Ch. 6: Support
We learned that the feudal lord who had been behind the rebellion and plotting had a serious illness.
Azuma received the report and was brooding over it but…
Azuma: “So, that man… is sick…”
Azuma stood alone, a regretful expression on his face as he spoke, then looked up.
Azuma: “…prepare medicine.”
At those words, there was commotion among the retainers.
Azuma: “If we ask the court physician, he can probably do something about it.”
(Giving medicine to his enemy…?)
Retainer 1: “With all due respect Lord Azuma… why on earth would we need to-…?”
Azuma: “His plan to overthrow the ruling class and his illness are two separate issues.”
Perhaps from seeing my expression, Azuma continued to speak.
Azuma: “I do not wish for him to die.”
OO: “Azuma…”
His voice had sounded small, and I gazed at him when…
As if abashed, Azuma quickly turned his gaze away from me.
Azuma: “…and it’s not bad to dream. Even if I do what I can, he may still die. Besides, this is a chance to get him to change his mind and embark down a path of peace.”
(Azuma…)
Retainer 2: “That’s far too generous! This is our best chance to finally end the rebellion…-“
Retainer 3: “Precisely Lord Azuma!”
One after another, the retainers all pressed in on Azuma but…
Azuma: “Silence! I’ve made my decision!”
At that, a sudden silence fell over the gathering.
OO: “…I think it’s a wonderful gesture.”
I spoke from my heart.
Azuma: “OO…”
Azuma looked at me fondly and gaze a single nod of his head.
After that, he straightened his seated posture and spoke once more.
Azuma: “Since you’ve been affected by everything up till now, I want to speak with you about something… No, I want to ask you something.”
Azuma once again turned towards me.
Ch. 7: Intent
Azuma: “Since you’ve been affected by everything up till now, I want to speak with you about something… No, I want to ask you something.”
Azuma, who had spoken up for sending medicine to his enemy, once more turned towards me.
OO: “…alright.”
Azuma: “Everyone, leave us.”
After the retainers had all left, Azuma let out a great sigh.
His eyes seemed to shake as if reflecting the trembling of his heart, then he looked straight at me.
There was a determination there…
Azuma: “The other day I gave you a simple rundown of the situation but… in truth, the man behind the rebellion is my father’s trusted friend.”
OO: “…!”
Azuma: “He always supported my father with a loyalty and strength beyond other men. He was indiscriminately strict with me…”
OO: “What happened?”
Perhaps because he was thinking about the past, Azuma frowned slightly.
Azuma: “I don’t know. Possibly it’s because I’m not like my father.”
OO: “But you’re such a wonderful person Azuma…”
Azuma: “I’m no match for my father. He’s the one worthy of praise. No matter what happens, he can’t be shaken… he rules this country with a fierce heart. The retainers and the castle staff, and those close to him all believe him to be exceedingly qualified and that this land would be at peace for a long time under his reign. And yet…”
(Azuma…?)
Azuma: “I’ve always been a disappointment. I imagine this rebellion happened because they’re unhappy with my succession.”
OO: “Don’t say that…!”
Azuma: “I’m sure that’s the case. I’m sure people want to know what my father was thinking, basically leaving the rule of the country to me. It’s expected that there would be complaints.”
Azuma shook his head in resignation.
Azuma: “I wanted to work hard to become like my father. That man would scold me during training and about having a strong heart but… Even though I rule this country… I don’t think they believe me to be up to the task. And so that man took it upon himself to divide and cut across the lands…-“
Without thinking, I tightly gripped his hand.
OO: “That’s not true…! You’re a kind and strong person Azuma. To say you’re not up to this…”
Azuma: “…you won’t laugh? Even though this is what’s happening now and yet I’m still showing mercy to the enemy?”
OO: “I would never do something like laugh at that. I think it’s wonderful. And I’m sure your father would understand that too… even though things have turned out this way, I believe he would still rely on you and leave it to you.”
Azuma: “OO…”
Azuma tightly gripped my hand, which was still holding his.
Our fingers interlaced, and our hands pressed together.
Azuma: “You’ve given me strength even in the face of my weakness. You really are… a strange woman.”
OO: “…even if it’s something small, I’m glad if I can help.”
Azuma: “Yeah, you did.”
He gently pulled our interlocked hands apart and wrapped me up in his arms.
OO: “Azuma… I think it would be good to end this conflict soon.”
Azuma: “Right, let’s end this.”
Azuma’s tender smile was close as I looked up.
(I really hope we can turn this around quickly…)
After that, Azuma had the court physician prepare the medicine and sent him off.
Subsequently, the feudal lord in charge of the rebellion agreed to our request to visit.
Ch. 8: Strength
At last, the day came when Azuma and I were to visit the feudal lord heading the rebel army.
(I’m nervous…)
There was a tension in the air as Azuma and I arrived to see the feudal lord.
However, as soon as we entered the room…
OO: “…!?”
Azuma: “…”
A group of armed men completely encircled us, making to draw their swords.
Azuma: “I have no interest in fighting.”
Azuma spoke in a low tone as I moved behind his back.
He made not the slightest movement at being closed in.
Azuma: “Step aside.”
Rebel Lord: “…”
The feudal lord was grim as he waited to see what would happen.
However…
Rebel Lord: “…stand down, I will speak with him.”
The lord gave his command, and the men surrounding us broke apart.
(Thank goodness…)
We calmed ourselves and sat face-to-face with the feudal lord.
Azuma: “…did you take the medicine?”
Rebel Lord: “…yes.”
Azuma: “You know it wasn’t poison.”
Revel Lord: “…though it tasted like it.”
Azuma: “How are you feeling? It seems you’re well enough to move around.”
Rebel Lord: “As you can see… I’ve gotten better.”
Azuma: “I see, good.”
Rebel Lord: “But why…?”
The lord looked at Azuma, unable to fathom what was in his heart.
Azuma: “You were my father’s trusted friend. Therefore I couldn’t just let you die. Besides, I was already indebted to you.”
Rebel Lord: “You’re still acting soft…!”
The lord punched at the tatami mat in anger.
Rebel Lord: “You cannot govern this country with kindness alone, that’s always what I’ve told you…!”
Azuma: “Yeah.”
For a while, there was silence.
Azuma: “I want peace. I don’t want to see anymore of my people bleed. Even if you were to say this is naïve or stupid, it wouldn’t change.”
Slowly, the rebel lord lowered his head.
And then…
Rebel Lord: “…peace…”
(…!)
Rebel Lord: “That kindness of yours… is different from your father… But perhaps… that is another way to be a ruler…”
Azuma: “I’m not sure. However this is my belief in the people, and I will not bend.”
Saying as much, Azuma stood up.
Rebel Lord: “Lord Azuma, what shall be my punishment?”
Azuma: “There will be no second chance. That is all. Let’s go OO.”
OO: “R-right.”
As we made to take our leave, the lord continued to bow his head low.
On the way back from our visit and meeting, Azuma and I stopped on a moor.
As the gentle breeze blew against his profile, Azuma looked relieved and refreshed.
OO: “I’m so glad everything turned out okay.”
Azuma: “Yeah… though I didn’t think it would go this well.”
OO: “Really?”
Azuma: “Of course not. Things aren’t that simple. But… I feel like if you’re here, good things will happen. I think you have some mysterious power to grant wishes.”
I reflexively blushed at his words.
Azuma: “…”
Azuma gave me a soft, kind smile.
Then…
He gently placed his hand on my cheek.
Yet his hand was so large that it covered not only my cheek, but reached to brush my lips as well.
(…he has a kind face.)
Azuma: “Up until now, because I was in line to be the next king, I desperately tried to follow in my father’s footsteps. I didn’t need a kind heart, and I thought time and again that I needed to harden my heart as much as possible, but… …it seems that was something I couldn’t do.”
OO: “That’s because you’re kinder than anyone else Azuma.”
Azuma: “If you’re here, I feel as if I can be who I am. If you’ll permit me to say so, it’s strange.”
OO: “Azuma…”
His hand gently stroked my cheek.
His eyes were tender and full of love…
OO: “But I’m sure… you’re strong because you’re so kind.”
The words floated out of my mouth without warning, and Azuma blinked at me in confusion.
Then he smiled again…-.
Azuma: “Then that’s what I’ll believe. OO, will you stay by my side?”
OO: “Eh…?”
Azuma: “Be mine, OO.”
My heart was pounding in my chest.
His sudden request was making it beat so loudly.
(So kind…)
The surprise sent a shock through my chest, and slowly I smiled.
OO: “I will.”
Azuma: “…are you sure? You know I’ll never let you go.”
The question was sweet, and I nodded confidently.
Azuma: “This kingdom, and you. I will protect the things precious to me until the end. I swear…”
Along with his fierce words, Azuma slowly brought his face closer to mine.
Our lips met in a gentle kiss.
(Azuma…)
Before long, that sweet and gentle kiss deepened and intensified…
We exchanged a long, long vow of eternity through that kiss.
END