Chapter 484 The Yagiu Clan’s Conspiracy
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Shinobu’s POV)
My room on the third floor of the Clan house.
Master Mitsuyoshi, seated at the table, looked up at me as I stood stiffly in front of him and asked.
”Tell me more… What do you mean by ‘injured’?”
”Wha…!?”
Seeing this form of master after a long time, I felt not a hint of nostalgia.
What came to mind were the endlessly harsh days of training.
By the time I was finally recognized as a full-fledged member and assigned to an espionage mission, I had already disguised myself as an elderly merchant, so just being glared at by my true form of master made me tremble.
”Due to my carelessness… I let a thug from the dark organization in the Royal Capital infiltrate Raetia and kidnap Lady Sasha…”
Just as I reached that point, master stood from his seat with a stern expression.
”So… what does it mean that someone as skilled as you was injured? Just a thug?”
I explained the events of last night to master, who was scolding me with a strong tone.
* * *
”I see. The Hazel Family… They are a powerful organization in the underworld of the Royal Capital.”
”Because of my immaturity, I put Lady Sasha in danger.”
I knelt there, bowing my head to master.
”And, as a bodyguard, the party of ‘Giacomo Rultz’ was hired, correct? I see, it seems Marquis Bausnerun is indeed behind this…”
Master listened to my story, crossing his arms and deep in thought.
”And… you were nearly killed by the female swordsman from Giacomo’s party.”
”I thought I had taken her down, but she seized the opportunity and landed a blow to my abdomen with the hand axe.”
When I looked up, master was sitting beside me.
He placed a hand on my abdomen with a worried expression.
”I’ve heard most of the members of Giacomo’s party are rank S with ‘special abilities’… Are you okay?”
”I heard that most of the party members of Giacomo are ranked S, with ‘superficial’. ────Isn’t it safe? “
”I don’t remember, but it seems I managed to get here on my own. The wounds were quite deep, and the bleeding was severe, but… the lord’s friend healed me.”
”Hmm. It’s probably Sir Raincrist. ──We’ve caught wind that he’s visiting Baron O’Brian incognito.”
Saying that, my master looked at me with a finally visible smile.
”Lady Sasha is well, but… I’m glad you’re okay too.”
* * *
I conveyed the details of Lady Sasha’s rescue to my master, though it was merely second-hand information.
”Oh… Baron O’Brian himself. Furthermore, even the former ‘Demon King Four Dark Heavens’ Lady Gargantua clearly lent her efforts.”
”Yes. And──Lord Hiroya also…”
My master looked at me suspiciously as I added this.
”You show such a feminine expression… No way, could you have feelings for Lord Hiroya too──”
My master, who returned to the table, placed a hand on his forehead and looked up at the heavens.
”I, I dedicate my life to Lady Sasha, …and, um, I dedicate my heart to Lord Hiroya…”
”As expected of the Heroic Swordsman O’Brian’s son.”
Although he looked somewhat exasperated, a smile akin to a wry grin appeared on my master’s face.
”I’ve been investigating ever since I heard that Lady Sasha fell for Lord Hiroya. ──He may be a flirt, but she is indeed happy. He is a true paragon of manhood.”
”Th-that’s right!”
My sudden loud voice startled him for a moment, then my master burst into laughter.
”Hahaha! Is that so?!”
Saying that, my master playfully smacked my rear.
”It’s no wonder you feel that way. You captured the female swordsman who defeated you and saved Lady Sasha, right? Even though you’re just an 11-year-old boy, you must possess quite a bit of strength.”
I mean, it hurts, Master…
”In any case, good job, Shinobu. ──I must remain here in Raetia after the Grand Market ends. It seems Sir Raincrist is also here. We must establish a cooperative relationship with Baron O’Brian at all costs.”
”What is the true purpose of the ‘Yagiu’ family, Master? The true intention behind supporting Lady Sasha is…”
At my question, Master’s expression suddenly became serious.
”I must make this clear to you. After all, we are ‘Yagiu’…”
Master sat deeply in his chair and began to speak quietly.
* * *
Here is what Master said.
- Even though the city-states around the empire are independent, they still fear Emperor Fackler IV’s power.
The empire’s assault on the ‘city-state Gaeltheus’ and its royal family has made the surrounding city-states even more anxious.
- Each city-state is aiming to establish a ‘federation’ by working together. However, the power of Emperor Fackler IV, allied with Azradelius, should not be underestimated. He will surely dispatch troops to prevent the federation.
- The strength capable of opposing Azradelius, a part of the emperor’s power, is gathered here in Raetia. Baron O’Brian, the Hero Sir Elberhardt, Sage Lady Milia, Troublemaker Sir Bone, Prince Raincrist, and… the clan ‘Famière’ centered around Lord Hiroya.
- Developing Raetia connects to their power. Supporting Lady Sasha and the Zett Merchant Guild strengthens the power against Azradelius.
- And, pulling down Raetia are the king of Romuna Kingdom and the forces that support him. I believe that deposing the foolish king and placing either Sir Bone or Sir Raincrist on the throne is essential to oppose Azradelius.
”In any case, if we let Azradelius and Emperor Fackler IV do as they please… this World will plunge into turmoil… and we may once again lose our civilization.”
The master concluded with a grim expression.
”Once, our ancestors were called to this World… for the peace of the World. To fulfill Lady Lilith’s wishes, the purpose I share with you now is a duty that we, the ‘Yagiu’ clan, must uphold even at the cost of our lives.”
The master tightened his grip around my right hand as if to envelop it.
”Shinobu… Alongside the protection of Lady Sasha, strive for Lord Hiroya──’Famière’ as well. Even though you occupy a lowly position, this is your mission as a member of the ‘Yagiu’ clan.”
”Understood.”
I nodded, placing my left hand over the master’s.
In the master’s gaze, as he stared at me…
(Tears…?)
”You’ve grown, Shinobu… not just physically, but as a person. …You are like my daughter. There’s nothing more joyful than this.”
”Master──Sir Mitsuyoshi…”
”Keep striving…”
At such a sight of the master, tears brimmed in my eyes as well.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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