The Vicissitudes of the Akitsu Empire

59. Lightning Girl Attacks

At night in their bedchamber, Kagenori and Yoi were exchanging accounts of what had happened that day.

"...It feels like this has become our daily routine lately."

Kagenori couldn't help but question whether this was appropriate as the relationship between the next head of the Yūki clan and his legitimate wife, but he had somehow found himself continuing it.

"It's a good learning experience for me."

"Well, if that's fine with you, Yoi, then I don't mind," Kagenori said, trying to convince himself that it was okay since his wife herself was saying it was fine.

With a grin, the young heir to the family estate chuckled, "But you did a good job today," he said. "Even Masunaga was impressed."

"No, it is my duty as the wife of the general to protect the house in your absence," Yoi said modestly, always trying to put Kagenori first.

"It's just that, well, it's troublesome that it doesn't end with just overthrowing our political enemies. We have to deal with the aftermath of their disappearance as well."

"But with this, you will be able to freely embark on the management of Ryōshū."

"Well, it's your wish, after all. I'll do it without slacking off."

"Thank you."

"But just when we thought we were done with external problems, now it's internal problems," Kagenori grumbled.

"Are you still worried about the possibility of a split in the Yūki clan?"

"If my father's condition continues to improve steadily, then it might be for the best," Kagenori said with a bitter voice. "I guess it's better than having a succession dispute between brothers, since I don't have any, but it's still a troublesome problem nonetheless."

"This might sound rude to you, but how likely is it that the Lord will lose control of his retainers?"

"That also depends on his condition, I guess. Thinking from the perspective of the Yūki clan as a whole, the best thing would be for my father to simply pass away peacefully. The next best thing would be for my father to make a full recovery. But judging from his condition, that doesn't seem likely. The most troublesome scenario would be if my father becomes seriously ill and is no longer able to communicate with those around him. If the retainers were to take advantage of such a situation and start saying things like 'My Lord's wishes are thus and so,' then it would be completely impossible to control the situation anymore."

"Aren't they complete sycophants or villains?" Yoi said with amazement. "Is the Lord allowing such individuals to serve by his side?"

"I'd like to think not, but once someone gains power, they tend to cling to it with dirty tactics. It wouldn't be surprising if the attendants by Father's side change their submissive attitudes."

"Indeed, there seems to be discontent toward Kagenori-sama at the Yūki clan's castle."

"Worst-case scenario, I'll order Touka to deal with it."

Yoi couldn't help but feel a shiver of excitement at the chilling tone of those words. This boy was so sweet to those close to him. What tactics would he employ when he decided to be ruthless?

Yoi couldn't help but imagine.

"Even if it means casting curses disguised as illnesses or using sorcery to afflict their minds, any measure can be taken."

"In case of an emergency, would that be acceptable?"

Yoi also agreed with the boy's words with a cold expression.