Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Majora's War - What-if's and What-is

-Kanyou, Royal Palace-

-Zelda-

Zelda sat in discussion with Shi Ketsu. He had approached her shortly after her talk with Matsubi.

Shi Ketsu had, over the years, worked up honor and respect again since the rebellion of his father, Chancellor Ketsu. It was thanks to his work that Zelda and her own faction had reorganized enough to resist Ryu. He wasn't as smart or filled with experience as Ryu either, but he had a good mind from growing up in court.

"The giving up of a fortress to the Mitagi troubles me," Shi said.

"You refer to Kankou?" Zelda asked.

Shi nodded. "The same."

"What is it that troubles you about it?" Zelda inquired further.

Shi thought a moment and considered his words. "It is not so much the Mitagi themselves, but their lord, Ousen Mitagi. Among our generals he is... different. The Duke, the Dragon Knight, Moubu, even the old man, they all set their sights and ambitions on war. They have land they lord over, but they have a clear desire to perfect their craft of war and to seek the stability of Qin."

"Moubu is a rival, though." Zelda argued.

"Yes," Shi Ketsu nodded. "But only because Ryo seeks the throne and Moubu is a tool of his. Moubu himself seeks nothing more than to be the strongest in Qin. He has said so multiple times, and to that effect has challenged others he considers strong."

"I see."

"And how is Ousen Mitagi different in your eyes?"

"It is not any one thing..." Shi said, hesitating on pressed for an answer. "It is a feeling I get from him when I look at him and his choices and relationships."

Zelda looked at him more curiously. She knew nothing of Ousen's relationships. "What do you mean? His relationships in court?"

"No but, even in court he is closed off. His marriage was of political purposes and when he no longer had a use for her he exiled her. Rumor is his relationship with his son is also volatile. Then you have his city, which is as grand as Kanyou with a castle that is... well..."

"I've seen it." Zelda inserted herself. "He built his castle to outperform mine."

Shi nodded. "It is not healthy for lower lords to be seen as trying to outperform their higher lords. And then you have his reputation and performance in war... Ousen has never lost, and numerically suffers the fewest losses, but also fights the fewest battles and is noted to, at times, retreat completely on a whim without ever fighting. He is just as likely to give up territory and cities than hold them and protect them."

Zelda frowned. It seemed Shi heard much in the way of rumors. She knew some things of Ousen and his reputation, but already Shi was saying more than she knew to start with. "Are you sure this is not merely a rumor?"

"I wish it was so, high princess, but past maps do show loss of territory he was selected to guard. And for a man who has never lost... How does one lose a fight one never loses unless they never fight to begin with? It seems to me he cares more about his undefeated reputation, of his houses prestige, and his own benefit over anything else. He is clearly intelligent and extremely selective, but selective in so far as if it benefits him. It is good to say he has never lost, and will only fight battles he knows he will win, but in the same breath the reverse is true: He will only fight battles he knows he will win. He will not prioritize the security of land and safety of our people over his own success. He will not take risks, he will not try."