A soft rustling sound echoed.
A petite and adorable figure appeared behind the sliding paper door. With her hair styled in a cute hime cut, her rosy little face, untouched by makeup, still glowed with a natural blush. Her clear, bright eyes shone, and she wore a small pink kimono, making her look like a delicate doll.
Though still very young, Ayame already showed hints of the future beauty she would become—a classic beauty in the making.
"Come in," Ryou said calmly, not looking at her but instead focusing on the official documents in his hand.
Aside from being genuinely busy due to his wife's recent passing, funeral arrangements, and the backlog of official duties, he was also somewhat avoiding Ayame.
Having unexpectedly gained such an adorable daughter, Ryou had no idea how to face her. Moreover, Ayame, aside from his recently deceased wife, was the person most familiar and closest to him. This also meant she was the one most likely to notice any discrepancies.
Even though the words of a seven-year-old girl might not carry much weight, Ryou, to avoid any complications, chose to keep his distance and minimize contact with Ayame.
Children are sensitive, and with her beloved mother having just passed away and now her father growing distant, the once lively Ayame had become increasingly obedient lately.
"What is it?"
Ryou asked indifferently, not pausing his work.
A trace of sadness flashed in Ayame's eyes, but she still respectfully replied in her soft, sweet voice, "Father, this is the homework I did today."
Ayame handed him a stack of papers filled with writing.
"Not bad," Ryou said, glancing over the papers.
"Yes," Ayame responded, her eyes lighting up with hope as she looked at him.
After a moment of hesitation, Ryou reached out and patted her head.
"Ayame, you did very well."
"Yes, Father!"
Ayame exclaimed joyfully.
Soon, she left the room, understanding it was time to go.
Watching her cheerful departure, he couldn't help but sigh softly.
"Being a father is no easy task."
Though Ryoug had been busy these days, it wasn't due to handling official duties. With his modern perspective and decent intelligence, he managed official matters efficiently and with a unique vision. Under his management, Aragane Station quickly returned to its former peace.
The reason Ryou was busy was mostly due to gathering information and devising a strategy to break through the current situation.
Becoming a railway guerrilla, like in the original story, was not a viable option for completing the task. Instead, he needed to follow the farming strategy, building up strength and momentum like a snowball.
Aragane Station, however, was not the ideal starting point for this strategy. The area was too well-connected and accessible. If he intended to overthrow the Shogunate or even the rigid rule of the Japanese Emperor, Aragane Station would be surrounded by potential enemies from nearby stations.
Finding a defensible location to securely establish his base was essential. After carefully studying the map, he noticed an important detail: this world's Japan didn't have a city like Tokyo.
Further research into this world's Japanese history revealed the key difference. In this world, during Japan's Sengoku period, the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara ended with Ishida Mitsunari's Western Army defeating Tokugawa Ieyasu's Eastern Army. Shortly after, Ishida Mitsunari changed his surname to Amatori and was appointed Amatori Shogun by the Emperor, establishing the Osaka Shogunate for centuries.
As a result, Edo Castle, which would have developed into Tokyo under the Tokugawa Shogunate, remained a modest post town. At best, it thrived somewhat due to its excellent maritime resources, but it was nowhere near the scale of Tokyo.
On the other hand, the former Osaka Castle, now renamed Kongokaku by the Amatori Shogunate, experienced significant growth.
The Emperor's family, which would have relocated to Tokyo, remained in Kyoto, known as the Heian-kyo, due to the Amatori family's desire to keep the Emperor under their control.
Currently, Aragane Station, located near Edo, was too exposed as a potential capital or commercial hub. From a defensive standpoint, the area was like a sieve, vulnerable to attacks from all directions. It was the worst possible starting point for a farming strategy.
After studying the map, Ryou identified a nearby station that perfectly suited his requirements. All he needed now was an opportunity to seize it.
And that opportunity was soon to arrive.
The family of Kenshou Yomogawa's late wife was coming to pay their respects. Among them was his father-in-law, Makino Masamune, who served as an elder in Kongokaku.
From him, Ryou learned that the Okimasa Amatori had decided to mobilize all the samurai and soldiers from every station in Japan, forming a 400,000-strong army. This army, led by his 12-year-old son, Biba Amatori, was tasked with launching a decisive battle against the Kabane, who had landed in Kyushu.
However, knowing the plot, Ryou understood that this was nothing but a trap set by the Shogun for his son. The 400,000 troops would receive no reinforcements and even have their supplies cut off. The cold-hearted Shogun's only aim was to weaken the pro-war faction while placing all the blame on his son.
Facing such a treacherous leader, Biba Amatori was destined for a life filled with tragedy.
At this point, unlike ten years later when nearly all of Japan, except for the fortified stations, would be overrun by Kabane, the Kabane had only just landed in Kyushu.
But human arrogance had resurfaced once again, dividing them into pro-war and pro-defense factions. The pro-war faction advocated for an offensive strategy to eliminate the Kabane in Kyushu, while the pro-defense faction called for strengthening the stations and taking a defensive stance.
Although the pro-war faction was initially dominant, the cowardly Shogun, who naturally favored defense, doomed their efforts.
Sending 400,000 troops to their deaths in Kyushu without any support was a bizarre move by the Shogun, but it presented Ryou with an excellent opportunity.
With the army destined for destruction, Japan would be left defenseless. Even if Ryou were to raise his flag and rebel, the Shogunate would be powerless to stop him.
He was already determined: as soon as news of the defeat in Kyushu arrived, he would immediately attack the station he had in mind. Then, he would continue to expand and eventually seize control of all of Japan!
"Lord Kenshou, two foreign women are requesting to see you outside the castle," a servant's voice came from outside the door.
His trump card was finally here!
Ryou was overjoyed, and his tone involuntarily rose with excitement.
"Bring them in quickly!"
"Yes, Lord Kenshou."
A few minutes later, Jeanne and Ais stood before him.
"You've finally arrived."
Looking at the still-beautiful yet slightly travel-worn faces of Jeanne and Ais, Ryou couldn't help but smile faintly.
The system wasn't reliable. Besides the issue of Kenshou Yomogawa's memories, it also separated him from the two women right after the transfer. If it weren't for the fact that the Kabane were still confined to the Kyushu region, it would have taken them much longer to reunite.
Relying on the bond between a Master and his contracted Servants, along with mental communication, Jeanne and Ais finally managed to reunite with him after traveling 300 kilometers in three days.
"You've worked hard. I've prepared hot water and a meal for you. Go and wash up quickly."
At the mention of hot water, a glimmer of joy flashed in Jeanne and Ais's eyes.
Seeing this, a trace of guilt appeared in his eyes. They had first appeared in the middle of the wilderness and couldn't even take the steam trains unique to this world. They had been forced to endure the elements and travel day and night, and he could imagine the hardship they had gone through.
Luckily, both of them had the bodies of Servants, so other than physical fatigue, they wouldn't fall ill. Otherwise, pushing themselves like this would have made them sick long ago.
Jeanne seemed to notice the guilt in his eyes and comforted him.
"Ryou, don't worry. I'm used to eating and living in military camps and have plenty of experience with long journeys," Jeanne said, placing a hand over her chest with sincerity.
"I'm used to expeditions, Senpai," Ais added in a calm tone.
"Go ahead and wash up. We can talk over dinner."
"Very well, Ryou. We'll see you in a bit."
As they reached the door, Ryou called out to them.
"By the way, I tried learning a few Japanese sweets recently. You can taste them later."
Hearing this, they hesitated briefly before quickening their pace. Even the usually composed Ais couldn't hold back her excitement.
Thirty minutes later, Jeanne and Ais, now dressed in yukatas, entered the room after freshening up.
During this brief respite, Ryou had been refining his earlier plans in his mind.
After a simple wash, the dust of the road had been wiped away, revealing Jeanne and Ais's fair skin, which now had a slight flush from the bath. Jeanne's figure was full and gentle yet resilient, while Ais's tall frame exuded an aloof charm tinged with a touch of innocence.
Wearing yukatas for the first time, their allure was undeniable.
Moreover, after experiencing the pleasures with Freya and Syr, Ryou found his thoughts straying.
However, he had strong self-control and quickly suppressed these inappropriate thoughts.
Before him, a modified table was set, laden with an array of delicacies, as well as the Japanese sweets he had made—dango, daifuku, yokan, and more.
Jeanne and Ais, seeing the table full of food, especially the uniquely shaped and exquisitely made sweets, quickly moved to the table.
After the feast, they had consumed more than half of the food.
Jeanne patted her slightly bulging stomach and noticed Ryou's amused expression, which made her cheeks flush.
As for Ais, her face was also red, her eyes bright, and she was giggling softly, having completely lost her usual cold demeanor.
This was one of his discoveries of her hidden trait. Every time she finished a particularly delicious meal, she would show this side of herself.
After the table was cleared, Ryou began to formally explain his plan.
"Huh? You want me to pretend to be a messenger of God?"
After hearing his plan, Ais had a look of "whatever Senpai says, I'll do" on her face.
Jeanne, however, hesitated. As a devout Catholic, pretending to be one of the four archangels under God was a significant challenge to her beliefs.
But since Catholicism worships a single God, he was confident he could convince Jeanne.
"Jeanne, think about it. I'm asking you to heal people's wounds and purify the bites of the Kabane with the Holy Shroud. Isn't that exactly what Archangel Raphael does? And by invoking his name, you'll be spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church, gathering countless new believers in this apocalyptic world."
Ryou gently placed a hand on Jeanne's shoulder and spoke softly.
"Compared to this, a minor sin of using Raphael's name—surely your Lord would forgive you."
Jeanne pondered for a moment and finally agreed.
"I understand. I will follow your command, Ryou."
He breathed a slight sigh of relief. Reaching an agreement with Jeanne was ideal, as she was not only a partner but also potentially a future wife. He didn't want to force her to do anything.
But Jeanne's role was crucial to this plan.
Thankfully, as a devout believer, spreading the teachings of her faith and increasing God's influence was her top priority.
The rest could be set aside.
And since the Catholic Church believes in a singular God, even the esteemed Archangels are divine servants, not untouchable beings.
With Jeanne's agreement, Ryou felt relieved.
"There's one more thing..."
At this point, Ryou uncharacteristically showed a shy expression.
"What is it, Ryou?"
Jeanne looked curious.
Ryou cleared his throat and lowered his gaze as if he couldn't meet her eyes.
"Well, I was hoping you could... take care of my daughter."
"Sure... Wait, what?!"
Jeanne started to agree, but then she suddenly realized what he had said and gasped in shock.
When she fully understood, her expression darkened ominously, and a shadow seemed to loom behind her.
With a forced smile, she asked, "Ryou-kum, could you please explain yourself?"
As she spoke, the sword at Jeanne's waist was halfway out of its sheath, as if it would be swung at him any second.
Ais, on the other hand, just looked at him with a confused expression.
Ryou quickly broke into a cold sweat and explained everything.
Ten minutes later, after his repeated explanations, Jeanne finally believed that Ayame was a daughter assigned to him by the system and not some illegitimate child.
"Poor child... I understand, Ryou. I'll take care of Ayame."
Jeanne placed her hand on her chest, her face lighting up with determination.
With her mother deceased and her father effectively replaced by Ryou, the seven-year-old Ayame was essentially an orphan.
Understanding the situation, Jeanne's sympathy was fully awakened, and her maternal instincts were triggered.
"I'll leave her in your care then."
Ryou sighed in relief, as he had no experience in caring for children.
"My lord! Shinjirou Konochi requests an audience!"
At that moment, a loud voice came from outside the paper door.