Chapter 520

Chapter 520

For a man like yourself to hold such high rank is an insult to Lieutenant Colonels the Empire over.

Inwardly seething from this blatant insult directed towards his uncle, Hideo grit his teeth and kept his head down, reminding himself that no matter how disrespectful this foul-mouthed Senior might be, Colonel General Nian Zu certainly possessed the rank, ability, and capacity to talk down to a mere Lieutenant Colonel. Not only did this northern ruffian share the same rank as Mentor, Mitsue Juichi had once publicly admitted he would refuse any and all offers to face Situ Nian Zu in single combat, whether it be an official trial or a duel to the death. Not because he feared the man, but because the outcome was a foregone conclusion.

Mutual destruction, of both combatants and anything within a hundred metre radius, for nothing short of a Divinity would survive should Shooting Star and Mountain Collapsing Stomp meet.

Those were Mentors exact words, spoken before Hideo had even been born, but they were as true now as they were then, though both men were now over a hundred years old and no longer as influential as before. Still, such was the strength possessed by Nian Zu, so Hideo, Hiroshi, and Watanabe could do naught but grit their teeth and bear the humiliation. To make matters worse, not only was Hiroshi here in disguise and unable to use his status as Patriarch of the Mitsue Family to quell Nian Zus fury, but Watanabe had brought this scolding upon himself with his idiotic demands. Although the scouts estimated the Defiled force at well over five-hundred thousand and possibly even as high as one million strong, it had yet to be confirmed that their target was Sinuji, so Watanabes panicked appeals to have all nearby forces come here to reinforce them was ill-advised at best. While it appeared like they were on a direct route here, and there was history between this Emissary Gen and Falling Rain, that wasnt enough to abandon all other nearby positions in favour of Sinuji alone.

Thus, without a guarantee of reinforcements arriving in Sinuji before the Defiled would, Watanabe blundered yet again as he requested permission to retreat from Sinuji, hence the Colonel Generals well-deserving scathing rebuke.

Sinuji was not built to hold indefinitely, but it was still a vital part in the Empires defences, a forward position meant to buy time for the Imperial Army to muster a proper response. Retreating was not an option, not before laying eyes on the Enemy, and any fool could see that Watanabes decisions were motivated by personal well-being rather than the safety of the Empire as a whole. Despite all this, Hideos uncle was still unrepentant and even a little indignant before the Colonel Generals rebuke, but at least he held his tongue. Unfortunately, true to his reputation as a dedicated disciplinarian who did things by the rules, Nian Zu was not yet through with his reprimand. I came here as an observer to ensure justice was served without bias or political agenda, but to think I would uncover such incompetence on the front lines. When you were placed in this posting, you were given a list of contingency plans left in place, many of which were designed and implemented by your predecessor, Colonel Chen Hongji. Where in those contingencies does it say to call all soldiers to Sinuji just because its commander fears for his safety? Where does it say to abandon our position just because the Enemy outnumbers our garrison? Drawing himself up to full height, the Colonel General spoke with the authority of a true leader of men, one who would brook no insolence. You will hold this fort until otherwise ordered, or you can accept your failings, relinquish your rank, and let a better soldier take your place. Do so and you will earn a measure of my respect, for it takes a strong man to admit his faults. Otherwise, should your actions prove detrimental to the safety of Sinuji or its defenders, then I will bring disciplinary action against you, and even if the Justicars see fit to let you off, I most certainly will not.

With that, Nian Zu strode out the command tent without another look, leaving Watanabe fuming with anger and barely able to speak. He... that... I... As Watanabe stopped to close his eyes and take a deep breath, Hideo could see his uncle struggling to control his emotions, holding Balance to keep his anger from erupting. Her illusory chin resting on Hideos shoulder, Eri-Hime gave a disdainful sniff and an indignant pout as she hugged him from behind, her arms wrapped lightly around his neck and feet dangling more than half a meter off the ground. Whether her displeasure was due to Nian Zus disrespect or Watanabes incompetence, Hideo wasnt entirely sure, but her sentiments mirrored his own, as they so often did these days.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Uncle Watanabe was a disgrace to the Mitsue family name, one who would be dealt with once Hideo took charge, but even then, Nian Zu had no right to disrespect a noble family such as theirs. Did he think the Society would keep him safe? Or his sterling reputation would cow all foes into submission? His arrogance was insufferable, and if Hideo were in Hiroshis place, he would never stand idly by while an outsider lectured his subordinates, much less his own cousin. Incompetent as Watanabe might be, he was still the son of Mitsue Juichi. Disrespecting the son was the same as disrespecting the father, so as Patriarch of the Mitsue family, Hiroshi should never have let this insult stand.

Then again, Mentor most likely wouldve laughed and agreed with Nian Zus assessment, for he was never one to mince words when criticizing his children. His personal failing, Mentor called it, for he loved his children and grandchildren too much to discipline them harshly, which was why he took Hideo as a disciple instead of someone more closely related. It was also how Hiroshi became Patriarch in the first place, because as much as Mentor loved his children, he knew their limits better than most.

Unfortunately, in this decision, Mentor had erred. Hiroshi lacked the strength and decisiveness a Patriarch truly required, as evidenced by Hideos continued existence. After the debacle with Eri-Hime Hiroshi shouldve quietly killed Hideo or at the very least removed him from the public eye until such a time when his death would draw less attention, but instead, Hiroshi put the entire family at risk and clung to the vain hope that his son would pull through and emerge unscathed. While Hideo understood Hiroshi had done it out of love and appreciated the gesture, there was no room for sentiment when leading a noble Family, because even though Hideo defied the odds and recovered to his current state, he still couldnt condone Hiroshis choices, for the risks far outweighed the benefits. Such a man was undeserving of being the Mitsue family Patriarch, and Hideo intended to correct Mentors error as such was the duty of a filial disciple.

The day Hideo regained his clarity of mind and accepted Eri-Hime back into his life, the first thing hed done was mentally sever all ties with his father, for Hiroshis crimes against the family were too severe to ever be forgiven. As Mentor himself had demonstrated, even ones own children were secondary when considering what was best for the family, so how could Hiroshi choose differently?

Ignorant of Hideos thoughts, Hiroshi raised a Sound Barrier before turning to Watanabe with a sigh. Cousin, you should have spoken with me before calling a meeting with Nian Zu. What did you expect him to do? Throw away the Imperial Armys carefully laid plans just to coddle you as your father would?

Erupting with fury, Watanabe snarled and poked Hiroshi in the chest. Yes, my father! You might be Patriarch, but we all know who truly holds the reins in the Mitsue family, and once he hears how youve treated me, youll be lucky to keep your head, much less your position.

Doubtful. Dry and unconcerned, Hiroshis tone spoke volumes to his indifference. If Uncle Juichi decides Ive overstepped enough to take my life, then so be it, but you forget why Im here in the first place: because you, his son, cannot be trusted to keep the family out of Imperial affairs. As for losing my position, well, Id welcome it. In fact, when all this is done, I think Ill resign as Patriarch and bring my family away from Central politics and Imperial meddling. Ive given too much time and effort to the Mitsue family, and in doing so, have neglected my own. Glancing at Hideo, Hiroshi patted his shoulder and smiled, and Hideos chest ached with regret, because he knew the truth.

Hiroshi... Father was giving up power, wealth, and status just so he could bring his wayward son away to recover in peace and solitude. Such was the depths of his love, and Hideo dared fault him for it.

Hmph. Unseen by all except Hideo, Eri-Hime stuck her tongue out at Father. Silly Uncle. He thinks Big Brother Hideo is still sick, but Eri-Hime fixed him. Nuzzling his neck, she giggled and said, Because now were together as one.

Big Brother Hi-De-O, she said with a pout, her eyes wide and teary with anger. Why are you ignoring Eri-Hime? Why are you lying down instead of coming to train? You need to be strong if you want to kill that stinky savage and his ugly slave.

Rolling onto his side with his back to the guards, he closed his eyes and raised a Sound Barrier to shut out her voice, but to no avail. Soon after, she appeared in the darkness as a disembodied head, her skin marred, hair in disarray, and the stump of her neck dripping with blood like when he last saw her in life. You did this Big Brother, she accused, her tone hurt and accusing, But Eri-Hime never blamed you. Were one now, and Eri-Hime just wants to help. Doesnt Big Brother want to be strong and powerful? Doesnt he want revenge for what happened to him? Doesnt he want to show the Legate how wrong he was to choose a tribal savage over a true son of the Empire? Let Eri-Hime back in, let her take away your pain and sorrow.

Youre not her, he thought, too afraid to speak the words even in private. Youre not Eri-Hime. Youre a lie, a hallucination, a symptom of my madness. I forsake you, foul Demon, and the Father behind you, for I am Mitsue Hideo, and I will be a son worthy of my fathers love.

Oh Big Brother Hideo. With a wry smile that didnt quite belong on her lips, Eri-Himes floating head shook in regret. Why must you always make things difficult? You wouldnt accept Eri-Hime in life, but she wont let you do the same in death.

Pain lanced through Hideos mind and his eyes bolted open in shock, but as his lips parted to scream, he realized he had no control of his body. No, not merely a lack of control, but a lack of sensation as well, for despite being wracked with agony, his body lay utterly still and relaxed, breathing slowly and deeply as if fast asleep. Materializing before him, Eri-Hime grinned a wicked grin, one filled with fiendish malice and childish delight. You. Are. Mine, she said, each carefully enunciated word bringing fresh suffering and misery. This is what you deserve, a punishment to fit your crimes, and Eri-Hime will not let you go. Leaning over to kiss the tip of his nose, Hideo screamed in his mind as he felt the flesh melt away, even though he could clearly see nothing had happened to his physical form. Submit, she crooned, staring deep into his eyes, and for the first time, he noticed how empty her gaze was, the soulless, lifeless gaze of a corpse long dead. Surrender, and then the pain will stop.

He was wrong, he understood this now. He was wrong and she was right. This was no Demon, but Eri-Hime herself, the Eri-Hime hed doted on, the Eri-Hime hed murdered, and now, the Eri-Hime whod returned from the Mothers Embrace to exact vengeance upon her killer. This was his punishment, this pain and suffering well-deserved, so he would endure it until her anger was sated or until the punishment claimed his life.

Because like she said, this was exactly what he deserved.

I will never surrender, he said, and then the world went red with welcomed suffering.

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Sitting up in the cot, Eri-Hime stretched her arms and yawned ever so daintily, emitting a small squeak like she so often did while still alive. Turning around, she was greeted by the confused stares of Big Brother Hideos guards, for shed forgotten she was no longer in her own body, but his. Clearing her throat to hide her embarrassment, she spoke with Big Brothers voice and said, Im hungry.

She wasnt, but Big Brother had hardly been eating these past few weeks, so wracked with guilt over her death and unable to hold down the bland, tasteless meals. That wouldnt do, because his body needed more sustenance if he was to grow big and strong, so she would support him like the dutiful wife she was. She didnt want to hurt him so, but she couldnt save him from his self-inflicted penance, but with him out of the way, that left her free to do all the dishonourable and despicable things he thought about, but would never do on his own. While sitting down to eat her unappetizing meal, she stretched Big Brothers Domain and directed it out of the room past the Sound Barrier set up by the guards. Only then did she split off a portion to Send a message to his Uncle Watanabe, and with luck, the guards would believe there were soldiers outside Sending messages to one another, because no one could know it was Big Brother Hideo manipulating events from the shadows.

He loved his family so, but Eri-Hime cared not for the Mitsue Familys survival. After all, Uncle Hiroshi didnt hesitate to cover up Big Brothers heinous crime, and her poor father still suffered without knowing if she was dead or alive. What would happen next was exactly what the Mitsue family deserved, exactly what Uncle Hiroshi deserved, and even though the loss of his family would hurt Big Brother Hideo, he would get over it in time.

For Eri-Hime loved him more than life itself. Yes... She did. Shed wanted nothing more than to be his wife. Thats all she ever talked about when she was alive, and this was what she would want.

Right?

...Of course. Yes. This was exactly what Eri-Hime would want. What I would want. To support Big Brother Hideo, and do what he himself would not.

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