Chapter 1 – Aiming for Unification on a Warring-States-like Island

---

<– Previous Chapter | Glossary | ToC | Next Chapter –> | Jump to Volume 22 –>>

---

 

 

『I see. In that case, you must unify the island as fast as possible, Milord』

“So have to do it after all, huh?”

『Seeing how you have already meddled in their affair once, I fer you have no other choice now. If you hadn’t interfered, other methods would have been available, but…』

“…”

 

At one point I found a stray dog back during my childhood. It was a very adorable puppy, but when I asked my parents whether I could keep it, they said I would have to properly take care of it to the very end.

Being told, 『Picking it up is all fine and so on, but if you don’t take care of it, it will immediately end up in the health care center』, I couldn’t make up my mind and eventually didn’t keep the puppy.

Thinking back on it now, I might have been the type of person who simply overthinks matters a bit too much. Yet, someone like me ended up meddling with a domestic conflict on Akitsushima Island which we discovered during our southern exploration.

Doushi went along with this in high spirits too…though he’s rather carefree since he’s ultimately just His Majesty’s representative.

Once we asked about the island’s internal affairs, we found out that the island was divided into more than fifty fiefs with lots of skirmishes and battles regularly going on.

As far as His Majesty is concerned, he probably doesn’t want some island in the distant south that’s a chore to rule. Then again, Akitsushima Island is located in the ocean part considered to belong to the Baumeister Earldom and thus the island got pushed on me, following a prior agreement I had with the Kingdom.

The Kingdom will probably explore south of Akitsushima as it’s more beneficial for them to find another uninhabited island, or if they’re lucky, a new continent. Hence, they outsourced Akitsushima with its ongoing wars on me.

However, even though the island is thriving with wars, it’s not like they’re indiscriminately slaughtering people without any rules whatsoever. Akitsushima and Shichijo’s armies had at least declared their own intentions before the battle. If they were just interested in butchering the enemy, they’d have gathered as many troops as possible and attacked the enemy territory. I guess you could say this part still makes it somewhat salvageable.

『It would be most satisfactory, if we could trade some sort of product with them』, His Majesty had told me through the MHCD.

The king is currently busy dealing with the demon country as ruler of the Helmut Kingdom, so he doesn’t have a mind for such a trouble-laden island.

When I consulted with Roderich through the MHCD next, he told me that I should unify the island. Still, I should be the lord and Roderich my house manager, so why does it feel like he’s ordering me around…?

I suppose it can’t be helped since the Baumeister Earldom will come to a grinding halt without him. Moreover, he has apparently arranged for adventurer groups to explore the island where Lulu and her people used to live and also prepared personnel to carry out the surveying and construction of the village to be turned into a base for adventurers.

“Having said that, the road ahead will be quite long…if you consider the size of this island…”

Akitsushima​ Takaomi is the last survivor of the family that used to rule over the island in the past. Her name sounds rather manly, but she looks just like a shrine priestess beauty. She’s 17 years old and has quite a nice body, despite being slender. She is the last direct descendant of the founding family and an expert at healing magic. Her territory is small, but she’s being adored by her people as she apparently manages her fief well.

Well, I think it’s only natural for a beautiful girl, who is a good ruler, to be more popular than some old dude who rules with an iron fist. I’d likely support the former, too. If the old dude was a good ruler as well…I guess I’d still go for the beauty…

A beautiful girl ruling with an iron fist, and a middle-aged guy as a good ruler…now that might be a tough call to make…

Jokes aside, in reality I’d choose the middle-aged guy without thinking twice.

Anyway, a person set to become the family head among the named families of this island has been receiving a 『family head name』 for generations. That’s the reason why the family head will be called like a man despite being a woman.

The system here seems to be slightly different from Mizuho.

As such, Akitsushima-san also possesses a proper childhood name. According to her, it’s Ryouko. And this is also the reason why Hosokawa-san has been calling her O-Ryou-sama.

Hosokawa Fujitaka, who’s assisting Akitsushima-san, seems to also possess another real name. Though she didn’t tell us what it was.

The Hosokawa family has been serving the Akitsushima family as Chief Retainer for many generations. Even after both lost their parents and just a single girl became the last direct descendant, both of them eagerly protected their small territory.

『Milord, please confirm the current hierarchical structure on the island』

“Confirm?”

『Indeed. I believe it is necessary to check how we ought to govern Akitsushima Island, assuming you bring all the lords of the island under your banner』

Nothing less of Roderich. He’s brimming with a lot more talent for being a noble than someone like me. If he was the lord who had hired me as his chief magician, I feel like things would work out very smoothly as well.

“I’ll be the leader, right?”

『Of course that is set, but if you come on too strong, the residents of the island might become dissatisfied. After all, they have been basically isolated from the rest of the world for more than 10,000 years』

If their hate of a foreigner, and moreover a youngster, ruling over them were to become the trigger for frequent uprisings and disturbances, we would need to suppress them each and every single time, which would in turn drastically raise the costs for ruling this land. Being tasked with the development of the original Baumeister Earldom, Roderich doesn’t want to invest too much time and effort into this island. This is also the reason why the royal family pushed this island on us.

『The Baumeister Earldom keeps expanding all the time and thus many people in the capital embrace something akin to jealousy. Having this island pushed on us by His Majesty can be seen as an expression of his kindness towards you, Milord』

I guess you could also interpret it like that. In the eyes of those envious folks in the capital, something like some savage southern island must be regarded as a burden.

Given that I serve the Kingdom either way, I have no choice but to subjugate this island as ordered by His Majesty. And that’s where confirming the power structure of the island comes into play…

“Are you telling me to assign someone as governor?”

『That would be the safest approach』

The governor would bear the full brunt, making it easier for the residents of this island to obey as well, I guess. Of course, someone from outside the island won’t work. It must be a local.

My eyes wandered to a certain woman who seemed to be the most suitable as governor of the whole, unified Akitsushima Island at present.

Apparently having listened to Roderich and my conversation, she immediately said, “I can’t do that.”

The one I had chosen as a candidate was Hosokawa Fujitaka. She seemed to be more than fit for this job, even if you take her abilities into account. After all, she was basically governing the Akitsushima fief right now.

“I cannot accept such an important duty while leaving O-Ryou-sama aside.”

The Hosokawa family has served the Akitsushimas for generations and since they’ve been so loyal to the Akitsushima family, even after only one of them was left, she wasn’t willing to toss her mistress aside to serve as governor for the island.

“But, Akitsushima-san is busy, right?”

Usually Akitsushima-san was busy healing the residents with her magic. Many patients even from outside her fief would intrude upon her, resulting in the old royal castle of her family being crowded with lots of people.

Meanwhile Hosokawa-san was running the practical administration of the fief. However, it’s also true that Akitsushima-san possesses a certain extent of influence in this region.

Unfortunately she’s completely unsuited for being a ruler, though.

“Yuki, I’m happy about your loyalty towards my family, but even if I became the governor just because of my bloodline, it’d just throw the island into chaos as I lack the ability to govern it properly. Please accept this duty without acting reserved.”

She hadn’t told us, but it sounds like Hosokawa-san’s real name is Yuki. And given that she’s a cool beauty, I think Yuki is pretty fitting for her as a name. (T/N: Yuki as in snow)

“I am not acting reserved at all. I am more than happy with being your retainer, O-Ryou-sama.”

It looks like Akitsushima-san is trusting Hosokawa-san quite a bit. Akitsushima-san being able to say that she doesn’t need to rule herself, even after the island has become peaceful, makes it clear just how big-hearted and tolerant she is. She probably believes that it wouldn’t lead to any decent outcome, if she took the center stage herself at this point in time.

『How about setting Akitsushima-dono as governor and Hosokawa-dono as vice-governor with the vice-governor handling all the official work?』

“That might work.”

Akitsushima-san has many supporters as a healing magician and she comes from the top named family on this island. With her holding the top position, the number of people opposing the rule will decrease drastically. Ill-minded people might call her a figurehead, though…

“What do you think, Hosokawa-san?”

“O-Ryou-sama is too kind, so she isn’t suited for the work of a ruler. Usually she would treat people at the palace as a healing magician. This is something that has been going on since the past, though.”

Being kind isn’t necessarily a praise for a ruler. Yet, the Akitsushima family being able to survive as tiny lords seems to stem from the family’s hereditary abilities as healing magicians.

“Your abilities as magicians are hereditary? That’s incredible.”

“But, our abilities have been declining with every generation.”

Previously Arnest had told us about the artificial magicians who existed during the era of the Ancient Magic Civilization. The named families of this island are doubtlessly descendants of those artificial magicians. It sounds like their heredity had been continuing for a fairly long time, but the island’s isolation might also be a cause of that. Though, there might be other causes at work here, too.

Either way, their abilities as magicians have been worsening with every generation, even with the island’s isolation.

“So it seems. If you go by our standards, Akitsushima-dono’s mana capacity would be in the middle of the intermediate level,” Burkhart-san analyzed.

Healing magicians are precious, but she’s quite inferior compared to Elise. She might be even worse at healing than me.

“Kanenaka is also in the middle of the intermediate level.”

“It sounds like the outside world is full of amazing magicians.”

Shichijo Kanenaka, who had become my retainer after losing to me, was no more than an intermediate magician. Having this pointed out by Doushi, he was surprised about the abilities of the magicians outside this island.

“Having said that, you still have some parts that can be improved upon.”

Doushi began to stare at Kanenaka like a wolf who had spotted prey. Apparently he was about to train him to kill some time…err, after assessing that he showed promise.

“Umm…Milord?”

He lost to me all too quickly, but Kanenaka is still a powerful man. He also has the eyes to see through the abilities of his opponent. Being targeted by Doushi, an extremely powerful man, he seemed to be afraid. He implored me, his lord, to help him out of this situation.

“Kanenaka.”

“Yes, what might it be?”

“I have received training from Doushi for several years.”

“Me too.”

Hearing Luise confirming next to me, Kanenaka’s facial color grew even worse. He had seen through Luise being quite powerful and now he was scared of being assigned as pupil to Doushi, who was able to train Luise and me into such powerful magicians.

“Luise and I didn’t manage to escape.”

“It’ll definitely be impossible for you.”

“With that said, I hope you’ll be able to become a lot stronger from this.”

“It’s okay. You probably won’t die.”

After Luise and I tapped his shoulder, Kanenaka became ghastly pale in no time.

“This place is Earl Baumeister’s territory! I cannot get involved in its development and Kanenaka, you will not be of much use in that area either! Now then, let us enjoy the training!”

“Milooooord!”

Kanenaka was taken away by Doushi. His voice gradually became quieter as he was being dragged away, but this is also for the sake of him becoming stronger. Luise and I saw him off with smiles after hardening our hearts. After all, Luise and I would be safe while Doushi was focusing on him.

“Sensei, is it okay for us to stay here?”

“Now listen, Agnes.”

“Okay.”

“People are cut out for some things, but not all. This adds to your individuality, so it’s not like it’s bad for you to not be suited for everything. Let’s leave hand-to-hand combat that uses mana to Luise and them.”

I believe that Kanenaka will achieve great results for us as vanguard in the upcoming battles for unification. Or rather, my retainers are busy with the work and development of my original fief. As such, we must recruit as many people on-site as possible.

“Kanenaka-dono has always been like this, so he isn’t suited to ruling territory at all.”

“So who’s actually ruling the Shichijo fief then, Hosokawa-san?”

“The village chiefs, who belong to branch families of the Shichijos, are very good at their jobs. Kanenaka-dono, on the other hand, is the strongest magic fighter in the neighborhood. As long as he shows up during skirmishes, the village chiefs can almost always conclude peace treaties under favorable terms.”

 

 

 

 

Shichijo Kanenaka. A strong, capable fighter who was adored by his people. Unfortunately he’s quite the muscle-head, though.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

 

“Lulu, you do it like this.”

“Okay.”

“Agnes, please spread out the stone paving on the widened path.”

“Okay.”

“Betty, you will quickly reclaim new land in the wilderness.”

“Please leave it to me.”

“Cindy, what about you?”

“The digging of irrigation channels is proceeding nicely.”

 

I decided to unify Akitsushima​ Island, but before I could do that, it was necessary for me to be recognized by the residents, given that I was no more than an outsider. For this reason, it was important to give them something first rather than collecting taxes.

With that said, I started with a measuring of the fief and charity to make loyalty bud among the people. It was almost like a Warring States simulation game.

Although I call it charity, it’s not like I’m freely throwing around money and food.

Given that we became able to procure plenty of underground water after breaking the basalt that covered the bottom of the reservoir, we expanded the irrigation channels, reclaimed land that had been left untouched so far because of water shortage, and repaired the roads.

Since ancient times, public works has been an effective method to gain the support of the locals.

“Now that the Akitsushima and Shichijo fiefs have basically merged, the land has almost doubled in size and the total population has grown to 1257 people.”

Once I’ve unified the island, the Akitsushima family will formally rule the unified island as governor. The Baumeister House will naturally stand above them.

“Hosokawa-san.”

“Milord, please call me Yuki.”

At first she didn’t want to tell us her real name, but once we started our large-scale development in the fief, she became quite amiable towards us.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, please do so by all means. I have been entrusted with the governing of the Akitsushima fief by O-Ryou-sama, but in the end I couldn’t offer days of peace to O-Ryou-sama…”

At the time when Akitsushima-san and Hosokawa-san inherited their family’s headship, the Akitsushima fief had already been in a terrible decline. Thanks to Akitsushima-san’s healing magic and Hosokawa-san’s administrative abilities, they were somehow able to maintain a state allowing them to resist the Shichijo family.

“If Kanenaka-dono had exhibited his power at the vanguard during that dispute, we would have no other choice but to accept an unfavorable peace treaty.”

Hosokawa-san seemed to excel in martial arts, but she couldn’t best Kanenaka as a magician. And with Akitsushima-san, who possesses the same amount of mana as him, being a healing magician, they might not have had much of a chance indeed.

“Milord overwhelmed such a man with ease, so you have my deepest gratitude.”

It doesn’t feel bad to receive thanks from a cool beauty.

“Ouch!”

“Milord, is something the matter?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

Luise had pinched my butt while standing next to me. Maybe she thought I was ogling Hosokawa-san?

“Wend, it’s wonderful that you’re adored by a cute girl, right? You’re really incredible to grow the number of your women when just going out to explore.”

Even if you tell me all that…

Luise approves of Agnes and her two friends, so she didn’t say anything about them accompanying me on the exploration. But, right now there’s Lulu, who stays by my side while I teach her magic, the pretty shrine maiden Akitsushima-san, and Yuki. Lulu might not count since she’s quite young, but Luise might think that I have a thing for the other two.

Well, to be honest, I don’t want to increase the number of my wives any further…

“Umm… By the way, how big is the Akitsushima territory anyway?”

“This is the map.”

Either way, I have to change the topic…

I questioned Yuki about the power distribution on this island.

“It’s small…”

We had visited the island coming from the north, meaning the Akitsushima and Shichijo fiefs are situated at the northernmost tip of the island. From now on we’ll just need to pay attention to the hostile forces in the south, so you might call our current location on the map an advantage.

“This island has a population of around 400,000 people.”

1257 of 400,000. So we’re governing over barely more than 0.3%. Then again, it’s not a number where you could proudly declare you’re governing them…

“It’s great that our numbers have grown by not only Kanenaka, but also the residents of the old Shichijo fief, joining us.”

Thanks to that, we had no casualties. Because it’d have created a breeding ground for future troubles, if people had died during a potential conflict, it’s good that things ended without it.

“I think it stems from you having overwhelmed Kanenaka-dono, Milord. It was another plus that you immediately started the development, too.”

The old Shichijo fief was merged into the Akitsushima fief. Kanenaka became a retainer of the Akitsushima family, but he had outsourced the government of his territory to his village chiefs anyway, so there wasn’t that much of a change to the overall situation. Moreover, Kanenaka was happy that he’d be able to devote himself to military service from now on.

He is completely unsuited for governmental work, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

“With this we have laid the groundworks for further food production, even if the population grows.”

The people of this island seemed to be living on top of a cluster of basalt. Because of that, they were usually lacking water in all areas besides the central parts around the large lake. This also means there’s a limit to agricultural production.

Since there’s a plethora of underground water for some reason, superb magicians had broken the bedrock apart to dig wells in the past. But, nowadays the island’s magicians aren’t capable of such a feat. After all, you won’t reach the underground water veins without breaking the tough basalt rock apart, and a huge amount of mana is needed to achieve that.

At some places the wells and ponds dried out over many years, making everyone feel the threat of water shortage. For this reason, reservoirs and tanks for catching rainwater have been installed for each house inside a fief.

“It looks like we will be able to increase the paddy fields as well.”

“Would it be better for rice to be available, Yuki?”

“Yes! We have liked rice since the old days!”

Yuki answered with a very cheerful voice. However, if you consider the island’s present situation, they won’t be able to produce that much rice. Their staple food mostly consists of assorted grains, barley, and potatoes that are close to the pure breed of sweet potatoes. Rice seems to be a high-class item you don’t really get to eat often on this island.

“I hear our ancestors have eaten rice with every meal in ancient times. That is hard to believe on this island these days…”

“There’s a lake in the center of the island, no?”

“Yes. It is called Lake Biwa, but the Miyoshi family monopolizes the water transportation along the various rivers coming from Lake Biwa, the abundant fishing resources, and the water supply. They are the biggest lord on this island.”

Moreover, it seems like the head of the Miyoshi family has been called Miyoshi Nagayoshi for many generations. Nagayoshi has many family members and retainers, and seems to be referred to as the actual ruler of this island.

Including the lake’s name, I could only smile wryly inside my mind. ¹

“The Mizuho folks are eating rice every day. I also eat it once or twice a day.”

“Wow! Our comrades, who escaped to the north, are living the high life!”

“It sounds like they had their own share of hardships.”

Mizuho kept its independence by suffering great losses in wars with the Empire. It seems like the Empire’s losses were a lot worse, though.

“The winters are cold because they’re in the north. This place is nice as it doesn’t get cold.”

Even the winters are warm in the south. Rather, the number of hot days is quite big. Because the island has many places with high elevations, some areas are chilly during the morning and evening, so the island feels somewhat disconnected from enjoying everlasting summer.

“As long as there’s water, rice planting should be possible twice a year, if you do it skilfully, I think? I’ll ask Agnes’s group to handle the expansion of the farmland and paddy fields. Once we carry out soil improvement through magic, I think it’ll be possible to harvest a reasonable amount of rice starting with the first year.”

I’ll rule the land I seized while developing it. It’ll also be necessary to slowly grow the Baumeister Earldom where the Akitsushima family will serve as governor. However, I cannot call over too many people as helpers. Otherwise it’d be quite possible for hostile forces to tout that the Akitsushimas sold the island to another nation.

Accordingly I decided to call a small number of helpers who would also become our combat force here.

 

＊

 

“So, what is our task here?”

“Haruka and I will act as Wend’s guard, I suppose.”

Ina, Erw, and Haruka are plenty strong individually, so they’ll act as my guards.

“Our comrades who separated from us in ancient times, huh? It was recorded in old history books, but for them to have actually existed…”

Haruka especially surprised by the existence of Akitsushima-san, Yuki, and Kanenaka.

“It looks like the Mizuho clan has developed quite a bit. I feel that my Akitsushima family is disappointing and shameful in comparison.”

The Mizuho and Akitsushima families used to be named clans who had competed for the number one and two spots in the distant past. One of them now possesses a unique power that doesn’t lose out to other nations while the Akitsushimas lost most of their power. Akitsushima-san became all gloomy, probably thinking that she wouldn’t be able to face her ancestors like this.

“It is not your fault, O-Ryou-sama! The Akitsushima family has been a priest family to begin with. The family has never been suited for politics, so it cannot be helped!”

According to Yuki, there haven’t been overly many excellent politicians born into the Akitsushima family. For generations the family head and family members have been able to use healing magic, which they used for their people, earning them the adoration of the fief’s population.

The actual politics have apparently been assigned to several named clans besides the Hosokawas. From the start, the Akitsushima family was the ruling family despite not governing the land at all.

After Yuki explained all that, I commented, “In that case, we just need to properly install the Akitsushima family on top. The Miyoshi family, was it?”

“The Akitsushima family head from five generations ago was famous for his cruel personality. He cut down residents in the name of practicing his healing magic and if they ended up dying, he waved it off by saying, 『I ended up slaying him by accident. I won’t cut as deeply for the next one』, I hear.”

The Miyoshi family head from four generations ago was killed for being rude because he had remonstrated the Lord of Akitsushima back then. The Miyoshi family became enraged at this, and gradually took the territory and rights from the Akitsushima family, leading us to the current state of things.

“So you were haunted by your ancestor’s wrongdoings, huh? That’s not your crime. Rather, you’re loved by the people for your healing magic, Akitsushima-san.”

Miyoshi Nagayoshi seems to be an excellent man, but he’s already quite old. In such a case, it’s no wonder that a pretty shrine priestess is a lot more popular than him.

Having said that, right now the Akitsushima family only possesses a small territory in the north. Opposing the Miyoshi family in the center will be difficult. And because of their grudge towards her ancestor, the Miyoshis won’t easily do as told either.

“This is roughly the current situation, so for now it’s necessary to develop the seized land and store strength.”

From the start, only a few lords of this island can prepare a big standing army. I think it’d be best if we finish the development, increase the harvest, and store food in preparation for the next battle while we still can.

I hear the nearby lords are tiny and cannot prepare military forces unless they conscript their farmers. Probably because they’re adjoining the Akitsushima fief.

Even if the other side becomes impatient and attacks, Burkhart-san, Doushi, Luise, Ina, Erw, Haruka, Elise, and I are here, so I think we’ll have more than enough firepower.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

 

 

“You are still not there!”

“I won’t lose───!”

“That is the right spirit to have!”

Kanenaka was a good lord, but unfortunately not overly smart (according to his population). Right now he was receiving special training from Doushi. An increase in his mana was off the table, but he had the reputation of being a brave general who ranked in the top three in the north of this island.

He had basically become a free full-time soldier who could be hired for money. And as might be expected, I doubt any lord would be too stupid to attack him.

“Still, Elise-sama, you’re incredible. You exceed me as a healing magician by leaps and bounds, don’t you?”

Akitsushima-san honestly admired Elise for her overwhelmingly better healing skills.

“It’s always good for the number of those who get saved to increase.”

Akitsushima-san was a really good girl. She rejoiced over the increase of healed patients from the bottom of her heart without being jealous of Elise. Unfortunately, it was pretty clear that she was unsuited to govern over land.

“Now I understand why you have been supporting Akitsushima-san, Yuki.”

“O-Ryou-sama is a wonderful person. But, that kindness of hers occasionally backfires too.”

Yuki likely resolved herself to play the villain for the sake of protecting Akitsushima-san.

“I believe that you’re kind yourself as well, Yuki. If you wanted, you could have made a career at the Miyoshi family, right?”

“I couldn’t imagine myself working at the Miyoshi family, so it’d likely inhibit my inventiveness. And because of that, my career at the Miyoshi family would be difficult. I’m satisfied with being Chief Retainer of the Akitsushima family,” she said while looking bashful.

However, I think Yuki really likes Akitsushima-san.

“Things were quite hard up until yesterday, but thanks to Milord, we have gained some breathing room. Thank you very much.”

“Hoh, so you call Hosokawa-san by her given name, Wend?”

“W-We’re c-comrades in a-arms after all…we fought against Kanenaka together, yep.”

I simply defeated Kanenaka on my own accord, but let’s use this as a smokescreen. Isn’t it a common occurrence in tales for friends, who threaded through life and death on the battlefield together, to call each other by name?

“That was just me quickly getting defeated by you, Milord…”

“Ah───! It was really difficult in various ways! Right, Yuki?”

“That’s right. Kanenaka-dono is famous in the north for being a brave general.”

Yuki quickly grasped the situation and assisted me. Nothing less of an outstanding talent who would be entrusted with actually running the government of this island.

“I see. I thought the number of your wives would grow once again.”

“That’s…right, Yuki?”

“It’s an unlikely story for the likes of me (If I have the chance…rather, since I’ll have many chances, can I pin my hopes on that?)”

“Hosokawa-san?”

“No, it’s nothing!”

I wonder what Yuki was mumbling there under her breath?

 

＊

 

“Sensei, today we also progressed 10% more than planned.”

Agnes, Betty, and Cindy continued the creation of irrigation channels and road maintenance, which also served as special magic training for them. I had taken Lulu along, doing my best while at the same time teaching her magic.

“What about Betty and Cindy?”

“Cindy went to widen the irrigation channels. Betty is digging wells with Luise-san.”

When it comes to digging irrigation channels, it’s enough to regularly remove the soil and rocks above the basalt layer. Thus, it’s not all that difficult for a magician to handle it.

However, in the case of wells, it’s necessary to smash the basalt layer. Doushi, who’s capable of that, is busy with training Kanenaka and I’m also busy with various things as lord. Accordingly, Luise has instructed Agnes’s group on how to break the basalt layer.

Given that those three are magicians at the advanced level, they’re capable of breaking the basalt, even if it might take them a few days. And because it uses up a big amount of mana all at once, it also serves as training to increase their mana.

“We ended up meddling in something troublesome, but since the negotiations between the Kingdom and demons have been at a standstill…”

Burkhart-san, who has been participating because of his inseparable relationship with us, looked appalled over the situation of the negotiations not moving an inch. If the negotiations had actually progressed, I might have been needed over there, which would have likewise meant that we wouldn’t need to only concern ourselves with Akitsushima Island.

But, there was absolutely no news from that front.

Both sides have people and groups who will take losses if free trade between both nations starts, leading to them blocking the negotiations in any way they can. Because the Kingdom’s side is openly pressured by the magic tool guild, it must be quite tough on Minister Überschaar.

I think I’ll be able to devote myself to this issue over here for a good while longer.

“Burkhart-san, have you been told anything by Margrave Breithilde?”

“I’ve been in charge of staying with you to begin with. If the Baumeister Earldom expands, so will the business through trade. And if the Kingdom starts to explore even further south, they might discover new islands and continents, so this place here is already a new frontier. Lending a hand and thus getting the other side indebted isn’t a bad move, is it?”

Just as Burkhart-san says, the south might still be full of dreams. The same dreams also exist in the east while the west depends on the negotiations with the demons. Only the north remains out of reach for the Kingdom since the Holy Empire of Urquhart lies in-between. The Kingdom’s government and Margrave Breithilde are likely scheming to call dibs on any undiscovered land while considering the future.

“There won’t be any meaning in opening a route for the sake of immigration to the south, if the Baumeister Earldom isn’t stable.”

This meant Burkhart-san would also help as Akitsushima Island had to be stable and peaceful as a relief base for the sake of exploring and developing the south.

“Well, that’s far ahead in the future, though…”

True. Right now the Earl Baumeister House rules over slightly more than 2% of the entire island. Unfortunately, the Akitsushima family, which ought to be the highest-ranking family on this island, possesses the smallest territory. The Shichijo fief is pretty much the same in regards to size, so it’s necessary to expand our influence at the early stage.

“We will proceed with the development.”

“We’re basically outsiders here. So it’s indispensable for us to provide obvious candies in order to gain support,” Burkhart-san, who had become my strategist at some point, muttered while looking at the map of this island.

“Hosokawa-san mentioned that this island is split up in around fifty different powers, but in reality it’s a lot more.”

“Yes. Smaller lords will follow different bigger lords, depending on the circumstances…”

They become vassals of powerful lords after being overwhelmed, but once the power of their liege wanes, they’ll rely on another powerful lord.

Because it’s an era of wars, there are battles, but they seem to have a rule to not corner an enemy too much.

“Kanenaka tried to break that rule and lost, huh?”

“It doesn’t seem like he considered it that far.”

He had apparently gathered his troops with the idea of being allowed to use the water in the old imperial palace, if he threatened the Akitsushima family. And as a matter of fact, his plan was quite likely to work out, if not for our intervention thwarting it.

I suppose he simply didn’t have any luck as a lord.

“Now he has become a military officer and looks happy instead. It seems like he’s the same type of person as Doushi.”

I hear Kanenaka was truly bad at governing the villages and collecting taxes. Right now, Yuki is handling all of that. Because of that, her workload has doubled, but she doesn’t seem to be overly troubled by this since she’s quite excellent at her job.

The village chiefs of the former Shichijo fief unanimously said, 『Kanenaka-sama is a kind man, but this sort of work is a bit…』, and welcomed Yuki. Moreover, Kanenaka looked somewhat devastated after being treated like a dumb meathead by the village chiefs.

“As for the structuring: This area belongs to the Baumeister Earldom with the Akitsushima family as governors and the Hosokawa family as vice-governors who will be in charge of the administration.”

Akitsushima-san comes from the family with the most prominent name on the island, so she will reign over the island, but being idolized while healing the residents without governing will be her job.

“So, that means Kanenaka, who’s being re-trained by Doushi right now, will be a military officer.”

If he leads a charge, most normal soldiers would tremble in their boots. Assuming that the intermediate magician Kanenaka can be counted as one of the most skilled magicians on this island, the possibility for an advanced magician to be around is fairly low. And in such a case, the number of people capable of defeating is low as well.

“We will start working on the south at once.”

“You think they’ll listen to what we tell them?”

Burkhart-san, Yuki, Ina, and Agnes looked at the map together with me. It was a fairly detailed map that even showed the area of influence for each lord. It was evidence of Yuki’s capability as the one who had investigated all of this.

“I listened to the merchants visiting this fief and the patients who were treated by O-Ryou-sama. The Akitsushima family possessed a map anyway because they originally ruled this island. Given that the smaller lords quickly change their allegiance, you need to keep in mind that this might be somewhat outdated.”

“I guess we have to start with the unification of the island’s northern part…”

“Even if we do that, it’ll lead to a conflict with the Miyoshi family in the center.”

“If it’s going to turn into a conflict anyway, we must gain control over as many fiefs as possible before it happens.”

Besides, even Miyoshi Nagayoshi has only full control over the central area and its surrounding fiefs. Several influential lords exist in the north, east, west, and south. The smaller lords under them have been switching their allegiance depending on the situation.

“(It’s like the Warring States simulation game I played during my childhood…) Yuki, which families are strong in the north?”

“The highest family of rank would be the Date family. They are one of the named families with distant ties to the Akitsushima family. Their territory is big and many smaller lords follow them. Next would be the Mojomi family. The Nanbu family, which is almost our neighbor, can’t be underestimated either.”

All of these families had well-known names from a certain Warring States simulation game or historical dramas. Of course, just their official names were the same. Their real given names weren’t publicly known.

…Did they actually reincarnate into this world or something?

I’ve become slightly worried about this.

“Are the family heads women like you and Akitsushima-san?”

“No, most of the family heads are men. We’re ultimately exceptions.”

If all of the family heads had been women, I’d have started to suspect that a god did something while referencing Japanese novels. As for Yuki and Akitsushima-san, it seemed they had only female, direct descendants.

“For this reason, I must give birth to the heir of the Hosokawa family.”

“I see…”

Yuki, could you please stop looking at me with such expectant eyes?

“It sure is nice to be so popular, Wend.”

Ina-san, that smile is terribly scary.

“Anyway! First comes rice planting. Once we finish sowing seeds, we’ll depart to the front!”

Our Baumeister family will start moving towards unifying the north first.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“200 in total, huh…? Wait, is that okay? Nanbu is quite a big lord, no?”

“Burkhart-dono, we finished the rice planting and seed sowing, but we’re busy with farmwork, so this is the limit. The other side is in the same situation, so it won’t change the relative ratio of both sides’ troop strength.”

 

The Baumeister House, which had annexed the Akitsushima and Shichijo fiefs, set out to suppress Akitsushima island’s northern areas as its first objective. Given that we didn’t know how the negotiations between the Kingdom and the demons were proceeding, it’d be best to hurry as much as possible.

We fielded our full party, including my wives. I was slightly worried about my babies, but I choked back my tears and left it to Amalie-san and our maids. Moreover, we planned to head back with Teleport once every few days to look at their faces. However, this schedule was based on everything going as planned.

In the past, the nobles and daimyo on Earth apparently also couldn’t meet their children much when busy, which only means that being someone with political power can be quite tough.

“Dear, let us proceed with the subjugation without hurrying.”

“You’re right.”

Being admonished by Elise, who had gotten completely used to her role as campaign priest, to not rush things, I calmed down a bit.

“Oh my, you two are definitely a great married couple.”

“Yes. We’ve been together for a long time after all.”

Next to me was Akitsushima-san who was supposed to become the governor on paper. Compared to Elise, her abilities as healer were inferior, but she was a descendant of the most prestigious named family on the island. So far she has been working hard at treating patients, who would even come to her from outside her fief. This earned her quite a reputation in the northern part of the island.

All of this meant she’d be suitable as a poster girl for this expedition.

She herself was a very kind person, too. And right now she was talking with Elise. Both appeared to share a good relationship, but something about this bothered me somehow…

“You will certainly find a nice husband for yourself soon as well, Akitsushima-san.”

“You think so? But, he might already be unexpectedly close.”

“He might be far away just as well.”

“Elise and Akitsushima-san seemed to be having a heartwarming conversation at a glance, but as I thought, something felt off about it.

“Elise-sama, I have become your retainer. Please call me Ryouko. Wendelin-sama, you too.”

Akitsushima-san told us to call her by her given name.

“Wendelin-sama, it’s strange to address your retainers too formally.”

Ryouko has a valid point with this. Though I feel like Elise isn’t overly happy about this…

Her way of addressing me has suddenly changed into Wendelin-sama, but I don’t really feel uncomfortable with it. As I thought, seeing a shrine priestess outfit for the first time in a while has a great, positive effect on me.

Did she tell me to call her by her given name because she had already asked Elise to do the same beforehand? Since it’d be weird if I called her Akitsushima-san while my wife called her Ryouko, there is no problem with that logic. Or is Ryouko actually pretty cunning?

“I shall work my hardest under you, Wendelin-sama, for the sake of peace on this island. Unfortunately, it will be limited to being a figurehead governor and healing magician, but…”

Ryouko seemed dejected since she knew her own lacking qualities as a ruler, but even then she comes from the family with the highest status on the island. Her lineage will be extremely useful in bringing this island together.

If the rebellious elements diminish thanks to her presence, this will already count as a huge boon.

If possible, the Akitsushima family will serve as governors of this island for many generations to come. In order for many people to approve of this, the Akitsushima family will need to have marital bonds with the Earl Baumeister House…huh?

Once I looked at Ryouko, she flashed a very lovely smile back at me. Elise’s smile, on the other hand, was somehow scary…

Let’s not think deeper about this. Right now, the subjugation of the northern region comes first.

“Dear, please excuse me for a moment.”

We had stopped to take a break during our march, but usually Elise wouldn’t leave my side. Yet, this time she left her seat.

However, she came back ten minutes later. Just, she wasn’t wearing her usual outfit currently, but a shrine priestess outfit like Ryouko.

“It suits you, Elise.”

“Thank you.”

Being praised by me, Elise smiled all over her face. Blond hair plus shrine priestess outfit is quite a nice combination in itself.

“But, why did you put this on?”

“It’s the same as Ryouko-san. It seems to be a custom for female healers to wear such an outfit on this island, so I adapted to their custom.”

There are few healers on this island, and even less of them are female. Because Ryouko wears that outfit, Elise seems to believe that all female healing magicians wear those clothes.

“Is that so, Ryouko?”

“In my case, the Akitsushima family has its roots in being priests, so…”

This island has a religion similar to Shinto and it looks like the Akitsushima family has produced generations of priests for that religion. Their power gradually waned, but the family has produced many superb healing magicians. It also means the family has ruled over the island by using religious rather than secular authority.

“Given the danger of her being used by branch families and the priests of the branch families, I secured territory in the north.”

So they planned to take over the main family by capturing Ryouko, the sole living person of the main family?

Still, Yuki is loyal down to her very core.

“The place where O-Ryou-sama usually stays is called Old Imperial Palace. It is a display of the main family’s strength.”

That Old Imperial Palace has a rather imposing name, but it’s nothing more than a big mansion. Nearby exists a place where underground water gushes out copiously. That’s the place Kanenaka was targeting to alleviate the water shortage in his own fief.

“As objective of the first stage, we will secure 『Castle Yonezawa』, the headquarters of the Date family, turn that place into our own base, and grasp the north from there.”

Yonezawa…I feel like that place definitely used to be the stronghold of the Date family…my father watched it in a TV drama a long time ago. I didn’t expect even the name of the stronghold to be the same.

“That’s fine and all. But, doesn’t Nanbu come first?”

Erw seems more worried about the Nanbu family which will be our first opponent.

“Yuki-san, how many forces does the Nanbu family possess?”

Haruka seemed to agree with Erw’s worry.

“Let me think……I think the Nanbu family can mobilize around a thousand people, but unlike us, they haven’t finished their farm work yet. Hence, it would be a big deal if they actually manage to muster half of that.”

“But, their lord’s castle would be in danger, no?”

“You must understand one thing, Haruka-san. The Nanbu family is powerful and influential, but because most of their territory consists of an assembly of smaller lords, the main family itself isn’t overly big. If they try to mobilize the peasants during the busy farming season, the smaller lords will likely disregard their order. And if they insist on it, they would simply switch sides to another big noble.”

“…That sounds tough…”

The Mizuho family’s authority in the Mizuho Dukedom is very strong and because of that, Haruka seems to find it hard to believe the current state on this island.

If a big noble raises his army, the neighboring small lords will obey the call for mobilization. But, contrary to the expectation that this would allow the big noble to increase their power, the power balance will be changed if a hostile lord raises his army with smaller lords obeying him next.

This back and forth has been repeating itself all the time, so it’s only natural that the wars never end on this island, I suppose.

I feel like I’d opt for eradicating the smaller lord who don’t obey, but that seems to be a taboo. Occasionally a lord will have his land stolen from him, but this ends with them being exiled from the family. The family of the former lord, which managed to get away, will be taken care of by the previously enemy lord or serve the Miyoshi family in the center.

Although wars keep occurring all the time, it’s not like they’re excessively bloody, but if it’s like this, unifying the island will be quite difficult.

“At this point, the existence of our lord with his huge amount of mana will come in handy.”

Doushi, Burkhart-san, Elise, Luise, Katharina, Therese, Lisa, Agnes, Cindy, Betty, and I; with this many high-ranking magicians present, it’s no exaggeration to say that we have a ridiculous amount of firepower at hand. Ina, Wilma, and Katia also possess mana at the level of intermediate magicians and each of them is strong enough to stand at the top of this island. Erw and Haruka possess orichalcum katana, which makes it impossible for any of the swords forged on this island to stand a chance.

According to Yuki, you cannot mine orichalcum on this island. Katana and spears made out of iron are the maximum. But of course, iron weapons don’t measure up in any way to orichalcum weapons.

“But, I think it’s better for the combat power to be overwhelming.”

We have no choice but to threaten them with tremendous power to subjugate them with as few casualties as possible. It will likely require some time to stabilize the rule. Yet, His Majesty understands well. After all, he pushed this troublesome island on me.

“Wend, I think this will be easier than the Empire’s civil war.”

“True. This island likely has no legacies of the Ancient Magic Civilization.”

Encouraged by Luise and Ina, I had our little army resume its march.

 

＊

 

“Pfft, Wend-sama.”

Because Wilma suddenly tapped my arm, I turned around. She was next to Elise and following those two were three women who had all put on shrine priestess outfits.

Katharina, Lisa, and Betty.

“…Why?”

“It’s for the sake of distinguishing the people capable of using healing magic among the troops.”

Because Elise, the best healer among us, had changed into a shrine priestess outfit, all the women capable of healing magic in my party followed her example.

Katharina can handle slightly injured people with her water-based healing magic. Lisa can, as befitting for her name as Blizzard, also use water-based healing magic. However, it seems like she can only handle small injuries like Katharina.

Betty is the only one among my three pupils who can use water-based healing magic. And just like the other two, she can also handle nothing but smaller injuries.

“Wend-sama, Katharina looks weird.”

“Yeeeeah.”

There existed a simple reason for the shrine priestess outfit not fitting Katharina. Her Western-styled ringlet curls were a complete mismatch with the Japanese shrine priestess garb. Lisa and Betty didn’t have that problem. They looked good in that outfit, although not as good as Ryouko.

“I would like to put my former dress back on.”

“We are in the middle of a campaign, so I would prefer you endure it for now.”

“No helping it, I suppose.”

Katharina is a surprisingly diligent person, so she couldn’t talk back when Yuki told her that it was related to military regulation.

For the soldiers it was a relief since they knew who would be able to heal them and because we had many healers, the morale in our army remained high.

“Lisa-san, it’s great that it suits you so well.”

Because Lisa without her make-up was a calm person, the shrine priestess outfit looked good on her. Betty was still a minor, so it made her look very cute.

“Even if we get injured, everything will be fine.”

“No doubt.”

“Yep, yep.”

The soldiers rejoiced over the big number of healers.

 

 

“There are many lords who cannot field any healing magicians. It makes our army rather extravagant.”

The Akitsushima family is a family of healers to begin with, so they can be labeled as exceptions. Most of the lords have around two or three magicians in their family, if they’re lucky. And when it comes to those magicians being healers, they can count themselves blessed, if there’s one in several generations.

“What about the Nanbu family which we will confront first?”

“They have some magicians among their family members and their allied lords, so I’d say they amount to around ten in total. But, all of them are at the elementary level. It’d be already asking much for them to have even one healing magician.”

“Is that how it works…?”

Recently the named families have been troubled since magicians have become much rarer. Because of that, a magician’s child is often being set as heir of the family without any questions asked as soon as it’s born.

“Even if they marry within the family, since it’s easier for magicians to appear when the blood connection is strong, the marriage often doesn’t produce any children, and even if children are born, their bodies are weak and they die quickly.”

They have lived on this island for more than 10,000 years, so they have likely reached their genetic limit. However, exactly because they have lived on an isolated island, the talent to become a magician has actually become hereditary.

Still, it sounds like the genetic situation has deteriorated a lot, just like it happened among the old named clans on Earth.

“For that reason, I will highly welcome an excellent magician from the outside world becoming part of my family.”

“That’s right. Even I, the head of the Akitsushima family which was extolled for possessing the biggest amount of mana in the past, only possess such a meager amount of mana…”

After listening to Yuki, Ryouko explained the drastic decrease in mana capacity among the family heads of the Akitsushimas across the last few generations.

“But, if the child between Wendelin-sama and I becomes the head of the Akitsushima family it will stabilize things.”

“””””””””…”””””””””

Time stopped for an instant due to Ryouko’s remark.

“Oh my? Is there anything wrong with what I said? Even if the governor position of the Akitsushima family will be nominal at the most, wouldn’t generations of outstanding healing magicians among the Akitsushima family heads serve as great, unifying force?”

Ryouko’s point was valid. And because of that, I found it so hard to answer her. I was also scared to check the faces of my wives.

“It would be better if the Hosokawa family also become a part of your family Milord. After all, O-Ryou-sama and I are the sole members of our respective families…”

Moreover, Yuki also dropped a bomb.

“Umm…we can decide such things afterwards…”

“We spotted an enemy army in front of us!”

The enemy showed up in front of us with perfect timing. As we had continued to march in a way that we’d be spotted by the Nanbu family, this much was actually within expectation. For me it was a great chance to postpone the talk about a possible increase of my wives, so I mentally thanked the Nanbu army.

 

＊

 

“All hands, get ready to strike back!”

Kanenaka, who consolidated our vanguard and the troops of our allies, faced the enemy army while swiftly fixing the ranks.

“How many of them are there?”

“Hmm, I would say around 600 in total!”

Burkhart-san and Doushi observed the Nanbu army as if they were out on a walk in the park.

“They’re not coming at us, huh?”

“It is a custom among us to first have a dialog between the commanders of the opposing armies.”

Wars with surprise attacks to exploit the openings seemed to be rather rare. Both sides would deploy their troops, the commanders would state their respective demands, and then the battle would start.

A man, who seemed to be in his thirties, appeared from within the enemy army while riding on his horse our way, accompanied by several riders.

“I am the head of the Nanbu family, Nanbu Harumasa! Lord of the Akitsushima family! Why did you raise your soldiers?”

I’m not very good at history, so I don’t know whether his name played a role in the Warring states era of Japan. The lords accompanying him seem to be smaller lords under his banner. I could tell that all of them are magicians.

“Burkhart-san, there are no strong fighters among these guys, are there?”

“You’re right. That Nanbu guy is about to hit intermediate level in a bit, I’d say.”

The Nanbus seem to be a named family, but they couldn’t escape the fate of their family heads’ mana decreasing over the generations. The other, smaller lords are all elementary magicians. That’s the reason why the intermediate magician Kanenaka is regarded as the strongest fighter in the north among the smaller lords.

“Hosokawa Fujitaka! I demand an explanation!”

The Hosokawas look after the practical business for the Akitsushima family. This reality seems to be widely known, now leading to Harumasa questioning Yuki.

“It is as you can see. Earl Baumeister-sama, a foreign magician with a huge amount of mana, has decided to subjugate this island and appointed my lord, Akitsushima Takaomi-sama, as governor of the whole island. It would be in your best interest to surrender and obey our rule. If you resist, you will be simply turned into cinders by the magic of Earl Baumeister and his retainers. Of course you are free to believe me or not.”

“Are you half-asleep, little lass!?”

That was quite a haughty statement, but provoking Harumasa by saying this has been part of our plan from the start.

“That youngster over there is Earl Baumeister or whatever? Are you telling me he is such an amazing magician?”

“Yeaaah, you heard him, Burkhart-san.”

“The deterioration of quality among the magicians on this island seems really bad.”

After all, they cannot even see through the capacity of other magicians. Kanenaka wanted to fight even while trembling in fear as he had realized our might. Meanwhile Harumasa and his retinue appeared to be completely oblivious of our mana.

Burkhart-san is definitely right. The magicians on this island have become quite bad.

“Want to test it?”

“Test what?”

“We will have a duel and the winner takes it all.”

“The winner takes it all, you say?”

“Yes. If you win, the Akitsushima and Shichijo fiefs will become part of the Nanbu family’s territory. If you lose, we will take control over the Nanbu territory. Easy to understand, isn’t it?”

“Isn’t it quite possible that you will deny that condition after you lose?”

“That won’t be possible.”

“Hoh. Why do you say so?”

“Because I will win anyway. Rather, the danger of you backpedaling on the condition is much higher.”

“How dare you! All soldiers present here will be witnesses! Come at me, Earl Baumeister or whatever!”

He went along with my provocation much easier than I anticipated. All that’s left now is for me to defeat Harumasa.

Having said so, he’s just an elementary magician. It’s not like he’s an outstanding technician like my Master either.

As proof of that, I could easily block all his spells by putting up a simple Magic Barrier. Harumasa tried to take me down by repeatedly launching fireballs at me, but all of them were repelled with no effort on my side.

“Those don’t work at all, do they?”

“Don’t take me lightly!”

Harumasa created a much bigger fireball and launched it at me, but in the end this one didn’t work against my Magic Barrier either.

Moreover, he’s at an elementary level, so he’s quickly run out of mana.

“Are you going to surrender?”

“Didn’t you just block my attacks!?”

“In other words, you want to get hit by my attack?”

“It seems like you specialize in defense, but I wonder how well you can attack?”

“Alright, then have a taste of it.”

I created a fireball with a diameter of three meters and let it float above Harumasa’s head. Seeing that, Harumasa became unable to move while at a loss of words.

“Let me just ask you in case, but is it fine for me to drop this on you? I suspect that nothing will be left of you, but maybe you think otherwise?”

“……”

Harumasa’s face had continued to gradually turn pale.

“Retainers of the Nanbu family and all of you allied lords, if you wish to pursue the beauty of annihilation alongside Nanbu Harumasa-dono, I don’t intend to stop you. But, are you really sure?”

“Our Tsugaru family surrenders!”

“The Kunohe family surrenders, too!”

“The Kitaya​s also surrender!”

“Our Hachinohe family, too!”

Everyone except for Harumasa surrendered before he could. And being the last one left, Harumasa finally decided as well.

“The Nanbu family also surrenders…”

“That’s great to hear. Okay, this fireball is a nuisance then, I suppose.”

I tossed my fireball towards a rocky mountain in the distance as if throwing away unnecessary trash, resulting in that mountain melting into liquid goo. Witnessing that, Harumasa and the rest of his army dropped on their butts out of shock and fear.

“Thou are vicious, Wendelin.”

“It’s better than killing them. We also have the matter with the demons on our hands, so I want to unify this island as quickly as possible and then go with a method to increase the ruling power gradually during the following phase.”

“Well, that’s all fine. It’s an island with rather peculiar circumstances anyway. The Kingdom won’t ask thou anything unreasonable either. They might feel slightly guilty for having pushed it on us, so don’t forget to extort aid and support later on. I guess thou can dub it as 『Rear Base Maintenance Fee for the sake of the Kingdom’s future southern exploration』. Government officials usually will understand, if thou provide them with reasonable arguments.”

I chipped away the opponent’s willpower by threatening them with overwhelming power. The one who had suggested this plan to me was Therese who cooperated with Kanenaka on the difficult military command. She wasn’t Duchess Philip for no reason, after all.

“Got it. You’re quite reliable, Therese.”

“An advice of such a level doesn’t count as anything significant.”

Together with our new allies, our Earl Baumeister House succeeded in taking down the Nanbu family, an influential noble family in the north, without any casualties.

 

 

---

<– Previous Chapter | Glossary | ToC | Next Chapter –> | Jump to Volume 22 –>>

---

---

Translation Notes:

1. https://www.farbeyondthemiyako.com/3696012293279312280612398125021252512464—far-beyond-the-miyako-blog/category/sengoku-period-25126222692617820195 if you want to know some of Japanese Warring States history)