v3c3 part1 (2/2)
”Grrrrrrr”
Norhold would take one to teeks
However, that only applied to the Legions under ordinary Chevaliers whose Chevalier Strength ranged from thirty or forty up to two hundred or so
Resurrectees with a Chevalier Strength over a thousand had to spend even ions
”Besides, Uncle, you ilance over the sea According to reports Lord Caesar and his knightly fleet are showing signs of ”
”Oh?”
”It is unknohether they intend to cross the Sea of japan to head straight for Kyoto, or come in from the Pacific side Either e must not be careless”
”Hoya”
I yet childish at times, the Lionheart finally cheered up
However, he still could not hide his disappointment
”I heard that the Roarrison in Tokyo has made new movements Tōkaidō's saa and that man will definitely invade Hakone”
”Who are you referring to, Uncle?”
”Quit playing duu”
”Prince, Your Highness, may I speak on this subject?”
”Yes, go ahead, Grayson”
”Tachibana Masatsugu There is apparently a ru the officers and soldiers of Tōkaidō Everyone is calling him the 'Last Samurai' and 'defender of the imperial family,' Hijikata Toshi+zō”
Lieutenant Colonel Grayson gave off an air entleman than a soldier
Edward nodded to acknowledge what he had said
In fact, Edward had received similar reports Hijikata Toshi+zō had served as the second-in-coumi special police force whose activities were anization which hadexternal enemies)
A master swordsman who had wielded the sa—
However, Edward had his own interpretation
”Is Tachibana-dono truly Hijikata Toshi+zō?”
”Do you have doubts, Your Highness?”
”He definitely carries the 'sa that aside Would this sort of island nation be able to nurture a man like him?”
”Oh?” Richard was skeptical while Grayson seehtly surprised
”What we need to consider,” Edward continued, ”are Tachibana Masatsugu's characteristics as a strategist and tactician”
”Firstly, feints and ambushes are his specialty”
The genie Morrigan instantly offered her answer
Sheher superior wonder ”perhaps Tachibana-dono isn't actually a samurai”
Edward san However, that is not the complete picture”
”He employs his arard of soldier exhaustion borders on negligence, yet troop movements are always orderly”
”Impressive, your opinion is not far from mine Surely an island nation of this sort, all covered with ht? I believe that vast open plains on the continent are more likely”
”In other words, Edward,” Uncle Richard frowned and said, ”It is your belief that Tachibana Masatsugu is not japanese?”
”We should review this possibility”
”Hard to say I have also heard legends of Minamoto no Yoshi+tsune Isn't he a talented cavalry commander and the pride of japan? More importantly”
The Lionheart snorted and declared loudly
”Since I ahts, it would be best if my opponent is a samurai of the Far East Hence, I placea pure japanese samurai”
”Hahahaha, Uncle, it is perfectly fine for you to think that”
Richard I was a ”war genius”
Without any need for logic or calculations, he was able to win victories sih instinct and passion alone
For someone with his rare talents, the true identity of the enemy was virtually irrelevant to victory Edward smiled cheerfully and reminisced about a past enemy
”Du Guesclin”
”Prince, you just mentioned the Constable of France, yes? A contemporary of yours”
Morrigan had picked up on Edward's
”Yes, speaking of him—I wouldn't really consider him a worthy rival However, he was quite skilled in ith excellent use of feints and ambushes, perhaps even better than Tachibana-dono”
Du Guesclin was a knight born in Brittany
Back then, under the leadershi+p of Black Prince Edward and his father, England had gained an overwhelainst such odds, du Guesclin had e of France, Charles V
That being said, he never confronted the Black Prince in a glamorous pitched battle
Avoiding direct confrontations against the English arlish repeatedly through ingenious ambushes and swift retreats
Du Guesclin was undoubtedly the eneral to deal with in that era
However, he had not exhibited the audacity and lightning offensives frequently used by Tachibana Masatsugu
”The great conflict between us and France from back then is non as the Hundred Years' War, isn't it? To be perfectly honest, I personally believe that du Guesclin was the true hero of that war instead of the ruirl named Jeanne d'Arc The difference in their talent and contributions is as great as night and day”
”According to my search” The maiden doll in the sailor outfit said indifferently, ”The reason why du Guesclin is overlooked is most likely due to his unimpressive appearance”
”Ah Well, I suppose it would not be wrong to call hily man”
Edas a bit taken aback by the conversation's turn to the subject of appearance
”He was rather obese and was derogatorily known as the 'pig'”
”Well That is how the world works Coic maiden' After all, fiction can arbitrarily depict her as a beauty”
”Your opinion is rather harsh, but accurate,” the genie's upfront reht a wry smile to Edward's face
After that, Edward turned his gaze to the only hu
”By the way, I heard that Suruga has a princess descended from a sacred beast's bloodline Sihter of the Three Lions, she is the granddaughter of Lord Tenryuu”
”This I know, good brother”
Aware that she was not a soldier, the beautifuluntil now
She was Princess Eleanor Like Imperial japan, the British E their royal faeneral public
She was blessed with beautiful blonde hair and a gorgeous face
”Fujinoht?”
”Yes, you are very informed”
Eleanor possessed a nureat effect at Kyoto and Suruga City Edward had great faith in her intelligence too
As a result, Edward had also assigned a job to her
”So, could you kindly report on the matter?”
”Yes During the Second World War, the islands of japan were for the most part controlled by the 'southern court' of the Great Empire of japan The sacred beast worshi+ped by the southern court at the time was Ōkuninushi+ The current imperial family's precursor, the 'northern court,' only held Hokkaido back then”
After recounting history in her lovely voice, Eleanor turned to the heart of the matter
”Thethe body of the sealed Ōkuninushi+ and the resurrected japanese warriors from that time I have mobilized the Kinai Fiefdom's resources to conduct this search”
”Understood Ladies and gentlemen, the other sacred beast of japan is Lord Tenryuu,” Edward addressed the group, ”which it is imperative for us to secure I believe you are all aware that our Three Lions do not have long to live We must do our utmost in the land of the Far East, or else the British Eer have a sacred beast within her borders”
Part 4[edit]
November 15th, it was Saturday and the weekend had arrived
”It's aed in a City is finally liberated and we even got a new Tōkaidō Governor General,” Okonogi Taisei conancy
Masatsugu said to hia will be the temporary provincial capital”
”So a tea City, huh? Totally inconceivable half a year ago,” Hatsune expressed her own feelings on the matter
The trio was in a coa Station, in front of a scramble intersection
Such a ional city Trendy buildings were abundant with giant television screens
Normally, these screens would display advertisements for local businesses or commercial events
Masatsugu and friends stopped walking to look up at the screen It was airing the ”inauguration of the new Governor General of Tōkaidō”
”The new Governor General visited our school before, right?”
”That's right, her naood terms with her”
”Taisei, her caliber is impeccable too”
”Well, I'ot quite an aure I think she'll be very popular with both genders”
Rikka's gallant standing figure was visible on the giant screen
She was dressed in a black military officer's unifor on her belt in its scabbard She was also wearing a blackher appearance even more perfect than usual
The cere held at a shi+nto shrine
The venue was Mount Kunou Toushouguu near the Suruga tutelary fort
Like Nikkou Toushouguu, this was an ancient shi+nto shrine with a deep connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu It was situated on the pinnacle of Mount Kunou The Tōkaidō Fiefdoathered on its pre to the position of Governor General
Forase Shouzan was also present
The camera rarely focused on him, but frequently provided closeups of Rikka
In other words, this television prograase Rikka
The inauguration event had been edited by a television station in Suruga City to becoion through the city's telecommunications facilities
The various parts of Tōkaidō territory currently captured by the Restoration Alliance could also receive the signal
For exaawa, Haoya—
This was done to inform residents that ”the Tōkaidō Fiefdo the populace fro too much over to the Restoration Alliance
This was the true purpose of producing this program
”The princess also said that the people in areas conquered by the Restoration Alliance are currently waiting to see whether the Restoration Alliance wins or the Tōkaidō Fiefdoive up on Tōkaidō”
”Yeah, I hear that a lot,” Taisei agreed with Hatsune's comment
”In the cities whose tutelary forts have fallen, the residents will start cooperating with the conquerors mentally and economically Nowadays, under the Charter of Chivalry's protection, residents can't really be expected to show a high degree of loyalty to the nation,” Taisei added somewhat pessimistically ”But ultimately, the Restoration Alliance is the British Eets that Like the incident ten years ago when the new Empress Teruhime came to power but actually follows Rome's will”
Taisei's tone was laid back, but there was a slight element of criticism in his words
His father worked in the news industry and Taisei also held a part-tii Taisei was a social-minded patriot
To such a friend, Masatsugu said, ”Perhaps the establishment of deep ties between the princess and the Tōkaidō Fiefdoet this either”
”I'm quite surprised by this turn of events, actually I never thought Princess shi+ori would becouu at Tōkaidō”
Onscreen, the shi+nto priests and shrineout a ceremony
At the forefront was a striking young beauty
The girl earing a Heian-style juunihitoe and a tiara with her platinum blonde hair let down today
She was Fujinou and others
Her otherworldly appearance was combined with this attire
Every tiht on ca beauty
”The princess is a noble who had inherited dragon blood fro spiritual powers far beyond what cou said quietly, ”That's why the Tōkaidō Fiefdom recruited the princess and asked her to serve as Mount Kunou's shrine maiden”
”That's right, that's right She will serve as the shrine maiden who receives divine oracles to offer advice to Governor General Rikka-sareat idea?”
Masatsugu and Hatsune were explaining ”shi+ori's reason for entering employment”
One could very well call this a pretext, but the princess definitely possessed outstanding spiritual powers and was the new Governor General's indispensable adviser
These were not lies but Taisei was a bit puzzled
”But isn't the so-called Saiguu supposed to be 'the imperial princess who serves the Gods at the Ise Grand Shrine'? Since Princess shi+ori is a shrine maiden at Mount Kunou Wouldn't it be better to pick a different title?”
”Don't sweat this kind of small stuff”
”Rikka-sama also said 'it is better to keep it simple' and even 'since it is a position that was abolished centuries ago, it would be ridiculous to get hung up on every detail'”
”Should I call the new Governor General sloppy or decisive?”
”The opposite would be far worse A neurotic ruler is definitely not good for the country”
While they were talking, the ceremony continued steadily onscreen
In truth, this video was not a live broadcast but a rerun of the event at 9am
The sa on the televisions of ordinary households too
The current time was 12:45, already past noon
For the Suruga residents out in the streets, this was no longer news, but many people still stood to watch
The reason was siether onscreen
Rikka in nified
The princess in juunihitoe was in a word, divine
Both of thelance was enough to produce lasting memories
Putting complicated reasons aside, the two of thelaical power of the medium known as television
(In fact, shi+ori earing a non-standard juunihitoe with reduced fabric to allow her to walk unaided but anyway, it was no big deal)
The camera was mostly focused on shi+ori and Rikka
In ter like ”40 new Governor General, 30 princess, and 30 everyone else”
”But what surprised iant screen and remarked
Unbelievably, next to the two noble beauties was Tachibana Masatsugu
The Masatsugu onscreen earing his usual stiff-collar uniform with a military officer's overcoat on top Instead of the black one he wore before, his overcoat was light blue in color except for the lapels and sleeves which hite
A sheathed japanese sword—theat his waist
A scrolling ticker at the bottom of the screen read:
'The knight in Princess shi+ori's service, Lord Tachibana Masatsugu, is officially assuuhts, and taking cohts—'
'Furthermore, the post of commander of this order is currently left vacant Princess shi+ori is expected to assu commander for the interim—'
The figure shown on the giant television was identical to the Masatsugu standing on a street corner
Dressed in a light-blue overcoat on top of his stiff-collar student unifor there with a cool expression on his face This attire was very conspicuous and attracted attention frou in aiant screen
So themselves
These type of reactions were only going to increase frou as unfazed by his surroundings, his friend said in exasperation, ”Why on earth did you have to meet me dressed like this?”
”Don't o back and take part in the cere is too much of a hassle”
”You should be more mindful But what a weird squad you have there Why are you called the vice-co officer? Her Highness shi+ori's position of acting coht?”
How astute of Taisei Masatsugu nodded and said, ”You're right Of course, I can't keep coht in the princess' service' so that's e set up an arbitrary squad and official post”
”By the way, I'h there's only one unit and I'm the sole member♪”
”That's so shi+nsenguu-kun, I heard a weird rumor”
”What rumor?”
”Everyone is saying your real identity is Hijikata Toshi+zō”
Masatsugu and Hatsune did not respond
The purpose of nau's post as the vice-commander was to reinforce the rumor The Tōkaidō Fiefdom had decided to borrow the hero's nau's authority and reputation
However, the friend who knew Masatsugu well had his doubts
”Don'twartime”
”Is that really it?”
”Yeah By the way, I'd like to sit doith you for a discussion about the school festival and the beauty contest Just a little longer, and I'll be free enough to go to school Remember to make time for it”
”You never change, Masatsugu-kun So, by 'a while,' you mean—”
”Just as you suspect, I'll be extremely busy in the near future”
Masatsugu patted the hilt of Izumi-no-Kami Kanesada
The shon against Edward the Black Prince was drawing near and it was tie
”This is unbearable,” Rikka murmured quietly Only the princess beside her could hear her
”Under the camera all the time, it is so uncomfortable”
”Be that as it may, Rikka-sama, you look honestly uration After this, things will be easier to deal with in various ways”
”Credit is definitely owed to you on this regard, Your Highness”
Princess shi+ori praised Rikka, who smiled wryly in return
Starting in theinto the afternoon, the cere a ”parade” in the city
Together with her inner circle, the new Governor General was a City
Naturally, they were noton foot Instead, a double-decker bus served this purpose The top story of the bus had no roof,it a kind of open car Due to traffic restrictions in Suruga City, the bus was able to h the roads without impediment, escorted by security vehicles on the side
Rikka was standing at the center of the bus' top story, the most conspicuous location
Dressed up in juunihitoe, Princess shi+ori stood beside her
This positioning was designed for PR purposes The two girls s from time to time
The whole shoas intended to drulamorous and lively aturation”
Everywhere, the bus was greeted by crowds of Suruga residents cheering
There were ion too Everything looked ”joyous” on the surface, but considering the difficult situation facing the Tōkaidō Fiefdom, this was ”mere bravado”
Nevertheless, this was good enough
Having the energy to tend to matters of appearance was proof that they were not pushed to the edge
(That reminds me, we are currently stuck in quite a troublesome position)
Looking out at the Suruga streets froht to herself
The invading Restoration Alliance was not the only problem The eastern japanese fiefdo fellow compatriots of Imperial japan However, if Tōkaidō were to depend on the Eastern Roreat hero Caesar would ”take over”
Amid the desperate situation, there were several elements for optimism
The forsaken princess next to her, Fujinomiya shi+ori, was served by a htful and blessed with outstanding spiritual powers
Purely froeneral, one would be hard pressed to find better talent than hers
Unfortunately, in the ensuing gaainst either the japanese i nations, it was ihborn blood would prove to be a blessing or a curse
shi+ori was an unfathomable joker card, impossible to predict
Under normal circumstances, such a card should never be retained in one's hand
However, the Tōkaidō Fiefdom was currently in no position to pick and choose Further known as a Resurrectee and reminiscent of her revered Hijikata Toshi+zō
(Looks like all I can do is take a gamble)
Rikka so all-in before all was lost Ordinaryto reverse the unfavorable tide
”Your Highness, I have already heard the gist of your strategy”
Rikka lowered her voice again so that only the princess next to her could hear
”On the ested”
”Is that so? Then—”
”Indeed, ill join forces with the Resurrectee whom Rome stationed in Tokyo and attack Hakone Checkpoint simultaneously from the east and the west We of Tōkaidō will take control of the Hakone region on behalf of the incompetent Kantō Fiefdom and imperial palace officials”
At this moment, the two of them reached a consensus
They were not only going to expel the Restoration Alliance fro this crisis into an opportunity
”Si the foes at hand will not solve the probleate Kantō and Tokyo in one move to become Imperial japan's number one faction—Indeed, it is futile unless we accomplish this much,” Rikka declared quietly in a voice only audible to the princess
Part 5[edit]
That evening, after Akigase Rikka succeeded to her father's position
The inauguration ceremony had run its course without issue, but not all events were over
Relevant individuals were invited to a hotel in Suruga City to attend a party known as a convivial gathering
However, the main stars for today had yet to arrive
They were gathered at the center of the Suruga tutelary fort, on the roof of the forty- keep
This included Akigase Rikka, Fujinou, and one more person
”Oh ed?”
”Mobility is too restrictive in that attire, after all”
”What a sha for that He'll definitely be disappointed that he cannot see it in the flesh”
This exchange was taking place between shi+ori and Alexis Yang
Fro's behavior was highly inadvisable He lacked clear respect for an allied nation's i or infuriating
Staff Officer Yang was presumably the type who made friends easily anywhere around the world
His talent as a staff officer were unknown, but he was definitely a ”useful” employee In addition, he was a noetic master
At thiswhistled
The aquila retainer beast flying around the nation-protecting keep's roof—a giant eagle with a wingspan of four meters—squawked acutely in response
”This is the fruit ofthe retainer beast withBehold, everyone”
No sooner had he spoken than a change occurred to Yang's body
The outline of the ethnic Chinese and citizen of Eastern Roradually blurred and disappeared Thirty seconds later, the blurry figure took on a new appearance
It was a ed man, dressed in the military attire of ancient Rome
Staff Officer Yang had suddenly ”transformed”
”hello, shi+ori Been a while, hasn't it? The last I saw of you was at the garden party in Tokyo”
The allantly
Masatsugu was secretly iht of the bat, one could tell he was a first-rate orator
shi+ori walked over to hi
”Yes, it has been a while I apologize fortouch, especially when Your Excellency has always taken special care of me”
”You are very welcome Given our relationshi+p, there is no need for you to be shy”
The h his hair was thinning out and he was not particularly tall in stature
His face ell-proportioned while retaining an air of dignity and cordiality—
”You should be well aware that I, Julius Caesar, aant knave who makes fools out of other men How could a couple of months' absence possibly dent our friendshi+p?”
In his distinctive , the man introduced his name
Caesar was the nate to ”e before Masatsugu's eyes
This was probably a miracle made possible by noetics
Receiving the noesis fro sua to possess his body
Who would have thought that even appearances could change?
Masatsugu was deeply impressed
Caesar spoke to the other beauty present, ”Greetings to you, Governor General of Tōkaidō I have had the pleasure of ht is our first encounter To be honest, not only is this a blessing for public wellbeing but I am personally also very pleased”
Turning to Akigase Rikka, Caesar smiled cordially
”I aa tutelary fort's valiant efforts and predica to the occasion as the Governor General in a time of crisis definitely demonstrates extraordinary military talent and ability Further maiden, which makes you a potential ally whom I could not welcome more”
Praising the beauty of ladies at every opportunity, perhaps this was one of Caesar's talents
In addition, he extended his right hand, trying to enact the ancient Ro” This sha for the man named Caesar
Rikka s the sa
However, Rikka had prepared her own agenda, as expected of House Akigase's Chevalier princess
”By alliance, you are alluding to a concerted attack on Hakone from the east and the west, aren't you?”
”Naturally, it extends beyond Hakone Since the problem has arisen, we should all cooperate until the rebellion of the Restoration Alliance is taken care of”
”We of Tōkaidō would be extrerateful for that”
”To be honest, I would like to stay longer in Suruga, but this noetic technique isNevertheless, in teek's time No, ten days, I shall be able to return to japan I aements on this front”
Caesar promised with his hand on his chest
”While I aood discussion on how to conquer Hakone”
”On this subject We believe it would be best if ere to capture Hakone before your arrival, Your Excellency”
”Oh? Meaning I don't get a chance to be under the spotlight?”
”I have heard Her Highness shi+ori recount Your Excellency's siege methods from the Gallic Wars However—”
In various siege battles in the past, Caesar had dey and tactics
Through clever deployment of the Roman army, he captured castles and fortresses one after another despite attacking defensive forces far greater than his own in nue expert, ”I believe it would be for the best if Julius Caesar did not enter the st