Demon Sword Maiden

Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 37 – Founding Of The Shogunate

“Lyn-hime,” Ijuin approached Lily and said, “there are still small factions and rebels remaining in the city. A bigger issue is the people who took drugs and became demons, including samurais and officials. They hide in their homes, coming out occasionally to harm people. It seems we have a long journey ahead before public order is restored.”

“I’ll have to entrust the safety of the capital to you, Miss Ijuin,” Lily responded.

“What? Me? You want me to be in charge of security?” Ijuin asked, sounding somewhat excited.

“Indeed,” Lily nodded, “You are deserving of the duty.”

Overwhelmed with excitement, Ijuin knelt down and pledged, “Lord Taishogun, I will do my best!”

“Ijuin,” Ayaka added, “nowadays, all the sisters are working towards the betterment of humanity. If you encounter any problems, just let me know.”

“Yes! Lady Ayaka,” Ijuin replied eagerly.

“Lily, it’s time for us to enter the palace and meet His Majesty,” Ayaka reminded her.

“Yes,” Lily agreed, as they prepared to enter the palace, which was mostly cleared of the Tengu army. The palace was a mess, and people were busy cleaning it. Lily and her sisters were set to meet the Emperor and the remaining officials gathered in the Purple Serenity Hall.

To Ayaka’s surprise, chancellors like Fujiwara no Renbo and Fujiwara no Arima showed up in court, despite their despair at having no escape and still wanting to keep their positions.

The Emperor had arrived, and without the Cloistered Emperor present, all officials were essentially there. As Lily and her sisters approached the main hall, they were stopped by several court officials.

“Please kneel here and await His Majesty’s summons,” directed a pale-faced official.

“What?” Lily’s expression darkened upon hearing this. As warriors leading the army into the capital, she and her companions were expected to kneel and wait outside before meeting the Emperor. Although Lily was conferred the title of Taishogun, it was through a secret decree and not an official promotion, leaving her without a recognized title.

At that moment, Hiromasa, who was also present, quickly responded, “Lyn-hime is a respected subject personally summoned by the Emperor. This treatment is wholly inappropriate. I shall go and inform His Majesty immediately!”

Lily, maintaining her composure, replied calmly, “There’s no need for that.”

Lily stepped forward, disregarding the servants, and ascended the platform after removing her shoes, adhering to her habit of practicing cleanliness.

“Hey, Lyn-hime, you…” an official began.

“Scram,” Lily responded sternly. Without any physical gesture, the officials were compelled to retreat by her mere presence.

“Let’s go,” Lily said decisively, entering the hall with her sisters, catching everyone by surprise.

“Sister Lily!” Emperor Masayoshi, seated on the throne, expressed not dissatisfaction but joy at Lily’s entrance. It was evident that the officials who had attempted to humiliate her were simply unable to adapt to the changing times and had taken the opportunity to bully the warrior clans.

These officials believed that the warrior clans, with their absolute strength, could be suppressed through political means, rather than physical confrontation. They relied on reason, logic, and tradition in their approach.

Nevertheless, Lily was indifferent to these tactics. Upon seeing the Emperor, she and her sisters respectfully knelt down.

Emperor Masayoshi, who had become more charming over the past year, appeared hesitant to break tradition and assist her.

“Sister Lily, Lady Ayaka, everyone, I finally get to meet you all!” the Emperor exclaimed emotionally, reflecting on past hardships.

“You have suffered, Your Majesty,” Ayaka said, bowing respectfully.

Ayaka then glanced at the Fujiwara Clan Chancellors, who averted their gaze and remained silent.

“Come!” Ayaka commanded. “Arrest Fujiwara no Renbo, Fujiwara no Arima, and their lackeys!” Without waiting for the Emperor’s consent, Ayaka issued the order, and Lily remained silent.

A team of Tsunaga Sisters swiftly entered and apprehended the Fujiwara Clan members responsible for past offenses against Ayaka and Lily.

“Ayaka! This is the Empire’s Purple Serenity Hall! What… Do you think you’re doing? I am the Chancellor! Without the Emperor’s order, how dare you arrest me?” protested one of the Fujiwara Clan members.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!” they cried out.

“Your Majesty, she’s about to rebel!” they accused.

Yet, Emperor Masayoshi remained silent, his head lowered as he clutched his clothes.

“Take them away! Move them to the prison and punish them with the full extent of the law!” Ayaka ordered firmly.

“Fujiwara no Ayaka, you are destroying your own clan!” they shouted in protest.

“You do not respect the ruler!” they accused.

“Do you still acknowledge the Emperor? You’re trying to build another Shogunate!” they cried out as they were led away.

“Your Majesty,” Ayaka began, addressing the Emperor with a scroll in hand, “the capital is in turmoil and needs urgent restructuring. I’ve prepared a list of officials for the new court hierarchy. Would you please review it?”

Emperor Masayoshi responded gently, “No need for that. You are better suited to handle these matters. Please, make the decisions yourself.”

“Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty,” Ayaka gratefully acknowledged.

“Please come forward,” Emperor Masayoshi then instructed. “Present the Taishogun’s uniform, hat, sword, and seal. Sister Lily, you will officially receive your title. We should have a formal ceremony, but under these war-torn conditions, simplicity is key. I hope you understand.”

“Absolutely, Your Majesty. I appreciate your consideration,” Lily responded respectfully.

Noting that the original seal, taken by Yoritomo, needed to be remade, Emperor Masayoshi added, “Lyn-hime, Emperor Go-Toba, my brother, remains imprisoned within the palace.”

“I’ll see to his release immediately,” Lily assured.

Emperor Masayoshi continued, “Beyond this, I entrust you with full authority over the capital. Choose any location for your Shogunate and oversee all military matters. My approval is not required.”

“Your confidence in us is deeply appreciated, Your Majesty,” the sisters said, bowing in gratitude.

Turning to Ayaka, the Emperor mentioned, “Regarding your position as Chief Advisor, which I revoked under duress, please disregard that. You’re welcome to resume your role.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. However, I’ve chosen to support Lily and will not return to the imperial court,” Ayaka replied, kneeling respectfully.

Hearing this, the Emperor’s voice carried a note of sadness, “I understand… That’s fine.”

After their audience with the Emperor, Lily and her companions returned to the Chief Advisor’s residence, now unkempt and in need of repair.

Hoshi Murasaki, who had reunited with Ayaka during Lily’s rest, had taken up the task of tidying the residence.

“Lily, let’s establish the Shogunate here. We can address the restoration of the teleportation formation later,” Ayaka suggested.

“Alright, we’ll proceed with your plan,” Lily agreed, nodding.

Thus, in the temporarily repaired main hall of the Chief Advisor’s residence, Lily’s Shogunate began its operations, overseeing military, political, security, and administrative duties of Heian-kyo.

Lily assumed the role of Taishogun, while Ayaka managed internal affairs, effectively serving as the Chief Advisor. Other key positions were also filled: Rei continued overseeing the Kanto Region, Shimizu took charge of Rokuhara Tandai, Shizuru became Commander of the Left Imperial Guards, Ijuin led the Right Imperial Guards, Hiromasa headed the Justice Department, Abe no Seimei became Head Onmyo, and Haihime Keiko was appointed Secretary of State.

Various individuals were assigned different roles within the newly established Shogunate. However, the battle was not yet over, and the army had not achieved significant victories. Outside the Shogunate, warriors like Itagaki Nobuyoshi, Asano, and Ogasawara eagerly volunteered for the ongoing war.

“Taishogun, the territories to the West still harbor resistance loyal to Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Cloistered Emperor. Allow us to lead the army and conquer these lands for you!” Itagaki Nobuyoshi proposed with determination.

“That’s right. Those areas are rife with rebels. You shouldn’t have to deal with them personally. Let us take the army and secure victory,” another warrior added.

Lily, noticing their enthusiasm, understood they were seeking to earn merits. Yet, she knew their support would be essential for her future plans of constructing thirty-six altars worldwide. She glanced at Ayaka, who gave a subtle nod of approval. “Then, I’ll entrust this task to you all,” Lily responded.

“Lord Taishogun, please permit me to conquer Kawachi Province!” a somewhat elegant warrior stepped forward.

“You are…?” Lily inquired, not immediately recognizing him among the many factions and officials who had pledged their support.

“I am Kagami Uezu, a subject of the Kansai Region’s Lord Ogasawara, from the Kagami Clan.”

“Oh…” Lily felt a pang of melancholy upon hearing about the Kagami Clan from the Kansai Region. She recalled her initial arrival in Kamakura with no strength, falsely claiming herself as a member of the Kansai Kagami Clan for protection. She never anticipated actually encountering a member of that clan.

“Speaking of which, we share the same surname,” Lily remarked.

“I’m ashamed…” Kagami Uezu responded humbly.

Lily handed a grade-nine katana to Shiu beside her. “A gift for Lord Kagami.”

“Understood,” Shiu acknowledged, handing the weapon to Kagami Uezu, who received it with great joy and profuse thanks.

Lily offered a light smile. “Go, I wish you success.”

“Yes!” Uezu responded, kneeling deeply before departing to prepare for war.

Ayaka, observing the numerous commanders eager to mobilize, cautioned them, “Minamoto no Yoritomo is still missing. You must be cautious. Report any information about him immediately and do not let greed cloud your judgment. Understood?”

“Yes!” the commanders collectively affirmed.