"Io-sama, please tell me, how do ordinary people feel about the recent power struggle?" Stas asked his first important question.
"Negatively," Ordyntsev received an unequivocal answer immediately. "Moreover, many warmasters are deeply annoyed by what is happening. The Ishiro family hasn't been in power long enough to be allowed to make so many crude mistakes. Yes, Goro Sumada's authority still keeps the Council and the supremes within some bounds, but with every... mm, let's call it, dubious piece of news, their patience begins to wane.."
Stas pondered deeply, then looked at the person sitting before him with new eyes. Funnily enough, Io was now much weaker than Stas in almost all warmaster disciplines.
The head of the Shadow Stone had stopped developing and, at best, had reached the rank of proficient advanced. Stas, on the other hand, was almost at the rank of a veteran advanced.
Nevertheless, it was this not-so-strong man who managed to carry the entire great clan on his relatively fragile shoulders.
"You're the one who keeps everything from falling apart, aren't you?" Stas said slowly. "It's you who restrains the supremes and other contenders ready to cast aside Jishin and Izuna, right? Without you, all these childish games would have long ceased, and a massacre would have erupted. Tell me, how do you still hold on? And honestly, I should have asked this first, but... how is your brother doing?"
For a few seconds, Io's impassive face expressed nothing, but then the corners of his mouth turned downward like those of an incredibly tired, sad clown. And the deep wrinkles carved his face even more sharply.
"Bad, Shiro-kun. My brother's condition is very bad. He's unconscious, and despite all the healers' efforts, he's likely not to regain consciousness until his death. And you know what else is bad?"
"What, Io-sama?"
"The fact that besides you, Shiro-kun, no one else has asked about his well-being. Not the self-absorbed supporters of Izuna, nor those Jishin's people, who consider themselves the smartest. They all came here and said only 'give-give-give,' but no one spoke a word about my dying brother. They've crossed him out and forgotten him as if he never existed. As if his life doesn't matter. Wasn't it he who led the clan from victory to victory over these decades? Is this the Sumada's loyalty to their leader?"
A spasm passed over Io's cheek, and he closed his eyes for a few seconds to overcome the emotions raging within him.
"Io-sama, forgive me if I offend you," Stas began resolutely, his eyes flashing with excitement. "But I don't understand why you don't take the power into your own hands. You're the most suitable candidate. Yes, your strength is not as great as Goro-sama's, but..."
"If only I could!" The teapot on the table trembled with the anger of the head of the Shadow Stone. "Strength? A trifle, as if that ever stopped me. If I wanted, all these squabbles would end in an instant! But," Io dropped his shoulders in defeat. "I've promised Goro many times I wouldn't do it. I swore I wouldn't take the place of the clan head from his sons."
Io let out a croaking laugh, causing Stas to tense.
"You know, six years ago, when, thanks to you, Shiro-kun, Jishin safely returned home, I went to my brother and," Io paused meaningfully. "And asked him to kill his own son. Yes, I'm talking about Jishin. I explained and tried to convince him that the clan cannot have two heads and sooner or later, everything would go straight to hell."
"Goro-sama didn't listen to you?"
"Of course, he didn't," Io snorted, and his voice flickered with hidden tenderness. "For Goro, one of the most important things in life was always family. My brother never showed it, but all of us, the bastards of his father, are the main proof of that. He forgot no one, found a way to each, and helped everyone. Even Jun gave in."
Io delved into his memories for a few seconds.
"In the end, he couldn't kill Jishin, and we had a falling out and spoke very little over these years. I thought he would fire me from my position, but even in this, he proved himself to be the great clan leader he was. It's a pity that even great people still have weaknesses…"
Ordyntsev felt out of place. For him, Io and Goro had always been unshakable rocks, and seeing that they could have such an emotional side was very awkward. And frightening, to be honest.
"That's why I won't take any steps to seize power, but only clear the way for his sons, not letting them foolishly destroy everything their father built. Unfortunately, they are too impatient and inexperienced, which makes restraining their impulses all the more difficult."
Stas nodded silently, thinking about what question to ask next.
It was becoming evident that no matter how Ordyntsev asked, he would not get any secret information.
However, there was still something Stas could discuss.
"Io-sama, what do people want now?"
"A lot of things, but overall, peace and stability. Two consecutive wars and the impending civil strife scare everyone much more than any of the contenders for the throne. The majority don't care who wins."
"I see," Stas nodded to his thoughts, preparing to ask the most difficult question. "Tell me, what do you think Jishin's personal attitude towards me is?"
The Shadow Stone's head's eyebrow arched mockingly.
"The thing is," Stas felt like a student who had failed to study for an exam and was now trying to wheedle a hint from the teacher. "Currently, Jishin has transferred all his available power to me until his arrival. And my further actions could have significant consequences."
"I see," Io nodded. "And now, after such a long separation, you don't know whether he will cover for you or not? Whether he'll endorse your actions or cast you to the angry warmasters?"
"Yes." Ordyntsev agreed shortly.
"Hard to say," Io pondered seriously. "Recent events have been very difficult for Jishin. Including the injury of his father. Right now, he's pressured not only by enemies but also by allies. Therefore, he needs people he can trust. I don't know what kind of rift occurred between you earlier, but I don't think Jishin will betray you."
"Thank you, Io-sama." Stas stood up and bowed. "My condolences regarding your brother's injury. Please excuse me, but I need to go."
"Of course, of course," Io nodded benevolently to Stas. "I won't take up your time. And yes," he added when Stas was already at the threshold. "If I'm wrong about the prince, just know that you can always find a place in the shadow."
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"Thank you for your generosity," Ordyntsev bowed seriously. He understood very well what the head of the Shadow Stone meant by that metaphor.
*****
"What do you want here?" Stas was blocked by the guard stationed at the hospital entrance.
"I want to meet with Hideo-sama," Ordyntsev replied, narrowing his eyes. He didn't miss the meaningful glances exchanged by several warmasters. And he was right in his suspicions.
"Healers maintain neutrality," the guard captain said irritably, piercing Stas with an unfriendly look. "We don't participate in your power struggle. So, I would advise you not to interfere with the healers' work. This is neutral territory. Besides, we are obliged to protect Goro-sama from possible danger, so access to him is prohibited."
"You clearly fail to grasp the situation," the people behind Stas dispersed along the corridor, all at once demonstrating there were far more of them than guards. "At this moment, I am the official representative of Jishin Sumada, one of the two legitimate heirs. And I am also a full-fledged healer possessing a unique healing technique, so denying me access to Goro-sama smacks of treason. Are you a traitor? By the way, identify yourself."
The guard captain's gaze wavered. He quickly surveyed the fighters ready for battle behind Stas, then shifted his gaze back to the coldly looking Ordyntsev.
"My name is Kaeriko from the Oto family. Forgive me... Master," the words came out with difficulty from the guard. "But I cannot let you..."
"Now listen to me carefully," a restrained wave of bloodlust emanated from Stas, who wasn't trying to pressure, just showing his intentions. "While you've been sweetly sleeping and eating well here, I've been shedding blood for the great Sumada clan. There, I killed many, and I killed many before this war. And if you don't disappear from my path right now, I will execute you here and now as a traitor. Do you understand me?"
Kaeriko was silent, his cheeks tensing. To be fair, Stas wasn't right because, by the look of this warmaster, it was clear he definitely hadn't always been sitting in the Citadel. But now was not the time to consider his feelings.
"Now step aside." The warmaster hesitated but slowly moved to the side. However, he immediately took his previous place when Stas passed by. "I'll be glad if you can help Goro-sama, but your people will wait here," he explained to Ordyntsev.
"Accepted," Stas nodded respectfully. "I'm glad that at least someone still cares about Goro-sama when most warmasters seem to have forgotten about him."
The surrounding guards involuntarily straightened up with pride. And even Kaeriko looked at Stas not so angrily anymore.
Even a cat appreciates kind words, as the saying goes.
"By the way, could you tell me where to find Hideo-sama?"
"Second corridor on the right, third door on the left," the chief guard finally advised quite calmly. Stas thanked him with a nod.
Inside, it was crowded, which was not surprising. The Citadel served as a huge hospital where injured warmasters recovered before being sent back to the front.
Such a system required a large number of healers, so the earlier initiative of sending some healers with battle squads was quietly shut down, returning them to their previous positions.
Stas's presence instantly attracted attention, but none of the rushing about healers dared to stop him. After all, the healer's path seldom appealed to the mightiest or the most high-born of warmasters.
Few of them wanted to get into trouble.
Hideo's office greeted Stas with muffled swearing from inside.
Having knocked and waited a few seconds, Stas pushed the door open.
"Am I disturbing?" Ordyntsev's gaze stopped on the heated argument between Hideo and Kizashi.
"Shiro-san!" Kizashi gasped, welcoming Stas as if he were family. "How good that you've arrived."
Stas shifted his gaze to the alchemist's grandfather and was struck by how much he had aged. It seemed he had gained ten years in the span of a few.
His back was heavily stooped, and his cheeks sagged, making him a bit like a hungry bulldog.
Most importantly, Hideo looked at Stas with anything but friendliness.
"You've come," the old man rasped. "And here I am with my wayward grandson discussing something. Well, why are you silent as if you've taken water in your mouth? Go on, speak up. Let our guest listen as well."
Stas shifted his gaze to Kizashi, who rolled his eyes.
"I was trying to convince my grandfather that we, the healers, need to support Jishin! He's the best choice!"
"The fact that you worked with him doesn't make him the best choice, understand at last!" Hideo exploded again, shaking his gnarled hand. "Have you thought about what will happen to you and the hospital if your Jishin loses? What's your take, Shiro, what will ensue?"
"There will be sanctions," Stas admitted honestly, smiling at Kizashi's childishly offended face. "It's quite possible that you personally will be removed from all your positions."
"There you go," the old man smiled triumphantly. "That's why I think it's better to just wait and then join whoever wins. Why take the risk?"
"But," Stas's tone made Hideo frown and look suspiciously. "What I listed will only happen if Jishin loses after you've taken his side," the earthling continued.
"I would like to remind you that not long ago, you and your grandson were considered part of the Izuna people," at these words, Hideo froze as if not wanting to hear what was next. "And then you brazenly, in the elder prince's opinion, betrayed him and switched to his hated brother. Of course, he might accept you again, but he could also harbor resentment, understand?"
"Why did you show up here? To ruin everything?" Hideo said bitterly, and shuffling his feet on the floor, he literally collapsed onto a pillow.
"Grandfather, how are you feeling?" Kizashi rushed to him, concerned, igniting a Healing Palm. "Let me..."
"Get off," Hideo grumbled. "I'll outlive you all."
The old man turned his depleted gaze to Ordyntsev. Stas involuntarily felt sympathy for the aged warrior. It was obvious that Hideo was not used to stewing in such a political cesspool. His business was the hospital, and he always managed it. Now, however, the fate of many people depended on his decision, and he frankly did not know what to do.
He tried to maintain neutrality but was more like the proverbial ostrich from jokes, attempting to bury its head in the sand.
Ordyntsev quickly weighed the ways to persuade the stubborn old man, discarding each in turn due to their impracticality. Pressure through Jun, who nearly died in Gaibatsu? More likely, it would anger the healer. Convince through the grandson? Pointless. The old man's stubbornness was too great, and his character was harsh.
"Master Hideo," Stas began carefully. "Allow me to suggest a course of action that will satisfy all of us. It will give you room to maneuver, and in case of success, you will give me your vote."
"Well, let's hear it, if you're not joking. I'm curious to listen." Hideo mumbled. Kizashi looked at Stas with hope.
"There are two or three days left until the arrival of Izuna and Jishin. All this time, I will spend convincing and talking to everyone with some power in the clan. If you see that my actions are beneficial, you will vote for Jishin. No? Then you'll remain neutral."
Kizashi was about to open his mouth, but Stas wasn't finished yet.
"Besides, I'm sure you've done everything you can to save Goro-sama. However, I would also like to take a look at his condition. Over the years of my travels, let's say, I've developed my alternative healer's path even further. Of course, destroyed prana channels are almost a guaranteed death, but I would still like to take a look and make a judgment myself."
Silence fell over the office while Hideo looked at Stas in disbelief.
"Alternative methods?" The long-faded light flickered in the old man's eyes, and his slumped shoulders straightened slightly. His voice easily conveyed desperate hope. "Can you heal him?!"
"First, I would just like to see him," Stas dodged the question. "So I can't give any guarantees."
"Then what are we waiting for?!" The old man heard exactly what he wanted to hear.
Kizashi looked at his grandfather in doubt, then at Ordyntsev, as if asking, 'Are you sure?'
Stas merely closed his eyes, dispelling the alchemist's doubts.
The old man sprang into action and immediately headed for the holiest of holies. At the entrance to the desired ward, which looked more like a small hall, there was again Goro's personal guard.
However, at Hideo's command, they dispersed, only giving Stas a suspicious glance.
In the center of the familiar glowing life-support seal lay what was left of Goro Sumada. If you got closer, it was clear that the injured body was placed not in one but in several interconnected seals.
It was an intricate structure, literally embedded in the stone of this room. Now, it became clear that this entire hall was an elite ward for treating a single patient, as only one body could be placed in the complex of seals.
Healers constantly bustled around, renewing the supply of prana in one part of the complex or trying to do something with the head's wounds.
"Master Hideo?" Michiro Sumada, Hideo's first apprentice, stepped away from the seal to meet the newcomers, and another healer took his place. "What's happened?"
"Shiro-san has just arrived and would like to check the condition of the head."
"As if it's not clear from here," Michiro grumbled discontentedly, yet obediently stepped aside, letting Ordyntsev pass. "Only, please, be careful. Don't disrupt the operation of the seals. They're the only thing keeping him alive."
"I will be extremely careful." Stas nodded, taking a step forward.