Book 9: Chapter 6: A Journey for Reforms [1]

Book 9: Chapter 6: A Journey for Reforms [1]

How many does this make now?

We've landed on yet another planet that's in terrible condition, and I'm walking alongside Rinho, Fuuka, and Ellen while dressed in a kimono like a ronin [2].

The city we're in feels lifeless, which speaks volumes to the governor's management skills.

Are they all stupid? They seem to know nothing other than how to squeeze their citizens dry.

At first, I was like Excellent work, but after seeing it so many times I'm starting to get tired of it.

Only knowing how to exploit others is a sign of someone that's below second-rate.

Fuuka turns to face me after observing the citizens' expressions.

As I thought, Senior Brother is amazing.

Huh?

The citizens living in Senior Brother's territory look different, they're livelier. We've visited other planets, but the people there all have dead eyes.

Their eyes are dead because they understand that they're being exploited.

This is why second-rates are no good.

My citizens, on the other hand, are too dumb to realize that they're being exploited.

Their stupidity somewhat terrifies me, but I can say for certain that I'm doing better than this planet's governor.

Rinho is on her terminal, playing a game as we walk.

So, what's our plan now? This place is our last, right?

This is the last place we're visiting on our journey to find Master because Amagi got angry with me.

Master, how long do you intend to be on this journey?

I'm not returning until I find Master!

Amagi, who was taking care of me in my room onboard the ship, had not stayed back in the territory as her presence was apparently no longer necessary.

It won't do to leave everything up to Klaus-dono. Please head back immediately.

Amagi was firm with her words, but I was determined to show her that I wouldn't meekly obey her any longer.

I meaaaan, I guess it wouldn't hurt to head back soon.

Please stop misbehaving.

Although she remained expressionless, I could tell that she was staring at me with eyes that an adult would have while scolding a spoiled child.

No, I refuse.

Please return to the territory, and marry Lady Rosetta. Wasn't Master planning on becoming a Duke?

I only want the title.

That will not do.

Is there really no other way? Like really really?

Master, please consider you position.

Amagi wasn't willing to compromise, so I decided that the next planet will be our last.

Fine, I'll return after visiting the next planet.

I will relay this information back home.

And that's how the journey to search for our Master is about to come to an end.

I want to get ahold of a clue at the very least.

I let out a heavy sigh as we walk towards our destination, which is a dojo of the School of One-Flash.

It seems like there's an imposter claiming to be the original One-Flash, and his disciples are reputed to be extremely powerful, to the point where they've been called upon by the governor to be his knights.

After finishing her game, Rinho stretches her back.

Hey, how 'bout we decide who gets to fight next? They're going to be fakes anyway.

Neither Fuuka nor Rinho believe our real Master will be there.

I doubt Master would accept so many disciples; it's probably a miss this time as well.

We've traveled between many planets, but we've only met imposters along the way.

We didn't get to meet any authentic members of the School of One-Flash other than ourselves.

Our school dictates that each member should have at least three disciples.

Since Master Yasushi had a master as well, it wouldn't be that strange to come across a fellow member of One-Flash, yet for one reason or another, we haven't met one until now.

I was really hoping to meet someone from the same school.

If we're fellow members of One-Flash, it wouldn't be a bad idea to exchange pointers with one another.

Rinho also appears interested in the idea.

I've also never met anyone from the same school beside Senior Brother and Ellen.

Fuuka's eyes are filled with expectation.

Sounds interesting. I wonder how others have interpreted their One-Flash. What do ya think, Senior Brother?

What a foolish question to ask.

Considering how noble Master is, wouldn't others of the same school also exude a similar air of nobility and elegance? We might not have come across any of them since they're busy training inside a mountain.

Even now, they're probably practicing and honing their skills.

I feel ashamed just thinking about it.

After looking around the city for a while, Ellen notices something.

Master, that building's a little weird.

Mm? You're right. The color's a little different.

I look closely at the wallthe colors are indeed slightly different.

For a moment, I wonder if it's simply a design choice, but there's a diagonal line that runs across the building, past which the color slightly shifts.

Fuuka observes the ground while Rinho checks our surroundings.

The listless citizens seem fearful of us.

More precisely, they seem fearful of our swords.

I put my hand on the wall to check what might've happened.

It's as if the wall's been repaired after being cut down.

No way.

This is the last planet that we're visiting, but we might be onto something.

A child jumps out with a stone in hand while I'm still in thought.

Return my dad!

He then throws the stone at me, but Ellen steps forward and cuts down the stone.

Fuuka applauds.

Well done! From the looks of it, Ellen might be ready to perform One-Flash one of these days.

Rinho has her hands on her sword.

That's beside the point right now. Throwing a stone at Senior Brother. This child needs some discipline, don't you agree?

Questions start popping up in my head.

They were calling dad Yasujirou'. I told them that my dad's name is Yasushi' and that they've got the wrong person, but they took him away happily when they heard what I said.

It takes a second for me to realize that I've stood up from my seat.

Ellen, who's next to me, stands up from hers as well and looks towards me.

Ellen, call Rinho and Fuuka.

U-understood!

Meanwhile, Rinho and Fuuka, who had been asking around for information, learned that there were people claiming to be from the School of One-Flash on this planet.

Rinho observed her surroundings with keen eyes.

I didn't think we'd meet someone from the same school at the very end of our journey.

Fuuka was eating a dango as she walked around appearing relaxed.

Yeah. The Original One-Flash, was it? I wonder what kind of connection we have with them?

She was curious about the relationship between them, who learned under Yasushi, and the so called Original One-Flash.

Rinho grinned, and came to a stop.

We just hafta ask them.

When she turned back, a man with a sword at his waist was standing there.

Donned in a fancy kimono, the man stared at Rinho and Fuuka condescendingly, confident about his skills.

Behind him were his henchmen.

They all gave the impression of being thugs and scoundrels.

Are you the ones that are sniffing around? Seems like we have ourselves some cute ladies.

The men had vulgar smiles on their faces.

The citizens around them all scurried away.

It was still morning, but the city became awfully silent.

Are you a member of the Original One-Flash? Rinho asked.

Thas right. I'm a senior disciple of the Original One-Flash.

Senior disciple was a term used to describe disciples with excellent skills.

Fuuka munched on her dango, then tossed the skewer into a trash can.

Finally, someone from the same school. But I have to say, ya have some bad taste, leading your lackeys around.

Isn't it unbecoming of someone from the School of One-Flash?' was what she was trying to say.

The senior disciple crossed his arms and said, These are my disciples. They're all young members of aristocratic and merchant households.

Fuuka closed her mouth when she heard that whereas Rinho raised her eyebrows.

You're using the School of One-Flash for profit.

The two became indignant when they learned that the man was teaching the rich for monetary gains.

They had high hopes for someone from the same school of swordsmanship, but it turned out he had fallen and forsaken his pride of being a member of One-Flash.

Since that was the case, the two decided to help him move on to the next world.

The senior disciple was shocked when Rinho suddenly unleashed a One-Flash towards him.

However, Rinho's attack was blocked, and sparks flew in front of the senior disciple.

The senior's disciples were surprised by this.

One-Flash?!

Are they also disciples of the Original One-Flash?

But I've never seen them before.

Sensing that his disciples were getting unsettled, the senior disciple roared at them.

Do not be swayed! A senior disciple of the Original One-Flash will not lose to the likes of them! Girls, you will come to regret making me pull out my sword.

Rinho's expression became blank.

You speak too much. Although we're both from the School of One-Flash, you have fallen.

Fuuka's eyes were bloodshot.

Kill.

The next moment, sparks began to fly between the three.

However, as it was two-to-one, the senior disciple was quickly put at a disadvantage.

Kuh?! They're stronger than me?!

The senior disciple was slowly being cornered.

Nevertheless, Rinho and Fuuka both took some distance from him in a hurry.

The moment they jumped back, numerous slashes flew their way, wrecking the ground and buildings near them.

Fuuka looked up at the roof of a certain building.

They're all members of One-Flash?

The ones on top of the roof were knights dressed in kimonos, and they all had their swords with them.

They stared down at Rinho and Fuuka, ready to unleash their One-Flash.

One of the knights called out to them.

I didn't think I'd see other members of the School of One-Flash in such a remote location. You sure you want to continue this?

Rinho was ticked off by how the man stared down at them. The way he spoke suggested their side would win if they continued.

You're overestimating yourselves. Come. All at onc

Fuuka stopped her before she could continue.

No. We stop here.

Rinho was ready to kill Fuuka for stopping her.

Huh? You telling me to run away with my tail between my legs? You're telling a member of One-Flash to show her back to her enemies? I'll kill you too, you know?

Although they were sisters that grew up together, she was ready to kill anyone that tarnished the name of One-Flash.

However, Fuuka did not falter.

Senior Brother has ordered us to return. I told him about our situation, but he insists on our return.

Since it was Liam's order, Rinho decided to withdraw despite her thirst for blood.

I'll definitely come back to claim your lives.

The two disappeared from the spot in an instant, prompting the senior disciples to chase after them.

Don't let them escape! We must kill them!

Brian (): It's painful. Lord Liam's so busy making reforms away from his territory It's painful. To be honest, it's preferable to have him stay in his territory acting as an evil lord, or whatnot.

Brian (): That aside, Volume 2 of I'm the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire' will be on sale starting this week. Please look forward to Lord Liam's success, one which transcends even the Web novel!

[1] People think that Liam's wandering around the Empire making reforms, and making sure that people in the Cleo Faction are up to his standards. I used the word reform here (the raw says ), but if you have a better word for it, please let me known down below in the comment section.

[2] Ronin: a wandering samurai who had no lord or master.