Chapter 22: A Cruel Technique III

“Where’s Shuou?”

Following the Council of Four Stones, as they headed towards the entrance of Crystal Palace, Amue asked Kazahina about Shuou’s whereabouts.

“He’s waiting at the entrance,” replied Kazahina.

Being late at night, the palace was quiet and unpopulated. They descended the stairs, walking through the intricate corridors. To match Amue’s small stride, Kazahina slowed her pace drastically.

“All things considered, I was surprised to see Lord Gwen smile,” said Kazahina. “Since joining the army, that my was first time seeing him show any humor in his expression.”

“It was my first time, too. I’ve spent a long time looking at his surly countenance, but I have no memory of ever seeing him smile. Not even for a moment. That snakehead was rather surprised as well.”

To those who knew Gwen, his momentary outburst of laughter had been as surprising as the moon falling from the sky.

“Do you think Lord Gwen’s taken a liking to him?” asked Kazahina.

She didn’t have to say his name. Even Amue had taken an interest in Shuou.

“It didn’t seem so,” said Amue. “If he’d taken a liking to Shuou, he could have prepared a somewhat better response to Aventurine. As a result, we’ll have to send Shuou into that country once again.”

“Hearing Lord Gwen change his mind surprised me as well. Since he’s always so cautious, I thought he’d want to avoid causing a stir, even in exchange for the lives of two Squires.”

“He didn’t allude to what his final decision would be, but we did negotiate during the preliminary stages. In exchange for the conditions I proposed, I demanded as many concessions as possible. Of course, I wanted resolution by force, not a subservient one in line with Queen Faye’s wishes.”

“What conditions did your propose? If they were enough to change Lord Gwen’s mind, I’m almost afraid to hear the answer.”

“I have decided to take on one of Lord Gwen’s longstanding sources of grief. For the time being, Adulelia will have custody of Princess Sa’salia.”

Kazahina came to a halt. “Her Highness…?”

Stopping, Amue turned towards Kazahina. “To those in the upper echelons of Murakumo, this is common knowledge, but from a young age, the princess has suffered from great emotional distress. Due to a recent drug addiction, her condition has become even worse, I’ve heard. Though we don’t know where these rumors have leaked from, they have contributed to the galvanization of surrounding countries. Lastly, since she hardly ever meets with other nobles, concerned voices are growing inside of Murakumo as well as outside.”

“Is this a problem that Adulelia can undertake and resolve?”

“I don’t intend to do anything about the root of the problem. Even so, if Princess Sa’salia stays in our territory under the pretense of studying away from home, she can – to some extent – feign good health. As for me, I’ll have gained the opportunity to observe the princess’s innate qualities from close at hand.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

“We’re going to be busy. In the confusion of the moment, we took custody of not only the princess but also Shuou.”

“You’re right,” Kazahina said in a cheerful voice.

“And you seem happy about that,” Amue pointed out teasingly.

“I suppose so. When I first saw Shuou, his fearsome side intrigued me, but when he sought refuge here a few days ago, he reminded me of a small, frightened animal scampering about to escape. He looked so cute, I wanted to pat him on the back. Other sides of him interest me as well. Yet more than anything, he smells wonderful.”

Kazahina folded her hands as if in prayer, her eyes watering.

“I thought I’d observed you a fair amount,” Amue said exasperatedly, “but I never would have guessed you had such an inclination.”

“Well, I didn’t know either.”

Giggling, the two girls began walking again. As they approached the last staircase at the end of the corridor, they sensed someone descending from the royal quarters above. Step by step, a black haired woman with an uncertain gait walked down the stairs. Wrapped in the finest of nightgowns, she appeared unsteadily, her gaze unfocused. Seeing her, Amue and Kazahina stiffened.

“Your… Your Highness?”

Though Amue called out for confirmation, Princess Sa’salia didn’t respond, laughing delightedly as she pointed towards the dark, empty corridor.

“Hehe, what a lovely flower garden… Look, look.”

Wearing a vague smile, Princess Sa’salia turned around, but of course, no one stood behind her. Hurried footsteps resounded from above. A lady-in-waiting raced down the stairs, grabbing the princess’s shoulders in a panic.

“Your Highness!” she cried. “What are you doing here alone?”

The lady-in-waiting tried leading Sa’salia back up the stairs, but the princess continued staring down the corridor, her eyes vacant.

“Wait,” she said, pointing with a slender, white finger. “There’s a lovely flower garden over there…”

Paying Sa’salia no mind, the lady-in-waiting returned the princess to the staircase with a practiced hand. Bowing her head to Amue and Kazahina, she pulled Sa’salia back upstairs. Once silence had returned, Amue had Kazahina – who had been observing the situation with bewilderment – exchanged glances.

“I might have made a hasty decision,” said Amue, her words full of regret.

Kazahina nodded in agreement.

***

As a special favor, Amue had lent Shuou one her personal warhorses. Supported by Kazahina, who had mounted the horse first, Shuou straddled the large steed. Though it wasn’t snowing, the strong, late-night wind pierced his body. As Shuou pulled his cloak closer to cover his neck, Kazahina called out to him, seeming concerned.

“Aren’t you cold?” she asked.

“No,” said Shuou. “I can handle this much.”

Being the one who’d brought these troubles to Amue and Kazahina, he wasn’t in a position to complain. Since his comrades belonged to the Murakumo military, Shuou had believed that the higher ups would save them. After taking part in recent events, that naïve assumption had been blow away. The people running Murakumo from its foundation had their own reasons and circumstances he couldn’t understand.

Dispelling those circumstances, Shuou had – in a stroke of good fortune – obtained something very close to what he’d desired. With great care, Shuou placed Gwen’s hastily prepared letter, which also contained a message of assurance from Duchess Adulelia, in his pocket.

After disappearing somewhere, Amue soon returned with six Brights on horseback.

“I’m entrusting you with a squadron of Brights,” she said, issuing prompt orders.  “Use them to subdue Winter Fortress as quickly as possible. Once you’ve apprehended Corrin Tar, Solar Bright Kazahina will serve as acting director until further notice.”

Kazahina and the assembled squadron members saluted, expressing their acknowledgement.

“How should I punish Corrin Tar?” she asked.

Amue’s brow furrowed. “Stripping him of rank and title won’t be satisfactory. I’ll prepare a suitable punishment for this imbecile who offered up his subordinates to a foreign country. Dig up anything you can on him, no matter how trivial. Perhaps he received gifts from Queen Faye. Either way, strip him naked and throw him in prison.”

“What if he resists?”

“Then you have my permission to lop off his stone.”

Amue’s cruel words didn’t match her girlish appearance. For the first time, she frightened Shuou.

“Shuou.” Trotting up to him, Amue tugged on the hem on his pants. “Through Gwen’s letter, Queen Faye should be able to obtain everything she desires. However, I still don’t know if the situation will be resolved amicably. If the queen is still dissatisfied, promise me that you’ll abandon your comrades and return here. If you don’t, everything I’ve done thus far will be meaningless.”

“I promise,” Shuou replied with determination. “No matter what, I’ll return and give you my proper thanks.”

“Yes, I hope so. Now be on your way!”

“Um, sorry to interrupt…” said Kazahina, canceling out Amue’s brisk signal to depart. “But there’s one last thing I need to do.”

Amue tilted her head. “What, did you forget something?”

Nodding, Kazahina raised her voice towards the waiting squadron. “Soldiers, close your eyes and cover your ears!”

Despite their confusion, the squadron members obeyed her orders.

A moment later, Kazahina turned around, burying her face in Shuou’s chest. “Hoohaahoohaa.”

“Wait… what?”

Unable to understand the situation, Shuou simply stared at Kazahina – her arms wrapped around in his waist – in confusion. Like some keen-nosed animal, Kazahina sucked in Shuou’s scent, wearing a satisfied smile as she raised her head.

“Haa…” she exhaled. “Sorry, but I restrained myself for so long… Ouch!”

As she finished speaking, a block of ice appeared above Kazahina, striking her atop the head with a dull thud. About the size of one’s palm, the fallen block of ice fit perfectly in Shuou’s hand.

Amue’s angry voice resounded throughout the late-night capital. “Ka-Kazahina! When did you become the sort of woman who ecstatically sniffs men!?”

Writhing in pain, Kazahina held the lump on her head with both hands, her breathing feeble. “I-I don’t know…”

“Never mind. Hurry up and go, you foolish woman.”

Stretching her back, Amue slapped the horse’s hindquarters, causing the steed to reluctantly start moving. Straightening, Kazahina whistled through her fingers to her squadron members, who’d kept their eyes and ears closed as ordered.

“We’ll be on our way,” said Kazahina.

Speaking in her ordinary voice, she saluted to Amue, spurring her horse onward. As Kazahina galloped away, her squadron following in a panic, the duchess disappeared into the background. Upon approaching the central plaza, Kazahina slowed her horse once more, firing off orders to the squadron members.

“I’ll stay as far ahead as possible and subdue Corrin Tar. You lot can follow after me.”

As soon as the squadron gave their consent, the horse Shuou and Kazahina rode upon accelerated rapidly. Their speed was so great, Shuou could almost imagine himself being dragged backwards. Galloping straight ahead, they cut through wind cold enough to tear apart one’s ears.

“Isn’t this a little too fast?” asked Shuou.

“This isn’t even a warmup for him,” said Kazahina. “And if we went any slower, we’d end up being late. Once we reach the Alabaster Road, we’ll go even faster. Brace yourself while you can.”

Later, Shuou posed a second question. “Kazahina, can you take a look at this?”

To withstand the shaking, which only intensified, he clung to Kazahina with all his might. They galloped down the Alabaster Road leading to Winter Fortress at abnormal speeds. Having never experienced such momentum, icy fear chilled his insides, but in less than an hour, he’d gradually adjusted to the experience.

Holding out his hand, Shuou showed Kazahina the ice Amue had used as a quip. Since the block had flown into his hand, Shuou hadn’t found an opportunity to discard it. Small enough to be folded in two hands, the ice wasn’t a mere block. Upon closer inspection, it bore the shape of a finely carved wolf’s head.

Gripping the reins, Kazahina glanced backwards for confirmation. “Is that what hit me in the head…?”

“Duchess Adulelia made this, didn’t she?” asked Shuou.

“Yes, of course. Is something bothering you?”

“…Can anyone with the ability to use Crynetic Energy do this?”

The wolf head bared its fangs, wrinkles forming around its mouth. Its craftsmanship, which could pass as first-rate artisanry, stunned Shuou.

“Certainly not,” said Kazahina. “Even for those who possess Radiantores, instantly creating such an incredible sculpture is a difficult feat.”

“Then is Duchess Adulelia particularly skilled?”

“House Adulelia selects the inheritor of Orthoclase from among the entire family. When the head’s seat becomes vacant, the most outstanding person of that generation is chosen as the inheritor, as our family values individual strength and skill. You can probably tell by looking at her, but not long after Lady Amue became aware of her surroundings, the elders chose her as the inheritor of Orthoclase. Even from a young age, she possessed the foremost talent of our family.”

Kazahina spoke with a certain amount of pride.

“…That’s amazing,” said Shuou.

“In addition to her original ability, she also inherited Orthoclase. Of course she’s amazing. Speaking of which, are you aware of how unrefined the powers of most Radiantores are?”

“No, this is my first time hearing any mention of that.”

“Those special stones hold tremendous power, which the possessors gain a corresponding amount of. Yet because their powers are so great, merely controlling one requires the fullness of its owner’s efforts. To wield a Radiantore, one must combine practice with natural talent. Even if the wielder can cause large-scale phenomena, concentrating power into a single point – like that block of ice, for example – demands a high degree of technique.”

Hearing Kazahina’s explanation, Shuou felt relieved. When Amue had instantaneously created the block of ice now in his hand, her lack of any special movements had surprised him. Yet when he’d discovered the ice to be a minutely detailed sculpture, fear had gripped him instead. Though he and Amue were both humans, a vast difference existed in what they could achieve.

Even concerning young Brights like Aise and Shitori, he’d entertained similar thoughts. Still, Amue existed in a completely different dimension. When Brights of Aise and Shitori’s caliber used Crynetic Energy, he could always perceive their preparatory movements. In the unlikely event that Shuou had to face those two in battle, he would be able to find a precise method for dealing with them. Conversely, he couldn’t even imagine how to deal with an opponent like Amue, who could rain blocks of ice over a person’s head without any warning.

How absurd, Shuou derided himself. I’m acting like a child.

It was foolish to consider how he’d fare in a fight against everyone he met. There was more to this world than physical strength. Briefly, Shuou had grown fretful, believing that all Radiantores possessed the same abilities. Even so, such thoughts were pointless, he told himself.

“Did you gain anything from this conversation?” Kazahina asked the silent Shuou.

“Yes. I learned that Duchess Adulelia is an incredible person.”

“Heh. Lady Amue would be delighted to hear that, I’m sure. She’s a rather simple person.” Kazahina looked pleased, as if she herself had been praised. “Radiantores are also called the stones of monarchs. They are flags representing their nations, the pride of their citizens, and the last bastion to keep enemies at bay. Regardless, don’t forget that those in possession of Radiantores are normal people. Even if you respect these men and women, you needn’t be obsequious or fearful of them.”

Taking one last look at the icy wolf’s head, Shuou hurled it into the forest with all his might.

“Speaking of which…” he said.

Watching the darkness swallow the block of ice, the faces of two men popped into Shuou’s mind, despite having no connection to the present conversation. Since arriving at Adulelia Manor, he’d spent most of his time asleep, causing him to forget about Hario and Saburi. At long last, he remembered them.

“What is it?” asked Kazahina.

“I forgot about the two guys who came with me. How are they?”

Kazahina’s voice grew lower. “Well…”

“Did something happen?” Shuou asked timidly.

“It happened after dinner on the first night,” Kazahina replied in a weary voice.  “Following the meal, they asked one of the kitchen staff for something to drink. Since Lady Amue had welcomed you as a guest of honor, the employee mistakenly believed that applied to those two as well, showing them to the underground distillery.”

Though Shuou could guess what had occurred next, he asked Kazahina to continue in an exasperated tone. “…And so?”

“In a single evening, they drank an entire bottle of choice liquor that House Adulelia had saved for visitors or gift exchanges. Upon hearing this, Lady Amue was furious.”

“That sounds about right…”

“Since the Solid Left Army will be in charge of Winter Fortress for the time being, Lady Amue is going to have them work as scribes to repay what they drank, writing reports on various matters, including this one.”

Thank goodness.

Though Hario and Saburi were astonishingly impudent, Amue would treat them well.

No matter what, I’ll bring our comrades back, thought Shuou, a small letter containing the hopes and efforts of numerous people stuffed in his breast pocket.

The sky began to shine with faint light. When the morning sun had risen, Shuou and Kazahina arrived before the gates of Winter Fortress. Sunlight – glaring and relentless – beat down on them from the abnormally cloudless sky. A long time had passed since Shuou had felt the rays of the sun.

Kazahina sighed in disappointment. “Even though we’ve come this far, there’s no sign of a response.”

To Shuou’s knowledge, Squires on duty worked even during the middle of the night. Yet based on what he could see from outside, not a single person manned the watchtower.

“Don’t tell me everyone’s still asleep at this hour,” said a baffled Kazahina.

“By now, everyone should have finished breakfast and started working in their stations.”

“Well, let’s hope so,” said Kazahina, inhaling a lungful of air. “Open the gates!”

Her shout reminded Shuou of cracking thunder. He still hadn’t grown accustomed to how rapidly her bearing could change.

After a short pause, a voice responded from behind the door. “Winter Fortress is currently under lockdown. Turn back and try visiting another day.”

“I am an envoy from the capital,” said Kazahina. “Ask your supervisor if he plans on leaving a Bright of Adulelia outside the gates!”

“W-Wait right there!” the flustered Squire called back.

The person behind the door faded into the distance.

While they waited for a response, Shuou asked Kazahina a question that had been on his mind. “Duchess Adulelia ordered you to gain control of Winter Fortress, didn’t she? Is this going to turn violent?”

“If the Squires of this fortress try to defend the baron, things will turn violent. Based on what you’ve seen, is Bright Lord Corrin a well-liked man?”

Shuou recalled Corrin Tar’s face when the baron had ordered his imprisonment, rushing to save his own skin. “…No. You won’t have to worry about that.”

Racing footsteps echoed from behind the door.

“I-I’m having them open the gate at once!” cried the shrill voice of a middle-aged man. “H-Hurry up, you idiots!”

The heavy, double doors opened ever so slowly. As soon as a single horse could pass through, Kazahina shouted, racing her steed into the courtyard in a single bound. Stunned by this sudden event, the men inside fell onto their backsides.

A group of panicked men followed after them, Corrin Tar in the lead. Scratches covered his face. Broken by Shuou, his nose was swollen and red, a slimy ointment slathered over it. Having heard the commotion at once, the resident Squires had gathered in the courtyard. Soon, a ring of people had formed around Shuou, Kazahina, and Corrin Tar.

His breathing heavy, Corrin Tar saluted Kazahina awkwardly. “W-What business does the capital have in such a remote area…?”

His raised eyes met Shuou’s.

“Y-You!” he cried, wearing the expression of someone on the verge of his death throes.

At nearly the same time, Kazahina drew her longsword, pointing the end at Corrin Tar’s throat. The Squires gathered in the courtyard stirred.

“Are you Corrin Tar, the director of Winter Fortress?” asked Kazahina.

“I-I am…” replied the baron, greasy sweat beading on his forehead.

“Are you aware of the disturbances that have occurred between our country and Aventurine?”

“W-What exactly are you referring—”

“Don’t play the fool!”

In response to Kazahina’s roar, a startled Corrin Tar plunged onto his backside. “Eeep! I-I’m…”

“Her Excellency Solar General Adulelia is furious with your conduct. The Solid Left Army has already received approval from the Supreme Commander to arrest you. Will you come quietly?”

Corrin Tar didn’t yield. “Y-You can’t accuse me of a crime without an investigation. That’s far too…”

Looking down on the baron with cruelty in her eyes, Kazahina wore a scornful smile. “You’re dissatisfied? If you want to resist, I won’t stop you. If the sword at your hip isn’t rusty, unsheathe it now. But know this: I’m under orders to apprehend you dead or alive.”

The greasy face of the middle-aged Bright started to pale. Moving slowly, Corrin Tar drew his sword, an air of tension spreading among the Squires watching this situation. Nevertheless, the baron didn’t stand, placing his sword on the ground and hanging his head.

“I’ll obey…” he said. “Please send my regards to the Solar General.”

“I’ll let her know that you were cooperative,” said Kazahina.

When Corrin Tar showed no resistance, Kazahina ordered his immediate apprehension. Though no one in particular had received this command, the Squires of Winter Fortress rushed to pin down the baron. Their expressions full of resentment, some of the Squires even shoved Corrin Tar’s plump body onto the ground. Because of Kazahina’s arrival, this man had fallen from his position of leadership, becoming an acquiescent prisoner. Looking at him, Shuou felt a slight pang of sympathy.

Someone brought rope, binding Corrin Tar’s hands behind his back and leading him, alongside his two personal guards, to the basement. In all likelihood, they would be placed within the same dungeon in which Shuou had been confined.

Finishing her first task, Kazahina – still on horseback – explained the situation to the gathered Squires. “For the time being, I will now serve as acting director of this base.”

In response to Kazahina’s ringing proclamation, the Squires’ cheers sent tremors through the earth. Everyone wore cheerful expressions. Because there so many men, they all welcomed the sudden arrival of a beautiful, female Bright.

“That’s all I have to report,” said Kazahina. “Return to your individual duties. No laziness will be tolerated under my supervision. Quickly now!”

Once Kazahina had finished shouting, the Squires scattered. Intrigued by Shuou, a few of the men remained, but unable to tolerate their new supervisor’s glare, they soon dispersed as well.

“Haah…” Kazahina exhaled, relaxing.

“Good work,” said Shuou, offering her words of appreciation.

Kazahina smiled back at him. “No, the real work has just begun,” she said, patting Shuou on the shoulder. “I need to investigate the current status of Winter Fortress and provide a report. Since my subordinates will catch up in a little while, I’ll have them help with this task.” Dismounting, Kazahina left Shuou alone on the horse. “Keep riding him towards Aventurine.”

Suddenly alone, Shuou – cold and apprehensive – grabbed the horse’s stomach with both hands. “I can’t ride a horse by myself…”

“This horse isn’t just a set of strong legs. He’s smart, too. Once you’ve ridden him a single time, he won’t throw you off. If you imitate what I did on the way here, he’ll carry you to your destination. You should be able to reach Aventurine’s royal capital by nightfall.”

Really?

The horse’s bloodshot eyes looked up at Shuou. As befit a duchess’s warhorse, he seemed rather haughty. Yet at the same time, he appeared to be saying, “You have permission to ride me.” Timidly placing his toes in the stirrups, Shuou gave the horse a light kick in the belly, encouraging him to start trotting forward. Despite being anxious to ride alone, his body had started acclimating to the experience. After all, he’d ridden behind people on several occasions.

Kazahina pulled the reins as she walked, leading them towards the eastern gate. Looking up, Shuou spotted Yaina within the building, watching them anxiously. When their gazes met, Shuou offered a single, strong nod. Yaina nodded back, closing her eyes and folding her hands in prayer.

Kazahina stopped before the door leading to Aventurine. “Unfortunately, this is as far as I can accompany you.”

“Thank you. You’ve done so much for me…”

“I’d like to escort you to the very end, but I can’t cross this line of my own will,” said Kazahina, biting her bottom lip and looking downward. “At times like these, I hate my position.”

“You’ve done more than enough for me.”

If not on horseback, Shuou would have bowed his head out of immense gratitude. Still, if he managed to return here, he would have plenty of opportunities to thank her.

Straightening, Kazahina saluted. “I’ll pray for your safety.”

For some reason, Shuou couldn’t bring himself to return the salute. Thus, he merely nodded.

“Wait for me.”

Finished speaking, he kicked the stirrups, causing the horse to launch off the ground, racing towards their destination. Once again, he headed down the road stretching eastward all by himself, hoping this would be the last time.

Original text: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4006r/12/