Awaiting Disorder

We've got trouble! There's a group of armed men approaching!

The reorganization of our army is almost complete.

Next, we must take measures to restore the roads and cultivate the fields that have been destroyed.

No rest for the wicked, I see.

Lord Reimei. What brings you here?

Well, I...

Ever since you returned, you've been dealing with those letters without much rest. I came to suggest you take a break.

Heh...

Is something funny?

Just how the tables have turned...

Ah, right. Forgive me for before.

Though I hardly deserved it, your loyalty saved me.

And your compassion saved me. But right now, our priority must be to rebuild the country. This in turn will bring peace to the people.

For one in my position, the real war begins after the fighting has ended.

You never fail to impress me.

Because of you, this country is...

Excuse me, sir.

What is it?

There's someone at the harbor claiming to be an envoy, sir.

An envoy?

Yes, from the Kingdom of Miglance.

Miglance?

Why would a great nation from the west send an envoy?

I will deal with them. Lead the way.

So we're going "window shopping," huh? I don't know what that is, but... You want to get clothes for Akane, right?

So why'd you ask ME to come?

Always ask the experts, that's what I say.

It's Western goods I want, so a Westerner's opinion is worth its weight in gold. Though of course, I know Akane's charms better than anyone.

A Miglancian dress would be nice, but then so would a Baruoki-dyed number. Or maybe something more trendy?

Shigure, as I've said many times before, dresses hardly suit me. Especially not any ridiculous wedding dress with a skirt that makes it impossible to walk in. How am I to train wearing something so impractical?

Hmm... Perhaps you can wear the tuxedo, and I the dress. That would certainly make for a laugh!

Yes, I shall buy them both!

Honestly, Akane, you're as bad as your brother. You know, I gave him some clothing that would make him as stylish as a Westerner, but did he wear it? No, of course he didn't. Honestly, I...

Oh? I wonder what's going on over there.

Knights of Miglance? What are they doing here? And who's that they're talking to?

Shion?

Hey, Shion.

Aldo? And Akane and Shigure, too? What are you doing here?

We were just out doing some shopping when we saw you.

Were those Knights of Miglance you were talking to just now?

Indeed. Your fellow countrymen, I believe.

You look glum, Shion. Something troubling you?

I see there's no hiding anything from you, Lord Shigure.

What happened?

Not here, there are too many people. Let us go somewhere quiet.

So the West has offered to aid in our restoration effort?

They want to help? That's great!

After such a grueling battle, the idea of moving forward seemed impossible, but if they're offering to help...

Why do you look so down?

Their aid comes at a price, doesn't it? There's no way their king would act out of the goodness of his own heart. They must want something in return.

Trust the businessman to see right through their scheme.

You're quite right. Their "aid" is in name only. Their true aim is to export weapons.

Weapons?

Did you see the machine behind them?

Come to think of it, I'm sure I saw something just like that in the Unigan basement back then.

Do you know what it is, Aldo?

No, I recognize it, but I don't know anything about it. Though it might not even be the same thing for all I know.

Come to think of it...I'm sure I saw some big mechanical contraption back then.

I see. Then these things are well- known in your country?

I mean, I'd never seen one before, but that doesn't necessarily mean much...

They wish to introduce these contraptions into our country.

However...they are weapons. Their sole purpose is to kill people.

The nerve! How dare they come here peddling instruments of murder to a country only just free of war!

They would have us rely on imports for our national defense, huh? Perhaps it is simply business. Or perhaps they seek to make us reliant on them, so that they may one day take over our country.

Well, you don't have to accept their proposal, do you? But even if you did, I can't imagine the king having any sort of ulterior motive.

King Miglance is a great man, yes... But countries aren't governed exclusively by their monarch's will.

Politics is a strange and complicated world.

You mark my words, those guys won't back down, even if you reject their proposal.

They brought that thing here to threaten us.

We need to do as they say, or else.

......

So, what will you do?

We have no choice but to fight.

We cannot allow the Kingdom of Miglance to invade our land.

There's no other way?

Unfortunately not. It appears the war is not over yet.

In that case...

This is where I come in. I will head to the port and cut them down where they stand.

Akane, wait. I think we should come up with a plan first...

I agree with Aldo. Bravery may be a virtue, but you must not be rash.

The fact is, our country is exhausted. It would be unwise to challenge a nation of unknown military strength in our current situation. We have to drive them back amicably, without provoking them.

To that end, we must know our enemy and know ourselves.

Can I count on your assistance?

Sure, if you think we can help.

Leave it to us.

Tsubame? Kamome?

Have you been here this whole time?

Sure have! Lord Reimei sent us here to assist.

We are lucky indeed to have such capable ninja on our side.

And Aldo, I could certainly do with your help as well.

Of course!

If we are to get through this, I will need the help of everyone here. I am counting on all of you.

You really do shine the brightest when you're working, Brother.

So what will you have me do? Something quite entertaining, I hope.

As for you, Lord Shigure. I need you to go to Nagsham and seek out opportunities for business.

Oh? And the commodity?

A natural ore found in the Kunlun Mountains.

Go about it however you see fit, but I want you to explore all avenues, from production to distribution.

Ore, huh? Hmm...

I don't know what you have planned, but leave it to me!

Kamome, I would like you to go to the Land of Ro.

I've written down a full description of the weapon I saw at the port. With Ro's wealth of knowledge about such contraptions, perhaps they can shed some light on this weaponry.

Understood. I'll infiltrate the Land of Ro and see what I can dig up.

Tsubame, you will be assigned with the most dangerous task of all. I would like you to infiltrate our group of guests and uncover what you can. I am especially curious about the envoy.

Understood, sir.

Be careful, Tsubame.

Thank you, but there's no need to worry about me. I will accomplish this mission, no matter what. I will not fail Lord Reimei and Master Shion.

I'm ready to fight, Brother.

Akane, I want you to wait in Izana.

You are being overprotective at a time like this?! I refuse to sit around while our country is in crisis!

You misunderstand me, Akane. Your role is a vital one. If there is any sign of trouble in Izana, I expect you to handle it.

Ah, so I am to protect the people of this town. Understood. As a samurai of the Fugen Itto-Ryu, I will not let you down!

What do you need me to do?

Oh, as for you, Aldo... Would you accompany me to the Garden of Petals? I will explain there.

Did you see how scared the Easterners looked when they saw our little friend? This will be easier than we thought.

I still have my reservations. The king does not approve of such tactics.

It's a little late for that. This is what was decided, remember?

And let me remind you that most of the nobility are behind us on this, so don't stir up any trouble...

Sir Lakhesis.

......

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Hey, I recognize that outfit...

Yes, I thought it would be appropriate to wear for our guests.

This is what I donned when I chose to fight as a samurai in Meigoku.

At the time, I did not consider why, but now I understand.

I fight to prevent war at all cost. These clothes, tailored for diplomacy, are my battle armor.

I get it. Then let's fight to prevent Garulea from ever becoming a battlefield again.

So you're going to show the envoy around the Land of Mi?

Yes. The more he sees, the better he will understand our situation. And idle talk may get him to drop his guard and let something slip.

Then I'm here because...

You have a gift for capturing people's hearts, Aldo. And you do that by opening yourself up to those around you.

This is why I have no doubt he will open up to you just as I have.

I can't tell if you're joking or not...

I assure you I am not. In order to learn about about someone, you must first teach them about yourself. A standard negotiation technique.

Now let us head back to the harbor.

Huh? You?!

Do you know of me? Strange, I don't believe we've met...

(Ah, right. This is another time layer...)

Uh, sorry. You just look so much like someone I know.

This is Aldo, my guard. Rest assured, he is as strong and skilled as they come.

Speaking of guards, I see you have none present.

No, but I can look out for myself. I may be here as an envoy, but I also serve as an Imperial Knight.

Even so, how can you be certain we stand here in good faith?

Please, if you were truly so foolish, your country would have fallen long ago.

Now, will you be so kind as to show me around?

Of course. Let us start with the Inanari Plateau, an important trade route between neighboring regions.

War has clearly ravaged this land.

Yes...this area is a strategic point, connecting the Lands of Mi and Shin.

It was truly a beautiful place before the war...

A lot of people died here. I never want to see that happen ever again.

Indeed.

That is the dearest wish of all of Garulea.

......

Is something the matter?

It's nothing.

Just let me assure you that with our Miglancian technology, you will receive all the help you need.

I appreciate that, thank you.

Now, shall we head to the next location? Up further is Kogane Village.

He's a cautious one, ain't he?

What do we do? We can hardly assassinate an envoy out on an overseas mission, can we?

Why not? We wait for him to get back from his tour, then we strike. Plus, imagine the chaos if he dies in public. It'll play right into our hands.

Besides, we don't even need to do it ourselves. We can pay one of their own ninja to do our dirty work.

At your service, sir.

But even if we were to use Lakhesis's death as an excuse to launch an attack... This land isn't exactly powerless. There's likely even a garrison in the capital.

That's where our friend comes in.

The war has worn them so thin, they won't have the power to stop him. The vexing king's commander will be sacrificed to aid our Eastern advance.

......

Such a peaceful place.

And yet...

Even this small village was unable to escape the flames of war.

But the villagers persevered. They picked themselves up, and carried on.

......

Hey, it's Master Shion.

Lord Reimei isn't with you for today's inspection?

I'm afraid not, no. But I will be sure to bring him along next time.

Good! We can't wait to see him again!

I must admit, I'm surprised that the lord of the Land of Mi takes the time to visit such a place.

Indeed, he longs for peace more than anyone.

As do I...

The war took so much from our people, but they never gave up.

It is a ruler's duty to build a world of true, lasting peace, so that no more lives are lost in vain. Don't you agree?

To sell instruments of war to such a place...

Huh?

Do you disapprove of your nation's offer, Sir Lakhesis?

Er, please forget I said anything.

...Very well.

I've heard that your country has faced difficulties of its own, in your war against the beasts. But the threat has been suppressed and peace has been restored, correct?

All of this you accomplished because you are unified under the rule of your king. We should be following your example.

If only it were that simple.

Oh? Would you care to explain?

On the surface, we are at peace.

However, as you may be aware, the center of power in any country is full of greed and selfishness. The fact that we are able to maintain any peace at all despite this is purely due to the unifying power of the king...

...Perhaps I've said enough.

Governments are never truly unified, are they? In that simple truth, the whole world is united.

This has been a most worthwhile trip. Having seen the situation with my own eyes, I feel like I've learned much about the current state of your country.

Likewise, I am most grateful for hearing your thoughts, Sir Lakhesis. I am confident that I can now give our relationship with your country the attention it deserves.

I will call on you shortly with my decision.

Very well... Until then.

......

Well, how'd it go? Is the place as much of a wasteland as they say?

Yes, I'm afraid the reports weren't exaggerating. The damage is extensive.

Then what this country needs now is enough weapons to overpower its neighbors. It's the only way for them to prevent another war from breaking out.

That's not our decision to make.

Yes, well isn't it your job to help them make that decision for them?

I have full authority over our negotiations, not you. Know your place.

Ah, you're back!

Did you enjoy your little date with the envoy? Sounds like it was quite the outing.

We had a very enjoyable talk, yes. A perfect date, as you would say. Everything went entirely as planned.

With the sorry state of our nation firmly burned into his mind, the seeds have been sown.

Well, if the great genius tactician of Mi says so, then it must be true.

And what about you, Shigure? Did you finish your investigation?

What do you take me for? Of course I did! I also seized the opportunity to find a new business partner in Nagsham.

We even discussed purchasing that ore you wanted, Shion.

Good. It will make for a perfect bargaining chip.

Oh, you're here already. I didn't keep you waiting, did I?

Not at all. In fact, you have returned much sooner than I anticipated.

Oh, really? Well, something to think about when you're writing my next paycheck! But I'll have you know, it actually took some time to infiltrate Ro's mechanical workshop...

Once I did, I got everything I wanted, of course.

This is quite the report. Not that I'd expect anything less from one of Lord Reimei's shadows.

Well, this is a big deal so I wanted to do my best. Just wish I had better news.

This contraption makes Ro's machines look practically harmless.

Yes, but everything has a weakness. We just need to find it.

Ah...

What is it?

It seems we must cut this short. We don't have much time; I must get to work right away.

Please deliver this safely, Tamazusa.

Kamome, I need you to assist Tsubame. Tamazusa will show you the way.

I'm on it!

And as soon as we're ready, we should head to the harbor for negotiations.

I assume you've made a decision?

I have, yes. One that will provide a mutually beneficial outcome for our two countries.

Allow me to restate our proposal. We are prepared to provide our technology to the Land of Mi's restoration efforts.

However, we...

......

(Ready?)

(Ready. We take him down on my signal.)

(3...2...1...)

(What's going on?)

(I-I don't know! We were told the blowgun could kill from any distance! Why isn't he dead?)

Hey! What d'you think you're doing? It's too soon to...

What's going on?

It's lost control...!

Sir Lakhesis, this way!

Shion!

So this is the latest weaponry the West has to offer. Quite powerful indeed.

Watch out!

Akane! Boy am I glad to see you!

I was tasked to jump in at any sign of trouble, so here I am to fulfill my duty!

Ngh...! It's unyielding!

We have to find a way to stop it!

Forgive me. Never in a million years did I expect something like this to happen.

Worry not. I presumed this might happen.

Personally, I would've preferred an element of surprise.

But I'm just a spectator today. I rate you two stars for your efforts.

Please, focus!

Now then... Misbehaving dogs must be punished.

Well? Care to explain yourselves, gentlemen? That hound was in YOUR care!

We... We never thought something like this would happen...

It was a mistake to try to sell a weapon that we ourselves can't even handle.

......

I cannot apologize enough for this. I pray you'll forgive us for our lack of control over the situation. As for our proposal...

We came here to provide you with our technology that is designed for war as you've seen for yourselves.

However, I am convinced that such technology is not suitable for your country, and therefore...

If I may, Sir Lakhesis.

We are indeed interested in your technology.

What?

You wish to purchase the weapon?

Ah, perhaps my intentions were unclear.

It is not the weapon we are interested in. it is the technology within it.

I don't understand.

Your technology is truly incredible. However, the people of our continent do not desire tools that kill.

Instead, we require tools to help rebuild our country, to better people's lives. If we were to combine your technology with that of Garulea, we could create new machines.

And with these machines...

We could clear the land of all the rubble scattered far and wide.

We could cultivate farmland to enrich the villages and towns.

And above all, this partnership would open lines of communication between the East and the West.

A joint project with the West, huh? This is a collaboration of a lifetime!

The inspiration is flowing as we speak!

From mining to transport of the ore... We could hire some engineers from the Land of Ro for the manufacturing base.

And of course, the Fugen Company would gladly handle all the arrangements!

It would appear that we have underestimated you, or rather, your country.

I thank you for such a compelling proposal. I will take it back with me for consideration.

Let us be on our way.

That ridiculous plan was never going to work here.

......

Sir Lakhesis, we would like to create peace and order together, East and West united.

Perhaps you could pass that sentiment on to your nobility?

Ah... You saw through the whole thing, did you?

I must say, it has been a great pleasure. Please pass on my regards to Lord Reimei.

So...that is it then?

Yes. We did all that needed to be done.

That was quite impressive, coming up with such a grand business plan in that short time. You'd do great in the business world, you know.

What should we do with this guy, sir?

I caught him trying to assassinate the envoy. But he seems to be a nobody who was just hoping for a payday.

Release him.

Nothing happened here. You were just passing by. Isn't that right?

Y-Yes, sir! P-Passing by, that's right!

How shameful.

Tsubame? When did you get here?!

I only just returned, after receiving the signal that the mission was complete.

The signal...?

Shion, when that weapon went out of control, did you...

What are you suggesting, Aldo? The simple fact is, nothing goes according to plan in this world, a lesson I'm certain our guests learned today.

Remind me never to get on your bad side, Shion.

Heh. I doubt that is something you need to worry about.

I see. The Westerners have withdrawn, have they? That's a relief.

When Tamazusa delivered me your report, I feared the worst.

Compared to the war, this was nothing.

Given Sir Lakhesis's temperament and position, I was confident he would back us in our little charade. And with his support assured, I was able to put my mind at ease and get some much needed rest.

Well, as happy as I am that the situation was easily diffused...

The threat of a Western invasion still lingers.

Indeed. The flames of war still smolder in the West, just as they do here.

I doubt the world will ever truly be at peace. After all, humans have a long history of war. Peace is but a short interlude.

And yet, you are not one to give up against such odds. So, what's your plan?

I wish to create closer ties between our nations.

I wish to share our economy, culture, technology, and community.

If we create a relationship of mutual dependence, war will be deemed improbable.

This proposal is one step toward that goal.

It's true what they say, you really do think a thousand moves ahead.

And because of your plan today, we were able to avoid war without spiling a single drop of blood.

Thank you, Shion. Truly.

I was merely performing my duty.

As a tactician, it is my responsibility to stop a war before it ever begins.

I will never allow blood to be spilled again.

I will protect her. And I will protect the present in which she lives.

I'm left only with this one chance, this one life.

So I must succeed in creating a world filled with peace, one that will guarantee a bright future for her, for everyone.

Heh. As a tactician, it will truly be a test of my skills.