After the tight corridors of the citadel, the room that opened before them pleased the eye with its spaciousness.
Hundreds of candles burned on the walls, and the ceiling boasted three grand chandeliers, illuminating the entire area with warm, slightly flickering light.
The hall could be divided into three zones. The first was where the elders and the clan leader sat. This area was raised about half a meter above the rest, allowing the semi-circularly seated clan leaders to look down on everyone.
As expected, the center seat, judging by the rich cloak, was occupied by Goro Sumada himself. To his right sat Izuna, ready to jot something down. In general, each of the elders had an assistant with paper and ink by their side.
Jishin's father embodied the image of raw, animal strength. A powerful bull neck, bulging muscular arms, which he didn't even think to cover with sleeves, and thick, spiked bracelets on his forearms.
Goro's face looked as if the creator had chosen the roughest tool to carve his features. It was blatantly obvious that the Sumada brothers inherited their looks from their mother.
Yet one look into his eyes was enough to realize that this man was smart enough to never be taken lightly. Small eyes set deep in his skull looked on calmly and assessingly.
Jishin once briefly mentioned Ishiro Sumada, the founder of their family. According to him, the grandfather had an incredibly vicious, cruel, and untamable temper. He didn't care how much Sumada blood was spilled as long as he clawed his way to the very top.
And the families had to make room, so as not to deal with this belligerent and powerful psychopath.
On the other hand, Ishiro's strength allowed the clan to prosper quite well, while his death was a relief.
But fate was kind to the Stone Lords clan. The son of the Fierce Ishiro, although he inherited the same beastly strength from his father, also inherited brains from his mother.
If Ishiro's power was based on fear, then Goro's reign was warmly accepted by the public.
Goro ruled justly and wisely, as far as possible in such a cruel world.
The birth of such promising sons further strengthened the reputation of the Ishiro family. Perhaps that's why the families were not against Izuna's candidacy for the throne.
The second zone, which ran along the sides, was occupied by the guards. And judging by the small details, they belonged to different families. However, in addition to the regular guards, Stas noticed Shin, son of Naito, sitting among them.
The third zone, in the center and essentially the smallest, was intended for the respondents, that is, for the three companions.
Walking under the gazes of fierce killers, who had dozens, if not hundreds, of lives to their account, was frankly uncomfortable, but Stas was used to it.
Jishin and Kensei also showed good stress resistance.
Finally, they stopped just short of the steps to the first zone, after which they bowed deeply.
"Greetings... Father," Jishin said fearlessly, looking Goro in the eye. The clan head merely nodded slightly. Not a muscle twitched on his face.
It seems the prince's fears were justified.
"Jishin Sumada, you had the audacity to return after all you've done?" one of the elders, a man about thirty-five years old, shook his head disdainfully. "If you enjoyed the hospitality of the Sansa and Kato clan so much, why did you come back to us? You should have stayed there! Traitors usually do!"
"Elder Gyujin, I disagree with you," a young-looking woman sitting a few seats away smirked unpleasantly, displaying a poorly healed scar on her right cheek. Due to the injury, one corner of her lips was raised higher than the other, distorting her face. However, her figure did a good job of drawing the gaze away from her scar. And the prominent size of her bust was only emphasized by her clothing.
In general, as Stas noted, there were practically no overweight warmasters, regardless of gender. The healer was ready to wager that the prana flowing in their bodies had a positive effect on the mages. And one should not forget about daily training and an active lifestyle.
"It's even good that the prince had the courage to return because now we don't have to send headhunters after him. We also won't have to pay bounty to outsiders. Pure savings! This tedious war has drained our resources!"
"You only harp on about ryo[1], your beloved ryo, Yutaka! The important thing is what secrets of the Sumada he managed to tell those damned Sansa and Kiatto! And why did this traitor even return?!" the third elder roared expressively. He was a tall but lean, bald man in his forties.
"Elder Jero, compose yourself..."
"Silence!" One word from the clan head was enough to stop all conversations and disputes. To be precise, one word and a slight wave of power, which swept through the hall like an intangible veil, causing the candles to tremble lightly. "The floor is given to Jishin Sumada. Tell us what happened to you during and after your captivity."
"As you say, father." Jishin took a deep breath. "It all started with us severely underestimating the numbers of the Sansa's strike force on the flank. They broke through directly to my position. The bodyguards died first, and I was left alone against the Sansa elder, Jirobu Sansa..."
The prince spoke calmly and measuredly, clearly presenting fact after fact until the story finally came to Ordyntsev's appearance.
"...Shiro was to heal my wounds. Thanks to him, I'm still standing before you. Fragments of the exploded sword literally riddled my insides, and if not for his healing skills, I would have been long dead. Moreover, it was he who forced the Sansa, to whom I was taken, to provide me with everything necessary for treatment..."
"As if it was worth it," Elder Gyujin muttered under his breath, but fell silent under the attentive gaze of the clan head.
"Continue," Goro nodded, making sure no one else would interrupt the story.
And Jishin continued. He didn't try to downplay or exaggerate, telling it as it was. Fortunately, all that was required from him was the plain truth.
Occasionally, one elder or another asked questions of interest, and the prince patiently answered them.
From his story, it was clear how foolish Nobunoro was, who sent the warmasters away, thereby easing Stas's task.
And the account of Ordyntsev's actions had a significant impact on the assembly. If initially they threw puzzled glances at Stanislav, as in, who is this guy? Now, genuine interest sparked in their eyes.
Good healers were always valued in a society of warriors.
Jishin didn't forget to mention the actions of the shadows, especially the cell's head, Naito, and the three fighters, among whom was Naito's son.
Kensei's story didn't raise many questions. If anything, they began to look at the ronin a bit more favorably. However, this did not spare him from contemptuous glances.
But most of all, the elders enjoyed the description of how the samurai, burning with a thirst for revenge, almost completely wiped out the weakened Sansa and Kiattos troops located in Akaru after a mutual fight.
It was also important that the samurai, too, lost many of their fighters after that battle.
"So, Sansa and Kiatto were significantly weakened?" Goro clarified.
"Yes, father," Jishin nodded. "Moreover, if Nobunoro is dead, the daimyo might not bother to find out who is really to blame..."
"He's not dead," the clan head explained calmly. "Postal falcons with information from the Shadow Stone reached us. He is in critical condition but alive. Nevertheless, you're right, Sansa and Kiatto are in disfavor at the daimyo's court. Some of Hyugo's military leaders don't trust them, and although it hasn't come to a clash, their combat readiness has dropped. This has already allowed our country to make significant progress."
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The clan head looked at the elders carefully.
"Does anyone else have questions regarding my son's betrayal of our clan?"
At that moment, Stas mentally exhaled in relief. Whatever Jishin thought, his father clearly did not intend to sacrifice his son's life without a fight. And thanks to Shin and Naito, Goro had trump cards in the argument.
"Good," Yutaka nodded reluctantly after the family heads exchanged glances, and no one had any objections. "But what are we going to do about the damage to our honor? What will the other great clans think when this story comes out? Besides, I've heard that Jishin met the heir of the Mizuno on his way here!"
Tense whispers echoed around.
"And the famous Katashi Kindhearted decided to help the Sumada prince for some reason. Don't you find that suspicious?"
"Really?" The mocking voice of another elder forced Yutaka to fall silent and wince as if suddenly all woman's teeth ached. "May I remind you, esteemed Elder Yutaka, that if anyone should refrain from broaching this subject with Mizuno, it's you?"
"Elder Toshiyuki," the woman snorted contemptuously. "Has the Eiko family become interested in anything other than your beloved little town and merchants?"
'Jishin said about these Eiko that they are not favored by the other families, too,' Stas recalled, looking at Toshiyuki with much greater interest. 'If I understood correctly, their family rose to the main branch thanks to investments in ordinary people, trade, and the construction of the city which now adorns the area around the citadel. Because of this, the purely "martial families" don't take them seriously.'
The head of the "builders," as the rest of the Sumada derogatorily called them, looked like a man in his forties with long, smooth hair that fell down to his shoulder blades. A narrow chin and a somewhat cheerful expression – added a resemblance to one perpetually smiling shadow. However, there was more mockery in his demeanor here.
"Oh, Yutaka, you really surprise me. My 'little town,' just so you know, brings a huge profit to the clan's treasury, and shouldn't you, as the one in charge of our finances, be aware of this?"
Judging by the woman's grim expression, she understood this quite well, although she didn't particularly like it. Apparently, even as the treasurer, she valued the old way of life, where warriors did not depend on civilians.
Another reason why the Eiko family began to appeal to Stas. They brought a progressive view of life to this world, and apparently, the leadership of the Sumada appreciated them, raising them to the top.
If you think about it, this world was clearly approaching an era of change. The problems that had matured could not be solved by ordinary methods.
At such times, individuals such as Katashi Mizuno or Toshiyuki from the Eiko family emerge.
"Moreover," Toshiyuki continued. "If I remember correctly, five warmasters from your family were captured by the Mizuno in the last campaign?"
"Yes, that's true, but they did what they had to and, having freed themselves, fought the Mizuno and died without staining their honor or the clan's!" the woman pounded her fist on her knee.
"Whether they freed themselves or not," Eiko shook his head mockingly. "It doesn't matter. The main thing is that they were captured. And it's not clear whether they managed to spill something, too. While Jishin-kun managed to escape, unlike your fighters. And he even returned with such a significant victory."
"What are you..."
"Quiet! I will ask you to keep control of yourself." Goro again calmed the quarreling elders, after which he looked at them seriously. "Yes, my son was captured, but he not only escaped but left behind the ruins of one of the wealthiest cities of Hyugo. I declare him innocent, and even if the clan's honor was touched, it was restored by him. I also don't believe that Sansa or Kiatto got anything from him. Not after such casualties."
The elders bowed silently, accepting Goro's decision. The trio of comrades also quickly repeated the bow.
"Now, if we've settled the matter with my son, let's return to the one most responsible for his successful return." The clan head spoke again, and all eyes focused on Stas. "Healer Shiro. The Sumada clan acknowledges that you have rendered an important service by saving the prince. Moreover, thanks to you, our enemies are mixed and divided. As far as I know, you would like to join us? I must ask you, why did you make such a decision?"
Stas cleared his throat and stepped forward slightly, bowing.
"Greetings, Goro-sama, and esteemed elders. Due to difficulties in my life and partial memory loss, I am forced to look for a new home. My clan specialized in healing people and had some skill with prana. I would like to master the latter better and combine both arts. I'm sure that prana, from a medical point of view, is capable of real miracles."
Some of the elders frowned, apparently thinking about the necessity of providing knowledge to a stranger, but the other part looked at Stas favorably. Although the Sumada had healers, they were critically few and always in short supply. Young warmasters preferred the path of the warrior, not the healer.
Therefore, a person who specialized in healing and also operated prana was very valuable.
"Moreover, the Sumada clan has made a huge impression on me," Stas continued to sing his praises. "Your might is known to all, and just one look at the clan's lands and this man-made mountain dispelled any doubts! Clearly, the Sumada is the best choice for a wanderer like me."
"I see," Goro nodded, then turned his head and looked at his heir sitting next to him. "Izuna has already informed me about this, but I wanted to hear the same from you personally. Well, I see no problems with our clan happily accepting you. However, due to your merits, there is a special proposal for you."
"I am all ears, Goro-sama." Stas responded respectfully, displaying his full attention.
"My son was so impressed by your achievements that he expressed a desire to assist you in joining our clan. Of course, you still have a long way to go before you become a full-fledged Sumada," Goro immediately clarified when the surrounding elders raised objections. "Rather, Izuna will initially tell you who is in charge of what. He'll simplify the acquisition of the knowledge you strive for. For the benefit of the clan, of course."
The tone of the clan head was congenial, but Ordyntsev was not deceived. Right now, he was being given one of the most important choices in his life in this world.
"Your decision, healer? Are you ready to accept my eldest son's offer? I would prefer to hear the answer right now."
Stas didn't take his eyes off Goro Sumada, but even without looking, he could feel Jishin's stare boring into his back. At the same time, he was keenly aware of Izuna's scrutinizing gaze.
It didn't take much thought to understand that the offer he was being given was an incredible honor that comes once in a million.
No further words were necessary, as the proposition alone was more than tempting: the heir of a great clan was ready to personally take care of a guest and expedite his initial integration into the clan's life.
Such offers are naturally not refused! Especially in front of everyone.
The only problem was that if Stas accepted the heir's offer, he would sever all ties with Jishin.
It was clear that Izuna was doing this specifically to annoy his brother.
No matter what you call it, Jishin would interpret such a decision as nothing but a betrayal.
Yes, the rest of the clan might find Stas's choice somewhat dubious from a moral standpoint, but no one would consider him foolish, because he would have the shadow of the heir behind him.
If Ordyntsev refused... It was hard even to imagine what unthinkable calamities would befall him. By refusing, he would nearly spit in Izuna's offered hand, putting him in a very foolish position.
And such things are not forgiven in this world.
On his face, Stas wore his best smile, and his eyes sparkled with "sincere" gratitude.
"I would be simply ecs-s-static to accept your son's offer, Goro-sama. Words cannot express how grateful I am for his concern for my modes-s-st well-being..."
The fierce wave of energy that struck his back made Stas stagger, but he managed to stay on his feet and did not turn around.
In that strike was everything – anger, rage, trampled hopes, and resentment for betrayal. This thirst for blood washed over the earthling like a tide, shaking him with tremors and yearning to tear him into a thousand pieces.
Ordyntsev was genuinely glad that he did not see the expression on the younger prince's face.
"Jishin!" Goro barked, and this time, Stas staggered from the prana released by the clan head. Unlike the prince, it was cold, like the noose of an experienced assassin who had killed so many that he no longer made unnecessary movements in his work. "Get a hold of yourself!"
Since the pressure in his back ceased, Stas assumed that Jishin managed to regain control of himself.
Especially chilling at that moment was Izuna's smile. The older brother clearly relished his victory. The heir gave Stas an approving nod.
Stas responded with his smile, though his heart was somber, and he felt an overwhelming melancholy.
The whole situation was very unpleasant to the man. The earthling liked Jishin's character, his intelligence, and his resilience against life's blows. Feeling his pain from the betrayal was far from what Ordyntsev wanted.
But there was no choice.
Right now, Stas was obliged to accept the heir's offer and extract everything he could give him. Knowledge, techniques, skills, and contacts.
Only through the eldest prince would all these doors be open to Ordyntsev.
And with Izuna's shadow behind him, the earthling would be able to weave a new web of intrigues that he would use to help Jishin.
Of course, Stanislav understood perfectly that he was no more than an amusing toy in the hands of the heir, which would be so convenient to poke into the open wounds of his brother. And when the toy becomes boring, it will no longer be needed.
No, Izuna wouldn't kill him, just forget, losing interest.
That's why it was worth taking full advantage of the opportunities that had arisen.
Surprisingly, Stas had suspected something like this, though he thought it would happen a bit later. And even so, he couldn't tell Jishin anything yet.
The younger prince was not a great actor, so his feelings had to be authentic and sincere. And the elder prince would surely sense any deceit if Stas were to inform Jishin.
Stas hoped that when he finally reached the necessary level of strength, whether physical or political, and told Jishin the truth, the latter would believe and forgive him.
On the other hand, circumstances would most likely force Stas to do this much sooner. After all, although Jishin was in a social vacuum, he could seriously mess up the earthling's plans by talking about Stas's life.
On the other hand, what better way to strike at Izuna than from the inside?
Sitting in the younger prince's outcast company, Ordyntsev would have achieved little.
'Thank goodness he decided to rashly bring me closer to himself,' in his thoughts, the earthling smirked sinisterly, though his face still wore a grateful smile directed at the heir: 'You like to torture your little brother? We'll see where that gets you.'
[1] Ryo is gold currency (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8D)