178: A noble way of life is the kind that makes you want to cheer

The place was silence so deep it stole your breath.

The air was clear and crisp.

The place was plain, simple.

Elegance seeped from every stone.

And.

The place was sacred.

When we approached the general’s residence, we were told we’d been granted an audience with the living god Muten, as scheduled.

At first it was just Kyle’s appointment. But then the living god Muten seemed interested in me, waved me over—my heart nearly stopped.

I really wanted to say no, full force!

But considering Persia, who’d stubbornly opposed letting Kyle go alone, I should probably count myself lucky I got to go too.

Shingen led us through the back path to the general’s residence, up a well-tended trail winding through a neatly kept forest.

Stepping through the vermilion wooden gate, the air around us shifted. Hard to put into words—like the atmosphere itself had been switched. A sudden, sharp awareness settled over me, my body tightening up.

Yet strangely, I didn’t find it unpleasant.

That’s just my gut feeling as a former adventurer and alchemist. No curse. No illusion.

After passing through a cool, quiet grove, we arrived at the palace where the living god resides.

Should be the most important place in the country. Yet there’s not a single decoration. No, that’s not right—there’s no pretense at all. A place so unassuming, you’d miss it if you weren’t looking. But every inch is built with impossible precision.

Since coming to the Mizoho Shrine Nation, Leifan’s been obsessed with Mizoho architecture. I’ve started to get it, a little. This place? It’s the absolute peak of Mizoho craftsmanship. No doubt about it.

And yet, it’s distilled down to something simple.

Me and Kyle, we both know it instantly. The person ahead of us? That’s someone beyond belief.

The air’s taut, sharp, making my spine straighten. We move down the corridor leading to the palace.

An audience chamber built only from raw, untouched wood.

I can’t help but catch my breath.

We’re guided to two chairs side by side. Kyle and I sit.

Facing us, a curtain hangs down. On either side, two women, heads bowed, utterly still.

Shingen speaks, his voice clear and strong.

“Permitting audience with His Divine Majesty, the Living God Muten Ingram, the sole bloodline spun since the Age of Gods.”

The women on either side slowly pull the ropes. The curtain rises slowly, gently.

And there, seated, is a young man. Age-wise, no different from Kyle.

But the air hanging there was crystal clear. Sharp.

The highest-ranking person I’d ever met was Van, but that wasn’t even a comparison. I just knew—without reason—that Muten was above him, as a person.

Muten looked at me… but wasn’t there.

His eyes were still closed.

And from the living god Muten, a voice rang out like a bell.

“Two honored guests, traveling from afar—thank you for coming.”

No change in expression. He continued.

“I am, as you see, someone who lost their sight to illness in childhood. I hope you’ll forgive the inconvenience.”

Kyle didn’t answer. I stayed silent too.

“I am Muten Ingram, the one who bears all responsibility within this Mizoho Shrine Nation.”

As planned, Kyle and I stood up.

I am Kyle Goldendown von Eriksil, Marquis of the Frontier, appointed envoy from the Kingdom of Maugaria. It is an honor beyond measure to be granted this audience. Beside me is Craft Walken, the Twilight Alchemist, accompanying us as a diplomat from the Production Guild. I hope you will keep us in your good graces henceforth.

I say nothing. Just bow. Kyle’s got my back—again.

"Please, be seated."

Shingen, utterly without his usual boldness, proceeds with solemn formality. Muten slowly opens his mouth.

"Then, with the consent of the Three Houses, I, Muten Ingram, hereby approve all proposals regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations and trade, as presented by your nation."

Only then does Kyle bow.

"Thank you."

The audience was supposed to end here. I’d made no major mistakes, and I was silently breathing out waves of relief, but it was too soon to relax.

Muten calls to the general.

“Shingen.”

“Huh?”

“Leave Kyle and Craft behind. You may exit.”

“Huh… what?”

“I’ll speak with these two.”

“I—well, but!”

“I trust Shingen. And I trust whoever Shingen brings.”

Even with eyes closed, Muten was clearly facing Shingen.

Shingen opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again, did it a few times, then slowly said, “Understood.”

What?! You understand?!

Ignoring my shock, Shingen waved his hand. The two women waiting by the curtain bowed deeply and quietly slipped out of the room.

After watching it unfold, Shingen slowly turned toward the exit.

"I’ll be right beside you—call anytime."

"Thank you."

Shingen left, and the room was left with just Meitan, Kyle, and me.

Ugh… the air’s thick.

I couldn’t even stand up or speak—then suddenly, the tension snapped.

"Phew… Shingen’s a handful, that one."

"Huh?"

Meitan sighed, just like he said—truly troubled. His posture was no longer the solemn one from before. Just a normal boy, respectful and proper for his age.

"Yeah. Both of you, relax. I had to act that way—by position, I had no choice."

"Ah…"

"It’s fine. I just wanted to talk with Kyle and Craft—personally. So forget the bloodline, forget the divine. Right now, think of me as just Meitan. A person. Just a person."

His eyes were closed, but his gaze felt like it was piercing through us.

“However…”

Kyle was the kind of man who knew his place. That’s probably why he hadn’t noticed Meitan’s state—though I had.

Meitan spoke casually, but his hand trembled slightly.

Probably someone who shouldn’t be acting like this. Then… weren’t those words just a cry from Meitan himself, not from the living god?

“Who cares? He said it himself.”

“Craft brother!?!”

“!”

I shrugged, saying it lightly, and Kyle whipped around, face pale.

And though Meitan looked expressionless, I noticed his lips trembling faintly. Something I’d seen before—once in a while, long ago.

That feeling—ear turned toward us, watching, waiting… yeah. It’s anticipation.

My childhood.

The kids who came to the orphanage, abandoned by parents.

Not just the ones beaten or abused. So many others too—treated not as people, not as individuals, just discarded.

The way those kids looked at others in the same orphanage—fear, resignation, acceptance… and expectation.

Of course, Meitan never suffered mistreatment. He wasn’t neglected.

No. That’s just it. Because he was cherished, yet never treated as a person—his whole life must’ve been cruel.

So I decided right then—just like I treated every orphan kid I’d ever brought here—I’d treat him the same way.

"What the hell are you scared of, Kyle? I told you, treat me like a person! So from my point of view, Muten’s younger—more like my little brother!"

Said it casually. But I can feel my voice trembling, just a little.

Yeah, right. Normally, this would be a death sentence. Good thing Muten doesn’t know I’m drenched in sweat.

...No. My voice shaking? He’s probably already noticed.

Still, I press on.

"Alright, Muten! You can call me brother! Just like Kyle does!"

Sweat pours down my forehead like a waterfall.

It’s fine, Kyle. Even if Muten goes ballistic and Shingen comes rushing in, I won’t let you get away!

Besides, Shingen in the next room couldn’t have missed a word of this. Him not showing up now? That means everything hinges on Muten’s reaction.

The stillness didn’t last more than a few seconds, but to me, it felt like an eternity.

“Haha. So you really are just as I imagined, Craft-san.”

Inside, I was screaming, “I win!”

“Are you sure I can call you brother?”

“Yeah! Go ahead! ……though, only when it’s just the three of us, okay?”

“Haha… understood. Brother.”

I stood up, moved to Muten’s side, and ruffled his head good.

…probably. I get the feeling he’s never had someone do this to him before.

“Brother Craft…”

After letting out a relieved breath, Kyle puffed out his cheeks and glared at me.

“Haha! Kyle’s actually a bit of a lonely one! Here!”

This time, I ruffled Kyle’s head.

“H-Hey! N-No, that’s not what I meant—!”

“Yet your face is red as a coal!”

“Tch, I said it’s not like that!”

Yeah, yeah. It’s nice to see you acting your age once in a while. Makes me feel better.

You two together? Perfect balance. Like a mix of the two of you.

I grabbed Kyle and Flatten by the hands, pulled them up, and forced them into a handshake.

"From today, Kyle and Flatten are brothers. Get along!"

Kyle’s eyes went wide. He stared at the hand he was gripping.

"Flatten-sama—"

"Kyle. Brothers don’t need formalities. Call me by name!"

Probably. Maybe. That’s what Flatten wants.

I think Kyle heard my thoughts.

"...Understood. Flatten. We’re brothers now. Just… a secret brotherhood of three."

"Yes. Thank you, Kyle… elder brother."

"Wait—?"

"Please let me call you that."

Kyle paused a moment, then tightened his grip on the handshake.

Understood, Muten. From today onward, I’m your brother. If you ever need help, come to me anytime.

I’m truly grateful, Elder Brother Kyle.

Muten smiles softly.

Looking at that grin, I felt like praising myself for once—something I haven’t done in ages for being reckless.

“Brother, you can’t tell Leifan about this.”

“Uwaaah! For real, keep it secret! Kyle!”

Kyle and Muten laugh together, unburdened and open.

…….

Seriously, keep it under wraps. This time, sitting cross-legged won’t cut it. Not even close.

Oath of Peach Blossom (Wrong one, sorry)

Sorry about the mix-up with the updates.

Got the book files tangled up with the wrong stuff.

Also fixed the scene where he’s peeking into someone’s eyes, even though he’s blind.

Thanks for your patience.