Chapter 3:
The Way of the Flash
AN OLD MAN with an odd vibe about him had shown up.
The man—Master Yasushi—sat across from me in the mansion
courtyard, his legs folded under him. He looked serene, seated there on the
grass. His unshaven face and shabby kimono made him seem like a
masterless samurai or something, but the air he gave off was slightly
different. In any case, I supposed this was what a true master of martial arts
looked like.
"Lord Liam." Master said my name, slowly and quietly.
"Y-yes!" I shrank back a little, but he gave me a smile.
"There is no need to be nervous. First, let me explain to you the school
of swordsmanship to which I belong."
Master showed me his sword. I knew that katanas existed in this world,
so I figured if I was going to learn something, it might as well be that. No
deep thought had gone into the decision, but it was looking like I'd chosen
well. If I can learn from someone like this, I was right to pick the katana.
"The school of swordsmanship I use has a secret technique, Lord Liam.
It is not something I can show just anyone, but I'm sure you wish to see my
true ability. In which case, I will reveal this technique, just once. However,
no one outside our school may see it. Only you, Lord Liam."
I hadn't expected him to start with a secret technique. I figured that was
something he'd be more protective of, but he had a kindness to him, and he
seemed very serious about teaching me. Master must be quite an upstanding
person.
However, standing behind me, Amagi was giving Master a rather
distrustful look. "For Liam's safety, I cannot allow that."
"You're being rude, Amagi." I scolded her, but Amagi wouldn't budge.
"Your safety is my first priority."
Master didn't seem at all perturbed. He merely stated, quietly but
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firmly, "Then I will not be able to accept this job."
He was so calm, even in front of a count! This guy was the real deal,
practically oozing confidence in his own strength. I want to learn from him!
"Amagi, I will allow it!"
Unable to oppose my fierce determination, Amagi reluctantly
acquiesced. "If anything should happen, please call for help immediately.
Take this as well."
"What is it?" She'd handed me a device.
"There are many swordsmen who are swindlers. Please use this to
investigate him."
"Investigate?"
"Yes. It detects devices used in fraud. I trust you do not mind?" Amagi
directed her gaze at Master, but he just sat there smiling.
"I don't mind."
"I will watch from a distance, then. Master, please be careful."
Amagi went off, leaving me alone with my master, who stood and
handed me one of a number of logs he'd prepared earlier.
"You're going to cut this?" It was just a regular old log. The fraud
detector didn't show any reaction to it.
"Yes, that's right. We'll start by placing these in areas my sword can't
reach. I'll leave their placement to you, Lord Liam."
I designated locations for these logs, and Master stood them up on the
ground accordingly, until they were all around him in different spots. They
were far enough away that he couldn't reach them even if he drew his katana,
one being over five meters away from him.
Master began to explain his method, his sword still in its scabbard.
"Lord Liam, the secret technique of the Way of the Flash is the height of
martial prowess, and it utilizes magic as well. This is the only technique you
will need. As for the rest, you need only focus on the basics."
I gulped, awed by my master's presence. The swordsmanship of this
world was fantasy swordsmanship. In a world where people could slash their
swords while ignoring the laws of physics, to only have one particular
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technique was a rather extreme style. The Way of the Flash, huh? It must
have been an incredible art.
"You must not reveal this technique to just anyone. However, if you
master it, it will not matter if someone witnesses it. This is the secret
technique—the Flash."
Master took his left thumb and pushed up the guard of his sword, then
let it fall back with a satisfying clink. That was the only motion I saw as he
stood there, posture relaxed.
"What's wrong, Master?" I asked, thinking his silence odd, but then I
heard a log falling behind me and turned toward it.
"No way..." All the logs had been cut and were lying in segments on
the ground. The cuts were clean, all the logs having been sliced in different
places.
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They weren't close enough for his sword to reach, so is it something
swift and fluid like iaido? But when did he draw his sword? I didn't see it.
While I was puzzling over everything, Master took a deep breath.
"This is the signature technique of the Way of the Flash."
I quickly looked down at the device, but nothing happened. "When did
you cut them?"
In response to my surprised question, Master snapped his sword for me
once more. Another log was sliced, the one standing right behind him. The
device didn't react at all, not detecting any signs of fraud, and I stared up at
him in awe.
"You'll understand as you learn the Way of the Flash. Finding the
answer yourself is part of the training. Let me ask, then: do you wish to learn
the Way of the Flash?"
Of course I do! I gave him a big nod. "Yes!"
This fantasy world's amazing! I didn't expect there to be such an
amazing move! If I can master this, I'll grow stronger for sure!
***
This kid's easy to fool, Yasushi thought as he looked down at Liam,
who stood before him with eyes aglitter. He felt a little guilty tricking such a
young child, but he had to make a living somehow. Pretty unfortunate for
him that he has to learn from an amateur.
He was putting on an air of importance for Liam, but the man was by
no means a master of the blade. All air and no substance...that was Yasushi.
Well, nobles are all rotten anyway. I'll make as much money off this
kid as I can.
He eyed the logs he'd "cut." The technique he'd used to make himself
look masterful was simple sleight of hand. All the logs had already been cut,
save for the one he'd given to Liam, which he'd then switched for another.
Don't judge me later, kid. It's your fault for not picking up on such a
simple trick. Yasushi glanced at the device in Liam's hand and gave a quick
sigh of relief. Phew, I was a little nervous there. I'm glad that didn't go off. If
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it had, I would've said it was just 'cause I used magic, but... Is it broken or
something? Oh, whatever.
In fact, the fraud detector Liam was using had one flaw: it would react
to signs of sophisticated deception, but not primitive sleight of hand. In other
words, the device hadn't picked up on Yasushi's trick because it was too
simple.
"Let's get started on the basics, then," Yasushi told Liam.
"Yes, Master!"
As he looked down at this child, who didn't doubt him for a minute,
Yasushi chuckled to himself.
***
It had been three years since Yasushi had begun teaching Liam
swordplay. Liam practiced the basics almost every day, and Yasushi watched
him from afar.
"Kids sure learn quick. I'm jealous. What should I teach him next?"
Yasushi had taught Liam the basics of not only the katana, but short
swords, spears, and a number of other weapons, plus unarmed fighting. He'd
sold it to Liam as "learning the characteristics of other weapons." There was
only so much Yasushi could teach him, however. Mostly, he found free
videos of entry-level martial arts knowhow and passed those on to Liam. He
parroted impressive-sounding quotes from famous people, and the kid found
his own meaning in them. All in all, he was having a pretty easy time of it.
Resting in the shade of a tree, Yasushi looked over at the new
"mansion." The unique building that had stood there previously had been
demolished, and a very simple house had been built in its place. It was such a
modest structure that you never would've guessed it was the dwelling of a
count.
"There're lots of nasty rumors about House Banfield, but he does seem
to be living pretty frugally." Liam's treatment of Yasushi was by no means
bad either. In fact, the count seemed to value the man so much that it was
almost a letdown.
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"I thought nobles were supposed to be slothful and domineering, but
that kid's pretty serious." Liam was different from what Yasushi had
expected. Today, he was once again practicing diligently.
"I don't see the point in a noble training like this. Won't his
subordinates protect him anyway?" Yasushi yawned. But there was no
problem with it. Well, there was one problem.
In a mere three years, Yasushi was already running out of things to
teach Liam. The boy practiced the basics earnestly and learned quickly. To be
honest, he was now stronger than Yasushi. Now if Yasushi were to execute
an unskilled move or make a badly thought-out comment, he was worried the
boy would be able to see through him. This was why he presently just
watched over Liam.
"This isn't hard, but that doll observes us every so often. Why the heck
does he have one of those things, anyway?" Nobles typically wanted nothing
to do with dolls. Even if they happened to own one, they only did so in secret.
That was another reason Yasushi found Liam so odd, though he had a rough
guess as to the kid's reasons.
"Giving peerage and territory to a kid who doesn't know anything...
Nobles sure do some awful shit." Yasushi just assumed that, having been
raised in an insulated environment, Liam wasn't wise to the ways of this
world. "But his domain's developing because of it. How ironic."
Over the past couple of years, Liam's lifeless planet had started to get a
little of its energy back. Former soldiers and other people of his domain
who'd undergone job training were now working to improve the planet's
infrastructure. Dormant facilities had been revitalized, and more tax money
than ever was going back into the territory. Despite this, the family's debts
were as massive as ever, and they were still short on funds.
"Poor kid. He's working so hard without knowing a thing. Almost
brings a tear to my eye." Yasushi felt a touch of sympathy for the boy—but
that was it, really. He didn't intend to tell him he was being swindled, not
when there was still money to be made. There was one thing that was
bothering Yasushi, though.
"I bet that kid hates corruption. He might erase me if he finds out the
truth."
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Liam was a rather serious type among nobles. If he uncovered
corruption, what would he do? This was Yasushi's sole concern at the
moment.
***
Shortly after I started learning martial arts, my new mansion was
completed. I was expecting something a lot simpler, but from my point of
view, it was still fairly impressive.
"Maybe this will be good enough?" It had been meant as a temporary
mansion, but I ended up satisfied with it. It was plenty big, with tall ceilings.
It wasn't unique or eccentric, just a normal mansion that would cause me no
inconvenience to live in.
I was signing documents in my new office when Amagi asked me
about my future plans.
"Master, when would you next like to enter the capsule?"
"Is it that time already?" A person had to use the education capsules in
stages. You couldn't just go into one for decades and complete your whole
education; you had to make use of them in a number of sessions before
reaching adulthood. "When should I?"
"Whenever you'd like. Your next session should take six months."
"I'll go in soon, then. While I'm inside, I'll leave ruling to you."
We continued working quietly until Amagi came upon one document
in particular. Studying the electronic record floating in the air, she suddenly
started checking several others as well.
"What is it?"
"Please look at this document."
It had been cleverly concealed, but there were clear signs that the
figures in one official's report had been doctored. Embezzlement.
"Summon whoever submitted this." My voice was lower than usual.
Amagi bowed. "Very well."
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A few hours after Amagi contacted him, one of the higher-ranking
officials of my domain reported to my mansion.
***
The man wore an expensive-looking suit over his protruding stomach.
He wore rings adorned with gems on every one of his fingers. This man
projected an image of wealth, broadcasting it so loudly as to be obnoxious
and completely tasteless. Not even I could have worn something like that.
He stood before me with a grin on his face that irritated me to no end.
"My lord, I'm sure you cannot yet understand this, but these are simply the
necessary expenses of my work. The numbers on the documents are not
everything."
This went on for some time as he rattled off countless excuses for the
discrepancies in the document. Since I didn't know how valid any of his
claims were, I sought Amagi's opinion. Artificial intelligence was handy at
times like this. Without petty emotions, AIs prioritized simple efficiency.
"There is clear evidence of embezzlement, not to mention other crimes.
The embezzlement alone is nothing but a hindrance to upkeep of the
domain's facilities, of course, but there are also many expenditures which
cannot possibly be called necessary."
I took the electronic document Amagi had prepared for me and looked
it over. It had much to say about the official standing before me. I was almost
impressed that he was able to stand in front of me and smile. In addition to
embezzlement, he'd manipulated human resources, paid bribes...everything
you'd expect from your typical corrupt official. Hell, I had a lot to learn from
this guy, aside from his fashion choices.
One of the items on the list caught my eye. It said he'd erased one of
his subordinates. He'd pinned his embezzlement on this man and executed
him and his entire family. When I saw that, I decided what to do with this
official.
The sight of him standing there, scarlet-faced, as he attempted to
lecture me was almost comical. "You mustn't trust what dolls say, my lord.
They're the ones who almost destroyed human civilization. They're
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humanity's enemy! You're being deceived, my lord. True, I may have bent
the rules here and there, but everyone does it. It's necessary to grease the
wheels of a job like this, and dolls can't understand that!"
I ignored the official's lecture. I couldn't care less what he had to say.
He'd reawakened memories that were practically boiling me from the inside.
These memories alone were enough to piss me off.
"Did you enjoy killing your subordinate? What did it feel like, pinning
your crimes on him?"
"H-huh?"
"I'm asking, do you enjoy living your life after blaming your crimes on
an innocent man?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about."
When I saw the sweat breaking out on the official's face, I recalled my
former boss, the one who'd pinned his embezzlement on me. I saw his face
superimposed on the official in front of me. It irritated me to no end.
The man's eyes darted about as I glared silently at him. "I-I suppose
something like that may have happened..."
I placed my hand on the handle of the sword I'd taken to carrying
around with me. Seeing that, Amagi stepped forward to stop me.
"You mustn't, Master!"
I drew my sword, and the official dropped all pretenses, finally telling
me how he really felt.
"Wh-who do you think keeps you alive, boy? You only live like this
because we support—"
He was still yelling when I leapt at him and brought my sword down,
cutting him in half. It only took a moment. After I'd bisected him, the official
still wore a look of bewilderment, as if he couldn't understand what had
happened.
I was young, but I'd undergone physical strengthening and trained for
three years. Killing a person was a simple task for me. The fruits of my
efforts were clearly apparent. Blood sprayed from the halved official, dirtying
my reception room, which just agitated me further. I felt that I shouldn't have
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called him here.
"Shut your disgusting mouth."
Amagi approached me and sprayed me with a cleansing foam. The
foam quickly dissipated, taking the blood on my clothes and skin along with
it.
"Master, he is already dead," she pointed out.
Hearing that, I regained a little of my cool. My emotions had gone a bit
off the rails there. Even so, as I continued to stare down at the official's
corpse, I felt the anger bubbling up inside me once more. I'd cut him down
because of his striking similarity to my boss in my previous life.
"The only one allowed to use my authority is me! Garbage like this can
die! Amagi, I want a thorough investigation. I'm executing every single one
of these corrupt officials!"
I don't mind valuing the people who serve me well, but I won't allow
anyone to make me their puppet. I'm the only one allowed to oppress my
people!
"Master, please let go." Amagi gently wrapped her hands around mine
as they gripped my sword. I tried to release it, but my fingers wouldn't
budge.
"H-huh?"
"Allow me to help."
She pulled each one of my fingers away from the handle of my sword.
When I finally let go of it, I realized I was sweating profusely. Am I feeling
guilt over killing a person for the first time? If that was true, it was awfully
pathetic for someone who aimed to become an evil lord.
Amagi took my sword from me, cleaned off the blood, and returned it
to its scabbard.
"Regarding your earlier directive: if every corrupt official is disposed
of, the chain of command will collapse."
"Are there that many of them?"
"Yes. Corruption has been rampant for quite some time now. I can act
as a substitute, but I do not think that will be enough for normal functions to
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continue."
I don't want Amagi to have to shoulder all that herself either. "So
what's the solution?"
"I would suggest employing several dolls suitable for their tasks,
though they do not have to be as sophisticated as me. That, or utilizing an
artificial intelligence specialized in management."
Artificial intelligence would be way more useful than these guys, I
thought as I looked down at the official again and listened to Amagi's
proposal. The problem was what society would think of it. It's like Brian told
me—extensive use of artificial intelligence is frowned upon in the Empire.
But that's got nothing to do with me, so why should I worry? After all, I'm
going to be an evil lord. I didn't care what society thought, but I could at
least keep up appearances. I'd just have to use artificial intelligence alongside
humans.
"How many do we need?"
Amagi was quick to answer. "Thirty mass-produced units at minimum.
The mansion still needs to be managed, after all. An additional unit
specialized in governing as well as its auxiliary units should suffice."
Most people in this world think artificial intelligence will betray you,
so it can't be trusted. To that I say, "So what?" Humans will betray you too.
No, humans are less trustworthy. I'll go with Amagi's proposal.
"Handle it."
"Are you sure, Master? It will affect your standing."
"I don't care. I trust you more than these guys." I gestured at the now-
silent official.
"I will make the arrangements."
I narrowed my eyes and said, in a voice so low it surprised even me, "I
don't need anyone who defies me."
***
Inside a bar in House Banfield's domain, there was a great hubbub
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about all the corrupt officials being purged one after another. Every single
one of the bureaucrats who had taken advantage of their positions had been
punished for some crime or other.
"Hey, did you hear the lord cut down one of the corrupt officials
himself?"
"That's a lie. The kid's like ten, right?"
"It's true! I heard it from a friend of mine who works in a government
office!"
"That friend of yours wasn't an official, was he?"
"No, he just cleans the place."
Ever since Liam had taken over, taxes had been going into maintaining
facilities within his domain. The size of the military was being reduced, so
soldiers were coming back down to the planet's surface to train for new jobs.
Rumor had it that their space fleet, which was once thirty thousand ships
strong, had been reduced to a tenth of its size.
While noting to himself that he had been getting more customers than
usual lately, the bartender chatted with one of his regulars, who was reading
an electronic newspaper. There was an article about Liam in it.
"You read this? They're changing compulsory education from three
years to six."
"I did," the bartender replied, handing the regular his drink. "Heard
they're hurrying to build schools too. A customer in the construction business
was laughing about how busy they are."
"Business is booming, eh? It'd be nice if some of that prosperity came
my way." The regular was drinking more expensive alcohol than he usually
ordered. "This new lord we've got is really something, though, huh? And
he's only ten?"
The bartender put a hand on his hip. "It's pretty unbelievable. Five
years ago, I never could've guessed this would happen."
Once he'd finished his drink, the customer stared down at his empty
glass. "Hope the good news keeps up."
The bartender nodded. "Couldn't agree more."
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***
In his new mansion, Brian was training the freshly hired servants. All
the new staff had been selected not just for their looks, but for their skills and
character as well. Liam had dismissed anyone who had nothing to offer
beyond their appearance.
With serious, hardworking young people before him, Brian felt moved.
We finally have staff who will take their jobs seriously.
There were quite a few among that staff who seemed rather frightened,
however. Liam had recently exposed the wrongdoings of a great deal of
corrupt officials, carrying out a massive political purge. All sorts of rumors
about the young lord were whizzing around inside his domain. One of these
claimed he was quick to anger and would cut down his servants if they
displeased him.
Brian attempted to dispel the fears of the new hires. "I'm sure you must
be nervous, but Master Liam is very forgiving of those who take their work
seriously. There is no need to be afraid of him."
A maid timidly raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"Umm, will Master Liam require, er, nightly duties?"
In this world, it was very much common for the master of a mansion to
lay his hands on his workers, common enough that some women sold these
services. The female staff were unsettled by the rumors about Liam. They
were terrified that if they did sell themselves, they'd be killed for even the
smallest mistake.
"Master Liam is still young, so you needn't worry about nightly duties.
You will likely not even be near him very often, since Amagi takes care of
almost all his personal needs."
"He keeps a doll by his side?" someone said.
Brian's eyes narrowed. "I will pretend I did not hear that this time, but
there will not be another."
Amagi was a problem that continued to plague Brian. Liam's standing
would fall just by keeping her at his side. She was capable, but noble society
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would never look favorably upon her. After having worked with her for
several years, however, Brian could see that Liam trusted her thoroughly. He
relied on her almost like a child relies on their mother. Though he was young,
Liam was stern and decisive, but even in his apparent maturity, he needed
that mother figure. The thought pulled at Brian's heartstrings.
Master Liam is a wise person. He must understand that he was
abandoned. Master Cliff, Mistress Darcie, why did you not take more care in
raising him?
Brian couldn't bring himself to find fault with the boy. Liam was just
trying to fulfill the obligations he'd been saddled with as lord, and Amagi
was one of the only figures he could depend on.
"Amagi is very dear to Master Liam. I would suggest not taking a
condescending attitude toward her. If Master Liam found out about such a
thing, I would not be able to spare you from his wrath."
Though he was young, Liam was already feared by many within his
domain. But things are definitely getting better. With Master Liam, House
Banfield will be able to regain its former glory.
Liam's popularity was rising among his people for purging those
corrupt officials. He was building up his reputation as a frightening yet
reliable lord. Though he was still young, and his people were still nervous
about what the future would hold, they were starting to acknowledge Liam's
abilities. Brian believed in him, and he once again pledged his loyalty to his
lord in his heart.
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