Volume 9 Chapter 15 The Issen-ryu’s Mission

Despite showing an outwardly calm look―― Yasushi is screaming in his mind.

(What am I gonna do? What should I even do? If I can’t succeed in talking them down here and then escape, I’ll be killed!)

For some reason, Liam and the others believe that Yasujirou and him are two different people.

They’re thinking that the Original Issen-ryu is a branch of the Issen-ryu that had fallen into disgrace.

And also, there was that monster.

The monster that suddenly appeared wanting to kill them.

――Yasushi, of course, has no single recollection of it from before.

(Why is a fraudster like me being targeted for death by a monster? But thinking about it, these guys are monsters in human form, too. ――What does it even mean to cut without drawing the blade. Those aren’t street performances.)

Yasushi’s mind spins.

(Calm down. It’ll be fine if I can get through this. If I do, a tranquil life will be waiting for me again!)

Yasushi thinks that being pursued by the Supremacy and having his life targeted by idiots seeking to claim the title of Sword God is preferable to being captured by Liam and the others.

A flash of insight hits Yasushi.

(That’s right! Since there might not just be one of those inhuman monsters out there, shouldn’t I just have these inhuman guys take them on?)

If there are more beings like the giant octopus out there, Yasushi won’t be able to sleep in peace.

Then, if that’s the case―― He should just have Liam and the others defeat them.

Yasushi begins to build up explanations in his mind.

His son Yasuyuki and his wife Nina look at him from behind with worried gazes.

Nina speaks to him.

“Yasu-kun, you were actually the master of a great noble? Umm―― I think it’s really rare for a count to lower his head, though?”

Hearing Nina’s words, Liam smiles gently.

“It’s true that I rarely lower my head. But, Master and his family are the exception.”

Nina is relieved seeing the smiling Liam, but―― Yasushi knows.

(If anyone other than that tells him to lower his head, it seems like he’ll kill them on the spot. No, he most definitely will. It’ll be the end of me if he ever finds out that I’m the impostor, Yasujirou!)

Yasushi creates a heavy mood, and begins to speak slowly.

“I must enlighten Liam-dono of the Issen-ryu’s mission.”

“Our mission?”

“Yes. There was that ferocious monster you saw earlier, wasn’t it? The Issen-ryu is―― a sword technique created for battling with those monsters.”

“What did you say!?”

Behind the shocked Liam, Riho and Fuuka are in a similar state with wide-open eyes.

“That’s our enemy?”

“Yea it’s true, I don’t think other swordsmen will be any good, but. The only one able to fight those is Senior Disciple, isn’t it?”

Seeing the two of them talking seriously to each other, Yasushi internally makes a guts pose.

(Alright, I can do it! B-but, the problem lies with this one.)

Ellen lies in his field of vision, but she’s the only one regarding him with doubt.

(T-this one alone is suspicious of me.)

Cold sweat runs down his back.

It’s because Yasushi no longer sees Ellen, too, as human.

The pressure he feels is no small thing, seeing as he’d end up being killed in an instant if they fought.

Ellen speaks. Her tone is an inquisitorial one.

“Yasushi-sama, may I ask one question?”

“W-what is it?”

“The Issen-ryu may be a sword art for battling those monsters, but why is it that many portions of it closely resemble the forms of other schools of swordsmanship?”

Because Yasushi appropriated forms from other schools for the Issen-ryu, its basic movements were all but a cobbling together of said forms.

Yasushi panics having that called into doubt, but Liam rebukes Ellen hearing her question.

“Ellen! How could you say such a thing to Master Yasushi. Don’t you trust his words, or the Issen-ryu?”

Ellen glares at Yasushi even through her fear of Liam.

“W-what I trust is Master and Master’s sword techniques. In addition, there’s been malicious gossip that Issen-ryu is stealing techniques from other schools. ――It’s been weighing on my mind.”

Calvin passed around such rumors when he was trying to undermine Liam’s credibility.

Riho and Fuuka both direct killing intent towards Ellen but――

(Don’t the three of you sneak glances at me! Don’t tell me you all’ve been concerned about it too!?)

――They’re looking at Yasushi even as they lecture Ellen, as if they had been concerned after all. They sneak glances at Yasushi’s countenance even as they say things like “Don’t ask about such a thing!” to her.

However, Yasushi doesn’t panic even in such a situation.

After all, Yasushi is a man that has lived this long using his mouth alone.

It can even be said that nothing besides his mouth is reliable, but this very moment is a high-stakes battle.

“That is because every school’s origin can be traced to the Issen-ryu. Nay! Every martial art itself can be traced back to the Issen-ryu!”

Haphazardly saying something like that, a question mark surfaces above Riho and Fuuka’s heads.

Ellen’s gaze becomes colder and colder, yet Liam alone is deep in contemplation.

Liam speaks of his own conclusion, perhaps thinking that some deeper meaning lies in Yasushi’s words.

“The ultimate system of martial arts is the Issen-ryu, would that be what you’re saying?”

“Yes, that’s it!”

Borrowing Liam’s help, Yasushi explains further.

“Why does man pursue martial arts? Why do they pursue the sword? Weapons and the like are available everywhere, and yet man has longed for the sword since time immemorial―― It is because their instincts tell them that there’s something more to it than conflicts between humans. Many monsters like the one from today still exist in the world out there!”

(They do, I hope? Welp, there’ll be some if they search, right? Even if there isn’t, I can just say that they haven’t found them, too.)

Interweaving matters in that he seemed to have heard from somewhere before, Yasushi carries on convincingly.

“The ones anticipating that and refining their techniques are the Issen-ryu! The Issen-ryu is the sword that protects the weak from those monsters! It was created in order to do battle with those much stronger than humans.”

Liam hangs his head hearing that.

“I’d been thinking that was probably the case. The Issen-ryu is way too strong after all. ――However if so, is it fine to leave the fallen Original Issen-ryu as it is? Also, why was Master kidnapped by that bunch?”

Behind him, Nina has a reaction as the topic moves to the Original Issen-ryu.

Yasushi whips around immediately and speaks to her with his eyes.

(Please keep quiet about the fact that I’m the instructor of the Original Issen-ryu!)

(Got it, Yasu-kun!)

It’s the coordination of husband and wife with hearts linked.

Nina cradles Yasuyuki and stealthily covers his mouth.

After seeing that, Yasushi turns around and continues.

“The Original Issen-ryu is already as good as dead. The instructor was killed by Governor Chester as he made to escape.”

“So that was the case. However, his disciples had quite the nerve forgiving Chester, didn’t they?”

“Their eyes were probably blinded by greed. How wretched.”

It’s a terrible remark given that he himself was the one who established the Original Issen-ryu out of greed.

“And then, what was the reason you were kidnapped, Master?”

“Having abandoned the Issen-ryu’s mission, they came to have me cooperate as well. ――Because the Issen-ryu has ended up becoming famous thanks to someone.”

A small-minded man saying a snide comment to Liam―― That’s Yasushi.

And then, he forcibly ends this conversation to prevent them from knowing that he himself was Yasujirou.

“Therefore, Liam-dono and the rest, please eradicate the world of these monsters from now on. The Issen-ryu exists for that purpose.”

Liam nods in silence, but then.

“I understand. Before that―― Kukri.”

He narrows his eyes, calling a strange man from the shadows.

As Yasushi sneakily examines Kukri’s appearance in fear, Liam gives an order to him.

“I can’t believe the Count had nothing to do with Master Yasushi’s kidnapping. Investigate it for the time being. After that, teach everyone clearly what happens to those who pick a fight with the Issen-ryu. Make them an example.”

Kukri quietly disappears into the shadows.

“――Acknowledged.”

It’s inevitable that Yasushi finds a chill running down his back.

(Y, you two, what was that conversation! D-don’t tell me, you’re gonna assassinate those who opposed you? No, that can’t be. That can’t be, right?)

At Kukri’s disappearance, Liam fixes his posture.

“And then, please let me ask just one more question. Why is Master unable to fight? If it’s Master, even that giant octopus should be able to be defeated, isn’t it?”

Yasushi takes off his upper attire all of a sudden, showing the diagonal scar left on his body.

Liam and the others are in shock seeing that scar.

“That scar is!?”

“I went up against a mighty foe. However, my strength was insufficient.”

“M, Master had!? There are enemies stronger than even that giant octopus?”

Liam has a mysterious conviction that the giant octopus he could take down could also be defeated by Yasushi.

(It’ll be terrifying if there’s actually something more fearsome than that thing. But, let’s just say as such to this guy.)

“――There are. The enemy is an even greater evil. I had ended up being defeated at the hands of that.”

Nina makes an alarmed face upon realizing what that scar actually was, but immediately schools her expression into a sorrowful one. As expected of husband and wife.

Liam looks at Yasushi’s scar.

“It’s considerably sharp swordsmanship. It’s almost as if there’s even hatred in―― By some chance, is the injury the reason you’re unable to fight? If that’s the case, I’ll arrange for an Elixir right away. Marie, go prepare an Elixir.”

“Yes, Liam-sama.”

Yasushi panics hearing that.

(This guy, is he just carrying around something like an Elixir!? No, that’s not the issue.)

Yasushi puts on his upper attire while shaking his head.

“Liam-dono, I have been defeated. I’ve somehow gotten through with my life intact, but I can no longer release a Flash. My heart and body are both bearing a deep injury, you see.”

“I’ll treat you! My house has gathered excellent physicians. Surely, even Master’s injury can…!”

(I’ll be troubled if I am treated! In the first place, it doesn’t hurt anymore either!)

Yasushi casts his eyes downward.

“My Flash wasn’t able to win. I probably won’t be able to even now. ――Therefore, please let me entrust the Issen-ryu and its mission to Liam-dono.”

“M, me? B-but…”

Yasushi speaks sternly at the flustered Liam.

“Why are you getting timid for! Liam-dono is my successor! And, the one who will carry on the true Issen-ryu!”

Hearing that, Liam nods quietly, promising to fulfill the mission of the Issen-ryu―― which was created as a lie in this place.

“I understand. I’ll inherit the hopes of Master and the Issen-ryu.”

“I’m relieved. With this I’m already――”

Yasushi is thinking of nothing but escaping, but he ends up getting shot in the back.

Nina has betrayed him.

“Ah, if it’s possible, could I borrow your strength for Yasuyuki’s sake?”

Yasushi whips around.

(What’s the meaning of this! I wanted to escape from these guys, and yet!)

Nina is Yasushi’s wife, but at the same time, she’s Yasuyuki’s mother.

She’s fine with facing misfortune herself, but she can’t allow misfortune to befall her son.

(Sorry, Yasu-kun.)

Nina hopes that Liam can give Yasuyuki a better future.

“H-how about it? I wish for this child to study well. Is it possible for him to stay on a planet with a good environment?”

Hearing Nina make a request like that, Liam thumps his own chest.

“Please leave it to me, Madam! This Liam sera Banfield will welcome all of you to his home planet. In addition, since I’m still able to take on two more disciples, I’ll make Yasuyuki-kun into a wonderful swordsman of the Issen-ryu!”

At Liam’s declaration, voices of dissent rise from behind him.

“Wait up, Senior Disciple! I’m fully-fledged too, aren’t I? Then, I’ll take care of Yasuyuki! After all is said and done, Yasuyuki is my little brother after all.”

Fuuka can’t keep quiet either seeing Riho say so.

“Yasuyuki’s better off with me, don’t ya think! Dual sword style’s cool after all!”

As the two bring up taking care of Yasuyuki themselves, Liam’s selfishness explodes.

“No way. Master’s precious son will be my disciple.”

Riho and Fuuka complain, yet Ellen makes a complicated expression looking at the scene before her.

However―― Yasushi doesn’t acknowledge such a thing.

(Certainly, I might be a piece of shit, but I’m not a parent that would hand off their kid to these non-humans! I’ll definitely protect Yasuyuki alone!)

Yasushi, who doesn’t wish to let his son suffer under Liam and the others, shakes his head.

“Your feelings alone are sufficient. Moreover, Yasuyuki doesn’t have the talent. I’m thinking of having this child walk the conventional path.”

Liam and the others, ever faithful to Yasushi, slump their shoulders hearing that.

If he has the motivation, even if he doesn’t have talent―― The three of them aren’t able to say something like that after having seen the giant octopus.

If the Issen-ryu’s mission is to battle things like the giant octopus, then seeing that they’re unable to have Yasuyuki do such a thing, even the three of them give up.

Liam thinks for a little.

“In that case, then let me bring him up as one of my most dependable knights.”

Yasushi internally hurls abuse at Liam.

(I said not to make him do anything dangerous, and yet why a knight!)

At that, Marie who had been quietly listening in introduces herself.

“If so, then it’s my turn as Liam-sama’s right hand. I’ll make sure I raise Yasuyuki-dono into an excellent knight.”

But, the eyes Liam looked at Marie with are cold.

“Like hell it’s you. Sit down.”

“N, no way!?”

Yasushi cradles his head.

(What do I do!? What do I do now! Do I leave Yasuyuki and run? But, whatever the circumstances may be, that is―― No, in the first place, can Nina bear to part with Yasuyuki?)

As he turns around to look at her, Nina discusses with Liam.

“Well! Is it alright to receive assistance on Count-sama’s home planet?”

“Let me arrange for a mansion right away. Is there something you wish for?”

“It’s fine even if it’s small, and a garden would be perfect. In addition, please introduce me to a job.”

“Your worries about living expenses are unnecessary, Madam. I’ll be taking care of everyone after all.”

“No, I’ll work! Taking care of Yasu-kun and Yasuyuki is my job, you see!”

“I-is that so. I’ll prepare one immediately.”

Being pressured by Nina’s enthusiasm, Liam shrinks back a little and promises to arrange a job for her.

It’s already decided that they would be heading for Liam’s home planet.

Being unable to defy Nina, Yasushi slumps over, hanging his head.

(I-I’m finished. Just what was my hard work for?)

Bryan (´；ω；｀) “That Liam-sama is being fooled by Yasushi’s lies, this Bryan is in pain. Please doubt him a little bit, Liam-sama!”

Sapling-chan ( ゜∀゜) “Please check out ‘I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire! vol. 2’ with the ‘Villain VS Fiend’ collaboration too! Next year ‘The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs, vol. 7’ is going on sale as well, and the collaboration sidestory will be included in that too!”

Bryan (｀・ω・´) “Please enjoy Liam-sama’s activities in the print edition as well.”