For a man, there was no going back on what he has said.

I have not gained anything, but I removed the bell sound trap from Gettenwo's guesthouse as promised.

“Come back once a week. Also, it's fine for you a to be bandit, but be careful when you sneak in into a dangerous places. I'll help you when you need it, so call me.” ~Sugen

“I know without you saying that this many times. If I did not do as you say, will you come again and kidnap me? I'm sorry for causing trouble.” ~Gettenwo

I released her without consulting others, but she promised to show up regularly, so there should be no problem. I can tell my brothers tomorrow. Since we all are lazy, one of us won't bother to bring her back alone.

Wearing cheap clothes when walking down the castle unnaturally, Gettenwo adapted to the straw sandals on her feet.

Unless my brothers are in the way, it would be easy for Gettenwo to get out of the palace through the palace guards.

And, Gettenwo, who jumped several times on the spot to warm up, turned around suddenly.

“I forgot to say this, but for the speech–” ~Gettenwo

“Leave it to me. It will be a tough fight, but I absolutely won't lose.” ~Sugen

“n.o.body cares about that. Certainly, the Emperor said that the speech will be given at Bujin-Sai[1]?” ~Gettenwo

“That's right.” ~Sugen

Bujin-Sai was a event held in Ando once a year. Although it was a festival in which everyone prays for the victory of the war, the aspect of revitalizing the warriors was also important.

Therefore, rather than the solemn s.h.i.+nto [2] ritual, there were food stand, exhibition, and such thing. The atmosphere was lively as a banquet.

There was a saying that nearly half of the sake sold in Ando was drunk during this festival.

“The town people are looking forward to this festival. It would be selfish to crush each other, but don't cause trouble and pour water on the festival mood.” ~Gettenwo

“Oh. Father had reminded me of that.” ~Sugen

“The Emperor?” ~Gettenwo

“Oh. Since there is the intention to show that “The Emperor had the blessing of the war G.o.ds” during the festival. I will definitely not damage the prestige.” ~Sugen

Father, the Emperor, provided entertainment to his subjects at this festival while showing his prestige skillfully.

For example, the plan to open up the Imperial Garden.

Outsiders were usually not allowed to enter the court for security reasons. However, during the festival, only a small part of the garden was allowed to general public. In addition, they are free to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and drinking there.

Of course, when you allow general access, the danger of strangers getting greatly increases.

However, in response to this, the Emperor personally gave his authorization by saying, “With us is the protection of the War G.o.ds, everything should be fine.” And with these words, no major incident has ever occurred. On the street, the rumor spread that “The Emperor has the blessing of the war G.o.ds.”–Anyway, I guess the Emperor removed the a.s.sa.s.sins on his own without anyone noticing.

“That's why I won't set the podium on fire. Don't worry.” ~Sugen

“You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, If I didn't tell you to be careful, will you consider that plan?” ~Gettenwo

Of course. In this situation, all possible plans must be considered.

Because I could not find the strong points of my brothers, I have to work on a different approach.

“Well… No problem. Until the first day of the festival with a speech, there is still time of almost half a month. With my exceptional brains, the plan will gush up like Hot Water.” ~Sugen

“Well, that's good. Then, I will go back. Goodbye.” ~Gettenwo

Gettenwo rushed out after saying farewell without any feelings. In a few days, the fame of the bandit, Gettenwo, will be heard in the castle. I feel proud of my sister.

“I want to do my best not to lose to my hard-working little sister, but… Should I sleep here today? Is that all right?”

–Well.

My last memory was that I laid in a futon and slept.

There is no way afterward, unless he was confined or restrained by another one of his siblings could he fall unconscious.

But, after then, while thinking indiscriminately, “Oh, not like this,” he just spent idle time that he could not remember.

There are blurry fragments of memories. Iifu continued to stay in bed in spite of training abandonment, Ryausha was pressed to rebuild her mansion, and Sauran disappeared after saying ‘Don't look for me.”

But all of that was only trivial to me.

“Yo, I showed you my face after long time. I brought you some things. What's wrong, b.a.s.t.a.r.d! Your face looks like you're dying. Did you get poisoned?” ~Gettenwo

It was on the night before the completely cornered speech that my memory regained its colors.

That unusual evening, Gettenwo was in a good mood and brought some sweet dumplings.

“…Gettenwo. What's wrong? Aren't you unusually extravagant today?” ~Sugen

“Oh, today I defeated a villain after a long time, so I'm feeling good and motivated. It's not that! b.a.s.t.a.r.d, I've heard what happened!” ~Gettenwo

“I just haven't eaten these few days.” ~Sugen

“Not ‘just' you fool!” ~Gettenwo

Lying on my back in the study as I just rolled and looked in the ceiling, Gettenwo forced the sweet dumpling into my mouth. Instantly, the water in the jug was poured.

“Seriously. In this situation, did you not come out with anything after all?” ~Gettenwo

 “I'm not bad. My brothers and sisters who had no merit points are bad…”

“You're the one who s.h.i.+fted the responsibility persistently. Look, What a bad thinking. Quickly, rest, and sleep. Anyway, the other guys should be no different.” ~Sugen

Willing to keep a watch until he recovered, Gettenwo sat down on the floor cross-legged. Somehow compa.s.sionate. Moreover, if you step out of the court, the people would praise her as the world's best bandit.

Seriously, what a big difference from my other siblings.

At least, if even a very small part of Gettenwo's popularity could be divided among his brothers –…?

At that time, I felt a tiny light s.h.i.+ning in my head.

However, that exhausted consciousness was unable to pick up that light and fell into the darkness.

Notes:

[1] Bujin-Sai – Demon-Fighting Festival

[2] s.h.i.+nto – a religion