A New Beginning For this New Land
"Captain. The invasion order has been sent."
"Roger. Tell everyone to start their engines. We're starting this."
Just after the final full invasion order was given, the marines who were ordered to attack the Pirate Lord's Palace at the foot of Mt. Akushou made their motorboats that was camouflaged using water hyacinths and vines to start their engines and ride along the river to take the enemy by surprise.
"W-what's that noise?"
"I don't- Crap! Enemies!"
*Brrrtttt!!!*
The pirates, who didn't expect the enemy to be coming from the river due to its turbulent flow that day, was taken by surprise as three motorboats suddenly zoomed across them and rained bullets on their riverside checkpoints and rest areas.
"Drop the bombs!"
"Aye!"
At a gorge, the pirates found an opportunity to ambush them as they lighted gunpowder kegs and waited for the marines to pass by. However, the Kiko soldiers aren't one to not notice an obvious trap.
"Take out the flares!"
"Yes sir! Light up their barrels!"
The soldiers shot the incendiary flares out and to the last surprise of the pirates, it lighted their barrels prematurely and caused the explosion that ended their lives.
"Go! Go! Go!"
"We need to get to the palace or that guy may end up escaping!"
The marines continued their combat trip in the river until about 300 meters away from the palace, they disembarked from their boats and brought them inland to hide them among the shrubs. Some began to wear strange suits covered with grass and mud while carrying Hiryuu rifles with sniper scopes. While the rest wore helmets that was painted to look like turtle shells and sunk into the river with only their eyes and tips of noses appearing out of the water.
"…"
"They're nearing the moor. Shoot Alpha 3 through 9."
"Roger."
The sniper teams shot the guards at the yard that meets the river as their teammates pulled the corpses into the water and kept watch of the surroundings.
"Looks clean. Whistle me a sparrow."
"Roger. Fuweeweeweet~!"
"…"
Hearing the signal, the marines with turtle shell-colored helmets emerged from the river with their submachine guns ready to hit any hostile in sight.
"Clear."
"Clear from here too. Get in the porch and balcony. We'll maintain overwatch."
"Roger."
The marines worked with synchronization and soon, cleanly got inside the palace and disposed the guards.
"Sandbag-3, report."
"…"
"I repeat, Sandbag-3, report to me."
"It's a fail, sir. Jackpot is not here anymore."
"…I see. Collect whatever intel you can get and return to us here immediately."
"Roger. You heard the captain, boys. Grab those scrolls and pack them in the bags. We're leaving ASAP!"
From the opposing riverbank where they are keeping watch of their men while also camouflaging their selves using ghillie suits, the leader of the marine platoon signaled to their radioman to contact their headquarters and report the failure of their mission.
"Darn… where can that person be?"
Unbeknownst to the Kiko troops or even his own men, the pirate Lord named Arakami Akagi has long escaped from the place while fooling them that he is sick and wished to not be disturbed.
"Protect Lord Akagi!"
"Don't let them get inside the hideout!"
A week ago, the young and proud leader of the pirates felt like he aged multiple years and was rid of his pride after he accepted his situation and attempted to escape from the war by hiding in a cart along with his most loyal of vassals. They disguised themselves as slaves being sold out of the Palace that they once considered home.
"The Pirate Lord is not here, master."
"Track and dispose them. Leave no trace."
"Yes, your great Highness!"
However, just after that cart entered the dense forest of northern Mizuki island, the cart driver stopped and caused the group to become annoyed because of their paranoia.
"What the heck, old man?!"
"Why did we stop here?! I told you to get moving as far away from the mountain as possible!"
However, after their peered out of their cage window, they saw the old man approaching a group of people wearing green hoods who placed a large pouch of money on the old man's knapsack.
"Why, you-?!?!?! So, you were also one of them?!"
"And what if I am, you fool?"
"HAAH?!?!?!"
"It would be ironic if a criminal such as you would complain about being betrayed and used by others. For me… all of it is just the same."
As the old man walked away and the hooded men took out their swords, the five men inside the cage kicked open the loose door and proceeded to protect their master.
"It's simply just your time, Arakami Akagi."
What followed after was the death of his subordinates while he was beaten to a pulp before being brought to a place that he cannot recognize due to his wounds.
"Well, well… Look who's living as tenaciously as a cockroach that someone such as I have to come this far just to end him."
"…You."
"What now? Do you feel regret now after you didn't heed my order of just taking your life and being useful to me?"
"You… YOU!!!"
"Hehehe… Hahahaha! HYAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
The loud and almost inhuman laughter of the person talking in front of the beaten young man suddenly grabbed him by the neck and strangled his airways singlehandedly.
"Urk! Agghhh!!!"
"What? Are you regretting it now?"
"Kiss… my… ass!"
The Pirate Lord cursed at the man and suddenly, threw him down to the ground before pulling back his left foot to kick him around.
"Why, you insolent!"
"Argh!"
"Damned!"
"Ich!"
"Third-rate mongrel scum!"
He kicked him around while shouting insults to him as the Pirate Lord rolled around in pain.
"Hah… hah… hah!"
"You are a fool…"
"Why, you?! How dare you insult my intelligence! I am the nearest being to perfection! I will not let your insults to-"
"True Kirin Lord? What a shitty joke…"
"-!"
"To be honest, I would've liked it more if I surrendered to the one and only Kirin Lord who earned his title and didn't proclaim it for himself out of nowhere…"
Arakami Akagi, with his last breaths, pointed at the man who was about to kill him and spoke his dying words that was nothing more but mockery to his murderer.
"I know who you are and why you desire to become the Kirin Lord. And I assure you… You will never get that title."
"Kill him! Shut his big mouth!"
"You… Miyazono Keiji… Will not just die from that being's hand once… You will die to him twice… because until someone as evil as you exist in this world…"
"Fire! Fire now!"
"…there will always be those who will end the life of a monster such as you."
Unknown to most people at the time, the enemy of both Iwasawa Hiroshi and Amanogawa Sora was in Mizuki Island, dealing with the person whom he once used to secure the province but later failed and ended up losing it to the Kirin Lord's troops.
"Damn it… I lost my cool."
"Master, I have received reports regarding the location of the False Kirin Lord's General. If you give the word, I will personally come to end his life and cripple our enemy's power."
"…Don't."
"Master?"
"I wouldn't do something as low as that. Do you really think that I am so impotent that I will depend on such tricks to defeat that person who stole the title that is supposed to be mine?"
"P-please… I do not mean such disrespect. I apologize, your Great Highness."
"Hmph! Let us take our leave. I have only stayed here for a day, and I already feel disgusted of this place!"
"As you wish. I will arrange your trip as soon as possible."
"Very well. Let us move!"
With a flick of his finger, four men lifted his palanquin and took him away from the scene as his men cleaned up the warehouse where they executed the Pirate Lord.
That was Miyazono Keiji, the Otherworlder that Daigo Reika dreaded for a long time who ended up becoming the biggest threat to the peace of this country. Although most of his past from the otherworld is hidden, most of his traits seem to not have changed at all as his thirst for power clearly had its personal roots.
He is a cautious autocrat, murderous leader and someone who thinks that only he matters in the world as seen with how the only way he can do things is through instilling fear into his subjects.
"This is getting too complicated…"
Yet even in his innermost ranks, someone who is clearly superior to him has long deceived and outsmarted him and only awaits the right time to strike him down.
"…I must make my report to Amanogawa-sama soon. Things are getting dire."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
A few months passed after I reached the Star Goddess' temple in Mt. Akushou and freed the young woman who was considered as the said deity. During that time, the last vestiges of the Arakami pirates slowly crumbled as their hideouts and ports were attacked and the pirate crews who have gone against the act of war long ago surrendered and admitted to their crimes.
For those who fought till the end, death only awaited them as they faced the overwhelming military power of Kiko. And for those who surrendered, they were given punishments that fitted their crimes. Some were beatings, some were fines, and to those who caught most of the ire of the people of the island, what awaited them was public stoning and sometimes, even death.
"Are you ready now, Lady Rin?"
"Y-yes…"
"Don't be too nervous, Shimura-sama will be beside you during the speech."
"I-I know… Thank you."
And so, with the blessing of the Elders' assembly that was composed of the village leaders and town mayors of the settlements in the Mizuki group of islands, a formal government was finally set up that was supported by the Southern Quartet Alliance.
"H-Hello…"
"Ah. Good morning too."
"Umm…"
I was waiting outside her room when the door opened, and she came out dressed in a Furisode Kimono and her face was given some light make-up.
"Ah. It's beautiful. It… fits you."
"I… I see… Hehe…"
Today, 3 months after the end of hostilities, the formal end of the war will be declared along with the formal formation of a government in the island province. From the allied provinces and even the places that Iwasawa-sama came through where he made favorable connections and agreements with, delegates and state guests came to show their support and acknowledgement for the new government.
"Are you ready for the speech?"
"I… I honestly still feel awkward. Just a few months ago, these people are worshipping my sleeping self and now… I am their leader."
Hearing those words, I softly patted her back as shook lightly with nervousness.
"Relax. I know that we pushed this work to you, and you are still not confident with your abilities as a leader."
"Y-yeah… You're right."
"But don't worry. We're all here to support you. Especially me who is responsible for your awakening."
After hearing what I said, Rin turned away from me and hid her face behind her long sleeves.
"A-Ah… Did I say something rude? I-I'm sorry, I-"
"N-No… I just… I just feel thankful for what you said…"
"Ah."
"I'll be in your care then."
She turned around again with a slightly flushed face and gave me a smile which I gave back properly.
"Come on, they are all waiting for you."
"Mm! Let's do this!"
As the doors of the Star Goddess temple, that is now refurbished and renamed as the Star Palace of Mizuki, was opened, I led her to the podium and after she stepped to the platform, I took my seat at the delegate area.
"You two seems to be close."
"Argh. Stop teasing me already, Chiyo. I was the one who awakened her, so I am kind of responsible for her."
"Ehh~? Is that really all, Nobi-kyun~?"
"I said stop already."
At the area for the Kiko delegates, Chiyo immediately teased me as soon as I sat down which annoyed me. She even poked my cheek and spoke in a flowy tone to tease me more.
"I'm amused that just because of that guy's actions and decisions, there would come a time when all of us here who used to be either hostile or indifferent to each other will come to celebrate the formation of a government that we do not control."
"Well said, Lady Kusanagi. I was actually surprised when it was you who attended the gathering instead of Ishigawa-dono."
"If I'm going to be honest, I didn't really want to attend. I thought of sending him or Mitsuhide-chan… but as you may know, they seem to be really incessant about "sending me off to enjoy my youth" or "taking a break from work" when I have no problem about it at all."
"Hehe… You're saying that, but you actually enjoyed your day off trips in Kiko, right?"
After hearing Kyoko's words, Chiyo giggled a bit before saying something that was meant to be a secret between Shinka and Kiko's governments.
"E-Eh? H-how did you- Don't tell me that-!"
"-!"
Suddenly, Kyoko looked at me fiercely as if she wanted to kill me.
"Umm… I can explain. She was there when you last checked-in at the hotel and found your pseudonym in the logbook. She's actually the one who cooked the dinner that you ordered."
"W-What? So that's the reason why-"
"As a former servant of the Ayanami clan who is subordinate to the Kusanagi clan, I was trained to serve genuine Shinka cuisine or make my dishes fit the Shinka folk's tastes."
"Ah… That makes sense."
Given the complicated past between the two and how their statuses are now basically the same, the servant-master dynamic between them seems to have disappeared and the subtle hints or reminders of such a past now makes them feel awkward.
"Oi, Aoyama. Should you really remind us about something like that?"
From beside her master, the subordinate Daimyo of Yukonami and Chiyo's former master, Ayanami Mitsuhide, spoke with a strict voice as she attempted to scare off her former subordinate.
"Ahaha… It's just a simple friendly gesture, Ayanami-sama. It would be too unfair to Kusanagi-sama if I always address her formally. Even though we initially had a subordinate-superior relationship, I believe that Kusanagi-sama would be happier with having a more casual relationship with those around her."
"Chiyo…"
As I heard those words, I was reminded of what Chiyo has been doing since Iwasawa-sama left. I heard that she entered in the university as a Psychology student as a way to acquire the right social skills to efficiently conduct the many functions in the castle such as meetings and negotiations.
There is also the part where she wanted to learn the right words to say to Iwasawa-sama who will undoubtedly take on more burdens in his heart as a nation's leader. She said that once they become husband and wife, she wanted to know how to properly comfort him, so she studied psychology.
"Hehe… I sure appreciate your casualness towards me, Aoyama."
"Oh please, Lady Kusanagi. Chiyo would be fine."
As they shook hands, I saw genuine smiles on their faces as if the former barrier of their bittersweet past crumbled into bits and disappeared completely.
"Is that so? Well then, Chiyo. Let's do this properly and without any tricks… Just like we agreed last night."
"Right. But I believe I already have a lead, Kusanagi-sama."
"Oh? Well, any lead means nothing if the one who judges it will disregard that lead, Chiyo-chan."
"Ehh? But I'm pretty sure that I have already been promised with the prize. I am only awaiting the awarding ceremony, Kusanagi-sama."
"Have you ever heard of a "last-minute decision", Chiyo-chan? Even those who have been promised with the victory can always be changed."
"I don't believe that the judge who values promises will do such a thing, Kusanagi-sama."
"Ohoho… We don't really know about that, don't we, Chiyo-chan?"
However, the two suddenly began speaking some statements whose meaning sounded obscure or purposefully secretive. The gentle and friendly handshake of theirs too, became forceful and serious as their passive-aggressive tones became audible.
Suddenly, from the tip of my vision, I saw somebody pass by before speaking with a serious and low tone.
"Am I missing something here, Kusanagi-sama and Chiyo-san?"
""-!!!""
"Ah, Mitsuhide. What took you so long? I was starting to think that-"
"I am fine, Onee-sama. Do not worry for me. In truth, I am more interested with the conversation that Kusanagi-sama and Chiyo-san are having."
"H-hey, Mitsuhide… What do you mean about that?"
"I meant what I said, Onee-sama. I am interested with the conversation between Kusanagi-sama and Chiyo-san."
Unlike a formal attire, Ayanami Mitsuhide was wearing a light ceremonial armor like her older sister. She used to have developed a gentle expression after she had a conversation with Iwasawa-sama, but right now, she has a strangely forced look to both Chiyo and her master.
"H-hey, Mitsuhide-chan… Good morning, I guess…?"
"Y-yeah… Good morning, Mitsuhide-dono."
"Why, good morning to you two as well."
The tone of her voice and the expression on Mitsuhide's face was unlike anything before that I saw. It was something that looked plastered with no trace of genuineness. Like an uncanny smile paired with a mildly threatening voice which is exactly what she has right now.
"O-oi, Shimura. What the hell is happening here?"
"I have no idea! I don't know what this is about!"
I half-shouting, half-whisperingly spoke to Mitsuha-san from the other side as we felt tension between the three women whose senses of hostility were on equal parts with each other's.
"U-Umm… If I am not sticking my nose to some private matter… what is this feud about that you three-"
"""Girl talk! No boys allowed!"""
"E-Ehh?!"
The three suddenly shouted towards me in just the right volume where it wasn't heard by the other delegates. It took me by surprise as even the usually friendly and accepting cousin of mine looked at me with hostility along with the two women from Shinka.
"T-Then how about me? I'm a woman."
"Tch! Are you really saying that when you never dress like a girl, Onee-sama? You've got those huge breasts, but it has never even been in any meaningful use except for increasing the price of making your armors."
"W-what-!?"
"Yeah. I'm starting to think if you're just a girlish boy or something, Mitsuha. Learn to be a woman, will you?"
"Ack-!"
Mitsuha seemed to be hurt after being told those words by her little sister and her master. I somehow saw her heart crumbling as she turned away and sank in her seat with a depressed expression.
"What the hell is up with women…?"
I sighed and spoke with an exasperated tone as we waited for Rin to end her speech and have each delegate take a turn to state their support and acknowledgement of the new government of Mizuki province.
"I am Ikehara Machiko, the ambassador of Hashidate province to Kiko. I have come here to extend the word of our Consuls. We recognize the legitimacy of the democratic parliamentary government of Mizuki and their identity as a free state. We wish to form a lasting and cooperative relationship with the people of Mizuki."
The ambassador of Hashidate province came first to the podium along with the twins who acts as her personal assistants. Her presentation which came from someone who looked young to be a delegate, caught the attention of the people who later gave her an applause that she seems to have needed given how shaky her legs was while she is speaking.
"I- I am Yamaguchi Koshiro. The Lord of Fuku. I came here to show my app… app… porridge…?"
"It's approval, Ko-sama."
"A-ah, thankies."
Next came the 13-year-old lord of Fuku who somehow fumbled his words and had to be helped by his chamberlain. His immature yet charming age and vocabulary seemed to have won over some of the audience who giggled lightly before he continued.
"I came here to show my approval of the new government of Mizuki and their autonomy as a self-governing province. I wish for a lasting peace and mutual cooperation in the future for both of our nations."
Next came the Phoenix priestess and lord of Kise, Daigo Reika. She was dressed as a formal leader now, as she wanted to respect the religious sect of Mizuki's people that was just recently disbanded.
"I am Daigo Reika. The Lord of Kise province and the Phoenix Priestess of Kingo Sanctum. I have come here to show my approval and support for the new government of these islands and wish an everlasting cooperation and development for both of our nations. May the heavens bless all of us forevermore."
Her short speech that was given with no written guides and allowed the people to see her expression the whole time gained the people's cheers and applause as she retreated back to her seat with gracefulness.
Next came Kyoko whose name was surprisingly renown in the islands as the news about our joint victory in Yukonami spread here like wildfire. The onlookers became silent as they saw for the first time the person who came from a strong martial clan. The fact that she came to the podium with both of her subordinates dressed with armor further supported that fact which made the audience hold their breath in nervousness as she began her speech.
"I am Kusanagi Kyoko. Lord of Shinka and Yukonami. Marshall Leader and Vice Chancellor of the Southern Quartet Alliance. I came here to show my recognition of Mizuki province's government and support their claim of independence."
Kyoko paused for a moment as she scanned the area, looking at the people of the newly established province before speaking again.
"I will not mince my words. I still have doubts that such a place as this that has become infamous as a den of thieves will one day return to peace and join hands with us who wishes to stop the unending war of this country…"
The people became petrified with her statement. They know what she meant and the sad thing is that they can do nothing but accept it as it was a fact.
"However, I believe that people who have done misdeeds can change so long as they become aware of their wrong actions and strive to change their selves to live a better life. To some, you were the people who destroyed their city and killed their loved ones. To some, you were the people who once boarded their ships, stole their belongings and destroyed their livelihoods. To some, you were the people who can only live by taking what is from others…"
"""…"""
Even the delegates became silenced as they looked at her and became aware of the hatred that pushed both sides into a war.
"To some of the soldiers who sailed to this island province, fired their cannons to your ports, reduced your ships into splinters, mercilessly shot those who survived the shipwrecks, landed in your shores and slew those whom they considered as the sub-human and murderous beasts that they must kill, they do not have to carry the burden nor shame of pouring out such hatred from their hearts."
I looked around and saw some of the officers in our army and navy looking down in disappointment for themselves as Kyoko pointed out exactly what they have done.
"But I say that such a time is now past. There is no more need for further bloodshed. There is no longer any need to carry hatred in our hearts. There is no longer any need to bear arms in fear of a certain enemy that only lives a sea away from us."
"""…"""
"I say that we stop slaughtering each other now that we have come to the same conclusion… that war is terrible and war has no place in us who have gained nothing but loss and misery in it. We are all tired, even I who was raised to believe that the only solution to my land's and people's problem is violence, I have become tired of such a belief and I now only wish for a day when this country shares that sentiment."
Unlike the others who spoke what was just asked from them, Kyoko seemed to have matured as a leader and learned a page or two from Iwasawa-sama whose speeches do not just declare something but connects with those who listens to it.
"So, people of Mizuki, support this government that will come to represent your people. For even if we give all of our acknowledgement and support to it, you and only you who comprises it will truly give it a value and decide its future… That is all that I have to say."
As she stepped back from the podium and turned around to return to her seat, the cheering of the people and their applause filled the air as the person whom they thought will come to judge them as the only perpetrators of the war turned out to be the one who genuinely cared for them and wished a proper future for them.
"Well then, I guess it is my turn now."
"Go on and give Iwasawa-sama's words to them, Chiyo."
"Mm!"
Chiyo stood up and I followed behind her back as she climbed to the podium and began her speech.
"I am Aoyama Chiyo. The Chamberlain of Naka castle and the Secretary of Kirin Lord Iwasawa Hiroshi-sama. I have come here to give the words of our great master."
She looked at me and I gave her an envelope that contains our master's words. She opened the sealed letter and began her speech.
"To the people of Mizuki, I may have been absent during the entire war that our two provinces waged with each other, but please believe my words when I say that there was a not a night when I wasn't bothered with it, and I find myself unable to sleep."
The people looked confused for a moment as they seem to assume that the Kirin Lord was someone who has to uphold a sense of pride and wouldn't write those words.
"I am well aware that all of us had reasons to participate in this conflict. For some, it is the need for resources. For some, it is to find one's purpose or prove their strength. For some, it is to avenge those who have died from the other's actions. And for some, it is nothing more but a way to serve one's country…"
"""…"""
"But I do not believe that all of us wishes for those things. There are those who are prepared to suffer in starvation or not own what they wish to have rather than committing a crime. There are those who can do nothing but cower in fear of dying or seeing someone they love die, when they are powerless to do anything. There are those who are prepared to accept the death of those close to them because they do not wish to continue what a murderer has started. And there are those who believe that all of this is for their country's good, but acknowledges that there are a limit to what kind of heartlessness they can show to their enemies…"
"Is this really the words…"
"…that the leader of the people that we attacked have for us…?"
Astonishment followed after as they felt shame for the thing that they allowed to happen. For them, it wouldn't be unfair if we will have nothing but hostility and mercilessness for them, but Iwasawa-sama's writing that is being spoken by Chiyo made tears to well up in their eyes.
"I am not a god. I can do nothing but wish for peace to be maintained between our peoples and lands and strive to make that come to reality. I do admit that I can just come here, subjugate all of you and force you to do as I wish in order to secure that tranquility… but such peace that is bought by nothing but bloodshed and did not exist in all of our hearts is something cheap and easily broken. That is not the peace that I… no, we in our alliance, desire for this country."
"How… how can such a person exist in this world?"
"We're not worthy of his mercy…"
One by one, some of the people wept in a mixed feeling of shame, regret and gladness. Most of them were the pirates who fought against us or those who surrendered after acknowledging their crimes.
"And so, I ask of you, people of Mizuki and all of the delegates who came here from the lands that have joined me in this goal of peace and prosperity… Will you accept one another and help me bring this ruined nation back to its feet for the sake of the future where our children will exist?"
"B-Banzai!"
"We will heed that wish! Great Kirin Lord!"
"Hehe… that guy sure knows how to win over those around him…"
As the people shouted their acceptance and appreciation to Iwasawa-sama's words, Chiyo gave a courtesy bow before returning to her seat. This time, Rin and the other delegates stood up to place their right hand on their left chest and I gave a signal to the music band who played the newly composed anthem of the alliance.
"♩- In the heart of this ruined nation, comes a desire that burns with passion -♫"
"♩- To be freed from war and one day live in peace, we will honor each other's place -♫"
"♩- But such a dream requires action, and as such, we stand with attention! -♫"
"♩- For the sake of the future that we desire, we must not show that we tire -♫"
"♩- As one day, we will receive, the world that today, we can only perceive -♫"
"♩- Hand in hand and heart to heart, this alliance for the future will not part! -♫"
As the anthem was finished and the opening ceremony was concluded, the podium was removed, and the head elders of the new parliament came to the stage with three boxes on their hands.
"If I may call to the platform, Lady Mizuki Rin… It is time for the people to see their new leader crowned."
"Y-Yes!"
Rin stood up from her center seat and knelt in front of me, Kyoko, Koshiro and Reika.
"As the Lord of Shinka and the Marshall leader of the Southern Quartet Alliance, I confer unto you, Mizuki Rin of Mizuki province, the Gunbai fan that symbolizes your military power in your land and your place in our alliance. I acknowledge you as a fellow leader and welcome you into our association. May the heavens bless your rule."
Kyoko handed her a war fan that shows her position as the military leader of her land. She then stepped back and allowed young lord Koshiro to speak next.
"As the Lord of Fuku and the Resources Leader of the Southern Quartet Alliance, I confer unto you, Mizuki Rin of Mizuki province, the golden stalk of rice grain that symbolizes your autonomy as an economy from outside influence. I acknowledge and hold in high regard your land's riches and artistry and welcome you into our association."
The young lord handed her a stalk of rice made of gold that shows our joint recognition of Mizuki province's autonomy over their land's riches and manpower. This might be a minor thing, but it shows that we will treat their products with respect and trade with them fairly. Next came Daigo Reika who stepped forward with a servant who has a box on her hands.
"As the Lord of Kise and the Phoenix Priestess of Kingo Sanctum, I confer unto you, Mizuki Rin of Mizuki province, the flag of Mizuki province. This shows our acknowledgement and welcome to our association and my wishes that one day, this land become prosperous for its people."
She opened the box and unfurled the blue flag that has embroidered design of Mt. Akushou covered by waves and pinkish corals. It was a design that resonated well with the audience who held those three things as their joint identity as people. After she handed Rin the flag and it was attached to a wooden pole for all to see, Reika stepped back and gave me the platform to perform the last and most important ceremony.
"I, Shimura Nobisuke, will perform this ceremony on behalf of my master, Iwasawa Hiroshi, The Lord of Kiko and the Chancellor of the Southern Quartet Alliance."
I made my opening regards and opened the box brought to the stage by Chiyo.
"I confer unto you, Mizuki Rin of Mizuki province, the crown of acknowledgement and today henceforth, recognize your rule over this land. With this crown, I give you all power and authority and in your times of need, will come to your side as leaders of equal status. I acknowledge and hold in high regard you and your people…"
I placed the beaded crown over her head and with a metal pin, secured it as I gave her a hand to stand up slowly and present her to her people.
"Now, give applause to your leader! Lord Mizuki Rin!"
"BANZAI!!!"
"To the future!"
"For peace!"