Sea of the Wind, Shore of the Maze, Chapter 7

really am very sorry!"
    Youka had been holding Taiki's hand and moved it in order to soothe Taiki. She then pat his back  lightly and pushed him forward slowly.
    "It's okay now. There's no more fighting. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt."
    It seemed as though Youka was telling this to Taiki, so he could only nod. Taiki was truly unable to  say anything because the man in front of him really scared him.

    The man kneeling on the ground looked like he was older than Risai. His hair had been tied up in the  back very simply, and its silver color seemed to radiate a slight blue sheen. Perhaps it was because of this  that he looked older. He had handsome features, and the corners of his eyes revealed a shrewdness. The line  of sight that he had directed over to Taiki was as sharp as an arrow.
    The man smiled and said, "It looks like I've really frightened you. I'm extremely sorry."
    "Don't be..." Taiki finally spoke. "I was just a little shaken... Where are you from?"
    "I am from Kouki. I am General Saku of the Tai Kingdom Kingun."
    When they heard his name, the people nearby began talking to each other, causing a small  commotion. It looked like this man was well-known.
    The Kingun consists of three armies that belong exclusively to the ruler. Together with the three  armies of the Kou of the capital province, who is appointed by only the kirin, it is called the Rokushi, the Six  Armies. Because of the nature of kirin, they aren't able to command the army, so in reality, the ruler directs  the army in the place of the kirin. Thus, the Rokushi is also called the Oushi, the Royal Army.
    "My name is Sou, and I am called Gyousou."
    Taiki was frightened by his direct gaze, but he had to say a few words. Being pulled in two directions  by these conflicting conditions, he could only toughen up and speak.
    "So... You're a general."
    Even though they were both generals, he felt like Gyousou was much more stern than the gentle  impression he had gotten from Risai.
    The difference between Gyousou and Risai was either because of their personalities, or the fact that  their positions were not the same since one was a Kingun General and the other was a General in a  provincial army. Taiki really had no clue why.
    "Yes. I am humbly most satisfied with my skill with the sword."
    Though he said this, Taiki could feel that this person believed in all of his abilities. His body was  filled with ambition.
    Taiki could not stay here any longer.
    At this point, he felt that the other person must be wondering if he could be the king. After Taiki was  sure nothing unusual had occurred, he pulled on Youka's sleeve lightly.
    "...I wish you well until the equinox."
    It wasn't easy for Taiki to say this, but it wasn't until he finished that he was able to look away.
    Gyousou nodded in respect. As to what expression he had on his face, Taiki had no idea.
    The group of people surrounding them made another commotion.
    "So it wasn't Saku?"
    It was not known who said this, but it sounded like he had a renewed hope in becoming the ruler.
    "Gyousou? Oh, the Oushi's General Saku."
    The next day, Taiki asked the Risai, the female general that he had just met, if she knew Gyousou.
    She didn't look discouraged at all and gave an enthusiastic welcome to Taiki, who had come to pay  Hien a visit. When the nyosen were chatting with Risai's servants, Taiki sat next to Risai and Hien.

    "Madam Risai, you're also a general, right? Do you know him?"
    Risai shook her head. "I am a general, but I'm a general in a provincial army. Sir Gyousou is a  general in the army under the direct control of the ruler. Our social positions are not the same."
    It could be said that the difference between a general in a provincial army and a general in the  Kingun is very great. A Kingun general may enter the royal palace and speak directly with the ruler. They  can also participate in the morning court council and assume a role in government. A general in the Army of  the Provincial Kou is simply a person in the military. Thus, if one were to become a Kingun general, there is  no doubt that they would be an important subject to the ruler.
    "You say that, so is he very famous?"
    "Yes. He is considered a very well-known swordsman and receives the genuine respect of his  soldiers. I've heard others say that he is direct and tough, but that he is also intelligent and well-mannered."
    After Risai finished saying this, she looked at Taiki. "Do you have an interest