Volume 6 Chapter 72 The Seriousness Continues, And Even The Author Is Starting To Feel Breathless
After Shion explained why the Brave party came to Sanmoto, Relix bowed deeply to Rouza.
"We know it's asking a lot, and we're leaning on old friends. But please, Rouza, could you help us?"
While looking at the back of Relix's head, Rouza said,
"If someone like the Brave bows their head, of course we'll help. But... the timing is really bad right now."
"Huh?" Relix looked up, and Rouza scratched his head.
"Actually, things at home are a mess. My family's in the middle of a fight."
So now, it was our turn to explain things to the Brave party.
The reason Rouza came to Arcus and tried to get Mikage on his side was because his half-brother was coming for his spot as the next Shogun. Rouza needed loyal allies.
During all that, he and I ended up fighting, and we found out demons were involved in the mess.
We even crossed the sea to Sanmoto, all to back up Rouza and help him become the true heir.
If I told everything in full, it'd take all night. So I gave a short version. Still, it was enough to make the Brave group go quiet. They got how bad the timing really was for us, too.
"So yeah, of course we want to help. But right now, we just can't focus on that. Honestly, I don't even know what tomorrow holds."
Even while saying that, he laughed out loud. His lives was on the line, yet he still laughed. Rouza might be worried about them in his own way, but who knows if it reached them. Even the serious Relix didn't know what to say.
Then came a voice.
"There's no way these are two totally separate problems... don't you think?"
Kyunei said it quietly, and everyone nodded.
Our problem and theirs—both had demons behind them.
Something big and dark was happening in the world, though it showed up in different ways. The demon that went after Rouza in Arcus and the demon that stole treasure in Lunatia were likely not the same, but they could still be working together behind the scenes.
"It's possible they're working alone. But for now, let's treat it like they're connected."
Mayuri finally seemed back to normal. Even after everything, she'd been listening. As expected of someone chosen by the Brave group.
"This 'calamity' isn't just a Brave issue. It's also a problem for Sanmoto and the Egawa family. Even if I don't have much power, I'll help."
"We're thankful just to hear that from a Shogun's family member."
"If a friend of a friend from my hometown asks for help, it would shame the Egawa name to refuse. You don't need to bow so much."
Rouza laughed loud and full, but Relix's smile seemed a bit off—like he was hiding something.
Still, it looked like we'd made a deal. Neither we nor the Brave had any reason to fight.
"Well, if that's the case... I'd like to talk to my father about the demons and the calamity."
"Do you really think that'll happen? Sure, there's a meeting planned, but it's not like you can just walk up and speak to the Shogun alone."
"That's what I'm worried about. If my older brothers show up like today..."
We all had our suspicions. Either Ranga or Shinza—or maybe both—might be working with demons. But it was just a guess. Without proof, we couldn't mention demons or the calamity in front of them.
"The enemy probably knows we're aware of the demons. If Ranga or Shinza is behind it, they'll try to stop a private meeting with the Shogun."
"It's so frustrating. We're still stuck guessing, and yet the enemy keeps moving forward like they know everything. Our options are running out."
Mikage and Kyunei fell quiet. Aina, too, just stood there thinking.
Then Reed broke the silence.
"Hey, Rouza. I heard your dad's the type who hides stuff—like a fat raccoon with secrets."
"He used to be pretty handsome, but yeah, now he's got a big belly and probably hides a thing or two. So what?"
"Then tell me this. If even you, his own son, say he's like that, how can he not see what your two brothers are up to?"
Rouza froze, his mouth twisting like, "Ugh..." Reed sounded rough, but she was sharp. She picked up on things quick.
'I guess your partner was also a bit worried about that?'
Could the Shogun really not know his older sons were trying to push Rouza out of line to be the next heir? After hearing everything from Rouza, Reed had been thinking about it too.
"...Even if my father knows... even if we face him directly... nothing will really change."
Until we talk with the Shogun, everything will stay unclear.
That's where we left it for the night.
Character Notes:
• Shion - Male Monk; part of the Brave group.
• Mayuri - Magician girl from the Brave group.
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