Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
(Previous episode, where Rinrin found someone she thinks is Totaku and is about to head back to report it)
Ugh, Rinrin-chan is late... I wonder if she's okay.
...Touka-sama. Calm down a bit.
Right. Rinrin will safely return. Let's believe in that and stay calm.
But still...
From behind Touka who kept mumbling in anxious and frustrated way...
Heey! Onii-chan!
Along with the sound of fast footsteps, Rinrin's voice echoed.
Rinrin-chan!
I'm back, Onee-chan!
Welcome back. Were you okay? Were you scared?
I'm absolutely okay. Anyway, Onee-chan, Onii-chan, city looked somehow strange.
Kazuto: Strange? What do you mean strange?
You see, Totaku was trying to escape. (Rinrin is actually pretty clever in this game)
What'd you say!? What do you mean by that?
A girl, surrounded with Totaku soldiers, was trying to escape along with someone bossy... I think that was Totaku herself.
You think... You never asked her name, so how do you know?
Because, there were almost no soldiers in the city, but only around her were a really heavy security, so I just thought that's how it is.
Kazuto: Is that... possible?
If we look at current situation, I don't see why not.
...Rinrin-chan. How did the city look?
It was normal.
Normal, you say... what about pedestrian traffic?
There wasn't many, I suppose. (Sorry about the mouse pointer)
...Hinari-chan.
Yeah. That's probably so.
Kazuto: What are you two talking about?
From Rinrin-chan's report, we tried to consider their situation...
Totaku-san, like Rinrin-chan said, is probably trying to escape.
Eh, but... if you consider Totaku-san's military strength, she can still fight, no?
Even if she does, there's no reinforcement for them. And if it comes to battle, the capital Rakuyo will actually be a burden.
If you hold the capital, you become object of envy for other lords. In this situation, abandoning Rakuyo is the best choice.
If you consider that situation... For Totaku-san to escape Rakuyo would be the best choice of actions.
Kazuto: ...I see.
The reason why lords allied against Totaku is because of Rakuyo... Or actually, because they were afraid she'll monopolize its influence.
In that case, if she abandons it, the situation will become uncertain. (Kaku is actually one of the best strategists of that period, btw. Not this one though)
Kazuto: But... even she does that, will that battle actually end?
It won't... Until they get rid of Totaku-san, I think alliance will hunt her everywhere.
That's the power struggle after all...
Kazuto: Right...
Somehow... when I hear that, I kinda pity Totaku-san...
...From alliance's point of view, Rakuyo is occupied by villian Totaku, its citizens are asking for help... was what they told us.
But when we're here, there's no sign of that... We, same as Totaku, got involved into lords' power struggle.
There's nothing we can do with being involved now.
That's true, but...
Kazuto: The situation is unconfirmed yet, so no point imagining... Shuri. Should we go inside or wait for alliance to arrive?
If we wait for them, we'll get involved again.
I think we need to enter and prioritize civilians' safety...
Kazuto: I see... Touka, what should we do?
Right, I think we should do as those two say. (Only madman would argue with those two, after all)
Kazuto: Good. Then, let's do so... Rinrin, can you approach the gate and check?
Understood!
Kazuto: Aisha and Sei, put army on standby in case something happens.
Understood.
Right.
Kazuto: Shuri and Hinari, take command after we get inside safely... and what should we do?
That's right... for now, let's tell soldiers that violent behavior is forbidden.
Also, after we invade, let's search for people with influence and negotiate.
Kazuto: Negotiations... tell them we won't be violent, so they should be obedient?
Exactly.
Kazuto: I see... Well, I'll leave giving those orders to you two, okay?
Your will.
And I'm on standby again, I guess.
Kazuto: It's okay. You're not alone... I'm also on standby. (Forever A Standby pair)
Haha, then let's standby together. Let's leave all the hard work to others.
Heh, leave it to us... Then, Rinrin. I'm counting on you.
Sure!
After Rinrin answered, all army went to fulfill their roles.
From the looks of it, it looked way more reliable than at the time when we fought Yellow Turbans.
Eventually... After confirming safety of the gates, Rinrin signalled us.
Well then, let's go!
With Touka's somewhat tense voice, we entered Rakuyo...
Onii-chan! The girl Rinrin saw was here!
Kazuto: Good. Aisha, Sei! Come with us!
Yes!
Sure!
She might still be there... following Rinrin's words, we headed to capture Totaku.
Really! You could've just abandoned what you forgot! (As I said, series of coincindences)
Totaku soldier: Kaku-sama. Gates were opened. We have to hurry up...!
I know! But Yue won't listen, saying she forgot something!
Totaku soldier: That's true, but...!
Totaku soldier: Totaku-sama has returned!
Yue! Hurry up! We don't have anymore time!
Sorry...
Really... Just what did you forget?
...A hair accessory I got from Ei-chan.
Eh... F, for something like that, you don't need to go through such dangers...!
No. For me, it's just something of such value...
Yue...
...Hehe. Then, let's run, Ei-chan. Even though we got delayed a bit.
...Sure!
Totaku soldier: Let's go then! Alliance soldiers are already inside the city. We'll have to force our way through, so be careful!
I know... Everyone. Make sure at least Yue escapes no matter what!
Totaku army: Yes!
I won't let you!