"We must resolutely guard our borders for the time being, to do otherwise would render our nation an object of scorn and ridicule. Those foreign interlopers would undoubtedly come to invade us, perceiving us as nothing more than a disjointed collection of savages, incapable of pacifying their country to this day. Because they had, in ages past, purged the Forsaken from their lands."
It was no baseless slander for them to deem them as backward society. In fact, they bore within their very marrow a haunting sense of inferiority to them. As they stand now, to imagine themselves as equals to them is a fool's reverie, a fragile mirage shattered before it could dare to take form.
"And neither continuing this stubborn isolation is meaningful. We shattered and made past the natural boundary three centuries ago. It would be a matter of triviality for those foreigners with their current strength to arrive to the east. From what I could imagine, all that awaits us would be an ugly scramble for dominance. We were able to cast veils of secrecy for so long that such concealment seemed a miracle. But alas, the era in which the world contracts itself has encroached upon us. Hence—"
"Indeed, it falls upon us to shoulder the mantle of the Eastern Expedition, and to see it through to its end as swiftly as possible. Only in the aftermath of our triumph shall we deign to lend even the faintest attention to the opening of the country, and the dealing with those foreign opportunist."
Ryuumei resolutely pressed on, delineating their proposed course of action with unwavering conviction. Indeed, their perceptive reigned supreme in the present predicament their country is facing.
Undoubtedly, there exists chorus of dissenters who oppose this proposal. In the face of the menace posed by formidable foreign powers, many contend that this ambitious conquest would irreparably weaken their national power, rendering them as vulnerable and penlously exposed. Such apprehensions were valid amidst this tumultuous maelstrom of crisis.
However, they must resolutely eschew any collaboration with foreign powers regarding the Eastern Expedition. Should providence grant them an improbable political triumph to forge a semblance of an advantageous alliance—the consequence, even should they subdue the east, would be the cession of the east. To permit such an ignominious surrender would be an exposure of weakness, rendered them mere clowns in the grand spectacle, and destined to pave the way for future disasters.
As a proverb goes. "Lend a shelter, lose a house." To extend even a trifling concession to foreign powers is to flirt with a danger of epic proportions. Grant one request, and they shall certainly escalate their demands to ten, perhaps even twenty—each more audacious than the last.
In such a calamitous state, your pride would be irrevocably shattered, reduced to mere fragments of your former self, as you grapple with the harsh truth of your inability to pacify your own country. This sobering realization would sap your very will to strengthen yourself, leaving you as a wolf bereft of confidence in its fangs, doomed to become a mere lapdog, forever shackled by a collar of submission.
Hence, it is imperative that they vanquish the barbaric hordes to the east through their own might, for the waters of calamity have already begun to lap at their very legs. As Rindou so astutely remarked, they can't afford to masquerade as the ogre, cloaked in arrogance, in the face of such dire circumstances.
"While we may have ostensibly dispatched him with a veneer of civility, it is crucial to recognize that Sir Perry is a man of remarkable idiosyncrasies. Thus, it would be a gross miscalculation to assume that this affair concludes with mere courtesy. It is all but certain that he shall reappear within a span no shorter than a year and no longer than two or three. By now, he must surely developed a keen awareness on the existence of the east. When he deigns to visit us again, it is all but certain that we shall not receive a formal correspondence intended for His Majesty. The remarkable ease with which he retreated from our previous engagement strongly implies that he has already made contact with the Tsuchi-gumo."
"I would derive exquisite delight from the spectacle of his demise unfolding at their hands."
"I wholeheartedly shared your perceptive, Lady Eboshi. However, should such an unfortunate occurrence unfold, we would inevitably be ensnared in the web of war. The foreign powers would hastily designate us as the culprits, and we are utterly defenseless against the advance of their formidable armies. Hmm, the more I endeavour to impose order, the deeper we plunge into disarray. I might as well resign myself to the clutches of despair at this juncture."
"How could this predicament be alleviated when it was you who orchestrated this topic? Pray tell, Lady Ryuumei, what sentiments do you wish to express? I remain, regrettably, without the answer to my inquiry."
In other words, at this critical juncture, amidst this precarious predicament, poised on the brink of an inevitable conflict that draws ever nearer, and yet—
"The Imperial Tournament is but a fortnight and a day away, heralding the grand Kagura of swords—a resplendent spectacle destined to assemble valiant heroes. These champions shall elevate the spirits of our soldiers, igniting their fervor for battle and laying the cornerstone for our forthcoming Eastern Expedition. There exists not a single plausible scenario in which we would metamorphose into an authentic deathmatch, is there? As i have so eloquently articulated before, to pursue such a course would be nothing short of a tragic squandering of our valiant warriors. By whose decree—"
"Did you truly surmise that His Majesty was the architect of this debacle? How utterly misguided you are, the sole mastermind behind it all was I, and I alone."
"What, but you...?"
"It was entirely my own conception. Your response is quite delightful, albeit rather unbecoming, Lady Eboshi. The eccentric princess of the Koga Clan ought not to be open-mouthed like that in public."
"But, but... How could it be possible you? Of all individuals, I thought you wouldn't...?"
"I see, perhaps you would prefer to hear the tale directly from my lips? As you surmised, my daughter was bestowed the esteemed honor of fighting in the presence of His Majesty himself. While she may yet be a mere fledgling, I find it truly delightful to embrace the role of her mother-in-law."
"Lady Ryuumei—"
She instinctively elevated her voice, an embodiment of her ire, a raw manifestation of the profound disappointment festering within her heart.
"So, even you would align yourself with their ilk, it seems."
The denizens of this land concerned solely with their own trivial indulgences, obsessed with nothing more than decorating their ego in empty splendor and superficial fineries.
What they must behold in every reflection has to be the ego; they would abandon all restraint, sparing no cost, to indulge in a boundless adoration solely for themselves.
Though Rindou's father entrusted Ryuumei as her guardian, this was but a self-serving gambit, a means to shield himself—the vaunted head of the Koga Clan, overseer of all warrior clans. His intentions lay solely in fortifying his "ego", with scarcely a thought spared for the destiny or well-being of the daughter who is his own blood.
Afflicted by frailty and sonlessness, he could not abide the disgrace of witnessing his clan's fall within his own lifetime. Desperation drove him to seek the guardianship of the Mikado Clan, shielding his house from the wrath of the four rival clans, and by such cunning, his clan's survival was assured.
He departed this world, enshrouded in a deluded cocoon of self-satisfaction, utterly convinced that he had preserved a fragment of dignity for the glory of his clan. Yet, beneath this fragile façade, the truth lay bare, his actions were not birthed from noble intent or altruistic zeal, but rather from the insatiable wellspring of his own selfishness.
To illustrate, there existed a man who perished valiantly in the noble pursuit of safeguarding his beloved.
In the stark light of reality, this was the profound essence of his sentiment.
How utterly sublime for me to meet my end in such a manner.
In truth, this profound emotion embodied the very essence of his beloved's heart.
How utterly marvelous for me to shed tears in lamentation of his demise.
Ultimately, everything distills to the essence of ego and the pervasive nature of universal narcissism. They exist independently of others, viewing concepts such as love and trust as mere embellishments, trifles to adorn their self-absorbed existence.
Hence, even amidst the searing throes of loss and betrayal, their hearts remain impervious, for they shall never find themselves in dissatisfaction as long as their singular, unassailable ego endures; such was the nature of this world.
Yet, to Rindou, that so-called value was nothing more than a grotesque amalgamation of vileness.
"Surely, you must be acutely aware of the dire consequences that could befall your daughter if she is thrust into the spotlight to showcase her martial prowess in the presence of His Majesty?"
"I cannot refute that assertion. Indeed, the instant she embarks upon the Eastern Expedition, her safely will be rendered perilously uncertain. It is an unrelating battle, a grotesque slaughter. I would be profoundly unsettled if she, in her naïveté, remained blissfully ignorant of this grim reality, treating it as mere sport. Should she be graced with the honor of ascending to the role of the hero—an illustrious exemplar for all—then she must wholeheartedly embody its splendor and gravitas, even at the peril of her very life. Otherwise, who could she even hope to inspire with such a pitifully weak and half-formed conviction? A trivial mock battle, parading itself as a rite of passage, intended merely to seek companions and cultivate friendships? Such an utterly preposterous notion is nothing short of a farce—an insipid charade at its core. In these times, even the dullest of ignorant children would find no thrill in such a performance. A fuse demands relentless tension, gunpowder thirsts for wrath unbridled. Tell me, by what delusion could victory be seized without the unwavering resolve to spill blood?"
"Nevertheless... Even so, despite it all..."
"Ah, it might be merely elegant sophistry, is it? I am quite aware of the message you wish to convey. No doubt, to your discerning eyes, we resemble nothing short of a congregation of raving lunatics, do we not?"
"..."
"However, to soothe your troubled sensibilities, I would suggest that this country, precisely as it languishes, is more preferable. Justice and honor—however distorted or adorned—will always persist. Take, for instance, the matter of the Black Ships—a testament to the rule that, beyond our shores, might represent the absolute law. The one who seizes power by force claims the crown, only to be usurped in bloody by the next. Bloodlines and noble lineages? An absurd jest, antiquated at best. Quite the forward-thinking system, would you not concede? At the very least, in glaring contrast to our country, where those who have been artificially elevated cannot be lauded as genuine symbols of authority... I beg your pardon if my words have unintentionally suggested mockery towards either you or His Majesty. My assertion, albeit blunt, is that to languish in this quagmire of hatred serves no constructive purpose. As I have previously elucidated, this nation thrives far more resplendently in its present condition, much to your benefit, I would contend. What compels you to dismiss such an undeniable truth?"
Ryuumei punctuated her statement with a measured pause, leaving Rindou enveloped in a tumult of emotions that defied description within her heart.
This woman is an enigma, her allegiance cloaked in ambiguity, rendering her position to be shrouded in elusiveness.
Though she may not harmonize with Rindou on the same frequency, she possesses an astute intuition to discern the basis of Rindou's viewpoint.
As if Ryuumei herself was the embodiment of a bewildering paradox—a figure both insane -lucidity-, and sane -madness- simultaneously.
Failing to comprehend Ryuumei's veiled intent, Rindou, as always, capitulated in silent resignation.
"I am, alas, painfully aware that I may have reached my own conclusion with undue swiftness. Therefore, enlighten me, Lady Ryuumei—what truth is it that you endeavor to reveal? If your earlier words were mere shadows of sophistry, then surely there lies a hidden purpose you intend for me to grasp. My conviction remains resolute, yet, is there some grand revelation capable of casting it into question?"
"Ah, precisely. However, I wish you would say you have changed your mind, at least, I am not some tiresome wretch, after all."
A pitiless, futile massacre between warriors before the coming war. Is there another reason for her to accept that absurd inevitability?
In truth, Rindou's own opposition had dissolved into irrelevance in this current circumstance. And yet, Ryuumei Mikado was never a forceful person, and did not coerce her to make a choice.
Rindou, with a reluctant clarity, foresaw her own will being persuaded by Ryuumei's logic.
Ryuumei, her gaze slipping past Rindou, spoke as though she was in a soliloquy.
"Indulge my curiosity—who, then, shall ascend to the vaunted title of Generalissimo for this Eastern Expedition? In the annals of history, that station would fall, unquestionably, to the noble head of the Koga Clan. Yet, in these so-called turbulent times... Regrettably, the one who holds that lineage now is but a young princess. While her prowess and status could be debated endlessly, there remains an indelible blemish in the eyes of the court, her womanhood, a weakness casts doubts on the position she upholds. Chigusa Clan, Rokujou Clan, Iwakura Clan, and Nakanoin Clan—these four warrior clans will latch on to that weakness of Koga Clan. For we are now on the brink of the second coming of a warring era after three hundred years. Naturally, each clan in their own zeal, will seize any shadow of advantage to oust their rivals and secure the vaunted title of General of Conquest. For that grand prize, they need to show they have the power to hold on to it. For example, envision a grand, awe-inspiring spectacle of their clan's might—paraded with unparalleled pomp before His Majesty himself; such an ostentatious display would, without question, very effective in fortifying their ambitions and paving a golden avenue to that goal."
"…"
"Should any clan demonstrate an unparalleled might in the Imperial Tournament, His Majesty will exalt them as the very epitome of valor within the empire. Meanwhile, as the price, the vanquished clans shall suffer their disgrace, forfeiting all reputation—even in the most favorable of scenarios. You are implying—"
Surely, this is undoubtedly.
"Is it entirely political?"
"Indubitably, this is a proxy war in its essence. Should conflict become an inescapable reality, we shall bring it to a swift and decisive conclusion—an imperative, particularly in anticipation of the monumental upheaval that looms on the horizon."
"Nevertheless, the mantle of leadership must rest upon the shoulders of one of exceptional character. You have proclaimed its paramount significance for victory, yet I find myself pondering, who among us possesses such revered qualities?"
"Unfortunately, it seems there are none worthy."
Rindou succumbed to a profound silence, acutely aware that even she could summon no formidable candidate from the depths of her mind.
"As far as I can fathom, the others are merely insufficient. Rokujou Clan, Chigusa Clan, Iwakura Clan... They fixated solely on the allure of pure martial prowess, viewing it as their own pride. Should any of these insipid souls ascend to the venerated title of General of Conquest, the Mikado Clan would be condemned to the ignoble status of a bothersome afterthought. We would be relegated to the station of divination, not that they even bother to believe in our capacity from the beginning. Worse still, their rigidly conventional minds are utterly incapable of embracing the flexibility necessary to unleash the Aberrants upon the battlefield. I can already envision them whining like spoiled children, ensnared by their own delusions of shame, pride, and face. Their romanticized vision of the Eastern Expedition resembles a sumptuous tableau, where soldiers clad in resplendent armor march forth. They may attempt to embody discipline and toughness, yet beneath their polished exteriors lie nothing more than naïve maidens, utterly unprepared for the brutal truths of combat. I can foresee their inevitable defeat even before the first clash of blades resounds. It is absolutely vital that we intervene to reveal the harsh realities of warfare to them. This battlefield is not a canvas of glory but a cold, unyielding graveyard, where only fools are destined to suffer annihilation. They remain blissfully entrapped in their ignorance of the impending fallout unless we unearth the stark of veracity of authentic slaughter. Just like your own, every warrior clan is a naught but a fellowship of stubborn heads who only believe what they could see. At the very least, Nakanoin Clan possesses a semblance of sagacity. Nevertheless, I find myself engulfed in an overwhelming reluctance to allow them to ascend to the illustrious title of Generalissimo."
"Pray tell me, why?"
"Why even venture to pose such a query? Your contempt for their youthful head is abundantly clear. Have I truly been so tragically oblivious to the relentless discourses regarding the potential union of your two fates through the binding ties of marriage?"
"…"
"He would undoubtedly surpressed if he were to falter in establishing his dominance. To be precise, he must secure your hand in the sanctified bond of matrimony. Almost as though you were a prized possession of unparalleled worth. The Generalissimo of the Eastern Expedition would be granted the privilege to subjugate the exquisite of the Koga Clan."
"…"
"Do not feign ignorance—surely, you have contemplated such a scenario."
Rindou directed a withering glare, whispering an implicit acknowledgement from her at Ryuumei, who barely contained her mirth.
Indifferent to the grotesque machinations of the political strife as she may, the notion of being merely a coveted trophy pricked her consciousness. As a woman, she wielded no authority, and thus, was relegated to the status of a mere tool.
She defiantly repudiates any semblance of such a dismal fate.
"I echo your sentiments, as a fellow woman, I, too, burn with the desire to deliver a much-deserved lesson to those insufferably conceited men in their hubris. Undoubtedly, though your father may have deemed me worthy of reliance, I assert we must resolutely convey the truth that there exist women in this world who steadfastly refuse to bow to the whims of men. Then let us obliterate those intolerable fools, shall we?"
"Nevertheless..."
Rindou found herself in accord with the sentiment, albeit with reservations...