Akatsuki Translations

A solemn knock sounded on the door.

In a room of the Crystal Palace in the Murakumo Kingdom, Gwen, the room’s occupant, cast his gaze towards the back of his aide, Isaiah, who was responding to the visitor.

“Your Excellency, Squire Sergeant Shuou has arrived from Ode,” Isaiah announced.

“Let him in,” Gwen replied curtly.

Isaiah nodded and Gwen returned his attention to the paperwork he had been working on, signing documents as he read through them.

Gwen glanced up as the person ushered in by Isaiah entered the room.

He recognized the figure with gray hair, a prominent black eye patch, and an unusually sharp eye that darted around the room observantly.

This young man named Shuou was someone Gwen had directly spoken with at the Council of Four Stones, a gathering of the four rare miracrystal holders in Murakumo, thanks to the arrangement of the Duchess, who was one of the key members.

Putting down his pen, Gwen raised his head and fixed his gaze on Shuou standing before him.

The young man’s eyes, full of youth and vitality, were unclouded and powerful. Gwen hadn’t sensed this much strength in them when they had met before.

It wasn’t the unsightly arrogance of someone drunk on temporary success or baseless confidence. The aura this young man exuded was of a more distinct caliber.

“State your name,” Isaiah prompted Shuou, who stood there dumbfounded.

“Shuou,” he replied simply.

Isaiah’s stern voice continued, “Your affiliation and rank.”

Shuou hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “First Army, Sergeant Shuou.”

Gwen nodded once and spoke, “Considerable time has passed since the summons was issued. The report from the investigator sent to Uzumi arrived faster. What were you doing?”

“I returned while touring the post towns,” Shuou replied without a hint of remorse. Isaiah, standing by, looked at him in disbelief.

Sensing the atmosphere, Shuou slightly furrowed his brow. “Was I late?”

“Orders are to be executed immediately as a rule. Don’t expect there to be a next time,” Gwen warned.

“Yes, sir,” Shuou nodded, his demeanor somehow lacking polish. It wasn’t that he was unrefined, but rather awkwardly unsuited as a soldier.

His composure in addressing Gwen, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Army, could be seen as audacious. However, Gwen didn’t find it unpleasant.

“I’ve received most of the report about what transpired at Uzumi,” Gwen continued. “The attack of the rabidaemon, the subsequent release of prisoners, subduing Shanoa’s elite troops who realized the situation, capturing the commander while inside the fortress that had fallen into disarray, single-handedly defeating the remaining rabidaemon, and then taking control of the stronghold…”

All of this had occurred in a single night.

Gwen grabbed a stack of papers and fanned them towards Shuou. “This report was submitted directly to me. It’s a compilation of information gathered by the on-site investigator from those involved, but if others were to see it, most would dismiss it as laughable.”

The report matter-of-factly described how one person had accomplished what would be difficult even for an entire army. Even a children’s heroic tale might present more convincing arguments.

While news of Uzumi’s subjugation had spread through the palace like thunder, few knew the details.

Gwen tossed the papers aside and asked Shuou, who stood there impassively, “Do you have anything to add?”

“No, sir,” Shuou replied.

Gwen stroked his chin and cleared his throat. “Something doesn’t sit right with me.”

Shuou raised an eyebrow. “What is it, sir?”

“The beginning of it all, especially the attack of the rabidaemon is too—” Gwen started to voice his doubts but then fell silent. There was no point in seeking a miraculous explanation right now.

“Never mind,” he said, dismissing his own thoughts.

Shuou clenched his jaw, looking confused.

There was no doubt this young man wasn’t revealing everything. Gwen had tried to investigate his background, but thanks to Adulelia’s clumsy meddling, the details remained shrouded in mist.

What was clear was that Shuou possessed the skills to face rabidaemons in close combat, the ability to overwhelm seasoned warriors, and the qualities of an excellent martial artist. For now, that was enough, and Gwen’s personal curiosity about him had already reached its peak.

Gwen took out a small wooden box and tossed it to Shuou.

“What’s this?” Shuou asked.

” The Order of the Four Pearls and Azure Wings, awarded as a reward for your achievement in subjugating Uzumi,” Gwen explained.

Shuou opened the box and took out the medal wrapped in white paper. An Amphiptere with a blue jewel inlaid was the highest honor given to those who had rendered particularly meritorious service to the Murakumo Kingdom.

Isaiah, standing nearby, widened his eyes in surprise at the sight of the medal.

The Order of the Four Pearls and Azure Wings was not something easily awarded even to army generals. As far as records showed, it was unprecedented for someone not of noble rank to receive it.

Whether aware of its value or not, Shuou tucked it into his chest and muttered a gruff “Thanks.”

Gwen nodded to Isaiah, who straightened up and announced, “Shuou of the First Army, you are hereby informed. Your assignment to Ode is terminated, and you are temporarily reassigned to the First Army Headquarters in the royal capital. Await further orders.”

Upon hearing this, Shuou’s shoulders tensed. “Ode—I can’t go back there anymore?”

Surprised by his reaction, Gwen asked, “Are you dissatisfied?”

Shuou gritted his teeth and nodded with intense eyes.

For those living in the eastern lands, that place was as good as the frontier. It was rare for someone to refuse to leave a post that most military personnel would avoid.

“I won’t allow refusal. This is the world you stand in. If you voice objections, it will be considered insubordination and subject to disciplinary action,” Gwen warned sternly.

After a brief staring contest, Shuou exhaled heavily through his nose and relaxed his shoulders. “…I understand.”

Gwen shifted his gaze from Shuou and leaned back in his chair. “I highly commend your actions in Ode. We gained a stronghold with minimal cost.”

Uzumi, a key defense point on Coral’s border, had long been a thorn in the kingdom’s side. When Murakumo had been invaded by Coral in the past, they had occupied the tip of enemy territory in the heat of counterattack. This gave Coral the justification for reclaiming their land, using Uzumi as a base for repeated invasions.

Naturally, there were always those calling for a southern expedition, but Gwen had consistently ignored such demands. Murakumo had resources to spare – everyone knew that this great nation ruling the eastern lands had no shortage of military might, provisions, funds, or talent to invade the ambiguously connected southern regions while keeping watch on the north.

As a ruler, one should typically desire to expand territory and increase national power. However, Gwen was the last person in this world who wanted Murakumo to grow any fatter.

“What will happen to Uzumi now?” Shuou asked.

“In due time, it will likely be returned—” Gwen began.

Shuou’s eyes dimmed at the answer, quietly expressing his dissatisfaction.

Originally, news of Uzumi’s subjugation, which upset the diplomatic balance with the southern nations, was not what Gwen had wanted. The reckless act of a few people seizing enemy territory was a short-sighted move. However, the presence of one particular person had changed everything.

Gwen continued, “—but not immediately. We’ll confiscate reparations and then officially conclude a non-aggression pact. The fact that we can hope for such favorable conditions is all thanks to that girl, A Shara.”

Shuou, likely acquainted with the mentioned girl, exclaimed, “Her…?”

“Princess A Shara seems to be irreplaceable to the Coral king. His letters, which used to be filled with strong words, are now overflowing with apologies. To put it bluntly, the reward I gave you is entirely for the merit of capturing Princess A Shara without incident. That girl had value beyond measure.”

Concluding a peace treaty on overwhelmingly favorable terms would be perfect material to silence those calling for a southern expedition. The main concern was the particularly bellicose faction among the feudal lords, the Adulelia clan, but due to their responsibility in the recent Princess Sa’salia incident, the hungry wolves were keeping their mouths shut and exercising restraint.

The best possible outcome in every situation – brought about by a nameless, low-ranking soldier. Even if unintentional, such an achievement was truly worthy of the highest medal.

“What will happen to her now?” Shuou asked, his words showing concern for the young Coral princess.

“I hear she’s being cooperative, so there won’t be excessive restraints. She’ll be treated with the courtesy befitting royalty. It seems she wishes to study in the royal capital during this opportunity. I intend to approve this,” Gwen explained.

Shuou visibly relaxed, relieved. But immediately after, as if remembering something, he twisted his face into a frown.

Shuou opened his mouth as if to say something, but Gwen, anticipating what he might say, cut him off immediately.

“Don’t get cocky. I’ve explained this much orally as my way of commending someone who’s achieved military success. The conversation is over. Go.”

With a wave of his hand, Shuou gave a slight bow and reached for the door. However, Gwen found himself calling out to stop him.

“Wait…”

Shuou halted but didn’t turn around, his hand still on the door.

“…How’s the food?” Gwen asked unexpectedly.

Shuou pulled in his chin and replied sullenly, “It was good until recently.”

After seeing Shuou off to the corridor, Isaiah returned, closed the door, and reported, “He’s gone.” Noticing her unusually tired appearance, Gwen inquired, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s strange, but I felt intimidated. He was… very angry,” Isaiah admitted.

It was surprising that Isaiah, far above Shuou in rank, would be considerate of a mere Squire Sergeant.

“What’s bothering him?” Gwen wondered aloud.

“It’s not uncommon for someone to be unhappy about a transfer, but… By the way, how will he be dealt with?”

Gwen crossed his muscular arms. “I’m not sure. When I considered his treatment before, he expressed a desire to leave the military, but…”

From the first time he had heard of Shuou’s existence, Gwen knew he was no ordinary person. However, for Murakumo – or rather, for Gwen – an exceptionally talented individual appearing out of nowhere was unnecessary. At least, that’s what Gwen believed.

Even when Shuou had thwarted the attempt on Princess Sa’salia’s life, Gwen couldn’t help but find his existence somewhat vexing.

However, now that Shuou had effectively removed the thorn of Uzumi from their throat, Gwen found himself reluctantly nurturing a small seed of appreciation for the young man.

It was understandable that the head of the Adulelia clan, Lady Orthoclase, known for their obsession with talented individuals, would eagerly pursue Shuou.

“If there’s no suitable position for him, perhaps we should give him some rest,” Isaiah suggested.

“I have no intention of feeding him for nothing,” Gwen replied firmly. “As long as he wishes to remain in military service and receives a salary from the national treasury, I’ll assign him some role, even if temporary.”

There were already recommendations for potential jobs for Shuou. One came from the royal family, the other from Adulelia.

The content sent directly by the head of the prominent noble family explicitly requested Shuou’s assignment to the Solid Left Army under Adulelia’s banner. This was rejected without a second thought.

The Left and Right Armies existing in Murakumo were proprietary military forces owned by the two great ducal houses, Adulelia and Serpentia. In exchange for allowing them to maintain these forces independent of royal authority, each house bore the enormous costs of maintaining their armies.

While it was Gwen’s stratagem that had separated the country’s military power from the king’s control, the power of both armies had now grown to the point where the possibility of rebellion couldn’t be ignored.

Gwen’s outright rejection of the Adulelia Duke’s personnel request was to assert the military hierarchy. Even if it concerned just one person, acquiescing to such demands would be seen as weakness, and those who would take advantage of it would surely appear, like termites eating away at a house from within the shadows.

The other letter, sent under the royal family’s name, contained two petitions. The first requested Shuou’s assignment to the royal guard. Gwen felt an urge to tear it up on sight, but the sender—Royal Guard Captain Shi’shi’Jishi Amai—had apparently anticipated this and included a second, compromise proposal.

── What an odd suggestion, Gwen mused.

The royal guard was the shadow of the royal family. While their authority didn’t surpass Gwen’s in terms of position, there were limits to how much he could openly reject their requests. He had to maintain a balance, avoiding unnecessary distrust while at least appearing to accommodate their wishes to some degree.

Gwen handed the royal family’s second proposal to Isaiah.

Isaiah looked alternately at the received paper and Gwen, as if confirming his intent. “Are you serious? It’s easy to imagine protests from the local authorities…”

Gwen nodded. “The recommendation letter bears the old master’s endorsement. The groundwork has already been laid.”

Isaiah raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Arrange for the official assignment order,” Gwen commanded.

Following the order, Isaiah saluted and left the room.

Alone now, Gwen opened a letter from Commander Al Baden, the Ode commander, which had arrived the previous day. After the customary formalities, he frowned upon seeing Shuou’s name written and tossed the letter aside.

Adulelia wanted him as a capable talent, the royal guard to reward him for saving the princess. Al Baden likely had similar reasons.

Threads from multiple directions were eagerly trying to entangle this young commoner.

From among the letters on his desk, Gwen picked up another. Inside a silver tube engraved with the emblem of an Amphiptere was a rolled-up letter briefly reporting that Princess Sa’salia, who had been on a long inspection tour, was now on her way back.

Gwen slowly and firmly crushed the letter in his hand.