God of Knight

Chapter 6 - A Disciple’s Farewell

“If the Five Demons discovered that in him, I can understand why they might have fought over him,” Kenzou said. He had no way to know what had truly caused the battle.

“So what should I do with this child now?” asked Enjou. Although he didn’t understand, it seemed this was crucial for Kazan’s safety.

“Has anyone else—like a knight—touched or examined this child before?” asked Kenzou.

Enjou tried to recall who had ever touched Kazan directly.

“Besides me, only Doctor Jinbei has examined him,” Enjou replied.

“Thank goodness for that! So that’s how it is, Mr. Haruki.”

“With the right teacher, he could become a great knight. But if any of the orders learns about his blood—even our own Free Order—he’ll draw dangerous attention.”

“A boy like him, without a sect’s protection, would be fought over. Someone who failed to recruit him might kill him rather than let a rival have him.”

“It’s not just the Young Master who’s in danger—your family could be in danger too!” Kenzou concluded his explanation.

“So, what should I do? Should I hide Kazan?”

“Mr. Haruki, he needs a sect that can teach and protect him. At the very least, choose one you trust, with enough power to keep the Young Master safe,” Kenzou said.

“In that case, why don’t you be the one to teach and protect him? What do you say?”

“Mr. Haruki, I can protect the Young Master, but I don’t think I’m qualified to be his teacher! It would be better to find someone stronger than me, perhaps a teacher from the Eagle Eye Sect or one of the other major sects,” Kenzou said.

“Kenzou Sensei, you’re the only knight I trust. Please don’t refuse my request!” Enjou pleaded.

“If you insist, fine—I’ll take him on as my disciple, and I’ll bring him to my Golden Lion Sect. Later, Sect Leader Masaki Raikou can help train the Young Master as well!” said Kenzou.

“But Kenzou Sensei, when Kazane gives birth, can Kazan come home to meet his little brother or sister?” Enjou asked.

“Of course, Mr. Haruki. I’ll bring him here myself!” said Kenzou.

“In that case, thank you very much!” said Enjou.

At their approaching footsteps, Kazan stepped away from the door where he had been listening and hurried back to his seat.

***

Kenzou stayed for two days. During that time, Enjou told Kazane what the teacher had discovered and why Kazan needed protection.

Kazane refused at first. She held Kazan close whenever Enjou mentioned the sect; she had only just welcomed him home.

Enjou explained the danger again, waiting through her questions rather than pressing her to agree.

At last, she began packing the boy’s things, wiping her eyes whenever she turned away.

“Kazan, take good care of yourself there! Obey whatever your master commands!” said Kazane, her eyes swollen and red from crying all night.

Kazan nodded. Her red eyes made it difficult to look at the road ahead.

He had never known his own mother’s love—not her name, her face, or what had become of her.

“Come now, Kazane. Don’t let him leave seeing you so sad! He may struggle to concentrate on his training if he’s worried about you,” Enjou said.

“I’ll always miss you, my child!” said Kazane.

“Mom, take good care of yourself, too! I promise I’ll train hard so that one day I can protect you, Dad, and the little brother or sister in your belly!” said Kazan.

His promise only made them hold him more tightly. He stayed between them until they loosened their arms.

Kenzou waited beside the horses without interrupting.

“Farewell, my son!” said Enjou, then he looked at Kenzou.

“Please take care of my son,” said Enjou, nodding to Kenzou to take Kazan away.

Kenzou nodded, took Kazan’s right hand, and began walking with him. Kazane still held the boy’s left hand.

“Kazan…! Kazan…!”

Her fingers slipped from his. She sank to her knees as Kenzou led him away.

“Kazane, get up,” Enjou said, trying to comfort her.

She rose, her gaze fixed on Kazan’s distant figure. “He may not have been born from my womb, but I will always consider him my child, just like the baby I’m carrying!”

Then she went inside, leaving Enjou alone out front.

Enjou remained outside. Kenzou’s last warning returned to him: they had found no body for the Demon Mask.

If that knight came for the child, Kenzou had promised to stand between them, even if it cost him his life.

“Kazan, forgive me. I had no choice but to do all this because we love you so much. Train hard!” said Enjou, and then he went inside as well.

***

“Young Master! Are you hungry?” Kenzou asked. Kazan nodded.

“We’ll stop at that shop ahead.” Kenzou urged his horse on, Kazan riding in front of him.

They were still within the city limits of Kasen, so a few buildings were still visible, but this was the outskirts of the city; soon they would leave Kasen behind and enter a small forest.

Kenzou dismounted, helped Kazan down from his white horse, and then tied the horse’s reins in the designated spot.

“Welcome, gentlemen. Please come in!” said a waiter who greeted them with a warm smile.

Kenzou, his two students, and Kazan immediately entered and sat down in the empty seats at a square table.

“Gentlemen, what would you like to order?” asked the server who had welcomed them earlier.

“Rice with mild vegetables and grilled meat for all four of us, please!” Kenzou replied.

“Is there anything else, sir? Perhaps you’d like to order a drink or some sake and a small snack?” the waiter asked again.

Kenzou’s eyes strayed toward the sake jars. Then he glanced at Kazan.

“Just bring us some hot tea and a small snack,” Kenzou said, glancing at his two students, Kanezawa Mitsunari and Daigo Renji, who had also wanted sake.

The waiter immediately left Kenzou to prepare their order.

“This tavern isn’t very crowded!” said Daigo.

“It was packed the last time we stopped here,” Kanezawa said, looking over the empty tables.

“No matter where you go, business isn’t always bustling—sometimes there are few customers!” said Kenzou.

“Your tea and snacks, sir.” A waitress set down a tray. “Please enjoy them while you wait for your meal.”

“Thank you, Miss!” said Kenzou, and then he ate some of the light snacks.

Kazan also ate some snacks in front of him, then took a sip of hot tea.

While they waited for the main course, a fat, potbellied old man entered the tavern with a wine jar in his hand.