Horizon:Volume 4A Prologue

Prologue: Those Who Touch the Meander with Their Feet

Where is

The end of complications

Point Allocation (Liberalism)

●

The light streamed down from high in the sky.

It was the afternoon sun of early summer.

More than just being merely warm, the piercingly hot radiance cast stark shadows over the land.

That wave of newborn shadows covered the grassland that spanned for three kilometers in every direction within the forest

Presently, the light breeze washed through the fields of cut grass, sending waves undulating through them.

However, there was a break in the waves; midway across the field, stretching north to south, was a little river.

South of the river with its shadow coloured waters, on the downstream of the north bank, sat two shadows. Cooling off with their legs below their knees plunged beneath the water; those two did not resemble humans however.

On one hand, was a sheet with girl characters from which legs protruded. On the other, was a dakimakura.

The dakimakura lightly kicked his bare legs up from the water. It was a nimble movement. Like long-time acquaintances, the dakimakura turned his air hole towards the sheet.

“Uwaaa, it’s still afternoon but the water’s so cold! It sure takes you back to your childhood days Koni-tan!”

“Ehh, having just us sneaking out from the reserve Provisional Council office is too much of a waste, Nobu-tan!”

They both sat together, swaying their bodies left and right while singing the opening to an anime.

“♪Don‘t look down on yourself, look up and take the top. Be calm and stand fast, your dreams will come true if you just believe. The cuckoo reaches the end of its limits. A HA ・ RA ・ KI ・ RI of purity!”

The singing dakimakura paused. And then, abruptly looked behind him to the north.

There, beyond grass tall enough to conceal a person were several white and black figures. They were a group of large transport ships bearing the coat of arms of Musashi.

Looking at them as they sat in the sunlight, the dakimakura muttered.

“Due to Musashi being refitted at Ariake, her special floating dock in Kantou IZUMO, all inhabitants and engineers not related to the repair works are to take their business outside.”

●

The dakimakura read the words aloud.

“—We, the office of the Provisional Council, at our general assembly together with the Musashino battle group have decided to take control of the reserve Provisional Council office of No.1 port, however….”

In between his words, the wind blew.

Several of the battle group’s vessels anchored at the north of the harbor ascended by tens of meters.

However, they all stopped after rising by a certain amount of height.

Before the eyes of the dakimakura and the sheet, cargo was carried out from the edges of the deck and the side hatches.

On the Thick Rope road linking the ships, the difference in altitude was used to facilitate the stream of cargo being transported.

“….so the afternoon transport commences? This Mito habor was originally divided for use amongst various nations but is now divided among the transport fleet that has taken on the role of Musashi's eight ships amongst themselves. Thanks to that, every town of Musashi has been set up on them and they have arrived at the isolated port in the forest.”

Again the dakimakura looked to the north at the bulk of the Musashi.

North where the distant green mountains lay, to a gap approximately 20km away.

“The entrance to Oushuu, Shirakawa….The Musashi will be refitted at Ariake.”

“Because the Date who control Northeastern Europe, are ‘ too busy at the moment’, going further north cannot be done. The Mogami who control the West European region of Siberia, the Uesugi of Svet Rus are also withholding announcement of their decision. Time only passes while nothing else happens.”

That may not be a bad idea, the dakimakura said to the sighing sheet.

“Time is welcome. It’s because while slowly approaching the completion of Musashi’s refit, I’ve grown somewhat accustomed to this eight-sectioned temporary residence. The decision by the Student Council after their defeat at Mikatagahara isn’t a bad thing.”

With that, the sheet let out a sigh different from the one before.

“They are preventing those not involved with the repair works from seeing the losses from the battle by making them leave Musashi and the eight sections prevent the forming of any undesirable unions. On one hand, while it may be possible to descend to the surface, the unfamiliar and hectic lifestyle provokes changes in sentiments, ensuring negative feelings to not boil over.”

“Getting off the ship gives us the option of staying in Mito’s castle-town…..also, each industrial sector is producing parts for Musashi’s refitting. There are cases of people returning to the Musashi as those hoping to participate in the refitting works get special treatment. The provision of such a refuge means that unity can only recover.”

“Is that Masazumi-kun’s decision?”

That’s generally so, said the dakimakura. However,

“But a part of the arrangements did not stem from Masazumi. They were from the Student Council’s juniors.”

“I see. You speak of Ookubo and Kanou then?”

Aa, nodded the dakimakura.

“The Ookubo girl…..Before the exodus from Mikawa, she was a peer who took on the title of Ookubo. Like me, after the census, she too came to Musashi. I thought she would live a simple life, but she took on the dual titles of Tadachika and Nagayasu. The automaton she inherited and which followed her from Mikawa, Kanou; to call them both capable would not be a mistake…..Not on Masazumi’s level but she’s a rising star of the second years.”

“Ku…..That style of speaking, vaguely knowing that connections exist, it’s most regrettable…”

“The Honda and Ookubo are two houses locked in strife over the Testament Description. I’ll have much to gain if she makes friends with Masazumi. However….government is not just limited to internal issues….is that not so, Koni-tan?”

“Jud….In the south, Edo is carrying out the history recreation of the Korean Invasions. Consequently, the maneuvers of the Hashiba armies prevent any advance north. Also, there are the corresponding actions of the Date, Mogami, Uesugi and the Kantou force?”

“That’s right….Earlier during the battle of Mikatagahara, do you remember what Lord Yoshitsune said?”

Jud, nodded the sheet. Turning his air hole to the dakimakura,

“—Get the Date and Uesugi to our side.”

●

“—therefore, allying with the Date and Uesugi on our own initiative would be desirable.”

The young boy with glasses, sketching a map of Oushuu in chalk on the black board said.

Wearing an arm band with the words “Secretary Neshinbara Toussaint” on his short sleeves, “well, that’s largely understood,” he thinks as he surveyed the classroom, sparsely furnished with seats.

This was class Third Year Class Plum of Musashi Ariadust Academy, located in the aft section of Musashi’s center-rear ship, Okutama.

Looking ahead, out the window, the entirety of the Musashi could be seen. And with that, the full expense of the interior of Ariake, the specialized, large scale dock that the Musashi was enclosed in.

Viewed from here, Ariake was a vast hall.

Overhead bridges spanned from left to right and lifts ran along the walls and ceiling. The entire scene was similar to the roofed IZUMO harbor.

The Musashi buried in its heart however, was different until now. The surfaces of the eight ships were covered by many sheets draped over them and they were encircled by scaffolding or otherwise, completely bare.

…..It was in the middle of repairs. And on top of that, this included the fitting of weaponry. Drastic changes to allow Musashi to carry out mercenary activities for various nations were being carried out beneath each cover.

All that had been for the implicit purpose of defense and they had now reached the testing stage. Whatever they may be, whether they be attractive or are called guns, it’s fine, Neshinbara thought.

A girl’s voice came from the side.

It was Oriotorai, who had removed her jersey jacket. She was checking the draft of a report from an overview on the relocation of dining areas on the exterior and interior of the ship.

“Yes, yes, this is a rehersal for the situation meeting. Even so, we can't just overlook it right? Although Asama, Mitotsudaira and Masazumi are away on business, we must still be firm no? .....Eh, what? So what about your view's that we ally with the Uesugi's Svet Rus?.”

Ah, Jud, Neshinbara continued.

“According to the Testament, during the time of the Battle of Sekigahara, the Date were on the side of the Matsudaira. The Uesugi were on the side of the Hashiba. Fundamentally, getting the Uesugi to our side is a next to impossible proposition. In between, there’s the large nation of the Mogami, however, this was a nation that was reduced after the Battle of Sekigahara so aiming for a temporary alliance would be useful.”

At this, the words started flowing from within the classroom.

It was the gold, six-winged Knight. She was engaged in exchanges of the Magi no Figur with Naruze, who was facilitating the shipping in of outside goods.

“The way things are going now, the Mogami are in decline. Wouldn’t that leave the Date the supreme rulers of Oushuu? In that case, we just request the Date to shield our rear and borrow that authority to ally with the Uesugi. What do you think?”

“It's not that simple. The Date, Mogami and Svet Rus of the Uesugi have long been linked in collusion to carry out the history recreation….”

The one who had spoken was seated in line next to the English-style summer dress-clad Mary, Crossunite.

He opened a Signframe at the ceiling where everyone could see. Depicted there was the region north of Kantou, from Oushuu to Jyouetsu, on a general bird’s eye view map. However, on that map were a large, red circle and several geometric diagrams.

“….Oushuu and Svet Rus’ specialty; numerous Harmonic Realms.”

The number of which fills most of Oushuu and Svet Rus. There was little that was not covered in red on the map.

Looking directly upwards, Ohirohiki sharply exhaled and said,

“Svet Rus, Mogami and Date; they are all clad in these natural defenses huh…”

“Jud. Survival techniques for the harshest cold, fostered in the Harmonic Divine States. Using those, they dare to live in the heart of the vast, fallen Harmonic Realm….Even for Musashi, if she didn’t go along the corridor, the terrain would be difficult for her. When the Harmonic Divine States crumbled, several of the first territories to fall into ruin were in this state, however, Oushuu in particular had a high propensity for it. It’s a territory which is highly self-contained.”

That’s right. Musashi’s trading might can be brought to bear here, Neshinbara nodded.

….Oushuu had always been wary of people from outside lands. They have a history of such for a very long time, that’s why dialogue on that has to be undertaken.

“During the dawning eras, before the Testament existed, in the war to gain control of the Far East's territories, Oushuu was the largest battleground state. After this war, the recreations of the earlier defeats of the eastern expeditions of successive Imperial Courts were dealt with. The relatively peaceful period for the Far Eastern side continued. However, the difficulties of the establishment of the Kamakura Bakufu and the Harmonic Unification War turned the land into one that is still troubled now….Especially since the resonance from the numerous collapses of the Harmonic Territories affected the Earth’s Pulse ether ley lines that lead to the Far East side in the area. Alignments that would have never occurred now occur and even lands on the Far Eastern side became frozen.”

So…

“Originally, as the region is difficult for Musashi to enter, provisional congress members and committee chairpersons would enter first. However, as Musashi is in the middle of repairs and is thus unable to take any external actions, the leaders cannot show up in each nation….Right now, Musashi is essentially cut off from relations with other nations.”

“That’s bad no?”

The Nude said as he sat in his swimming trunks.

●

Ignoring him, Neshinbara thought about that.

Yet, the musicians of the God of Performance gather internally burning Haiki when they use their performances as offerings. This was a possibility.

It wasn’t a simple pursuit.

That was so, Neshinbara unusually accepted while considering that point.

“It’s already around 3 weeks and the Musashi still can’t conduct any foreign relations. The Oushuu Fujiwara and the isolated village of Hiraizumi, who helped us with materials in the early stages, have since then, kept Musashi under close watch.”

On seeing the idiot say “is that so” and thinking with pointed lips, Neshinbara laughed inwardly.

He was, at this point, intently following the conference.

Naturally, it didn’t look like he was listening. Rather than understanding the content of the subject, he is moved to interest based on how much connection it has to people.

However,

….What about it,

Back then, he said he would create a land where everyone’s dreams would be fulfilled.

And so now, with the princess’s rescue as the start, that seemed like the beginning of it. However, while observing what needed to be done with the kings of various nations, he heard the words from Reine des Garous. Additionally, there was the defeat at Mikatagahara.

….What about it indeed.

Right now, they are beginning from Mikawa, his “world conquest” and “recovery of the Deadly Sin Armament.”

In a sense, he did not have any reason for acting.

His goal was fixed and that was because all he had to do was watch.

However, thought Neshinbara, what if he did not just watch but also found relevant ways to do things, then stuff like the defeat at Mikatagahara would not have happened.

....What about it.

He’s going in the direction of a hero.

However, at this point, with him always being a peeping tom and an idiot, he’s always going forth on this occasion, always smiling and always doing weird stuff but….

....What about it.

“Un.”

Nodding, Neshinbara responded.

Taking a breath and changing his mind, Neshinbara glanced at him for an instant.

“There may be many risks and foreign relations are disrupted but we have an intermediary no? Oushuu may be the one you formerly defended your land against, but people do draw close. Merchants depend on that to keep their businesses from drying up you know. Has the underground trade been carried out?”

Jud., Heidi nodded close to the surface of the teacher’s desk. She was on the link via the Divine Transmission from where she was assisting the working Shirojiro.

“We are in charge of food. And being the richest, as expected, the Provisional Council’s Konishi-sama has largely brought in Oushuu’s Orei Metal. We haven’t been able to pinch a little of it so we’ll keep at it on this.”

●

“The Student Council will not be beaten just yet! Transactions are my forte after all! This gem from the barren lots of the Date and Mogami dropped off at IZUMO. It will profit the current refitting works.”

The sheet with his legs in the creek said as the dakimakura next to him gave a small nod.

“We must yet demonstrate our superiority….However, Koni-tan, before you danced with everyone in the AV room, you were going to say something? What happened with the Date clan….? Two weeks before there was a “Confirmation of History Recreation” from the Hashiba to the Date, Mogami and Svet Rus. Aside from Svet Rus, which suffered from invasion by Shibata of P.A Oda, will the Mogami and Date each shut off their activities? It’s only natural that for those in Oushuu, we of Musashi are unreliable. We can show that the Hashiba are a threat but…”

Jud, said the sheet while kicking the water.

“….Right now, we can’t see if the Date are making any moves towards the Mogami. From observation reports, vast thunder clouds often form, disrupting traffic to and from the airport. Also….”

“Also?”

“Jud. This is another thing but around two weeks ago, a ship, bearing a mark of mourning headed south from the Date and Mogami towards Azuchi Castle.”

“….Who would the Date and Mogami send to the heart of the Hashiba after they’d died? Will those responsible for dealing with the Hashiba appear?”

“I don’t know.”

The sheet gently swayed his entire body side to side.

“Simply put, acting in tandem, a ship under the control of the Hashiba has arrived in Kantou. Have you heard of the Jurakudai….? That is the castle of the nephew of the as-of-yet heirless Hashiba, Hashiba Hidetsugu. In other words—“

“Save your breath. The heir has been decided then….Hashiba Hidetsugu.”

The dakimakura said those unexpectedly cold words.

With an “I see,” he slowly turned his body towards the sheet.

“….You understand as well? Ha ha, that’s a troublesome plan.”

“Eh. This is troubling alright but it’s a chance to experience a great upheaval in history.”

“Hahahaha,” the dakimakura doubled over with laughter.

“Whether it’s the concerns of the Hashiba or their thoughtlessness, history will be stirred up. It’s something that has Date, Mogami and Hashiba by the throat. It doesn’t seem as if Masazumi and her band can keep this up any longer.”

“Jud. As far as my findings reveal, even that vixen’s actions fly in the face of practicality.”

He announced to that extent.

From the north, in the direction of the grassy fields, something flew.

“Oh?”

It was evidently a Purification Bombardment centered on an exorcism arrow.

Hurriedly putting themselves on guard, the sheet and dakimakura rose to their feet on trembling legs and faced the attack of light that had flown in.

“Seppuku Barrier!!!”

After that they looked at each other’s air vents and….

“….RUN!!!”

The entire thing detonated.

●

“Did you get them Asama?”

In the territory of Mito, from the forest of the No. 1 dock, Masazumi leapt out, blinking from the sudden glare of the sun.

Calling out before her and charging ahead, a figure in summer uniform and wielding a bow and arrow positioned herself in a clump of bushes. Following through with her shot, she inclined her head to the side.

Alongside the flowers of her Mouse, her black hair waving in the breeze, the girl said.

“Un. As expected their true forms are unclear so the pursuit group appears to have been half-hearted. I nuked the area but it’s hard to say for sure. We have not confirmed the corpses after all.”

“Jud. Sorry for bothering you. According to reports from the citizens, there were white shadows dancing around in the reserve government offices. For all I knew, it was a new weird phenomenon.”

“I share your sentiments. When the town was sectioned into eight for Musashi's refitting, our divine protection was also divided, that’s why. This area is somehow managing partly thanks to following Kashima Shrine.”

Asama nodded and folded up her bow, before putting it away through a slit on the inner side of her side skirt. Looking at this action, Masazumi earnestly thought that wearing a summer uniform makes one busier.

Speaking of summer uniforms, in Masazumi’s own case, she had no outer garment and had only short sleeves on. However, as she had worn a man’s inner suit until last year, there was an excess in the bust size and below her waist line were trousers.

Besides, comparing the two…..

Men’s wear was airier she felt but female wear was cooler.

The body-fitting suit that females wore really emphasized the feeling of cooling of sweaty skin due to external air. The bodily sensation of the variation in temperature upon entering the shade was stronger in this respect, thought Masazumi.

….thanks to this inner suit, not just sound but also the temperature of the surroundings and all can be perceived.

Best not to worry about others, thought Masazumi as she looked sideways at Asama.

“….Well then, let’s go to the target zone.”

Asama nodded her agreement.

At that moment, it happened.

A lone shadow stood up between the girls.

It was a sudden appearance.

With a cry, the other figure adjusted her oversized silver hair.

Turning her golden eyes this way,

“5th Special Duty Nate Mitotsudaira, escort to the Vice-President, reporting. Although this is my domain, aren’t we venturing a bit too far forwards on our own?”

As she said those cautious words however, she was wearing a wry smile. The girl carrying chained obelisks at the hard points on the left and right of her waist looked at Asama and Masazumi and shrugged her shoulders.

“There is a need for the appeal of the Vice-President and Asama Shrine working together for peace; Neshinbara said that that the fall in the Student Council’s approval ratings is being arrested.”

“It’s because there are no more factors causing a decline. After this, there will be a natural recovery from the economic sector.”

“Hu hu. That’s originally what Heidi said.”

“As I was busy, I can only rely on a plan that involves only on relying on others.”

Letting out a sigh, Masazumi pointed at the southern tip of the irrigation channel, at the blasted site.

Following that indication, Mitotsudaira moved ahead, Asama following in succession, lining up with her.

They set out.

●

The devastation before Masazumi’s eyes was less than she expected.

“As it was an air burst, the creek was not obliterated. On the ground, the grass has been stripped.”

“No taller than 2cm of the bushes of the riverbank remain.”

It wasn’t exactly clear how but Mitotsudaira bore an expression of having great accuracy.

In any case, Asama used the artificial eye covering her right vision to verify the surroundings while Mitotsudaira twitched her nose.

At the same time, Masazumi looked at the river bank in boredom.

….However, it was indeed a vast land.

This expansive land that contained the harbor was the territory of Mitotsudaira—

Mito Matsudaira.

For the residents of Musashi, the sweet offer of Mitotsudaira maintaining the territory was currently being used in the outfitting works.

To get the Testament Union to recognize it as Mito Matsudaira’s land, they essentially labeled it as “the dominion after the Matsudaira clan had reigned over everything under the sky.”

….Those backwards Hashiba wouldn't be able to easily intervene here.

It was partly because of that judgment that they sought refuge in Mito.

It’s linked, thought Masazumi.

On the other hand, thinking what they would do without Mitotsudaira made her shiver.

Mitotsudaira laughed dryly but she said,

“—As for me, it’s quite simple.”

She just felt obliged to.

In charge of political decisions and negotiations, as it now stands, she had no clue how to negotiate with Oushuu and Svet Rus and thus had taken a back seat.

Masazumi approached to where she could smell Mitotsudaira’s hair.

“Come to think of it, what are the petitions of each ship?”

“Eh? Ah, eeh, about that, Mary and the First Special Duty have planned to go around from the afternoon onwards. Those two intend to show up and hear from the representatives of the ships’ residents.”

“Jud. I am convinced on that front.”

Hearing that dry laugh for a second time, Masazumi felt a hint of warmth on her cheek.

As she thought that she understood the situation, it felt like she was being played for a child.

However,

“I’m making use of Mary. Even if it’s fortuitous that she is the right person in the right place or whatever.”

Asama faced this way as she said.

“Are you pleased that Mary has been appointed also as First Special Duty's Assistant?”

“Jud. I understand that but there’s a difference between subjectivity and objectivity….”

“If that’s so,” came Mitotsudaira’s voice, “then please stop being so negative, Masazumi.”

Eeh, continued Mitotsudaira as she stared straight ahead, seriously, without a smile.

“—Please leave all negative things to my King.”

That eh….thought Masazumi.

However, saying to one side,

“ ……King huh.”

Aoi has lately been his usual self, thought Masazumi.

Always laughing, getting on with being an idiot, doing stuff that causes one to be unable to understand whether he’s helping out or being a hindrance, bring warmth to the place.

As usual as always.

However, looking at him, she gets a certain impression.

….That something isn’t stable.

It isn’t about that idiot.

It’s about herself.

During the Battle of Mikatagahara, she had admonished Aoi.

She hadn’t been herself.

Since then, she never had the chance to be herself.

And her heart had to deal with the words from that defeat.

She understood it.

Everyone’s life at the harbor all this while, throughout Musashi’s refitting.

Keeping their discontent at that low was their plan; they were merely not giving voice to their unhappiness.

That was why,

“It’s unstable.”

One day, she’ll herself go to negotiations and conference area.

At that time, she wished she had never reprimanded Aoi.

And so,

….What about you?

The idiot who steadied and pulled himself along at Mikawa; what do you think about the defeat at Mikatagahara?

I want to hear it just for the sake of doing so.

However, before that,

“Getting back to business….First is the resumption of diplomatic exchanges with Musashi under repair.”

When she said that, a wind blew. It was a breeze from the mountains. She felt the coolness through her hair and summer uniform.

What is this huh?

She could not come up with a witty remark but the thought “not yet” resounded in the depths of her heart.

That wasn’t a cool breeze.

This was definitely not what she wanted.

Toiling away without sufficient sleep ever since the debacle at Mikatagahara….

Not yet.

….What is this?

What should she who was already smoldering at her limit do?

What do others think?

A cooling breeze wasn’t what she wished for.

If that’s the case,

“I’ll—“

“Eh?”

Next to her, Asama turned around in surprise while Masazumi flusteredly swallowed her words.

Asama simply tilted her head.

“What were you doing? Masazumi was also a bit strange there.”

“Also, WHAAT—!?”

Mitotsudaira drew her face back.

However, before anyone could respond, a silhouette emerged from the remnants of the bushes on the south.

That was,

“—Ah, Father? Konishi-sama too…”

●

Asama watched as Masazumi straightened herself.

She struck her own chest and dipped her head.

“Two strange entities fled from the reserve Provisional Council offices to this area. Nothing serious has happened to you two, I take it?”

“Masazumi, guessing is not enough— why do you think we are here?”

Masazumi’s father took the cigar in his mouth to his hand and blew out a puff of smoke.

Faced with the scent of the smoke, Mitotsudaira backed slightly towards this way.

At the same time, Konishi folded his arms.

“We chased those things here first.”

“Eh? Well then, are you fine after that bombardment just now? If you were caught in it…”

No, think carefully, Asama Tomo.

If they were caught in it, they wouldn’t be unscathed like this.

That was the truth, yes.

That’s why what she ought to do now was smile like a salesperson.

“Of course you weren’t caught in it! Eh….it’s perfectly fine! It isn’t like I missed the target zone or something! Yeah, it’s like that!”

At this the two men turned this way with expressionless faces.

“…..”

It hurts—!!

The silence hurts in return—!!!

Masazumi’s father gazed at Masazumi who was anxiously sweating.

“In any case, it seems that those unknown entities have vanished. The extermination is still not yet done.”

Jud, nodded Masazumi.

“As you two are vital personnel, we kindly request that you do not over-exert yourselves.”

“Haha, Masazumi. Don’t worry. We were once students after all.”

Certainly, thought Masazumi.

The student period in the Far Easy ends at the age of eighteen.

However, after that, one can elect to be a provisional congress member….if one had sufficient skills when he was a student.

Un, nodded Asama. This is surely the case.

In other words,

“Eeh…in other words— from now on, being careful not to get caught in bombardment strikes would be a good idea on the parts of both of you.”

Despite having a displeased look, that behavior did not contradict with those words and actions just now.

Eeh?

Mito and Masazumi aren’t going to look here together?

Eeh?

The words slid from Asama’s tongue,

“…Anyway, those supernatural entities have vanished—we didn’t kill them this time.”

“Errm, Tomo? Even if you are taking in the refreshing air for whatever reason, shouldn’t we be going back if we have finished cleaning up here?”

“—Eh? Ah, yes, yes. Let’s go back.”

Jud, nodded the two men.

However, Masazumi’s father suddenly opened his mouth.

“Masazumi, you should convey to the citizens that they can do something, point being they should earn their keep.”

“Jud. I accept your suggestion. As for the rest—“

Masazumi looked up at the skies in the east.

Immediately after, something approached.

Flying in with the wind, was a large humanoid shadow.

Asama gaped at the sky as the figure landed next to her.

It was a heavy God of War with a blue, doglike face.

Closing up the wings on its back, a Signframe appeared next to its face.

Nestled in the virtual cockpit projected, was a young girl of the Elves.

Masazumi nodded at the girl who, to all appearances, was sitting in a Japanese room with four tatami mats.

“Student Council President Satomi. How are you doing?”

“Yoshiyasu will do— My honor is well. Hurry up and get in. I want you to confirm it during lunch break since I want to get my student council room in order.”

Student council room?

Asama inclined her head at this, however, she quickly remembered the location.

“Ahh, the room directly above the foyer at the front of the school building. The room where due to harassment, Toori stood completely naked by the window in the morning drinking milk. Well it’s certainly been tainted.”

“Tomo! Tomo! Let’s spend the rest of our time in school there!”

Purification job acquired!

Asama, who was inwardly clasping her hands together suddenly looked at Masazumi.

Before that gaze, Masazumi looked back, trying to draw strength from Asama’s brows.

“…..Are you a little interested in something?”

“It would be very useful right now if we had our own place.”

Now then, thought Masazumi as she walked towards Yoshiyasu’s God of War with her hand outstretched.

At that moment, a Sign Frame suddenly appeared next to her face.

Displayed there was:

・〇べ屋：

[Masazumi? This is Heidi. It’s due to a small trade matter that I’m calling but, for some reason, the Date clan are holding top secret talks.]

Ha? Masazumi asked incredulously but she fleetingly glanced at her father and Konishi.

She saw her father give a certain nod in reply.

He pointed at the sky where Ariake was.

“Let’s hurry back— the situation is such that we finally have to choose for peace. Oushuu and Russia, and also Kantou, have all moved at the same time and above all else, they surround Musashi. Firstly, on the subject of a union for defense and cooperation, it will be best to confront Oushuu who suffered from strife during its birth.”

“The situation is also bad with Svet Rus.”

Hoho, Konishi gave a small laugh.

He faced this way and placed his hand by his mouth.

“To deal with P.A. Oda, the “Man of Love” Naoe Kanetsugu became the Vice Chancellor and Vice Student Council President to internally reform the Uesugi…..To deal with the Date and Mogami the brave general Honjou Shigenaga became the Second Special Duty. There are sparks waiting to flare up in the heart of that place.”

“That is…”

The one saying all this did not even try to hide it thought Mitotsudaira as Konishi deliberately exchanged glances with her.

He pointed towards the northwest.

“Is that alright? To the west of Svet Rus is the IZUMO-like large scale floating city Novgorod. Since eight years ago, when the chancellor of Svet Rus, the “Thunder Tsar” Ivan IV initiated a great purge, Musashi had not called upon that port. However….that city has clashed with P.A. Oda’s Shibata force.”

“—If Oushuu got involved with Svet Rus, what’s the likelihood that, before long, they’ll be brought face to face with the Shibata force?”

“It appears all too likely that it will happen….There are reports that the heirless Hashiba Hidetsugu’s fortress, the Jurakudai, has entered Edo. Anyway, good luck. Mm.”

Jud, nodded Masazumi.

“Thanks for such important information in this area.”

She said and lightly bowed her head.

Because of that, they all did the same.

“Let’s go.”

●

“Mm— that land has a history of resistance to outsiders. We should proceed cautiously.”

Masazumi heard her father reply.

In the past, it would have been unthinkable.

She may make some small degree of allowance she thought but…..

No.

Not yet.

Conversely, she may be just too anxious. At any rate, even now, the shadow of the defeat of Mikatagahara still hasn’t lifted from Musashi.

She’ll return to Ariake, where the Musashi being repaired was. Where everyone was working and where her friends were training.

Return, thought Masazumi.

Return to the place where she can find the path away from that defeat.

And so, on the case which will be her guidepost for that purpose, she’ll confirm the pros and cons of secret talks with the Date.

“We’re going back. Asama, Mitotsudaira, President Satomi, to Ariake right now.”

The idiot was waiting.

Their king.

A king who supported himself while feeling anxious.

Translations Notes

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