kscans

Chapter 6 - The Iron Tower

This was five years ago.

"There are many skilled swordsmen in the east. Among them, a man named Shintaro is rumored to be a prodigy, with none who can stand up to him. He will surely be snapped up by some dojo and end up serving the Tower."

At the words of his father, Sanetsugu, who was past sixty, Saneyuki wore a grim expression.

The rumor Sanetsugu had heard had been brought back by Sahei, who spent his days traveling far and wide, securing talent. Though they were several years apart in age, Sahei was a deeply trusted confidant, more of a close friend than a vassal to Sanetsugu. Even Saneyuki couldn't defy him.

"All the talented ones gather in the east," Saneyuki said, making an excuse that the lack of elite warriors around them wasn't their fault. But such an excuse was not about to work. Sanetsugu gave a wry smile.

"You can't be serious. Now, Saneyuki. It is true that many tend to gather in the east, but that is because the west lacks appeal. I, too, have tried, but I could not catch up to Kagasaki. I do not know how to apologize for leaving you, my successor, with nothing but debt."

"Father!" It couldn't be helped that Saneyuki raised his voice. The room where he was conversing with his father was inside what was known as a "Tower." The Iron Tower of the Western Capital.

It was foolish to compare themselves to the east, and there was no need for apologies—that was what his son wanted to say, and Sanetsugu, understanding his intent, shook his head.

"No. We have already reached a point where pleasantries will no longer suffice. However, I intend to speak with the Emperor to ensure he supports you at least until the end of your generation."

Saneyuki was surprised to hear this, and at the same time, he doubted whether the Emperor would listen to his father's plea.

The Emperor was the one who ruled the country from the very top. It was not widely known to the public, but both the Silver Tower in the east and the Iron Tower in the west were built by the power of this Emperor. The country's wealth and knowledge all originated from him. Would such a great figure show compassion to the Masaki family, who could not even halt the decline of their own Tower?

Saneyuki bit his lip and clenched his fists on his lap.

"To beg for such pity would be a shame that lasts for generations. It would be better to fall with dignity...!"

"Do not speak foolishly. Even in a Tower like this, there are those who come to work to support their families. We have a duty to protect them."

"But, that too will end with my generation." Saneyuki swallowed the rest of his words. "Excuse me," he said, standing up. After leaving the room, he headed for his half-sister's quarters.

"Sister, is now a good time?"

He called out from beyond the paper door, and a reply came.

"Ah, just a moment."

From inside, he could hear the rustling of a kimono and voices. After a short wait, the door slid open and a man emerged. He was around forty-five or forty-six, a face he had seen a few times before. The man gave an awkward bow and quickly departed.

Beyond the open door, he could see his sister, Kiku, trying to straighten her disheveled clothes.

"Sorry about that. What do you want?" Kiku asked, not looking the least bit ashamed. Saneyuki scowled.

"Bringing a man in when you're not even promised to him. And you call yourself the daughter of a Tower Master?"

"You're so stiff. Even if I'm the 'daughter of a Tower Master,' it's not like it's a big deal."

"It is because your character is so flawed that no decent people gather here."

"Are you trying to say this is my fault?!"

"There is some truth to that."

"What was that?! We're both useless, aren't we?!"

"That's right. That's why I came to talk to you."

Kiku, who had been about to raise her fist, calmed down at Saneyuki's cool demeanor and let out a sigh.

"Talk about what?"

"We're going to rebuild the Tower."

"Huh?! What are you talking about? Are you sane?"

"I am. In the first place, it's only natural that the east, with its larger population, has the advantage. We can't compete if we're judged by the amount of tax revenue. Of course, that's not the only reason, but I want to get a promise from the Emperor to rebuild the Masaki family, including addressing that issue."

"Isn't that what Father has already asked for?"

"A one-sided request for aid has likely been rejected."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"The Emperor is also human. He must have a thing or two that he can't manage on his own. We will accomplish that for him."

Kiku couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You've got to be kidding me! How are we supposed to do something that even the Emperor can't?!" Saneyuki slammed both his palms on the tatami mat.

"If we don't do something of that magnitude, the Masaki family is finished!"

Kiku's eyes widened, and she froze for a moment. But then, a slow smile spread across her lips.

"I like it. Sounds interesting. We're finished anyway. It wouldn't hurt to struggle one last time at the end."

*

The siblings who left the Iron Tower were dressed for travel. Kyo, where the Emperor resided, was located at the center of the line connecting the eastern and western Towers. It was a month's journey by horse.

"Honestly, why do I have to come along? You could have just gone by yourself and talked to him."

Saneyuki gave his sister, who was complaining while mounted on her horse, a cold look.

"Take this as a good opportunity to train your spirit on the road."

"Hey! I'll have you know, I'm actually quite a capable woman!"

"A woman who is capable but chooses not to be. Now let's go." Kiku, at a loss for words, reluctantly followed Saneyuki.

"Traveling with just my brother. Ah, how unromantic..."

*

Thus, Saneyuki and Kiku, who had managed to get an audience with the Emperor, looked up with tense expressions, only to be utterly dumbfounded.

Before them sat a man with pure white hair who looked youthful despite being over forty, and beside him, a beautiful girl, clearly still young, who also had snow-white hair.

"The... eldest son and daughter of Masaki. Is this our first time meeting?" the man with white hair—the Emperor—asked as his opening line.

"Y-Yes!" Saneyuki replied in a fluster. Beside him, Kiku was the only one who was delighted.

"What a handsome man! What a handsome man~. The Emperor is so handsome~."

Of course, she was whispering so that only Saneyuki could hear, but to think that was all she had to say upon arriving here... Saneyuki was exasperated with his own sister.

"Be serious."

"I know, you're so noisy."

Ignoring the whispering siblings, the Emperor continued.

"I have understood your petition from the letter I received earlier. But as for granting our wish... are you serious?" Saneyuki looked at the Emperor, straightening his collar, and answered with a firm expression.

"We are perfectly serious!"

The Emperor said, "Hmm," glanced briefly at his daughter, and then returned his gaze to Saneyuki.

"She will be twelve this year. In another five years, she will be of marriageable age. But regrettably, she will soon lose her sight. It is due to an illness she had last year. I feel so sorry for my daughter. Therefore, I wanted to grant her every wish... but I cannot leave Kyo myself. What do you think? My daughter says she wants to travel and see various places. Would you be willing to grant that wish for her?"

Saneyuki and Kiku were taken aback and exchanged glances. Then, they smiled with confidence.

"That would be a simple task. Among our vassals is a man named Sahei who is knowledgeable about various places."

"You two must also protect her with your own lives. She is my only, precious daughter. I cannot entrust her to just anyone."

"Yes, Your Majesty! We understand."

"I will also assign one attendant from here. She is strictly an attendant for my daughter. Do not give her any selfish orders."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Saneyuki's heart danced at the prospect of a brighter future, though he wondered why things were proceeding so smoothly. He even regretted not having visited sooner. But...

"Now, the important part starts here. Listen carefully."

"—Huh?" When he looked up, the Emperor was smiling with a mischievous look on his face.