| Narrative: |
It has been one month since Shuurei entered the Imperial Residence. Ryuuki, as he had promised Shuurei, has been attending court every morning without fail. In addition to this, he has made attending Kouyuu's lessons together with Shuurei in the afternoons part of his regular schedule. |
| Kouyuu: |
All right, we'll leave things at that for today. |
| Ryuuki: |
Okay. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you very much. Hey. What was the issue at court today? |
| Ryuuki: |
This morning was about insufficient tax revenues. |
| Shuurei: |
By insufficient tax revenues...? |
| Kouyuu: |
It's only been eight years since the fight over the throne. The country still isn't stable, so we can't hope for too much tax revenue. |
| Ryuuki: |
But the country can't be run without money. So the idea that came up was to stiffen the levy- |
| Shuurei: |
You can't do that! How can you exploit the people further still?! You need to think about how to increase the nation's wealth. That way, even with the same taxation rate, tax revenues will still increase, right? |
| Kouyuu: |
Certainly. If you can turn the economy upwards, tax revenues will also increase. It's great that you can think of things 10 to 20 years down the road. It'd be nice if you could take the National exam. |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. |
| Title: |
The capable falcon hides its talons*
Saying - A person with talent doesn't need to show off
|
| Ryuuki: |
Big brother. Why? Don't go. Big brother!
S-seiran. |
| Seiran: |
I beg your pardon for entering without your permission. You were calling out in your sleep. |
| Ryuuki: |
I see. |
| Seiran: |
You were reaching out and so I just... |
| Ryuuki: |
How about sleeping together tonight, Seiran? |
| Seiran: |
No. Everyone has their own personal preferences... |
| Ryuuki: |
I'm kidding. |
| Seiran: |
Did you want something? |
| Ryuuki: |
Aren't you a bit too ideal for a man? |
| Seiran: |
Huh? |
| Seiran: |
Well, I get the feeling that Shuurei relies on you more than me. It's understandable since you've lived together for so long but, as Shuurei's husband, there are times when it annoys me. All right, I've decided that I'll go bury the differences with my wife right away.
There's no need to escort me tonight. |
| Seiran: |
W-wait a moment! You'll catch a cold. The nights are still cold, so you should wear something on top... |
| Ryuuki: |
While I like Shuurei, I also like you, Seiran.
|
| Shuurei: |
Shusui... what did you just say? |
| Shusui: |
It seems like you and his Majesty get along very well, so everyone's been wondering why you spend the evenings separately. |
| Shuurei: |
Yes, but... ow |
| Shusui: |
Kou-kihi-sama! Are you all right? |
| Kourin: |
I'll get the first aid kit right away. |
| Shuurei: |
His Majesty likes men so it's only natural that he doesn't come here right? |
| Shusui: |
Do you really think that? |
| Shuurei: |
But... when I'm with Seiran, His Majesty is always staring at Seiran. No doubt that means... Seiran |
| Shusui: |
Kou-kihi-sama, you're too dense, right? |
| Kourin: |
Yes. Okay. All done. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you. |
| Kourin: |
His Majesty is taking great care about you. That's probably why he's taking his time - letting his love for you grow. |
| Shusui: |
But, it'd be nice to see a baby soon. |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? |
| Kourin: |
We even have plans to come up with complete arrangements. |
| Shuurei: |
A-a-arrangements... for what!? I thank you for the sentiment but... this sort of thing... ah that's right! I think you have to let things take their course! |
| Kourin: |
I see...
How exquisite! You're so good at everything! |
| Shuurei: |
Really...
Seeing as I had to mend clothes everyday, it's only natural I got good at it. |
| Kourin: |
I'm really bad at needlework... |
| Shuurei: |
In that case, how about I teach you? |
| Kourin: |
Really!? |
| Shuurei: |
Hmm? I wonder if there isn't someone you intend to give it to... |
| Shusui: |
To the one who sends you letters so often right? |
| Kourin: |
Yes. |
| Shuurei: |
It seems like they're very important to you. I envy you. |
| Kourin: |
But you have His Majesty right? |
| Shuurei: |
Well yes...
Ah, how about joining us Shusui? |
| Shusui: |
For me, embroidery is a little... |
| Shuurei: |
So you have something that you're not good at too then... |
| Shusui: |
I was more an adopted child so while I learned etiquette, this sort of thing... |
| Shuurei: |
I see. But being able to enter the Imperial Residence, they must care a great deal about you. |
| Shusui: |
Yes. That person is very important to me. |
| Kourin: |
Who is it? |
| Shusui: |
*ahem* It's late today. Learning embroidery can wait until tomorrow. You should go. |
| Kourin: |
Yes. In that case, good-night. |
| Shuurei: |
Good-night. |
| Shusui: |
In that case, I will also retire now. |
| Shuurei: |
Okay. Thank you. |
| Kourin: |
T-this is serious! |
| Shusui: |
What is it? Putting up such a racket! |
| Kourin: |
His Majesty has come! |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? His Majesty?!
|
| Shuurei: |
And what are you doing here at this time of night? |
| Ryuuki: |
I came to bury our differences. |
| Shuurei: |
Huh?
Those... are they perhaps for me? |
| Ryuuki: |
*nods* |
| Shuurei: |
You didn't pick those with your bare hands, did you?! Your hands are all scratched up! Not to mention being so cold. That's what you get wandering around in such light clothing.
Hurry up and come inside. |
| Ryuuki: |
Pink roses. |
| Shuurei: |
Ah, Seiran gave them to me this afternoon. |
| Ryuuki: |
Seiran. |
| Shuurei: |
Now then, let me see your hand. Sheesh. Didn't you think it would hurt picking them with your bare hands?! |
| Ryuuki: |
Not really. |
| Shuurei: |
His hand... It's calloused and thick-skinned.
Have you been learning swordsmanship? |
| Ryuuki: |
... A little as it's expected of the royal family. |
| Shuurei: |
Hmm... it's like Seiran's hands. |
| Ryuuki: |
Shuurei |
| Shuurei: |
? |
| Ryuuki: |
From now on, I want you to call me by name. |
| Shuurei: |
Huh? |
| Ryuuki: |
I said I want you to call me by my name. |
| Shuurei: |
What's with you, all of a sudden? |
| Ryuuki: |
I feel like it's not fair that I'm the only one not to be called by name. |
| Shuurei: |
You call it unfair but...
--You mean Ryuuki?
*sighs* All right. But only when we're alone. |
| Ryuuki: |
! |
| Shuurei: |
Ah, I'm sorry! |
| Ryuuki: |
Why do roses have thorns? |
| Shuurei: |
It's because the Rose Princess fell in love with a human right? |
| Ryuuki: |
What's that supposed to mean? |
| Shuurei: |
You don't know? It's a fairy tale. |
| Ryuuki: |
No. No one ever told it to me. |
| Shuurei: |
Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful princess called the Rose Princess. She had the unusual gift of being able to heal any injury or illness so everyone asked for her hand in marriage.
Such a hopeless person.
Now then, where shall I sleep? Since he likes men, there shouldn't be any problem with misunderstandings... right? Well, just in case...
*yawns* Good-night.
|
| Kourin: |
Kou-kihi-sama. It's morn--!! !! I beg your pardon! |
| Shuurei: |
Hmm? !! Y-Your Majesty! Wake up! Let go of me! |
| Ryuuki: |
You said you'd call me by name |
| Shuurei: |
No! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up already!!
|
| Woman: |
I heard that his Majesty has finally shared the same bed with Kou-kihi-sama. |
| Woman 2: |
My, really? |
| Woman: |
Yes. There's someone who says she saw it clearly. |
| Woman: |
In any case... |
| Women: |
This is wonderful!
|
| Shuuei: |
Have you heard, Kouyuu? About His Majesty and Shuurei-dono |
| Kouyuu: |
I'm not interested. |
| Shuuei: |
My, you're in a bad mood. |
| Kouyuu: |
You were aware of His Majesty's "stupid lord" act right from the beginning weren't you. Why didn't you say anything? |
| Shuuei: |
You realised it without me telling you, now didn't you? |
| Kouyuu: |
Yeah. There's no way anyone can gain that much knowledge that quickly. As if he could learn in a few months what took me years! |
| Shuuei: |
They say that the capable falcon hides its talons.
But, regardless of how much ability you have, if you don't use it, it's the same as not having any ability at all. Having become the Emperor, he should be using all his abilities in carrying out that responsibility. But if he doesn't do so, that'd make him no different from a spoiled, stupid lord. |
| Kouyuu: |
Your saying that to me means... you think you know why? |
| Shuuei: |
Well yes, but thanks to Shuurei-dono being here, things have gotten a bit more interesting. |
| Kouyuu: |
And how do you think Shuurei-dono will react if she realises that the Emperor has only been acting like a stupid lord? |
| Shuuei: |
No doubt she'd get very angry. |
| Kouyuu: |
Hah. It'll serve him right.
|
| Shuurei: |
And... What do you think you're doing here? |
| Ryuuki: |
I want to hear the rest of yesterday's story about the Rose Princess. |
| Shuurei: |
You intend to sleep here, don't you.
Fine. I might as well get used to this. I can't get rid of that rumour. At this point, there's no difference between one and two nights. |
| Ryuuki: |
What's this? |
| Shuurei: |
Ah. I got it from father. He says his younger brother sent it. It's pure silver. Isn't it beautiful?
? What is it? |
| Ryuuki: |
Nothing. |
| Shuurei: |
Ah, that's right!
For you. |
| Ryuuki: |
This is for me? Did you make it? |
| Shuurei: |
Assuming that the design didn't simply appear, then yes. |
| Ryuuki: |
This is the first time I've ever received anything from anyone. |
| Shuurei: |
I almost never do embroidery so it's a very rare item. |
| Ryuuki: |
Not even Seiran? |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? |
| Ryuuki: |
Seiran doesn't have one then? |
| Shuurei: |
Let's see... I've done plenty of mending for him but no embroidery. |
| Ryuuki: |
I see.
|
| Shuuei: |
A hand-made gift from Shuurei-dono is it? |
| Ryuuki: |
Yes. |
| Shuuei: |
She's very skillful, isn't she?
In that case, how about giving her something in return? |
| Kouyuu: |
Certainly that would make Shuurei-dono very happy. |
| Ryuuki: |
A gift...
|
| Man: |
In any case, he's certainly become much more like an Emperor. |
| Man: |
It seems that taking a wife really changes a man.
Lately, he's taken to giving opinions on his own during court sessions as well. |
| Man: |
Perhaps this is also due to Kou-kihi's influence. |
| Man: |
He's very dignified even with the Governor of Haku Province before him. |
Haku Province
Governor: |
Now then, Your Majesty. Your sake cup.
Kou-kihi-sama as well. |
| Shuurei: |
Yes. |
Haku Province
Governor: |
? Empty already? Some more sake |
| Kourin: |
Yes. Right here. |
Haku Province
Governor: |
There you go. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you very much.
Your Majesty!? |
| Ryuuki: |
Kou-kihi can't drink alcohol. Therefore, I will take drink this glass in her place. |
| Shuu-hoku: |
My, this is wonderful. You honour me.
|
| Shuurei: |
What's with you? Did you get drunk off just that much sake? |
| Ryuuki: |
Ah, it may be. |
| Shuurei: |
For now, we'll go to my room.
|
| Seiran: |
Your Majesty |
| Ryuuki: |
Seiran. |
| Seiran: |
This... it's poison |
| Shuurei: |
Poison? So that time... |
| Ryuuki: |
That's right. You were the one being targeted. |
| Shuurei: |
If you knew, why did you drink it?! You should have thrown that sake away! |
| Seiran: |
Refusing a drink in the midst of a banquet would be a great insult. Even if someone like a consort were to do such a thing, it would cause harmful speculation. |
| Shuurei: |
Still...
Wait. I'll go get a doctor- |
| Ryuuki: |
You mustn't. If you do, it will only make things worse. |
| Shuurei: |
But... |
| Ryuuki: |
It's all right. It's not a serious poison. Most likely killing wasn't the objective. At this level, I'll feel better in the morning after sleeping for the night. You can go, Seiran. |
| Seiran: |
Yes. |
| Shuurei: |
And me? |
| Ryuuki: |
Please stay here with me.
I hate the dark. |
| Shuurei: |
Eh? |
| Ryuuki: |
I hate being alone in the dark. |
| Shuurei: |
Why? |
| Ryuuki: |
In the past, I was often locked up - in the dark. |
| Shuurei: |
By whom? |
| Ryuuki: |
By my mother or my elder brothers. |
| Shuurei: |
What do you mean? |
| Ryuuki: |
I was an unwanted child. Apparently my place in the birth order was bad. Since I'm the youngest son, my father's love had weakened. Mother was always angry. Being utterly ignored... I only remember terror and uncertainty from having been locked in the storehouse for days. My elder brothers didn't think well of me at all. As the youngest prince, I was virtually forgotten anyways. They would hit or kick me, since I was an ideal diversion for them. |
| Shuurei: |
How awful. |
| Ryuuki: |
But for me, if Seien-aniue was there, that was all that mattered. |
| Shuurei: |
Seien? |
| Ryuuki: |
My second eldest brother. He taught me how to read and write, and how to do math.
When the other elder brothers hit me, he'd treat my injuries. |
| Shuurei: |
The second... do you mean-- |
| Ryuuki: |
Yeah. The one who was exiled when I was six. I cried constantly. But I met Shouka-dono around that time. |
| Shuurei: |
Father? |
| Ryuuki: |
So if I went to the archives, I was no longer alone. Even so, I hate nights. I remember all sorts of things when I'm alone in the pitch dark. Bad memories come back to me. I hate being alone.
Shuurei, won't you play your erhu for me? |
| Ryuuki: |
Shuurei's playing is like a pearl. It's so gentle and warm.
|
| Shuurei: |
Aa! Ryuuki! How are you feeling? |
| Ryuuki: |
I'm all right now. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank goodness!
? What's this? |
| Ryuuki: |
Actually, I wanted to give it to you yesterday but-- |
| Shuurei: |
Wha... this... you could probably build two or three storehouses with this! |
| Ryuuki: |
Really? |
| Shuurei: |
Sheesh. In any case, thank you.
Does it suit me? |
| Ryuuki: |
Beautiful. |
| Shuurei: |
What are you saying? |
| Ryuuki: |
And... about things from here on. Would it be okay for me to come listen to you play your erhu? |
| Shuurei: |
You can't sleep by yourself right? I guess it can't be helped.
|
| Official: |
Li Kouyuu-sama, Ran Shuuei-sama. I was sent by His Majesty with these for the two of you.
|
| Shuuei: |
You mean these are from his Majesty to us? |
| Official: |
Yes. |
| Shuuei: |
My my. He got us. I didn't expect this to happen. But would you normally give live flowers?? That's taking things pretty broadly. |
| Official: |
I mentioned that to him but, he said he was in a hurry and told me to just pick them. |
| Shuuei: |
In a hurry... I see. I think I can appreciate that.
And what will you do? |
| Kouyuu: |
Tell his Majesty that we've accepted. |
| Official: |
Yes. |
| Kouyuu: |
I didn't think you'd accept it so readily. |
| Shuuei: |
Accepting his flower means you pledge yourself to the Emperor. I didn't expect him to send an iris, so I figured maybe it would be all right. |
| Kouyuu: |
The iris - it carries the meaning that he puts his trust in us. |
| Shuuei: |
Not to mention the flower colour is that of the Imperial family - purple. Putting two meanings into the flower... that's pretty good, isn't it.
|
| Kouyuu: |
Yeah.
|
| Shuurei: |
Come to think of it, how did he know that that sake had poison in it before drinking it? Could it be that he's that perceptive? No, that's not all there is to it. When we're taking lessons with Kouyuu-sama, he never gets stuck when answering whatever the question, and when speaking during court, he's supposedly giving well thought out ideas.
Why didn't I realise things earlier? Ryuuki isn't a stupid lord, he's only been acting like a stupid lord. But why?
I get it! He was having fun watching me working so hard at things!
Wake up Ryuuki! |
| Ryuuki: |
Wha- What're you doing? |
| Shuurei: |
*This* is what I'm doing! |
| Ryuuki: |
Aaaa!
|
| Next Episode: |
Ryuuki... Why you Ryuuki... You've been fooling me haven't you? As of this moment, I will be returning to my home. Eh? You're asking if I don't want the five hundred gold pieces? Of course I want it! |
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