Uruka’s determination

The Latora Beastmen Nation.

Formerly a neighboring nation to the Lombard Kingdom, much like the Fain Empire, divided by the Land of Death.
The country, which faced the sea on the eastern side of its territory and nurtured its own culture with samurais and katanas, was characterized by being composed of beastmen, as its name suggested.

About ten years ago, it was invaded and almost annihilated by the neighboring Fain Empire.
The ambition of the current Fain Emperor was tremendous; like other surrounding countries, it was trampled upon in one fell swoop.

The subsequent occupation policy adopted by the Fain Empire was described as

…harsh.

…or so it was described.

For the beastmen, the katana, which symbolized their pride, was forcefully taken away and abolished by the policy of banning swords…
Not only the royal castle but also temples and shrines all over were burned down…

The beastman were thoroughly treated as inferior subjects of the Empire… even as slaves, and the unique culture that they had cultivated over time has been on the verge of being entirely eradicated, down to the production ban on trivial seasoning ingredients…

This seems to be the bitter history of the beastmen nation from its defeat to the present day.

“…Naturally, the empire executed all the royal family of the beastmen kingdom.”

“Then, why is Uruka-dono here alive?”

In response to my question, Banho speaks on behalf of Uruka-dono.

“…Using a body double, she managed to escape.
At that time, Uruka-sama was still very young, and few knew her exact features, so even the Empire seems to have been deceived.”

Indeed, looking at Uruka-dono now, at the time of defeat, she was merely three or four years old.
Naturally, without any opportunities to appear in public, it would have been possible to escape by using a body double.

…However, the fact that the Empire was not easily fooled to the extent of being wholly deceived shows they were not fools.

“But, if I may guess… has the knowledge of her survival and whereabouts only recently come to light?”

“That’s correct.”

His expression remained refreshingly cool…
However, what thoughts lie within their mind…
Uruka-dono nodded in agreement to my words.

“Those guys!
…if only the shinobi did not forget their past favors!”

*Boom!*

… and, hitting his knee, Banho wore a bitter expression on his face.

…I see.
While I cannot fathom the details of their life in hiding, I feel like I caught a glimpse of why they got exposed.

But, old man?
So, do you think it’s a bit harsh to hold a grudge against those shinobi people?

“Banho, you shouldn’t hold a grudge against them.”

Uruka-dono intervened at that moment.
Those words caught my attention, and I listened with interest.

“Even the shinobi are desperate to survive in this situation.
To continue feeding the clan with the skills they have cultivated for years, it is inevitable to choose to be under the Empire’s control.
In the first place, what have I been able to do for them in the past ten years?
Even if they perceive our lord-vassal relationship as severed, it would be unreasonable to criticize them for it.”

“Hmm…”

Looking into Uruka-dono’s eyes, there was indeed no trace of resentment…
It was apparent that these words came from the heart and were a reflection of their current situation with a calm mind.

This is quite remarkable.
I do not know about the beastman country. Still, at least in the Lombard Kingdom, many nobles believed that loyalty should be given as a matter of course.

It’s about the favor received and the service rendered…
It is a natural principle, and indeed, there have been countless cases of those who were exposed and destroyed for not giving what was due.
Many fail to comprehend the simple fact evident upon opening the books, believing that privileges are inherently granted rather than earned.

However, this girl… it seems Uruka-dono is different.
Perhaps the harsh life in hiding has nurtured such values in her.

“But, it is Uruka-sama who is our last hope…!
We must protect your Excellency to the end and restore our homeland…!
That is the duty of the vassals who were favored by the late king!”

However, it seems Banho’s opinion differs.
No, he is not the only one…
Samurais, who were lounging, enjoying sake and food, suddenly found themselves gazing at the young girl, nodding in deep agreement.

Their loyalty was truly magnificent.
Although we have never met, it must be proof that Uruka-dono’s father is quite the person.
However…

As Uruka-dono closed her eyes for a moment…
In that moment of pause, Banho turned his gaze towards me.

“Asuru-dono!
Our situation is as I just described!
We understand well that it’s a selfish request…!
Please, the ancient relic you have discovered holds power…!
With that power, we aim to revive our homeland―”

“―Banho.”

In silence…
But firmly.
Uruka-dono cuts off the words of the loyal retainer.

In the wide-eyed Uruka-dono, there is no sign of a vulnerable young girl; unmistakably, it is the face of a leader.
…The face of a king.
Indeed, this young girl, even if she is young… even if the country is conquered… she is undeniably the last royal of the beastman country.

“Do not say unreasonable things.”

“But, Uruka-sama!”

“Are you trying to make me say the same thing twice?”

“Well…”

With such words spoken, there was no choice but to refrain.
It felt as if their ages had reversed; Banho ended up falling silent.

“If we were to hear Asuru-sama’s circumstances, it would be self-evident what this person is aiming for…
Asuru-sama, I will ask you directly.
…Are you aiming for the rise of an independent force, right?”

“…Exactly.”

She is a brilliant girl beyond imagination.
It seems that she can see through all my thoughts, leaving me with no choice but to nod in agreement.
Yet, this penetrating sensation… was not all that bad, quite the contrary.

“In that case, I have a request to withdraw the words Banho mentioned earlier.”

“Please continue.”

As I said that, Uruka-dono handed the cup she was holding to Banho and turned attentively towards me.
Then, placing her fingertips on the mat, she deeply lowered his head.

“Not as a member of the last royal family of the beastman country and its followers, but as a mere stray…
Please consider me as a member of the force you are starting.
I have no desire for the revival of my homeland…
Moreover, I don’t mind how you may use me…
Even as a chambermaid, even as a commoner, I am fine with being of service…”

“Uruka-sama!”


Not only Banho but also other samurais kneel and sit up straight.

“Hmm…”

Pretending to be lost in thought, I was rubbing my chin…
In reality, I had already made up my mind on the response.