Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [316]
For a good while, Mitsuru found himself in the unfamiliar position of being at a loss for words. At length, he spoke. “Then, what would you have me do? If the gemstone I need must protect Vision from some calamity, how might I ever hope to claim it?”
“No, there is hope. I merely said that it would be difficult to give you the gem now. In fact, there are other ways of preventing this calamity from visiting itself upon us. Or rather, there is one other way. Yet, sadly, the Northern Empire lacks the power to achieve this other method. We require certain materials from the south.”
What’s he babbling about now?
“Only a short while ago…” The emperor sat back down on his throne, a tone of sadness in his voice. “Our empire and the lands of the south were locked in a stalemate, and gathering the necessary materials was nigh well impossible. Oh, to be sure, we tried all means at our disposal, but I was not optimistic about our prospects. But the situation has changed somewhat of late. I do not know every detail, but certain sympathizers with our cause in the south have reported that there are traces showing that something has passed from the south to our lands that will radically change the balance of power in Vision. If I am able to identify and locate this something, we would be able to begin our invasion of the south immediately. With victory assured, it would be easy to acquire the materials we need.
“Perhaps Master Mitsuru knows something of this…”
Mitsuru looked up. The old coot must know what it is he’s looking for. You’re playing dumb, trying to get information out of me, aren’t you?
Mitsuru produced the powered-boat designs. “Perhaps you mean this?”
This wasn’t how the exchange was supposed to work.
He handed the blueprints over. The emperor’s joy was evident. “Emissary from the holy land, servant of the gods, I thank you! With these designs our victory is already certain. I would share this victory with you. Please, until that day comes, treat my palace as your home.”
And so Mitsuru had been forced to wait. And he would have to wait until the Empire had crushed the opposition in the south.
I’ve failed. Mitsuru dug his teeth into his bottom lip. My plan was faulty. I did this to myself. But it won’t happen again. Dear emperor, if you think I’m going to sit around here and wait until you can have your fun with the southern continent, you’re sorely mistaken. Standing on the terrace, Mitsuru clenched his hands into tight fists.
If he wasn’t given the crown immediately, there wouldn’t be time for any calamity—he’d burn this precious capital of theirs to the ground right now. Once the emperor knew what he was capable of he would tremble in fear like he was supposed to. What did it matter what calamity the Crown of the Seal held in check—it has nothing to do with me. If they want to stop it, fine, they’re on their own.
Yet, there was certain vital information he lacked…
“Master Mitsuru?”
Mitsuru looked around, his hands gripping the terrace railing.
Opening the double doors to the guest room and bowing stiffly was Adju Lupa. He was one of the officers here in the Crystal Palace, under direct orders from the emperor to look after Mitsuru during his stay. He looked to be in his late forties. Mitsuru had instantly been wary of the man’s gentle, scholarly demeanor. This was no mere administrator.
Mitsuru had heard of the special task force operating directly under the guidance of the emperor—Sigdora—when he was still in the south. He had been staying at a small village inn where he had heard stories about a Sigdora attack that had burned down half the houses in town, and claimed the lives of more than half of the residents.
Not knowing anything of the Crown of the Seal at the time, Mitsuru had wondered why the North had sent troops into the South. Now it all made sense. They were doubtlessly searching for whatever these materials were that the emperor needed.
“The Northern Empire uses Sigdora to