| Narrative: |
A long time ago,
In an era when the demons of the mountain forests ran amok throughout the country,
At some point in the midst of that chaos,
Beating back the rampaging monsters,
A young man came forward
Seeking peace and order for the people.
He was joined by 8 enlightened ones* who were moved by his spirit.
Bearing the names of colours, they eventually came to be called the eight coloured enlightened ones.
Having mysterious powers, they helped the young man.
The man's name was Sougen
With the wisdom of the eight enlightened ones, he brought a new dawn to the people's world.
He was the first emperor of Saiunkoku (Country of Coloured Clouds).
* people who have reached enlightenment. They are said to be unaging and immortal, usually living secluded in the mountains.
|
| Shuurei: |
After the death of Sougen, the eight coloured enlightened ones disappeared but it's said that they still live among the people.
So it may be that even now, they are here living among us. |
| Name: |
Kou (Crimson) Shuurei
|
| Title: |
There's always a catch to a good deal
|
| Touka: |
Hey, hey! Shuurei-sensei. |
| Shuurei: |
What is it, Touka? |
| Touka: |
I heard that the shrine the enlightened ones lived in is still standing at the palace. Is it true? |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. It's now called the Ministry of the Enlightened Ones Cave and is still standing in one corner of the palace grounds... or so Seiran tells me. |
| Touka: |
You haven't seen it then, Sensei? |
| Shuurei: |
I can't enter the palace. Because women can't become government officials. |
| Ryuushin: |
In that case, I'll become an official and marry you! That way, I can take you to the castle, right? |
| Shuurei: |
You'd have to study a lot more for that, Ryuushin. |
| Ryuushin: |
Eh? |
| Touka: |
You're more suited to becoming an military officer, Ryuushin. |
| Shuurei: |
Seiran! |
| Name: |
Shi Seiran |
| Seiran: |
My lady. It's almost time. |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. That's right, I have work again today. Let's go Seiran!
|
| Sou: |
The daughter of the Kou family? |
| Shou Taishi: |
Correct. Her father, Kou Shouka is in charge of the archives*.
*fuko - government warehouses that store valuables and treasures. Shouka's building holds written works |
| Sa: |
The Kou family is one of the most distinguished of the top families. There's no problem with her status but... |
| Sou: |
However, an archivist's salary isn't likely to be much. |
| Shou: |
Indeed. Apparently, their living conditions are quite harsh, and the daughter works here and there. |
| Sa: |
And you think this daughter will be useful in taking care of this major problem, Shou? |
| Shou: |
Indeed |
| Sou: |
It's been almost six months since his Majesty has ascended the throne. I thought things would've turned out better than they have... |
| Shou: |
At this rate, it's only a matter of time before someone goes after the emperor. |
| Sou: |
That's true. |
| Shou: |
In any case, leave it to me. Afterall, it's commonly said that the wife is a man's greatest enemy...
|
| Ryuushin: |
Seiran! |
| Seiran: |
What is it, Ryuushin? |
| Ryuushin: |
Shouka-san's... |
| Shuurei: |
What's with suddenly calling me back to the residence? |
| Seiran: |
Something about an important guest paying a visit. |
| Shuurei: |
And who is that? |
| Seiran: |
Who knows, but the master said to return right away so... |
| Shuurei: |
Uuuu... and it was a rather good job too. But since I only played one song, I didn't get paid! And here I'd thought I'd definitely get to buy rice this month! Instead it's barley again! Barley... That line that runs down barley, the line that distinguishes it from rice. Not doubt it's going to taunt me this month too saying "I'm not rice!" Aaa, I can't believe it! I can't believe it!! |
| Seiran: |
My lady, barley doesn't talk. It's all right. I'll take on more side jobs too. |
| Shuurei: |
I'm sorry Seiran. As a respectable imperial officer assigned to court, you're more than able to support yourself. |
| Seiran: |
You shouldn't worry about that. Rather, I'm just happy to be able to pay back the debt I owe. |
| Shuurei: |
Debt. |
| Seiran: |
Thirteen years ago, even though you didn't know where I came from, you took me into your home. I made up my mind to pay back that debt for the rest of my life. |
| Shuurei: |
Aaa why are we paid so little!? Only our social class is high. I hate being poor! |
| Seiran: |
My lady, people are looking! |
| Shuurei: |
I really hate being poor!!
|
| Shuurei: |
Aa! The wall's collapsing again. And the roof tiles are broken. Repairing this stupidly large mansion takes the most money. When you repair one part another falls apart. I can't stand it! |
| Seiran: |
I'll take care of repairing the wall. And I can get some tiles from the castle to replace the broken ones.
It seems like the guest has already arrived. |
| Shuurei: |
Oh no! I have to prepare the tea! |
| Seiran: |
In that case, I'll inform them that her lady has returned. |
| Shuurei: |
I guess you tried your best to prepare some tea, didn't you father? |
| Seiran: |
My lady, this is serious! |
| Shuurei: |
What is it, Seiran? |
| Seiran: |
The guest. It's Advisor Shou |
| Shuurei: |
?!? Advisor Shou!? Of the three top court advisors?
Why is someone that important here? |
| Seiran: |
He said he'd explain when you came. |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? Why? In any case, we have to be careful not to cause any offense. |
| Shouka: |
Ever since being given charge of the archives, I too have been really enjoying my work... |
| Seiran: |
Shuurei-sama has arrived. |
| Shouka: |
Ah, come in. |
| Shuurei: |
Pardon the intrusion. |
| Shouka: |
Oh, Shuurei. This is Advisor Shou. |
| Shuurei: |
This person is Advisor Shou. The leader of the hundred advisors, his authority is second only to the emperor.
Advisor Shou, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting so long. While we can't offer much, I hope you'll please make yourself comfortable. |
| Shou: |
Please rise, Shuurei-dono. |
| Shuurei: |
Ah, yes. |
| Shou: |
Seiran-dono, you too should come over here. Afterall, this involves both of you.
Ah, but before that, I'm sorry, but could you make some tea? Only drinking water has made me rather cold. |
| Shuurei: |
The bucket?! You didn't bring water direct from the well, did you?! Father! |
| Shouka: |
*nods* Our well water is really quite good, isn't it. |
| Shou: |
*agrees* |
| Shuurei: |
How can you be so proud of something like that?! I'm so sorry! I'll prepare some tea right away!
|
| Shou: |
Huh. So you made this sweet bean cake yourself then, Shuurei-dono? |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. |
| Shouka: |
Shuurei's sweet bean cakes are really very tasty. |
| Shou: |
Well then.
Huh. It really is! |
| Shuurei: |
I add ground sesame to the red bean paste. It's not too sweet so you can eat a number of them. |
| Shou: |
It's a wonderful dish. Shouka-dono, you must be very happy having such a good daughter. |
| Shouka: |
Yes. |
| Seiran: |
And? You wanted to talk to us about... |
| Shou: |
Ah that's right. Shuurei-dono, Seiran-dono, there's something I'd like to ask of you. If you agree to it, as thanks, I intend to pay this much. |
| Shuurei: |
H-How much exactly is that? Fifty bronze pieces? Five hundred? |
| Shou: |
*smiles* |
| Shuurei: |
?! It could be this is a really yummy deal.
You don't mean 5 silver pieces...
50 silver pieces... perhaps. |
| Shou: |
Gold! Five hundred pieces! |
| Shuurei: |
Five hundred... gold pieces...
I'll do it! Whatever it is, just leave it to me!!
|
| Shuurei: |
This is the palace? Wow. I wonder how many times larger than our place it is. And I'm supposed to live in such a grand place as this from now on? What should I do, Seiran?? |
| Seiran: |
It can't be helped. |
| Seiran: |
M- my lady, is that all right?? Without asking the details? |
| Shuurei: |
What are you saying, Seiran? Five hundred gold pieces! With that much, we'll be able to eat white rice every day. And even if we repaired all the walls and tiles, we'd still have change leftover. |
| Shou: |
In that case, Seiran-dono will be specially assigned to the Uringun Emperor's personal guard and will be attached to the Emperor. Shuurei-dono, for you, we want you to enter the Imperial household and become the Emperor's consort. |
| Shuurei: |
Me... the Emperor's...CONSORT?!? |
| Shuurei: |
Aaaaahh! Just what did I agree to?! |
| Seiran: |
It was a direct response. |
| Shuurei: |
Aa what should I do?! Seiran do something! |
| Shou: |
We've been waiting for you Kou-Kihi*
*Kihi = term of address akin to "my consort" (compared to "my lady" etc.) |
| Shuurei: |
Kihi?! Ah that's right. |
| Shou: |
From now on, this person will be your lady-in-waiting and will take care of anything you may need. |
| Shusui: |
I am called Shusui. |
| Shuurei: |
Act accordingly for an imperial consort
I am Kou Shuurei. I'm pleased to meet you, Shusui.
(How's that, Seiran? Like this?)
Alright. Here we go!
|
| Shuurei: |
From here on, this is my room...
Now then. For starters, let's review about the Emperor. Saiunkoku's current Emperor - Shi Ryuuki.
First, about his family. He was the youngest of six sons but, four of his five elder brothers killed one another in the major strife for the throne eight years ago. Since the remaining son had been exiled a long time ago, he unexpectedly ended up rising to the throne.
In other words, an unexpected windfall.
And government administration... He doesn't attend court, and leaves everything to his retainers.
He's the Emperor yet he has no interest in let alone any wish to be involved in governing.
And his private life. Currently he has no consorts, except for me. Rumour has it that, apparently, more than women, he likes men.
??!? What's that supposed to mean!?
*sighs* Well, yeah you can't not work for half a year and expect things to keep going as usual.
If I'm not careful, this country's going to fall apart.
I can understand why Advisor Shou was so desperate. |
| Shou: |
Please! Please. Make his majesty a proper Emperor... within half a year! |
| Shuurei: |
No wonder he would pay five hundred gold pieces. I learned my lesson. There's always a catch to a good deal. |
| Kourin: |
Pardon the intrusion. |
| Shuurei: |
Yes! |
| Kourin: |
I brought you some flower tea Kou-kihi-sama. |
| Shuurei: |
Umm... The lady-in-waiting's daughter. I believe it was Kourin.
Thank you Kourin.
She looks like she's maybe around 13. She's so cute and innocent. |
| Kourin: |
Aah! |
| Shuurei: |
Oh! |
| Kourin: |
I'm so sorry! |
| Shuurei: |
Are you all right? |
| Kourin: |
What have I done to the lady consort!? |
| Shuurei: |
Kourin, calm down. |
| Shusui: |
What is going on here? |
| Shuurei: |
Shusui. |
| Shusui: |
Kou-kihi-sama. |
| Shuurei: |
I'm all right. Will you please calm Kourin down without scolding? |
| Shusui: |
Understood. Kourin, come. |
| Kourin: |
Yes. |
| Shuurei: |
Kourin, when you've dried your tears, will you bring me some flower tea again? |
| Kourin: |
Yes. |
| Shuurei: |
*sighs*
Such beautiful embroidery. This cup too seems very expensive. If I sold one of these, we'd probably have enough money to eat for one month. I'd even be able to buy lots of sweets for all the kids at the temple. Just because he's the Emperor, thinking that he can just live in luxury without taking care of his responsibilities... I won't forgive that.
Since I accepted this, I'll just have to see it through - the re-training the useless Emperor. Well, it comes with a time limit and fee. And meals are guaranteed. And since he likes men, there's no need to worry about nights. It's not such a bad deal, is it?
Just you wait. I'll beat that warped sense of responsibility out of you!
|
| Shuurei: |
So I said. It's been five days since I came here. Just when am I going to be able to meet the Emperor? |
| Shuuei: |
Ahhh. It's so boring isn't it, Kouyuu. Since I was originally assigned to guarding the Emperor it's all right but, you were forced to move here to be assigned to the Emperor at Advisor Shou's request and yet you still haven't met the Emperor?? Regardless of how capable an official you are, if you're not given the chance, your just dead weight.
Here we are, the greatest of the young civil servants and military officers, we should've been rising through the ranks. |
| Kouyuu: |
Just shut the hell up and get lost, Ran Shuuei! |
| Shuuei: |
My, what a way to speak to your friend. |
| Kouyuu: |
Who're you calling friend?? If you're a bodyguard, then how about dressing like one and sticking to that stupid Emperor!? |
| Shuuei: |
But said Emperor wanders off everyday so I don't know where he is. |
| Kouyuu: |
Sheesh! Is it okay for things to be like this in this country!? |
| Shuuei: |
Well, it seems like Advisor Shou has come up with a plan against this. |
| Kouyuu: |
Plan? |
| Shuuei: |
To get the Emperor a wife. |
| Kouyuu: |
Wife? Does he expect the Emperor to change from something like that!? |
| Shuuei: |
As always, your hatred of women runs very deep. |
| Kouyuu: |
Nothing good comes out of dealing with women. |
| Shuuei: |
It's such a shame that you don't know the pleasures of spending the night with a woman. You're missing out on half your life. |
| Kouyuu: |
More than that, just who is this wife of the Emperor. |
| Shuuei: |
Ah, speak of the devil... |
| Shuurei: |
Wow! |
| Shuuei: |
Do you like reading? |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. Umm...? |
| Shuuei: |
I beg your pardon. I'm the shogun of the Sauringun (left wing of the forest guard) Ran Shuuei. This is... |
| Kouyuu: |
I'm Li Kouyuu. I'm the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Civil Affairs in charge of personnel. |
| Shuurei: |
I'm Kou Shuurei. |
| Kouyuu: |
Kou? |
| Shuurei: |
I wonder if it would be okay for me to borrow the books from here.
I need to study really hard from here on. |
| Shuuei: |
What for? |
| Shuurei: |
For this country.
Ah, if you'd like, I made these sweet bean buns.
Well, I'm going to borrow this book, okay? |
| Kouyuu: |
So that's... |
| Shuuei: |
The stupid lord's bride.
She's also the daughter of Shouka-sama, who you admire so much. |
| Kouyuu: |
Shouka-sama's daughter huh?
I wonder if he'll change; the Emperor. |
| Shuuei: |
Who knows. Although it seems things are going to get interesting from here on.
|
| Shuurei: |
Wow! It's beautiful!
I-I can't reach. |
| Ryuuki: |
Did you want this? |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? |
| Ryuuki: |
That was quite the gust of wind. |
| Shuurei: |
Aa! You broke it?! |
| Ryuuki: |
I didn't mean to break it but, the wind surprised me...
Do you want it? |
| Shuurei: |
*laughs* I just wanted some petals to float in my tea. Did you want to have some sweet bean buns with me?
Here you go.
The cherry blossoms were so beautiful I thought I'd have tea outside while I read my book. |
| Ryuuki: |
??
Are you perhaps Shouka's daughter? |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? How did you know? |
| Ryuuki: |
It tastes exactly like the homemade sweet bean buns Shouka often brings with him. They're my favourite sweet bean buns. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you.
I wonder if he's Father's acquaintance?
I'm Kou Shuurei. What's your name? |
| Ryuuki: |
N-name? |
| Shuurei: |
I can't call you without knowing your name right? |
| Ryuuki: |
R-ran... We are... um... my name is Ran Shuuei. |
| Shuurei: |
Ran Shuuei...? |
| Ryuuki: |
Rather than that, what's Shouka's daughter doing here? |
| Shuurei: |
M-me? Um, I had an errand at the Imperial Residence, but it's proving rather difficult to meet with the Emperor... What should I do to meet him, Ran Shuuei-san? |
| Ryuuki: |
You want to meet the Emperor? |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. |
| Ryuuki: |
What're you going to do if you meet him?
Meet him and then what? |
| Shuurei: |
I should be getting back. |
| Ryuuki: |
Um, I haven't heard your answer.
I know the Emperor. If there's something you want to tell him, I'll pass it on to him. |
| Shuurei: |
I came to help the Emperor.
There are other things I want to tell him but, those are things that would be meaningless if I didn't tell him directly.
Well, I'll see you later, Ran Shuuei-san. |
| Sou: |
So they finally meet. |
| Sa: |
I wonder how things will go from here on. |
| Shou: |
Now then, let us see how Shuurei-dono handles things. |
| Next Episode: |
Five hundred gold pieces you know. Five hundred! It's the sort of thing you'd accept whatever the request. Granted I didn't expect it would be to become the stupid lord's consort but, since I already accepted, I'll take care of it! |
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