The afternoon after I’d returned from Suomi, the most influential of the local lords were gathered for a succession council in the Ho family manor’s large conference room. The twelve of them were regional rulers who each held the title lord-of-estates.
I now sat where Rook once had. Much like before, Satsuki was sitting beside me. The biggest difference was my father’s absence.
“... And those are our circumstances.”
The room fell silent once I’d finished explaining what had happened at the royal castle.
I continued, looking at everyone’s faces as I spoke, “One thing I’d like to make clear is that I intend to slaughter all those who took part in this plot. That will begin with an attack on the royal capital. As per our custom, there’ll be a vote to decide whether I’m recognized as the new head of the Ho family, but there are things I need you to hear before you make your decision.”
In ordinary circumstances, there were many matters that could be settled carefully after I’d received the title of lord-supreme, but I had to rush things. I stood up from my chair.
“I won’t bow to any of you in order to become head. Some of you, perhaps today or perhaps yesterday, will have spoken to the widow sitting beside me. She likes to do things by making deals with people.”
As I spoke, Satsuki stared at me, wide-eyed. I suspected my words had made her angry, but I didn’t care.
“I don’t know what she might’ve said, but if she promised special treatment for you or any other sort of promise, I have no intention of honoring it. Let’s start fresh.
“You’ve all heard of Ho Company and should know that I built it myself in just three years without any financial assistance. If you don’t give me your support today—if I don’t become the head of the Ho family—I will achieve my aims someday regardless. That is why I refuse to bow to any of you in order to become head—I’ll assume the role because you believe in me.
“If anyone among you worries that I’m a man of ingratitude, please rest assured, those who stand by me will be adequately compensated. I reward those who show me devotion. A high salary at Ho Company is ten gold coins per month, and many earn even more than that. However, I don’t provide a thing to those who do nothing for me. I’ll also ask you to give up whatever special privileges you might already have.
“In essence, you should side with me if you believe I’ll win. If not, then stand back. These are the times we live in. If you choose not to support me and don’t want the protection of the Ho family, I’ll accept that. But be warned that I won’t offer you promises of nonaggression or noninterference. The matter is simple—this is always how it’s been for those of us in the business of waging war. As our kingdom enters a time of great upheaval, I can’t bind you to me through arrangements that apply only during peacetime.
“That’s all I had to say. Take thirty minutes to think about it. Consider the matter carefully while Satsuki and I are out of the room.”
Once I’d finished talking, I moved away from my chair and looked at Satsuki. She was looking back at me like she couldn’t believe my arrogance, but she stood and followed regardless.
We both left the conference room.
Once we were in the corridor, Satsuki tried to talk to me, but I ignored her and told her I’d hear it later. We spent the remainder of that time waiting in silence.
We only caught fragments of the conversation going on in the conference room. It wasn’t boisterous, and nor did it sound like a heated argument. That boded well. If each lord wanted to consider the benefits to their own family, then that wasn’t a matter for debate—they’d each have to decide for themselves.
After thirty minutes, Satsuki and I reentered the room. We walked behind the gathered lords and returned to our original seats.
“Although I’m sure some of you would like more time, let’s hold the vote. Satsuki, if you would.” I gave my instructions casually, as if this event held little importance.
“We’ll have a show of hands,” Satsuki announced. “Those who recognize Yuri Ho as the new head of the Ho family.”
Every hand in the room rose swiftly. I’d expected nothing less.
A small part of me had worried that the misfortune I’d suffered over the past few days might not be over, but I’d known this would be the likely outcome. I’d given no one here a reason to hesitate to vote for me.
“Now, Satsuki, please give everyone one of these bundles.” I gave her some of the flyers I’d brought.
Each bundle contained fifty flyers bound by a metal clip. Once Satsuki had handed them out, she sat back down.
“I had two thousand of these flyers made yesterday evening. A thousand of them were given to eagle riders who’ve already been dispatched to the royal capital. They’ll be raining down on the city from above at this very moment.”
Though none of the lords voiced their surprise, they exchanged glances with one another.
“More are being printed, and more riders will set out to distribute them over the cities of other provinces later. I’d like you all to take these copies back to your own territories and display them for your people to see. Don’t change a single word—though, if you wish, you may add your own seal.”
They began flipping through the bundles. For many of them, it would be their first encounter with printed materials. No one here besides Satsuki had graduated from the Cultural Academy. The others had never come into contact with the academy’s erotic literature.
“We’ll end for today. Return to your territories and prepare to raise your armies.” I had nothing else left to say.
One of the lords raised his hand. He was a mature man with experience on the battlefield. I saw a strange intensity in his eyes.
“Sir Dimitri Daz, isn’t it? You may speak.”
“Your Excellency, how do you intend to capture the royal capital? If you have no plan in mind, then I propose we declare war and begin our assault immediately.”
That was a basic, albeit entirely sensible suggestion. It was as if he doubted my ability to lead. I supposed that was a given, however—I was just nineteen, a youngster.
“There’s no need to worry. I have no intention of taking things slowly. I’m also quite sure that the Ho family army is more than strong enough to defeat the second order of the royal guard.”
“Then—”
Dimitri rose slightly from his chair, but I raised a hand to still him. He couldn’t disobey me, so he fell silent. That’s what I like to see.
“I’d like to know more about the situation within the royal capital first,” I explained. “And I’m sure it will take everyone here several days to prepare their soldiers. I can investigate in the meantime. I’d rather not form a specific strategy until then, but as I say, I won’t take things slowly. Within a week, our assault will have begun.”
Dimitri, was it? Dimitri Daz. If memory served, his territory was on the border with Noza Province.
“Ah... The three families based furthest from the royal capital, yours included, should move their armies to Kalakumo as soon as they’re ready. We can provide food for them here at the manor during the wait. But Sir Dimitri, leave a thousand of your soldiers on the border. They can hold back the Noza family.”
It would impact our strength if their forces didn’t make it here on time, and it would be a real shame for them if they got left behind.
“The Noza family... You think they’ll march south, Your Excellency?” he asked in all seriousness. He knew that a battle fought on two fronts could result in him losing his territory completely. “If that were the case, just a thousand soldiers wouldn’t—”
“You have Seamia. It may be a small city, but its fortifications are excellent. Prepare yourself for a siege, just in case.”
“But of course.”
“I doubt the Noza family will come. As I see it, they’ve nothing to gain by attacking us. But if the border were to be left completely defenseless, some might see our current troubles as an opportunity for looting. Placing a thousand soldiers in Seamia is simply a precaution.”
“Yes, I see the wisdom in that.” Dimitri smiled, then sat back down.
I think that covers everything.
“Does anyone else have anything to say?” I asked. “If not, we can adjourn.”
I was about to turn and leave, but I stopped when I realized there was something else I needed to say. “War lies ahead. This is what we’ve been living for. I expect a passionate effort from all of you.”