As if that was not enough, a second clip was unveiled. This time, the beakless Gothhotroo swarmed the sky, chasing after another recorder. After the recorder downed the potion, their wingbeats petered out, then ignored him as if they had just woken up from some sort of a hypnotic spell, realising that what they saw and felt was nothing more than a flight of fancy.
The footage stopped. The gaping, expectant faces of the audience were the marks it left behind. After a long and gruelling war, they had taken one step to quell this kingdom's plague. The avoidance of the absurd monsters was already in hand; soon, the revelation of the dimensional cracks' origin would follow suit.
"With the support of Kagatsean Magisterium, we were able to carry out full-scale production and will be distributed one by one: from Otnagochi, then Onogoro, and the entire Kagatse region," Taro concluded.
"Tell me more about this." The Ayamagawa clan daimyo's face lit up with enthusiasm.
The minister allowed the scientist on his right to take the stage. His slightly stooped posture epitomised his grogginess, made all the more obvious by his panic-struck eyebrows and twitching mouth. "This is... the potion I learnt together with my colleagues at the Magisterium," he said, his voice a wee bit slurred. "After studying in detail each of the mujinos' behaviours, we began to collect estimates of plants or substances that might be antagonistic to mujinos. One substance we discovered can alter the frequency of energy vibrations produced by humans, so that the mujinos will not be able to detect the presence of humans as enemies or prey. This will give our forces a huge advantage in battle against them."
"That sounds good, sure," responded the Ayamagawa clan's daimyo, "but we wonder... what is this substance meant to ward off mujinos?"
"Unfortunately, we can't tell you... Not yet."
"Can't?" the daimyo laughed, followed by the others. "What do you mean you can't?"
The scientist's hand massaged his other to ease the shudder in his neck and the stutter on his tongue. However, his cold sweat remained copious. "According to the agreement with the Magisterium, we cannot reveal it. The substance given in each potion is a small dose, and should only be taken once every six hours because that's how long the dose works." The scientist cast a sidelong glance at the Magisterium's magic shogun and the high priest, then at the sand garden. "If taken in excessive doses, the drinker can increase his ability to not only turn mujinos into friends..., but into servants."
Hearing that, their enthusiastic buzz diminished, partially replaced by a qualm. But a breakthrough against mujinos was in their grasp. The clans of Kazanoka and Besshou still believed it was a monumental undertaking nonetheless. The Ayamegawa clan members exchanged confused glances, but they submitted. The daimyo of Hitotsuyanagi sighed with a condemning look, and the Itto clan shook their heads.
"You said the Otnagochi troops will receive these potions first?" the Kazanoka clan's daimyo asked. "Is it possible for this wave?"
"Exactly for this wave," Minister Taro replied. "In the next wave, the entire army will be able to receive these potions."
The Daimyo of the Itto clan gently probed, "Is it mandatory for the entire army?"
The Pale Daimyo's ethereal voice made everyone turn to him. Not only was his appearance rather suspicious, but it seemed that even his trivial words could be labelled controversial.
"I fail to understand the point you're trying to make," the minister replied.
"If you just want to show off what the potion can do without the goodwill to show transparency regarding its composition, then we must humbly refuse."
There was a hint of scorn in the minister's laughter. "With all due respect, Harada-dono. You doubt the good intentions of the Kagatsean government and the Magisterium to stop the mujino attacks. Is that what you mean?"
"I'm not doubting those good intentions. I doubt the ingredients in the potion. About what will enter our bodies."
"Have we ever done anything wrong to your people so far? Have we ever doubted your clan's loyalty to the country, to make you the Dajō Daijin's main advisory clan as a matter of fact, after the black magic incident of your clan centuries ago?"
"Taro-dono," Domen intersected. "We're discussing how to keep our people alive with the existence of mujinos, not bringing up the past that doesn't even have anything to do with our generation."
"How can their clan...," Hokutoji Taro turned slowly to Toyoshige Domen, "be considered to be helping the survival of the people if they even do not trust their own?"
"I'm just asking whether or not the potion is required for soldiers during war." Itto Harada, the daimyo of the Itto clan, stated again. "If 'yes' is the answer, then there is no need for you to question our clan's compliance. We will drink it if it is your will. Yomi is still the same."
"I-I think that's a fair point," Alicia suddenly chimed in with a finger raised. She would have expected the daimyos' piercing gazes to stab her, and still, it was only Itto Harada's that made her lose her composure. "I know it's Magisterium-made, but it's better not to risk... sipping it if yer're in doubt, and make certain to banish mujinos w-without it...." Alicia then bowed her head. "I-I'm just an outsider so pardon me if I'm overstepping myself and my words seem a bit brazen, but there will be people who'll exploit the cloak of secrecy surrounding this potion. A wicked person, one way or another..."
The lass had yet to raise her head.
"Raise your head, Alicia-san," Dajō Daijin ordered. "We greatly appreciate your attention to this situation. Taro-dono, I leave this decision to your discretion."
Hokutoji Taro, who behind him was a warrior levelling his katana at the inked sky, let out a long sigh. "If they are unwilling, then that's fine. But I hope they don't burden the others when the attack comes."
"Yomi is still the same," concluded the Itto clan daimyo with satisfaction.
"Harada-dono, you say that at every opportunity. Please tone it down."
"This one has nothing to do with my obedience to the state," the daimyo refused.
The discussion on potions was settled to this point when Dajō Daijin raised her cup again. They poured hot tea into the cup for the third time, and for the third time also, sips resounded in the war room.
"Can I ask something?" Wisesa raised his hand. The eyes of the gathering fixated on him.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"Yes, Wisesa-san, you may ask," the shogun replied with a smile.
"Actually, it's about Chixian Shenzhou. You sound like that country is insulting you. Well, if you please, I need to know what the context is."
"Unfortunately, young man, we are not pleased—"
Setsuko stopped the flow of Taro's mouth with an open palm. "The invasion from the portal also happened in Chixian Shenzhou and they consider it our fault. They are willing to help but on the condition that Kagatse is willing to be annexed."
"I think their help could come in handy, don't you think?"
"They have everything they want. Not that they need anything since most of them are soulless, immortal cultivators," sneered the twitching mouth of Kazanoka's daimyo. "They want our trade routes."
"Give it, then."
The daimyos impulsively gasped, except for the Itto clan. "Are you playing games with us, young man?"
"Well, most of them are immortal, but they surely don't suppress their human lust for economic hustle, and their trade routes are poor," Wisea said bluntly. "You know the deal. No one wants to trade from the northern sea border 'cause Vanir and Magavostok are still tussling there. Taxes through the Eternal Empire are too steep, and any trade cooperation with Svarga is cut off by the Danhar Separatists—they're still beefin' with the Danhar, right? Haven't caught wind of them in over four years. Man, the Eastern world got too many conflicts. And Kagatse? Its sea is swarming with pirates, but hey, where there's sugar, there's ants."
"Then what do you want to suggest, Wisesa-san?" asked the blind shogun.
"Well, listen up, gentlemen. Chixian Shenzhou may come off strong and fierce, but you're the ones reaping the benefits. They ain't gonna be so quick to snatch your turf forcefully 'cause both Roma and the Magisterium won't just sit back and watch. We can make a coalition with them. Give them a gentle pat on the head and offer up an exclusive tax-free route once the dust settles from the war."
"Tax-free route? Like crazy!" Taro's tone sounded condescending, his hands raised in a dismissive gesture.
"Hey, c'mon now. It's a minor trade-off. You'll still be raking in more profits as a hub for trade."
"They're too proud to accept a coalition," the Besshou clan daimyo speculated.
"Then say goodbye to their immortal asses and let them fight mujinos for all eternity when it's over!"
The sudden burst of dry laughter from the typically silent Daimyo, Itto Harada, caught them off guard. Finally, someone else caught onto Wisesa's way with words (or humour). In truth, Wisesa was torn between taking it as a compliment or not.
"Not bad," came the spoken flattery from Dajō Daijin. The war with the plague had almost made them complacent and forget they had a functional ministry of commerce—or not, because it, too, was idle in oblivion. "I will consider it with our trade minister." After saying that, a series of giggles were muffled behind her mutterings. "It's a good thing we invited you here. At least we were made aware of the unexpected things that could be our strength."
Hearing Wisesa speak made Alicia smile to herself. His choice of words was still worrisome, but the shogun did not once tell the others to draw their katanas. "Good One, Sir Temperamental Diplomat," Alicia whispered with a chuckle, which was followed by Barong's loud laugh exclusive to Wisesa's fevered ears.
The lad immediately pinched Alicia's arm and twisted it until the lass almost heaved a loud moan had she not covered her mouth.
The Daimyo of the Ayamegawa Clan then asked a new question. "Dajō Daijin-sama. Wisesa-san's suggestion may be good, but could you tell us what the roles of these two youngsters among us are?"
"They are powerful mages. They can help us," said Dajō Daijin. "The lady, Alicia Crimsonmane, she possesses Arcane."
"Wh-what?"
Hearing that sacred word alone, the rumours of doubt sprung up again. Izel beheld Alicia with a concerned look. However, the person in question kept her face forward with a determined expression. Although the throbbing of the swollen pinch on the arm felt manifold because of it.
"Dajō Daijin-sama, the worst battle in Onogoro happened because of the use of Arcane, isn't that right?" asked the Hitotsuyanagi clan's daimyo.
"She's a different Arcane wielder. I and Dajō Daijin have faith in that," continued Domen.
"What makes her different? That mujinos will not evolve when they see her?"
"Aren't we waiting for additional troops from the Magisterium, Mahou Shogun-dono?" interrupted the Besshou clan's daimyo to Hashomon, who had stayed still except for his spasming fingers. "This is not part of our request, is it?"
"She is not part of the Magisterium's army, Tameuji-dono," Domen represented the Magic General. "She is a sweet gift of fate to our poor country."
"Place me wherever you deem me appropriate in this battle!" Alicia finally spoke up. "I also intend to find a way to destroy the dimensional rift and find out the fate of the missing Kagatsean residents, because... I have made a promise to someone."
"If that's your answer, then we don't actually want Arcane's presence in the battle."
"I-I can help you figure out a way to research the mujinos without making them die and eliminating traces. Anything, just let me help ye!"
The daimyos stared at each other. Even the Magisterium's magic shogun and the Defense minister joined in, all fixated on the Dajō Daijin. The prolonged silence added an extra layer of awkwardness to the room.
"She is not an ordinary Arcane wielder like other practitioners," Domen broke the silence before it was as endless as the mujinos' war, thankfully. "She is special. No practitioner can purify Leichenhaufen and Moon Eater by themselves. Like you said, you don't need to put her right on the Shinpi Walls in Otnagochi. She can perform long-range attacks, away from mujinos' sensory detection. Or if you don't want her fighting, put her in the heart of Otnagochi village instead, let her help with medical matters or research Mujino's origins as she offers."
Domen tapped the small tea table in front of him. "This is your chance. This is the enlightenment of the Three Gods of Enlightenment. Imperfect, perhaps, according to you, but remember the words of Kakusha Kuebiko: accepting all imperfections is an act of the perfect, and thus the closer you are to enlightenment. She initially only wanted to hitchhike through our land to return to her hometown, but in the end, she chose to postpone her journey to care for us. Such sincere kindness is not worth wasting."
Although Alicia's lips parted, there was no smile. She was actually mesmerised, but she had no idea how to behave. And looking at the pensive faces of the daimyos, the sense of amazement tickled her heart even more. This man's tongue was slippery indeed.
"I... I thank ye for yer help, Lord Domen," the lass said with a bow.
"The Arcane lady can be useful..., perhaps. Especially if she is a good researcher—which I doubt because of her young age," remarked Harada, the daimyo of the Itto clan. "This is related to our objection to receiving potions from the ministry. You may have heard the rumours."
"That... someone created this plague?" guessed the Kazanoka clan's daimyo.
"That someone wants this plague to continue for the benefit of a party." Another guess from the Hitotsuyanagi clan's daimyo.
"Both may be true and related. My informants say there is truth to that rumour. Alicia-san's presence to trace Mujino's origins might help find the culprit."
Taro was like a shocked man after being slapped. He seemed to be impatient for words, as evidenced by his gaping mouth, and his eyebrows pulling together. "Hey, I'm aware of the rumours, and I understand, but I assure you once again: this potion is made in conjunction with the Magisterium. There will be no irregularities in the making of this potion, no matter how much you suspect!"
"Of course, Taro-dono. Your statement is still the same," the Itto clan's daimyo replied curtly.
Domen nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "I am glad you have learnt to understand."
Dajō Daijin smiled along.
"Regarding Alicia-san here, we will consider it," Minister Taro relented. "After all, the interests of the Kagatseans come first. But we still need time to re-plan the entire strategy if necessary—"
When the minister turned to Alicia, a puzzled frown crossed his face.
"Why are you narrowing your eyes, Alicia-san?"
"No, Minister, a moment...," Alicia began to crawl forward, her other hand already inside her waist bag.
"Alicia-san, what do you see in me?" Taro thought Alicia saw something on his pituitary head, so he groped around. But he found nothing, and it did not concern the hair. "Alicia-san, your gaze is rude. Please stop it!"
The other daimyos and others were even more curious, looking at Hokutoji Taro as well. But they did not see anything either.
The problem was, Alicia was not eyeing the minister's bald pate. It was the painting behind him. The blade on the painting had turned its back on its wielder as if it was ready to be swung and decapitate someone below it: the minister.
Alicia swore in her heart that something was wrong with the painting. She studied it again with greater scrutiny.
The painted warrior's eyes suddenly turned to her.
Arcane explosions blasted the wall! []