abcnovels
Book 16: Chapter 1
Book 16: Chapter 1
Book 16: Chapter 1
Chapter 1: A Wedding and a Family Vacation
End of the 4th month, 1552nd year, Continental Calendar
On this day, in the capital of the Republic, Sapeur, there was a major celebration.
Sapeur had many white-walled buildings. And in this season, the snow in the streets had yet to fully melt, so it was blindingly bright with reflected sunlight on a clear day. There wasnt a cloud in the sky. Under the open blue expanse, a large crowd of people had gathered at a temple-like building thatd been built in a slightly elevated position. We were but a few of the people in that crowd.
Come to think of it, Ive never been to the capital of the Republic before, huh? I said quietly to myself, as it had just occurred to me.
Liscia tilted her head to the side. She was standing next to me wearing a dress with a thick shawl to protect her otherwise exposed shoulders from the cold.
You havent? she asked. You came to the Republic while I was pregnant, didnt you?
Sure did, but we only ended up goin to Noblebeppu near the border then. The meetin with their former leader, Sir Gouran, ended up happenin in secret there too, explained Roroa, who was dressed the same as Liscia.
I nodded. Its my first time coming. The architecture in a place like this sure is interesting.
This building was the center of the Council of Chiefs that ran the Republics government, and also where ceremonies were held. It had large, thick pillars that reminded me of historical Roman or Greek architecture. It was seemingly called Sapeur Temple. And today was the marriage of Kuu, Taru, and Leporina.
Invited as a foreign guest of honor, I had come with my wives and childrenTomoe, Yuriga, and Ichiha. Carla had also come, doubling as both maid and bodyguard. We were seated in a section reserved for guests of honor. In attendance were Liscia of the Royal House of Elfrieden, Roroa of the Princely House of Amidonia, and our bodyguard Aisha. Yuriga was attending as a representative of the Great Tiger Kingdom. Yuriga wasnt here strictly as Fuugas representative, but at the request of Kuu, who wanted to make himself look more impressive by having more foreign attendees.
Juna, Naden, Carla, and Ichiha were with the children in a room a little further away. There, they could watch the ceremony anonymously. Being a ryuu and a dragonewt, this countrys weather was too cold for Naden and Carla even in April. They were all bundled up to keep warm, so they were probably happier watching from indoors.
Incidentally, Nine-Headed Dragon Queen Shabon had also been invited to this ceremony, but unfortunately, she was unable to fit it into her schedule. In her stead, Id been given a congratulatory message to pass along.
Arent you two cold? I asked Liscia and Roroa.
A lil bit... I wouldnt be able to keep sittin here long if it werent for this shawl.
The wood furnace behind us helps keep it bearable.
In this cold land, human women needed spirit and guts if they wanted to dress fashionably.
Kuus subordinate Nike Chima came out to announce, His Excellency Kuu Taisei, Head of the Republic, and his wives Lady Taru and Lady Leporina have arrived!
Kuu and his wives emerged, having finished a traditional marriage ceremony inside Sapeur Temple. Instantly, there was roaring applause. We rose to our feet as well, applauding the three of them.
Today, instead of dressing like a kabuki actor, Kuu was wearing a dashing white tuxedo. Meanwhile, Taru and Leporina were both in pure white wedding dresses. Tarus dress was long-sleeved, while Leporina had short sleeves. Their shoulders were fully exposed, but as members of the Five Races of the Snowy Plains, they were used to the cold.
The crowd was so large it felt like every person in the Republic was in attendance. Turning to face them, Kuu raised his hands.
This kind of reminds me of our own wedding ceremony, Aisha said, and Roroa and Liscia both nodded as they continued to clap.
Me too. The people were cheerin for us the same way back then, right, Big Sis Cia?
Hee hee, youre right. It was the biggest day of my life. Not just as a public figure, but as a woman too.
Hey, Yuriga. Is this the kind of thing you want for yourself? Tomoe asked, whispering in Yurigas ear.
Yeah, I guess. Yuriga shrugged. It seems like the kind of thing youd like.
Mm-hm. I only wish I could have a nice ceremony like this someday...
Well, try asking for it. I mean, youve already got someone lined up to be your husband.
Heh heh, if I push him too soon, hell probably run away on me, so Ill have to take my time.
Yeah, yeah...
T-Tomoe?! I didnt know what to think. Both of them had started to have some rather mature conversations these days.
Suddenly, Yurigas smile faded and she stared off into the distance. I wonder...whats going to happen to me. Ultimately, its all up to my brother, I guess.
Yuriga?
Its nothing...
I saw Kuu whisper something to his brides. Taru nodded, and Leporina started walking over to us. She then offered the bouquet to Tomoe and Yuriga.
Master Kuu says its for the future brides, Leporina explained.
We hope youll both find happy marriages. We received a bouquet ourselves in the Kingdom of Friedonia, so consider this repaying the favor.
Wow! Thank you so much!
Y-Yeah? Uh... You have my thanks.
Tomoe seemed delighted, while Yuriga was not entirely displeased with the gift.
Some days later...
Yahoooo!
Please wait, Master Kuu!
Kuu effortlessly slid down the powdered slope on a snowboard as Leporina chased after him on skis. Athletic as he was, Kuu had mastered the snowboard not long after being told they existed.
We were at a ski slope near Noblebeppu, the city where Taru had her workshop. Having taken an interest in the idea of recreational skiing, Kuu got to work setting up this place shortly after returning to the Republic. The location was ideal since Noblebeppu was in proximity to snowy mountains, hot springs, and fresh seafood from the port of Moran.
The ski lift utilized the revolving mechanism of the drill, and Noblebeppu had turned into a serious ski resort town in the time since Id last visited. Wed been invited to come here after the wedding. Kuu had said it would do us good to take some time off, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy skiing as a family. Obviously, the offer wasnt purely out of the goodness of his heart; he had his own motives, but, well... For now, we decided to enjoy the slopes.
Whoa, Ichiha. Easy. Take it easy.
R-Right. I can handle it.
Unsteady as you are, its only a matter of time before
Ahhh!
Told you so...
Glancing over, I saw Yuriga, who had been the first of the trio to master skiing, teaching Ichiha and Tomoe. Those two were bookish by nature, and seemed to be struggling to learn. Now, Yuriga was watching with exasperation as they took a tumble together.
Tomoe was bowing her head and apologizing profusely for landing on top of Ichiha. Well, I guess thats one way to experience the joys of youth on a ski hill...
Doesnt this seem...wrong, somehow?
Hee hee! Its nice, me being the one to ride you once in a while... Its still cold though.
Currently, I was skiing with Naden on my back. Shed curled up into a ball due to the cold, but I wanted her to experience skiing at least once, and this was the only way shed do it. Granted, Naden being on my back all bundled up in warm clothes made maneuvering kind of hard. I had to take it slow doing snowplow turns, but she was still enjoying herself.
Youre sure you dont want to do it yourself?
Not a chance! Id freeze to death if I didnt have you acting as a windshield and warmer.
Come on, youre exaggerating.
Right now, we look like Onbu-Obake, or Konaki-jiji, or Obariyon... Wait, now that I think about it, theres a lot of youkai carrying someone on their backs, huh?
Naden tightened her arms around my neck, pressing her chilly forehead against its nape. I shuddered at the sudden cold touch.
Whoa! Cut it out!
Hmph! Thats what you get for saying Im exaggerating. I feel like hot springs are more my style.
Ah ha ha... You figure?
By now wed reached the bottom of the slope. Cian and Kazuha, Junas daughter Enju, and Roroas son Leon were all bundled up in warm clothes at the base of the hill. They were playing in the snow with Liscia and Carla. Kaito couldnt stand very well yet, so Juna was carrying him.
Looks like theyve rolled a bunch of snowballs too. Looking at Liscia, I asked, What are you doing? Making snowmen?
Liscia groaned in confusion. What are we doing?
Huh?
Ah ha ha... The kids just got really into making snowballs, Carla explained with a wry smile.
Rolling balls of snow around was apparently the only thing they were interested in doing. Once the snowballs got to the same size as them, theyd start rolling another one... Oh, so they werent making snowmen or an igloo. Now that shed explained, I counted about ten knee-high snowballs scattered around.
And thats supposed to be fun?
I guess? Theyre doing it, after all.
This looked to be true. Cian, Kazuha, Enju, and Leon were all having a good time rolling snowballs around. Kazuha and Leon competed on size, and Cian was just doing his own thingwith Enju following behind Cian.
As an adult, its hard to understand what kids are thinking, huh? Looks like theyre all enjoying themselves though. As I was thinking that, Roroa and Aisha slid down to us at high speed.
Aw, yeah! I win!
Y-You sure are fast, Roroa.
They seemed to have been racing.
Grinning, Roroa said, Whew, never thought Id be able to beat Big Sis Aisha at anythin athletic like this.
Maybe because I walk normally so often its hard to get the knack of it...
Big Sis Cia, Big Sis Juna, well be watchin the little tykes, so why dont you go ski now?
Hearing this from Roroa, Liscia and Juna looked at one another and smiled.
Theres an idea. Okay. Well take you up on that. Right, Juna?
Yes, lets. Aisha, would you hold Kaito?
Yes! Leave him to me!
Juna handed Kaito over to Aisha. Meanwhile, Roroa rushed over to join Cian and the other kids, making stacks of three with all the snowballs theyd rolled. The kids watched her excitedly.
Its so cold! Im going to go hit the hot springs, Naden said as she got down from my back, and hurriedly left.
Everyones really enjoying themselves in their own way. I muttered, I would never have thought wed be able to take a family vacation like this...
Souma?
Darling?
Liscia and Juna looked at me dubiously, but I just smiled.
Nah, I was just thinking how grateful I am to Kuu for giving us this opportunity.
Hee hee, yeah.
Yes. Were having the loveliest time here.
They each took one of my hands.
Thats why itd be a shame not to enjoy it more.
You join us too, darling.
Oh, yeah... Of course I will, I replied. Honestly, I was thinking of going to warm myself up too...
The two of them dragged me off, and we boarded the ski lift up to the summit again.
Cian, daddys back feels cold right now.
No! I want to do it!
Wed moved to the bath at the hot springs inn that wed reserved for our exclusive usage. Half of the bathing area was an open-air bath, while the other half was an indoor bathing area with an area for washing off.
Currently, I was at the baths with Cian, Kazuha, and Leonalong with Aisha and Roroa. Enju and Kaito had already been in here with Juna and Carla. All of the children except Kaito, who was still breastfeeding, could do a lot more now. And they had begun to show their individual personalities in the things they chose to do.
Cians favorite thing to do right now was scrub peoples backs for them in the bath.
Ngh... Ngh...
Ah ha ha... Thats cold! He was trying his hardest, but he lacked the power to really scrub off any grime. It was adorable how earnestly he tried, but...the Republics winters were pretty cold. I was itching to get in the tub already.
Whee!
Ah! Lady Kazuha! I told you, you mustnt run like that!
While Cian scrubbed away, Kazuha ran around buck naked with the equally nude Aisha chasing after her.
Kazuha seemed excited to be in an open-air bath for the first time. Shed done the crocodile walkplacing her hands on the bottom of the bath, stretching her legs out and letting them float behind herin a shallow part of the bath. Now that she was out, she was racing around and making Aisha worry.
Hah! Caught you! Aisha declared, grabbing Kazuha and lifting her up.
No, you caught me!
Jeez... You need to warm up properly or youll catch a cold.
Okay, Momma Ai... Kazuha said, resting her head on Aishas ample chest.
Kazuha was always an energetic little tomboy, but when she was held against someones breast like that, she always settled down and fell asleep. Carla was the one whod discovered that, apparently.
Aisha came to soak in the tub, holding Kazuha in her arms. Meanwhile, Roroa, who was holding Leon the same way, shrugged.
Here we all are, at the hot springs, and shes makin it hard to relax.
Momma...
Hm? What is it, Leon?
Potty.
What?! Keep holdin it for just a little longer!
Roroa jumped up out of the tub, hurrying off in the direction of the changing room. It was tough enjoying a leisurely soak in the hot springs with young children around. Go figure.
Thanks, Cian. Okay, were getting in the bath now.
Mmm.
I picked him up and joined Aisha and Kazuha in the open-air bath. Whew... I feel the warmth bringing my body back to life. Aisha, Kazuha, and Cian all had these goofy, relaxed looks on their faces too.
Once before, when I got in the hot springs with Juna, Id gotten all worked up. But with the kids around, I wasnt going to lose my cool just because I saw Aishas sexy naked body. Paternal instincts, I guess... I just couldnt take my eyes off the kids.
It feels like weve become a real family, Aisha said, and despite feeling a little embarrassed, I nodded.
A little while after we got out of the bath, there was a banquet in the reception hall.
Kuu and I called for a toast.
Okay, lets have a toast to Kuu, Taru, and Leporinas wedding.
And to a long friendship between the Kingdom and the Republic!
Cheers!
And everyone from the Kingdom and the Republic knocked their glasses together.
There were many large plates laden with dishes from both the Kingdom and the Republic in the middle of the rooms luxurious carpet. We each sat on cushions, taking and eating whatever we liked. We chatted, looked after the children, and generally did as we pleased.
I was seated at the head of the table with Kuu. We were each pouring the others drinks.
Downing his fermented snow yak milk all in one go, Kuu then asked, Whew! How was it, bro? Were you able to enjoy skiing?
Yeah. I had a great time, I replied as I sipped my own fermented milk. Snowy mountains that are well-suited for skiing, open-air baths, and fresh seafood from Moran... Even the Kingdom doesnt have a place like this. Im sure itll be popular.
Ookyakya! Glad to hear it! Kuu said cheerfully.
But are you sure this is okay, Kuu?
Hm? What do you mean?
I mean, leaving your wives alone when you just got married.
I could see Taru and Leporina drinking and chatting with Liscia and the others.
Kuu waved his hand dismissively. Its no problem. I told them ahead of time Ive got stuff to talk about.
You do?
Yeah. Its about Noblebeppu. Kuus expression was serious now. I want to make Noblebeppu into a tourist destination to bring in some foreign currency. We export medical equipment to the Kingdom and the Empire, but import medicine from the Empire. And we pay to send our people to study in the Kingdom too. Were essentially breaking even. Now, I dont have a problem with that, but...
Kuu held his cup with one hand as he scratched his head.
Were in the Maritime Alliance with the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Kingdom, and they have a high level of technology too, right? They want medical knowledge, and Ill bet they also have the technical expertise to make the equipment. We cant just rely on one thing. We need to be able to compete with them on all sorts of industrial products.
Yeah...I guess thats true, huh?
If they could make scalpels with the techniques they used to make those sharp nine-headed dragon katanas, surgeons like Brad would be thrilled. I was also hoping that the competition between two nations with a high level of technical development would make both of them keep improving.
I have no intention of letting them beat us on a technical level, but itll be a problem if they cut into our profits. Thats why I was thinking of using Noblebeppu as one way of bringing in foreign currency. Adventurers, merchants, and others will all visit here, and hopefully drop some money. And if were looking for people to really profit off...its the rich. And there has to be rich people in other countries.
I get you... So thats how it is. I could envision Kuus plan for this. You want us to find tourists for you, right? Have our nobles, knights, and wealthy merchants visit this town and drop some money for you.
This is why I like you, bro. You pick up on things quick. You go, Hero King!
What a smooth talker...
Still, he had his eyes in the right place. The Republics only hope for the future had been its unrealistic and fruitless policy of northward expansion. But Kuus proposal to turn it into a tourist destination was offering them a new set of values. A fun town like this might become the hope for them. Man, you really are something. Similar to Fuuga in a way, Kuu was the kind of ruler who drew the people to him.
Thinking through all this, I then nodded and said, Fair enough. If I were to subtly talk up the merits of this place to the merchants and reward my retainers who do well with family trips to the hot springs and skiing here...they might enjoy that. And maybe the people who enjoy themselves will pass the word on to the nobles and knights.
Oh! Nice!
But I doubt itll happen in winter. Its pretty cold even now in the fourth month of the year. I doubt many races can take the midwinter cold in this country.
Yeah...that makes sense, Kuu agreed, nodding. Ookeekee! Well, it doesnt have to be winter for them to ski, so we should still be fine. I can open the ski hills to my own people for free in the winter, and that should make them happy.
That sounds like a good idea.
Kuu had sounded like he was complaining, but I thought it was a smart way to spread the word about how fun skiing was. Id heard the people here tended to stay cooped up in their houses because of the snow and ice, so maybe this would help them build a new relationship with the snow.
If he came up with ideas this easily, that was more evidence he was going to be a good ruler.
Some days later, in Mercenary State Zem...
In the Colosseum in Zem City, a crowd of over ten thousand people had fallen completely silent. Their eyes were focused on two big men. The taller and more muscular of the two lurched to one side. Then, with a thud, he fell to the stone floor of the Colosseum.
The fallen man was Gimbal, their king. Looking down at him was the Great Tiger King, Fuuga Haan. The judges were speechless for a time, but coming to their senses, they shouted at the last man standing.
We have a victor! The winner of the martial arts tournament is the challenger, Fuuga Haan!
That was the moment Mercenary State Zem passed into Fuugas hands.