|
|
| Line 20: |
Line 20: |
| {{SimpleNav}} | | {{SimpleNav}} |
| </noinclude> | | </noinclude> |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| The manor stood atop the hill that overlooked the village. The manor was
| |
| designed differently to the other houses they saw on their way. The manor
| |
| itself had 3 different buildings lined up in a triangle connected by corridors,
| |
| with a large building in the middle of said triangle.
| |
| The dignified looking structure was the inner shrine, where sacred rituals and
| |
| ceremonies to bond spirits took place.
| |
| “This way.”
| |
| After parking the car, Shuuya led Basara and the others down a long corridor.
| |
| Basara could feel the air around him being purified with each step he took. It
| |
| meant that they were closing in on the most sacred of places within this holy
| |
| area.
| |
| But something was off.
| |
| As he trailed Shuuya, there was a nagging feeling at the back of his mind.
| |
| The Hero Clan gets their power from signing pacts with the spirits and
| |
| mythical creatures. So more than anything, the Hero Clan is careful not to
| |
| corrupt or expose the spirits and the creatures to any impurities.
| |
| When the Hero Clan attacked Mio that one time, the reason why Takashi and
| |
| 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
| |
| was the lengths they are willing to take in order to ensure that the spirits
| |
| aren’t corrupted.
| |
| Yet, the place they were heading to now, “The Ceremonial Chamber” was
| |
| one of the most sacred sites in the Village. Of course, by going there, the
| |
| sheer sanctity of the chamber may be enough to seal away Takigawa and
| |
| Mio’s power all together. But it will also mean exposing the chamber itself to
| |
| demons, which will threaten its sanctimony.
| |
| If they were using the chamber to accommodate the Hearing Officer from the
| |
| Vatican tomorrow, Basara would understand the reasoning for using the
| |
| Ceremonial Chamber. But if it’s just to repress Mio and Takigawa’s demonic
| |
| spirit, then they could have easily set up a separate holy dimension
| |
| elsewhere.
| |
| Then why would they use the chamber?
| |
| Because the elders have other plans. That was the only logical conclusion that
| |
| Basara could think of. And whatever that other plan was, they were about to
| |
| find out.
| |
| Mio let out a slight gasp and Basara turned to see her worried face. Of course
| |
| she was afraid. She was nervous when she visited the Demon World. But
| |
| back then, they knew that they had their supporters within the Moderates
| |
| Faction. But now? Mio was going to face people who didn’t see Naruse Mio.
| |
| She was going to engage with people who only see her as the daughter of the
| |
| previous Demon Lord, Wilbert. And to top it all off, she was about to see
| |
| them in the most sacred location in the Village.In contrast, Takigawa looked just like he always did. His life as a spy, always
| |
| slipping behind enemy lines sure have prepared him for moments like this.
| |
| No wonder both Ramusas and Leohart put so much faith in his abilities. But
| |
| it would be nonsensical to expect Mio to display the same amount of calm.
| |
| So Basara put his hand on Mio’s shoulder and gave her a small reassuring
| |
| grip and a thin smile.
| |
| Without saying anything, he told her that everything was going to be alright.
| |
| And just like that, Mio’s nerves disappeared and she returned a smile of her
| |
| own.
| |
| “Are you guys ready?”
| |
| Basara and the others nodded to Shuuya’s question, and he turned to face the
| |
| double doors at the end of their path.
| |
| “Please excuse me. I have brought Toujou Basara, Naruse Mio, and the one
| |
| who calls himself the special envoy.”
| |
| “…Enter”.
| |
| With the command from the raspy voice from across the door, Shuuya
| |
| pushed open the double doors and they made their way in.PART 2
| |
| Mio was taken back by the Ceremonial Chamber. To keep its sanctity, there
| |
| was not a single window in the chamber. Nor were there any lights or
| |
| candles. Yet, there was a warmth and glow in the room.
| |
| “Oh…”
| |
| Mio saw the source of the warm glow of the room. She saw some items
| |
| places in the four corners of the chamber. And one of them, she definitely
| |
| recognized. The long white spear was the weapon used by Hayase Takashi to
| |
| try and kill her.
| |
| Byakko.
| |
| The tranquil way it lay in its corner was very different to the out-of-control
| |
| spear she remembered.
| |
| That meant that the other three weapons lying in their respective corners must
| |
| be “Suzaku”, “Seiryuu” and “Genbu”. Judging by the layout of the room, the
| |
| weapon to the left of Byakko should be Suzaku, with Genbu to the right. And
| |
| Seiryuu across the room on the other side.
| |
| The sanctity of this chamber was most likely brought from the existence of
| |
| the four weapons. And it would explain why spirits found it easy to relax and
| |
| sign pacts in this chamber.Surprisingly, even with her demon blood, Mio didn’t feel like the chamber
| |
| was rejecting her. Although the large room did have a slight chill in the air.
| |
| “You’re…. Here.”
| |
| In front of them, sitting on a slightly elevated platform, were three old men.
| |
| The one in the middle was the one who spoke. The old men were exactly like
| |
| how Basara described them to be before they arrived at the Village.
| |
| They were the Three Elders who governed the Hero Clan of Japan.
| |
| Which would mean, that it was these three men, who drove out Basara and
| |
| Jin from the Village 5 years ago.
| |
| Mio cares very deeply for Basara. And no matter the reason, she just couldn’t
| |
| find it in her to trust these men who made Basara suffer so much.
| |
| But that being said, if Basara was never driven out of the Village, the two of
| |
| them would have never met. And even if they did meet, if the circumstances
| |
| were different, they may have even been enemies. The irony of all of this
| |
| might just be something she can never really figure out.
| |
| However, it wasn’t just Basara and Mio. All of them were raised in the most
| |
| ironic of situations. Sisters who live with the outcast and demons while
| |
| serving the Village, a succubus who had to betray her master in order to save
| |
| her own mother, a daughter created by a monster who now lives as a maid.
| |
| And it is because of such ironies, that they are all able to live together.
| |
| Overcoming many trials together and surviving together.But what if this was the trial they couldn’t overcome? What if the Village
| |
| didn’t accept them for what they were? Mio was lost in her nervousness when
| |
| she was interrupted.
| |
| “What are you doing just standing there? Come here.”
| |
| The Elder on the left spoke in his rough voice.
| |
| Shuuya approached the platform then sat on his heels right in front of it. Mio
| |
| and the others also walked towards where Shuuya was sitting.
| |
| “Well, you lot should take a seat as well. You must have been tired from your
| |
| long trip.”
| |
| With that, Mio and the others all sat down as well, with Basara sitting
| |
| between Yuki and Mio, and Kurumi sitting next to Yuki. While they all sat
| |
| on their heels in the polite Japanese manner, Takigawa opted to sit with his
| |
| legs crossed on the floor.
| |
| “Hey! Takigawa…”
| |
| Mio hissed at his rudeness.
| |
| “Let him sit as he wishes.”
| |
| The elder ignored Mio’s hiss and looked at Takigawa.
| |
| “You must be the special envoy from the Demons that Shuuya spoke about. I
| |
| heard that the two factions decided to send you here. They did…strongly
| |
| insist.”While the elder spoke in a joking manner, it was nothing but, and suddenly
| |
| tension in the room became thick.
| |
| “Yea well, both Basacchi and the old man there said the same thing too. But
| |
| ya know, I’m just a lowly henchmen. The higher ups wanted me here so here
| |
| I am. If you guys wanna complain, please direct your anger their way.”
| |
| “Well, depending on the contents of your top secret document, we might just
| |
| do that.”
| |
| After saying so, the Elder in the middle turned to Mio.
| |
| “So you must be the daughter of Wilbert.”
| |
| “….”
| |
| Mio couldn’t say anything. For she saw in their eyes, something very cold.
| |
| When Elders in the Hero Tribe assume their position, they are given a name
| |
| for their position. The Elder in the middle must be “Fuji”, and the Elder on
| |
| his right being “Kumano” and the Elder on his left, “Atsuta”. Their names are
| |
| chosen from the 3 mountains of Japan where the gods are said to reside.
| |
| Ancient China also worshiped 4 different gods. When their culture came over
| |
| to Japan a long time ago, Japan also started to worship the 4 deities from
| |
| China. And they are now represented by the 4 weapons in this very chamber.
| |
| It was no accident that 3 Japanese gods were chosen along with the 4 Chinese
| |
| gods. By having even and odd numbers, there are no power struggles
| |
| between the two groups, which means that any additional dimensional barrier
| |
| created by the gods will not negate each other. Further to that, together they
| |
| 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
| |
| powerful barrier protecting the Village.
| |
| Mio maintained her silence as she stared at the Elders. While she could not
| |
| hide her nervousness, she wasn’t scared. After having faced the likes of
| |
| Ramusas, Leohart, Belphegor and Zolgear, she has built up some tolerance
| |
| towards things that scare her.
| |
| And of course, she has Basara with her. Yuki and Kurumi too. And Zest and
| |
| Maria were not too far either. So there was nothing to fear.
| |
| As if to see through Mio’s strength, Fuji spoke up.
| |
| “Ahh… I see. That’s how it is.”
| |
| He stroked his beard with his right hand.
| |
| “Well then…”
| |
| And with these words, the meeting began. All the Elders faced the man
| |
| sitting next to Mio.
| |
| “It’s been a while… Basara.”PART 3
| |
| “Yes, it’s nice to see you sir.”
| |
| Basara bowed as he greeted the Elder. Then Atsuta and Kumano also chimed
| |
| in.
| |
| “I guess it’s been 5… no, 6 years.”
| |
| “We were receiving reports but you look like you’ve been doing well.”
| |
| “…Yes I have.”
| |
| Basara was controlling the way he spoke. Not just to show politeness to the
| |
| Elders who he hasn’t seen in a long time, but also to keep his own feelings in
| |
| check. There will be nothing gained by having the Hero Clan as their enemy.
| |
| But there was indeed something strange.
| |
| While it was strange enough that the Ceremonial Chamber was chosen for
| |
| this meeting. But there was a more pressing issue.
| |
| Where were the guards?
| |
| If they were to count Yuki and Kurumi on Basara’s side, the Hero Clan only
| |
| have the Elders and Shuuya. And while the chamber will negate a lot of
| |
| 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
| |
| in the first place.
| |
| There is absolutely no reason as to why they wouldn’t have guards.
| |
| Especially with the Elders being unable to fight. This wasn’t because they
| |
| were powerless however. After all, they did rise to the position of Elder
| |
| through their strengths. It was because their powers being used to uphold the
| |
| various dimensional barriers to protect the Village from the outside world.
| |
| But that meant that the only one capable of fighting was Shuuya. Of course,
| |
| Shuuya was no pushover. In the war he was second to Jin in strength, and that
| |
| was the reason for their close friendship. So they had to avoid fighting
| |
| Shuuya at all costs. But Basara knew that Shuuya had taken a back seat from
| |
| combat ever since he lost his eye in the war, the eyepatch on his left eye a
| |
| testament of his loss.
| |
| The worst case scenario for the Elders would be if Basara and the rest all
| |
| decided to attack them at once.
| |
| While Basara had no intention to do that whatsoever, was it really wise for
| |
| the Elders to leave Shuuya as the sole individual responsible for their well
| |
| being? In order to maintain the dimensional barriers and to protect the
| |
| Village, the Elders are supposed to prioritize their own safety foremost. But
| |
| currently, the only ones in the chamber were the Elders themselves and
| |
| Shuuya.
| |
| In that case…they must have prepared some sort of “insurance”.
| |
| And so, Basara started to think of the various plans he would have made if he
| |
| were in the Elders’ shoes.“You don’t have to be so alert.”
| |
| Fuji spoke as if looking right through him.
| |
| “It is true that we have had our ‘disagreements’ in the past… and it is true
| |
| that we have invited you here to this place. I can understand that there are a
| |
| lot of things that are going through your mind at the moment.”
| |
| “But I hope you believe us when we say that we no longer have any intention
| |
| to draw our blades on you.”
| |
| “Well…at least for now. If the situation arises, that will be a matter for then.”
| |
| Kumano chuckled at Atsuta’s joke at the end before staring at Basara.
| |
| “It’s been 8 months since you and Jin took in that girl… and your
| |
| circumstances have been changing and we too, have been adjusting to your
| |
| situation.”
| |
| “…I see.”
| |
| “We have been receiving reports from Yuki and Kurumi. But living with you
| |
| and spending time with you, their feelings are bound to become softer.”
| |
| Fuji continued.
| |
| “And so, for things to continue, we decided that it would be for the best if we
| |
| saw for ourselves how you guys are, in order for us to pass any judgment.”
| |
| “I understand.”Basara nodded in understanding. Of course he wasn’t just going to take what
| |
| Fuji just said with open arms. He was certain that the Elders were definitely
| |
| plotting something from this. But he will find a way out of this.
| |
| Atsuta took over from Fuji.
| |
| “Well then… why don’t you tell us about the things that have happened so
| |
| far? The things you’ve been doing since you left the Village and how you’ve
| |
| been living your life.”PART 4
| |
| Per the request of the Elders, Mio and Basara spoke about their past. Yuki
| |
| Nonaka, stood beside Basara, listening to their story. About how Basara lived
| |
| after being driven out of the Village. How Mio grew up as a human and being
| |
| loved by her parents.
| |
| The Elders simply nodded while they listened. They didn’t say anything, but
| |
| their eyes were sharp and they were analyzing each and every word to make
| |
| sure there were no holes in their stories.
| |
| Yuki already knew all this. Not only her, but Kurumi, and Zest and Maria as
| |
| well. After all, they were a big family living together in the same house. Just
| |
| because the problem at the Demon World was solved for now, didn’t mean
| |
| that they wouldn’t have to face any challenges in the future. So in order to
| |
| deepen their bonds and get to know each other better, the girls have all told
| |
| each other about their story and their background. And that indeed gave birth
| |
| to the strong bond that they all shared.
| |
| “And so, last summer, my father told me that he was getting remarried and
| |
| that was when I met Mio and Maria for the first time.”
| |
| They finally got to the part where they met. From here on out, they will have
| |
| to be careful on what information they disclose. After all, there were some
| |
| things that were best kept away from the Elders. But Mio and Basara will
| |
| 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
| |
| ostracize him and it is true that many in the Village do hate him, for Basara,
| |
| the Village was still the home that he grew up in. And it was still very dear to
| |
| him.
| |
| But they did have to cover their tracks. Since the moment they were
| |
| summoned by the Village, Basara and the others got together to discuss what
| |
| they will omit from their stories. What they decided not to disclose was
| |
| Basara and Takigawa’s various dealings, the Master-Servant contract
| |
| between Basara and the girls, and about the identity regarding Basara’s
| |
| mother.
| |
| Yuki and Kurumi also made sure to not cover these topics whenever they
| |
| made their routine reports to the Village. After all, there will be suspicion
| |
| placed on them if their reports and the stories here didn’t match up.
| |
| “…And that is a summary of all the things that occurred.”
| |
| Basara finished by talking about the peace treaty between the Moderate
| |
| Faction and Current Demon Lord Faction in the Demon World. He also told
| |
| them that Kurumi and Yuki took part in the fight as members of the Moderate
| |
| Faction.
| |
| But this was something the Nonaka sisters have already informed the Elders
| |
| about. They reasoned that taking part in the fight in the Demon World, will
| |
| end the conflict there and will prevent demons from coming to the Human
| |
| World to try and hunt down Mio. They made sure to emphasize that they
| |
| fought in the battle to represent the Hero Tribe and to ensure that the Human
| |
| World was kept away from danger. And they also made included that Mio
| |
| 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
| |
| removed from the watch list, but have Kurumi and Yuki continue to observe
| |
| her.
| |
| “….I see.”
| |
| Kumano nodded in understanding.
| |
| “I think I have a clearer picture of your situation now. And if the two factions
| |
| in the demon world did indeed sort out their quarrel, it would explain why
| |
| they sent their special envoy here.”
| |
| Atsuta also chimed in.
| |
| “If what you say is true and they are indeed moving towards peace, that
| |
| would be a historic change for the Demon World.”
| |
| While stroking his impressive beard, Fuji looked Basara in the eye.
| |
| “So then Basara… how would you assess your involvement in the two
| |
| factions finding peace?”PART 5
| |
| The trap has been sprung.
| |
| Basara knew that this question signaled the start of the true intention of this
| |
| meeting.
| |
| What Basara and the others accomplished was no small feat. Peace between
| |
| two opposing factions in the Demon World does not happen often. But this is
| |
| not an accomplishment they can just brag about here in the Village. For the
| |
| Village, the new peace treaty between the two factions would only increase
| |
| their threat to the Human World.
| |
| While Basara and Yuki made a claim that ‘resolving the dispute in the
| |
| Demon World ensured that Mio Naruse would not be targeted in the Human
| |
| World’, there were those in the Hero Tribe who believed that the best strategy
| |
| would have simply been to watch the two factions destroy each other. Some
| |
| even suggested having Yuki and Kurumi sabotage the peace by fanning the
| |
| flames of war between the two factions while they were there.
| |
| However, that would mean supporting the killings and fighting between
| |
| Demons who bore no threat to the Human World. Encouraging such actions
| |
| will definitely lead to ‘corruption’ and will risk their relationships with the
| |
| spirits and gods they have signed pacts with. The very reason they agreed to
| |
| 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
| |
| a world in conflict.
| |
| Of course Basara could use that as his defense. He could say that they were
| |
| respecting the wishes of the previous generation by maintaining the peace.
| |
| But by doing so, and legitimizing their actions, they would be ‘making
| |
| excuses’ and ‘going against’ the Village. That was a position he didn’t want
| |
| to put himself and the others in.
| |
| “I cannot say for sure how much of an influence we had on the peace treaty
| |
| between the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction. All we
| |
| did was fight to keep our way of life and our peace.”
| |
| Basara was very careful with his words. He made sure that there was no lie in
| |
| what he said.
| |
| “But you could roughly estimate your influence can’t you?”
| |
| Atsuta didn’t let him off the hook however.
| |
| “As you surely understand, the peace treaty between the two factions is very
| |
| concerning news for the Village. We just want to make sure that we
| |
| understand everything that took place and all the options that were
| |
| considered.”
| |
| “While that may be so, the actions we took were to protect Mio and our
| |
| livelihood in the Human World. It will not be a fair assessment for us to
| |
| compare our independent actions to the overallpeace process as it was never
| |
| our intention to bring the two factions together. That was simply the result of
| |
| many different events.”That was Basara’s angle: That their actions were taken independently without
| |
| any intention to influence the outcome.
| |
| “Ah, well we don’t mind if it’s not a fair assessment. You guys were right
| |
| there in the turning point of history. Don’t think over the details too much
| |
| and just tell us how you felt.”
| |
| Basara knew that the Elders were leading them into a trap. He could see the
| |
| various escape routes being cut off in the argument. He knew that if he were
| |
| to speak based on how he felt, they would use what he said against him down
| |
| the road.
| |
| When he was wracking his brains for an escape, his eyes glanced towards
| |
| Takigawa and an idea popped in his mind.
| |
| “While I understand… we are currently joined by the special envoy sent by
| |
| the two factions of the Demon World.”
| |
| “Huh? Me?”
| |
| Takigawa was taken by surprise with his sudden inclusion in the
| |
| conversation.
| |
| “We just overcame the whole situation between the Demon World and Mio.
| |
| If I were to say something here that causes a misunderstanding, we will risk
| |
| having some new problems on our hands.”
| |
| Basara knew that the Village wouldn’t want to risk having any disputes or
| |
| misunderstandings with the Demon World. Especially with the Hearing
| |
| Officer from the Vatican arriving tomorrow.“Perhaps you do have a point…”
| |
| Fuji gave the impression of agreeing, before turning to Takigawa.
| |
| “Then let me ask you special envoy… how would you assess Basara’s
| |
| contribution towards the two factions finding peace this time around?”
| |
| Basara bit down on his tongue. They got him. If Basara was to say
| |
| something, there would be a risk of him offending the Demon World, but if a
| |
| demon himself was to say something, there will be no risks.
| |
| “Hmmm… his contribution huh…”
| |
| Knowing Basara’s situation, Takigawa feigned boredom while analyzing the
| |
| question. If he was to say that Basara did have a big part in the two sides
| |
| finding peace, the Village will use that as a reason to prove Basara’s
| |
| closeness with the demons. On the other hand, if he were to say that Basara’s
| |
| 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
| |
Cover
Special Bundle Cover
page 57
page 157
page 223
page 253
page 329
page 361
page 366
