking about an extraordinarily |
||
| − | important circumstance. Do not interrupt unnecessarily.” |
||
| − | Came Celis’ misunderstood statement. |
||
| − | …Well, can’t be helped. |
||
| − | How Takigawa goes along with Basara’s group is something Shuuya and the |
||
| − | elders know about. But even now in the situation of Basara’s return to the << |
||
| − | Village >>, Celis couldn’t have grasped Takigawa’s standing. With that, |
||
| − | Celis had said “more or less” with a cold gaze fixed upon him. |
||
| − | “To disregard Naruse Mio and come crashing in… It’s the same as smearing |
||
| − | mud on her face” |
||
| − | Rebuking him, Takigawa laughed as he moved his sight over to Basara. |
||
| − | “—Basacchi. Sorry, can I go home?”“I get your feeling, but do your job Takigawa…” |
||
| − | Basara sighed, and then. |
||
| − | “Celis… He’s not looking down on Mio. He’s an envoy from the combined |
||
| − | force of the moderate faction and the current demon king faction. Bringing |
||
| − | here, a secret letter from the two forces” |
||
| − | “An envoy… If I get it right, your name is ‘Takigawa’. I see… From the |
||
| − | report you’re a spy who works with the demons.” |
||
| − | Celis, who finally realized said. The daughter of the previous demon king |
||
| − | Mio, is not a presence the heroes as a whole could pass by. There’s also |
||
| − | Basara to consider, the information raised by Yuki and Kurumi to the << |
||
| − | Village >> would be shared with the << Vatican >>, and it’s possible that |
||
| − | they had picked up information about Takigawa as well. |
||
| − | …In any case. |
||
| − | Evaluation of Takigawa is not likely to be good. On this, or on his secret |
||
| − | cooperation with Basara in the demon world, knowing of Belphegor coming |
||
| − | out bit by bit. |
||
| − | That being said, those being exposed is bad for Basara too – if the Vatican |
||
| − | knows of this, they could be more extreme in their advances. |
||
| − | …Well, in general. |
||
| − | As they don’t know how far has Celis grasped Takigawa, it’s best that they |
||
| − | do not run their mouths more than necessary. As Takigawa tells himself that, |
||
| − | “– So then, what is it do you want to say?”At Celis’ question, Takigawa nodded with a “yes”, “Like you have your |
||
| − | duties from the Vatican, I too have mine in bringing secret information for |
||
| − | the higher ups. I want to finish that up and get rid of this uncomfortable |
||
| − | feeling but… Before I could, you and those elders start on about the Vatican. |
||
| − | Badly timed with this place, if the talk further deepened I’ll just get into more |
||
| − | unnecessary things… I’m not fond of it going there. As your talk seems like |
||
| − | it’ll get more complicated, I want to finish my job and go home” |
||
| − | It’s just, Takigawa says as he takes out the secret document inside and |
||
| − | envelope from near his chest. |
||
| − | “This secret letter I’ve been entrusted with is addressed to the hero clan, but |
||
| − | it’s meant to be passed to the elders of the Japan << Village >>… As to |
||
| − | prevent any alteration of its content, I am meant to open it and read it out |
||
| − | loud before I pass it over to you” |
||
| − | However. |
||
| − | “It includes Basacchi, so it could be unsightly, and it seems like this could be |
||
| − | a bargaining chip… |
||
| − | Though I’m pretty reluctant as a special envoy, I want to open this in front of |
||
| − | everyone to avoid involving you in more problems.. What do you think?” |
||
| − | As Takigawa said that, holding the secret letter between his finger, “….If you |
||
| − | say it I don’t mind” |
||
| − | As to not show an aggressive agreement, Basara first nodded. |
||
| − | “Yes, I too do not mind…”Celis approved once more. So then, |
||
| − | “The elders don’t mind too right? You wouldn’t want to have any more |
||
| − | misunderstandings about the << Village >> hiding things after all ” |
||
| − | Not forgetting to stab in the nail on the three elders with a calm smile. |
||
| − | …It’s done well, regardless… |
||
| − | Having it said like that, it’s not possible for the elders to refuse. If they try to |
||
| − | hide the content of the secret letter, this fact may be exploited << Vatican >>. |
||
| − | For that – as them being partnered with the demon world behind closed door, |
||
| − | and if they modify the content this time too. |
||
| − | Exploiting the opponent’s weakness is standard for politics. To prevent this |
||
| − | it’s important not to make such a hole to begin with. This is something the |
||
| − | elders who are long involved with politics know better than anyone. With |
||
| − | that, “…We understand. We have no objection to this” |
||
| − | With the approval of Fuji, the intention of the place had been agreed on. With |
||
| − | that, Takigawa, “–So then, I’ll go on ahead” |
||
| − | Saying that, he used his spiritual pattern to open the envelope’s password. |
||
| − | With that, the seal wax emblems of the moderate faction and the current |
||
| − | demon king faction glowed blue and black respectively – with that, the |
||
| − | severely shut off secret letter was opened. |
||
| − | And then, Takigawa open the folded letter. |
||
| − | “Aah – “We, those who proudly live as demons–”, I can just skip this part |
||
| − | right? For all our sake’s, I’ll get straight to the important part”“I think expressing the content properly is a special envoy’s job though…” |
||
| − | Said Celis with an exasperated expression. |
||
| − | “No need to act so elite, just excuse me from having to say all these |
||
| − | meandering political greetings… You’ll confirm the content in writing later |
||
| − | anyway. If you want to read some formal political greetings, you can go read |
||
| − | it yourself later.” |
||
| − | Saying that with a snort, Takigawa, |
||
| − | “Let’s see. With the death of previous demon king Wilbert, the ceasefire |
||
| − | condition of the last great war had been a mere facade, the moderate faction |
||
| − | and current demon king faction both want to offer a truce once more to the |
||
| − | heroes… Something like that” |
||
| − | “Hmm…. I see” “Well it is like that” |
||
| − | This was within the scope of assumption. Neither Celis nor the elders show |
||
| − | surprise at the content Takigawa read out loud. Not saying whether they |
||
| − | agree or disagree, is a careful fear in regards to political standing. |
||
| − | Takigawa who had expected as much gave a low laughter and continued to |
||
| − | read the content. |
||
| − | “However… This peace between the moderate faction and the current demon |
||
| − | king faction is largely due to the achievement of Naruse Mio, who had |
||
| − | participated in the war between the two factions. However, if the |
||
| − | achievement of Mio, the daughter of the late demon king is made public, it |
||
| − | may cause renewed ambitions and unnecessary discord within their own |
||
| − | camps.”Saying that. |
||
| − | “In short, if one tried to use Naruse Mio’s influential power exclusively, it’s |
||
| − | likely conflict would occur between the two sides once more. They matched |
||
| − | in opinion in that fundamentally, they are not to inflict future harm on Naruse |
||
| − | Mio. This too, extended to those close with Naruse Mio, including Toujou |
||
| − | Basara, Maria and Zest…. And” |
||
| − | There are those who showed relief at that. Mio, Yuki and Kurumi, the three |
||
| − | of them. Accomplishing their goal in the demon world, furthermore getting |
||
| − | that commitment from the top of the two forces. There’s a realization that the |
||
| − | fight they had risked their lives for was rewarded, on the other hand “…” |
||
| − | Just Basara made no change in his expression, particularly looking at nothing. |
||
| − | His gaze fell to the floor in front of him, deep in his thoughts. |
||
| − | …That’s right. |
||
| − | What Basara is looking for is a hand that can overturn the << Vatican >>‘s |
||
| − | assertion that Celis takes custody of them. Now, he’s building a basis for it in |
||
| − | his mind. If there’s something in Takigawa’s secret letter that could assist in |
||
| − | that, it’s good. But it’s important to not just rely on an unclear secret letter, |
||
| − | but to think of their own situation in parallel to it. Mio and the others are |
||
| − | probably doing the same, but Basara’s thoroughness on this is almost too |
||
| − | much. But nothing good had come to him yet. Basara’s face is yet to soften. |
||
| − | So then, …It must be difficult. |
||
| − | Takigawa made a sad smile, and his gaze fell back to the letter.“But – the act of non-interference towards Naruse Mio must not be respected |
||
| − | by only the demons” |
||
| − | He said it with a small tone of a telling smile. At the same time, “—” |
||
| − | A slight change can be seen in Basara’s expression. However, this time |
||
| − | Takigawa did not mind it even if he did notice, “The heroes had judged that |
||
| − | the presence of Toujou Basara and Naruse Mio is effective for the demons. |
||
| − | Any malicious actions regarding them could interfere with this historic |
||
| − | peace” |
||
| − | With that. |
||
| − | The terms for the new ceasefire – is for neither demons nor heroes to be able |
||
| − | to lay a hand on their ‘sanctuary’, this is an absolute condition” |
||
| − | As Takigawa read that out loud, |
||
| − | “…–Wh, what is that!?” |
||
| − | Celis cried out with a tone laced with surprised and upset, but Takigawa |
||
| − | ignored her. |
||
| − | “This letter will lodge a new ceasefire agreement, if it is found that the heroes |
||
| − | made an attempt to take advantage of Toujou Basara and Naruse Mio – the |
||
| − | combined forces of the moderate faction and the current demon king faction |
||
| − | must warn in advance that this is considered a serious sabotage against peace |
||
| − | and they must declare war on the heroes based on this condition… That’s the |
||
| − | end.” |
||
| − | “How dare you, such lies…!”“Hey, hey, I opened this letter in front of everyone here. Formally, everyone |
||
| − | here is witness to there being no fraudulent actions. If you still don’t believe |
||
| − | it, here… Take a look with your own eyes” |
||
| − | “–Even if you say so!” |
||
| − | With her voice in a mess, Celis grabbed the secret letter. |
||
| − | At the same time – the secret letter was converted to a language Celis could |
||
| − | read, her emerald eyes scanning through the words. However – it’s a waste of |
||
| − | time. What Takigawa had read out loud was the content of the letter without a |
||
| − | lie. With that, “…” |
||
| − | Takigawa smiled at Basara’s group who looked at him with surprise. |
||
| − | …What, no need to worry, |
||
| − | With things being so dramatic and romantic, do what you can without |
||
| − | trouble. |
||
| − | The secret letter had given a good situation for Basara’s group as they had |
||
| − | left much achievements in the demon world, but also because of the affection |
||
| − | and bonds of their blood. |
||
| − | …It’s not just that. |
||
| − | While it’s true the demons would be troubled by the heroes utilizing Basara |
||
| − | or Mio, on the flip side, a sanctuary for Basara and Mio can be utilized and |
||
| − | convenient for them. If everything is cleaned up neatly, that isn’t politics – a |
||
| − | heart-warming story is just fabricated. This thing called politics, could use auseful fabricated story more than a useless truth. And then, “This can’t be… |
||
| − | This is…” |
||
| − | To Celis, who had read to the end with her shoulders trembling, “So… What |
||
| − | would you do? They had offered a new ceasefire. Whether you would accept |
||
| − | or reject it, it’s best to carefully consider it” |
||
| − | However, said Takigawa |
||
| − | “If you take Naruse Mio to the << Vatican >> – at that moment, as it’s |
||
| − | written here, would be a cause for them to declare war right?” |
||
| − | “…” |
||
| − | At Takigawa’s words, Celis bit down on her lips bitterly. Being a hearing |
||
| − | officer, surely she was entrusted with corresponding authority from the top of |
||
| − | the << Vatican >>. |
||
| − | …However, |
||
| − | The current situation had gone above the present hearing officer or the |
||
| − | leaders of a district. |
||
| − | Since the judgment in this case could cause an all out war with the demons, |
||
| − | each of the heroes district’s representative should be part of the consideration. |
||
| − | However, as it is also between the < Village >> and << Vatican >> there’s a |
||
| − | political side to it too. The discussion is bound to get more complicated if the |
||
| − | United States and the other districts are present. It would take time to settle |
||
| − | their opinions too. In that time, the peace between the moderate faction and |
||
| − | the current demon king faction should have been settled. With thisinformation, it would put the hero families to more of a panic and create more |
||
| − | disputes. As such, |
||
| − | …That’s probably enough to buy time. |
||
| − | Takigawa thinking that, |
||
| − | “But… More than determining the ‘sanctuary’ status for Basara’s group, we |
||
| − | should clarify who’s in charge of their supervision” |
||
| − | Even so, Celis is eating it up. |
||
| − | Celis Reinhart is racking up her brains. |
||
| − | …At this rate, she isn’t giving up. |
||
| − | Once the ‘sanctuary’ for Basara’s side is determined on the demon’s side, it |
||
| − | can’t be messed around – so in theory, it’s good for Celis to interfere before |
||
| − | the settlement is made. Although that’s quite an aggressive interpretation, … |
||
| − | It should proceed in a logical manner… |
||
| − | Taking advantage of their opponent needing time to decide. With that, “I |
||
| − | see… However, while we are waiting on the verdict regarding accepting the |
||
| − | terms for armistice this time, the current situation is correct” |
||
| − | A male demon called Takigawa, saying that to dismantle Celis’ logic. |
||
| − | “The Nonaka sisters from the side of the hero clans, and myself from the |
||
| − | demon side had been dispatched for observing them… That’s the present |
||
| − | situation, and it’s a good form for both sides” |
||
| − | At those words.“No… It isn’t so” |
||
| − | Celis was firm in not acknowledging this. |
||
| − | “Our concern was as we had expressed. Presently, the Japan << Village >> |
||
| − | does not have enough strength to deter Basara’s group effectively…. The |
||
| − | ones that can fulfil that task is us, << Vatican >>” |
||
| − | That’s why they wanted to take Basara with them – continuing those words |
||
| − | like that. |
||
| − | “Yeah – in that case there’s no worry” |
||
| − | A voice with a dark smile could be heard in that place. |
||
| − | It did not come from out of the room like Celis did earlier. So it was, “–” |
||
| − | Celis and Basara too, looked over to that side. |
||
| − | With that, at the back of the three elders – just beside the sacred objects of the |
||
| − | four gods, a young man stood. The young man took a fruit that had been |
||
| − | placed as an offering, a red apple in his hand, biting it with a crunch, finally |
||
| − | meeting their gaze, “– To handle Basara’s group. I think I’d be able to do |
||
| − | that?” |
||
| − | A smile surfaced on his thin lips. |
||
| − | – Shiba Kyouichi stood there.PART 12 |
||
| − | The sudden appearance of Shiba was enough to change the air of the place. |
||
| − | Toujou Basara felt that the ceremonial hall is now enveloped in an inevitable |
||
| − | tension. |
||
| − | That was how strong the presence of this young man, Shiba Kyoichi. |
||
| − | At this tense air that would make anyone hold their breath, “…Why are you |
||
| − | here” |
||
| − | Celis, obviously tense, asked Shiba, |
||
| − | “As per Kyoichi’s words, regarded hearing officer… This is the insurance we |
||
| − | have to deter Basara’s group” |
||
| − | It was not Shiba, but Atsuta who answered in his place. At those words, |
||
| − | “What kind of foolish words? More than anything, using this man… Even if |
||
| − | you can control poison with poison, there has to be another way” |
||
| − | As Celis voiced to the elders, “Poison, how cruel… Don’t you think so |
||
| − | Basara?” |
||
| − | Shiba who shrugged his shoulder, asked for affirmation from him. But, “….” |
||
| − | Basara, without replying with anything, thought of one thing.…As expected it’s Shiba-san |
||
| − | Just as one of the elders Kumano, had said to Celis’ criticism earlier. That |
||
| − | they should be properly open regarding the Vatican’s concern that they are |
||
| − | unable to deter Basara well enough. Due to the speed of the talk, that matter |
||
| − | was left where it was – but when he heard that proclamation, Basara had |
||
| − | thought of the possibility that the elders would use Shiba as a trump card. |
||
| − | However, even if he had that preparation, with this confrontation once more, |
||
| − | just letting one’s wander for a little bit would cause one to be crushed in an |
||
| − | unfamiliar eerie pressure. |
||
| − | …For Shiba-san to appear in this timing… |
||
| − | Thinking of the meaning of that send shivers down Basara’s spine. Having |
||
| − | been read the secret letter by Takigawa, they had a reversal on the assertion |
||
| − | of the Vatican as stated by Celis. However, with Shiba’s appearance it is not |
||
| − | possible to properly respond. |
||
| − | – Shiba should normally be shut up in prison. And then, the elders have not |
||
| − | moved since the start of the meeting. They did not make any movements to |
||
| − | indicate for Shiba to appear. Of course, the possibility of them using a |
||
| − | spiritual power to instruct for Shiba to appear through a super secret back |
||
| − | door without anyone realizing is not zero but, |
||
| − | … |
||
| − | It’s not that. |
||
| − | No matter how much Celis pressed the village, the elder did not seem |
||
| − | trapped, like they still afford some room somewhere. In that case, there’smost likely just one answer – Shiba was let out of prison in advance, in |
||
| − | preparation for this meeting. |
||
| − | …That means. |
||
| − | The problem was, the timing for when they judged Shiba should appear. Was |
||
| − | it at the point Basara’s group had decided to go home, or was it during the |
||
| − | time the hearing officers came from the Vatican, or perhaps at the special |
||
| − | envoy from the demon world, Takigawa – Who was this risky existence |
||
| − | called Shiba is being used as a trump card against becomes the focus. |
||
| − | They had heard from Shuuya that the interference of the << Vatican >> is |
||
| − | putting the elders on the edge. If that is to be believed, then there’s a high |
||
| − | probability for this to be a measure against the << Vatican’s >> internal |
||
| − | affairs. However, …Even so. |
||
| − | Toujo Basara cannot let his guard down. Previously even with Takashi’s |
||
| − | group as a decoy, Shiba had appeared. And then as Celis said, The << Village |
||
| − | >> had failed to erase Mio even with ‘Byakko’. To begin with, the talk that |
||
| − | had called them to the << Village >> is the perceived danger that came with |
||
| − | their increasing strength. In this case, they have to think of Shiba as a card |
||
| − | against them. If Shiba is their opponent, even a slight gap could lead to death. |
||
| − | Even just the smallest carelessness could lead to death – So, “—” |
||
| − | Basara looked on towards Shiba with the utmost vigilance. |
||
| − | “Aw, I don’t like that face. It’s been such a long time since you came back to |
||
| − | the << Village >>… |
||
| − | Right, Basara?”With a mocking smile, he moved his gaze from Basara to Celis. |
||
| − | “And… So how is it Celis-chan? Are you not satisfied with me being |
||
| − | Basara’s deterrent?” |
||
| − | Asking with a plastered-on smiling face, “Yes… It’s doubtful” |
||
| − | Even as she was pressured by Shiba, without yielding Celis, “You are |
||
| − | someone who had always been held in confinement… Regardless of how |
||
| − | strong you might have been in the past, there’s no guarantee that this had not |
||
| − | decrease” |
||
| − | With that subduing declaration, |
||
| − | “Mmm, even though you say that, weak… In that case” |
||
| − | Shiba, who pointed to himself with his index finger disappeared in a split |
||
| − | second to appear right in front of Basara. |
||
| − | “–!?” |
||
| − | Just as Basara and the others gulped down, Shiba was already wearing a |
||
| − | vicious red-black aura, “—If you hate, hate Celis-chan” |
||
| − | Before those words, his right hand had swung down on Basara. |
||
| − | What Shiba aimed for was Basara’s throat. Sharply penetrators sucking into |
||
| − | Basara’s throat, “–” |
||
| − | However, they were stopped before it reached him. |
||
| − | – It was not stopped by Shiba himself.There are those who stopped him – three girls. |
||
| − | Unsheathing her spirit blade ‘Sakuya’, breaking through Shiba’s penetrators |
||
| − | before reaching Basara, Nonaka Yuki. |
||
| − | Using her embodied spiritual gauntlet, and projecting numerous magical |
||
| − | deployments, Nonaka Kurumi. |
||
| − | Having unsheathed her sword and pointing it straight to Shiba’s nose, Celis |
||
| − | Reinhart. |
||
| − | Surrounded by those three, the air of the place was as tense as it could be, “–” |
||
| − | Basara watched on wordlessly, Shiba pulling back the penetrators with his |
||
| − | right hand. |
||
| − | “I didn’t think you would interfere… What are you three thinking?” |
||
| − | Exaggeratedly shrugging his shoulder at the girls who had stopped him, |
||
| − | Shiba said that with a bitter smile, at that, “Just stopping your violence… |
||
| − | There should be no problem with that” |
||
| − | With a cold expression, Nonaka Yuki answered, her blade pointed at Shiba. |
||
| − | Before coming to the << Village >> there was something Basara’s group had |
||
| − | discussed and decided on beforehand. Find a way to avoid conflicts with the |
||
| − | << Village >> as much as possible. Secondly, for Mio who could easily be |
||
| − | the aim of attacks and Yuki and Kurumi who may be blamed, to not go |
||
| − | upfront in the meeting with elders and try to talk as much as possible through |
||
| − | Basara. And then thirdly – if there is a problem, for Yuki and Kurumi to |
||
| − | respond to it.They were called for problems in regards to Basara and Mio. So then to avoid |
||
| − | showing opposition to the << Village >>, it is necessary for Basara’s group to |
||
| − | not show and indication of wanting to fight. |
||
| − | – However, even if they have no willingness to fight, there is a possibility |
||
| − | that attacks may come on to them. |
||
| − | When they talked to prepare for such a situation, it was Yuki and Kurumi |
||
| − | who offered up their names. If it’s Basara and Mio – especially Mio, the |
||
| − | situation may turn into a serious confrontation right away, however if it’s |
||
| − | Yuki and Kurumi who are members of the Hero Clan, their act is answerable |
||
| − | to the << Village >>. |
||
| − | However, it was not to say they want all the blame to fall entirely on Yuki |
||
| − | and Kurumi. |
||
| − | It was to the end, just that this was a preferable choice to Basara and Mio. |
||
| − | But – even so if the other side should do so, in that case Yuki and Kurumi |
||
| − | would move to fulfill their duty, unyielding. If it wasn’t something they did |
||
| − | not initiate, but is to the end a defensive move, there’s little chance that they |
||
| − | would be blamed for it. |
||
| − | Since the discussion started – No, since the moment they left the Toujou |
||
| − | household even if they don’t show it they were ready to fight. |
||
| − | So then now – Yuki and Kurumi had definitely protected Basara from a |
||
| − | sudden attack from Shiba. |
||
| − | …But.To say it another way, the fact they were able to respond to Shiba’s attack is |
||
| − | as their bodies and heart was ready to begin with. – But, that isn’t the case for |
||
| − | Celis. Despite having been shaken by the sudden appearance of Shiba, Celis |
||
| − | was able to respond to Shiba’s movement. |
||
| − | …On top of it, that sword. |
||
| − | Celis’ sword is a special kind, combining four magical blades of different |
||
| − | colors. It is likely that it is not a sword she received with her post of hearing |
||
| − | officer, but with another title. |
||
| − | …The << Vatican’s >> Holy Knight, huh… |
||
| − | She was a childhood friend who had grown up far away overseas, and for |
||
| − | sure now, she is at a place that only then chose among all the world’s heroes |
||
| − | could reach. While they vaguely held the feeling of that truth, now there’s no |
||
| − | other way for Basara and the others to think about it. |
||
| − | The movement just now – it was initiated by Shiba. Yuki and Kurumi is not |
||
| − | to blame. |
||
| − | …Essentially speaking anyway… |
||
| − | However, thinks Basara – this is a place of high politics. As so, the |
||
| − | justifications given may not follow justice. Basara’s worry, became true with |
||
| − | Shiba’s smile. |
||
| − | “I’m only trying to show my strength. Regarding the appeal of the elders on |
||
| − | whether I can deter Basara’s group, presenting to Celis-chan who is doubtful |
||
| − | of how effective they could be In short.“My action is appropriately answering to the political will of both the << |
||
| − | Village >> and << Vatican >>. The two of you obstruct that… I wonder if |
||
| − | you have any objections to that?” |
||
| − | To Shiba, who’s hunting them down with a deepening smile, “No. It is just |
||
| − | that my older sister and I responded automatically to your killer intent, Shiba�san, we do not hold any ill-will to interfere with the << Village >> or << |
||
| − | Vatican >>” |
||
| − | Said Kurumi after a bit. In the political arena, she showed a political conduct. |
||
| − | Kurumi’s remarks are meant to give legitimacy to their actions. In any case, |
||
| − | there’s a possibility that Shiba’s incomprehensible power might be invoked |
||
| − | without ceremony, such as that of setting a barrier. Shiba’s power is perhaps, |
||
| − | higher than that of the “four gods”, the four godly weapons combined. |
||
| − | Letting pass an attack like that, being careless, might mean Basara losing his |
||
| − | life. As such, Yuki and Kurumi’s movements are implicitly, an appropriate |
||
| − | defensive maneuver. And then, “To begin with, in a ceremonial place like |
||
| − | this an offensive attack can’t be deployed” |
||
| − | This too is convenient. If Shiba’s power blew away the barrier of the “Four |
||
| − | Gods”, Kurumi could use her magical ability without restraint or if Shiba’s |
||
| − | ability does not affect it then Yuki’s “Sakuya”, as even if it’s restricted in its |
||
| − | spirit power could be used as a normal blade. |
||
| − | …But. |
||
| − | Seeing the blade of Celis’ sword that’s derived from magic, the barrier |
||
| − | against attacks in the ritual place might be gone. Of course, this is a weapon |
||
| − | of a << Vatican >> Holy Knight. It’s undeniable that with its power that islikely equal of the four gods, there would be effects but, …If the barrier is |
||
| − | gone. |
||
| − | Then it did not disappear with Shiba’s attack or when he appeared in this hall. |
||
| − | At these two timing, there’s no visible changes to the space of the ceremony. |
||
| − | As such, with the elders having decided to use Shiba as a trump card, it’s |
||
| − | possible that at that when Basara arrived the barrier was already gone. |
||
| − | Thinking about it like this, the elders had decided to leave this place |
||
| − | unguarded. – Of course, this is all theories. Even though there is a system |
||
| − | here for a barrier to seal offensive powers, there is no way to confirm whether |
||
| − | it was deployed. Wanting to avoid confrontation with the << Village >>, they |
||
| − | cannot test out their own abilities and Shiba’s and Celis’ powers are too |
||
| − | unknown to them. |
||
| − | The truth is hidden deep inside. However, their political defensive game is |
||
| − | not over. |
||
| − | “No ill-will huh… I see. But, this isn’t a place to all ow for such things. If |
||
| − | you don’t understand that, then you have no business being here – right, |
||
| − | elders?” |
||
| − | “…Yes” |
||
| − | At Shiba’s words, Fuji nodded affirmatively after a short silence. |
||
| − | “Shuuya… Remove Yuki and Kurumi” “– Did Kyoichi not move first?” |
||
| − | The ordered Shuuya, appropriately questioned the instruction, “I moved only |
||
| − | as desired, there is no problem at all … As evidence of that, see”Shiba, spreading out both arms, |
||
| − | “It’s apparent that “Kegare”* has not occurred in this place. It was |
||
| − | acknowledged by the gods and spirits… My actions are legitimate” |
||
| − | Insisting on his being correct by having his power touch the barrier. |
||
| − | Accepting that, “…” |
||
| − | Shuuya could only be silent. Shiba could appeal that his power has nothing to |
||
| − | do with the barrier but, as this is the Shiba who was in kegare, the << Village |
||
| − | >> had neglected to prepare insurance they would be able to suppress Shiba |
||
| − | in times of emergency and they’re admitting this in front of Celis, a hearing |
||
| − | officer of the << Vatican >>. On top of the accusations that deterrence |
||
| − | against Basara being insufficient, they must avoid getting further pressed |
||
| − | with anxiety with the treatment of Shiba. |
||
| − | “…I understand. Yuki, Kurumi, both of you put down your weapons” |
||
| − | At Shuuya’s words, |
||
| − | “…Basara” |
||
| − | Yuki called out softly to him. What should she do, she’s asking. So, “It’s |
||
| − | alright… Thanks for saving me” |
||
| − | Basara said that to Yuki and Kurumi, before returning his gaze to Shiba. |
||
| − | “Leave it to me from here”PART 13 |
||
| − | So then Yuki and Kurumi, were escorted by Shuuya out of the ceremonial |
||
| − | hall. |
||
| − | However – the man who had chased them out, Shiba, remained in place. |
||
| − | It’d be good if one could avoid this place being clawed in further by Shiba |
||
| − | but, But, This critical situation where Yuki and Kurumi had been drawn out, |
||
| − | a development that once again had collided to a place where he could not |
||
| − | easily reach, was a situation Basara would have liked to avoid. |
||
| − | …More than anything. |
||
| − | Was this situation something the elders who had involved Shiba had thought |
||
| − | of, or was it something done by Shiba. |
||
| − | And then whether the situation is one where the elders can possibly control |
||
| − | Shiba, is an unclear danger. |
||
| − | Drawing out the other side’s expectations and plans as much as possible. |
||
| − | With that, “So then… What should we do? I’m sure the << Vatican >> now |
||
| − | recognize my ability to deter Basara?” |
||
| − | “Yes, of course… But despite that, I will not let it pass if you act insolently |
||
| − | again. With this holy sword ‘Georgius’, I will cut you down”To Shiba who once again toed the line, Celis said while sheathing her magic |
||
| − | sword. |
||
| − | “Your proof, had been a truth from a past problem. To begin with, there’s |
||
| − | doubt on whether or not your nature will all ow you to accomplish the task |
||
| − | set to you by the hero clan” |
||
| − | While there’s no problem with the power, there’s a human problem – |
||
| − | Therefore, that judgment that his power was enough to subdue Basara was |
||
| − | not appropriate here. |
||
| − | “But, the elders here, had decided that I am appropriate. There’s a difference |
||
| − | in opinion huh. The decision of the << Village >> and the << Vatican >> is |
||
| − | split” |
||
| − | Said Shiba. |
||
| − | “In that case – whose way of thinking is right, can only be decided through a |
||
| − | trial” |
||
| − | “Trial…?” |
||
| − | To Celis who asked, confused, Shiba nodded a ‘yes’. |
||
| − | “Once again, where no one can interfere, I will show my power to subdue |
||
| − | Basara’s group” |
||
| − | In other words – a fight between Basara’s group and Shiba. |
||
| − | “Wait… That’s” |
||
| − | As Basara turned to object,“Will you be quiet, Basara – This is a problem between the << Village >> |
||
| − | and << Vatican >>. While you are definitely the person of interest, you do |
||
| − | not have the right to interrupt this conversation” |
||
| − | Shiba cut off his words. |
||
| − | “How is it, Celis-chan… Are you going to say no? Refusing without even |
||
| − | testing it out, your qualification as a hearing officer would be questioned on |
||
| − | points of fairness from below you know?” |
||
| − | “…” |
||
| − | Getting the brunt back of her earlier words, Celis’ face turned sour as she, |
||
| − | “That’s… If Basara purposely lost it would cause an advantageous situation |
||
| − | on that side” |
||
| − | Shiba’s appearance is more over what Basara did not want, that much is |
||
| − | impossible… But at Celis’ objection made to cut off Shiba, |
||
| − | “Hmm, I suppose that’s true… Then what would be good” |
||
| − | Putting his hand to his chin as he thinks, suddenly, in a flash “– So if Basara |
||
| − | loses, I will kill Yuki-chan and Kurumi-chan” |
||
| − | At those words, |
||
| − | “– Shiba-san!” |
||
| − | Basara shouted out in a roar. |
||
| − | “Huh? What’s wrong Basara? I think it’s a pretty good idea. Because, in this |
||
| − | case Basara won’t hold back right?”“Don’t joke around, I won’t forgive such stupidity—” |
||
| − | At the Shiba looking blankly, Mio who had been quiet up to this point |
||
| − | showed animosity. |
||
| − | “Stupidity? What are you saying? The one who’s trouble now is you Naruse |
||
| − | Mio… The S-class you and female demon Zest who’s with you, Semi-S class |
||
| − | succubus Naruse Maria. And counting Basara who has already been expelled |
||
| − | from the heroes, that’s three more S-class. And then the << Vatican >> had |
||
| − | classified you as Special S class… This situation is serious” |
||
| − | Shiba threw a scornful smile in their direction. |
||
| − | “This can show the right way to deal with you… And then the hero clans |
||
| − | have a duty to protect the world from any evil. They stake their lives on it. At |
||
| − | best, for the two of them it’s time for them to pay to that duty” |
||
| − | “…Please wait. There’s the condition of the secret letter from the demons. |
||
| − | Until the decision comes from all of the clans, we can’t be careless, and risk |
||
| − | putting Basara’s group in danger” |
||
| − | Said Celis, attempting to keep in check the risk of war with the demons, but, |
||
| − | “The demons’ conditions only cover Naruse Mio, Naruse Maria, Zest and |
||
| − | Basara, the four of them. Yuki-chan and Kurumi-chan aren’t included, isn’t |
||
| − | that right, the demons’ special envoy?” |
||
| − | “…” |
||
| − | At Shiba’s words, Takigawa could only return silence – An affirming silence.The ones the demons disallow from being touched is just Mio, Maria, Zest |
||
| − | and Basara. This is Mio and the people who could constrain Mio – in other |
||
| − | words, it’s to protect those Mio hold dear. |
||
| − | In that case, it should have included Yuki and Kurumi but, …Damn… |
||
| − | For Yuki and Kurumi to be excluded from the secret letters ‘Sanctuary’ can’t |
||
| − | be helped. |
||
| − | They’re demons, while Yuki and Kurumi are members of the hero clan. At a |
||
| − | secret letter sealed by the demon’s moderate faction and current demon king |
||
| − | faction, there’s no way that they could include requests regarding members of |
||
| − | the heroes faction. If that’s to spill, it would cause revolt from within both. |
||
| − | For it to have included Basara must have been after heavy consideration. |
||
| − | And then, if it’s know that such a potentially destructive letter to have been |
||
| − | handed to the hero clan, the support for the top of the factions, Ramsus and |
||
| − | Leonhart might waver. In that case, then the peace achieved by the moderate |
||
| − | and demon king factions might be broken from the inside. |
||
| − | …For sure. |
||
| − | Ramsus and Leonhart could not have predicted what Shiba had spilled out. |
||
| − | Instead, it would be normal for them to think that Yuki’s and Kurumi’s safety |
||
| − | is ensured by the Hero Clan. |
||
| − | The trump card that was effective for the elders and Celis became scrap in |
||
| − | front of Shiba. With that, “…For us, to want to go that far” |
||
| − | Celis said with a pained expression. She too definitely didn’t wish for a |
||
| − | situation where Yuki and Kurumi could be harmed by Shiba. To Celis too,Yuki and Kurumi are her precious childhood friends. However, “Well, well |
||
| − | the Vatican hearing officer, to be so swayed from one’s own declarations so |
||
| − | easily, how unreliable… We need to be absolutely certain and resolute, did |
||
| − | you not say so, so arrogantly” |
||
| − | In front of Shiba, there’s nothing that Celis’ real feelings of friendship could |
||
| − | do. |
||
| − | “To begin with, you’ve been picking on our inability to respond to Basara’s |
||
| − | group but, can we really rely on the << Vatican >> to really stop Basara’s |
||
| − | group if it comes to it?” |
||
| − | “O, Of course…!” |
||
| − | “Then – we’ll get that proof from your hand, Celis-chan” |
||
| − | At Celis who objected, Shiba smiled. |
||
| − | “Firstly have Basara and Celis fight, show us a win properly Celis-chan… |
||
| − | Well, the observation of Basara’s group is not your personal talk but the << |
||
| − | Vatican >>‘s, if you fight against Naruse Mio the demons won’t shut up so a |
||
| − | 1-on-1 with Basara would be good. This at the worst, would show us the << |
||
| − | Vatican >>‘s thoroughness with Basara right?” |
||
| − | “…If I do so, would you hand Basara’s group to us?” |
||
| − | Celis narrowed her eyes and replied quietly to Shiba’s suggestion. It’s not an |
||
| − | altogether bad condition but… It had more or less reverted to the original |
||
| − | situation. With that, “I said ‘firstly’ did I not… If Celis wins against Basara, |
||
| − | then it’s time for the << Village >> and << Vatican >> to fight, for us to fight |
||
| − | to see whose power to subdue Basara’s group is more appropriate. At thattime, it could be all out between the << Village >> and << Vatican >> |
||
| − | though” |
||
| − | “…” |
||
| − | Celis was silent at Shiba’s words. She was likely calculating the situation of |
||
| − | the << Vatican >> and << Village >> which includes Shiba. |
||
| − | “In that case…” |
||
| − | Basara opened his mouth this time. |
||
| − | “If – If I win against Celis?” |
||
| − | “Oh no Basara, asking something you already know” |
||
| − | Shiba smiled at the Basara who asked quietly. |
||
| − | “At that time, then the << Village >> has to show to the << Vatican >> that |
||
| − | they have the power to effectively subdue you” |
||
| − | After a pause, he spoke facing Basara – so naturally. |
||
| − | “– A fight between me and you.”CHAPTER 3: |
||
| − | WITH YOU ON THIS NIGHT OF RESOLUTIONPART 1 |
||
| − | In the midst of the discussion in ceremonial hall, Yuki and Kurumi had been |
||
| − | dismissed by orders of the elders. |
||
| − | And then following after Shuuya out of the ceremonial hall, the two of them |
||
| − | are currently on their way back to the Nonaka home, leaving Basara and the |
||
| − | others in the middle of discussion. They didn’t use the car they had used to |
||
| − | get here from the station – after all that belongs to the <<Village>>. As such |
||
| − | Yuki and Kurumi, walked following behind Shuuya’s back with the goal of |
||
| − | their parents’ home. |
||
| − | – However this isn’t the elders’ instruction nor Shuuya’s decision. |
||
| − | It’s something that had been decided in the discussion with Basara before |
||
| − | coming to the << Village >>. If in the case the << Village >> was provoked, |
||
| − | at that moment it was decided that Yuki and Kurumi would carry the burden |
||
| − | of the frontline roles – in the case that the reason for their action might be |
||
| − | broken off, to avoid the chance that they they would fall as hostages or |
||
| − | bargaining chips. |
||
| − | At the Elders’ manor, Basara’s group is right in the midst of the discussion |
||
| − | with the << Village >> and << Vatican >> – Then, there’s the demon world |
||
| − | special envoy Takigawa, if they act like they oppose the terms of the secret |
||
| − | document, there’s a risk of invoking an all out war with the demon world. |
||
| − | Shiba’s appearance was no small surprise but, it wasn’t just them whostopped Shiba, but Celis from the << Vatican >>. at the very least that should |
||
| − | guarantee Basara’s and Mio’s safety in the proceeding meeting. However, … |
||
| − | We can’t do that. |
||
| − | With her gaze falling to her feet, Nonaka Yuki assessed the situation calmly. |
||
| − | The << Vatican >> has complained that the << Village >> doesn’t have |
||
| − | enough strength to properly suppress Basara and Mio – in that case, it’s not |
||
| − | limited to the elder’s use of Yuki and Kurumi to suppress Basara. It also can’t |
||
| − | be denied that among the hero clan, even more than those who belong to the |
||
| − | << Village >> would be using this to their own advantage, politically and in |
||
| − | the bigger picture. The hero clan are those who protect the world from the |
||
| − | threat of evil – |
||
| − | That duty isn’t one that can be fulfilled with just beautiful words. |
||
| − | That duty of theirs is one they take nobly, thinking of it with pride. However, |
||
| − | they can’t be an impediment to Basara. Luckily, although the elders had told |
||
| − | them to leave the hall, they had not said they must wait in a different room. |
||
| − | Most likely, they expelled them following Shiba’s ad-libbed suggestion, they |
||
| − | stopped at just dismissing them from the room as per what Shiba said, as they |
||
| − | took into consideration that Shiba may go against their expectations and goal |
||
| − | Yuki and Kurumi took that chance. The manor of the elders is in short, the |
||
| − | elders’ field. They had to be at the utmost level of alert. And they wouldn’t |
||
| − | know where or what trap might await them. |
||
| − | However, in the Nonaka home Yuki and Kurumi are completely familiar with |
||
| − | the structure and surroundings. At the very least, more than at the elders |
||
| − | manor, they could they could prepare provisions in case of emergency, sothat they don’t end up getting used for the political speculation of the elders |
||
| − | or village. |
||
| − | …But. |
||
| − | As Yuki and Kurumi were dismissed, they don’t know much about Shiba’s |
||
| − | goal. Say if Shiba used the two of them during the meeting, at least they |
||
| − | could object. However, he had taken them by surprise and attacked Basara |
||
| − | suddenly. Now that Yuki and Kurumi had been dismissed from the meeting, |
||
| − | at the very least he isn’t able to use them to take advantage of Basara and |
||
| − | Mio’s kindness, twisting the direction of the meeting. Then, at that. |
||
| − | “–Onee” |
||
| − | When she looked at Kurumi who called out gently to her, Kurumi’s sight is |
||
| − | directed elsewhere – |
||
| − | to the surroundings around them. Kurumi had been examining the area |
||
| − | without letting her guard down, it’s something Yuki noticed earlier – it’s the |
||
| − | eyes on them. It takes twenty minutes for them to walk to the Nonaka home |
||
| − | from the elders manors. Under good noon weather, normally they should |
||
| − | have encountered someone along the way. However, despite almost reaching |
||
| − | the Nonaka house, up till now they haven’t passed by anyone. It’s completely |
||
| − | like the whole Village is holding their breaths quietly within their homes. |
||
| − | However although there is no one, they can feel eyes on them. In short, this |
||
| − | too could be the elders’ instruction for the Village. |
||
| − | It’s not just Basara or Mio. Yuki and Kurumi too, are put under surveillance. |
||
| − | So, “–”Nonaka Yuki, as she’s placed her eyes on the back of Shuuya who’s walking |
||
| − | ahead of them, thought about how she and Kurumi had given their beloved |
||
| − | father such a heavy problem, …As expected. |
||
| − | This situation can’t get put off any more than this – so, “….Father” |
||
| − | She called quietly to the back of Shuuya, who till now had been walking |
||
| − | ahead of them. With that, “Yeah… But, we are almost there. Let’s talk when |
||
| − | we get home” |
||
| − | The words Shuuya said while walking ahead were the truth. At the end of |
||
| − | their sight, they could see the Nonaka house – That’s why Yuki, didn’t say |
||
| − | anything, lined up with Kurumi as they walked on behind Shuuya. |
||
| − | Walking alongside a stone fence, stepping onto the ground through the gate, |
||
| − | the front door is right in front of them. Just ten meters or so, Yuki and |
||
| − | Kurumi moved forward – and then the moment Shuuya is in front of the door, |
||
| − | it opened to their home, “–Both of you, welcome home” |
||
| − | The warm voice that welcomed them, was their mother Kaoru. Though the |
||
| − | two of them carried such a serious problem with them, she had smiled gently |
||
| − | at them without showing an atom of feeling that. |
||
| − | “Mother –” |
||
| − | At the moment they saw that Kaoru – Kurumi who stood by Yuki spilled out |
||
| − | a voice that sounded like she was about to cry. |
||
| − | “Oh, what face are you making… But, what good timing. It’s a bit early but I |
||
| − | just started preparation for dinner. I’d like help from the both of you. Come |
||
| − | on in”Kaoru made a small bitter smile, turning a heel to head back inside. |
||
| − | So Shuuya followed behind, with Yuki and Kurumi through the door. – At |
||
Revision as of 21:58, 3 June 2021
These are the novel illustrations that were included in volume 9
Cover
Special Bundle Cover
page 57
page 157
page 223
page 253
page 329
page 361
page 366
| Back to Volume 8 Afterword | Return to Main Page | Forward to Prologue |
