Reincarnated As A Peasant

Chapter 11: Dinner On A Tortoise

Sakura

When Yu and I returned to the camp, the hunting party was back. Raif was beaming from ear to ear as he stood next to a crate full of writhing larva the size of small dogs. When he handed me one, I nearly dropped it.

Theyre heavy spirit-creatures. Even in the larva stage, rhinoceros beetles have a mana core already fully formed. Usually one of density, but if we get really lucky, there might be one with a Defense core.

Whats a defense core? I asked, as I watched him handle the creatures, examining the handful of larvae.

Its a truth about magic that you wont have to worry about until much later. But, once you have enough basic cores, preferably about one for every two meridians that youll eventually clear, youll be able to combine cores. Mixing mana and your purist chie to form complex or even advanced cores. An example, my defense core was put together using density, and earth mana, among a few other things. The benefit of something like a defense core is that it allows you to access more complex and mixed abilities or arts, without the need to consciously mix your mana and chie. The core just does the work for you.

So, a defense core is an advanced core with all of your defensive mana abilities, and chie arts and techniques automatically?

Uncle Raif shook his head. Almost kid. Youll figure it out later, trust me. Its not something youre anywhere near needing to be concerned about. Once you get into the Noble realms, thats when you have to think about that stuff. Focus on getting there for now.

Your uncle is correct, Rens voice came out of nowhere as he appeared at my elbow. Far too many cultivators and mana users have crippled themselves with indecision because they were too concerned about later stages. Concern yourself with your next step, and allow your elders and family to guide you. He rested a hand on my shoulder. I know we caused your injury through our permissiveness. But your mother and I are familiar with the paths of cultivation and magic. Allow us to help you lay a proper foundation. We will not fail you again.

I pulled away just a little and bowed. Yes, father.

Shes still doing that, huh? Raif asked, his eyebrows raised. Ren shrugged. Before he could say anything, I wrapped him in a hug around his waist.

Thank you. I wanted to tell them thank you for being excellent parents to Sakura, thank you for teaching me so much, thank you for helping me on this weird new journey in this strange new world. I wanted to tell them just how much they meant to Sakura, and now to me. But, I couldnt bring myself to say the words. So I just squeezed a little harder.

I think she might be getting better, Ren wheezed out, and I let him go. As the two men stared at me, I felt my face go flush. It is good to be thankful for what you have, my little Sakura. But it is beneath someone of your station to gravel in gratitude. Be mindful of your dignity.

Hes one to talk, I thought, but I bit my tongue.

Youre one to talk, brother. Raif didnt have such an impulse. You blubber every time one of your kids gets a scraped knee.

It is no sin to love ones family. Brother. I am not a stone. And neither are you! I remember when HeShin lost his toe to that salamander. It was Raifs turn to turn red faced. You cried for days until the healer re-grew it. What was it you said to me? Youd tear down the mountains to find the herb the healer needed?

Thats not-!

We found the herb in the market the next day. Yu appeared.

This family moves too fast. Im never going to know if one of them is watching me. How did Sakura ever get into trouble with these people around?

And all was well with your son. It is no sin to care for ones family. But we all know our family, both inner and outer members, have a reputation for emotionality. Not that my clan is any better. But none of us have a reputation for letting our guests go unattended while we prattle on about old stories. Dinner is nearly ready, and Crash has awakened from his nap.

Good. My men and I will escort you to the main road. Should get there around midnight.

Wonderful, Ill set another plate for dinner, then.

***

I was required to entertain our guests while my parents and the guards got things ready for travel. Raif was there. His guards could largely look after themselves. We are given to understand that you have been through a significant illness just recently. Is this true? The imperial embassy asked as we sat in the tent, and I poured a steep of tea for the three men.

Yes, my lord. Sakura had the knowledge of how to navigate these situations, so I leaned heavily on her memories and know how here. It was a fever that broke about a week ago.

Tell us about it dear, the lord from the northern kingdom asked. I have never been through an illness myself. Not since I was too young to remember. But I hear it can be draining. Almost like a mana-vampire or chie beast has drained you of every last drop.

Never been sick? Are you kidding me? I hid my thoughts in the silence as I considered how to respond.

Well, as I have never faced such fearsome beasts myself, I can not compare the two experiences, my lords. But I can tell you I felt exhausted. As if I had gone days or weeks without food while training at peak performance the entire time. I had trouble raising my limbs, or even keeping my eyelids open. It was a humbling experience.

In reality, it hadnt been that bad. Yes, I had been tired. And yes, the fever had sapped my energy. But how do you describe normal fever to someone whos never had one before?

Its good to have such experiences while young. Humility is a lesson many do not learn until they reach too high, or assume they are stronger than they actually are. Arrogance is often a fatal flaw in such cases. The taller imperial ambassador said. He sipped at his tea but kept one eye on me, gauging my reaction.

As you say, my lord. I laid the tea down, everyones cup filled, and picked up my own. Raif glared at both men openly. And if looks could kill or cut, well, the other two occupants of the tent would be shredded and dead.

Perhaps it is not my place to ask such things, gentlemen. But I am a growing girl, and one of my age I feel, should be kept up to date on the goings on in the world if they are to learn from such esteemed men as yourselves and your responses to it. Might I ask you a question regarding your business here?

Raif stiffened, as did the imperial clan members. But the northerner simply smiled. Of course. As I am to understand such things, you are the sion of your house. At least for now. It is more than appropriate for you to ask to be educated on modern events.

I gave him a modest smile and bowed. Though the bow was more of a nod, given the fact, we were all sitting around the steep table. Thank you. Why is it you have come, ambassadors? What news do you bring? I would hear it from your own words, and not filtered through gossip once we get to the capital.

The two men looked at one another, but it was Raif who broke the quiet tension. Lets start with you, northerner. Why are you here? What do you want?

The shorter ambassador bristled at the tone my uncle used, but then he turned a winning smile on me. Of course, my lady. I come bearing what I believe to be good news for the northern kingdom, and for the empire at large. My father, the King of the northern kingdom, master of the wall, and banisher of the frozen shadows to the north, has entered his final cultivation. He is on the verge of ascending to the Emperor stage. Even now he is refining his soul into its purist intent as he glimpses the truth of the Dao.

That is good news, I think. Though it presents its own set of challenges. Sakura wanted to know if this northerner could see what was plain for everyone else, and Genji just wanted to make these men squirm..

Such as, young miss? he asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

My tutors are mere provincial. The finest tutors in the southern kingdom, but not in the entire empire. So please forgive me if my understanding of imperial law is incorrect. But does that not mean that he could, in theory, challenge the imperial house? And force a duel with the emperor himself?

The northern ambassador sighed and shrugged. Perhaps. But my father is not the kind of sovereign who would upend tradition and stability, merely for more power over mortal affairs. He is not a vengeful or spiteful man by nature, as his entire life has been wrapped around the concept of service to those less powerful than himself. He is a wonderful example to me personally, and to all the empire and its servants. He, we, of the northern kingdom, have sacrificed much in that service. It is only right that his ascension be noted and celebrated. But instead of celebration, everywhere I and my brothers, cousins, and subordinates go, we find ourselves hounded by the emperors kin, bringing tidings of instability and fear mongering. Blaming my father for their own problems.

He shook his head sadly. One would think such a dedicated servant as my father would be honored. No shunned or blamed for the poor management of the imperial clan in the central region.

We sat in silence for a long moment, and the imperial clansman fumed as he sipped his tea. I have to say, the very idea that two emperor stage cultivators would even consider dueling is a terrifying concept for one at a lowly age and stage as me.

Let me assure you young miss, my father would never-!

Of course not. He is a dedicated servant of the empire. However, if the mere technical possibility of it brings a shiver down my spine, I cant imagine the type of terror the idea might create in mortal men and women. And such fear is contagious. You can see this, yes?

Yes, I suppose I can see it. The lower classes, those with little to no cultivation. To them, the mere idea of it must seem like the end of the world. Not that it will ever happen. My father has far more control than to allow such petty differences that exist between him and the emperor to spill into open warfare, let alone an unconstrained duel.

Which, oddly enough, might be more dangerous and destructive than a war, I thought as I mused on his words.

Do you think there might be something you and your family could do to help ease that terror? I asked, and then sipped my tea, waiting for a response. If there is, it would do much to help many. I am sure who are in need of that relief.

A look of panicked guilt crossed his face, but as quickly as it came, it was replaced with a mask of calm once more. Perhaps. Perhaps we could issue a statement, one that assures the populus that we have no intention of war, or of an attempt on the imperial seat. Perhaps we could issue it alongside a statement of intent from the imperial clan? That might help.

The Imperial ambassador gave an exasperated sigh. I have been asking that of you, Koja, and your kin for nearly a month now. How is it that only by speaking to a child that you can finally see the need for it?

Perhaps because the child does not treat me or my kin like serfs or fodder for the claws of darklings! The younger Koja just about started shouting. But a glare from Raif settled him back into his seat.

Children have a simple way of looking at the world. One that can often provide clarity to us adults, who so easily get bogged down by other more complex concerns that we miss the simple solutions in front of our faces. Raifs words had an effect on both men, they seemed to accept them, as if it were a common saying, or sentiment.

How about you, ambassador? I turned my attention to the imperial clan member. Could you tell me why you have come?

Much the same reason as he. Only on the flip side of things. News of his fathers pending ascension has incited terror in the minds of the lower classes. Everyone below Knight in the central provinces is either trying to flee, rebel, or have resorted to banditry at one point or another. My kin have done their best to calm them and steady their nerves. But it is all we can do to stop rioting in the streets. People fear imminent invasion from the north. And not from darklings, but from their own countrymen. It is truly a shame.

So why come here? Do you need help so badly, you seek it from a duchy farthest from the central region and the capital itself? I knew the layout of the country, if only in general terms. Even so, Sakura had known that her home was the furthest from the capital compared to any other duchy in the empire.

Yes. Your father is one of the leading cultivators in the empire. One of only a few thousand who are poised to enter the Monarch realms as a Prince. He probably will achieve it by the end of the year, if he is left in peace.

Thats shocking. I thought he was middling on that list. Something must have changed while Sakura was ill.

At a minimum, I intend to leave here with an assurance of peaceful relations with my clan. If not direct aid. If I could get him to join with others in the capital, I am sure we could put this unease among the lower classes to rest.

A journey to the capital? That might take a year or more. Raifs voice was contemplative. A tone I was not used to hearing him use. My estimation of him, from Sakuras memories and experiences, had gone up dramatically during this short visit. And his behavior here was a prime example of why.

You know, Im slightly ahead of my brother. Or slightly behind now. If what you said about him pushing Prince is correct. Why not ask for my help?

Oh, I was certainly planning on doing just that. Still am, as a matter of fact. But your brother is your ruler. I must receive his blessing first, else I would violate his right of recruitment and vassal fealty. At the very least, it is a matter of honor.

Then why did you treat my father so poorly upon your first meeting? I tried to keep the accusation out of my tone. But Im sure he sensed I was just masking the emotion. Asking him to pour your tea when he is a high Noble, pushing to low monarch, is taboo. Is it not?

He looked taken aback for a moment, but quickly rallied. Yes. Perhaps I was presumptuous to ask that of him. Genjis skills allowed me to smell a rat. But I maintain what I told your father, young miss. It is no sin to be kind and show deference to a high-ranking member of the imperial clan.

So, you were not trying to goad him into insulting you, and placing him in your debt? So you could ask for permission to recruit high stage and skilled cultivators to help you pacify and protect the central province?

Certainly not! he spluttered, but I was sure I had caught him. It was merely a misunderstanding.

The young woman sees much, Yalda. The northerner said. Do not insult her intelligence, or mine, by suggesting otherwise.

Before Yalda, the imperial clansman, could respond, my mother opened the tent flap and stuck her head in. The sun is falling, and dinner is ready. Sakura, thank you for entertaining our guests. She glanced at Uncle Raif, whose only tell that anything had happened was the slight smirk he wore. Follow me, please.

***

The stars were coming out by the time dinner was served. Mother and father had placed a set of reed mats and a small traveling table inside the basket where I had been sleeping. With just five of us there, it was a rather intimate dinner. Though there was little chatting.

Ambassador Yalda glared daggers at me nearly the whole night. Or was he attempting to assess me? I wasnt entirely sure which.

Koja on the other hand, was practically beaming the entire time. Why is he so happy? I called out his bullshit too; I thought as I attempted to do what Yalda was doing to me, to the northern ambassador. What is he after? He cant be here to just spread the good news about his father. No, theres something not right about that one. Some other motive.

By the second course of the meal, I was growing drowsy. When I started feeling my eyes droop, I leaned over to Raif and whispered, allowing the main conversation to continue.

How long is this going to go for? Im falling asleep. Raifs eyes lit up with mirth and I could see the edges of his lips curl up as he fought a smile.

This is a formal dinner, my dear sweet niece. They require twelve courses. One for each of the Spirits of the Year. I could feel the color leaving my face. Dont worry. Ill get you out of this.

He leaned forward and yawned, covering his mouth in the barest consideration for modesty. Aaagh! He stretched his back and arms up to the sky as he fought the yawn. Please excuse me. It has been a long patrol, and the hunt has taken it out of me. I hope you wont mind if I, and my niece, retire before the evening is properly through?

Of course not, Yalda and Koja both said it with an eagerness that made me rethink things.

Thank you, uncle, and ambassadors. But I am fresh enough to continue for a few more courses yet. I would hate to deprive you of the entertainment of my company before it is necessary.

If my presence makes you both uncomfortable, then Ill stay as long as I possibly can.