The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 114: Ancient Dragons and the Demon King

Maten-Azuchi Castle, Land of Owari

In the vast courtyard of the castle, many warriors, including Nobutake and others, gathered. Among them were two of the Three Warriors, Kiara and Roki.

"How could this happen?"

Nobutake couldn't hide his shock. The warriors around him were in an uproar. Kiara's face was contorted in anger, while Roki quietly closed his eyes.

In the middle of them lay the bodies of three individuals, laid on mats made of woven cattail leaves. More mats were placed on top of each body, obscuring their faces. However, the dark blood seeping through the mats and the faint smell of decay were undeniable. Everyone present knew exactly who these three were.

"This way."

Kondō and Hijikata arrived, guided by Nobutake's attendant. They had heard the news and had been summoned by Nobutake to come to the castle.

"This can't be!"

"N-Nakia... san?"

The two were also unable to hide their shock.

As soon as they entered, one of the warriors roared, pointing at them with a finger.

"You cur! What did you do to Lady Nakia!?"

Several other warriors joined in with loud shouts.

"Bastards! You're the ones who killed Lady Nakia!?"

"Outsider scum! I knew something was suspicious from the start!!"

"Let's just slay them!!"

The enraged warriors reached for their swords. At that moment, Roki of the Three Warriors intervened, stopping them.

"Cease at once!!"

At Roki's voice, full of anger, the warriors froze, unable to make any further moves.

"To attempt to strike guests without Lord Nobutake's permission... and without proof that they're the culprits yet! You imbeciles!!" Kiara shouted at the warriors after him, her expression resembling that of a demon.

"B-but Milady... they're outsiders—"

"That doesn't mean they killed Nakia and her men!!"

At that moment, several more warriors spoke up.

"As Lady Kiara says, in the past three days, these people have lived in our village without causing any trouble."

"Indeed. They've helped with farm work, washing dishes, and even taking care of children. There has been no sign of hostility. In fact, we've benefited from their help many times."

"They're indeed good people."

"I never thought they would be so kind."

"Without a doubt, they are innocent."

"Have any of you ever heard anything bad about them? From your wives, children, or servants... hmm?"

The warriors who were quickly speaking in defense of Kondō and the others caused the hostile atmosphere from the earlier shouting warriors to dissipate. After all, these warriors had already realized that Kondō and his group were not the culprits. Still, because they were outsiders, they had hastily decided to blame them for the crime.

The reason for this was the deep respect and affection everyone had for Nakia who had been cruelly murdered. It was no wonder that the warriors, as well as Kondō and Hijikata, felt sympathy for them. They understood how hard it must have been for them to remain calm. However, as a precaution, the remaining soldiers were under orders not to leave the old house and were being watched by guards.