L.G.D.K! Chapter 17 – Life is Like a Boat?

Author’s Note: Hello peeps and welcome to chapter 17 of LGDK! I have been waiting a while to do this chapter. Actually, I’ve been waiting a while to do the Walls of the Rising Sun arc. Still, please enjoy?

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Chapter 17 – Life is Like a Boat?

Well… here we are now. Daisuke, Nagisia, and Nakano left the room on Inarihime’s orders and she even had the rest of the Shadows make sure that they were not in hearing range. So it was just Inarihime, Asuka, Cecil, Nyra, Wells, Kimiko, Coy, and myself in the room. Most of us had to change sitting positions because seiza is not for everyone. Apparently Inarihime wanted to talk to us, but mainly I was the subject.

“All right Yuki-chan, it is time to tell the truth. You are the Devil King, yes?” (Inarihime)

All I could do was gulp before answering.

“Yes, I am.”

“In that case, this is similar to a thousand years ago.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… what?” (Coy)

“No need to fret about anything, young Hayate. You see, I was once in Yuki-chan’s predicament.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… does that mean that you…?”

“That is correct, I too once held the title of Devil King.” (Inarihime)

No way… though it explains a lot. Like how Ritme has a Japanese-like culture.

“Wait… do you mean to tell me that history is secretly repeating itself here?” (Coy)

“It is. You see, I was summoned from the same world as Yuki-chan. Hence why she can read this country’s written language despite being from another world.” (Inarihime)

“But… that means you’re a fox yokai?”

“A what?” (Coy)

“Only someone from the same country as myself could tell. A yokai is a spiritual creature in Japanese folklore. But I was no ordinary yokai, I was one of Inari’s kitsune servants.” (Inarihime)

“As in Inari Ōkami? The Shinto god of rice?”

“That is correct.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… why would the Deity chose the servant of another god?” (Coy)

He has a point.

“It was a punishment.” (Inarihime)

“A punishment?”

“Yes, a punishment by Inari Ōkami himself. I was a mischievous fox who targeted the proud head of a shinobi clan.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… is that why the Shadows resemble shinobi?”

“That is correct. The Shadows are my personal penitence for what I had done.” (Inarihime)

“But what did you do?”

“The head shinobi was a very proud individual. So I would often play pranks on him. However… one of those pranks had accidentally lead to his demise. Inari Ōkami himself said that it went too far. So as punishment for it, I was given to the Deity, the god that resides over this world.” (Inarihime)

And I thought I had it bad? Here I am, an otaku who used to have Chuunibyou, getting let downs constantly because this was not the fantasy adventure that I had envisioned. Yet this kitsune was brought here as punishment for a fatal accident. Not to mention that she has not seen Japan in at least a thousand years.

“Was being the Devil King part of this punishment?”

“It was. However, I am no combatant. I was not prepared to battle the Hero, no matter how much I was trained. To be honest, I was very nervous as the Ox King battled his way into the Devil King’s throne-room. However, he caught me by surprise with four simple words the moment he saw me.” (Inarihime)

“And what were those four words?” (Coy)

Go figure, he’s very interested when it comes to the Ox King.

“Will you marry me.” (Inarihime)

Hold the phone, this is something straight out of a shōjo novel.

“Wait… what!? The mighty Ox King, the greatest half-man to ever exist, he proposed to you on sight!?” (Coy)

I’m feeling the same way.

“That is correct. To be honest, it surprised me a lot. It was so romantic, that I could only say yes.” (Inarihime)

“But… that’s a little anticlimactic?”

“It may be that way, but it was the best choice I ever made. So I faked my death in the Demon Realm and escaped with him. Even pope Alexandre the first himself presided over the wedding.” (Inarihime)

I could not believe it. Especially with Nyra, Wells, and Kimiko in tears.

“It’s so beautiful.” (Nyra)

“It is.” (Wells)

“Just why couldn’t Coy have done that instead?” (Kimiko)

“Because getting hitched was the last thing on my mind.” (Coy)

“Yeah… your sister takes priority over me apparently.”

“Well… I got no retort for that one.” (Coy)

That sis-con!!! At least come up with something!?

“Anyway, that is basically the end of it. The Ox King became the first emperor, our first born became the next, and I started the Shadows.” (Inarihime)

“But I don’t get it. Is there a custom for all of the shadows to be… kitsune?”

That had been on my mind since I first saw them.

“In a sense, it is. The fact that I am a kitsune itself is one of Ritme’s best kept secrets. Well… secrets kept from the outside world. It was a few generations later that we started the tradition of nobility having it’s personal Shadows.” (Inarihime)

“That reminds me… how come Asuka is my Shadow?” (Coy)

“All personal Shadows are assigned to nobility of the opposite gender so they can procreate and make more Shadows, the half-man race’s unique trait allows for the new Shadows to be born a full kitsune.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… does that mean that my mother has a Shadow?” (Coy)

I have been curious on that as well. Does this mean that Coy has more siblings?

“She did, but he is no longer in this world.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… what?” (Coy)

“You see… her Shadow was in love with her, despite the taboo of nobility and Shadows having a romantic relationship.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… it’s a taboo?”

“It is. However… it was a one-sided romance.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… what?” (Coy)

As much as I prefer he be the one to say those words… it gets annoying when they are said too often.

“It is true. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not win lady Nagisa’s heart. And then… Hayate’s father came into the picture.” (Inarihime)

“My father?” (Coy)

“Yes, he was a mercenary who had received special permission to fight in Ritme. However… it was love at first sight when he met lady Nagisa. It was even mutual.” (Inarihime)

What is with all of this “love at first sight” stuff that Inarihime’s talking about? I mean, I love a good romance. But… I’ve been iffy on love ever since the Ryoma incident.

“But what happened next?” (Nyra)

Go figure, the legal loli who is twenty years older is very into this story? She really is acting her age here.

“Abel worked his way into getting the writ to marry lady Nagisa. However… the Shadow was personally involved in the first incident.” (Inarihime)

“The first incident?” (Wells)

Well… Wells is still a girl. Not to mention she literally lived most of her life under a rock. So of course she’s interested.

“When Daisuke-kun tried to have Abel assassinated before he could marry lady Nagisa.” (Inarihime)

Why does this seem so believable?

“So… how did that end?” (Cecil)

Don’t tell me that you’re interested too?

“Abel was able to defeat the would-be assassins. And then he married lady Nagisa.” (Inarihime)

I expected more to that part. Talk about a total letdown?

“But what happened to my mother’s Shadow?” (Coy)

“He was the true culprit in your abduction.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… what!?” (Coy)

“It is true. He was the one who took you and your human twin sister Fuko away.” (Inarihime)

Just… why does this seem believable? Heck, it might even be cliché?

“But what happened to him?” (Coy)

“He went as far as Anthill Bay when your father caught up to him. However, the fight did not just include them, a third party got involved over fighting in their territory.” (Inarihime)

A third party? This is getting even deeper.

“And that third party?” (Coy)

Wait… why does he look like he’s going to break?

“Dale Walton Sr. and his gang.” (Inarihime)

“No freaking way…” (Coy)

That name… where did I hear it before? Wait… oh no. That was the name of Coy’s boss back when he was a criminal.

“It is true. During the fight between Abel and the Shadow, Dale Walton Sr. and his gang had gotten themselves involved. Not before Abel managed to get a bullet in between the Shadow’s eyes though. However… Abel was forced out of Anthill Bay before he could complete the rescue. Ever since that incident, Abel himself never returned to Ritme out of shame.” (Inarihime)

So his father never returned from the shame? It’s understandable, but come on!? Has he made his own wife wait for the past seventeen years over that?

“Wait… why were we still in Anthill Bay? Why wasn’t another Shadow sent to get us? Or better yet, why did no one come for us!?” (Coy)

That’s another good question. I can even understand his anger.

“The Isolation Policy.” (Inarihime)

“The Isolation Policy?”

“Yes, Yuki-chan. Nobility themselves are not allowed to leave Ritme. That’s why Nagisa could not go do it herself. Not to mention the rest of the family had decided to leave the children of the human behind due to the disagreement over Nagisa’s marriage to Abel. It is the same reason that no Shadows were sent, it is our job to serve the nobility and the country. So we are not allowed to send anyone to do it ourselves.” (Inarihime)

Just… what the heck!? They knew where Coy and his sister were and they just did nothing over a disagreement!?

“Was my mother marrying a human that bad?” (Coy)

“I personally see no problems with it. However, this country is very prejudice against humans. Bad blood from before the country was formed, if you will? Even though there are clans who have changed and now make trade and such with humans, there are those who believe it is the Ox King’s will to hate them.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… the Ox King’s will?” (Coy)

“Something that had been misinterpreted over the millennium. People of this country often forget that the Ox King traveled with a human in his party. And that he was friends with pope Alexandre the first.” (Inarihime)

“I… just don’t understand.” (Coy)

“Of course you do not. To be honest, it is the advantage of you growing up from outside Ritme’s walls, you have a better understanding of humans as well as the other races. This includes races in the Demon Realm as well. You have seen both the good and the evil in the world, something that this country needs.” (Inarihime)

Wow… I’m starting to think that Coy’s time in Anthill Bay was on purpose. I mean, the grandson of a feudal lord raised far away from his homeland? If it weren’t for the fact that Nagisa looks like an older version of Coy’s female self, I wouldn’t even be believing that he’s her son.

“Basically saying, you were taking a gamble on me finding my way back. Right?” (Coy)

And one of the few times he’s sharp.

“In a sense, it is. Then again, we were preparing to retrieve you on your eighteenth birthday.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… what!?” (Coy)

Seriously, it’s starting to get annoying. How many twists are in this story!? Better yet, how many times is he going to say his catchphrase in one afternoon?

“Even if you are the son of a human, you are still next in line to become the lord of Yottsu.” (Inarihime)

“Wait a moment. How is he next in line?”

“As Nagisa is the elder of Daisuke’s twins, her male offspring has the right to become the next lord. Hayate’s uncle, Kenshiro was born seconds after Nagisa. Therefore he is of a branch family. However, Kenshiro is not right for the role. He is… corrupt, if you will? If he were to become the next lord of Yottsu, the territory would be under heavy taxation. Not to mention that he is married to a member of the Nekotaru clan, so they would have a right to Yottsu if anything were to happen to him.” (Inarihime)

“Wait… why is he married to a member of another clan?” (Coy)

“The dowry was too good for him to refuse.” (Inarihime)

Money? Go figure.

“One thing I’ve been curious about. Just who are the Nekotaru clan?” (Coy)

“They are the feline half-man clan who run the territory of Yattsu. The Nekotaru clan and the Inuharu clan have been feuding for generations. I personally believe that they are using Kenshiro to win the war through deceit.” (Inarihime)

Wait… the Nekotaru clan are cats? It makes sense as the Inuharu clan are dogs. Well… canines in general. As the old saying goes, “fighting like cats and dogs” I suppose? Still… Yattsu is Japanese for “eight”, like Yottsu is Japanese for “four”. How lazy were Inarihime and the Ox King when it came to naming territories anyway!?

“Felines huh? Well… I think it’s time to ruin their plans.” (Coy)

Wait… what!? Dammit, I stole his catchphrase mentally again!

“Coy-kun… what are you planning?”

“I’m not planning, Yuki. I am scheming, there’s a difference.” (Coy)

Wait… he didn’t have to admit to that!?

“Oh, do tell?” (Inarihime)

“Well… I was going to go back to Tholmen to see the pope. I’m sure that Asuka over there probably let you in on the details, if I’m correct?” (Coy)

“It is true, like how that night elf shrine maiden didn’t really precede over a marriage ceremony between you an the Devil King.” (Inarihime)

“Remind me to ask why you lied to my grandfather later? Anyway, the pope is coming here in three months to meet with the emperor. So to see her, I just need to wait right here.” (Coy)

That part makes sense. However…

“Coy-kun, what does that have to do with the Nekotaru clan?”

“Nothing at all. All I need to do is accept my fate for once and agree to become the next lord of Yottsu.” (Coy)

“Wait… you’re actually going to accept your fate?”

This was a shocker. He’s not even being forced into this.

“That’s right. Not to mention my old party is here in Ritme. So I can kill three birds with one stone.” (Coy)

That part is true, if that guard was not lying.

“But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Yuki, you are not looking at the bigger picture.” (Coy)

“Wait… bigger picture?”

Just what could be the bigger picture here?

“Yeah, the bigger picture. They do not know me as Hayate Inuharu, a member of the Inuharu Clan. They only know me as Coy, the Hero chosen by the Deity. I can confront them as Hayate and get the answers I need from them. Not to mention that I can also ruin the plans of the Nekotaru Clan by being Hayate Inuharu. And in three months time, I can see the pope directly without leaving Ritme. You see, three birds with one stone.” (Coy)

Okay… this is too sharp. Especially for Coy of all people.

“But… what about the Isolation Policy? I mean, you cannot leave Ritme if you accept being Hayate. Right?”

“Simple, we just need to get the other clans to agree to ending it by the time that the pope arrives.” (Coy)

“But wouldn’t that be difficult?”

“If the Ox King could get all of the tribes of the half-man race under one banner, I can get the clans to agree to ending the Isolation Policy. Well… most of them anyway. Don’t forget, it’s the only thing that keeps the nobility from leaving Ritme. If we can end the Isolation Policy, the only thing keeping anyone here is choice.” (Coy)

“Just… where is this self-confidence coming from?”

“Simple, I’m still the Hero chosen by the Deity. So that has to have some weight behind it, right” (Coy)

That explains a lot. Of all times to pull the hero card, he choses this as one of them?

“However… I can’t do this alone.” (Coy)

“Isn’t that holding your plans back!?”

“It is, but I’m going to need your help. As well as Cecil’s, Wells’, Nyra’s, the shrine maid’s, and…” (Coy)

It’s nice that he’s including the rest of us, but won’t he at least refer to Kimiko by name!? And who else’s help does he need?

“Inarihime, I need your help as well.” (Coy)

“Wait… what!?”

Dammit, I said it out loud!?

“As I am the one in charge of the Shadows and the late Ox King’s widow, I know that I have a lot of authority. However… why should I help you?” (Inarihime)

She has a point. Why should she help him?

“Because I know that there’s something you want.” (Coy)

“Huh?”

“And what makes you think that, young Hayate?” (Inarihime)

“Because someone as important as you are would not just come over here to help explain why I was never brought home to Yottsu. No, important people only do house calls when they want something. Or that’s at least what my former employer Boss Walton taught me.” (Coy)

“You have me there. There is something I want.” (Inarihime)

“Name your price.” (Coy)

Just… what is he thinking!? She’s a kitsune, they are tricksters!

“There are a few things, to be honest. First is to end Ritme’s Isolation Policy, which you are working on already. The next is your help to finally end the war with the Demon Realm once and for all, which I know you and the Devil King over there are working on. So that is already half of what I want.” (Inarihime)

“And the other half?” (Coy)

“That I would like to hold off on revealing until later. The first two are important, there is more than meets the eye at hand.” (Inarihime)

Those words again…

“Why is it that I keep hearing those words?” (Coy)

Hey, you’re not the only one who keeps hearing them!

“I would say coincidence, but I do not believe in such a thing.” (Inarihime)

“Well… I do. I don’t believe in inevitability.” (Coy)

Wait a moment… this is starting to sound too much like that one manga that crosses over with that other one as one side of the whole story, that one done by that group of female mangaka.

“There is an extra condition that I must ask of you, even if it may cause you some suffering.” (Inarihime)

“And that would be?” (Coy)

“To forgive your father when he meets you again.” (Inarihime)

Wait… why would he need to forgive his father? Other than failing to rescue him and his sister… oh my gosh, Coy’s a sis-con! Failing her is already a damnation as far as he’s concerned.

“If it’s over failing me and my sister, that part I can forgive. No one can beat the Walton Gang, I of all people should know.” (Coy)

Wait… is he so loyal to his former employer that he’s not thinking about revenge for messing up his father’s attempt to rescue him and his sister?

“There is more, but you will find out when you meet him again.” (Inarihime)

Meet him again? Does that mean Coy has already met him without knowing?

“We can cross that bridge later. Will you please help us?” (Coy)

Wait… is he doing a dogeza? I have never seen him beg before, this must be important?

“I can see that you have no pride, young Hayate.” (Inarihime)

“No, I don’t. All I have is my principles.” (Coy)

Wait… he does not have pride or even mettle, but he has principles? I’m finding out new things about him everyday. Maybe one of these days, he will no longer be much of a mystery?

“In that case, things may go against your principles. Are you prepared to go against them?” (Inarihime)

“I am. I have never been this serious on anything ever in my life.” (Coy)

And now he’s willing to go against his principles? Could this be more serious than even his sister?

“In that case, you have my aid. Now stand up, young Hayate.” (Inarihime)

He then stood up. At least he has help from someone with power?

“Now that we have that sorted out, it is time to discuss our plans. First, we are going to need an edge in military power as that is one of things things respected in Ritme. I already know that the Bunkin, or Old Worlder as your friend likes to be known as is on a mission to find a new Bunker. There happens to be one in Yottsu, but I can help procure that for you.” (Inarihime)

Wow… Wells is already lighting up on that part. Then again, that is the only reason she did join our party.

“Thank you, ma’am.” (Wells)

She then saluted Inarihime.

“Next is something that you had to do eventually. It may go against your belief about inevitability, but I am sure that you know what that is.” (Inarihime)

Wait… what’s this thing she’s talking about. Why is she looking at me? And why is Coy looking at me?

“Yuki.” (Coy)

“Yes… Coy-kun?”

“Will you marry me?” (Coy)

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After Note: And yet another “Wait… what!?” moment for Yuki. How will this turn out? Find out next week. And before anyone asks, the two manga in question are xxxHolic and Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle by the amazing mangaka group known as CLAMP. They were the brains behind Cardcaptor Sakura. Hell, some of the characters in Tsubasa are alternate dimensional versions of some of the characters from Cardcaptor Sakura. Even though I’ve only watched the anime for both xxxHolic and Tsubasa, they are both some of my favorite stories. As Yuuki (a character in both) says, “There’s no such thing a coincidence, only inevitability”.

Anyway, I’m having my own problems right now. Remember how I decided to continue that Let’s Play via Twitch? When I imported the most recent one to YouTube, it got hit with a copyright infringement. Meaning that Take 2 Interactive is blocking it on YouTube due to over a minute of the footage. So I’m going to have to copy the vid from YouTube (not telling how) and edit the footage take take out that footage. Even by deleting the original, I can’t remove that mark. But since I’m not disputing it, I might actually get away with this? Either way, I just hope that this doesn’t mess up my channel in the future.

Oh yeah Reigo-senpai has posted the translation of the 119th chapter of Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu for all of our entertainment. Trust me, that story is getting even better right now. Way better when I read it through the raws via Google Translate. For those who have never read that novel, you should read it. I love it.

Anywho, that’s all that I have time for. I’m just glad to have this chapter out and have one in reserve for next week.

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