Chapter Ninety-Eight: Kuze Ikinoka
“WHAT made you come to that conclusion?”
“First, I could tell that you are from Meridiona due to your distinctive attire. As for the scent clinging to your clothes, it is the smell of the tobacco that sailors are fond of, though it is very high quality. It is predominantly bitter, yet there is an undertone of a sweet, almost refreshing scent like citrus. Most of the tobacco on our continent comes from Occidenia, but the one you use or are surrounded by is imported from another continent across the ocean.”
“How can you be so sure from such a small detail? I was serious when I said I’m gonna stop all your imports.”
“I am sure.” I stared right into his eyes. “The fact that you seemed pleased when you heard the word ‘king’ is the best possible evidence, Lord Kuze.”
His eye twitched.
“Originally, Meridiona wasn’t a nation but a name assigned to that geographical area for convenience. Unlike in Orient or Centoria, numerous tribal chiefs of equal status ruled over their own piece of territory. Until you, Lord Kuze, aimed to unite the entire region of Meridiona under one flag. A few years ago, you seized control of the Toyonomatsuri tribe, the most powerful faction in Meridiona, and named yourself king. The other countries on the continent have yet to ratify your title. That must be the reason you were pleased.”
He remained quiet.
I wasn’t quite done yet. “Furthermore, your appearance is identical to that of the person described by the Centorian knights and royalty—the one they referred to as the ‘chief of the southern barbarians.’ Yolk-yellow hair, bronze skin, and bright eyes that look like the sun itself. Tall, with wings tattooed on your exposed skin.” I paused. “On top of that, the accent you tried to hide is distinctive to the Iki, a tribe located along the border between Meridiona and Centoria, yes? I also remember that there was minor tribe situated next to the Iki’s territory, the Ka. You must be Lord Kuze Ikinoka, who is descended from both.”
Silence.
Finally, I said, “That is my theory. Please tell me the answer, my lord.”
His eyes glinted like a hawk’s. “You’re tiny, but you’re still a Wagtail Priestess, huh?” He grinned savagely, revealing his teeth.
I sucked in a sharp breath, bracing myself.
That was when Suzuiro’s broom slammed right into his face. She screeched out a battle cry. “Heyaaah!”
Lord Kuze shrugged, exasperated. “Well well, you sure have a well-trained attendant here.” He was letting Suzuiro whack him with her broom. And of course, he wasn’t budging at all. “Hey, do something about this munchkin.”
“My apologies, but for her to react in such a way means that you have committed an act worthy of such treatment.” I turned to Suzuiro. “That’s enough, Miss Suzuiro. Using brute force against a man like this is futile. I’ll teach you some countermeasures another time.”
“Countermeasures?!” Lord Kuze was startled. “Sheesh. You took all the fun outta this.” He removed his foot from the wall before slowly raising both hands in a gesture of surrender. As if they had been waiting for that very moment, the guards let out exaggerated yells and seized him. He didn’t put up a struggle, putting his hands behind his head as he allowed them to tie him up with rope.
Suzuiro blinked, dumbfounded. “Huh? That…was easier than I thought…”
“You must have been frightened. Don’t worry, it’s over,” I reassured her.
As for the instigator of the chaos, Lord Kuze gazed down at me with a sour face. He seemed like he might spit in resentment at any second. “Yeah right. If you think me frightening, at least try to look scared, lady. You looked as if you couldn’t care less the entire time!”
“Apologies if I caused you any discomfort. I am afraid this is the face I grew up with.”
“Heh. Can’t let my guard down for even a second around you. But, well, that’s what I expected from a Wagtail Priestess. You’ve caught my interest.”