Chapter 16: Chapter 16 Shizu’s Request

After sending her soldiers to rest in the village barracks and to later begin preparations for their departure the next day. Shizu made her way to the village chief's house and began to look for her father. After being told by a servant that Ozen was in the study, she rushed over to see him. While Yashimu was supposed to be in charge of giving the final report, Shizu wanted to give the report so she could make a request of her father. 

Opening the door to the study, Shizu saw that her father was sitting at a table as he was going through and reading reports. Shizu's mind went back to remember Azi's comment about king's sitting on their thrones as other people did the work in the field. She didn't want to admit it at the time, but Azi was right. Prior to Ozen's appointment to King of Kujyuri, he was an outgoing man who fought wild monsters to reclaim land for their nation in the years before his appointment. After all his accomplishments he was given the alias of Land Reclaim by the people and later the alias of King of Kujyuri. Ozen was also loved by the people of Kujyuri as he was originally just an ordained knight of Yamato from a peasant family. The love of the people was furthered as not only did Ozen become King but was awarded the title of Great General from the many wars he fought in, first as a soldier, then a knight, then a commander, and now a Great General. 

Great General had the authority over other kings who were not given this title and were the hands of the emperor's will. The official title associating all the current number of Great Generals were called the 8 Imperial Pillars. During any situation, the Great General's only acted at the order of the emperor, and it was an honor to be given this title as it represented that the awarded person was a trump card that the emperor recognized.

Shizu, witnessing her father doing paperwork, could only admit that Ozen was now a blade that was sheathed and would only be brought out at the whims of the emperor. With her mind only briefly distracted by the memory of Azi's words, she recomposed herself and moved to stand across from her father. She approached in a formal manner and stood at attention.

Shizu: "My King, I have returned with news."

Ozen: "Yes I am glad you have returned Shizu, make your report."

Shizu: "Firstly, our team found a kengiri in the eastern forest and we are still waiting for the western teams to return. We suspect that the cause of the increase in monsters was due to the kengiri. With its death we believe the monster attacks will lessen as they will no longer be driven away by the kengiri.
Secondly, as we have found evidence of a kengiri nest which entales that there may be more. We should mobilize more soldiers from Shisayama or Yamato to exterminate any remaining kengiri or anything of equivalent strength.
Thirdly, Yashimu will be returning with the spoils of the western forest in a day. Additionally, there were no casualties in the western parties."

Ozen was confused by Shizu's additional point as he had received different news and believed that Azi was mortally wounded. He then asked:

Ozen: "What of Azi? Did he not die?"

Shizu: "Yes, the apothecary and thaumaturge believe that their initial examinations were incorrect as Azi recovered from his unconsciousness on his own."

Ozen: *With a smile on his face he stated* "That is good.... BUT!!" *Ozen face turned stern and in a harsh tone stated* "Why did you bring an amnesic boy on a hunt to fight monsters?! Just how reckless can you be with the lives of others?!"

Shizu slightly flinched at Ozen's tone, but nonetheless remained resolute and stated her reasoning.

Shizu: "I believed we would be fine as Kajima suggested to teach Azi about forest survival. Since I and Kajima would be with him, I believe we could have protected him. But we did not expect to encounter a kengiri."

Ozen: "Did Yashimu not inform you of potential event of encountering strong predatory animals and monsters?"

Shizu: "No he did not, he said we were short on time, so he only told us that we were to investigate."

After hearing Shizu's explanation, a retelling of how Azi went berserk killing 3 gengiri, and how he protected her from a fatal strike from the kengiri. Ozen was impressed by the boy's valor and strength.

Ozen: "Impressive, for a boy that young he has much potential perhaps I should find him a wife from the village. I would prefer to have him grow up here in Kujyuri." *Goes to take a drink of water*

Shizu: "Ummm father, Azi is actual 27 years old."

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Surprised by Shizu's words, Ozen choked on the water he was drinking as he coughed in reflex to choking on water.

Ozen: *cough cough cough* 27 *cough* years old. Are you sure?"

Shizu: "Yes I heard it from himself, and Kajima was there as a witness."

When Ozen heard this he felt a bit disappointed due to how if Azi was 27, then his idea to get him married to a citizen of Kujyuri was low as the woman of the Empire of Yamato only married men that were between 15 to 25 years old. Ozen then tried to think of a different way to keep Azi in Kujyuri to benefit from his potential skills and talents, but his thinking was broken by Shizu.

Shizu: "Father, there is no need to worry about trying to keep Azi in Kujyuri. Kajima has taken an interest in the boy, and they seem to get along well. They constantly talk about herbs, foods, and a variety of other topics as well."

Ozen: "That's good to hear, but it would be better to have something more concrete to keep him here. Someone other than Kajima would be preferable as he needs to stay in Shisayama to continue his work as a blacksmith. I expect that Azi will want to visit other nations to figure out his past. Additionally, I want Azi to gain experiences and skills that can't be found in Kuyjuri and have him return to share what he had gained. We would need someone we can trust to keep an eye on Azi but since Kajima cannot travel due to his work, I will have to think on who to send. Azi seems like the intelligent type so his ability to learn is something we need to solve the current lack of manpower. We just don't have enough people in specialized fields so I was looking for someone who could fill multiple roles and maybe teach these roles in the future."

Shizu: "I think I have an idea on how we can get Azi to stay and return should he travel."

Ozen: "Enlighten me Shizu."

Shizu: "Father, I would like you to station me in Shisayama as Azi's combat instructor. He will be my apprentice and I would like to nominate him as a potential candidate for my hand in marriage."

Ozen was again surprised by Shizu's words as his open were now wide open. While he did not expect her to offer to be Azi's combat instructor, never could he have predicted that she would choose him as a marriage candidate. After his surprised subsided Ozen clasped his hand together and closed his eyes to think. After a few moments, Ozen opened his eyes and asked?

Ozen: "Are you sure? He is only a peasant. If you marry him, you will be giving up your chance for higher prestige. In addition, this will cause friction with the other ordained knight families."

Shizu: "That is why I will train him. If you remember, there are trials the potential candidates must pass to have my hand in marriage. First is the trial of survival against me in combat, the second trial is a feat of strength, the third trial is a feat of wisdom, and final fourth trial is a feat of character. Each trial is based on my own opinion and since I set the bar high, it is likely that the candidates that can pass these trials would likely become a ordain knight as the least.

Ozen: "I have forgotten just how picky you are with men, but you make a good point. If you transfer to Shisayama, then you can keep an eye on Azi. You will also make yourself his reason to come back to Kujyuri should he decide to travel. In addition, you he does travel you can go with him to ensure that he comes back." *Sigh, Ozen deliberated the pros and cons of Shizu proposal and after a few moments he answered*

Ozen: "I will allow it, but the work you left in Kujyuri will be sent to you. Make sure you take care that boy from now on."

Shizu: "Thank you father, I will do my best."

 

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