Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 154

 After passing through Chikyu-ne Shukuba, Toyomine Shukuba, and Wadai Shukuba, the envoy finally arrived at the outskirts of the forbidden area, Anma. (T/N: Shukuba: post stations during the Edo period)

 "We have been waiting for you, Middle Counselor (Chuunagon)-sama. We are deeply honored that you have come to this humble land."

 The middle-aged official in charge of the Anma forbidden area, bowing his head at the camp, and said so.

 Standing beside him was a Military Commander who had been sent as reinforcement from a nearby area. This commander holds the position of supervisor (Shouin) in the Ministry of Ceremonial Affairs' Forbidden Monitoring Bureau, overseeing the Anma forbidden area.

 By the way, in Fusō-kuni's current Ritsuryo system, there is one person called Sho-shoku who manages the prohibition areas. Above them, there is the chief supervisor called Dai-shoku who manages the prohibition lands at a higher level. On the other hand, below the supervisor, there are officials called Dai-zoku and Sho-zoku (Chief/Subordinate officer) who manage the boundaries and they work within the jurisdiction. The Sho-shoku also has the authority to command Military Commanders within their jurisdiction. The highest authority in the Anma prohibition land, both in name and reality, is the temporary Shōuin who commands nearly a thousand personnel.

 ...Except for the personnel from the envoy and the Omnyouji Bureau who were sent there.

 "Hmm, well, well. There are no discrepancies in the reports. Have there been any major changes since then? ...Ah, I wonder if I can find something to sit on. My legs and back are hurting at this age, you know."

 The Middle Counselor, when the local commanders greeted him nervously and respectfully, was happy and didn't seem worried. He praised those who greeted him and laughed while asking for a chair.

 "Okay... tomorrow, let's go towards the forbidden land."

 He said this while sitting on the chair. He sounded relaxed, but his words were very important, especially for the exorcists who were there to protect him.

 Entering the forbidden land was like walking into a dangerous trap, especially because it was the home of the notorious Tengu. Many exorcists had quietly prepared themselves for a battle where their lives were at stake, wondering if they could keep the envoy safe and how many of their comrades would be lost.

 "Haha. But before that, let's send out scouts to check the area... Which way should we go?"

 The Military Commander spoke in a casual and cheerful tone, but the decision carried a lot of weight.

 On the table, he puts a map and started explaining about the forbidden territory. In the past, there were paths to the forbidden territory made through trade and expeditions. But now, they look like animal trails because they are not maintained well. Even so, they check the shallower parts of the forbidden territory every few years. The Middle Counselor wants to make sure the roads are safe before the envoy goes through.

 "I'll let you handle that. I don't know much about the current state of the forbidden territory. Since I don't know which way the large group can take, I want you to decide on the spot."

 "Okay, Middle Counselor-sama..."

 The Middle Counselor's response to the supervisors' determined questions was calm and casual, which disappointed him. Still, it was better than expected.

 "As expected, I must be tired after such a long journey."

 "Indeed, the middle area was made up of small, underdeveloped towns that didn't have good hospitality."