Volume 3 Chapter 26 Tougen And Riirin, On The Way Home
──Tougen's Perspective──
After leaving the town of Toushun, Tougen and the others were riding north.
"It was a nice trip, wasn't it, Big Sis?"
"Absolutely. Traveling brings new discoveries."
"Did you understand? Well then, for our next adventure──"
"This time is special! It's special, you know!?"
After emphasizing this, Riirin smiled gently.
"However, we did have some good encounters. There are trustworthy people in Aika Country."
"I don't want to fight them."
Tougen sighed while on his horse.
"That's too bad. If only the Jinkyo Tribe and Aika Country weren't in conflict──"
"Please don't say things like 'I should serve Kou Tenhou-dono.' Young Master."
Riirin shot a sideways glare at Tougen.
On her waist, she had an obi clasp given to her by Tenhou. It was carved in the shape of a horse. It wasn't flashy, but it looked sturdy.
Feeling happy that Tougen had made a good friend, Riirin said,
"I can see why you like that person. But, Young Master, you have the role of the leader of the Shimei Clan. It would be a problem if you went to another country."
"I know. Right now, I'm the leader of the Clan."
Tougen nodded.
"If I were to serve Kou, it would be after I fulfill my responsibilities and pass on my role."
"I'm glad to see you understand that."
"By the way, Big Sis, you've been touching that obi clasp for a while now."
"Yes. I'm not good with decorations, but... this one is nice."
"An obi-dome, Kou-dono has a good taste in hobbies."
"But... Young Master,"
"What is it, Big Sis?"
"Does Kou-dono know that giving accessories to someone from the Jinkyo Clan has a meaning?"
"I don't think he knows."
Tougen touched the pouch at his waist.
In the left pouch were brushes and ink, and in the right pouch were papers and things Tougen bought at the market.
As he gently stroked them, he said,
"But it's just right. An obi-dome means 'to not forget our friendship.'"
"'Just like how it holds the obi, it holds our friendship together,' right?"
"If Kou-dono knows that meaning, he would have given the obi-dome to me."
"...Young Master."
"What is it, Big Sis?"
"Could it be that you want this obi-dome?"
Riirin looked at Tougen with a playful expression.
"Did you not think that 'I am Kou-dono's friend'? Yet you are upset that you didn't receive the obi-dome?"
"Do I... look like that?"
"I am your close sister. I take pride in being your closest family. I can easily read your expressions."
"Then Big Sis, you still have a long way to go."
"...What did you say?"
"I was just thinking of giving you a gift, like Kou-dono."
Tougen took out a round object from the right pouch.
It was made of a translucent stone combined with leather.
It shone softly in the sunlight.
"This is a jade bracelet I bought at Toushun's market."
Holding the bracelet up to the light, Tougen displayed it.
Then he offered the bracelet to Riirin.
"I give this to you, Big Sis. You know what it means when a man from the Jinkyo Tribe gives a bracelet to a woman, right?"
"Of course. When a man gives a bracelet to a woman, it's a proposal for marriage... Huh? Young master... are you serious!?"
Riirin's eyes widened on horseback.
"You're proposing to me? Right now!? Here!? Why!?"
"Well, we received the reward for delivering Tanshi-dono and Kou-dono, didn't we?"
"W-We did, but...?"
"I was thinking about what to use it for, and I found a bracelet that would look good on you at the market."
"You found one!?"
"Since I found it, I thought I'd give it to you."
"It's not just a thought!! Young master!!"
Riirin instinctively pressed her hand to her chest.
"This is so sudden! I'm not ready at all..."
"It's not sudden. You've always said, 'Please be aware of your role as the leader of the Shimei clan'."
Tougen nodded seriously.
"Now that I'm the leader of the clan, I have to think about the future. Isn't it natural to settle down at this opportunity?"
"Is it really okay for me...?"
"It's you that I want."
"...Ugh."
"Please think carefully. Is there anyone besides you, Big Sis, who can hold my reins?"
"No!"
"See?"
"If left alone, young master would wander off somewhere... I'm the only one who can stop that. That's for sure, but..."
"We agree on that. We get along well, don't we?"
"Because we're siblings, right!? We've been together for a long time!!"
"I want to continue that relationship from now on."
"I understand your feelings! But, but..."
"Big Sis, won't you accept this bracelet?"
"I will accept it, but!?"
He reaches out his hand towards Riirin Tougen.
Tougen slides a jade bracelet onto her wrist.
Staring at it, Riirin speaks in a trembling voice,
"W-What? I'm going to be the young master's wife. But... why now? At this moment..."
"I just wanted to marry you, sister."
"No, it's about the young master. You must be planning something!"
"That's not true!"
"It is! The young master wouldn't just make me his wife without a reason... No, I can't think of anyone else but the young master. I'm happy, but... to become the wife of the leader of the Shimei clan... to have the right of succession after the young master..."
"...Ah."
Tougen looks like he just realized something.
Riirin, being his sibling, doesn't miss that change.
Noticing his intention, Riirin raises her eyebrows and glares at Tougen.
"Young master!"
"Big Sis... no, Riirin. I love you."
"Are you saying that now!?"
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"No, but you did disappear without saying anything!"
"Then isn't that fine?"
"Y-Yes. I love you too, young master... No! Don't change the subject!"
"I'm not changing the subject. I love you, Riirin-aneue..."
"Young master!"
"Yes."
"You're not thinking that if you marry me, you can just push the clan leader role onto me and run away, right? After that, you plan to enter Aika Country and become Kou Tenhou-dono's subordinate, don't you!?"
"I'm not thinking that at all!"
"Look at me and say that."
"...I don't really think that."
"You must think that a little!"
"Big Sis, I love you from the bottom of my heart."
"Stop mixing in your true feelings!"
Riirin scratches her head while on horseback.
She is the daughter of Tougen's wet nurse. Although they belong to the same Shimei clan, they have almost no blood relation. Still, Riirin has been by Tougen's side since they were young, raised like family.
Among the clan, Riirin has been the one most affected by Tougen.
So, she thought she wouldn't be surprised by most things.
But this is too unexpected.
She never thought she would end up marrying Tougen.
No... she can't imagine Tougen marrying anyone else. If someone else were to marry Tougen, she wouldn't know how to stay calm. Honestly, she can't even imagine marrying anyone other than Tougen!!
"...It's definitely true that I'm happy. And... for the Shimei clan, this is a good story."
The Shimei clan has just joined the moderate faction of the Jinkyo Tribe.
If the news of Tougen's wedding comes in... it will definitely cause a big commotion.
The moderate faction's Hailon Taiga will be overjoyed.
A wedding at the fortress is expected. Of course, no one would oppose it.
He will marry Riirin Tougen and they will live together. Soon, they will probably have children. Everyone should be happy for them. With the love of the Shimei clan and their moderate friends, their child will grow up strong... and eventually become the leader of the Shimei clan.
(No... maybe they won't just become the leader of the Shimei tribe...)
If Zeng Taiga falls, his power will weaken.
Then, the moderate faction will gain more influence.
Hailon Taiga, the leader of the moderate faction, might rule the Jinkyo Tribe.
If the Jinkyo Tribe spends a long time in peace under Hailon, who dislikes fighting, then the child raised with the blessings of the moderates will likely hold a high position in the Jinkyo Tribe.
Hailon Taiga has no sons.
If he blesses and loves their child... it wouldn't be strange for them to hold a high rank in the Jinkyo Tribe.
The bond between Tougen and Riirin started when they came to Aika Country.
Those who know this should have good feelings about Aika Country.
With their blessings, Riirin's child will maintain good relations with neighboring countries and enjoy a peaceful era──
(...No, I'm getting too carried away with my imagination.)
Riirin quickly shakes her head.
(If a child is born between me and the young master, they will become the next leader of the Shimei tribe. Everyone will be happy. The young master will feel secure with a successor... Huh? What? What what what what what...!?)
Riirin, who was crossing her arms on the horse, suddenly looked over at Tougen.
"......Young master."
"Yes, Big Sis."
"Um, I was wondering. Even though you are the young master, I thought there's no way you would do something like that... so I need to confirm."
"Isn't your introduction too long, Big Sis?"
"Um... Young master, are you planning to leave the child you just had as the heir of the clan and wander around freely...?"
"Big Sis. No, Riirin."
"What is it, young master?"
"I love you. Since the day you were born, I've always wanted you by my side──."
"I love you too! I've never imagined marrying anyone other than you in my life!!"
Riirin glared at Tougen with a bright red face.
"But, when we get back, we need to talk!! Your marriage proposal was way too careless!! Also, I can't shake the feeling that you're up to something strange!! I'll lecture you and get everything out of you!!"
And so, Tougen and Riirin returned to the Shimei clan──
After that, they would hold their wedding ceremony, blessed by everyone.
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