Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Ugh... my heart is beating loud...
Right... I'm really tense...
Kazuto: It's just a regular situation report, just do it as usual. There's nothing to be tense about.
Well, captain hangs out with Karin-sama-tachi all the time... But we rarely meet her! So of course we are tense...
And, it's our first time reporting before Karin-sama-tachi... at the meetings, we usually just sit and listen, right? Ah, is my knot at the back not bent? Is it?
They're just reporting at the meeting... seeing those two, I have a feeling I have to feel the tension myself.
Kazuto: Look at Nagi. She's very calm, you two should also... (She's a pokerface master, I bet she fainted standing or something)
Umm, captain...
Hmm?
Nagi-chan is just frozen stiff. (Well, that's better than expected)
Kazuto: ...Is that so, Nagi?
Whoa, she's not even moving!
Kazuto: Seriously, keep it together, you three.
Nagi aside, I thought the other two didn't know how to worry... somehow, I'm really getting worried about this now.
Umm... how do you do it again, write "huge" on your palm...?
Kazuto: I think you meant "human".
I think there was a breathing technique to calm down... *breathes* (Aaand, of course, it's the breathing technique for giving birth...)
Kazuto: That's what you do... during childbirth.
Huh? How come captain knows about it? (It's a cliche joke to breath like that in a wrong moment)
Maybe, he already hiding some children...
Kazuto: No way I do! (Well, he wasn't in this world long enough yet in the first place)
Myyyy, how filthy.
Kazuto: Hey, Mao!
Aah. Help. He'll make me pregnant.
...Just what are you all doing.
Kazuto: Oh. Is it about time?
I don't care if you get late and displease Karin-sama.
Kazuto: Oh, sorry about that.
Don't approach me that lightly. Or you'll make me pregnant. (What kind of godly or cursed aura is that!?)
I, I knew it, captain...
He has a criminal record...
Kazuto: Hey! Keifa always acts like that! And you know it! (This calls for... DAMN YOU, KEIFA!)
Hmm... knowing it'll start soon makes me even more worried... (Nagi, contribute to the conversations somehow already)
Captain. Just for report, please swap with us.
Kazuto: Come on, let's go, you three.
Next! Finance department's report!
Official: Yes!
It's a meeting in Karin's presence and everyone was really worried, but...
Kazuto: ...Don't sleep, you two.
I can hear snoring from those two on the seats behind me. Karin is sitting on the throne, so I can't turn around. But whispering has no effect.
Kazuto: And Nagi, move already.
Nagi is sitting next to me and she's still stiff. Well, the fact that her eyes are open and she just doesn't move is still better...
...So, how's resupply of equipment going?
Yes. We built a new craftsman district and we're gathering people that move because of war and increasing production. We're also searching for new talents, so we have no shortage of skilled people.
I see. Then, keep working hard at gathering personnel.
Yes.
So, what about increasing our troops' numbers?
Yes. Regional tour is going to finish as scheduled. More people than we expected participated, so a lot of people will enlist from regions we held our activities at.
I'll look forward to that. And, make an urgent report about your next destination and how many joined from current tour.
Leave it to us. (Renho's participating in a meeting like a boss)
Next is... about how to deal with conscripts...
Here it comes, it's finally their turn. (Yeah, sure prolonged the inevitable)
Kazuto: Hey, Mao!
...Just a bit more...
Kazuto: Sawa!
...Is it morning already...?
Kazuto: Nagi! Move, Nagi!
Gakushin! Riten! Ukin!
...Yes!
...Ah!?
You, what do you think this sacred meeting hall is!
Kazuto: Sorry, Shunran.
Hongou! Why you too!
Kazuto: Those three are too tense and don't seem able to report.
Then, Kazuto. You're their superior, so you report instead. Or it'll interfere with our progress.
Kazuto: Yeah. The recruit training is progressing well. Those three train them in their own way, but there seems to be no delay. We'll be able to transfer them to the main force as scheduled at this rate.
Ukin's squad is a bit late, but that's within expected range. We'll be able to fix that by the time we'll need to transfer them to the main force.
All three having their own methods... what do you mean? I haven't heard anything about that.
Kazuto: Recruits have different personalities after all. So we made three different methods to deal with that.
Kazuto: Of course, all three squads will be able to join the main force in the end. But using methods fitting their individuality will make things easier for all of us... though we won't know until we finish.
...You have a point. Shunran, as a representative of the main force, what do you think of Kazuto's suggestion?
Shunran?
Sis... you understood what he said just now?
D... don't make fool of me! The point is if we get soldiers worthy of being Karin-sama's troops, right!
Whoa... Shunran tried to dodge this topic with good phrasing.
True. So how does it look?
Kazuto: Of course, it'll generally speed up the training. Those three talked it out and optimized the methods.
Well, I said discussed, but it was more of a tea or drinking party, but we were talking about work too, so I shouldn't mention that.
So we'll get worthy troops?
Kazuto: Yeah.
No problem then, Karin-sama. (Simple... but yeah, she's right)
Then, let's impose those more efficient recruit training methods.
Kazuto: We'll have it done.
Then, the next topic is...
Kazuto: ...Whew.
Well, we got somewhere for now...
Thank you! Captain!
Captain, you were cool!
Kazuto: Make sure you do it right next time... (And someone, unfreeze Nagi already)
I know. Leave it to us. (What's the point of having nice character here, if she never says anything?)
Heey. Nagi-chan. It's already over.
When is she going to get okay, I wonder.
Karin-sama. We're done with most of the important topics.
Well, well. This long meeting is finally over. Well, it was a chance to see progress of other divisions, so it was long, but not boring.
Though, Karin is the most impressive for listening to all of that and making giving proper instructions on the spot.
I see. I believe there's still someone who didn't report... Hongou Kazuto. (Are you being mean again, Karin?)
Kazuto: ...Eh!?
What's going on with the city security? I believe you're in charge of security... so report.
Kazuto: Eh? Ah... umm...
Captain! Come on, do it like you did before!
Captain! Do your best!
Kazuto: That's... well.
What's wrong, captain?
You were such a smooth speaker earlier. Why are you so silent all of sudden?
Kazuto: Fool. That was just a report you prepared. I only memorized it!
No way I can ad lib that proper of a report! I'm not Karin!
Ugh, how uncool... (Hey, good for you to talk now, where was that confidence earlier?)
Hongou Kazuto! Report!
But, I need to say something. Umm... what Karin told me before...
Kazuto: Y, yeah... umm, where should I start... right, we finally have the planned amount, so the project is almost over. Rookies are training with the main force, so when that's over, we'll be able to realize it.
You're training security force with main force?
Kazuto: Yeah. There are newcomers who plan to eventually join main force. So, it's best for them to train in the same way from the start and we have our limits.
I see. So, what's with the order itself?
Kazuto: Eh!?
The actual state of order. Did it get better? Or worse?
Kazuto: Umm... We can act faster than before when something happens now. So, generally, it's better... I think. When newcomers join, it'll be even better.
So there's an effect. Then... report precise numbers later. "I think" doesn't really tell how better it got.
Kazuto: ...Ugh, understood. (How do you even measure security? Incidents per week?)
She saw through the fact that I just said it on the spur of the moment. No mercy as always.
And I have another question, is it worth to implement this method outside the borders of this city?
Kazuto: Outside the borders?
I've been thinking of strengthening the security at other cities on our territory. Is it possible?
Kazuto: If the scale gets big all of sudden... let me think a bit. (He's handling this reporting like a boss)
Then, organize your thoughts by the next meeting.
Kazuto: Understood.
Well then, today's meeting is over!
Everyone, you're dismissed!
It's finally over!
Hey, captain, let's go have a lunch.
Kazuto: True. I need to make that report, so I should eat something before I'm back at our squad's place...
It's captain's treat, right? (You should be treating him, he just saved your *** from Karin's fury)
Kazuto: ...No, actually, you should be the ones treating me today.
Eeh!? Your cute subordinates are begging you.
Actually, Nagi. I'm getting tired of that joke already.
...It's not a joke.
Oh, so you CAN talk!
Kazuto, come here for a bit.
S, Sousou-sama!? (Why the panic?)
Will you accompany me for a bit? (And you broke Nagi again...)
Kazuto: Ah. I don't mind... but what is it?
After the meeting was over, Shunran and Shuuran went somewhere to discuss the details. And Keifa's not here, so Karin is alone.
Whatever, just come. (Using position out of jealousy? I can't applaud to that, Karin)
Kazuto: ...That's how it is, sorry. You two, take Nagi and go ahead.
Eeh. Be back soon.
Let's go eat together! (Those two really complain even when Kazuto can't do anything)
Kazuto: I see you really want to extort me.
Yeah!
Of course!
Kazuto: Just leave already.
Kazuto, what are you doing. Hurry up and come. (Everyone's so insensitive and impatient here...)
Kazuto: I know, I know!
Kazuto: Sorry, Karin.
...What's all of sudden.
Kazuto: Those three are really working hard. It's just that today Karin and Shunran-tachi were all here and it was a big meeting, so they were weirdly tense...
Since she called me in this situation... I guess it's about my lack of supervision.
Though as we're just walking, she doesn't seem that angry. (She shouldn't be. You handled all that like a badass)
Ah. I'll pretend I didn't see that. But, don't let it happen next time, okay?
Kazuto: Sorry, I'll look into it... so, it's not about that.
I'd just tell you there if that was.
Kazuto: That's true... then, about that country-wise expansion?
I said that can wait until the next meeting.
Kazuto: I'll bring the actual numbers later...
After I said that, Karin stopped walking.
...You... you're capable of it normally, but you're really terrible at reading the atmosphere when you try to.
Kazuto: I... I hear that a lot. (I don't see anything either. Unless he was so badass you suddenly want the D)
Then, what are we talking about? I follow Karin as she starts walking again and try to remember... but can't think of anything else she would talk about.
The signal fire tower that we made based on the plan you submitted the other day is functioning properly.
Kazuto: Ah, it's completed. That was fast.
It's a project I made as a contact method that's faster than horses. It wasn't long since I submitted it... and it's already completed.
It's still in a temporary state and we'll need to start proper construction. But it displayed sufficient results during the testing, so we can start working on it.
Kazuto: I see. That's good.
But, that signal fire... is not your own idea, right?
Kazuto: ...Yeah. It's a method famous generals from my country's past used.
It was idea of famous person that lived at mountain country during Sengoku Period. It might be an idea for the mountain country, but it works on this wide continent too.
Past... huh. So, after all, your country is...
Kazuto: Is something wrong?
The place we arrived was on top of the castle walls. Soldiers on patrol were all pretty far away and noone near us.
This place... should do. (Did she get another stupid idea?)
Kazuto: ...Karin?
Kazuto, tell the truth.
Kazuto: ...Yeah?
I nod in response to the unusual atmosphere.
The day we met, you knew my name. Foreigner like you, who didn't know any places or names... responded to my and Shunran's names.
Kazuto: I knew Sousou's name indeed. Same goes for Kakoton, Kakoen and Juniku-tachi.
Then, you knew that Keifa and Kii will become my subordinates?
Kazuto: I expected it to happen to some degree. I didn't know when they'd become Sousou's subordinates, but when I heard their names... I thought "oh, it's them".
Though it was still unexpected that they were girls.
Kazuto: But, Sou Moutoku I heard of and Karin are really different... same goes for everyone else. And I didn't expect for Nagi and Mao-tachi to become my subordinates.
And what is your own name in the history you know? (Didn't Sei talk about something like that as well?)
Kazuto: There's no sign of anyone named Hongou Kazuto. (Of course. Because this is not a time travel, it's a different world)
Is there a possibility of him going by a different name?
Kazuto: I can't deny it... but I never heard of anyone with unknown past being by Sousou's side.
If I had to say, it'd be someone like Kanko, but she serves under Shunran already... (Han Hao... and of course a female)
I see... so there's a possibility of history going in a different direction with your interference... am I right?
Kazuto: I won't deny that. I don't know what result it would bring. (Why do you care? With or without his help, you don't know the history)
...I see.
Kazuto: Sorry. If I knew what will happen next, I could've been of more help... (You don't say? I still think Karin is having some stupid idea)
So that's why Karin brought me to the unpopular place on the castle walls, to talk about this.
If I knew the future, there'd be people who would want to use me... and it's confusing.
I don't mind. I was being naive trying to find help in your words that you can't even take as prophecy or delusions.
Kazuto: That's unexpected... For Karin to act this weak. (His knowledge is still useful, with or without predictions, like that signal tower)
...Act weak? Me?
Kazuto: Well, Karin is also a human... of course you're worried about the future!
Before I could finish, my neck could feel a metal object. (Suuuure. Very mature of you to use brute force in an argument)
Who did you say acted weak?
Kazuto: Why do people of this country always aim blades at other this easily... hey, wait, seriously, wait! The blade is touching my neck, you'll seriously cut off my head at this rate! Spare me, Karin-samaaa!
If that was a lesson for you, never say those words again. (Apply cold to that burn, Karin, he's right.)
Kazuto: I'll do so...
Ugh, I still feel this cold with my neck... or actually, it's still touching me neck.
Kazuto: Right, Karin. It's the history I know, so it might be of no use, but...
I'll decide if it's useful or not. Say it.
I'd want you to remove this scythe first... but can't be helped.
Kazuto: There'll be a lot of events like Yellow Turban Rebellion on this continent from now on... there'll be countless battles.
So our prediction will become reality.
As I said that, the pressure I felt with my neck disappeared. (I still can't applaud aiming weapon at your friends like that"
Karin keeps the silence and lightly nods.
Everyone already knew what I said, so my words only confirmed that...
And, if we know about distant future, our judging ability will get clouded. (How is that related to the signal flare tower? Clouded much, ungrateful king?)
Kazuto: I see.
Karin has her own unwavering belief. (I think it just wavered, as she asked you about it in the first place)
That's all I had to say. Kazuto, you should hurry back. You remember those girls are being hungry waiting for you?
Kazuto: It's them, so I think they went ahead...
If you're that unpopular of a superior officer, that's a problem as well. Hurry up.
Kazuto: Yes, yes...
Seen off by Karin, I hurried back to the throne room.
...Me acting weak... huh... (So you do realize that... and still threatened your ally... not cool)
...Oh?
Seriously. Captain, where were you wasting time! I thought I'll starve! (In other words, he IS popular, at least with them)
That's right... today's captain's treat after all! (Or his wallet is popular...)
Kazuto: Hey, I got back as soon as I could! And, actually, Nagi, start walking on your own already!
...Ah! Captain, did you and Sousou-sama...! (And he's the one being called the pervert...)
Oh... Did we interfere a lot? Should we've listened to you and went ahead?
Kazuto: Hey, stop thinking in that direction...! We had a serious conversation!
Kazuto: Come on, Nagi, start walking already!
...Oh. So he's quite popular after all.