Chương 24: The Caliber of Lords & the Sovereign's Resolve for Japan's Renewal

The final applause faded, leaving a quiet, uplifting warmth in the hall. Galan looked around. Kazue was smiling, her earlier gloom gone. Sho's children were jumping with excitement, watching the performers from behind the railing.

"Awesome!" the older boy shouted.

"The ten-gu danced like they were riding the wind!"

"Like leaves dancing in the air!" his sister agreed, spreading her arms wide. On stage, the two singers gave their final remarks.

"Good afternoon, everyone," the Prince of the Sky said.

"We hope our song has shown you a glimpse of the winds that carried our past."

"May its echoes remind you to cherish your own memories," the Princess of Crows added, "and to offer kindness to those who wander."

"We wish all of you the best start for the cherry blossom season," the two of them said before bowing. They then took to the air, soaring gracefully offstage as the curtain rolled shut.

"Thank you once again for the breathtaking performance, oh great ten-gu," the announcer's voice echoed in Godlang.

"It was truly an inspiration to us all. We will now take another ten-minute break to prepare the dance performance. May you enjoy your meal." Galan leaned back, eyes closed, as Masahiko quietly finished the last of his fish. The soft clink of chopsticks against the bowl was the only sound between them.

"Masahiko," Galan said, opening his eyes.

"Yes, Lord Oda?"

"When you said I'd be a good daimyoo, I wondered if the ones you have now are really that bad." Masahiko exhaled softly.

"That depends on how you define 'bad,' Lord Oda. Some are cruel. Some are indifferent. And others believe they are fair, yet their people still suffer. They hoard wealth, let their officials run rampant, and rule from behind walls so tall they never see the land they claim as their own." Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Isn't it their job to focus on the happiness of their people?"

"Ideally, yes," Masahiko chuckled bitterly.

"But many inherited their titles or rose through conquest. To them, rule is not about the people—it is about keeping what they have and taking what they can. That is why suffering persists."

"Can't the shoogun just get rid of them?" Galan shrugged.

"If I were him, those people would never be heard from again. The people deserve better rulers." A quiet huff of amusement escaped Masahiko.

"If only it were that simple. But hearing you say that... it is reassuring. The shoogun could remove them, yes. But every daimyoo has a web of alliances. Cutting one often means disturbing many. A reckless move could crumble the balance, and the war we just ended would seem like a mere prelude." He looked at Galan, his gaze sharp.

"If you were in the shoogun's place, would you still do it?" Galan looked down, his mind drifting back to his days as the emperor of Rome. He remembered the weight of the crown, the screams of the condemned, the traitors and murderers he had cut down to forge a just world. He remembered the excesses, the times his anger had caused innocent people to suffer. He knew what he did was necessary, but necessity had never been kind.

"Yes," he said, his gaze fierce as he met Masahiko's.

"If succeeding means the Japanese people would have a better future, then I would do anything in my power to make it a reality. Just as I did for my own people. But... I'd do it in my own, new way." A slow, measured breath left Masahiko's lips, a sense of profound relief settling in his chest.

"I see," he said, a wry smile on his face.

"That is reassuring. Forgive me, but I feared you would be too idealistic... or worse, too merciful. But I see now—you are not someone who clings to kindness at the cost of justice. If that is the case... then perhaps Japan might indeed have a chance."

"I hope so too," Galan said.

"You've all suffered for long enough. But," he scratched the back of his head, "maybe after we've exorcised the vengeful spirits. Can't have people coming back from the dead to ruin my plans." Masahiko chuckled.

"Now that would be troublesome. Although, if their presence is proof of how deep the wounds of this land go... then stopping them might be enough to show the people that change is possible. After all, even the shoogun has failed."

"I'll try," Galan said.

"Never done an exorcism on a whole country before, but I can handle Tsushima."