LosFra - Twin Princesses of the Doomed Country

---Part 1:

Akuta: We keep walking and walking, but there's nothing but endless wilderness.

Akuta: Are you sure this is really where we're supposed to meet up with this important Kunashikol person... Nekone?

Nekone: Absolutely certain.

Nekone: After entering Kunashikol territory, follow the highroad for half a day, then find the place were Mount Nina and Mount Toi overlap.

Nekone: And this is exactly where we are standing.

The small girl, called Nekone, carefully explained while pointing at the mountain ridge.

Akuta: But well, Karaza's shrine or a Kunashikol town sound like fine places to meet though...

Akuta: Why the middle of nowhere in particular...

Minagi: Our request this time is extremely unique, we will attend the selection of the successor of Kunashikol's owlo.

Minagi: Their country's dignitary seem to have contacted Karaza in secret... So they must also have their reasons.

Akuta: Reasons, huh...

Akuta: What's Kunashikol like? Are the people different from the people living in Karaza?

Minagi: I've heard there is a large difference between the natures of both of our countries' people.

Minagi: For example, they are simple and vigorous, dislike vanity, and lead simple lives...

Akuta: Now to see if that's the truth.

Akuta: Nekone knows a lot about them, she's even been nominated by them, so are the rumors true?

Nekone: They are indeed correct. The people in town have been very amiable.

Nekone: I have visited their palace several times to receive authorization for ruins investigation, and the scholars there politely provided me with information.

Akuta: I see, your experience's useful, but visiting their palace at such a young age and exchange with the scholars... That's awesome.

Nekone: P-Praise won't get you anywhere. Learning and improving your magic skills has nothing to do with age.

Nekone turned away to hide her embarrassment, and returned after she regained her calm a little.

Akuta: (So that's when she acts her age...)

Minagi: How is the palace's's political situation? They seem at peace, but...

Nekone: Well...

Nekone winced at Minagi's question.

Nekone: The important people there... the lords and officials aren't only good people. Currently, this country...

While Nekone was continuing her story, Akuta suddenly stopped.

Minagi: Akuta-sama?

Nekone: Is something wrong?

Akuta: Look over there.

?: Gu...uu...

Akuta: There's someone... crouching down.

Looking in the direction Akuta pointed, was a man on his knees at the edge of the road, breathing heavily.

He looked like an old man, and he was visibly suffering.

Minagi: What happened to you, traveler? Are you feeling unwell?

?: ...My old feeble body does not respond too well to dashing... Cough cough.

Nekone: You'll be okay! Pull yourself together!

?: Hm...!?

?: Aah... I see.

?: You are... cough cough.

Akuta: What happened, old man?

?: I was fleeing a fight, and I escaped all the way here until I ran out of strength...

?: I am unable to move my knees, how truly shameful...

Akuta: A fight!? Did you get attacked by bandits?

?: Well... Cough cough...

Because the man was short of breath, he had an intense coughing fit, and could not speak.

Minagi: A-Are you all right?

Nekone: The air is very dusty around here, making it hard to breathe.

Akuta: Shouldn't we get him to rest under a tree then?

Minagi: I agree. Let's bring the old man under tree shade immediately.

Akuta: Yeah, that's okay. You two, you're in care of the old man.

They left away from the road, and when Akuta confirmed they disappeared behind the shade of trees, he cautiously observed the road.

Akuta: I'm curious about that fight the old man talked about... but his pursuers are bound to catch up eventually.

Akuta: You can't see the old man from the main road, so if he stays there for a while, he should be fine... Hm?

Akuta picked up a piece of cloth he found below him.

Akuta: It's a hand towel... That's the one the old man dropped while he was coughing.

Akuta: Hmm, it looks plain, but it's actually sown from high quality yarn. There's some kind of watermark... like a family crest...

Akuta: I reckon this is Kunashikol's...

?: You there! Where did you find this!?

Looking up to the source of the angry yell, standing there was a swordswoman, carrying a bloodied sword.

Akuta: (I see, a swordswoman, huh.)

Akuta: (But when did she get here... She got this close without alerting me of her presence.)

Akuta: Dunno, I just picked it up right here.

?: Playing dumb won't cut it, while you were scrupulously inspecting the watermark, I heard you say Kunashikol...

?: The fiendish face, black mask, I see through your identity. You are the shadow ones' ally, aren't you!?

Akuta: The shadow ones... Sorry, but I've got nothing to do with them.

?: Where has this towel's possessor gone to!? I will have to take drastic measures depending on your answer!!

Akuta: I don't know what's the misunderstanding here, but I'm not gonna tell it that easily to a swordsman with a bloody sword! If you're after the old man, give up.

?: So you did know!

Akuta: He looked in quite a lot of pain... I just eased his suffering that's all.

Akuta: He should be in a place you couldn't get him by now.

?: W-W-What did you say...!? Did you miscreant murder the master!?

Akuta: No, wait, that's wasn't what I...

?: H-How could I allow myself such a mistake!

?: I was the one who let him escape, I wasn't aware there were still assassins remaining...!!

The girl's shoulders shook in pure sorrow, and Akuta was staring at her.

?: Pardon is no longer an option! You are beyond forgiveness! Shadow one!!

Akuta: W-Wait a sec!

Akuta: You're not making any sense calling me names I've never heard out of nowhere. Who are you? Give me your name!

?: I have no reason giving my name to fiends of your kind, but if you insist, I will.

Touka: My name is Touka! An Evenkuruga mononofu, and I do not tolerate atrocities!

Touka: Therefore!

Touka announced in a dignified voice, readying her sword on her hip. Moved by intense murderous intent, she unleashed a merciless attack at Akuta.

Touka: I swear with earth and heavens as a witness, I will slay you! Prepare yourself!

Akuta: Dammit, that idiot! No way around it, we'll have to fight!

---Part 2: Kessen

---Part 3:

Touka: Not bad for the likes of an assassin, but...

Akuta: (She's pretty good. I don't wanna keep going like that...)

Minagi: Akuta-sama!!

Nekone: We're lending your our help!!

Noticing Akuta's distress, the both of them rushed over.

Touka: Reinforcements, then you will perish together!

?: ...Ahem, that is enough, Touka. You may stop.

Touka: M-Master! Were you still alive!?

Touka: I was convinced you were attacked and died by the hand of those assassins...

?: Touka, regain you calm and listen.

?: These people are arbiters from Karaza. They were the ones who tended to my old body when I was too exhausted from running.

Touka: W-W-What did you say!? And yet I...

Touka's face lost color noticing her grave mistake.

Touka: My apologies, I am sincerely sorry. I was completely unaware you came from Karaza...

Touka: Apologies do not excuse my actions. I shall atone by cutting my stomach open, then may you forgive me...

Akuta: N-No, wait!

In a panic, Akuta stopped Touka who had unsheathed her sword.

Minagi: Everyone makes careless mistakes!

Touka: Careless... I am... Careless...

Akuta: (Looks like she didn't realize it...)

Touka: I must make amends by giving away my life!

Minagi: S-Sorry, that's not what I mean! You mustn't die! Please stop considering it!

Akuta: It's not only your fault! I've caused a misunderstanding... Sorry!

Nekone: L-Let bygones be bygones!

They frantically restrained Touka who was still intent on cutting her stomach open.

Touka: Why are you stopping me? To live in disgrace will tarnish the name of the Evenkuruga.

Akuta: Hey, Nekone... What's an Evenkuruga?

Akuta whispered to Nekone, perplexed.

Nekone: They are mononofu possessing rare qualities, a minority known for their peculiar ears.

Nekone: They have a strong sense of honor and value loyalty and purity... they strive for absolute justice. It's also said "Justice is with the Evenkuruga".

Akuta: I see.

Akuta: (Then I'll try to pluck her mononofu heartstrings.)

Akuta: We both are entrusted with an important duty, we can't afford to die here.

Akuta: Protecting your honor is important and all, but isn't upholding your loyalty by living what the way of the mononofu is about?

Touka: You are... right. I seem to have lost my nerve due to the shame. I am indebted to you... Uum...

Akuta: I'm Akuta.

Akuta: And these two are Minagi and... Nekone.

?: ...

Touka: I apologize, Akuta-sama, Minagi-sama, Nekone-sama.

?: May you grant her your forgiveness, her only intention was to protect this old man.

Akuta: Yeah, we know.

Minagi: Sorry, we should have made a better attempt at explaining ourselves.

Nekone: Don't worry about it.

?: I am sincerely grateful... for your kindness.

Nekone: Uum... Old man, you would mind telling us your name if it's not too tall of an order?

?: My name... you say? You do not know?

Nekone: No.

Fugito: ...Fugito, that is my name.

Nekone: Fugito-dono... is it? Uum... Have we met before?

Fugito: ...Well, I saw you coming to the Kunashikol palace many times before.

Nekone: Aah, that explains why I thought we've already met.

Nekone: Thank you for your kindness, but I apologize I cannot remember you clearly.

Fugito: Oh oh, the fact that you paid attention to me is sufficient enough.

Fugito: Do not be so formal, you may call old man or anything you wish. I would not hold it against young people.

Akuta: Then Akuta's fine by me. If you're not feeling too bad, can I ask you a bunch of things?

Fugito: I do not mind.

Akuta: If you know we're arbiters... that means you're the requester, aren't you?

Fugito: Indeed.

Minagi: Fugito-... dono... Huh... What...

Akuta: Touka called him "master" earlier. And if he's allowed to go in and out of the palace, then he must be some kinda famous family head.

Fugito: Ho ho, as expected of an arbiter, how acutely observant.

Fugito: I am however retired... It is only for convenience sake that Touka calls me this way, I am a simple old man anymore.

Akuta: (He's not answering clearly... It doesn't seem like he would answer if I asked him.)

Fugito: Well then, let us talk about this request, shall we? Because things are ever-changing...

Minagi: Right. What I've heard from Karaza is "bear witness to the selection of the successor of Kunashikol's owlo".

Fugito: Yes, that is indeed correct.

Akuta: Why did we have to meet here? You could've just called us to Kunashikol.

Nekone: An old man shouldn't need to do this. Even if you didn't go out of your way to come, I could've guided them to Kunashikol.

Fugito: Ho ho, what a kind little lady. How I would have liked to indulge in your kindness... But there are forces opposed to an outside witness.

Touka: The main road is under strict surveillance, and it would be difficult for envoys from Karaza to enter Kunashikol.

Fugito: There is on top of this, a troublesome bunch wandering around... And even though we shook them off, it was no easy task.

Akuta: If such an unrestrained group is not under control in this country... then Kunashikol is in a worse situation than I had thought.

Fugito: However regrettable... we will be going together for this reason.

Touka: We will be guiding you to Kunashikol's castle town unnoticed.

Akuta: Hey, can I hear a little more about that?

Fugito: You will visit the palace, and have an audience with a certain someone, is that okay?

Touka: Someone will possibly fall to the enemy on the way.

Akuta: Can't talk under torture if you don't know, huh. This looks dangerous.

Fugito: ...I ashamed, and yet.

Akuta: Well fine, let's hurry up then. Smart plan's to reach a safe town as soon as possible.

---Part 4:

Touka: Akuta-sama, this way. Though this isn't the easy road, it is more vast!

Akuta: The last road was awfully muddy, will this one be okay?

Touka: You can rest at ease, we no longer need to step into mud, but simply fend off hungry beasts.

Akuta: ...Oi.

Touka: Haha, rest assured, you are in goods hands, leave it all to me.

Akuta: (That's the part that worries me...)

Touka: Now then, I will leave to scout the area. You may follow me slowly.

Touka said before dashing down the makeshift path.

Akuta: I'm don't feel too safe, but is this gonna be okay?

Fugito: To have chosen this trip is because of this old man's whismy. Forgive me.

Akuta: Well, you're the requester here, if you say that's how it is, I follow.

Fugito: In that case, I shall be guiding the way from now on.

Nekone: I-I'll come with you.

Looking at the backs of the two who went on ahead, he thought about the path they had taken until now.

Akuta: (We should reach town today if we went on a straight line, but since we're avoiding danger, we've gotta avoid main roads.)

Akuta: (I don't like these roads, but we're getting closer to the requesters. Going on a trip together really brings people closer.)

Akuta: (Only this old man Fugito... The more time we spend together, the more I feel something elusive about him...)

Minagi: How strange, isn't he?

Said Minagi who was thinking the same thing while looking at Fugito.

Akuta: ...Yeah. He's relaxed, but you can't help but wanna follow him or something.

Minagi: Perhaps it is the experience acquired during his long life radiating by itself?

Akuta: Dunno, but I wanna ask him sometimes...

Nekone: Another detour as usual. How much longer will it be...

Fugito: Do not be afraid to ask me if you are tired.

Surely because Fugito heard the weary Nekone mumbling, he walked up to her, and give her a light pat in the back.

Fugito: This ominous old man shall carry you on his back anywhere.

Nekone: Uuh... I'm fine. I don't want to cause trouble for you, I will walk on my own.

Fugito: I see, what an admirable little girl...

Fugito smiled, and in a familiar manner, extended his hand, and began stroking her head.

Nekone: Una-!?

Pat pat

Although she was surprised at first, Nekone remained unexpectedly calm.

Nekone: Fwah...

Nekone closed her eyes from the pleasant feeling... And soon after, looked at Fugito who seemed like he was remembering something.

Nekone: ...This... feeling... is like...

Fugito: What is the matter?

Nekone: N-Nothing!

Nekone left panicked, not hiding her agitation.

Fugito: Did I make her upset...

Akuta: I don't think that's the case.

Akuta: (But old man, what are you...)

Touka: Master, and Akuta-dono!

Akuta: Wha-!?

Touka burst out from the side of the path.

Akuta: Hey, don't come outta nowhere, you scared me.

Touka: Quiet. Come after me making the least noise you can...

Touka whispered with a serious expression drastically different from earlier.

Akuta: ...Okay.

They advanced along the path, until a slight hill.

Touka: As Touka invited him to, he suppressed his breath and examined the situation below.

Akuta: That doesn't look anything different from the forest till now...

Fugito: There are... too few bird noises.

Akuta: It's too quiet, then that means someone's here?

Fugito: Most likely...

Touka: I intended to move through hidden paths as much as possible, but to think they would be this far out.

Touka: Such a horrible mistake...

Touka muttered, hugging her head in deep regret.

Akuta: They're the shadow ones, right?

Touka: Yes, these people live off schemes and assassinations, hidden in the shadows.

Akuta: (I see, so they're the ones she was talking about when we met...)

Touka: We have managed to avoid them thus far, but this time seems impossible.

Touka: Master...

Fugito: Um, we must avoid losing any more time... To proceed unnoticed seems to be our only choice.

The group followed after Touka, making sure to stir up as few noise as possible.

Akuta: (Whether because of Touka's skillful guidance or good luck, it seems like the enemies haven't noticed us yet...)

Akuta: (As much as I want to get past here without anything happening...)

After about half an hour of walking while holding their breath and without a word...

Touka: !?

Touka abruptly stopped.

Fugito: I see, so it has come to this...

At the same time, fog filled the forest.

Minagi: A fire this deep in the mountains... our enemies must be behind this.

Akuta: Crap, there's no time for witty comments!

Nekone: They're trying to smoke us out.

Touka: There's no other choice, let us escape downwind.

Akuta: Wait... that's what they expect us to do. Windward, let's go windward!

Touka: We will be caught in the flames by doing this!

Nekone: Let's hurry up and find water or even a wet hole. Only by cutting the easily flammable grass, we should be able to wait it out there.

Akuta: Yeah, she's right. It's very dangerous, but lying down on the ground and bear with it is our only choice!

Fugito: Indeed... Fleeing downwind as the enemy expects would not help.

Fugito: Touka, find the nearest water source quickly... Follow along with their proposal.

Touka: Very well, then let us go this way!

Akuta: Phew, that was close, but we're somehow still alive.

Nekone: We made it through the flames, but we've been smoked like pork chops...

Minagi: Uuh... It smells roasty.

Akuta: Well, at least we got away with our lives. Let's take our distances while we can.

Minagi: If we continue heading windward, we should find a clearing in the forest.

Touka: Yes, Akuta-dono's plan was the correct one. They were clearly shorthanded windward.

Akuta: Though I wanted to run away from the guys at the back...

Fugito: Hm... The smoke is clearing away.

Akuta: That was faster than I expected... I wanted to take advantage of the smoke...

Fugito: It seems things cannot go according to your expectations.

Touka: We've been found, they're coming!

In a short instant, they were surrounded by people wearing black.

Shadow chief: Answer... Where did you come from? And where are you heading?

Akuta: Dunno. Unfortunately, I've got a bad memory... actually, if you'd tell me, that'd be nice.

Shadow chief: Quit this banter. Why are outsiders in the mountains away from the main road? You are from Karaza, aren't you?

Akuta: Even if I said woodcutting, you wouldn't believe me, would you?

Shadow chief: If playing dumb is your wish, then so be it. We will make you taste true pain, cut you to pieces... Until you tell everything you know.

Shadow chief: You will not be leaving this country alive!

Akuta: Come on, that didn't work? Sorry, looks like I couldn't fool them.

Touka: On the contrary, that is convenient for us. Smoke and flames I cannot, but if they show themselves, there is nothing I cannot cut with this blade!

Shadow chief: Fufu... You've made a grave mistake underestimating us. No mercy! Chop up those people who made fun of us!

Akuta: Getting even more serious... That's my bad.

Akuta: But... if it's a fight you're looking for, then I'm gladly offering!

Akuta: Then! Let's go!

Nekone: Yes! I will help as best as I can!

Touka: Understood! Let's turn the tables around!

Minagi: I humbly ask of you to let us through!

---Part 5: Kessen

---Part 6:

Shadow chief: Fufu, you are rather entertaining. Though it is ironic how this skill is the proof of you being an arbiter...

Akuta: Move away!!

Shadow chief: How naive!!

As if they saw through his plan of charging forward, shadow people rushed before and behind him.

Akuta: Tch!

Akuta defeated the enemy right before him, but seizing this opportunity, a dagger was coming his way from a blind spot.

Shadow chief: Prepare yourself!

Shadow chief: Wh...at...

Touka: I told you, there is nothing this blade cannot cut...

Shadow chief: Gwah...

Akuta: That was too close for comfort... Thanks.

Touka: I did what was natural, nothing more.

Akuta: (That shadow boss was pretty good, but she casually cut him in one strike... She's not your average swordswoman.)

Minagi: Akuta-sama, are you all right?

Akuta: I made it, but it was very close. What about you? Is the old man okay?

Nekone: Yes. I would not let them lay a finger on him!

Fugito: I have to admit, the little miss has genuinely saved me.

Akuta: These guys were strong, but we somehow survived.

Akuta: (Still... If Fugito's being targeted by guys like them, there must be one hell of reason behind this...)

Minagi: Akuta-sama!?

Akuta: Yeah, I'm glad everyone's okay. Let's go to the Kunashikol city before more come.

Minagi: This is... Kunashikol.

Nekone: The castle town to be precise. A town developed mainly around the castle and warrior residences.

Minagi: It's true, it feels different from Azumachou...

Akuta: And these itinerant traders on the streets... From their posture and the way walk, you can see their strong beliefs.

Fugito: I recognize a true arbiter, how observant. Here in Kunashikol, many people study military arts from a young age.

Akuta: I guess you didn't steal the title of military nation.

Akuta: But that's not all.

Akuta: Around their necks... their muscles look kinda tense.

Fugito: Ooh, so you've noticed.

Akuta: Looks like people are curious about us.

Fugito: Various powers are acting in secret over the owlo's right of succession

Touka: We will most probably not be attacked in town, but...

Fugito: Everyone, come this way... Let us go to the castle while we are still uninterrupted.

Akuta: The castle... That thing...?

Akuta looked in the distance, to the castle towering over the townscape.

Akuta: That's one majestic castle.

Minagi: As one would expect of a military country. The ramparts look strong and sturdy...

Nekone: The Kunashikol castle is so secure, it is said to be impregnable.

Akuta: Impregnable, eh...

Akuta: (Inside these sturdy ramparts is packed the bravest Kunashikol people, so it not exactly an exaggeration, but...)

Touka: What is it? You do not seem convinced.

Akuta: At the end of the day, strength and weakness all depends on who uses it and how it's used.

Akuta: I was thinking if it all depends on who's in command. For both a castle and warriors... am I wrong?

Akuta: That's why it's currently a mess, right? Old man.

Fugito: Such question would be difficult for me to answer. Please confirm this theory with your own eyes.

Akuta: That means...

Fugito: Now, I shall guide you to the Kunashikol castle. My master awaits us.

Many figures were coming and going at the other side of the bamboo blinds. There, were ladies-in-waiting accompanied by nobles.

All of this elaborate procedure's objective was to make sure it was perfectly safe.

Fugito: It is almost time.

And soon, someone entered the room, supported by ladies-in-waiting, as if half-holding her.

Akuta: (I can't really tell by bending forward, but it's a young... girl?)

Akuta: (Is she sick...? She looks pretty bad.)

Lady-in-waiting: Please do not overexert yourself...

The ladies-in-waiting sat down their master on the imperial throne, and silently retreated.

Rimuri: My apologies for... making our guests wait.

In a faint voice, the girl announced, and breathed heavily. When finally she caught her breath, she raised her head.

Rimuri: May you forgive me for the rudeness of appearing before you in such a state.

Akuta: ...What!?

Minagi: ...That's-!?

Nekone: ...!

Nekone too stared fixedly at the girl, not hiding her surprise.

Rimuri: I am... Rimuri. The successor to... the owlo of Kunashikol.

Once she finally announced this much, the future owlo smiled, with her face resembling exactly Nekone's.

---Part 7:

Rimuri: Thank you... for coming from so far away.

Rimuri: I give you my most heartfelt gratitude... to you arbiter of Karaza... for answering Kunashikol's request.

Rimuri thanked them deeply in a seemingly lifeless voice.

Rimuri: This town is faced with a crisis... I'm sure you've already heard. Which has been entirely caused by my own incompetence...

Rimuri: In spite... of my attempts at settling this chaos... you have been put in danger... I apologize profoundly.

Akuta: That's why Kunashikol is a mess, I got that clearly.

Akuta: Isn't it time you give us the details?

Fugito: It is mostly as I told Karaza... You have been requested to oversee the owlo's succession ceremony, however...

Fugito: Rimuri-sama...

Rimuri: Yes, for any more... let us move elsewhere.

Fugito: I have ordered everyone to leave. You may... now tell everything.

Fugito: Acknowledged.

Fugito: The origin of it all dates back to when the previous owlo and his wife passed away due to an epidemic last year.

Fugito: Their only daughter, Rimuri-sama then became the owlo's successor, however...

Fugito: The sudden nature of this has led to various controversies within the country...

Fugito: Therefore, Rimuri has decided to hold a ritual in order to quell the chaos.

Minagi: What does this ritual consist of concretely?

Fugito: A battle at the military gate within the Kunashikol palace... A fighting competition under the name "military ceremony".

Fugito: Kunashikol values military valor above all else.

Fugito: It is a custom for the influential lords of the country to challenge the successor in order to test their strength...

Fugito: The winner will receive the sword proof of their authority as the owlo, and the losers must swear allegiance.

Fugito: If the challengers lose, this will solidify the successor's authority... That is how it goes.

Minagi: It would pose no problem if the successor were to win, but... what would happen if they fail?

Fugito: In the case where the challenger wins, they receive the sword, and govern Kunashikol as the princess' husband.

Akuta: That's a pretty unavoidable situation...

Akuta: So who's gonna fight in that tournament? Will that frail-looking princess do it?

Touka: No, I will. Since ancient times, it is customary for an outstanding warrior to fight as their representative.

Akuta: Then you're safe. Someone of Touka's skills won't lose anyway.

Fugito: However... Her opponents will not necessarily make use of fair methods.

Fugito: The princess does not appear publicly because of her illness, so instead, she protects her from assassins...

Fugito: But during the length of the ceremony, she will have no other choice but to appear in public.

Fugito: There is no small amount of people objecting to the successor, and for them, the easiest way would be for the princess to die...

Fugito: Therefore... Arbiter-dono, I would like to ask of you, to guarantee the ceremony takes place swimmingly.

Akuta: I see where this is going...

Akuta: You want Nekone to be a body double for the princess, right?

Nekone: !!

Minagi: They indeed look shockingly similar... but...

Fugito: I do believe people will be fooled at first glance, which is why I planned this meeting.

Fugito: I am aware what I am asking is no small favor, but please, will you undertake this request?

Rimuri: Originally... To protect Kunashikol... is my duty.

Rimuri: Although to my greatest shame... I am currently powerless. I have no choice... but to rely on your strength...

Akuta: I get you guys are desperate, but...

Minagi: I very much do not lack the desire to help you, but is this not overly dangerous?

Minagi: The least you could have done was letting her know beforehand.

Akuta: I understand why you wanna keep it secret, but old man, don't you see this doesn't make any sense?

Fugito: It is as you say. Your concerns are founded.

Fugito: But... To this old man too, there are unavoidable circumstances.

Akuta: Circumstances?

Fugito: Rimuri... and I are related by blood. If she were to perish, I would be inexcusable to my dead grandchildren.

Fugito: Please... Please... Will you undertake this request for me?

Akuta: Hey, related by blood? Are you...

Nekone: So this is... really who you are.

Minagi: Fugito from Kunashikol. I knew I had heard it somewhere...

Minagi: I remember, he is famous as Kunashikol's owlo 3 generations prior.

Akuta: I knew you weren't your average old man... But a previous owlo?

Fugito: Indeed I am. I thought I would it have been forgotten because of how long ago it was.

Akuta: So if you're an owlo... you're the most important guy!?

Fugito: I have withdrawn and lived as an hermit, so not much anymore.

Fugito: I am presently a simple old man without power. Hence why I made this request.

Nekone: ...I don't mind.

Akuta: Nekone!? You sure?

Nekone: Fugito-dono is struggling this much, and brought us all here, this is a proof of his outstanding spirit.

Nekone: And it must have taken a lot of courage for the princess to take this decision, but she thinks about the future of this country...

Nekone: I want to answer their feelings.

Akuta: Right, if Nekone insists...

Minagi: Understood. As arbiter, let us put this situation under control.

---Part 8:

Lady-in-waiting: To the ground... To the ground...

Lady-in-waiting: The princess... has come...

Touka: Keep going, princess. One step at a time...

Nekone: Uuh... the kimono... is too heavy.

Fugito: Please raise you head some more. You must affirm your authority.

Nekone: L-Like... this...?

Gossipy minor official: Ooh, the princess has come.

Rumor-loving minor official: She was supposed to have been laying low after her parents' passing...

Gossipy minor official: I assume she has recovered enough that she can come out in public...

Akuta: (No one's noticed the princess is a fake. They really look so alike, even I can't tell them apart.)

Minagi: Will it... be okay...?

Akuta: For now it is. But to see if it's gonna continue...

Nekone: Everyone, as you are aware, some nobles have called into question my succession to the owlo.

Nekone: The cause being my own incompetence and the nobles' fervent desire to protect our country... which I understand.

Nekone: However, due to this doubt, a owlo has yet to be appointed, and Kunashikol has been cast into chaos, such are undeniable facts.

Nekone: Therefore, peace must be regained, and I wish for this matter to be settled through impartial means...

Gossipy minor official: What... Does she mean!?

Nekone: ...As such, I have called upon arbiters from Karaza, who will be bearing witness to the military ceremony.

Rumor-loving minor official: Ooh! What!?

Gossipy minor official: The princess accepts the challenge!

Rumor-loving minor official: I mean, if she can stay alive until the ceremony...

Gossipy minor official: She's been left alone because she was ill. But if she shows she is doing well, who knows how long until her head falls...

Serious minor official: Will you cut this out? You are disrespectful.

Rumor-loving minor official: Whoops, that's a slip of the tongue.

Gossipy minor official: Knock on wood...

Akuta: ...I'm glad she didn't hear that.

Akuta: The princess' unifying power is still decreasing. We gotta fire them up or it'll be bad for us.

Fierce-looking attendant: Move aside, petty officials!

Arrogant attendant: Hurry up and free the way!!

Rumor-loving minor official: E-Eek!?

Fierce-looking attendant: I told you move aside, or do you want to die!?

Gossipy minor official: S-Such violence...

Arrogant attendant: Haha, our lord is not so lenient as this little girl!

As the cacophony of officials still persisted, a group barged in accompanied by attendants.

?: Muhi~, this place is as gloomy as ever nyamo.

Fugito: Buridaiko-dono, what is it you need?

Touka: You are in presence of the princess, abstain yourself.

Buridaiko: My, what a surprise, Fugito-dono, Touka-dono... Muhihihih.

Buridaiko: Word is that you have brought an arbiter nyamo...

Buridaiko: Good on you for coming back uninjured in such dangerous times, accompanied by nothing but a servant on your trip nyamo...

Touka: Kuh...

Buridaiko: Fugito-dono may be a past owlo, he is now retired and holds no authority. You need to come to realize your advanced age nyamo...

Fugito: ...Buridaiko-dono, the princess is sickly. So if you may leave...

Buridaiko: Muhihi, I have merely come to exchange greetings. Do not worry about a thing nyamo.

Buridaiko advanced as if shoving Fugito aside, and stood in front of Rimuri.

Buridaiko: Princess, how wonderful you've made up your mind nyamo!

Buridaiko: When I heard of you appearing in the first time in so long... I had to confirm my hopes.

Nekone: I am much obliged to you respecting my decision. Buridaiko-dono.

Nekone nodded slightly, and smiled gracefully as the princess does.

Akuta: (I know we said to talk as little as possible to avoid raising suspicions but... will that be okay?)

Buridaiko: I understand nyamo, because of this feeling, you hold the military ceremony in spite of your illness!

Nekone: ...?

Buridaiko: Such desire for a trustworthy companion is moving me to tears nyamo! Nyapu... Muhihih, buhihihihihiih!!

Nekone: Wha-...

Buridaiko: But do not fear, because I shall win this ceremony, then I will dispel your sorrows nyamo.

Nekone: ...Please go easy on me.

Buridaiko: But of course nyamo!

Buridaiko: I, Buridaiko... am also a veteran under the sheets nyamo. Even that aside, I will be satisfying you! Nyupupupu, buhihihihihihiih!

Nekone: W-Wuah...

Buridaiko: Nyapu, looking at your face, I see you are in rather able state... Joyous, how joyous nyamo! What a fortunate day nyamo!

Buridaiko: That is all nyamo. Take care, princess... Nyapu, buhihihihihihiih!

Akuta: That was... Buridaiko... What's a word for him? Right, loathsome...

Nekone: I can't believe it! He was so arrogant and vulgar!

Akuta: This guy could be the next owlo of Kunashikol.

Minagi: He will not!

Nekone: You can't lose against him no matter what!

Touka: I, Touka, will not lose to Buridaiko, whatever means he may employ.

Fugito: You must not let your guard down. Buridaiko was born into an affluent noble family, who gained power due to this unrestrained lust for influence.

Fugito: He will do whatever it takes. I fear he is devising a scheme.

Akuta: So one way or another, he'll win against Touka...?

Fugito: He could possibly capture the princess, and force us to accept defeat...

Akuta: Well, we're good on that front as long as the real princess stays hidden in a safe place, but...

Fugito: Is something else troubling you?

Akuta: The title of owlo... Is it such a big deal?

Akuta: Neko-, no, the princess' risking her life here, what about you cede the title against her safety?

Nekone: D-D-Don't be stupid! I will deal with you unmotivated arbiter myself!

Fugito: Buridaiko's forceful ways have earned him the resentment of many lords.

Fugito: Were he to gain the princess' acknowledgment, many would oppose this man to become the owlo.

Akuta: Some people would rather... the princess' life... than that.

Akuta: Dammit, how did you get here? Every way's gotta end in a compromise...

Akuta: But it's true, personal security is important.

Akuta: In regards to ne-, the princess, you should stay inside as much as possible.

Nekone: ...Uuh, that would be the smart decision.

Messenger: Fugito-sama...

In the middle of their discussion, a voice from outside the sliding doors called out to Fugito.

Messenger: I am aware none should enter, please forgive my manners.

Fugito: It is fine, did something happen?

Messenger: We have received a letter regarding the soon to come military ceremony. Details in regards to the ceremony are noted inside.

Fugito: Let us read it immediately. Will you give it to me.

Messenger: Very well.

The messenger left as soon as he delivered the letter.

Akuta: (If he came here despite being instructed to keep out... I guess it must be urgent.)

Fugito: Oh...

Fugito's face was losing color the more he read.

Touka: Master...

Fugito: This is disastrous.

Nekone: What was written on it?

Fugito: The purification ritual before the military ceremony... will be held at he holy mountain in the outskirts.

Akuta: I see, they didn't lose any time going after the princess...

Touka: She will need to leave this castle and venture to a perilous mountain!?

Minagi: Is it possible to relocate? The princess is sickly, she should be able to hold the ritual inside the castle... is she?

Fugito: Unfortunately... The purification ritual has been planned in secret by Buridaiko-dono and the lords he asked.

Fugito: This ritual has for purpose to wish for the princess' complete recovery at the miraculous mountain...

Fugito: Were she to oppose this decision, the lords who were concerned for the princess who lose face, and deem the princess unfit to lead them.

Nekone: Uuh... How cunning can he be.

Akuta: (He had been making deals in case this would happen... He's not someone you can take lightly.)

Fugito: I cannot pressure you to take part in this ritual.

Minagi: He's right... it's too dangerous.

Akuta: Nekone, what're you gonna do? You can let the real princess take care of it...

Nekone: I-I... but... then the princess and the old man...

Fugito: Do not concern yourself about us.

Nekone: ...I made up my mind. I refuse to lose to someone like him. I can't simply give up now!

Fugito: ...I am sorry. I do nothing but depend on your kindness... I have never been more ashamed than I am.

Touka: Nekone-dono... I cannot thank you enough, I am in your debt.

Akuta: (Seriously... Crap, guess we gotta charge into the eye of the storm.)

---Part 9:

Fugito: This is as far as we can follow you. Only the princess and an attendant must reach the shrine.

Fugito: Be on your guards...

Nekone: Yes, I will be extra careful.

Touka: Now princess, let us go.

Akuta: The purification ritual...

Fugito: It is a custom for the people organizing the military ceremony to purify their body and mind through this ritual.

Fugito: Purify the filth, evil and disease, to become one worthy of leading the ceremony... such is the meaning imbued into it.

Minagi: Hence why this holy mountain is most suitable for this ritual.

Fugito: To think we would have been driven against the wall to such extent...

Akuta: What's done is done. But is she gonna be safe?

Fugito: This mountain is protected by the divine monks.

Fugito: They are monks who excel at fighting with weapons, and train deep in the mountains day and night. They are very capable of defeating anything their are faced with...

But as he spoke, Fugito's expression became troubled.

Akuta: (Because it's swarming with enemies, it's not a hard truth, huh? There's no telling who's gonna send which assassin...)

Fugito: Mh...!?

Fugito's eyes opened wide.

Akuta: Tch, speak of the devil...

In the dark forest, a group of armed people leaped out and in an instant, surrounded them.

Fugito: Who!?

Minagi: Are you acting conscious of our position as an arbiter!?

Shadow one: You may curse the misfortune that we had to meet in this place. We cannot allow you to go to the shrine...

Akuta: ...So that's their goal! Old man, I'm bursting through to matter what!

Nekone: Ritual aside, this forest at night sure is scary.

Touka: Princess, please watch your step.

Touka: This mountain has been worshiped since ancients times for its abundant springs, where clean water streams take their source.

Touka: It is riddled with deep ravines and basins. You would be endangered if you were to slip.

Nekone: If you could not scare me like that. I might get cold feet.

Touka: We have arrived. Ahead is the shrine.

Touka: The monks guarding this place will be welcoming us shortly.

Touka: They will let us inside the shrine, so the cleaning ritual can take place...

Nekone: Ah, someone is coming.

An armed man appeared from the darkness.

Touka: Thank you for welcoming us.

Touka: Please keep a watchful eye, so that the princess can complete the purification ritual safely toni-...

Touka suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Nekone: What's... Ahem. What seems to be the matter?

Touka: ...Something is not right.

Touka: You have come to welcome us, have you not? I wish to request of you to escort us to the shrine...

Monk: Ru...n...

The man staggered wildly for a few steps, then collapsed on the ground.

Touka: Hey!!

Nekone: Stay with us!

Touka: It's too late... he is no longer breathing.

Nekone: W-Why... Who did this!?

Touka: He's been cut diagonally from the shoulder in one single slash. Even though the monks are no ordinary swordsmen.

Touka: Let us join with the bodyguard monks. Their guardhouse should not be far from here...

But not long after, they were stopped in their tracks.

Touka: ...What is-!?

Nekone: I-It's horrible!

The road to the guardhouse was littered with monk corpses.

The air was dense with the smell of blood which had seemingly been sheen a moment ago.

Then...

In the center of the corpses... one shadow stood still.

Blood was dripping down the blade of the large sword he held, creating a big pool of blood at his feet.

Touka: Who goes there!? Who would cause such atrocity!?

?: It is inevitable the weak shall be slain by the sword, there is no reason, it is simply their fate.

Touka: You... You are an Evenkuruga!? I cannot believe it!!

Touka: Those who fight for justice would not wish for pointless slaughter! Nor would they denigrate the weak!

?: Kukuku... Hahaha.

Touka: What's funny!!?

?: So what if I am an Evenkuruga. Pointless talk has no place on a battlefield.

?: Weakness is evil, sinful... Strength is justice. Such is the truth of those who strive for mastery of the blade.

Touka: Such sophism...

?: Let us see who is right.

?: I am ready... come!

Touka: What!!?

The man easily intercepted Touka's sudden slash.

None of Touka's second and third slashes could hurt the man.

Touka: Kuh, how quick and skilled!

Touka: Even for an Evenkuruga, this level of mastery... Are you a renowned swordsman?

?: Am I really...

?: However, there is one thing I know for sure. I have killed Evenkuruga who were nothing but empty talk despite their weakness with my own hands!

Touka: How... barbaric! Such savage sword cannot slay me!

?: Haha, ridiculous! The strong live and the weak die! That is the one single truth!

?: Come, I will be the judge! Are you weak or strong... All shall be decided here through a bloodshed!!

---Part 10: Kessen

---Part 11:

Touka: Guh!?

Assassin: What is it? Is that all?

Assassin: I am not bound by the way of the Evenkuruga. I will use every trick if it means victory!!

Assassin: Are you so arrogant that you believe you stand a chance with this pride of the mononofu?

Assassin: Hahaha, more! Give it all you got!

Assassin: Otherwise, I will take the life of this princess right now...

Touka: You!!

Assassin: Yes! These eyes! You have finally acknowledged this as a fight to the death!

Touka: ...Princess, please run away.

Nekone: But...

Touka: Let the others know, that is our best chance...

Nekone: ...Understood. I wish you luck...

Assassin: Now I will be able to fight without reserve... is that what you thought?

Assassin: Kuku, you are far too naive.

Touka: You possess such skill... then why did you stray from the right and gave yourself to the wrong?

Assassin: After all, right and wrong are no more than means to an end.

Assassin: Don't you understand!? No amount of preaching about the neat way of the sword means anything. Because in the end, it's nothing but dingy murder!

Assassin: You just have to draw and pierce your enemy first. That is all it amounts to!

Touka: You are utterly wrong! To live up to their principles is the final objective!

Assassin: Keh, all those fools who preached to me the righteousness of the Evenkuruga, I have killed them down to the last.

Assassin: And that will include you!

Assassin: Kuku, frontal attacks do not work... This would not be a fight to the death otherwise.

Assassin: My sword shines the more strong foes it has slain.

Assassin: To let this world know evil is strength... I will make all hypocrites crawl on the ground!

Touka: You gained the advantage by taking me off guard, I will not make this mistake again!

Assassin: Then I will only do it again.

Assassin: This princess or whatever she is... Why do you I think I let her go? Did you believe I came alone?

Touka: What...?

Assassin: Hahaha, she should get captured right about now!

Touka: Damn you!

Touka: I have no time to pay you any mind!

Assassin: Kuku, so you chose to flee, very well. To kill you in the depths of despair is not so bad...

Leaving Touka's side, Nekone was headed towards the hill of the mountain where Akuta and the rest were waiting, only...

Nekone: No way...

Shadow people suddenly emerged surrounding her, leaving Nekone paralyzed.

Shadow chief: You have nowhere left to run... princess.

The man presumed to be their leader stepped forward and drew his sword.

Shadow chief: Please accept my apologies, but I will have to take your life now.

Shadow chief: Our employer ordered to capture you alive, but we will be taking money from the lords upset by this.

Shadow chief: Compared to being held captive and live for their amusement, this is merciful in fact...

Shadow chief: Prepare yourself!

Nekone: Eek.

Shadow chief: Gwah...

?: Girl, do not lose hope! Heaven comes to save those who save themselves!

The swordswoman who suddenly appeared, in the blink of an eye cut down all of the shadow people with her sword, as if dancing in the air, and landed in front of Nekone.

?: Listen, weakness is not a sin! Using our own weakness and foolishness is how we keep on living!

Nekone: Who are you...

Inui: Me? Right... You may call be Inui.

Nekone: Inui-... san...

Inui: Yes, that is fine. I know it is sudden, but can you jump?

Nekone: What do you mean?

Inui: There are many more still around. Your only way out is to throw yourself down the ravine.

Nekone: Wha-...!?

Inui: What will you choose?

Nekone: ...Fine. If it's the only way...

Inui: Good, then let's hurry!

Nekone: No, I'm not mentally ready yet!

Nekone: Waaaaah!!!

Touka: Princess, I will be right here!

Touka was running down the mountain out of breath.

Touka: Move away!

Shadow one: Gwah...

Shadow one: Guh...

Touka was cutting down shadow people who stood in her way, but she was not making progress as fast as she wanted.

Touka: Is she there!?

After she finally broke out of the enemies, she saw the silhouette resembling the princess on a cliff far away, but...

Nekone: Waaaaah!!!

She disappeared from sight immediately, leaving nothing but a scream.

Touka: Princess!!

Assassin: Cornered, she fell into the ravine.

Assassin: Those without power cannot govern a country. Therefore, those unfit to become owlo should die and decay.

Assassin: This too is the fate of troubled times...

Touka: You!!

Assassin: Should now be the time for you to be angry? You are already surrounded by many shadow people.

Assassin: Those after the princess are heading this way after hearing her voice. And once they do, you will be tortured to death.

Assassin: Hahaha, you didn't think I was gonna care to give you a fair one on one fight, right!?

Touka: How twisted... can you be.

Assassin: I will take these words as compliment. Now, take your pick.

Assassin: Should we settle this right here...?

Touka: ...

Touka: (Even though she fell down the cliff, it doesn't mean that she died. If we can somehow regroup...)

Touka: Ey! In that case!!

Assassin: Aiming for a clash of swords... Good, that's what a duel to the death is about!!

Touka: Sorry, but that was not my intention!!

While fiercely pushing their swords together, Touka swept the man's foot, knocking him down.

Assassin: What!?

Pinning him down on the ground with her weight, she moved with him in direction of the cliff...

Touka: You brute do not understand? Why don't you join me in searching the princess!?

Touka: An Evenkuruga finds a way in the most desperate of situations!!

Assassin: Damn you Evenkuruga! How can you be so foolish!!

The two of them fell down to the bottom of the ravine.

---Part 12:

Touka: Cough... Gasp... Gasp...

Touka: I nearly... drowned to death.

Touka: If the current was stronger, I would have never crawled up from below the water...

Touka: But I have no time for speculating! What about Ne- the princess!?

Touka: Princess! Where are you!?

Touka: Princess! Princess!

Touka: Hm, this is...

Spotting a figure in the distance, Touka lost no time and dashed towards it.

Touka: Princess... Is this where you were!?

?: Kukuku, how much of a simpleton can you be...

Assassin: Would a weak princess survive this, you think?

Assassin: She would never see the surface again, hahahahaha!!

Touka: You!!

Assassin: I like this irate face!

Assassin: Now, draw your sword!!

Touka: ...

Assassin: What is it... Why aren't you coming!?

Touka: You are wounded...

Touka focused on the man's right arm. It was swollen and red, certainly twisted because of the fall.

Assassin: Ahahahahaha, nothing gets past you...

Assassin: But you will not win for so little! It is only slowing me down. It's still more than enough to defeat you.

Touka: My sword is not for use against the injured.

Assassin: That's what infuriates me about you! How you act self-important!

Assassin: If you won't, then I will! I shall make you regret you insolence!

The man thrust his sword, as if to provoke Touka.

The man's face twisted in pain from his wound, while Touka stared at him with contempt in her eyes.

Assassin: You will die by my sword right here!!

But right when the man's rage was about to burst...

Bloodthirsty monster: Gwaaah!!

Ferocious monster: Kikii!!

Monsters attacked without a moment's delay.

Assassin: What!?

Touka: Mh!?

The both of them slayed the monsters close by in the blink of an eye.

Assassin: Crap... They're getting in the way!

Touka: What are these!?

But the attack was not over yet.

Ferocious monster: Kikii!!

Bloodthirsty monster: Gwaaah!!

Touka: How many are there... No matter how many I kill, more are coming...

Assassin: Tch, we fell onto a monster's nest... Cursed my own misfortune!!

Touka: I cannot afford to fall here! ...I must resign myself, shall we agree to a truce? Assassin-dono.

Assassin: Ha!? Assassin-dono!? You must have hit your head pretty bad...

Touka: Make no mistake! Your brutality make me sick to the stomach.

Touka: But at present, I must prolong my life by whatever means possible so I can find the princess.

Touka: And I doubt you want to be devoured monsters.

Assassin: Hahah, you are right, I find no enjoyment in killing these monsters. I only fight strong opponents...

Assassin: Fine, if you can trust me, that is!

Touka: Then we have ourselves a truce.

Assassin: Hahaha, still faithful to your princess who may already be dead. How far can you foolishness go!?

Assassin: Don't feel too safe! I will take your head! Once I slaughter these beasts, you're next.

Assassin: Until then, enjoy our little pretend friendship!

Touka: Yes, this is fine. Then let us go, assassin-dono.

---Part 13: Kessen

---Part 14:

Assassin: Bastards.. Finally we killed them all.

Touka: (What a fight... This is why we say an injured beast cornered is stronger.)

Touka: (If we were to clash swords now, I would have been in danger...)

Assassin: These damn beasts took a good bite out of me...

The man stumbled towards the water and scooped up water in his hands.

Touka: What are you doing?

Assassin: Hmph, clean your wounds, beasts' fangs are filthy. An illness from this isn't something you'd want to deal with...

Assassin: Guh... Crap...

Touka: Hey, what's wrong? Hang in there!!

Touka: ...So you've come to.

Assassin: Nrgh, you!!

Touka: Dawn will come soon. Wait for a bit.

Touka: I cleaned and treated your wounds as I could. I should have removed the poison... It will not worsen any more, but you should rest for a while.

Touka: Since we cannot move trough the night even if we wanted to...

Assassin: You bastard didn't need to...

Assassin: ...Your naivety really is boundless. While I was weakened was the only chance you'll get of beating me.

Touka: That was not simply an act of kindness. Once morning comes, I will take you to become a prisoner.

Touka: I have much to ask about this employer of yours.

Assassin: ...I see, the truce has already come to an end. But what about your princess?

Touka: I will obviously look for her. And arrest you at the same time...

Assassin: So you'll be dragging me around until you find her. How kind of you...

Assassin: Kuku, fine, if you want answer, than you may ask right now...

Touka: If I asked you who your master is and what their plan is, would you answer truthfully?

Assassin: Hahaha, that would just ruin the fun. Take your time and torture me if you want me to speak...

Touka: ...To be honest, I cannot understand you. As insolent as you are, I sense righteousness in you.

Touka: What is the cause of your fixation and delusions... Until I find these, I will never truly win.

Assassin: Know your enemy, heh. Naive as ever.

Assassin: But fine... You saved my life without seeking anything in return. I will tell you.

Assassin: People who are oppressed and live in fear, before long start longing for strength...

Assassin: People who have drank muddy water for long enough will stop being able to drink reasonably.

Assassin: These things are common wherever you are...

Assassin: The country where I come from was under constant threat of invasion by foreign countries... And was violently destroyed.

Assassin: I myself was preached the way of the sword by a tauro I respected...

Assassin: But after suffering atrocious defeats... I came to reason righteousness was powerless.

Assassin: If I had more power... If I became stronger than the tauro... I could stick to my ideals.

Assassin: But the weak cannot take the main road.

Assassin: Which is why I wished.

Assassin: For power! For lawlessness!

Assassin: However dirty, I only need to win! Whatever the means, I only need to come out victorious!

Assassin: I am... mistaken?

Touka: You are... or so I would like to say, but you have your own reasons.

Touka: I cannot question your actions here, only finding an answer through a clash of swords.

Assassin: Kukuku, finally we see eye to eye.

Assassin: Then!

Bloodthirsty monster: Gyaaah-

The monster about to attack Touka from behind let out a last death cry as it was being cut down.

Touka: You... Why?

Assassin: I wanted to see how much I had recovered.

The man announced and turned back.

Assassin: This annoying night is finally ending. Farewell!

Far behind him, Touka called out to him.

Touka: May I ask your name?

Assassin: My name... Hien. Hahaha, try to survive until we meet again.

---Part 15:

Nekone: Uuh... Where is this...

Inui: Phew, you regained consciousness.

Nekone: I remember... falling down the cliff...

Inui: Looks like you didn't hit your head too hard.

Nekone: Uum, that happened... after that?

Inui: Nothing worth mentioning. We just fell into that basin together.

Inui: I dragged you to safety because you were unconscious, and waited for you to wake up.

Inui: You didn't seem to have swallowed water, so I wasn't too worried.

Inui: In any case...

As she said that, Inui looked at Nekone with eyes full of interest.

Inui: Judging from your appearance, are you the daughter of a noble or merchant?

Inui: Whether it's being attacked by bandits, these guys being monks, or being a worshiper, I don't mind.

Inui: You should take faith in moderation... Don't go into deserted places deep in the mountains after this.

Nekone: (Inui-san hasn't noticed I am Kunashikol's princess...)

Nekone: (Then I would avoid involving her if I didn't act like the princess.)

Nekone: Uuh... Thank you so much. I owe you my life.

Inui: Don't worry, I did the natural thing to do.

Nekone: My name is... Nekone. We were attacked on a pilgrimage to this mountain, I was going to get help, but the person who came with me...

Inui: You don't know if they are safe, that is worrying.

Nekone: I have to go look for her right n-...

Nekone: ...Achoo.

Inui: You should get warm by the bonfire for a while. Unless you warm your freezing body and dry your clothes, you will collapse from the cold in the mountain.

Inui: I understand the rush, but you should concern yourself with your health first.

Nekone: B-But...

Inui: Haste makes waste... These are words I live by.

Nekone: ...Understood.

Nekone: It's warm...

Inui: I see you've calmed down.

Nekone: It's strange...

Nekone: Even though this is the first time we meet...

Inui: Nekone, do you know? "Unu" and "Nuko" were divine bests alive in the distant past. (Derived from Inu-Dog and Neko-Cat)

Inui: They are written about in ancient writings. They were cute, beloved, and popular.

Nekone: Now that you mention it... "Inui" and "Nekone" sound similar to them.

Inui: Fufu, don't you think it's great considering I improvised? I think I'll keep using it in hopes of being loved by everyone.

Nekone: Uum... Is that...

Inui: Well, uuh... I like it, that's it.

Nekone: (What a strange person.)

Nekone: Inui-san... Why did you save me? Someone you never met before...

Inui: ...I don't know what to say. To save a weak girl attacked by villains is the natural thing to do.

Inui: That was the norm is Kunashikol originally... Somehow it pains me to be asked this question.

Nekone: I'm... sorry.

Inui: There's no need to apologize. The current Kunashikol where self-interest and deviousness are rampant is to blame.

Inui: Anyone would have their suspicions...

Nekone: That's not it.

Nekone: I was apologizing for having to rely on others and being unable to solve anything by myself.

Nekone: Remembering it now, I've always relied on ani-sama...

Inui: Oh, you have an older brother? I never had one. ...What is he like?

Nekone: I personally have always admired him. And he has always spoiled me.

Inui: That sounds nice. He must have been a respected man.

Nekone: But relying on him all the time isn't a good thing. I want to become independent and able to support him.

Nekone: I pursued my studies, and worked my hardest as an arbiter, but... I am still very inexperienced.

Inui: I see... Everyone has similar feelings.

Nekone: Even you?

Inui: I have someone who is like a teacher to me. But I end being spoiled a lot.

Inui: I do want to become independent and reassure them, but...

Inui: ...!?

Inui: Nekone, are your clothes dry yet?

Nekone: Dry enough.

Inui: They were attracted by the smell.

Inui: It was only a matter a time since we used fire. We cannot afford to shake forever.

?: Gwaaaah! Kikikiki!!

Nekone: Eek... W-What are these!?

Inui: We are close to a monster nest.

Inui: We have to get past them while we still have stamina remaining...

Nekone: I-I...

Nekone: (I want to help, but... S-Should I!? A rich girl shouldn't suddenly use spells)

Nekone: (But we can't escape from this valley unless I fight... What am I supposed to do...)

Inui: Fufu, I'm counting on you. I can fight at ease if an arbiter has my back.

Nekone: H-How do you know!?

Inui: I mean... You said it earlier. How you were working hard as an arbiter.

Nekone: Ah... T-That was...

Inui: Hmph, Nekone, you're surprisingly quite the scatterbrain as well.

Nekone: Una-!?

Inui: But I will accept this luck, fight with me.

Nekone: Y-Yes, I'm ready! I need to get back as soon as possible and find the person who came with me!

Inui: Yes, that's the spirit. Let's forge a path out of here together!

Heinous monster: Gwooooh!!

Fierce monster: Kikii!!

Inui: Tch, this won't cut it. It's over if they gain ground!

Inui: Nekone, can you still fight?

Nekone: Yes, but I only have one or two spells left... Then I'll be out of options.

Inui: That's enough. Let's try to break though now.

Nekone: But how are you going to...

Inui: We'll break through in one spot. Give it everything you have.

Inui: I will strike first, please aim there!

Nekone: B-But then... You will...

Inui: Don't worry, I will make it.

Inui: Don't be scared, don't hesitate. I believe in myself... and in you!

Nekone: Y-Yes!

Inui: Then, let's go!

Inui: Dey!!!!

Inui: Now!

Nekone: Eey!!

Nekone unleashed her spell impeding the movements of the flinching monsters.

Inui: This is our chance!

With their strengths combined, they knocked down all the enemies blocking their path at once.

Inui who had defeated the last monster, flashed a smile of relief and turned towards Nekone.

Inui: They gave up for now.

Nekone: Inui-san...

Inui: You were excellent... You have stronger nerves than you yourself realize.

Inui: Now, let's run away from here!

Nekone: Yes!

Inui: Aah, finally we came out of the bottom of the ravine. And because of the detours, it took a whole day...

Nekone: It was a lot of effort going up compared to how quickly we fell down.

Inui: Yes, you're right. That's generally the case...

Inui: But when there's a will, there's a way. Like how we came back together...

Nekone: Inui-san?

When Nekone called out to Inui who was lost in thought...

Akuta: Ooi!

Touka: So you were safe!

Nekone heard voices calling her in the distance.

Inui: It seems they came for you. I prefer to avoid people, so I will take my leave.

Inui: I would appreciate if you did not mention today to anyone but people you can trust.

Nekone: You don't have to worry. I also have my reasons.

Inui: Ah... Right.

Inui: Be careful of uninvited guests. But I'm sure you will manage.

Nekone: What is...

Inui: Only trust yourself and your comrades, that's what I mean.

Inui: Until we meet again. I will pray for you.

Nekone: Inui-san, thank you.

Akuta: Nekone, are you okay? I heard you fell down the ravine!

Touka: You returned alive despite the area being a monster nest, how praiseworthy...

Nekone: Yes, but I had help. From a brave swordswoman...

Minagi: A swordswoman...?

Inui: She called herself Inui. She was a young girl, but so genuine...

Fugito: Inui...? A swordswoman... you said?

Touka: Haha... W-We owe her a lot then.

Akuta: Hm!?

Touka: What is this noise!?

Touka: A gaunji...!?

Among a group of soldiers who had arrived, accompanied by a beast named gaunji was...

Buridaiko: Princess! Princess! Are you safe and sound nyamo!!?

Fugito: Buridaiko-dono? How come you are in such a place?

Buridaiko: I came running as soon as I heard the princess had gone missing nyamo.

Fugito: How imposing of you to come along with a gaunji.

Buridaiko: This region is dangerous as a result of the numerous monster nests nyamo.

Buridaiko: But with it, no monster would dare come close.

Touka: You appear well-versed in the geography of this area.

Buridaiko: ...I-Is that so wrong nyamo? This is the least education a noble should have received nyamo.

Nekone: I thank you for the trouble of coming to such a place. Buridaiko-dono, I am in your debt.

Buridaiko: Muhihihi, that much was really nothing nyamo!

Buridaiko: I will run right by your side were you to ever suffer an attack by miscreants again nyamo!

Buridaiko: Feel free to fall for me in utter safety nyamo! Muhihi, nyupupupu...

Fugito: Now then, where do you take the princess has been attacked by miscreants...

Buridaiko: ...Nyapu!? I-I do not need to be told such thing nyamo. Because our hearts are as one nyamo!!

Touka: ......

Buridaiko: N-Now... I-If you would excuse me nyamo!

Akuta: ...That's as fishy as they come.

Minagi: I believe it is much too convenient.

Touka: What was the true reason that brought him here?

Akuta: That's what you call an uninvited guest...

Nekone: Uninvited guest... Buridaiko...

Akuta: What's up?

Nekone: No, it's nothing... Nothing really.

Several days later

Akuta: You're working hard so early in the morning, huh...

Touka: Now that I have learned of such an extraordinary master of swordsmanship in this world. I cannot afford to rest.

Akuta: That Hien guy... Is he really that strong?

Touka: His sword is rapid, and he will stoop to anything.

Touka: This man pays no mind to what is right, even if he is called evil, he will accomplish his goals by whatever means is the most efficient.

Touka: His conduct is unworthy of an Evenkuruga... However, this is the reason of his strength.

Touka: The next time we meet, I may be inferior at this rate.

Akuta: As long as you're concerned, no you won't. Look at how hard you're training.

Touka: I do not know... Will this prove useful... or am I simply reassuring myself...

Akuta: What's wrong? That's uncharacteristically self-doubting of you.

Touka: ...Sorry, but I would like to focus on my training. Would you please leave me alone?

---Part 16:

Akuta: How's it going, old man?

Fugito: Thanks to you, we survived the purification ritual. I was not so confident for a moment, and yet...

A: Think things will go okay now?

Fugito: Right... There are a few disturbances.

Akuta: Seriously...? I'm impressed you can stay calm.

Fugito: Ho ho, I am old growing more dull due to my old age...

Akuta: (I'm totally not swallowing that... That sounded way more imperturbable than dull.)

Akuta: I wonder if it's the difference in experience... or the number of times he went throug hell.)

Akuta: (I can't help but feel worried about what's coming... I'm no match for him.)

Fugito: How come... the long face?

Akuta: No, I was just thinking how long the road for an inexperienced stranger to reach your level... that's all.

Fugito: Stranger? Akuta-dono, you have come from outside, did you not?

Akuta: I don't remember, but seems like it.

Fugito: Ooh, that... must certainly come with unending worries.

Akuta: Old man... You seem like you know a lot. Is that also the wisdom of old age?

Fugito: In truth, this old man is also a stranger.

Akuta: Wait a sec. Weren't you... an owlo? Weren't you born in a wealthy family?

Fugito: Not at all, I arrived to this land at a young age, from a place faraway.

Akuta: I see... You're a stranger too. Like me...

Akuta: What happened to the country you came from? You must've been a renowned monofufu already...

Fugito: I wish it be the case, but it was quite the opposite. It is a pitiful story, but will you lend me an ear?

Akuta: Yeah, please tell me.

Fugito: In my mouth, I served a great country. Protected by powerful generals, it was a prosperous country, only...

Fugito: The passing of the Mikado of the time caused a large-scale chaos throughout the country, resulting in its eventual ruin.

Fugito: I too was involved in this long lasting conflict, my family broke apart... It was at end of many twists and turns that I wandered to this country.

Fugito: Perhaps due to my experience there, I calmed the dispute in Kunashikol, and was turned into is owlo for a time...

Fugito: The regret I held towards my ruined country still lingered in my mind... What an ungrateful vassal I was...

Akuta: ......

Fugito: It is something that can never be undone, but... when I think about my faults, I can only be ashamed of myself.

Akuta: If you're getting involved so much in secret now, it's because of this past, I assume.

Fugito: It has been so long since I retired from the front lines, my influence has largely dwindled.

Akuta: Kunashikol being a military nation, the voice of the powerful has a broader reach.

Akuta: Explains why it's in the favor of people like Buridaiko.

Fugito: Though I refuse to give up before I exhausted every option, else I would regret it.

Fugito: I intend to show every little power still remaining in this old body to protect Rimuri...

Akuta: Yeah, I can see your determination.

Akuta: These guys doing whatever it takes really hits home, then until we see the end of this, we'll do our best to keep princess Rimuri safe.

Akuta: But... talking about an essential player. Is Touka gonna be okay?

Fugito: Oh, is something troubling you?

Akuta: She looked worried and doubting her own ways...

Fugito: Touka was...

Fugito: Being conflicted is what drives people to be stronger.

Fugito: It will solve itself with time. However, if matters aggravate...

Akuta: ...Yeah, that'll prove useful. I'll tell her.

Akuta: (She's still training...)

Touka: What is the matter, Akuta-dono? It is already so dark...

Akuta: We just had a nice chat around tea...

Touka: He seems like he never cease to worry. Talking with you must have been refreshing.

Akuta: (Then it's fine, but...)

Touka: Touka, what about you? Training is good and all, but you'll regret it if you don't rest enough...

Touka: ......

Akuta: Looks like you still have a lot going on...

Touka: The Evenkuruga are on side of the justice...

Touka: But perhaps there are some who threaten this justice I am no match for...

Touka: The way of the sword exists to protect what is right. And yet I am too inexperienced...

Touka: My own powerlessness pains me...

Akuta: The old man... Fugito-dono, gave me some words if you were still not over it.

Touka: My master did this for me...

Akuta: Fugito-dono said this.

Akuta: A heart valuing what is right must be like rock, but a heart pursuing the way of the sword must be like water.

Akuta: Someone who, scared of change, lost their flexibility shall never reach the essence.

Akuta: Only those who go through constant reconsideration and mistakes know true learning.

Akuta: Find your own weakness, accept your flaws, it is the people who confront their fears who will reach the essence of the sword.

Akuta: Paths are made by walking them... That's it.

Touka: Master...

Touka: I see... My self-doubt is not in vain...

Touka: I cannot keep going this way, I must apply myself to the pursuit of the path of the sword through training!

Akuta: You're seriously going for more?

Touka: Of course, paths are made by walking them!

Touka's expression was visibly fierce, unlike before.

Akuta: Looks like she's okay...

Touka: Hahaha, you can leave it all to me!

Akuta: Yeah, I'm having high hopes. See you tomorrow.

Touka: Yes, thank you...

Minagi: Akuta-sama!

Nekone: So that was were you were!

When Akuta was ready to leave, a panicked Nekone ran up to him.

Akuta: What is it?

Nekone: The old man... he was attacked by an assassin!

Akuta: What!? Do you know the details?

Nekone: Well... the guards are in uproar, and nobody is allowed tp see him.

Touka: Master... impossible! T-This should not...

Akuta: Calm down, let's see this for ourselves first.

Touka: Y-Yes... Forgive my loss of nerves.

---Part 17:

Touka: Master!

Fugito: Touka... You can feel at ease. It was only a scratch...

Minagi: You should not stand up so soon. You need rest for the time being...

Akuta: What happened?

Minagi: A bandit infiltrated the castle. To think they could have sneaked this far...

Fugito: This bandit... who snuck in... was killed by the guards.

Fugito: I left... nothing to chance here. Because this is... a place to keep the princess safe.

Nekone: But even so, what's the point if you get hurt? You can't put yourself in danger!

Fugito: I intended to be of help... but to shame, my old age got the better of me.

Fugito: My body... is screaming all over. I am even unable to move as I wish...

Akuta: That's all your recklessness coming back to haunt you. You should rest as best you can.

Fugito: I will have to abstain from the military ceremony... I am truly ashamed.

Rimuri: How are you feeling... Grandfather?

Minagi: Princess Rimuri!?

Akuta: Should you... be out?

Nekone: It's dangerous for you to come here!

Rimuri: Thank you for your concern, Nekone.

Rimuri: But it is fine.

Rimuri: If I cannot even visit my family who is injured, then I see no point in schemes.

Fugito: Rimuri... As you can see, I am in no danger.

Fugito: You must leave at once. There is a duty you should accomplish.

Rimuri: But... Should we still hold the military ceremony without you?

Touka: Indeed... Without master to keep a close watch, and under an arbiter's surveillance, it is possible for the results to be overruled.

Rimuri: To postpone it until grandfather's recovery seems to be...

Fugito: You should be aware of this. Delaying the date is impossible.

Rimuri: But...

Buridaiko: Is Fugito-dono here, nyamo!?

Akuta: Tch, Buridaiko's here. Nekone, go hide. We can't have him noticing something.

Touka: I will be welcoming him. In the meantime...

Nekone: Y-Yes.

Panicked, Nekone retreated to the back. Meanwhile, they could overhear Touka and Buridaiko's exchange.

Touka: My master is currently recovering. I will act in his stead if you need anything.

Buridaiko: I will not be long nyamo.

Buridaiko: Hearing he was injured, I have come personally to inquire about his health nyamo.

Buridaiko: And... Nyupupu, these wise lords who are looking forward to having me as their next owlo have come to pay him a visit as well!

Touka: But... For so many people to enter...

Fugito: You may let them, they went to the trouble of coming for me.

Touka: Yes.

Touka bowed and opened the sliding screen, inviting them inside.

Buridaiko at their head, the nobles entered the room without hesitation.

Buridaiko: Ooh, Fugito-dono... How tragic...

Buridaiko: Princess Rumuri is without a doubt pained, nyamo. But Buridaiko is here, you can rest at ease nyamo!

Rimuri: Buridaiko-dono, nobles. I extend to you my sincere gratitude for troubling yourselves to pay him a visit.

Fugito: For having you witness such a disgraceful scene... I am genuinely... ashamed...

Visiting noble: Hoho, you have grown so weak...

Visiting noble: You seem to have escaped death somehow.

Visiting noble: What a shame... Sorry, I meant to say such a mortifying incident is a shame.

Visiting noble: You should have retired. A man of your age should not act this way.

Visiting noble: This must be... a sign from the heavens, telling us to ignore the military ceremony, and proceed to Buridaiko-dono and the princess' wedding ceremony immediately.

Buridaiko: Muhihih, you are much too impatient nyamo.

Buridaiko: Fugito-dono... Surely, the military ceremony shall be postponed considering your injury...

Fugito: Ho ho... Buridaiko-dono, what an easily worried man you are.

Fugito: However... Even without me, these arbiters will take my place.

Fugito: Just and impartial Buridaiko-dono, wise nobles... I believe in you to see it that the military ceremony... takes place free of mishaps.

Buridaiko: Nyupupu, such a thing to say nyamo.

Buridaiko: What does the princess think of this nyamo?

Rimuri: ......

Akuta: (Kuh... Buridaiko, did he come here as a warning?)

Fugito: Rimuri... Do reassure Buridaiko-dono.

Rimuri: Buridaiko-dono... The military ceremony will take place on the arranged date.

Rimuri: The winner shall receive the sword, proof of their status as owlo, the loser shall swear allegiance.

Rimuri: Not the tiniest detail will diverge from the rules of our remote past which has become our custom.

Rimuri: I swear it on my name. Therefore, if you may retreat for my sake...

Buridaiko: Rimuri-dono... This is the extent of your...

Buridaiko: Muhi, nyapupupupupu! Now, everyone, it is time to retire nyamo.

Buridaiko: The next time we meet, I will obtain you, and the entirely of Kunashikol, nyamo! Nyapu, buhihihihihihiih!

Minagi: These were not the manners of a man visiting an injured.

Nekone: He purposefully came to show us the difference in power.

Akuta: He's got so many nobles quietly following him around. We gotta at least be happy he left peacefully.

Rimuri: Though it did not escalate here... We now have promised Buridaiko and the nobles. It can no longer... be delayed...

Fugito: Please do not concern yourself with me. There is still time until the ceremony. It is enough time for me to recover.

Fugito: As long as each and every one does their best, it will be fine.

Fugito: Rimuri, you have no need to check on this old man's health. Appearing in public can be dangerous... As you have just seen.

Rimuri: But... then...

Nekone: Leave it to me.

Nekone: Princess, you have no need to bow your heads to these people. And if it comes to it, I will give them a good hit on the head!

Rimuri: Nekone-san... I am truly... so grateful.

Akuta: Well, we're stuck grasping at straws here. Just gotta prepare for the worst.

Fugito: Yes, it is important to follow through your intentions.

Fugito: Touka, have you heard the message I left to Akuta-dono...?

Touka: Yes.

Fugito: In that case, do as you please.

Touka: Yes. I will train incessantly until the ceremony, and I will show you my progress down the path of the sword.

---Part 18:

Presenter: Inside this military gate within the martial palace of Kunashikol.

Presenter: On this good day and good time, will be held according to traditional rules!

Presenter: This military ceremony will be hosted by Rimuri-dono, successor to the owlo!

Presenter: Anyone who objects to this, come forward.

Buridaiko: I, Buridaiko, humbly challenges Rimuri-dono nyamo!

Nekone: If so, uphold this objection through your own strength!

Nekone: The truly powerful shall become owlo, by being awarded the heirloom sword.

Nekone: Such is the ancient custom.

Nekone: Through blood and iron... has Kunashikol come to be!

Akuta: Hey, is it already starting?

Minagi: Fugito-dono has not recovered in time for today...

Akuta: Touka, are you ready?

Touka: I did everything in my power, I now only have to have resign to my fate.

Akuta: I see. Then don't hold anything back. We're counting on you!

Touka: Yes, I will face this battle with the last inch of my power!

Presenter: Representatives, come!

Touka: ...You!!

Touka: Who would have thought I would see you...

Hien: Hahaha, long time no see. So you came deliberately to get killed!

Touka: ...No. I had hoped to meet you.

Hien: What!?

Hien: Kukuku... Looks like you're still at the bottom of the ravine!

Hien: We're even now, no more pretend friends!

Touka: That goes without saying. I intend to have a dialogue with you with this sword.

Hien: That's good, then!

Hien: Let us fight to the death!!!

They slashed in rapid succession.

Like a snake, relentless slashes came from every direction... as if coiling around Touka.

Avoiding them all was impossible... or it seemed that way, but!?

Hien: Ooh, you changed. Looks like you've studied a little bit...

Touka: I noticed that living by what is right, does not mean shaping your techniques to the mold.

Hien: That's a pretty good face, isn't it.

Touka: Come. Whatever you do, I shall take you on.

---Part 19: Kessen

---Part 20:

Not knowing when this fierce swordfight would end, all they could do was hold heir breath in anticipation.

Hien: Kuku, yes...

Hien: However dirty or cruel, none of my tricks has brought you down.

Hien: I slash and slash without an end sight... It feels like cutting through water.

Touka: I will accept these words as praise.

Hien: Crap... I can't stand this... How did you change so much?

Touka: I was scared of your sword and fascinated by your power.

Touka: If an Evenkuruga perseveres through the immoral, they can gain unmatched power... I was ashamed of myself for doubting this fact and waver.

Touka: But thanks to someone's words, I learned.

Touka: My own weakness and doubt are what allowed me to grow... To simply push on is my way of the sword!

Touka: Come! During my training, I have faced and slaughtered you more times than I can count!

Touka: My eyes have now been opened, the eyes of the spirit. This body reads you like a book and moves by itself.

Touka: Use whichever technique you see fit. The techniques of the Evenkuruga, their essence! Will not lose to twisted ways!

Touka: I shall resist everything and defeat you!

Hien: A halfhearted spirit like yours... has reached the essence of the Evenkuruga!?

Hien: Such nonsense!

Hien: Kukuku, I want to kill you... so bad... Let's put an end to this!

Touka: As you wish!

Hien: Woooooh!!

Raising sand in the air, he held out his sword in front of him, unleashing a violent blow, followed by a flurry of haphazard hits.

Her vision blocked, Touka parried every slash.

Hien: Damn!

While the irritated Hien was swearing, he threw his kunai, but reading his move, Touka did not flinch...

Hien: Too naive!

Touka evaded again just like he anticipated, luring her into a merciless horizontal thrust.

Hien: Die! You piece of crap!

The tip of Hien's sword appeared to have pierced Touka, but her flesh remained intact.

Hien: Tch, an afterimage!?

The smile of Hien who believed he had won turned into surprise in an instant.

Touka: You've lost! Hien!!

Speeding up even further, Touka who evaded his attack by a hair's breadth, looked for the tiniest opening to moved to his back and-

Delivered the final blow in his blind spot!

However...

As Touka's blade was about to reach Hien's neck... it came to a halt.

Touka: I thought I took your neck...

At the last moment, Hien thrust his sword in his back, which collided with Touka's, the tremendous power causing him to shake lightly.

Touka: How did you stop this attack? You should not have seen it...

Hien: ...

Touka found her answer in Hien's silence.

Touka: I see, so you too can sense your sword's lust for blood...

Touka: Because you are a mononofufu who knows of the essence of the Evenkuruga, you have sneered at my crude technique.

Touka: Your eye of the mind... was already opened.

Hien: Don't say it! This isn't all the sword of the tauro I could not reach is capable of!

Losing all will to fight, Hien was in no condition to continue anymore.

Hien: Kukuku... Even though I sought strength enough to change shape...

Hien: Clumsily cornered, I still cling onto what I discarded so long ago.

Hien: Hahaha, I remember because of you, of that stupid man and his way of the mononofu!

Hien: As you can see, I lost. Get it on and kill me.

Touka: I...

Hien: You don't kill people who don't resist? How kind.

Hien: Then I will leave first.

Hien: My garbage contract with Buridaiko ends here. It's your turn to do your best now.

Touka: Hien, you!

Hien: Hahaha! Let's fight again, if we're still alive!

Presenter: As a representative has retreated...

Presenter: The winner is Touka!!

Akuta: She finally did it!

Minagi: What a... wonderful match!

Buridaiko: Damn that Hien, you were worthless! I refuse, I will not accept this nyamo!

Buridaiko: There was now way I could have lost nyamo!

Nekone: The ceremony's results are the answer to your objection. Were these not the terms, Buridaiko-dono?

Buridaiko: Nyugugugugu! If it has come to this...

Buridaiko: Men, come! Come! Nyamo!

Buridaiko: I shall overthrow everything through the power of my family, Kunashikol is mine to own!!

Follower: Hyah! Kill everyone who's against it!

Nobles: Victory is Buridaiko-dono's!

Nobles: We will make Buridaiko-dono the owlo!!

Answering Burdaiko's call, his rogue followers and the lords of every region gathered with soldiers and shadow people.

Buridaiko: This battle was invalid nyamo! Catch these pestering arbiters and everyone on the princess' side nyamo!

Shadow one: As you command!

Shadow one: Right away!

Burdaiko's men immediately surrounded Akuta's group.

Touka: Kuh, does your cowardice know no bounds!?

Minagi: Are you people defiling a sacred fight?

Akuta: If you make the arbiters disappear, then it'll be as if that never happened... that's what you're thinking, huh?

Buridaiko: Nyupupu, slaughter these unsightly arbiters, nyamo! If I help myself to the princess... Muhihihihi.

Nekone: Eek... W-What are you doing!?

Buridaiko drawing his sword, drew close to Rimuri.

Buridaiko: Now, princess... Please be obedient nyamo...

Nekone: You... brute!

Nekone was slowly backing away, but she hit against the wall.

Buridaiko: Let us not delay the inevitable, nyupupupupu...

At the very moment Burdaiko's hand was about to catch hold of Nekone.

Inui: Not so fast!

A clear voice echoed around.

Nekone: I know this voice!

Inui: Are you hurt, Nekone?

Nekone: Inui-san!

Buridaiko: W-Who are you nyamo!?

Inui: Someone you know well.

Buridaiko: Nyapu!? Y-You fit my tastes but...

Buridaiko: W-Where...

Inui: Have you forgotten my face? Buridaiko-dono.

Buridaiko: Nyapu?

Inui: What about this sword? Isn't this what you are longing for so much?

Buridaiko: It cannot be... You!? Y-You are... Princess Rimuri nyamo!?

Nekone: But who is this other girl who looks identical to you nyamo!?

Inui: I asked her to be my body double to achieve my mission.

Buridaiko: M-Mission... Impossible!?

Inui: Yes, I have been looking into you to make sure you were fit to become owlo.

Inui: Under... the appearance of Inui!

Akuta: She got us good, huh. To think that sickly princess was a mask she wore to deceive the world.

Minagi: Fufu, this is the true princess Rimuri.

Touka: Yes, she is so brave even I am shocked...

Buridaiko: Princess.... Did you deceive me nyamo!?

Inui: You dare say this, you who at the peak of his arrogance trampled over Kunashikol!?

Buridaiko: Gunuu...

Inui: Buridaiko, it's over. I have proof of all your evil deeds. And of all the others who took your side for personal gain!

Inui: I have already informed all the lords who swore their loyalty to the owlo family. This place is being surrounded by my forces.

Inui: To all those who supported his violating the ceremony, you have no hope of leaving! Surrender immediately!

Lords: I-Impossible, how can the princess accuse us!?

Lords: How will you make up for it, Buridaiko-dono!?

Buridaiko: Gunununu, as if I would accept defeat nyamo... You leave me no choice... Behold my trump card nyamo!

Buridaiko: Cute and loyal servants, devour every one who oppose me nyamo!

Gaunji: Gwoooooooooh!!

Inui: Gaunjis!? How could you bring this many...

Servant: E-Eeeek!!

Lords: Buridaiko-dono, this isn't what we agreed on!

Lords: I don't care about the fight anymore, save us!

Lords: N-No, I don't want to be eaten!

As agitation spread through Buridaiko's forces, chaos took over the gate.

Inui: Touka, can you meet with with the lords outside?

Touka: It should take some time until their arrive.

Inui: Then we know what to do...

Inui: Akuta-dono, Minagi-dono... Nekone. I have deceived you, put you in danger many times, and caused you great trouble.

Inui: I will sincerely apologize as much as it takes... I am truly... sorry.

Inui: This time, I will not ask you to do this for me. Put an end to this ceremony and save Kunashikol, will you join us to the end? Exactly!

Nekone: Inui-san...

Akuta: Why so distant? Arbiters exist for times like these. Isn't that right? Minagi.

Minagi: Yes! To settle futile conflicts and appease chaos is an arbiter's duty. An arbiter's ambition should be to assist you in your struggles for this reason.

Nekone: Inui-san! Nekone will help too. Let's fight together!

Inui: Akuta-dono, Minagi-dono... and my comrade Nekone! I thank your devotion from the bottom of my heart...

Akuta: Let's get it started with this arbiter's ambition then!

---Part 21: Kessen

---Part 22:

Akuta: We dealt with the ones rampaging around here, but... there's still a lot more.

Minagi: Let us keep doing our best!

Touka: Everything for a peaceful world, we need to hold on until reinforcements arrive!

Pack of gaunji: Gwoooooooooh!!

Inui: There are so many of them! We've been separated from the others, but can you still fight?

Nekone: This is nothing!

Inui: How reliable... I can feel braver just being with you.

Inui: Fufu, that reminds me... We fought together at the bottom of the ravine.

Nekone: Me too...! Let's deal with them like we did then!

Inui: Then, here we go!!

Inui: Dey!!!!

Inui: Nekone, now!

Nekone: Eei!!

Inui: This is our chance, you won't run away!!

Inui jumped in front of the gaunji which movements were slow due to magic, unleashing a succession of slashes.

Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

The gaunji delivered a death cry as it fell on the ground.

Pack of gaunji: Grrrr...

More arrived right after, this time they targeted only Nekone and rushed towards her.

Inui: Nekone, hurry this way!!

Nekone tried to come to her, but the pile of gaunji corpses blocked her way, and the gaunjis closing in on her cut off her retreat.

Nekone: You have to escape alone! Live for Kunashikol!

Inui: Don't be stupid! I'm coming to save you, Nekone!

Nekone: It's too late, don't!!

Gaunji: Gwaahh!!

The gaunji bared its ragged teeth, ready to devour Nekone, though she barely parried it with her staff.

After parrying the second and third strike, the gaunji's body shook from irritation and swept Nekone with its giant tail.

Nekone: Kuh...

Inui: Nekone!!

She was sent flying into the air. There was no saving her if her body touched the ground. At the same time Inui's scream resounded-

Nekone realized she was being held by powerful arms.

Nekone: What... happened?

Fugito: That was almost very bad... little miss.

Nekone: Old man, you came to save me!

Nekone: B-But... are you already healed...?

Fugito: ...I apologize. I used this injury as a pretext to watch for an opportunity.

Fugito: In order to drain the pus out of this country. I used this to clean this filthy castle...

Nekone: I see...

Fugito: It was however not my intention to expose you to such danger. I could not go on living if I lost you...

Nekone: It's fine. Because you still came in the end.

Fugito: Right... Then I do not need to lie.

Fugito landed carrying Nekone in his arms, then called out to Rimuri.

Fugito: As it is now, my sword has dulled quite a lot.

Fugito: Their swords could not resist... Rimuri, give me the heirloom sword.

Inui: Understood.

With a light motion, Rimuri threw the sword, which Fugito casually caught.

Fugito: Entrust the rest to me.

Nekone: Ah...

Fugito smiled patting Nekone's head, then faced the horde of Gaunjis.

Nekone: This... touch... I know it from somewhere... could it be!?

Pack of gaunji: Gwoooooooh!!

The pack of gaunji approached a haggard old man devoid of all strength.

Akuta: H-Hey, is that... The old Fugito? Is he gonna be okay!?

The instant before the gaunji's teeth teared Fugito into shreds-!

Fugito: Hmph!

Both his eyes opened wide, and the air around Fugito shook with murderous intent.

Fugito: Haaaaaaaaaaaaah!!

With a roar, Fugito cut the gaunji in half. His frightening boundless sword techniques easily cut through the pack of gaunji, decimating them.

Nekone: The old man is... overpowering them.

Inui: This is grandfather's sword. The person I told you I admired on that night, it was grandfather Fugito.

Minagi: S-Such a sword... As precise as ferocious... Dauntless yet flexible swordsmanship...

Touka: I recognize my master. His technique knows not the tiniest stain.

Touka: I was skeptical when I heard he was resting after he was attacked by a bandit, but...

Akuta: You were confused as to how he could've gotten injured with those skills. What a scary old man. I'm glad we were never in conflict...

Buridaiko: ...Unforgivable... Unforgivable nyamo...

At the side of Fugito's fight, a shadow was creeping up on Inui-

Buridaiko: Fugito... These were my gaunjis... Everyone was conspiring against me! I will not forgive them nyamo...

Inui: Buradiko, you were still alive!?

Touka: Enough pointless resistance! The enemies to Kunashikol will be revealed and arrested. There is no more hope for you.

Buridaiko: This is where you are mistaken nyamo. If I kill the princess now... I win nyamo.

Touka: You fool. You are not laying a hand on the princess as long as I stand.

Inui: Touka, do not bother with him.

Touka: But...

Inui: I too will atone for what I've done.

Inui: Come, Buridaiko! Let us settle the score!

Buridaiko: Nwooooohhh!!! Diiiie!!

Buridaiko who no longer had anything to lose slashed at Inui with an expression of madness!

Inui: Judgment!!

Buridaiko: H-Higih, igyaaaaaaaah!

The resolute flash of Inui's sword delivered punishment to the evildoer. And Buridaiko perished letting out a last bestial cry.

Akuta: Pretty good, princess.

Inui: The filth accumulating in Kunashikol has been purged.

Touka: Ooh! The reinforcements have arrived! It's finally time to put an end to this.

Minagi: Along with this ceremony, Kunashikol's turmoil will end as well.

Nekone: Then... it's over.

Akuta: Heh, if you would've told me it would turn into this mess when I left Karaza. Hell of a family dispute.

Rimuri: Are you leaving already? I couldn't thank you for all you did yet...

Minagi: We need to inform Karaza of what transpired, and make it universally known Rimuri-dono has become the official successor.

Akuta: (Plus... I don't wanna get involved with Kunashikol politics any more than that.)

Akuta: (For now, just gotta let Rimuri do her best as a full-fledged princess.)

Touka: I sincerely... thank you for everything.

Fugito: How could we ever thank you enough...

Nekone: Don't worry about it... Uum...

Nekone bitterly stared at Fugito's face.

Fugito: What is it? Do I have something on my face?

Nekone: No, it's nothing. Take care... old man. Have a still long life.

Fugito: Thank you... Nekone.

Rimuri: This cannot be over! Let's meet again, Nekone.

Nekone: Me and Rimuri-sama, no, Inui-san are partners who fought together!

Nekone: And this bond is eternal!

Rimuri: Fufu, would you mind if I was the one to come visit you next time?

Nekone: With pleasure.

Rimuri: Then I will come. Incognito... yes...

Inui: As Inui!

Fugito: Princess... Let us worry about the future.

Thus, the traitors have been driven out of Kunashikol, and peace regained the capital in chaos.

The arbiters' actions, the relentless efforts of a faithful general, and the twin princess' bonds, are known only to those who assisted to these events.