Kouki

　
　Then I saw a familiar figure with white hair at the entrance of the mansion.

''Welcome, Yukinojo-sama.

Oh, good ol' Kashima's boy.

　This is Gennosuke of Kashima, an aide in the service of your uncle.
　I've heard that your uncle has been in your service since he was a child, and they supported each other on the battlefield in a symbiotic relationship.

The best thing is that Yukinojo-sama seems to be in good health.

Mmm!

　Old man Kashima calls me by a familiar name, not "Waka" or "Koki", but by a familiar name: Yukinojo.
　Yukinojo, that's my real name.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

I'm not going to be able to tell you about it.

　I'm guided by old man Kashima, and I proceed into the mansion.
　It's not a bad idea to go to the room you want to go to even if there's no guidance from old man Kashima.
　But if you are a grown man and behave in such a rude manner, Haruomi will probably be annoyed.

Then please wait for a while. Your mansion master will be here soon.

Hmm.

　When I sat down in the room that old man Kashima had led me to, I felt exhausted all at once.
　The journey so far seems to have exhausted my mind to a great extent. The quiet room is even more drowsy.

''Young man, why don't you rest until Miss Mitu arrives?

No, it's your uncle, and he'll be here soon, just like my grandfather said.

I haven't explained the situation to your uncle yet, so we'll take it easy afterwards.
　Fortunately, my battle with fatigue was extremely short.　

　The sound of panicked footsteps approached, which is unusual for this house.
　The sliding doors were thrown open vigorously and a large body entered the room.

''Oh!　Long time no see, Yukinojo!　Have you been in good health?

Uncle!　Long time no see!

　The first man to arrive was an elderly man. He was my uncle, the lord of the Omitsu domain, and his name was Sogen Akitsuno Suke-dono.

Here you are, Yukinojo!

　My uncle didn't begrudge my nephew's sudden arrival, but welcomed me with a smile.

''I was surprised when I heard about the commotion in the capital, but I'm glad you're safe.

　I was relieved to hear my uncle's words and my heart tightened.

'Uncle, I have something to tell you about that matter.

Hmm?

　Your uncle, sensing my mood, changed his good-natured expression to that of a warrior.

"Hmm, looks like you've gotten yourself into an extraordinary amount of trouble.

Yes, sir. This is about the Shogun's family, and by extension, your uncle, who is related to the Shogun's family.

　It's no exaggeration to say that it involves the entirety of the Heavenly Peak region.

"My goodness, even an old man like me seems to be involved in this, it must be quite important.

　Uncle sat down on the cushions and urged me to continue the conversation with his eyes.

"Yes, as you probably know, my uncle, my father, General Ren Xiaoten, has gone into hiding.

　That's right, my father is the supreme leader of this country, the General.
　This country is ruled by a king called the emperor, but the emperor prioritizes the protection of Heavenly Peak from disasters, so the government of this country is carried out by a person called a shogun instead.
In other words, the Shogun is the de facto head of this country.

　That's the reason why I couldn't tell Mina my real name and the reason why the attempt on my life was made by my pursuers.

Since the day of his father's death, everything has gone wrong.

I heard the news of your brother's death. When I met him at New Year's, I never thought he would die before me.

　Your uncle looks up in the air with distant eyes.
　He must be remembering your father.

'Yes, I'm surprised too. But I am also the son of a general. I don't have time to grieve. I had to hurry up and make arrangements for my father's funeral and his ascension to the position of the next general.

'Yes, the longer the General is gone, the more the country is shaken. .... but it never happened. You were lost, and the Shogun's funeral was conducted by his chief retainer, Sakonosuke San'okoji.

You're right, sir.

　There is a slight silence between Yu and your uncle.

''....What happened?''

　But uncle was running out of time and drowned out the silence, urging me to continue.

''I was attacked by bandits inside the castle.

What?

　No wonder my uncle was surprised.
　The castle where Yu and his father lived and worked was meant to protect the general. It is said to be the most heavily guarded castle in the country, and as such, there is no room for a cat's pupils.

　Furthermore, the warriors who work at the castle are all equally skilled.
　Even if a half-hearted assassin is lucky enough to sneak into the castle, he or she will soon be found by patrolling warriors and cut down.
　A bandit has invaded the castle, your uncle's surprise can be said to be natural.

''Fortunately, thanks to Haruomi, we were able to save our lives. However, the bandits are quite skilled, and if the vassals hadn't risked their lives to buy more time, I would have followed my father's lead.

How could you be so skilled...

I decided to run away with Haruomi and the rest of the vassals, hiding my identity in order to ask for your help.

So it is. You've just lost your brother and you've gone through a lot.

It's all because of my inexperience. If only I hadn't fallen behind the bandits, I wouldn't have let them have what they wanted!

Huh?　Why does the name Yamazakurakoji-dono come up there?

That's because the person who attacked me was Yamazakurakoji!

What?　Makoto?!

Yamasakurakoji Sakyonosuke. He is the leading retainer in the shogun's service, and is a heavyweight among the heavyweights, whose blood is connected to the family of priests who administer the rituals.
Originally, he was supposed to assist me, who lost his father.......the shogun, and support the new shogun.

''Yes, Haruomi has confirmed that among the bandits who attacked me was a Yamanohakouji hand.

Is that Makoto or Haruomi?

　When asked by your uncle, Haruomi, who had been silent until now, nodded with a sorrowful look on his face.
　You will be able to see that it is a very good idea for you to be able to get a good idea of what is going on.

''Yes. Among the bandits we defeated were those who worked at Master Yamazakoukoji's residence.



　Your uncle puts his hand to his forehead in disbelief.

It was right after your father's death. Perhaps even your father's death was planned by Sanoukoji.

I can't believe that... that that hard-working Mr. San-o-Kouji would... well, I can't believe it...

No wonder your uncle is confused.
　When it comes to Yamazakura Koji, he is a man known for his stubbornness.
　Even if it was ordered by your father, who is a general, he is such a stubborn man that he would oppose it head on if it was not appropriate.
　And for that reason, he was trusted by your father....　

However, Akitsuno-sama, the government of this country is currently being handled by San-o-kouji-dono.

　Seeing that your uncle was confused by Yu's words, Haruomi confronted him with the fact that Yamazakurakoji was in fact controlling the government.

That's right, uncle. That's right, uncle," he says, "he's doing whatever he wants with the country because he knows that I, the runaway, can't assume the name of the next shogun. As a matter of fact, the lords of the clan who were under his influence had set up a strict system that was as tight as a blockade on the barrier to the Mimitsu clan. Fortunately, thanks to Haruomi, I managed to get through the barrier, but otherwise I would have been captured before I could reach my uncle's side.

　My uncle snorted with a stern face.

''Indeed, there were reports of a decrease in the number of travelers coming from the neighboring Kagata clan from a few days ago, but I didn't know that was the case...''

　Your uncle also had an idea.

"Uncle, I intend to take the Shogun's name and take over the position of the first chief petty officer from San-o-Kouji-me. For that purpose, I would like to ask you to lend me a hand, please.

　The only way to reclaim the country from Yamazakurakoji was for me to take the position of the Shogun.
　For that to happen, you need the power of your uncle, who is one of the most powerful men in the country, capable of competing with the Shogun's own brother and the top retainer, Yamazakoukoji.

"Mm, yes, yes....

　Uncle closed his eyes and thought for a while.
　But soon he opens his eyes and gives me a sharp look.

He said sharply, "Very well. We must examine the matter of Mr. San'okoji, but with the Shogun gone, it is urgent that a new Shogun be born. I will support you in succeeding the shogun.

Thank you, Uncle!

　Oh!　If only your uncle would move on, the devil's advocate!
　The despotism of Yamazakura Alley is not to be feared!

In that case, let's hurry up and go to the ceremony for the succession of the General's name!

　You need the emperor's permission to take the title of general.
　After all, the original master of this country is the emperor.
It's not easy, but someone who is not the emperor, the original king, will be in charge of the national government.
　The procedure for that is inevitably necessary.

　However, your uncle shook his head slowly to remonstrate with me.

He shook his head slowly as if to admonish me, "Don't panic. ─ Don't be in a hurry, you need to make preparations if you want to take the Shogun's name. Above all, we must find a new bodyguard. If you have a skilled assassin who can't even take on the Shogun's bodyguard, we need to find someone who can. But if he is that skilled, it will be difficult to find someone with that kind of skill...

　Hmph, indeed. The warriors who were guarding Hua Yan City were all among the most fierce warriors in this Heavenly Peak.
　It wasn't so easy to find someone with power that could match or exceed theirs... and then I remembered the face of a certain person.

''Don't worry about that!　I have an idea!

What?　Are you suggesting that there are masters like that?

'Yes. That man is a strong man who single-handedly defeated the bandits who attacked me. If you can enlist his help, you will have no need to worry about your guards!

Young man, if you are the one who is...

　Haruomi must have come up with the idea. He frowned at me and asked me about it.

''Mm, of course it's him!

　Mina

Whew, I didn't expect to find a clue about Lex in a place like this.

　When I saw the goods sold at the shop, I asked Mr. Tatsuyoshi if the craftsman who made it was Lex.
　He told me that Lex had asked him to find us.
　That seemed to be the reason for the hint of implication when he heard my name.
　And when I was looking at him to see if I was the Mina herself that Lex was looking for, it was because I was the one who mentioned Lex's name.

In that case, I wonder if our next destination will be the port city of Hatoba, where Lex is located.

'Mina, it's about...'

　As I was thinking about my future plans, Tatsuniyoshi-san called out to me as if it was difficult to say.

''What's the matter, Tatsuniyoshi-san.......''

Lord Mina!

　That's when it happened. Suddenly, someone came into the store and called me over.

"Are you....Haruomi-san?

　Yes, it was Kouki's bodyguard, Haruomi-san, who called me.
　Or rather, since I was called by name in a foreign land, I was surprised, thinking that my companions had come to find me.

''What do you want me to do for you?

　Then Haruomi-san nodded with a bitter face.
　Hmm, do I hate this person?

Well, my lord... the young master wishes to make another request of you, my lord.

　...oops, I have a feeling we're in for trouble.

　✦Are you sure?

Another job as a bodyguard?

　What Haruomi brought me to was the clan lord's residence where he had just delivered Kouki just a short time ago.

　I was shown to a room where Yuki, a big old man, and a slender but gracious old man with an unflappable presence of mind were present.

It's a good thing that you're a good judge of character.

　A large old man I don't recognize nods his head at us.
　I wonder if calling Kouki by his name means he's my uncle?
　Also, I knew Koki was a fake name.

Yes, Uncle. Yes, uncle, this Mina is the one who saved my life. She was able to eradicate her pursuers, who took the lives of my guards, with a single spell.

A master magician.

　When he found out that I was a wizard, Kouki iye, Yukinojo's uncle nodded his head in agreement.

''So your people are warriors?　You don't have a sword, though?

　A warrior is a knight in this country, I believe. I've only been in this country for a few days, but I'm starting to get used to the information about this country.

"Well, I'm....

　And Gobun glances at me.
　Oh, that reminds me, I had this guy with me as my bodyguard, but when I think about it, he's a pirate.

"Well, he's not a samurai, he's a pirate.

""What?"

　The snowflakes roll their eyes when they are told they are pirates when they were supposed to be counted as a fighting force.

"What do you mean, Mina?

''Well, these guys were going to kidnap me and my companions and sell us off to slavers by disguising their ship as a trade ship. So, my companions gave them the slip and brought them to this country to atone for their sins.

What a...

There are circumstances...

　While Yukinojo and Haruomi were stunned to hear about the hidden circumstances, there was one person who was laughing loudly.
　That's right, it was Yukinojo's uncle.

"Hahahahahaha!　How dare you return a pirate and use him as a leg!　How poignant!　That's the girl you asked for!

　In fact, it was actually Lex who did the fighting back, though.
　I'm sure he's got a lot of heart, and I'm sure he's not the only one who got a big kick out of Yukinojo and the others' confusion.

It's a good thing that he didn't back down against the pirates, who have the advantage of being surrounded by the sea and enemies on the battlefield.　Well, certainly this is something to look forward to, I'd say!

But why are the pirates on the road with you?　If we can get to this point in Tianfeng, can we get a safe boat back?　I thought you had no use for the pirates any longer.

Ah, well, just before we arrived in this country, we had a storm, and I got knocked off the ship at that time. I managed to get ashore with it, so I used it as a guide.

　It can't be said that I tried to save the pirate who fell into the sea, indeed. Now that I think about it, it was a really stupid thing to do. Hmm, I can't make fun of Lex and Gyro either...

I see. That makes sense. That storm has caused trouble for those of us in the Heavenly Peak.

　Which means, after all, that people in this country don't know better, that crazy storm.
　And the fact that they're in trouble means that this isn't a one-time thing.
　This isn't your average storm, like Lex said.

'Well, then, can't we get that person now?

Huh?

　Haruomi pointed out, and Goven turned blue in the face.

''Ah, well, that's certainly true.''

Oh, Miss!

　I don't want to look at you like that. You tried to sell us out, you know.
　I'm sure you're not the only one who's interested in it.

Well, wait, wait, wait. Don't get so murderous, Haruomi.

　Then, Yukinojo's uncle interceded, "You were a pirate, are you familiar with the handling of ships?

You were a pirate, are you familiar with ships?

Hey, hey!　I can handle a boat as well as anyone else!

'Ho, that's reassuring. Mm-hmm.

　Yukinojo's uncle smiles, as if he's up to something.

Good. Then you will be a servant on my ship.

What?

Huh?

Uncle!

Akitsuno-sama!

　Everyone present is surprised by the unexpected remark.

The storm has claimed the lives of many sailors. The storm has killed many sailors, so I will make an exception and ask you to work as a sailor to atone for your crimes. Normally, pirates are hanged. Considering that, this is a very generous gesture of kindness, wouldn't you say?

Hey, hey!　If it's not a hangman's noose, I'll take any job!

　Hmm, it's not a bad result, but it seems like a very lenient treatment for a nobleman...?
　Couldn't he have snuck out?
　Then, perhaps sensing my thoughts, Yukinojo's uncle looked at me and smiled.

He said, "Of course, I will use a spell to shackle him to prevent him from escaping. I will also give you the money that you would earn from working as a pirate in exchange for capturing a pirate. This is not only a reward for capturing the pirates, but also for providing the sailors who are in short supply. What do you think?

　Oh, I see. I see that you're making use of your gobbons to accommodate our needs.
　I'm filling in for the missing sailors, and I'm thanking you for your help.
　Perhaps he's also thanking me for saving Yukinojo's life.

　Yeah, that way I'll be in charge of handling the pirates and I'll have the money to kill two birds with one stone.
　Well, since it's Lex who caught them, I'll have to give them to him later.

I'll see what I can do. Well, in that case, I'll let you take care of the pirate.

Hmm. Kashima, take this man to the naval criminals' quarters.

"Very good, sir.

Miss, good evening!

　Gobun walks out of the room, accompanied by an old man called Kashima.
　There's something oddly nostalgic about that.

　The conversation is interrupted by Goven's departure.

'Well, now, on that note, take care of my nephew, young lady.

'Hey!　I haven't said I'm taking a job yet!

What?　You gonna take it?

　Of course I will!　
The only thing I've talked about properly since I've been here is the treatment of gobbons!

''I came because Haruomi-san insisted that I come, but I didn't say that I would receive an escort in the first place. In the first place, there is no reason why it has to be me. And I'm sure there are many people in this castle who are stronger than me.

　At least he's a lord with a mansion this large, so he must have hired some pretty skilled people.
　I don't think he would go out of his way to rely on a little girl like me.
　Then Yukinojo speaks up.

It's Mina. The guards who lost their lives defending me from my pursuers were some of the most skilled warriors in the country.

'What?　Was it?

'Hmm. Although they were tired from their long escape and disadvantaged by their numbers, our country's best and brightest still fell into disgrace. That's why your uncle was troubled that he couldn't afford to have an incompetent man as his bodyguard. But you beat your pursuers without hesitation. That's why I want you to help me again!

　Yukinojo asks me for help with an excited look.
　This is ........................I see.

　Which means Yukinojo must be mistaken!
　Perhaps the pursuer was hurt quite badly by the slain Yukinojo's guards.
　That's why he was easily defeated by my magic.

　Probably the opponent was proud of the confidence of having defeated this national guard and the fact that it was a little girl like me who came out of the woodwork.
　I thought that if I was facing a little girl of this caliber, I should be able to get away with at least one more fight.

　But that was a fatal blow to the pursuer.
　And it is precisely because Yukinojo had faith in the ability of his bodyguard that he overestimated my ability.
　And no matter how much I've grown, I'm not conceited about being stronger than the country's most skilled warriors.

　Hmmm, this is just a grand misunderstanding brought about by the situation.
　Yukinojo's uncle also seems to be mistaken because of the vague information he's gotten from him. And also because of Lex's saga.
　I'm going to have to try to stop him.
　I can't give a dangerous request for a mistake.

That's understandable. "I understand, but I have a stray colleague I need to go meet up with.

Friends?　Oh, the young lady is a foreigner, as I recall. So now you are looking for your friends?

'Yes, sir. I've figured out where one of my buddies who got lost in the storm is, and I'm going to go there first.

Hmm, what town is this crew in?　I'll take the carriage out if your daughter wants it.

　A carriage, honestly, it's faster to use flying magic to get there.
　However, it's also rude to refuse a nobleman's kindness.

''I heard that they have a companion in a place called the port city of Hatoba.

Hmm, the port city of Hatoba is located in the middle of the next territory.

　Yes, the location of the town is just like the information Tatsunichi-san gave me.

I'm sorry to tell you, my lord, but the barrier to the neighboring territories is practically blocked.

　'I'm sorry,' Yukinojo's uncle tells him apologetically.

'A blockade?'

Hmm. There are some dangerous bandits in the territory, so they are blocking it to prevent them from escaping into other territories. The merchant with whom I'm familiar can pay to be let through, but I don't think a foreigner's daughter will be able to do it. If you're not careful, they might mistake you for one of the bandits.

　Aah, that's what Tatsuniyoshi-san was stalling on just now, isn't it!

But the idea of bandits is just a token. The purpose was to prevent Yukinojo from moving around freely.

What?

　This is where Yukinojo's situation comes into play?
　Oh... She wants us to keep on accepting her request without mercy.
　I don't think so.
Well, although you say he's your bodyguard, he hasn't even told me who he's supposed to protect Yukinojo-sama from.

I dare to emphasize that it's Yukinojo and not Koki, but I kama that this guy is probably being targeted by someone else.

　I'm pretty sure he's not guarding against demons or bandits in the situation, and in some cases, it's even possible that the other guy isn't a bad guy.

'Oops, that's right. It is true that if you want to ask for a job, you must explain the job and give him/her a detailed description of the reward. By the way, why is Yukinojo so depressed?

　When I looked at Yukinojo after being told, for some reason he was so depressed that I could see it.

Don't worry about it, uncle. More importantly, let's continue the conversation.

Is something in shock?

Huh?　Really?　Well, first of all, let's look at the request. To explain it in brief, Yukinojo is the chieftain of his family. In order to succeed his father who has passed away, he must perform a ceremony. However, he is currently being interrupted by people who are not pleased with the situation. My neighbouring lords may have been goaded into blocking the barrier. After all, I haven't heard for months about a bandit destroying our neighbouring estates.

　Oh, you already had the information, so you knew the bandit thing was horseshit.
　But as far as the content is concerned, it's just a typical family turmoil.

　I don't know, I'm a commoner, but it's quite something for me to get caught up in a family turmoil of a nobleman.
　I shouldn't, I've been involved in so many different scale incidents lately that I've lost my senses.

Therefore, I'd like the young lady to escort Yukinojo to the place of the ceremony and to guard him so that the ceremony is not disturbed.

Have you completed the ritual and completed your request?

No, just to be sure, I need you to take Yukinojo back to the house after the ceremony is over. That will complete your request.

　The request is the same as a typical escort request.
　The only problem is that we're dealing with a person who is good enough to take down the country's greatest warrior.
　Whether we accept or reject the request, our top priority is to get together with Lex. As far as the blockade of the barrier is concerned, it seems to be manageable.

I'm sure you'll be able to find your way to the top.

A thousand?

　The unexpectedly large amount of money surprises me.
　Or rather, 1,000 gold coins for a request for an escort is a bit much, isn't it?

Yes, and one more thing. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. That means there must be others.　I will help you find your friends. There are other lords who have blocked the gate, and I'm sure your daughter's companions have a hard time finding their way back to you. What do you think?　If you successfully complete the request, the barrier will be lifted and it will be easier for you to join up with your friends. Two birds with one stone, right?

Mmm....

　It's true, the reason why you escorted Yukinojo was also to make sure that no one else was in this town, right?
　If the blockade on the barrier is lifted by my escorting Yukinojo, can everyone else move to the east to join us?
　When you think about it, it's probably fortunate to be involved in resolving the reason why the barrier is blocked.
　Especially with gyros and all, you never know what kind of ruckus you might cause if you leave them alone.

Where are we headed?　How many days does it take to get here?

　However, I can't take a job carelessly if I don't know how long I'm going to be held up.

Hmmm. Our destination is at the foot of Mount Amatsukami, a sacred mountain in the center of the country. The ceremony will be held there. It's three days' ride from here, but since there's a tollbooth, it would be difficult to travel there by horse. Then you'd have to pass through the gate on an animal trail, which you're not used to walking, so you'd have to spend eight days on foot.

　Wow, that's quite a restraint. It's going to take you half a month to get there and back. It's good to hear.
　And considering the interference, it's going to take longer.

Hmm, considering the whole situation, it's more beneficial to take this request.
But when I'm on my own, there are many factors to be concerned about. I mean, I'm a wizard, and with this group of people, the only vanguard is Haruomi-san!　And since Yukinojo is a target of my protection, he's out of the question!
So I guess that means.....

"...if you take that request, I think it's better to go another way than to go directly to your destination.

Hmm?　What do you mean?

'First, I will go to the port city of Khatoba and join one of my people. That way we can replenish our forces significantly.

Significantly?

'Yes, my friends there are stronger than I am.

''You're stronger than Mina?!''

　Yukinojo shouts in astonishment when he is told that he is stronger than me.
　There are many people who are stronger than me.

''Yes, there's our master Lex. If you need an escort, there's no one more qualified than him.''

Hmm, the world is a big place to find someone better than your daughter. I'd like to see this gentleman, Lex, face to face.

No, please don't do that, sir. You'll die.

Yukinojo's uncle wants to fight Lex, so I stop him in a hurry.
　How many lives would be too many if we fought Lex!

''But wouldn't it take too long to get to the port city of Hatoba?　I think we should take a small group of people here and go to Mt. Amatsukami.

　When we were talking about that, Haruomi-san pulls back to the topic.
　Haruomi-san seems to think that joining up with Lex is a waste of time.
　Well, I understand the feeling.

'No, it might be possible, Haruomi.

Akitsunosuke-sama?

　It's a good idea," he said, "but Yukinojo's uncle told him that my idea was a good one.

It's not only to increase our strength, but also to distract from the port city of Hatoba, which may be a good distraction. I'm sure they will want to have Yukinojo take over in a hurry. I doubt that they would take the long way around. On the contrary, the detour may not provide much security. If it is indeed true that the mastermind is that person, he or she must have already known that Yukinojo has found his way to me.

I mean, sure...

No, I disagree!

　But for some reason, even Yukinojo began to oppose it.

Let's go it alone!　That way you won't have to spend any extra time on it, uncle!

Yukinojo, your daughter is a very capable person. I think we should focus on securing our forces.

'No, he's got plenty of strength!　I don't need another man!

Lord, you're not going to...

Young...

　Then, Yukinojo's uncle and Haruomi looked at him with a dumbfounded look, as if they sensed something from Yukinojo's words.

I wondered what they were thinking at this time of emergency," he said, "but maybe that's just the right amount of courage to succeed the next generation.

　Huh?　What do you mean?

But I must. Do not lose track of your priorities. The first priority is to make sure you get the ceremony right. If you want to look good for your lady, you'll need to look good for it.

Uh-uh...

　When I silence Yukinojo, his uncle turns his attention to me.

'Alright, alright. Then you can go and join your friends first. I'm sure you'll be able to find some rewards for your friends to help you out. Then, as soon as your forces are ready, you will head for the sacred mountain in the middle of the country, Mount Amatsukami!

　Thus, I decided to accept a new request to join my friends.

　◆

　A few days after receiving the request, we were finally ready for the ritual and we were on the move.
　First, we're going to the port city of Hatoba, which is in the next territory...

Hmm, that's pretty tight.

　Yes, the barrier to enter the neighboring territory was very tight, and many of the travelers who headed to the barrier seemed to have been turned away.

Could you ask Echigoya-san to take me to Hatoba town?

No, they'd probably be turned away if they weren't familiar employees.

　Well, it's tight.

How did you get through the border before?

That time, we took a path away from the barrier, an animal trail that was difficult for people to travel. It was quite difficult, but thanks to that, we were able to reach the territory of the Mimitsu clan safely.

So you would do it again?

No, I couldn't do that.

　Then Haruomi, who had returned from reconnaissance, joins the conversation.

''How was it?''

''Haha, there are soldiers placed at regular intervals along the boundary line between the territories, and there are also cavalry horses patrolling between them. With this, it would be impossible to cross the border to avoid the checkpoint.

　That's pretty heavy security.

Aren't they pretty tight for someone so far from the road to Mount Amatsukami?

Perhaps they've discovered that we have used the beastly path.

　I see... So, in order to let people know that he won't let them use the same trick, he is surrounding this Mimitsu territory.　
　Just like Yukinojo's uncle said, they know he's here, right?

Hmm, this is really embarrassing.

'In this case, we'll have no choice but to sneak in under cover of darkness. However, since the fire pit and the guards have been placed in a position where they can see each other, there is a high probability that they will be discovered, even if they move at night.

So I guess I'll have to rely on my uncle's help.

　Yukinojo says that the trick is to prepare a decoy that looks like them.
　And then, the decoys will be found on purpose and we will exit the beast path.

But if there are this many guards, there's a chance they won't leave their posts. Because the worst enemy would only have to keep us in this place for a long time.

But it has to be done. The longer you wait, the more powerful he becomes.

　At Haruomi's words, Yukinojo mutters with a serious face.
　Hmm, this is too enthusiastic in a bad way, as expected.

''Hey, we just need to cross the boundaries of the territory without being found, right?

Hmm. It's the best thing to do, but it's not going to be easy with all this security.

No, I know a way.

''What!?''

　Apparently he didn't think there was a strategy that could manage this situation, and Yukinojo shouts in surprise.

Are we really going to get something done?

It's hard to believe that it's just a matter of time!

Maybe it's all right. The first thing to do is to wait until nightfall.

...Okay. Let's try Mina's plan.

Are you sure?

'We'll have to wait until nightfall to use the decoys anyway. If there's a better way, we can try that first.

'....Ha. As you wish, young man.

Hmm. I'm counting on you, Mina.

Yeah, I'm on it.

　Well, then, let's wait for the night to come.

　◆.

''Oh, oh?!''

　Yukinojo lets out a cry of excitement.

''Wait, be quiet!　You'll find out.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I've never flown before...?

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find the same thing in this foreign country as well, since flying magic was a lost technology in our country as well.
　And that idea was correct.
　The first time in his life Yukinojo flew in the sky, he was surprised at first, but now he is excited like a child.

''Yes, we have arrived. I'll bring Haruomi-san with me soon.''

Mm-hmm. Please, Mina. But flying magic is awesome!　I've never experienced such magic before!　Didn't you just tell me that all foreigners can fly?

No, no, no, not all of us can fly.

So Mina is a great wizard after all!

　Yukinojo looks at me with sparkling eyes.

''No, no, no, I'm not that great of a person. He said that Lex, who taught me magic, is just awesome.

...Lex?

　And for some reason, Yukinojo goes pithy and quiet.



"?　I don't know, but I'll go get Haruomi-san for now, so just hide there and wait for me.

　This is how we almost made it through the first hurdle... but what happened to Yukinojo?