Turning Point of History

— Sebal Plains — Night After the Second Day of Battle —

The battle remained at a stalemate throughout the second day, and after a

meeting with the other commanders, Mathew was visited by his eldest son,

Hashim.

"Father."

"Hashim...? What is it?"

"I wanted to hear your opinion on the way Fuuga's forces fight."

"Hmm. You find it odd too, then?" Mathew asked, crossing his arms.

"They went along with our battle of attrition, just like on the first day.

Fuuga wasn't the type to fight like this. I can't understand why."

"Does he have a plan of some sort...?"

"Either he's gained the capacity to command a large army, or his men

have inflated his ego to the point where he believes he is acting

strategically..."

"If it's the latter, that would make our lives easier."

"Whatever the case, it's unsettling not being able to read our opponent.

Especially when Fuuga hasn't shown himself on the field of battle..."

"That is worrying, yes... Then why don't we try giving him a kick in the

butt?" Hashim suggested as Mathew was pondering.

Mathew looked up. "Do you have an idea?"

"Our scouts report that the fortress near the southwest entrance to the

plains is now defended by five hundred of Fuuga's men. We will raid it

stealthily so that his main force doesn't notice. With the fort taken, his

retreat will be blocked. Once we light a fire under his behind, Fuuga will be

left with two choices; retreat or try to force his way through."

"I see... We prepare thoroughly and wait, then if he attempts a

breakthrough, we pincer him with the troops from Fort Sebal, and if he

retreats we simply launch a pursuit."

Mathew ran some quick mental calculations and decided the plan would

work.

This battle closely resembled the Battle of Nagashino from Souma's old

world where, before the final battle at Shitaragahara, a unit led by Sakai

Tadatsugu took Tobigasuyama from the Takeda. The loss of the fortress

threatened the Takedas' retreat, and they lost many important vassals as

they withdrew. It was the decisive cause of their defeat. Hashim's plan had

parallels to this.

Having gotten a positive response, Hashim continued his explanation,

"We will send five hundred of our own men, and borrow a thousand

familiar with the local terrain from King Gabi. If they travel through the

mountains from Gabi Castle, they won't be discovered."

"Hmm... But you realize I can't leave the main camp while we're

dealing with Fuuga, yes?"

"Of course. That is why I will lead this raid. I will take Nata and Nike

with me as well. You stay with King Shamour, father."

"When will you carry it out?"

"This very night. I have already made the proposal to King Gabi, and he

was in favor."

"Heh, you move fast." Mathew laughed. Hashim lowered his eyes and

laughed too.

"I am your son, after all."

"Godspeed, then... Don't mess this up."

"Yes. You too, father."

With that said, Hashim turned around and left the main camp.

Mathew watched his son go in silence.

◇ ◇ ◇

— 17th day, 6th month, 1549th year, Continental Calendar —

On the third morning after fighting began on the Sebal Plains, Mathew

received a report saying a combined Chima-Gabi force of fifteen hundred

men had retaken Fort Sebal.

"Hashim's done it then, has he?"

Mathew let out a sigh, moved by his son's success. The report said that

very few of the five hundred soldiers there escaped, but those that did likely

rushed to Fuuga to report that Fort Sebal had fallen. If Fuuga sent soldiers

to retake Fort Sebal, the United Force would launch an all-out offensive

against his weakened main force. Surely they could overrun him with sheer

numbers then.

Mathew stayed at Commander-in-Chief Shamour's side throughout the

night, watching Fuuga's forces closely.

And yet...dawn came without any movement.

"Do they mean to do nothing even after losing Fort Sebal?" Shamour

crossed his arms, groaning.

"They can't move," Mathew replied. "Because if they do, we'll push

into them."

"Hmm... Regardless, we've set a fire under them now. The fall of Fort

Sebal has completely severed Fuuga's supply lines. If they fight the way

they did yesterday, we need only wait until their provisions dry up. Or

rather, if we press them even sooner, some of Fuuga's devotees will flee.

His army will collapse upon seeing the legend stripped from him."

"Indeed. That is why we must end this today." Mathew looked at the

quiet camps of Fuuga's forces. "He has two options available to him. Fuuga

can attempt to break through the United Force to reach Malmkhitan, or

retreat to the north to reorganize. Although, should he choose the latter, he

faces a pincer motion from us and the soldiers at Fort Sebal."

"Heh! No matter how powerful his men are, they'll be exposing their

vulnerable backs as they retreat. Our men will slaughter them."

Shamour had the hungry eyes of a warrior. Mathew nodded.

"Yes. That is why I expect our enemy to choose the breakthrough

option, where there is still some hope of victory... But when I recall the

illogical way his forces fought yesterday and the day before, I have to

consider that he may not make the straightforward decision."

"It makes no difference. If they come at us, we surround and crush them.

If they flee, we chase down and devour them. Our advantage will be

unchanged. It's simple and easy to understand."

"Yes, I suppose it is..."

In contrast to Shamour's optimistic grin, Mathew felt a subtle ominous

unease taking root in his heart. This was because despite Fort Sebal

supposedly having fallen, Fuuga's camp was too quiet. What are you

thinking, Fuuga...? he thought. He glared at Fuuga's army, but he could find

no answer.

In order to prepare for an attempted breakthrough, the United Force

hardened their defenses, not sending their flanks forward like yesterday. If

the enemy were going to recklessly charge in, there was no need to encircle

them, and thereby thin their own center. If the United Force kept their

defenses hard to absorb the charge, they would be free to strike from the

side or behind after that. Bring it on, Fuuga, the United Force seemed to say

as they waited eagerly.

However, as for what Fuuga's forces chose to do...

"I bear a message! Fuuga's forces have begun to retreat!" the messenger

rushed into the United Force's main camp to report.

Shamour's eyes bulged after hearing the message, and he kicked aside

his camp stool as he rose to his feet. Looking out, the message was true.

Fuuga's forces were hastily retreating along the road to the northwest.

"Are they mad?! Even if they retreat here...do they think they can

recover up north?!"

"Perhaps they do..." Mathew said, furrowing his brow. "If their only

goal is to get Fuuga away from this battlefield, there is some logic in fleeing

northwest where we have fewer troops. But at the same time, it means

making his men pay a heavy price in casualties... What do you want to do?"

"There's no question," Shamour responded, drawing his sword and

pointing it towards Fuuga's army. "We pursue! Fuuga may escape, but we

must strike down as many of those who follow him as we can. This is the

decisive battle, men! Here we eliminate any chance of Fuuga's recovery!"

"""Yeahhhhh!""" the soldiers of the United Force cheered in response to

Shamour's speech. The horns were sounded to signal an advance, and the

United Force moved to chase Fuuga's forces.

As Shamour mounted his horse to join the march, he told an

approaching Mathew, "You're ill-suited to violence. I leave defending the

main camp to you."

"Yes. Godspeed to you," Mathew said, placing his hands together in

front of him. Shamour nodded before riding off.

Mathew gazed at the battlefield as he watched him go. The important

thing is that the Chima blood and name live on. So...don't waste your lives

in vain.

◇ ◇ ◇

Normally during a retreat, an army leaves rear guards behind it. The

troops chosen for a rear guard are elites, and they must be led by a loyal

commander. The longer the rear guard holds off the enemy's pursuit, the

higher the chance of their lord, and by extension the rest of their allies,

surviving. In short, the rear guard is expected to be completely annihilated.

That should tell you just how amazing it was that Kinoshita Toukichirou led

the rear guard in the retreat from the Battle of Kanegasaki, yet still returned

alive.

And yet, the odd thing is, Fuuga's forces had no rear guard. Despite the

fierce pursuit of the United Force, the rear units of Fuuga's army appeared

to be fleeing in disarray.

"Gwah!"

"Tch... Fuugahhh!!!"

As he cut down fleeing soldiers, Shamour shouted, "I misjudged you,

Fuuga Haan! What is this disgrace?! You leave your men and flee? How are

you supposed to be the great man of the Union of Eastern Nations?! How

are you humanity's hope?!"

For Shamour, who had anticipated a stirring battle, this one-sided

massacre irritated him.

Looking past the common soldiers he was venting his frustrations on,

Shamour saw Fuuga's forces were already passing by the foot of Fort Sebal.

The vanguard was much faster than the disorderly rabble at the rear.

Fuuga's army must have placed their best fighters at the lead during the

retreat.

If so, Fuuga may get away... he thought. Assuming Fuuga had his best

men at the front, their ability to break through would be considerable. The

plan had called for the men who took Fort Sebal to seal the exit to the

plains, but it was difficult to delay the enemy, and they might be able to

break through. Then let me bury as many of the fools who followed Fuuga

here as I can! Without his followers, Fuuga will be a man with his arms and

legs torn off!

Swinging powerfully as he sliced through enemy soldiers, Shamour

glared ahead of him.

◇ ◇ ◇

Meanwhile, at the other end of that glare, Fuuga clenched his fists as he

rode on the back of Durga the flying tiger. Gritting his teeth as he heard the

faint dying screams of his own men behind him on the wind, his shoulders

trembled.

"Darling..." Mutsumi, who was riding along with him, said with a voice

full of compassion.

Fuuga opened his clenched fist and held the open hand out towards her.

"I know, Mutsumi." Fuuga put his hand on Durga's back. "I can't stop

anymore. Or turn back. Only race in the direction Durga is facing."

"Darling... No, Lord Fuuga. I will follow you wherever you go."

And so, Fuuga and his people escaped from the Sebal Plains.

◇ ◇ ◇

It happened as the United Force pursued Fuuga's army past the foot of

Fort Sebal.

This is strange... Shamour thought, sensing something was off. Why are

all of the fallen here enemy soldiers?

Most of the soldiers lying along the road were Fuuga's men. Normally, a

lack of one's own dead comrades would be a thing to welcome, but they

were taking far too few casualties. The plan had called for a combined force

of fifteen hundred from the House of Chima and Kingdom of Gabi to block

Fuuga's retreat. These forces, which were to collide directly with Fuuga's

vanguard, should have taken considerable losses. And yet, there were no

corpses from that combined force along the road.

Did they abandon the attempt to block Fuuga's forces out of fear?

They'll have to be called to account for that later.

As Shamour was pondering, suddenly his own pursuing forces came to a

stop.

"Why?! Why have you stopped?! You'll let Fuuga escape!"

A messenger ran over to him and said, "I bear a message! Fuuga's army

has come to a stop outside the Sebal Plains!"

"What?!" Shamour exclaimed.

In response, the messenger relayed even more startling information,

"Furthermore, Fuuga's army has split to the sides, revealing his cavalry

were marching in formation in the center. At the head of them is a massive

tiger!"

"Fuuga Haan?! It's his main force of two thousand then!"

Why turn around here? Wasn't their goal to let Fuuga and his most

powerful warriors escape? As Shamour was wondering that, he noticed the

terrain around them. This was the valley leading into the Sebal Plains. It

was a narrow road surrounded on both sides by mountains, drawing the

thirteen thousand men of the United Force out in a long line. No, it can't be!

Have we been lured in?!

Just as Shamour correctly appraised the threat, and was about to order

his troops to halt, a messenger rushed up to him from behind, out of

breath...

"I-I bear a message! The forces of the Kingdom of Gabi and the Duchy

of Chima in Fort Sebal..."

"What?! What about them?!" Shamour demanded.

"Th-They appear to have turned on us! They're sealing the entrance to

the Sebal Plains!"

Shamour was dumbstruck by the messenger's words. His troops were

stretched out along the narrow valley. Now their retreat was cut off, and

Fuuga's forces had turned to face them. I see it now... You were aiming for

this all along, Fuuga. We had assumed you meant to join up with the rest of

your forces, but from the very beginning, you intended to settle things here.

Fuuga stood at the front of his army, glaring at the United Force.

"Finally... Finally, I can let loose."

"Yes. Things have worked out just as Big Brother Hashim said they

would," Mutsumi, who stood at his side, agreed.

Her face was the picture of calm, but her arms trembled a little as she

held the reins. For Fuuga, this was a once in a lifetime chance. For her,

however, this situation was incontrovertible proof that her elder brother

Hashim had betrayed their father Mathew. Although she would never say

so, that must have shaken her up badly. But she was doing her best to hide

it. That being the case, Fuuga chose to pretend not to notice out of

consideration towards her.

Fuuga pointed Zanganto towards the United Force.

"I've made you endure a lot! But that ends now! They've formed a neat

little line, waiting for us to cut them all down! Come on, men! Cut them

down, leave them to bleed, and race onward! What you see there is the road

to our time!"

"""Yeahhhhhh!"""

The men who had been forced to endure let out a cry that vented all their

frustrations up until this point. It was a roar that seemed to shake the earth

itself.

Then, holding Zanganto ready, Fuuga gave the order...

"Chaaarge!"

◇ ◇ ◇

"Archers, loose your arrows!" Bito, King of Gabi, gave the order, and

the famed longbowmen of Gabi rained magic enhanced arrows on the rear

of the anti-Fuuga faction's United Force.

"Wh-What?!"

"An attack from the rear...?! Gah!"

The sudden rain of arrows from behind knocked the soldiers of the

United Force from confidence in their assured victory to feverish confusion.

Some tried to flee in the opposite direction of the arrows in their

bewilderment, but for some reason the troops ahead of them had stopped

advancing, resulting in congestion. They couldn't run away.

"Damn you, King Gabi! You traitorous wretch!"

The soldiers that learned of the betrayal were enraged, and men were

sent to deal with those infuriating longbowmen. However, they were

blocked by infantry from the Kingdom of Gabi, the Duchy of Chima, and

the five hundred men from Fuuga's army who had been holding the fort.

With heavy infantry sealing the tight passage, the soldiers of the United

Force could not break through, and all the while a rain of arrows had them

dropping like flies.

In the middle of the infantry desperately trying to hold back the United

Force...

"Hahhh!" Only the section led by Nata was blowing away the onrushing

soldiers like they were nothing. Resting the large ax he had been swinging

around on his shoulder, Nata clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tch! I took

this side because my bro said I should, but all I'm getting to fight here are

small fry."

Nata, who had been in the service of the Kingdom of Sharn, had ended

up betraying his father Mathew and his liege Shamour due to Hashim's

persuasion. Originally, he had been looking forward to his battle with

Fuuga, who was seen as the most powerful in the Union, more than

anything.

Hashim had told him, "Even if you stay with the Kingdom of Sharn,

you'll only ever face enemies from inside the Union of Eastern Nations.

Perhaps you would enjoy a once in a lifetime battle with Fuuga under Sir

Shamour's command. But don't you want to fight the warriors from outside

this country? Don't you want to fight countries larger than any nation in the

Union?"

Then, Hashim extended the invitation, "Nata, come to Sir Fuuga's side

with me. His ambition is too great for the Union to contain. He'll show you

battles the likes of which you've never seen."

The irresistible allure of those words brought Nata into Fuuga's camp.

However, as things stood, he was currently insatiable.

As if to vent his frustration, with a swing of his large ax, Nata bellowed,

"You had best not bore me, brother! Or I'll tear into you and Fuuga too!"

In a place somewhat more removed from the front line, the remaining

Chima sons, Hashim and Nike, watched him.

"He's like a wild beast," Hashim said of his brother. "High maintenance,

but...just as easy to manipulate."

"Brother... I see you really do take after our father," Nike said with a

harshness in his eyes, but Hashim smiled faintly.

"Heh! I'll take that as a compliment."

There was no sarcasm in his tone. Even as he parted ways with his

father, he was not entirely unhappy to be compared to him.

"Big Brother Nata is simple, so I can understand him, but...how did you

convince King Gabi?" Nike asked, shaking his head.

"It was easy. The reason King Gabi is at the center of the anti-Fuuga

faction now is that people believe he masterminded the failed

assassination." Hashim let out a throaty chuckle. "He thought that, with the

suspicion of being the one behind Gauche's attack hanging over him, even

if he joined the pro-Fuuga faction, he would never be forgiven. I revealed to

him I had ties to Sir Fuuga, and told him that if he were to betray the United

Force and distinguish himself in battle, he would not be held responsible for

the failed assassination. Once I showed him a written promise to that effect

from Sir Fuuga, it was easy to push him into going along with it."

"It all came together just like that? What would you have done if he

hadn't agreed?"

"If persuasion wasn't an option, I would simply have worked with

Fuuga's forces to eliminate him during the attack on Fort Sebal It would

have been a bit more of a hassle, but that's for another time."

"Right..." Nike felt newfound fear at how easily Hashim could say such

incredible things.

"I thought the commands seemed out of character for Fuuga. So this was

all your planning then, brother."

"In order to wipe away all the anti-Fuuga elements in the Union with

this one battle, I needed events to play out like this. The test was whether or

not Fuuga could control himself until now...and, as I had expected, he is fit

to rule. Even as his own comrades were sacrificed, he endured and did as I

had advised him. He is deserving of every ounce of wisdom I can support

him with."

The sparkle in Hashim's eyes told Nike all he needed to know. Nata

wasn't the only one who had been waiting for the moment he'd take flight.

Hashim, too, had been looking to cast aside the tiny birdcage of the Union

in favor of a place his talents could be put to use, and a master who would

use them.

Hashim stared at Nike.

"But not everything went as planned. I was sure that, even if your proFuuga master cast you out, you would go to Mutsumi's side."

Nike stared straight back at Hashim.

"You can't count on everyone to move as you expect, brother. I'm a

flesh and blood human. I'll act according to my own will. Now then..."

Nike shouldered his spear. "So long, brother, I'll be taking my leave."

When he heard that, without any change in expression, Hashim placed

his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

"I appreciate your cooperation in the plan. However, if you mean to go

save father at this late stage..."

"Could you cut me down, brother?" Nike asked, glaring at Hashim.

If you were to simply compare their martial abilities, Nike had the upper

hand, but Hashim was an above-average warrior in his own right, and

depending on how he applied his skills, he might still come out on top.

The air grew tense for a moment, but Nike waved his hand to show he

had no hostile intent.

"Don't worry. I'm not planning on going to father."

Actually, I get the feeling he wouldn't want me to... Based on their

conversation the other day, Mathew seemed to have accepted the current

situation. If Nike went to save him, he'd only get angry and drive him away,

he was sure of it.

"I'll escape by following the swamp to the southwest. I have...some

objectives of my own I want to accomplish. Ah! If you tell Fuuga's soldiers

the fourth son of the House of Chima is on their side, and they should let

me go, that'd be a big help."

"I see..." Hashim removed his hand from the hilt of his sword. "That is

unfortunate. I had hoped you would join me in supporting Sir Fuuga. If

possible, I'd ask you to avoid becoming his enemy in the future. It would

sadden Mutsumi, I'm sure."

"I have no desire to become Big Sister Mutsumi's enemy..."

Not that I have any desire to work with Big Brother Hashim or Big

Brother Nata either... Nike felt like he and Hashim were incompatible. It

might be similar to the way he'd felt about his father Mathew.

Still keeping those feelings hidden, Nike lowered his head. "Well then,

brother... I'll pray for your success."

"Yeah. And I'll pray for your safety."

And with that, Nike left the battlefield without turning back.

◇ ◇ ◇

Meanwhile, Shamour had found Fuuga on Durga's back in front of the

United Force, crushing soldiers under the flying tiger's paws.

Dismounting, he shouted, "I take it that you are Fuuga Haan! I challenge

you to a duel!"

Hearing him, Fuuga's advance slowed. Then he turned to Shuukin and

Kasen who were with him and said, "Shuukin! Kasen! You lead the cavalry

to keep on crushing the United Force! I'll take care of this guy!"

"Huh?! Lord Fuuga?!" Kasen was confused.

"Lord Fuuga! If you simply ignore him, someone else will strike him

down!" Shuukin said with a harsh look in his eyes, but Fuuga had a fierce

smile on his face.

"Their commander-in-chief chose to get down off his horse and face me

rather than run away! It wouldn't be right to just let any ordinary soldier be

the one to slay him. I'll strike him down myself and seal our victory."

"But..."

"Go. That's an order."

"Ah...! Yes, sir. Let's go, Kasen!"

"Huh? You're sure?!" Kasen sounded surprised.

"There's no reasoning with him when he gets like that," Shuukin

explained, his face warping into a grimace. "We don't have the time right

now. If we dilly-dally, the ringleaders of the anti-Fuuga faction might

escape."

"U-Understood. Follow us, men!"

The duo led a mixed cavalry unit of horse and temsbock riders to strike

the overstretched ranks of the United Force from the ends, crush them

underfoot, and reap their lives. Shuukin cut down a fleeing soldier, while

another who held his ground—hoping to land at least one blow before he

fell—took an arrow through the throat from Kasen and collapsed. It was

like an avalanche, wiping everything away.

The United Force fell into a state of panic, unable to advance or retreat,

many of them being trampled by their own comrades. In the middle of all

this, as victory was more or less certain, Fuuga approached Shamour and

leapt down from Durga's back.

"Shamour, King of Sharn! It would be a shame to trample such

determination under Durga's paws! I'll take your head myself!"

"Then come for it, you whelp!"

Fuuga and Shamour's battle began. Initially, Fuuga was entirely on the

defensive.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Fuuga used Zanganto to repeatedly block

Shamour's pounding blows.

"It feels good and weighty... Truly the sword of a man with a kingdom

on his shoulders."

"What nonsense! Do you have nearly the determination I do, Fuuga

Haan?!"

"Of course!" With that, Fuuga's Zanganto flashed, slicing Shamour's

raised right arm off below the elbow. Seeing the shocked look on

Shamour's face, Fuuga told him, "I'm prepared to carry that weight and

more."

"You are, are you...?"

Shamour's calm expression made it hard to believe he had lost his right

arm and a considerable amount of blood as he sat down on the spot.

"To think a man like you would be born in these lands... These lands

where there are too many nations, all of them medium-sized or smaller,

none able to stand head and shoulders above the rest..." Shamour looked up

at Fuuga, laughing at his own expense. "What do you think? Of me...? Was

I a foe who made you struggle...?"

"Yeah... It wasn't a small number of my men who died to pay for this

victory."

Hearing Fuuga's words, Shamour smiled despite the pain in his right

arm.

"Heh heh heh... If I blocked your path even a little...I could ask for no

more."

"Oh, yeah...? So long. You were the first great wall in my way."

With that, a flash of Zanganto parted Shamour's head from his body. His

face showed not a hint of fear as he died. He left for the next world without

anguish or regret.

Fuuga closed his eyes and offered just a moment of silence, then raised

his voice to declare, "I, Fuuga Haan, have slain the enemy commander,

Shamour Sharn!"

◇ ◇ ◇

The death of Shamour caused even greater chaos among the anti-Fuuga

force who, unable to advance or retreat, lost many men to another charge by

Fuuga's cavalry. Even if they escaped the charge, the recovered infantry

came in for revenge, adding to the pile of corpses. And so, at the same time

as Fuuga's forces had fully dominated the United Force, Shuukin and Kasen

were rushing down the highway across the Sebal Plains. Their goal was the

United Force's main camp.

Now that King Gabi had turned traitor, it was safe to assume Gabi Castle

was already in Fuuga's hands. All that remained was to take the lightly

guarded main camp, and capture the remaining mastermind, Mathew

Chima, thereby ending the war.

"Kasen! You lead the cavalry and run down the fleeing members of the

United Force. I'll lead a unit to take the enemy's main camp."

"Understood! Be careful, Sir Shuukin."

"Right. You too."

Each wishing the other success in battle, the duo parted. When Shuukin

left the pursuit to charge into the enemy's main camp, he found it strangely

deserted.

"This is odd... Have the defenders already fled?"

Walking past the chevaux-de-frise, Shuukin and his men cautiously

advanced deeper into the main camp. There they found a single man inside

the curtains where the former commander-in-chief, Shamour, had once

been.

"You're...Duke Chima?" Shuukin asked, recognizing him, and Mathew

crossed his arms and lowered his head.

"Indeed I am. I assume you must be a commander of some renown."

"I am Lord Fuuga's subordinate, Shuukin Tan."

"A close associate of Fuuga's, then... That's good."

Mathew's cool expression made Shuukin suspicious.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to have a little talk before I take

responsibility for my actions as a commander of the defeated army. And if

it was the common soldiers who charged in here, I'm sure they would have

beheaded me before I could say another word."

Those words, "Before I take responsibility." Shuukin realized Mathew

was prepared to die.

As a warrior, he could mercilessly cut down men who opposed him, or

those who turned their backs and fled. However, when he encountered

someone who had accepted death, it was in his nature as a warrior to want

to pay his respects.

Shuukin dismounted and stood before Mathew, who smiled wryly at

Shuukin's forthrightness.

"So? What is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Have a seat first..." Mathew gestured towards the camp stools.

Shuukin took a seat, and Mathew sat across from him.

"You're the only one in the main camp now, Duke Chima?" Shuukin

asked and Mathew nodded.

"Yes. When they saw the main force broken, the defenders fell over

themselves in their hurry to flee. But this is King Gabi's domain. Now that

he has sided with Fuuga, I cannot imagine they'll get far..."

"And that's why you haven't fled? Because it would be pointless?"

Shuukin asked and Mathew chuckled a little in response.

"I need to take responsibility as the one who started this war. Besides, I

had something to leave with you. I prepared it while I was waiting for you

to arrive."

"Something to leave with me?"

At that, Mathew produced two letters from his pocket.

"One is to Fuuga's wife, Mutsumi. The other is to Hashim, who has

joined you. You're welcome to check the contents, but, well, they're a will

of sorts."

"A will... And you want it given to Hashim too? After he stabbed you in

the back?"

It was Hashim who had been corresponding with Fuuga and had caused

Mathew's strategy to fail. Shuukin, who had assumed Mathew would resent

him for that, found this request suspicious.

"You think I would resent him? Ha ha ha!" Mathew laughed at the idea.

"Why would I? He demonstrated more than enough talent in this war.

There's no question he's fit to take over the House of Chima."

Then, his expression relaxing, Mathew continued.

"Here in this land, where so many powers rise and fall, there are times

when a small nation must do questionable things in order to survive. What

Hashim did here is what our family has always done all this time, and what

I myself have done too. He truly has inherited my blood."

His eyes showed no indecision, he fully believed his words.

"I cannot understand..." Shuukin replied.

"Of course not. You're not a member of our house, after all." Having

said that, Mathew asked Shuukin, "By the way, what became of Nata and

Nike who took part in the battle?"

"I believe Sir Nata joined our side along with Sir Hashim. Sir Nike

cooperated with Sir Hashim for some time, but I've received reports that

he's since withdrawn from the battlefield."

"Hmm. If we started a war of this scale, and I am the only Chima who

needs to lose his life for it, then that is an excellent result."

He spoke as if his own life meant nothing. It showed just how long his

family had been doing arithmetic with their own lives, deciding who would

live and who would die.

Still, Shuukin couldn't stop himself from asking, "Duke Chima... Have

you no mind to surrender? It's not too late. You are Lady Mutsumi's father.

That makes you Lord Fuuga's father-in-law. I am sure even my lord must

respect your ability to have gathered so many against him..."

"I cannot," Mathew refused firmly. "If I were to shamelessly cling to

life, it would weaken Mutsumi's position and lessen Hashim's value as 'a

man who abandoned even his own father to join Sir Fuuga.' That is the one

thing that I, as head of the House of Chima, cannot do."

With that, Mathew rose from his seat and handed the two letters to

Shuukin.

"I am satisfied. Hashim has grown to the point where he can carry the

House of Chima, and I was able to face a great man in a grand battle at the

very end. It's a shame I couldn't win, but I have no regrets."

"Duke Chima..."

Mathew turned his back to Shuukin, and sat down on the ground.

"Now, take my head back with you. I'm counting on you to deliver those

letters."

"I swear it will be done."

Shuukin rose and drew his sword. He lifted it up high, then swung

down.

The conniving Mathew Chima. A man who suffered ignominy, giving

everything to preserve his house and bloodline, died a death far more noble

than the life he'd lived.

◇ ◇ ◇

One battle had ended. The valley leading into the Sebal Plains was

littered with the corpses of the United Force's soldiers, and the river ran red

with their blood. The survivors fled in all directions, or surrendered and

became prisoners. It was safe to assume that eighty percent of the antiFuuga faction inside the Union of Eastern Nations were wiped out on this

day.

As Fuuga's forces were cleaning up after the battle in the middle of the

Sebal Plains, three individuals came to his tent in the main camp and bowed

down in front of him. They were the ones who had switched sides in the

middle of the battle: King Gabi, Hashim Chima, and Nata Chima. Shuukin

and Mutsumi stood on either side of Fuuga.

"Well done, I guess I should say," Fuuga said, looking down at them

from the camp stool he was sitting on. "Will you swear loyalty to me now?"

"Yes, sir!" King Gabi said, bowing so low his forehead nearly scraped

the dirt. "While Gauche acted alone, it is my fault that I was unable to keep

one of my people under control. I also went down the wrong path and

joined the anti-Fuuga faction. Yet you accepted me, my lord, even though I

once opposed you. In order to repay this debt of gratitude, I intend to work

myself to the bone on your behalf."

"We feel the same as King Gabi," Hashim said, bowing his head.

Fuuga rose from his camp stool, taking his Zanganto from Shuukin, and

laying the blade against the side of Hashim's neck. The look in Fuuga's

eyes made King Gabi break into a cold sweat.

"You have my thanks for what you did, but I have no love for those who

stab others in the back," Fuuga said as he looked down at Hashim. The cold

blade touched Hashim's neck.

If Fuuga pulled it just a little, the sharp Zanganto would slice through

his flesh, and a crimson shower would burst forth.

A long silence passed between them. It was so quiet that the racing

hearts of all those who were watching this tense scene unfold sounded

noisy.

Once the painful silence passed, Fuuga withdrew his blade from

Hashim's neck, Then, sitting once more, he struck Zanganto's pommel on

the ground.

"It is not to happen again! I want all three of you to remember that!"

"""Yes, sir!""" The three bowed their heads in unison.

Fuuga continued, "Hashim, stay. The other two, leave. The rest of you

are dismissed."

Nata and Gabi took their leave at his command. Once they had left the

tent, a short time passed, and then Fuuga handed his Zanganto back to

Shuukin before putting his hands on his knees.

"Was that good, Hashim?"

"Yes, sir. An admirable performance," Hashim said, raising his head

with a nonchalant expression on his face. Fuuga smiled wryly when he saw

it.

"You were on our side all along. In fact, we were following a plan you

dreamed up. I never thought I'd have to call you a traitor."

As Fuuga said, despite remaining with Mathew and the United Force,

Hashim had been leaking information to Fuuga. He had also been the one to

suggest using a fake retreat to draw their enemies into the narrow valley

where they could eradicate them with a counterattack. This war could

largely be considered Hashim's strategic victory.

Hashim smiled. "The rest of the commanders will hear about the look in

your eyes when you told me never to betray you again from King Gabi.

That will give them the impression that while you are generous enough to

take in your former enemies, you are also frighteningly merciless to those

who oppose you."

Though Hashim could not have known this, what he was saying was

remarkably similar to Chapter 18 of Souma's favorite book, The Prince,

which said, "It is necessary for a prince to understand how to avail himself

of the beast and the man."

The law is to be used with men, and force with beasts. This is because in

the real world a ruler must at times confront men who will abandon their

beliefs like wild beasts, and at those times the ruler must not hesitate to use

force to make them submit as beasts do. The lesson is that a ruler must have

two faces.

Hashim continued, "Also, if we create the impression that I was the

leader of those who switched sides to join you, then every time you

recognize one of my accomplishments, you will look like a big man who is

not prejudiced against people because of their backgrounds. Most of the

soldiers captured in this battle were just following orders. If they see me

being treated well, they will feel safe joining you."

"I see..."

"At the same time, if anyone hopes to conspire against you in future,

they will attempt to win me to their side first. When they do, their plans will

be exposed, and we can deal with the rebellion before it even begins."

"Ha ha ha! Wonderful!" Fuuga slapped his knee as he cackled. "I've

always wanted a man like you—someone who's always thinking two steps

ahead. My followers are all strong, but they're only a step or two removed

from barbarians who think you can solve any problem with fighting. Only

Shuukin, Mutsumi, and Kasen would be of any use at political dealing.

Although, with Kasen's young age, no one would follow him."

"Surely you don't need to belittle your own followers..." Shuukin

chastised him with a sigh.

"It's the truth. When I think about what's to come, I know we'll need to

gather people with different abilities that we don't have, and put them to

work. Luckily, there's someone who's given us an example of how to do

that."

Fuuga spoke with Souma in mind. He was confident he would never

lose to Souma in martial prowess or charisma, but when it came to

knowledge and the ability to use people, Fuuga had to acknowledge he was

no match.

"That's a good way of thinking." Hashim nodded. "To that end, we must

take control of the Union of Eastern Nations swiftly, and find the talent

hidden there. In particular, our lack of bureaucrats to handle domestic

affairs could prove deadly. If we mean to expand our territory, we will need

to gather enough administrators to manage all of it."

"Knowing that's the truth just makes it more painful to hear..." Fuuga

shrugged his shoulders in exasperation. "But of course. I plan to bring in

more people and expand. You'll lead them, Hashim. In your eyes,

though...is King Gabi someone we can use?"

Hashim smiled slightly. "My brother Nata fights like a wild beast, and

that is all he has in his head, so he is easy to manipulate. King Gabi,

however, is the sort of person who puts his own self-preservation before the

benefit of the group as a whole. There is a high risk he will turn again, so

we cannot give him any important task."

"I knew he was untrustworthy... Then, what do you think we should do

with him?"

"From here on, you will no doubt work to mop up any remaining antiFuuga elements, Lord Fuuga. There will eventually be a difficult battle, and

when there is, he should be placed on the front lines with orders to 'Keep

our losses to a minimum.' Then, afterwards, we can hold him responsible

for his poor performance. His bowmen are powerful, so let's place them

under your direct command when that is done."

There was a coldness in Hashim's eyes, and the look on the honest

Shuukin's face made it clear he didn't like it. Fuuga, however, laughed

raucously.

"Well! It looks like I'm going to need guys who can make suggestions

like that from now on... You'll help me, of course, won't you?"

"That has been my intention all along. Please, keep marching on through

the light of day, Lord Fuuga." Hashim's words showed his determination to

be the one who would handle all of the work in the shadows.

As he looked at Hashim, Fuuga asked something that had been

bothering him. "Tell me one last thing. Did you not feel hesitant to betray

Duke Chima...Mathew Chima?"

That question made Mutsumi, who had been quiet all this time, shudder

a little. She must have had her own thoughts about her brother who had

betrayed their father in order to join them.

Here, for the first time, Hashim's eyes grew harsh. He looked straight at

Fuuga, almost as though he were glaring at him.

"No one, not even you, Lord Fuuga, could possibly understand what we

had between us as father and son."

"Oh...?"

"It was father himself who raised me into the kind of commander who

could make a decision like this. You are a great man, known throughout the

world, and I determined that you would be able to put my talents—talents

which were wasted here in the cage that is the Union of Eastern Nations—

to use. Were my father younger, and not as constrained by his position, no

doubt he would have taken the same path I have. I am sure that my father

understood my actions, just as I understood him."

Fuuga was overwhelmed for a moment, but soon let out a sigh.

"You really were father and son... Shuukin."

"Yes, sir." Shuukin walked before Hashim and dropped to one knee,

producing a letter from his pocket which he offered to him. "I am the one

who cut down Sir Mathew. I was there for his final moments."

"I see..."

"This is the letter that Sir Mathew asked me to deliver to you. There was

another, that one addressed to Madam Mutsumi."

When Hashim accepted the letter, Shuukin bowed his head and then

returned to his original position.

Mutsumi pulled out her own letter so that Hashim could see it.

"In mine he apologized for opposing Lord Fuuga, worsening my

position, and said that he was satisfied with his life. He also wrote that I

shouldn't resent you. It seems...he understood you just as well as you said."

Mutsumi lowered her eyes in sadness. Hashim closed his.

After some time, Fuuga spoke, "I looked through his letter to you. You

should read it."

"Yes, sir... If that is what you wish."

Hashim opened the letter, looked through it, then...

"Huh?!"

His eyes went wide.

Unlike in Mutsumi's letter, there was not one word of apology, not one

request for forgiveness, let alone a word of grievance. It only said how

things were to be handled after his death. Included were a list of names, and

the countries those people were presently attached to. As Hashim processed

everything, he held the paper so tight that it crumpled. It was a list of all the

human resources that Mathew could think of.

When the main unit of the United Force was destroyed, Mathew had

spent all the time he had left before death came for him writing out the

names of people they could hire to support Fuuga's domination. There was

not one unnecessary word there. However, that showed that Mathew

recognized Hashim's abilities, and went to the afterlife knowing the family

was in good hands.

"What happened...to my father's remains?"

"They've been carefully preserved, and no one will touch them.

Mutsumi will hold a funeral for him later."

"I see..." Hashim hung his head, not looking up for some time.

Tears streaked down Mutsumi's cheeks as she looked at him, almost as

if she were crying because he could not.

Seeing the tears on her cheeks, Fuuga thought, You made her cry twice...

You damned fool, as he thought of the late Mathew Chima.