Volume 4, Chapter 26 – Mieshiro Family (2)

“The women of the Mieshiro Family possess the power of a Miko, allowing them to temporarily borrow strength by having a Yokai descend upon and possess them. When a Mieshiro woman turns fifteen, she is offered as a sacrifice to the Eight-Headed Dragon God as part of her duties as a Miko, and through the Dragon God’s protection, the people are kept at peace. This is how this country is currently governed. In the past, people outside the Mieshiro Family were also sacrificed throughout the land, but since Suikyou ascended the throne, it has been carried out only here in Miyako. It is said that with Suikyou’s Divine Powers, sacrifice rituals in the provinces became unnecessary. Besides, the land has actually become peaceful. That is why Suikyou is so popular with the people.”

I couldn’t find the words to respond.

Of all people… Shizuku-san…

“Since Shizuku was outside the country, I thought she might survive past fifteen without being made a sacrifice. I never imagined she would return of her own accord. Truly…”

Tessai-san let out a deep sigh.

“…It’s… my fault…”

I managed to squeeze out the words, feeling as though I were being crushed by guilt and regret.

“It’s because she met someone like me that Shizuku-san is—!”

“Onee-sama…”

“Fiene-sama, that is not the case! If she hasn’t been sacrificed yet, there is still time. Let us go to her now and convince her!”

“Chris-san…”

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Chris-san’s words brightened my mood slightly. However, Tessai-san’s words shattered it.

“It is impossible. The Imperial Palace is the most heavily guarded place in this country. Do you intend to start a war?”

“Ugh… but…”

“Fiene-chan. Do not make that face. I never said we wouldn’t go save her. That is precisely why I trained Chris.”

“”Eh?””

Chris-san and I instinctively looked at each other.

“I couldn’t bring Chris along before because she was too inexperienced; I was far too worried. But the current Chris should be fine.”

Tessai-san gave a mischievous grin.

“The rescue operation will be executed tomorrow evening. The sacrifice ritual will take place tomorrow night at the Dragon God Cave, where the Eight-Headed Dragon God is said to be sealed. We will launch a two-pronged attack on the Dragon God Cave and the Itten Style headquarters dojo. We will handle the Dragon God Cave, and I want Fiene-chan and the others to take the Itten Style dojo.”

Tessai-san explained the plan.

“Why do we need to go to the Itten Style dojo? I want to go to Shizuku-san!”

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“The Kirinagi should be sealed within the Itten Style dojo. From what I hear, the Kirinagi has already cursed several people who attempted to become its next owner to death. It is likely because it was forcibly separated from Shizuku, the owner recognized by the blade. I heard that Suikyou personally went to the Itten Style dojo to seal it.”

I see. But to curse people to death just because it was separated from its owner… the Kirinagi really is a Cursed Blade.

“But why is the Kirinagi necessary?”

“Because there is no guarantee that a Miko who has hosted a Yokai will remain sane. The power of the Kirinagi, which was with Shizuku the longest, will be required.”

“…Yokai? What exactly are those?”

“Hm? Well. I do not know the details myself, but they say they take various forms—dogs, dragons, foxes, and ogres. There are both evil and good ones, but I have heard they are neither human nor animal.”

“…Are they like monsters, or perhaps spirits?”

“I believe they are different from ghosts, but I do not know much even if you ask me. My apologies.”

“No, it’s okay…”

This place feels like Japan, so perhaps “Yokai” refers to the creatures from folklore.

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I wonder how they differ from spirits or monsters.

“Now, back to the matter at hand. Ittetsu, Yasuo, and I will launch a surprise attack on the Dragon God Cave to disrupt the sacrifice ritual. Meanwhile, Souji and Fiene-chan’s group will reclaim the Kirinagi from the Itten Style headquarters dojo. Then, you will rendezvous with us at the Dragon God Cave to stop Suikyou and save Shizuku.”

“Why are we the ones going to the dojo? Wouldn’t it be better if we all went together…?”

“We might not make it in time if we do that. Besides, if we attack one location first, the security at the other will likely be tightened.”

I see. That might actually make sense.

“Furthermore, Fiene-chan is likely the only one who can carry the Kirinagi away. I heard her speak of Shizuku being the Saint, humanity’s hope, with great joy. Also, the Flower Maiden? Was that it? If it is Fiene-chan, the Kirinagi surely would not curse her to death.”

“Eh? Ah, uh, right…”

Wow, so all of that had been relayed to him.

“Tessai-san, why are you going this far for us? You live in this country. Don’t you think it’s fine if peace is maintained through a single sacrifice?”

When I changed the subject to ask this, Tessai-san answered with a sorrowful expression.

“Shizuku… to me, a man with no family, she is like a granddaughter to me, though we share no blood. There is nothing in this world that can replace the life of a granddaughter.”

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“…But the people at the dojo!”

“The disciples are much the same; they are all people with no kin. And now, we are about to lose Shizuku, whom we have cherished like a younger sister or daughter. I cannot simply remain silent.”

“Tessai-san… I understand. Let’s save Shizuku-san together!”

“Umu!”

“Fiene-sama, let’s do it!”

“Me too! I’ll do my best!”

And so, tomorrow evening, we decided to pick a fight with the Golden Sun Miko Nation in order to rescue Shizuku-san.

Author Note

Fiene-chan has decided to take Shizuku back by force.

Is this decision an act of justice, or is it merely self-righteousness?