Chapter 17: The Arrogant Queen of Aventurine II

Upon arriving at the inn, the building emanated a haunted atmosphere, there being no guests other than Shuou’s party. During the harvest season, the inn apparently bustled with visitors who came on business. However, in the dead of winter, few of those guests were present, allowing the elderly couple who ran the inn to use it as a quiet living space.

Opening the sliding door, Shuou found a small paper lantern lying in the broad entryway, dimly illuminating the pitch-black building. It was somewhat eerie to think about walking alone. Inside the long, gloomy corridor, outside air drifted in from somewhere unseen. The cold breeze grazing the back of his neck further intensified Shuou’s restlessness.

The old woman who greeted Shuou and Miyahi led them to their respective rooms. While Miyahi would stay in the same suite as Hinokaji, the innkeeper provided Shuou with a single room right next his companions’. Both quarters were located just up the stairs. Prince Shue received the finest room on the first floor, his Brights taking up guard posts on either side of the door. During this time, Hinokaji bathed in the hot springs first, steam wafting from his body as he enjoyed the evening cool.

Following a very modest dinner, Shuou headed to the hot springs by himself. Separate from the inn’s premises, the bathhouse alone was carefully constructed from high-quality wood. The faint, red light of paper lanterns illuminated his surroundings, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Undressing in the changing room, Shuou opened the sliding door to a hot spring surrounded by stone walls. The scent of citrus wafted from inside, tickling his nostrils. With each breath, warm steam passed through his nose, the refreshing aroma of fruit filling his lungs.

After a cursory washing of his hair and body, Shuou slipped into the bath. A long while had passed since he’d submerged himself in hot water, but more importantly, this was the first time he’d taken a bath in which he could fully stretch out his legs. This new experience soothed his body and spirit. And of course, he didn’t forget to wring out the fruit peels wrapped in fine cloth, accentuating their fragrances.

Before Shuou could catch his breath, he felt someone’s presence from the entrance of the bathhouse. Based on what he could hear, the person was undressing. It was probably Miyahi. When that thought occurred to him, Shuou slapped on his eyepatch, extending a hand to cover his nether regions.

Seeing the man who entered the bath, Shuou was simultaneously surprised and disappointed. “Prince… Shue?”

Stark naked, the prince entered the bath, covering his front. Behind him, a female Bright – fully clothed – followed, wearing a sword at her waist.

“If I’m not interrupting anything, I’ll join you,” said the prince.

“I don’t mind, but…”

When Shuou glanced at the female Bright, Prince Shue smiled. “Don’t worry about her,” he said unconcernedly, beginning to wash his body.  “It’s her job to follow me around.”

The female guard stood at the entrance, staring directly at the sky. Dressed in winter clothes, sweat dripped from her brow. She placed one hand on her sword, prepared to draw the blade at any moment.

As the prince cleaned himself with a scrubbing brush, Shuou heard the man ask a question from over his back. “Have you been working at that fortress for very long?”

“I was just stationed there. Actually, I just joined the military.”

“I see,” answered the prince, considering Shuou’s words. “That makes sense.”

“What do you mean?” asked Shuou, still not facing the prince.

“I apologize if this sounds rude, but when I spotted you at the fortress, you seemed different from the others. You stood out, so to speak. Oh, but I’m not talking about your appearance, of course.”

Once he’d finished cleaning his body, Prince Shue neglected to wash his neatly braided hair. Instead, he submerged himself in the bath, facing Shuou. Each time his body sank into the hot water, steam rose in a thick haze, spilling over the edges of the tub.

Once he’d relaxed, Prince Shue slowly exhaled a long sigh, resuming the conversation. “What do you think of our country?”

“…Well.”

Shuou struggled to find an answer. Based on what he’d seen of this town, there was nothing worth praising. A tactful person could have found one or two empty compliments for the prince, but right now, Shuou couldn’t expect that sort of cleverness from himself.

“I don’t sense any vitality from the people living here,” he said, looking directly at the prince. “It feels like the whole town is lethargic. Compared to Murakumo, that is.”

“Ahaha…” the prince laughed dryly. “My goodness, you’re an honest one.”

“My apologies. I’m not used to being so selective with my words.”

“No, I don’t mind. I feel more relaxed when people are forthright with me.”

Even when given a poor review of his country, the prince laughed cheerfully. Perhaps he was merely acting like a good-natured person. For one moment, that doubt crossed Shuou’s mind. However, looking at his friendly face, smile lines etched around his eyes, Shuou knew. This was his true personality.

“You’re a strange one, aren’t you?” said the prince, his sudden words startling Shuou. “There are very few people who look me directly in the eye.”

“Is that so?”

“We might be a minor power, but I am the prince of a country. Those I interact with can’t seem to forget that. In the worst case scenarios, they prostrate themselves before me. The other two accompanying you don’t let it show in their bearings, but they haven’t made eye contact with me even once. And yet, since the first time I laid eyes on you, you looked at me directly. While I find that pleasant, it’s also surprising.”

Though the prince sounded genuine, Shuou couldn’t understand the minds of royalty. Likewise, he wasn’t a skilled enough conversationalist to judge the subtleties of the prince’s emotions and provide words of comfort. However, he vaguely understood that the prince wanted to speak to him as man of similar age, not as a member of royalty. Looking at his features, which lacked any ill will, Shuou decided to keep him company until he began to feel dizzy from the hot water.

“Sometimes, staring directly into someone’s eyes is a way of expressing hostility,” said Shuou.

“Does that mean you feel some kind of animosity towards me?”

“Not at all.”

The prince’s quibbling manner of speech irritated Shuou to some degree. Without hesitation, he allowed displeasure to show on his face.

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean to offend you,” said the prince. “This is a bad habit of mine. As a result of my upbringing, I always want to know if the person I’ve just met is friend or foe.”

Shuou let out a small sigh. “Most of the time, I neither like nor dislike the people I’ve just met. I simply…”

I simply… What?

Shuou cut off, his words losing meaning. He was less timid than the average person. Without fear or trepidation, he could unconcernedly interact with a country’s royalty. Though ordinary people feared those with colored Miracrystals, Shuou didn’t. He only felt curiosity towards the unknown.

Nobles bearing Sunstones might have been able to harm others with their extraordinary abilities, but Shuou found Amane or Rabidaemons that could slaughter living creatures in a single blow far more terrifying. In contrast, he didn’t fear blades of wind or globes of water that appeared from out of nowhere.

As Shuou hesitated to speak, the prince didn’t urge him to continue.

“Why did you join Murakumo’s army?” he asked. “Was it a childhood dream?”

“It was unavoidable. Even I don’t know why things turned out this way. I got caught in a current and wound up here, I suppose.”

“That sounds similar to my position,” said the prince, his mouth twisting in self-derision.

“To being a prince?”

Donning a bitter smile, the prince nodded. “Have you heard of those who work as Effulgineers?”

Shuou shook his head.

“Effulgineers clear the Abyss,” explained the prince. “They lay down Moonstones and create roads leading to new worlds: unexplored mountains and highlands. Since childhood, that’s been my dream.”

“Then you should become an Effulgineer now.”

Shuou was speaking to royalty. Based on impression, they had the power to live more freely than anyone else.

Melancholic, the prince gazed into the distance, rejecting Shuou’s suggestion. “I have neither the freedom nor the authority to do so. The Abyss expels the weak. Since I’ve been tasked with producing heirs, I’m not allowed to engage in such dangerous work. Additionally, Effulgineering requires enormous funding. Thanks to my sister’s lavish spending, you can feel a draft in our national treasury. We can’t afford that kind of luxury.”

Hazy with steam, the female Bright cleared her throat from the entrance to the bathhouse.

Jokingly, the prince shrugged his shoulders. “Oops. I need you to forget that last part.”

“But how can Effulgineering be viable when it’s so expensive and risks the lives of its workers? I doubt anyone would want to voluntarily work under such conditions.”

When Shuou raised his miniscule doubt, the prince responded with an overflowing smile.

“That’s the interesting part of the job. In the distant past, humans were driven away by the Gray Forest, fleeing to the mountains and highlands. Afterwards, people were trapped by the ashen trees, and in isolation, they nurtured and protected their own cultures. Nowadays, Alabaster Roads connect us to various places, allowing for cultural exchange, but that accounts for only a small portion of the entire world. Effulgineers search for undiscovered lands, for civilizations still isolated from the rest of the world. Unexpected fortunes of culture, food, weapons, tools, and so forth could be found anywhere. Though it’s a gamble of sorts, Effulgineering is the stuff from which dreams are made.”

Absorbed in the conversation, the prince gestured wildly, his face lighting up like a child’s. Lured in, Shuou’s expression softened as well.

“That sounds interesting,” he said.

“Doesn’t it? Normally, Effulgineers belong to a guild, receiving funding from the state or a wealthy individual to perform their work. When major discoveries are made, the rights go to the investors, but Effulgineers can receive correspondingly large rewards as well. Before Aventurine surrendered to Murakumo, our country invested in a guild, discovering an efficient method for manufacturing paper, vegetable seeds resistant to high altitudes, and so on. But as of right now, that’s all an empty dream.”

Afterwards, the prince continued talking about his aspirations. In the midst of their long discussion, his face suddenly flushed as red as a heated stone.

“Your Highness, that’s enough for now,” said the female Bright, handing him a thick hand towel. “Staying any longer will be detrimental to your health.”

“Unfortunately, I must take my leave,” said the prince. “It’s been a pleasure talking to you.”

Shuou had merely listened, letting the prince do most of the talking. Nevertheless, he gave an inoffensive reply, seeing off the boiling red prince.

Confirming that the others had left, Shuou climbed out of the bath as well. Though not overheated like the prince, his fingers were wrinkled from being submerged in hot water for so long. Looking outside through a vent, he saw a single moth – lured by unreliable candlelight – fluttering through the air on unstable wings. The cloudy, night sky was jet black. In the distance, Shuou could hear the sound of thunder rocking the atmosphere.

***

After leaving the bathhouse, Shuou headed back to his room, crossing paths with Miyahi along the way.

“How was the hot spring?” she asked.

She carried a hand towel, her long hair pinned up. Showing the nape of her neck, she looked strangely seductive.

“It felt great, and the view was beautiful,” said Shuou.

Seeing Miyahi’s glamorously feminine body, he hardened his voice to hide his momentary discomposure.

“I never say no to soaking in a tub,” said Miyahi. “This is exciting.”

Donning a warm smile, Miyahi waved goodbye to Shuou. Yet as she was leaving, she called out to him once more.

“Oh, right. I was supposed to deliver a message from Gramps. He wants to see you in his room.”

“Squire Sergeant Hinokaji wants to see me?”

Walking down the corridor at double time, Shuou headed towards Hinokaji and Miyahi’s room on the second floor. In front of the old sliding door, faint light leaked through the crevice. After knocking on the entrance, a voice called to him from inside.

“It’s open.”

Upon entering the room, Shuou found Hinokaji wearing pajamas provided by the inn, lying down with a hand supporting his head.

“I heard from Miyahi that—”

“Have a seat, Lad. I just made some tea.”

Standing, Hinokaji retrieved a teapot resting on a dining table in the corner of the room. He then handed a cup to Shuou, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, filling the container with green tea. After saying thanks, Shuou took a sip of the slightly bitter drink.

“Um, was I called here just for tea?” he asked.

Mouth tightening, Hinokaji gave a negative response. “No. Miyahi told me your story. You joined the military through the test noble students are forced to take.”

Shuou nodded. “I needed money to fund my travels.”

“How reckless… Still, I now understand how you have a connection to those young noblewomen. During that test, commoners and nobles spend a fair amount of time together. After sharing so many experiences, you’d certainly end up somewhat acquainted with each other. That being said, I’ve never heard of a young noblewoman falling for her lowborn partner.”

His expression complicated, Hinokaji smiled bitterly, pouring tea into his own cup.

“I wouldn’t say they fell for me…” said Shuou. “A lot of coincidences came together, and we ended up growing close to one another. That’s all.”

“Even so, things like that don’t happen. In our society, whether or not the pebbles on our hands are colored is the difference between clouds in the sky and earthworms crawling on the ground. Considering that, those walking embodiments of conceit couldn’t possibly fall in love with a common—”

As Hinokaji’s tone grew harsher and harsher, Shuou stared at him openmouthed. In response, the old man shook his head from side to side.

“No, that doesn’t matter,” he said. “More importantly, I wanted to ask you something. What brought you to Winter Fortress, Lad? Following Gemstone Academy’s yearly exam, some people join the army through a special entryway. I’m aware of that. But including you, most of them are foreigners, people seeking wealth, or have other circumstances. As a Murakumo citizen, joining the military isn’t that difficult. You simply take a routine physical fitness test or receive a letter of introduction from someone in a high enough position.

“And in most cases, those who join the military are assigned to a base near their birthplace. The majority of Squires at Winter Fortress aren’t far from their family homes. Those who join the military through unusual means are sent to the royal capital’s garrison or to bases bordering hostile countries. They’re not sent to remote fortresses already overflowing with personnel. Did you hear anything about your situation when assigned to Winter Fortress?”

Hinokaji posed a reasonable question. Since arriving, Shuou had constantly wondered why he’d been sent to Winter Fortress.

“I don’t know,” he replied. “As soon as I joined the military, I was immediately told to go to Winter Fortress. That’s all.”

Hinokaji groaned. “Did you happen to do something?”

“What do you mean by something?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know.”

In response to that question, Shuou simultaneously felt as if he’d done too much and nothing at all. If he had to think of something, he’d dealt with Rabidaemons – terrifying, man-eating creatures that lurked in the Gray Forest – as Amane had taught him. Still, that didn’t align with being demoted to a remote fortress.

Shuou’s ability to slaughter Rabidaemons might answer Hinokaji’s question of whether he’d “done something”. Nevertheless, he hesitated, wondering if he should respond honestly or not. Rabidaemons were the natural enemies of humankind. Unless starving or in a position of superiority, normal beasts tended not to view humans as food, but Rabidaemons were different, mysterious lifeforms. When caught in the rain, they would rage with hunger, aggressively preying upon humans for sustenance.

Even if a large number of people gathered and worked together, exterminating Rabidaemons was difficult work. Thus, Shuou’s ability to hunt them independently deviated from society’s common sense by a wide margin. Without showing Hinokaji the actual hunt, he probably wouldn’t believe that Shuou could face off against a Rabidaemon all by himself.

“I honestly have no idea.”

In the end, Shuou could find nothing else to say.

“I see…”

Hinokaji still appeared to be mulling something over. However, having no intention of continuing this topic of conversation, he slurped down his remaining tea.

“We have an audience with the queen tomorrow,” said the old man. “Are you carrying any weapons, Lad?”

Shuou didn’t understand the intent behind Hinokaji’s question.

“Only this,” he replied, showing Hinokaji the Needle he carried at his waist.

“What’s that? It’s not a dagger, but it’s pointed at the end. Looks to be made from the bone of some animal.”

“It’s called a Needle. I… use it to hunt beasts.”

The Needle’s original purpose was to deliver a single, devastatingly lethal blow to a Rabidaemon. Using this sharply pointed weapon, he could pierce the Life Core of a Rabidaemon’s Miracrystal: an important point connected to their survival.

Bewildered, Hinokaji stared at the Needle. “You hunt with this?”

 Shuou couldn’t blame him for being skeptical. Using information that could be understood within the realm of common sense, he spoke about his upbringing. Since he could remember, he’d lived alone in Murakumo’s royal capital. There, a woman he’d met by chance had adopted him, raising him up until now.

“So that’s your story,” Hinokaji muttered in admiration once Shuou had finished speaking. “Then your adoptive parent taught you how to use this Needle. I’d understand better if she’d taught you to use a bow. She must be a strange person to hunt with such a weapon.”

“I completely agree.”

Shuou had never met anyone as eccentric as Amane, and he was well aware of how strange that sounded coming from him. Ignoring the natural ways of society, she’d taken up residence inside the Abyss, possessing the skills to hunt Rabidaemons.

Furthermore, she’d inherited a bizarre martial style passed down through the ages. While teaching her disciple how to suppress opponents without killing them, she’d made her living as an assassin, earning rewards for murdering fellow humans on commission. Occasionally, she’d revealed piecemeal details about her past, but in the end, Shuou had left Amane’s side without hearing the most important points, such as her upbringing.

Hinokaji frowned. “This goes without saying, I suppose, but you don’t seem to be carrying any type of sword.”

Shuou nodded.

Standing unexpectedly, Hinokaji retrieved a sword from his luggage in the corner. Based on the scabbard’s uniquely raised back, it appeared to a Murakumo blade.

“I’ll lend this to you,” said the old man, holding out the weapon to Shuou. “It’s a spare sword I’ve carried since my youth. Since I’ve barely used it, it’s in good condition. The blade’s a little short, though.”

“But I’ve never used a sword before.”

When Shuou hesitated, not accepting the proffered sword, Hinokaji pushed the Murakumo blade onto him.

“I know that,” said the old man. “Carrying a sword at your waist is a sort of etiquette for soldiers. I don’t know if we’ll be allowed to wear our blades during the audience, but it won’t hurt to keep up appearances. Also, I don’t disavow your Needle, but if you only carry a weapon with such a short point, people will suspect you of being an assassin. I can’t speak for other countries, but in Murakumo, those who can use a sword reasonably well are treated as full-fledged members of society. Here in the military, you won’t earn anyone’s respect without being able to wield one.”

Falling silent, Shuou stared at the Murakumo blade he’d received. He felt dejected, as if his very identity had been denied.

“You’ve really never used a sword before?” asked Hinokaji.

“Not even once. This is my first time touching a real Murakumo blade.”

Would Hinokaji laugh at him or act exasperated? As Shuou braced himself, the old man suggested something unexpected.

“If you’re willing, I’ll teach you how to duel when we return to Winter Fortress. Despite appearances, I did run a martial arts studio back in the day, so I’m used to teaching. How about it?”

Once he’d spoken, Hinokaji turned his head away. Seeming restless, he wiggled his tongue inside his mouth. Still looking downward, a smile appeared on Shuou’s face. Yes, Hinokaji’s embarrassment was funny, but the old man’s offer to become Shuou’s dueling instructor truly delighted him.

“I would like that very much,” said Shuou, bowing his head. “Thank you.”

“Good,” said Hinokaji, sounding somewhat excited. “On a different note, did you go into town with Miyahi earlier?”

Shuou nodded. “Yes, but we only walked up the path to where the stalls began.”

“…What did you think?”

“The air felt stagnant. All the residents wore dark expressions, and when I bought souvenirs, I heard this from the shopkeeper.”

Shuou repeated the man’s warning and description of Aventurine’s current condition.

“I thought so,” said Hinokaji, reacting as if this had been within the realm of expectation.

“You knew?” asked Shuou.

“I’ve heard this and that from travelling merchants passing through the fortress. Apparently, the queen’s unreasonable taxes are impoverishing the people. A long time ago, Murakumo allowed the citizens of Aventurine to engage in free commerce. Around this time each year, voluntary merchant caravans established by the common folk pass through Winter Fortress, heading towards the northern trade cities. Those caravans seemed far behind schedule this year, but combined with what you’ve told me, perhaps they have nothing to sell.”

As Shuou listened to Hinokaji, he felt an unshakeable sense of discomfort. “What does the queen want, inviting foreign Squires in the midst of these circumstances?”

Grumbling, Hinokaji folded his arms. “I wonder. Something isn’t fitting here.”

“Come to think of it, Prince Shue let a few things slip about the queen’s spending habits.”

In response to Shuou’s statement, a surprised Hinokaji’s expression stiffened. “You talked to the prince?”

Shuou provided a rough summary of his earlier conversation with the prince in the bathhouse.

Hinokaji exhaled a deep breath, looking profoundly moved. “So the prince dreams of becoming an Effulgineer, eh? At some point, all commoners wonder what life would be like if they’d been born into nobility. I never knew those with Sunstones pondered the same question. Even when you’ve lived as long as I have, the world can still surprise you.”

The sergeant’s words, the shopkeeper’s warning, and the information the prince had let leak. As he reflected on these three things, Shuou suddenly felt uneasy. Under these circumstances, was visiting the queen the correct decision? Supposedly, she wanted to invite foreign Squires to Aventurine in recognition of their service. Yet the more transparent the country’s present situation became, the less weight her words held.

Shuou remembered Hinokaji’s anxious expression before their departure. At that time, had the old man felt as Shuou did now?

“Do you think it’s okay for us to keep going?” he asked.

“I don’t know. After coming this far, I can’t tell our guides that we want to go home. And anyway, we’re operating under orders from our superior. No matter how ridiculous those instructions are, we have to obey them. That’s the most someone who earns their keep from the military can do. Still, I’d advise being ready for anything.”

Upon hearing the words “ready for anything”, Shuou stiffened. “You mean they might do something to us?”

In response to Shuou’s serious question, Hinokaji’s voice softened. “Hm? I don’t know what you’re worried about, but you needn’t fret over being captured and killed or anything like that. Our hosts aren’t idiots. Still, they do feel latent discontent towards the master and servant relationship between our countries. And anyway, Sunstones look down upon Dunstones as a general rule. So, it’s safe to assume we’ll be showered with plenty of sarcastic comments and verbal abuse. Knowing that, you can at least be mentally prepared.”

Shuou nodded at Hinokaji’s instruction. If they simply hurled words at him, not swords or spears, he only needed to endure their abuse for a short time. If by doing so little, their journey ended safely, he could accept that. Compared to traversing the Abyss with unfamiliar people, unable to sleep very often, this would put far less strain on his body.

When a warmly glowing Miyahi returned from the hot spring, Shuou used that as an opportunity to leave the room. Upon returning to his own room, the chilly air enveloped him, yet because he’d taken a bath and enjoyed a hot beverage, he didn’t feel cold.

After changing into his pajamas, Shuou slipped into his thin futon, closing his eyes. While feeling the heavy weight of the Murakumo blade in his hands, he thought about the risks involved in their journey from here on out. He also thought about learning to wield a sword, which Hinokaji had agreed to teach him once they returned.

Imagining a variety of things, Shuou drifted off to sleep in no time at all.

Original text: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4006r/11/