Chapter 83: The High-Attack, Low-Defense Knight-Princess
Having said that, Shirou gave his instructions to Erica.
"Erica, we depart immediately for the Seishinkan Shrine at 'Mount Nikko'."
"Yes!" A series of affirmations followed immediately.
For this trip, only the two 'Shrine Maidens' and the Knight-Princesses were taken; the two maids were left behind for their own safety.
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'A thousand mountains, the birds' flight ceases; ten thousand paths, human traces vanish.'
The cool-toned, grayish-white cloud layer unpredictably blocked the sunlight, growing increasingly murky. Thick black clouds squeezed the sky, masking the blazing morning sun from moments ago. The dark firmament felt as if it might fall, depressing the entire city into a brief, heavy silence.
Following Yuri's contact, Sayanagi Kaoru, the head of the Tokyo branch of the [History Compilation Committee], tirelessly contacted the Kujiuka family. Now, at the villa's entrance, the group was making preparations to head to Seishinkan.
"King Orihara, the car has been prepared for you. We hope you will allow us to accompany you; we happen to want to investigate the internal affairs of the Kujiuka family as well."
Amakasu Touma bowed respectfully, stating the intentions of the [History Compilation Committee]. Since there was no point in hiding intentions before a 'King'—and doing so would only lead to them suffering the consequences they could not yet afford—they chose to act humbly, attaching themselves to this King for survival.
The luxury car, which could comfortably accommodate six people without being crowded, sped along the city roads. Amakasu Touma, gripping the steering wheel as the driver, spoke in a serious tone.
"This Nikko Highway is an ancient road that has existed since olden times for pilgrimages from the Nihonbashi to Nikko Toshogu to pay respects to Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. There are twenty stations along this road. We have already passed Senju-juku, Soka-juku, and Koshigaya-juku. People in the past used to walk this road on foot."
Tokaido, Nakasendo, Koshu-kaido, Nikko-kaido, and then the Oshu-kaido. They were currently traveling on one of these five historic routes.
"Convenience and shorter travel times are the bad habits of modern people. Sometimes I wonder if I should experience the hardships of the ancients," Amakasu Touma lamented.
"Modernity has modern benefits. It proves that the era is progressing, doesn't it?" Shirou said with a light chuckle.
"Mm... you have a point." Amakasu Touma nodded.
While the two men chatted in the front, the women in the back seat were quite lively.
"S-so... does that mean, Erica, that you are the King's legal wife?" Yuri asked Erica.
"What are you thinking? How could that be? To this day, her status is just the same as mine," Liliana countered immediately. In any aspect, losing to Erica was not something she considered a blessing.
"Heh, my, my~ everyone knows that is an outcome that will arrive sooner or later, right?" Erica said with a smile.
"At least, I don't know that. In my view, I could consider you a treacherous official who makes my lord's future look bleak... Mariya Yuri, it would be best if you forgot everything Erica says. What you must remember is that a true knight cannot be bound by their own position or responsibilities."
"W-what does that mean, Liliana?" Yuri was momentarily dazed, failing to grasp Liliana's point.
"Order is important, but it is not everything. Regardless of one's position, loyal service to one's lord in silence is the most important thing. This is the true chivalric code. To fight over being the legal wife or the closest lover to the King... anyone bound by such things proves their resolve is flawed," Liliana answered firmly.
"Ooh!!" Yuri was awestruck by Liliana's high-minded ideals and let out a sound of admiration. "Not being bound by order, and giving one's heart and soul for the King... ah... so that's what it means."
"Mm-hmm. This spirit is very important. I have high hopes for you," Liliana nodded.
"Hehe. Noble things always tend to make people go blind," Erica said with a chuckle. "In the end, Liliana, are you going to deny that you are the King's woman?"
This question made Liliana freeze instantly.
"I..."
A sense of bashfulness surged in her heart, turning the silver-white knight-princess's cheeks crimson. "I won't deny it... b-but..." As she spoke, steam seemed to rise from the girl's head, and she became quite lightheaded.
"Then that's that. Isn't what we can do precisely to help the King relax after his battles? If one oversteps too much, that won't do at all," Erica continued.
"Ah, well..." Liliana was left speechless.
Princess Alice, sitting to the side, propped her cheek up with her hand, watching this entertaining scene with interest.
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It didn't take long to reach the destination: Mount Nikko, home to Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji Temple.
It was still early for autumn, but as a weekend tourist spot, there were many visitors. Men and women, young and old—solo travelers, families, couples, and foreigners were too numerous to count. Amakasu Touma parked the car, and the others got out first.
"Well then, let's go."
With that, the middle-aged man who had acted as driver for a while walked ahead to lead the way. In front of Toshogu, surrounded by cedar trees on both sides, the First Torii Gate could be seen. Walking straight in led to Toshogu; to the right was Rinno-ji, and deep to the left was Futarasan Shrine.
"Speaking of which, Liliana, what about tonight's accommodations?"
"Mh... I've already booked a room nearby. To avoid disturbing others with so many people, I found a mid-range inn in the vicinity." Liliana answered Shirou's question efficiently. Her personality, which favored attention to detail, was perfectly suited for such tasks. In this regard, she was the complete opposite of Erica.
"I see." Nodding, Shirou focused his gaze on the road ahead.
"Hey, Lili, I want an outdoor hot spring where you can enter wearing a yukata. It would be convenient for serving the King at night—enjoying a pleasant bath together under the stars," Erica said with a cheerful smile.
This golden-haired girl was exceptionally talented in politics, strategy, and negotiation, and could grasp economics from a broad perspective. However, she lacked a sense for routine chores, errands, or cooking, as well as the economic mindset required for them. She could probably do it if she tried, but she absolutely chose not to.
"Tonight's lodging allows for private booking of the outdoor bath; it's by reservation. If the King requires it, I will prepare it..." Although Liliana was slightly displeased with Erica's ideas, she understood her own role and looked to Shirou for confirmation.
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