Natsu to Onigiri to Ougon no Chikai Translation
Please do not share/redistribute any of my translations/summaries without my permission. You can link back to my lj entry.
Natsu to Onigiri to Ougon no Chikai Author: Yukino Sai
(Summer and rice ball and golden oath)
* * *
I thought it was finally time.
"You should become the next Sa Province governor---- Rou Ensei."
Said Sa Enjun, in a gentle, but a tone that did not allow for refusal, while looking over my studies for the exam, when I was around sixteen or seventeen.
While I was in shock, I somehow got talked into it, and before I knew what was going on, I had agreed to it.
Before I realized it, ten years had passed.
-----Sometimes, I think if maybe it was all a dream.
I don't know--- if the ten years were long, or short. But, when I received news of Sa Enjun's death, for the first time, I counted the years with my fingers, and in a daze, thought about how long it has been. And, that, the dream has ended.
After Sa-Taiho's death, sooner or later, the Sa family will forcibly remove me from the position of governor. When I realized this, .....I felt a little relieved.
I never thought being governor was difficult. I was never reluctant to do the job, nor did I want to run away. But--- yes, but I just naturally perceived that my job was finished. There was no need for me to remain the governor.
The tenth year that he had promised a certain merchant siblings was closing in. All that was left to do, was to prepare for a full on confrontation with the Sa family, and to drag the next Sa province governor there.
After that---- I can be free.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
When asked quietly by his subordinate, on the day that he left alone for Kiyou, to return the haigyoku that was the symbol of being a governor, Ensei did not answer.
He only laughed.
And left for his journey. A journey that he decided was to be his last as a governor and an official.
----Without turning back once, to all of the officials who came out to look him on.
* * *
----It was pure coincidence that he collapsed in front of this mansion.
"....ummm, where is that place that Yuushun mentioned?"
While the extreme heat was not expected, he arrived at Kiyou pretty much according to his predictions. However, while fighting off Sa family's assassins day and night, his map had disappeared somewhere. That means, all he had to rely on was his memory, but that's within the top three most unreliable things in Ensei's life. He had already forgotten most of what his subordinate had told him, and the information he recalled didn't make much sense. For instance-----
(What does he mean, when you get confused, go to town and ask "Where does the masked-man live?"....? What is a masked-man.....?)
No matter how he thought about it, there was no way a "masked-man" would be able to connect him with the emperor.
"Ummm.... There's one more thing.... I think at Kou district..., oh, I think this is Kou district. I wonder if it's close. ....Oh, I'm hungry..... Ooh, I found a house without a gate keeper. Let me rest here for a bit."
At present time, Ensei was wearing dirty clothes, with messy, long hair and beard, that even he himself thought that he looked pretty suspicious. In this seven colored district, that is a town of nobles, he had been chased away by so many gate keepers, that he did not even have a chance to look for a shady place to rest. In such a place, to find a mansion that looked a little run down, that did not have a gate keeper, Ensei took a chance and slid into the shadow of the gate. The shade was cool, and in order to forget his hunger, Ensei decided to just sleep.
----He didn't know how long it had been, but someone's desperate voice woke him up.
"Hey, hey, wake up! You're not, you're not dead, are you? Wake up!"
When he awakened with a daze, something was pushed against his lips, and cold water flowed down his throat. ----Before he noticed, Ensei furiously drank dry the water from the bowl.
"....Oh?"
"I, I'm so glad....."
In front of him was a girl, looking as if she was about to collapse and cry.
Just when Ensei noticed the wet cloth that had been applied to his forehead...
Without caring about his circumstance, his stomach growled extremely loudly.
"....................."
"....................."
The girl, after showing only a slight hesitation toward the strange bear-man--- pulled on Ensei's sleeves.
"There isn't much, but come in. You can rob us, but we don't have anything worth any money, so don't get your hopes up."
So that was how he met her, and after ten years time, THAT man.
* * *
(This is getting a little weird.)
While running around town at night, Ensei pulled on his overgrown beard.
Where he was supposed to sneak into the palace, by becoming Kou-Shousho's odd job assistant number two, he could now blatantly get around the palace. At this rate, he could research the emperor's activities, or find out where his bedroom is quite easily.
(Kou-Shousho.....)
Ensei thought back to the man he unexpectedly met when he went with Shuurei, and sighed deeply. .....The moment they met, he froze.
He didn't think for a moment that his subordinate's acquaintance, the "masked-man," was the Kobu (finance)-Shousho.
".....Rou Ensei, you say?"
The masked shousho's voice clearly changed when Li Kouyuu introduced him. Kei-Jirou, who stood beside him, also widened his eyes.
Since Sa province was so remote, and his hair and beard was overgrown, he thought that no one would notice even if he used his real name, but somehow, he got busted in one shot. And by two central major officials.
(....Yeah, I should've remembered more about him than his mask still.....)
He didn't want to bother anyone, so unless it was really necessary, he didn't intend to look up Yuushun's acquaintance, so he was bad for only half heartedly listening to what was said, but still, who in the world would make the connection that the "masked-man" = Kou-Shousho?
Going through the hot, muggy night, he headed downtown, to where flowers only bloom after sunset, to a city of night that lure people in with pleasure. Maybe due to the heat-wave, even though the lights were bright, few people were out on the streets. As opposed to this, there were fights going on everywhere. Being irritable due to the heat probably contributed to this---.
"....They're at it again.... Ugh, but it is my fault."
The first thing he noticed was a disturbance occurring in front of a gate of a magnificent turret, that was not inferior to any noble family's mansion. Wearing dirty clothing, looking haughty, and fully exposing that they're hicks, thugs were forming factions and shouting about something. Apparently, they were arguing to be let in.
"....Seriously, what did they come here to do?"
They were hired by the Sa family to capture Ensei, but they were dazzled by the glitz and glamour of the capital, and lost interest in their mission. Just what you would expect from a city.
Even while Ensei massaged his temples, he grasped his fighting rod.
----- After a while, when due to the vulgar and obstinate disturbance, Kougarou's shadow master, Kochou, finally brought her underlings out, the thugs from Sa Province were tied up and rolled in front of the gate.
It is said that if she felt like it, with one smile she could turn the whole country, Kiyou's number one geisha, Kochou narrowed her eyes at the scene.
".....Humm? I did hear that idiots from Sa Province were flowing here, but .....if only Sa Province people are tied up every day, it seems that there must be a reason. This time, it seems that we don't have to do anything, .....but"
Kichou looked at the thugs, and smiled a meltingly beautiful smile.
"He has good skills. Maybe even Ran-sama can't match up to him."
".....Ug, it's morning already. Didn't get enough sleep today either."
Going around capturing the thugs from Sa Province who were causing trouble everywhere, Ensei saw sunrises day after day, making him extremely depressed. Not only that, while returning to Shouka's residence, he saw two children sleeping soundly on top of a large tree, and became crestfallen.
(Ahhh, the other thugs can be dealt with, but what do I do with them....)
Ensei had tried to capture and send these two back to Sa Province multiple times, but they, who were the most accurate in following him during the journey, had escaped time and time again. Even Ensei could not beat their legs and ability to sense danger, as trained by their predecessor.
For now, he did not have time to deal with them, so he left them alone, and snuck back to Shouka's residence. And checking that the lights were still on in Shuurei's room again today.... made a complicated face.
Approaching her window while making sure not to get noticed, he could vaguely see a figure sitting neatly by the desk. He could definitely hear pages of a book being flipped.
Ensei roughly scratched his head, and sat beneath the window.
--------Everyday, he observes Shuurei working at Kobu (finance department). It would be stranger to not know what she desires in her heart.
It is a dream that will never be fulfilled.
Like a moon reflected in a lake, it is an illusion that can not be captured, no matter how far you extend your hand.
........She is bright, and a very realistic girl. The thought "maybe" is probably not in even in a corner of her mind. She knows it will never come true. Even so------ she can not help but to flip through books. Even knowing that it is a moon reflected on a lake, it is a strong desire that makes her unable to help but to reach for it.
--------To become an official.
Ensei gently cast down his eyes.
His heart that was made up, trembles.
The light Ensei sees in the room every time he returns, lights his heart.
Something that she desires, works diligently for, and yet can never possess is, now, within Ensei's hand.
........Something that Ensei is about to throw away without any hesitation.
The more time he spends with Shuurei, the harder it is to let go.
Ten years time. His guardian Sa-Taiho's death. He still thinks that it is time. Without the head of the family, the Sa family will going into a period of chaos. His office has already prepared for the battle ahead. At the last stand, the person leading them should not be a governor who has not even passed the regional exam.
It is time to give back what was given. That's not wrong. ....But.
Somewhere in my heart, I hear a voice saying that I might be throwing away something that should not be thrown away.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
He could not respond to the hearts of his beloved friends, and turned his back.
The long missed sound of turning pages.
The sound that makes Ensei remember his former self, seems to be asking him.
Are you forgetting something important.
-----If not then, why do I feel guilty, at this painful dream's sound.......
The lights in Shuurei's room went off without a sound.
Ensei looked at the light blue early morning sky, and took a deep, deep breath.
* * *
"Ensei, Ensei...., really, you're too mischievous. I wonder what you will become in the future."
From far away, the gentle voices of his siblings echoes.
"Being a boss to other kids is okay, but you can't be a military officer. It's too dangerous."
"Yes. We won't tell you to sit still at home, but you can't do anything dangerous. Hey, be still, I'll put some medicine on for you."
"In any case, no matter how I think about it, you're not suited for the family business...."
"Haha, but Ensei is smart, so when he grows up, he can become an official with me. He is strong and kind, so he's definitely suited for it."
Want to become an official together? ....When his favorite second eldest brother gently petted his head, Ensei nodded with a big smile.
"I will! Little older brother is weak, so I have to protect him. Corrupt officials have a lot of bad minions, so little older brother will most likely get caught. That's why, I'll become a fighting official, and help little older brother."
His eldest brother pressed his hand on his forehead, and his older sisters sighed with worry, but Ensei knew that they loved him a great deal.
His second eldest brother laughed happily.
"Thanks Ensei. Haha, I'm proud of you little brother. But for now, play a lot. After a little while, we'll read books together."
When his extended hand touched Ensei's cheek, ----there was a strange sound. When he looked at the floor, his brother's head, with vacant eyes, was rolling in a lake of blood.
Overwhelming smell of blood. A world dyed in red. Within dripping red sound, rolling like trash, his beloved family, chopped up into pieces.
Many promises that could not be fulfilled.
"Ensei-----....."
He could tell he was loved, by the way his family called his name. The different voices that sounded so nice, can never be heard again.
Ensei woke up. There were no tears in his eyes.
Whatever kind of dream he had, vanished.
Only, his heart cried at the vestiges of the gentle, sad memory.
Day after day, Shuurei worked hard.
Ensei stared at her, and let slip.
"Hime-san, you're trying so hard. Having fun?"
"Yes."
While unintentionally smiling at the immediate reply, Ensei focused his senses behind him.
(......He's there again......)
Ensei scratched his temple, while sensing a presence and stares, that he has been feeling quite often recently.
He sensed immediately that it was targeted at Shuurei. He doesn't perceive any ill will, and it's not like he does anything to her, but there's no doubt that it is extremely suspicious. Having been asked by Seiran to take care of Shuurei, but also of his own volition, he soon found out the identity of of the person, and tried confirming it with Kou-Shousho.
-----Ribu (Civil/Public Administration)-Shouso, Kou Reishin.
.....He twisted his neck wondering why such an important person was hanging around Shuurei's vicinity all day, everyday, but he was obviously a suspicious person.
But, Kou-shousho, after being silent for five long beats---
".....Think of him as a mosquito. No matter how much you chase it away, it'll come back. Ignoring it is the best plan. If you deal with it wrongly, you'll be cursed for the next hundred generation. I guarantee that he definitely means no harm to Shuu."
......He's never seen Kou-Shousho be so careless. For the time being, he decided to trust Kou-Shousho's word, and not interfere, but .....what motive does the Ribu-Shousho have for what he's doing? The imperial court is very mysterious.
"You wanted to become a province official? As a civil official?"
Unexpectedly, he was pulled back to the conversation.
"You decided to not take the exam?"
At Shuurei's gaze, he unintentionally averted his eyes. It's not that he decided to not take it, he sort of skipped over everything and became governor.
"A lot happened, so eventually."
(......Oh yeah, I wanted to become a province official.)
Something crossed his mind. That's right, I wanted, a long time ago---
In a flash, a forgotten dream vividly returned.
"Want to become an official, together?"
A gentle promise that was not fulfilled. ......I remember.
......After the revenge was over, why I wanted to become a province official.
Thirteen years ago, after killing the man who massacred my family with my own hands, I wanted to find what I had left.
An important promise that seemed to cling to my blood-stained hands.
(I thought that I was the only one left who could fulfill that promise.)
That's why I took Sa Enjun's hand. Turned the pages of books, and grabbed a brush. Pages I was supposed to turn with my family. A path I was supposed to follow behind my brother.
To reconnect a broken path.
----Let's fulfill this promise. This time.
From now on, I will protect Sa province, a place I was born, where my precious memory, of time spent with my loving family, sleeps. So no one has to go through what I went through. Even by myself, no matter how long it takes----.
To become a Sa Province official.
Some day, without fail.
(......That's why, I----)
Shuurei averted her gaze from Ensei, and looked down slightly.
"You can still take it, even now."
....I thought I would stop breathing.
I finally saw what I was about to throw away.
A desire that was precious to me ten years ago.
A strong wish that even made me battle books that I was not used to, late into the night, every night.
"You should become the next Sa Province governor---- Rou Ensei."
I accepted that unreasonable request. Province official just turned into governor. Even if it's an exception, if the central government's big-shots don't want to protect it, then it can't be helped. It's skipping a lot, but I thought I'd do it.
Even so, after only ten years of being governor---- being self-satisfied being able to see slightly ahead, thinking "my duty is over"?
Thinking that taking the exam after all this time is tiresome?
What arrogance.
Thinking that the governor position that fell into my lap belonged to me.
As soon as I knew it would be taken away, I tried to throw everything away.
If my past self heard it, he would undoubtedly kick my ass.
Ensei ruffled Shuurei's hair. ----She was himself, who was still dreaming.
"You wanted to become a province official?"
.....I did. So much so that even the meager sound of books feels dear.
What about, now?
"....That's right."
Takes a deep, deep breath.
Ten years spent as if in a dream. It feels that way because somewhere in my heart I felt I did not earn it myself.
A borrowed place. However, it is not transient.
It is a reality that can be grasped, if I reach for it. ......Unlike her.
I'll think about it. Until people return to Kobu. Until I see the emperor. While working together with this girl, I'll confirm my heart.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
To find a solid answer to return to those words, without running away.
To be able to look straight into her unwavering eyes.
"I thought so, too."
I thought "huh?," at words that fell out.
(.....Did I actually answer her, already?)
Oh, well. Hime-san's meals are delicious, so a little while longer. A little longer, in this place.
* * *
A few days later, Ensei unexpectedly appeared at Shouka's room.
"Umm, Shouka-san"
"Yes, Ensei-kun. Is something wrong?"
"....Umm, I know it doesn't suit me, but could I borrow some books and things to read?"
Shouka was not surprised. He smiled, and immediately took a few from stacks of book piled here and there.
"Of course, you can take whatever you like. The fighting rod suits you, but books suit you as well. Here you go."
The books handed back were all books on poetry, my weakest subject.
(..........How does he know......?)
Even while twisting his neck, Ensei gratefully accepted the books, and went out to the yard. Walking beneath the cool moonlight, he sat beneath Shuurei's room.
".....This is wrong, see here...."
Li-Jirou-san's voice can be heard. This is a study day that occurs every fourth day.
I think, I can rest from thug extermination every fourth day too.
Flipping through poetry books after such a long break, they seemed incomprehensible, and I couldn't help but to escape from reality.
"Ummm, a battling official still seems good, somehow."
".......What are you talking about. With a weird combination that surpasses pig with pearls."
"How rude. Perfect timing. Hey Seiran, if you're free, help me to study."
"Free!? Even if I'm free, why should I help you study."
"Then what did you come here for. I'm not free, so I can't keep you company. Oh, if you don't understand it, just say so. I won't tell anyone."
"Wait, you locust. Who are you calling an idiot?"
Looking at a menacing Seiran, Ensei felt admiration. ....He's really become so emotionally expressive. Being angry is a sign of being healthy.
"Give it to me. .....What is this! Even a five year old can understand this."
"What are you talking about. But I don't understand it. At twenty-six. Seriously."
"You're just seriously stupid. What part of this is incomprehensible?"
Using bad language is also a sign of being healthy. Especially for Seiran.
I glanced up at the night sky that began to twinkle.
Someday, I might look back at the short summer spent at this mansion, where I collapsed by chance.
Thinking that that was, the moment I met destiny.
......Somehow, I feel that it's not in such a far away future.
Natsu to Onigiri to Ougon no Chikai Author: Yukino Sai
(Summer and rice ball and golden oath)
* * *
I thought it was finally time.
"You should become the next Sa Province governor---- Rou Ensei."
Said Sa Enjun, in a gentle, but a tone that did not allow for refusal, while looking over my studies for the exam, when I was around sixteen or seventeen.
While I was in shock, I somehow got talked into it, and before I knew what was going on, I had agreed to it.
Before I realized it, ten years had passed.
-----Sometimes, I think if maybe it was all a dream.
I don't know--- if the ten years were long, or short. But, when I received news of Sa Enjun's death, for the first time, I counted the years with my fingers, and in a daze, thought about how long it has been. And, that, the dream has ended.
After Sa-Taiho's death, sooner or later, the Sa family will forcibly remove me from the position of governor. When I realized this, .....I felt a little relieved.
I never thought being governor was difficult. I was never reluctant to do the job, nor did I want to run away. But--- yes, but I just naturally perceived that my job was finished. There was no need for me to remain the governor.
The tenth year that he had promised a certain merchant siblings was closing in. All that was left to do, was to prepare for a full on confrontation with the Sa family, and to drag the next Sa province governor there.
After that---- I can be free.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
When asked quietly by his subordinate, on the day that he left alone for Kiyou, to return the haigyoku that was the symbol of being a governor, Ensei did not answer.
He only laughed.
And left for his journey. A journey that he decided was to be his last as a governor and an official.
----Without turning back once, to all of the officials who came out to look him on.
* * *
----It was pure coincidence that he collapsed in front of this mansion.
"....ummm, where is that place that Yuushun mentioned?"
While the extreme heat was not expected, he arrived at Kiyou pretty much according to his predictions. However, while fighting off Sa family's assassins day and night, his map had disappeared somewhere. That means, all he had to rely on was his memory, but that's within the top three most unreliable things in Ensei's life. He had already forgotten most of what his subordinate had told him, and the information he recalled didn't make much sense. For instance-----
(What does he mean, when you get confused, go to town and ask "Where does the masked-man live?"....? What is a masked-man.....?)
No matter how he thought about it, there was no way a "masked-man" would be able to connect him with the emperor.
"Ummm.... There's one more thing.... I think at Kou district..., oh, I think this is Kou district. I wonder if it's close. ....Oh, I'm hungry..... Ooh, I found a house without a gate keeper. Let me rest here for a bit."
At present time, Ensei was wearing dirty clothes, with messy, long hair and beard, that even he himself thought that he looked pretty suspicious. In this seven colored district, that is a town of nobles, he had been chased away by so many gate keepers, that he did not even have a chance to look for a shady place to rest. In such a place, to find a mansion that looked a little run down, that did not have a gate keeper, Ensei took a chance and slid into the shadow of the gate. The shade was cool, and in order to forget his hunger, Ensei decided to just sleep.
----He didn't know how long it had been, but someone's desperate voice woke him up.
"Hey, hey, wake up! You're not, you're not dead, are you? Wake up!"
When he awakened with a daze, something was pushed against his lips, and cold water flowed down his throat. ----Before he noticed, Ensei furiously drank dry the water from the bowl.
"....Oh?"
"I, I'm so glad....."
In front of him was a girl, looking as if she was about to collapse and cry.
Just when Ensei noticed the wet cloth that had been applied to his forehead...
Without caring about his circumstance, his stomach growled extremely loudly.
"....................."
"....................."
The girl, after showing only a slight hesitation toward the strange bear-man--- pulled on Ensei's sleeves.
"There isn't much, but come in. You can rob us, but we don't have anything worth any money, so don't get your hopes up."
So that was how he met her, and after ten years time, THAT man.
* * *
(This is getting a little weird.)
While running around town at night, Ensei pulled on his overgrown beard.
Where he was supposed to sneak into the palace, by becoming Kou-Shousho's odd job assistant number two, he could now blatantly get around the palace. At this rate, he could research the emperor's activities, or find out where his bedroom is quite easily.
(Kou-Shousho.....)
Ensei thought back to the man he unexpectedly met when he went with Shuurei, and sighed deeply. .....The moment they met, he froze.
He didn't think for a moment that his subordinate's acquaintance, the "masked-man," was the Kobu (finance)-Shousho.
".....Rou Ensei, you say?"
The masked shousho's voice clearly changed when Li Kouyuu introduced him. Kei-Jirou, who stood beside him, also widened his eyes.
Since Sa province was so remote, and his hair and beard was overgrown, he thought that no one would notice even if he used his real name, but somehow, he got busted in one shot. And by two central major officials.
(....Yeah, I should've remembered more about him than his mask still.....)
He didn't want to bother anyone, so unless it was really necessary, he didn't intend to look up Yuushun's acquaintance, so he was bad for only half heartedly listening to what was said, but still, who in the world would make the connection that the "masked-man" = Kou-Shousho?
Going through the hot, muggy night, he headed downtown, to where flowers only bloom after sunset, to a city of night that lure people in with pleasure. Maybe due to the heat-wave, even though the lights were bright, few people were out on the streets. As opposed to this, there were fights going on everywhere. Being irritable due to the heat probably contributed to this---.
"....They're at it again.... Ugh, but it is my fault."
The first thing he noticed was a disturbance occurring in front of a gate of a magnificent turret, that was not inferior to any noble family's mansion. Wearing dirty clothing, looking haughty, and fully exposing that they're hicks, thugs were forming factions and shouting about something. Apparently, they were arguing to be let in.
"....Seriously, what did they come here to do?"
They were hired by the Sa family to capture Ensei, but they were dazzled by the glitz and glamour of the capital, and lost interest in their mission. Just what you would expect from a city.
Even while Ensei massaged his temples, he grasped his fighting rod.
----- After a while, when due to the vulgar and obstinate disturbance, Kougarou's shadow master, Kochou, finally brought her underlings out, the thugs from Sa Province were tied up and rolled in front of the gate.
It is said that if she felt like it, with one smile she could turn the whole country, Kiyou's number one geisha, Kochou narrowed her eyes at the scene.
".....Humm? I did hear that idiots from Sa Province were flowing here, but .....if only Sa Province people are tied up every day, it seems that there must be a reason. This time, it seems that we don't have to do anything, .....but"
Kichou looked at the thugs, and smiled a meltingly beautiful smile.
"He has good skills. Maybe even Ran-sama can't match up to him."
".....Ug, it's morning already. Didn't get enough sleep today either."
Going around capturing the thugs from Sa Province who were causing trouble everywhere, Ensei saw sunrises day after day, making him extremely depressed. Not only that, while returning to Shouka's residence, he saw two children sleeping soundly on top of a large tree, and became crestfallen.
(Ahhh, the other thugs can be dealt with, but what do I do with them....)
Ensei had tried to capture and send these two back to Sa Province multiple times, but they, who were the most accurate in following him during the journey, had escaped time and time again. Even Ensei could not beat their legs and ability to sense danger, as trained by their predecessor.
For now, he did not have time to deal with them, so he left them alone, and snuck back to Shouka's residence. And checking that the lights were still on in Shuurei's room again today.... made a complicated face.
Approaching her window while making sure not to get noticed, he could vaguely see a figure sitting neatly by the desk. He could definitely hear pages of a book being flipped.
Ensei roughly scratched his head, and sat beneath the window.
--------Everyday, he observes Shuurei working at Kobu (finance department). It would be stranger to not know what she desires in her heart.
It is a dream that will never be fulfilled.
Like a moon reflected in a lake, it is an illusion that can not be captured, no matter how far you extend your hand.
........She is bright, and a very realistic girl. The thought "maybe" is probably not in even in a corner of her mind. She knows it will never come true. Even so------ she can not help but to flip through books. Even knowing that it is a moon reflected on a lake, it is a strong desire that makes her unable to help but to reach for it.
--------To become an official.
Ensei gently cast down his eyes.
His heart that was made up, trembles.
The light Ensei sees in the room every time he returns, lights his heart.
Something that she desires, works diligently for, and yet can never possess is, now, within Ensei's hand.
........Something that Ensei is about to throw away without any hesitation.
The more time he spends with Shuurei, the harder it is to let go.
Ten years time. His guardian Sa-Taiho's death. He still thinks that it is time. Without the head of the family, the Sa family will going into a period of chaos. His office has already prepared for the battle ahead. At the last stand, the person leading them should not be a governor who has not even passed the regional exam.
It is time to give back what was given. That's not wrong. ....But.
Somewhere in my heart, I hear a voice saying that I might be throwing away something that should not be thrown away.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
He could not respond to the hearts of his beloved friends, and turned his back.
The long missed sound of turning pages.
The sound that makes Ensei remember his former self, seems to be asking him.
Are you forgetting something important.
-----If not then, why do I feel guilty, at this painful dream's sound.......
The lights in Shuurei's room went off without a sound.
Ensei looked at the light blue early morning sky, and took a deep, deep breath.
* * *
"Ensei, Ensei...., really, you're too mischievous. I wonder what you will become in the future."
From far away, the gentle voices of his siblings echoes.
"Being a boss to other kids is okay, but you can't be a military officer. It's too dangerous."
"Yes. We won't tell you to sit still at home, but you can't do anything dangerous. Hey, be still, I'll put some medicine on for you."
"In any case, no matter how I think about it, you're not suited for the family business...."
"Haha, but Ensei is smart, so when he grows up, he can become an official with me. He is strong and kind, so he's definitely suited for it."
Want to become an official together? ....When his favorite second eldest brother gently petted his head, Ensei nodded with a big smile.
"I will! Little older brother is weak, so I have to protect him. Corrupt officials have a lot of bad minions, so little older brother will most likely get caught. That's why, I'll become a fighting official, and help little older brother."
His eldest brother pressed his hand on his forehead, and his older sisters sighed with worry, but Ensei knew that they loved him a great deal.
His second eldest brother laughed happily.
"Thanks Ensei. Haha, I'm proud of you little brother. But for now, play a lot. After a little while, we'll read books together."
When his extended hand touched Ensei's cheek, ----there was a strange sound. When he looked at the floor, his brother's head, with vacant eyes, was rolling in a lake of blood.
Overwhelming smell of blood. A world dyed in red. Within dripping red sound, rolling like trash, his beloved family, chopped up into pieces.
Many promises that could not be fulfilled.
"Ensei-----....."
He could tell he was loved, by the way his family called his name. The different voices that sounded so nice, can never be heard again.
Ensei woke up. There were no tears in his eyes.
Whatever kind of dream he had, vanished.
Only, his heart cried at the vestiges of the gentle, sad memory.
Day after day, Shuurei worked hard.
Ensei stared at her, and let slip.
"Hime-san, you're trying so hard. Having fun?"
"Yes."
While unintentionally smiling at the immediate reply, Ensei focused his senses behind him.
(......He's there again......)
Ensei scratched his temple, while sensing a presence and stares, that he has been feeling quite often recently.
He sensed immediately that it was targeted at Shuurei. He doesn't perceive any ill will, and it's not like he does anything to her, but there's no doubt that it is extremely suspicious. Having been asked by Seiran to take care of Shuurei, but also of his own volition, he soon found out the identity of of the person, and tried confirming it with Kou-Shousho.
-----Ribu (Civil/Public Administration)-Shouso, Kou Reishin.
.....He twisted his neck wondering why such an important person was hanging around Shuurei's vicinity all day, everyday, but he was obviously a suspicious person.
But, Kou-shousho, after being silent for five long beats---
".....Think of him as a mosquito. No matter how much you chase it away, it'll come back. Ignoring it is the best plan. If you deal with it wrongly, you'll be cursed for the next hundred generation. I guarantee that he definitely means no harm to Shuu."
......He's never seen Kou-Shousho be so careless. For the time being, he decided to trust Kou-Shousho's word, and not interfere, but .....what motive does the Ribu-Shousho have for what he's doing? The imperial court is very mysterious.
"You wanted to become a province official? As a civil official?"
Unexpectedly, he was pulled back to the conversation.
"You decided to not take the exam?"
At Shuurei's gaze, he unintentionally averted his eyes. It's not that he decided to not take it, he sort of skipped over everything and became governor.
"A lot happened, so eventually."
(......Oh yeah, I wanted to become a province official.)
Something crossed his mind. That's right, I wanted, a long time ago---
In a flash, a forgotten dream vividly returned.
"Want to become an official, together?"
A gentle promise that was not fulfilled. ......I remember.
......After the revenge was over, why I wanted to become a province official.
Thirteen years ago, after killing the man who massacred my family with my own hands, I wanted to find what I had left.
An important promise that seemed to cling to my blood-stained hands.
(I thought that I was the only one left who could fulfill that promise.)
That's why I took Sa Enjun's hand. Turned the pages of books, and grabbed a brush. Pages I was supposed to turn with my family. A path I was supposed to follow behind my brother.
To reconnect a broken path.
----Let's fulfill this promise. This time.
From now on, I will protect Sa province, a place I was born, where my precious memory, of time spent with my loving family, sleeps. So no one has to go through what I went through. Even by myself, no matter how long it takes----.
To become a Sa Province official.
Some day, without fail.
(......That's why, I----)
Shuurei averted her gaze from Ensei, and looked down slightly.
"You can still take it, even now."
....I thought I would stop breathing.
I finally saw what I was about to throw away.
A desire that was precious to me ten years ago.
A strong wish that even made me battle books that I was not used to, late into the night, every night.
"You should become the next Sa Province governor---- Rou Ensei."
I accepted that unreasonable request. Province official just turned into governor. Even if it's an exception, if the central government's big-shots don't want to protect it, then it can't be helped. It's skipping a lot, but I thought I'd do it.
Even so, after only ten years of being governor---- being self-satisfied being able to see slightly ahead, thinking "my duty is over"?
Thinking that taking the exam after all this time is tiresome?
What arrogance.
Thinking that the governor position that fell into my lap belonged to me.
As soon as I knew it would be taken away, I tried to throw everything away.
If my past self heard it, he would undoubtedly kick my ass.
Ensei ruffled Shuurei's hair. ----She was himself, who was still dreaming.
"You wanted to become a province official?"
.....I did. So much so that even the meager sound of books feels dear.
What about, now?
"....That's right."
Takes a deep, deep breath.
Ten years spent as if in a dream. It feels that way because somewhere in my heart I felt I did not earn it myself.
A borrowed place. However, it is not transient.
It is a reality that can be grasped, if I reach for it. ......Unlike her.
I'll think about it. Until people return to Kobu. Until I see the emperor. While working together with this girl, I'll confirm my heart.
".....You will come back, won't you?"
To find a solid answer to return to those words, without running away.
To be able to look straight into her unwavering eyes.
"I thought so, too."
I thought "huh?," at words that fell out.
(.....Did I actually answer her, already?)
Oh, well. Hime-san's meals are delicious, so a little while longer. A little longer, in this place.
* * *
A few days later, Ensei unexpectedly appeared at Shouka's room.
"Umm, Shouka-san"
"Yes, Ensei-kun. Is something wrong?"
"....Umm, I know it doesn't suit me, but could I borrow some books and things to read?"
Shouka was not surprised. He smiled, and immediately took a few from stacks of book piled here and there.
"Of course, you can take whatever you like. The fighting rod suits you, but books suit you as well. Here you go."
The books handed back were all books on poetry, my weakest subject.
(..........How does he know......?)
Even while twisting his neck, Ensei gratefully accepted the books, and went out to the yard. Walking beneath the cool moonlight, he sat beneath Shuurei's room.
".....This is wrong, see here...."
Li-Jirou-san's voice can be heard. This is a study day that occurs every fourth day.
I think, I can rest from thug extermination every fourth day too.
Flipping through poetry books after such a long break, they seemed incomprehensible, and I couldn't help but to escape from reality.
"Ummm, a battling official still seems good, somehow."
".......What are you talking about. With a weird combination that surpasses pig with pearls."
"How rude. Perfect timing. Hey Seiran, if you're free, help me to study."
"Free!? Even if I'm free, why should I help you study."
"Then what did you come here for. I'm not free, so I can't keep you company. Oh, if you don't understand it, just say so. I won't tell anyone."
"Wait, you locust. Who are you calling an idiot?"
Looking at a menacing Seiran, Ensei felt admiration. ....He's really become so emotionally expressive. Being angry is a sign of being healthy.
"Give it to me. .....What is this! Even a five year old can understand this."
"What are you talking about. But I don't understand it. At twenty-six. Seriously."
"You're just seriously stupid. What part of this is incomprehensible?"
Using bad language is also a sign of being healthy. Especially for Seiran.
I glanced up at the night sky that began to twinkle.
Someday, I might look back at the short summer spent at this mansion, where I collapsed by chance.
Thinking that that was, the moment I met destiny.
......Somehow, I feel that it's not in such a far away future.