| Official: |
Thanks to the Kou clan stopping all their work, half of all work outside the castle walls has come to a halt! |
| Official: |
Even for the Kou clan, there's a difference between what's acceptable and not acceptable. |
| Official: |
For starters, just what's the cause of all this Your Majesty?! |
| Ryuuki: |
I'd think the cause is quite apparent. As you all know, Senior Secretary Kou of the Department of Civil Affairs was confined. |
| Official: |
That's because he's under suspicion of using his influence inappropriately to have Shinshi Kou Shuurei pass the National... |
| Ryuuki: |
On par with the Ran clan and one of the most noble of noble families, if you unjustly arrest the head of the Kou clan without any evidence, naturally Senior Secretary Kou himself would be very angry - as would the entire Kou clan given their great pride. |
| Official: |
Senior Secretary Kou is the leader of the Kou clan? |
| Official: |
The leader of one of the seven noble families works for the central administration?! |
| Ryuuki: |
It seems a lot more of the senior officials didn't know about this than expected. |
| Shou: |
Well it was around fourteen or fifteen years ago after all - that he took over the clan. |
| Sai: |
That man was the leader of the Kou clan. |
| Kouyuu: |
How's Shuurei? |
| Shuuei: |
Seiran's with her. Don't worry.
|
| Title: |
Covering One's Head But Not One's Bottom
|
| Seiran: |
My Lady. Before going out, this... Kochou-san told me to bring it from the residence. She needed to go out and apologised that she was unable to see you off. |
| Shuurei: |
Kochou-neesan gave it to me awhile ago.
Hm? |
| Kochou: |
Make-up is a woman's battle armour. When you're heading into battle, make sure to wear it. If you do, you'll never cry. If you cry, your make-up will fall apart. Regardless of how light the make-up, the results would be disgraceful. So regardless of how difficult things are, you absolutely will not cry. |
| Shuurei: |
Even though Kochou had given this to me, I couldn't put on make-up. I'd thought that it wasn't necessary in the male-dominated world of politics. |
| Seiran: |
My Lady. |
| Shuurei: |
I was wrong. It doesn't matter whether I wear make-up or not, it doesn't change who I am. It's impossible for me to become a man in the first place, and I had no intention of becoming one either. Kochou-neesan.
I'll wear make-up. While you told me to come to you if I wanted to cry, I won't cry. |
| Seiran: |
All right. In that case, I'll support you such that you won't need to cry. |
| Shuurei: |
Why is it that you always know what I want you to say so easily? |
| Seiran: |
Now then, we should be going soon.
|
| Ryuuki: |
The suspicion, was that Senior Secretary Kou engaged in inappropriate activities in sponsoring Shinshi Kou to take the National Exams, was it not? Senior Secretary Sai of the Department of Protocol. It seems you were completely against women being permitted to take the National Exams from the start? |
| Sai: |
And were not most people against it? If you're going to say that, would not Official Ro be more suspicious with regards to that? He's been treating Shinshi Kou very poorly. No doubt he has something again Senior Secretary Kou... |
| Ryuuki: |
Official Ro wasn't against woman officials. Not to mention that rather than having a grudge against Senior Secretary Kou, surprisingly, he is someone that Senior Secretary Kou is fond of. That and even though you knew that some of the shinshi were being treated unfairly, you didn't do anything to stop your subordinate? |
| Sai: |
But I've heard that it's something that always happens. |
| Ryuuki: |
Right. It always happens... that Official Ro takes note of those who will become very accomplished future officials.
|
| Reishin: |
You showed absolutely no mercy even against me. You seriously humbled me. |
| Ro: |
I don't think you're the type to be so easily humbled. Rather than that, Senior Secretary Kou, how long are you planning on staying here? |
| Reishin: |
Official Ro, please, have some tea. |
| Ro: |
Please hurry and go to Court. I came because you'd said you would go with me. You're aware of the state of things inside the palace as well as outside its walls. |
| Reishin: |
As if I care. For starters, that young whelp who sits on the throne needs to learn the meaning of hardship more. |
| Ro: |
Of all people, I think he doesn't want to be told that by you most of all. |
| Reishin: |
Have a seat. Afterall, I seldom get the chance to spend time with you in this manner. Have some tea. There's no poison in it.
I seriously contemplated having you killed a number of times after you'd ordered me to work in the stables. |
| Ro: |
No doubt. I sensed murderous intentions a number of times then. |
| Reishin: |
I'm glad I didn't. I learned your true intentions afterwards. To Eigetsu is exceptionally young and has essentially no backing. Shuurei's not only young, but also female. It was obvious from the start that both would be underestimated and that people would aim to crush them. Your strict guidance builds confidence in oneself and resistance to the influence of the Courts. That and by showing just how capable the shinshi are, you make it so that higher-ups won't underestimate them. Menial jobs such as cleaning lavatories or polishing shoes, is one of the best ways to show them the truth of what it is to be an official. The most senior officials are aware of how much work you're assigning them, and from there decide whether they are truly capable or not. |
| Ro: |
You give me too much credit. |
| Reishin: |
Not at all. If you were to say something to either Kijin or myself, we could easily see to it that you were promoted. |
| Ro: |
I'm satisfied with my current situation. The previous Emperor bowed his head to me saying that someone like me was necessary for the Court. And this time again, that son said he would leave everything to me. This year's one that can be counted on in the future.
This year's shinshi knows how to help one another. If from now, they become a support for the Imperial Courts the current Emperor's rule will no doubt be secure. Things were not so happy when he first took the throne. |
| Reishin: |
That someone like you are here is itself a source of happiness. I was truly shocked when I learned that the one secretly bringing sweets or meat buns and tea was you. It seems like that practice hasn't changed at all even now. |
| Ro: |
You were in quite the snit and said, "what is this pathetic sweet bean bun?" |
| Reishin: |
But I ate it.
You always never say anything. From my point of view, your life is one of always getting the short end of the stick. |
| Ro: |
Leave me alone. |
| Reishin: |
His Majesty seems like he intends to reward you for your many years of service. |
| Ro: |
Huh? |
| Reishin: |
You're going to attend Court with me all the time from here on, are you not? |
| Ro: |
I-I'm quite satisfied with my current position.
|
| Reishin: |
If you don't go, then I too will not attend. If that should result in all work outside the castle walls coming to a halt, would that not pain your good-heartedness? |
| Ro: |
A-are you blackmailing me!? |
| Reishin: |
Are you that against it? Certainly you'd be wasted on His Majesty. Ah, that's it! Why don't you come work for my household as a steward, then? That's it; that would be great. |
| Ro: |
I'll attend Court with you. |
| Reishin: |
I see. That's too bad. In that case, as promised, let us be off.
|
| Shuurei: |
Just as Ryuuki said, it doesn't look like they'll let me go easily. |
| Seiran: |
Are you all right? |
| Shuurei: |
They're sorely mistaken to think that this sort of thing will stop me!
|
| Ryuuki: |
Now then, we'll change the subject a little. Senior Secretary Kou. |
| Kijin: |
Since a few years ago, the Department of Protocol wanted an increase in their budget. However, I don't believe that their expenses should be so high. The results of reviewing their budget is, more than useless expenditures, we found that there was an excessively large number of unusual expenses.
Also, every year, the Department of Protocol dispatches couriers free of charge to notify the hometowns of those who passed the National Exams. |
| Sai: |
Is something wrong with that? |
| Kijin: |
Yes. It seems that To Eigetsu sent his entire stipend of 80 silver pieces, but it appears that not even one silver arrived at his home. |
| Official: |
What's the meaning of that? |
| Kijin: |
It appears that similar incidents have been occuring since several years ago.
So this year, after the Department of Protocol sent out its couriers, we had them followed in secret. Now, just who's gates do you think they went through with those monies in their breast pockets? |
| Sai: |
That's a lie! |
| Kijin: |
I haven't mentioned any names as of yet? |
| Sai: |
In that case, I'll have my say as well, Senior Secretary Kou! Just what is that mask you wear? Just how did a man who can't even show his own face rise to the top ranks?! |
| Kijin: |
Hmm... |
| Sai: |
Could it be that some unknown man is wearing that mask and replaced the real Senior Secretary of Finance? If you have nothing to hide, then take of that mask immediately and show your face. |
| Kijin: |
This development is on the same level as some second-rate pulp fiction novel.
Why not? If you're going to say that much, then I'll take it off. |
| Official: |
No! Please don't! I can't afford to betray my wife! |
| Official: |
Please! Don't upset my peaceful existance any further! |
| Ryuuki: |
What's this? Is his face that bad?! |
| Kouyuu: |
Reishin-sama said that his face would cause flying ravens to fall from the sky unconscious. |
| Shuuei: |
While, it carries no persuasiveness for me to say it, but looks don't make the man. |
| Shou: |
If you're going to go so far as say that, how about taking off that mask. However, everyone's to turn around and you're to only show Senior Secretary Sai. |
| Ryuuki: |
Can I look too?! |
| Officials: |
NO! |
| Shou: |
Those who haven't seen Senior Secretary Kou's face aren't to turn and look out of curiosity. If you're lucky you won't be able to any proper work for three years, if you're unlucky, you'll lose your senses. |
| Kijin: |
The old raccoon...
Now then...
|
| Seiran: |
My Lady, we should take care of them soon. |
| Shuurei: |
Not here. We'd cause trouble for everyone else. |
| Ryuushin: |
Shuurei-sensei. |
| Seiran: |
This'll be over shortly. |
| Shuurei: |
Yeah. |
| Thug: |
What was that?! |
| Seiran: |
Let's hurry. |
| Shuurei: |
Yeah. |
| Seiran: |
This way. |
| Ryuushin: |
Shuurei-sensei! |
| Shuurei: |
Ryuushin! |
| Thug: |
What's with these guys? |
| Man: |
What do you think you're doing to our Shuurei-jouchan? |
| Man: |
I'm really sorry about things until now Shuurei-chan. But officials are important people, right? But if you hung around us, we thought you'd be made fun of and end up being shamed because of us. |
| Ryuushin: |
Hurry up and go. You're in a hurry aren't you? |
| Man: |
We'll take care of things here! |
| Seiran: |
Let's go. |
| Shuurei: |
Yeah. |
| Thug: |
You're not going anywhere! |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you, Ryuushin, everyone!
|
| Guard: |
Halt! This isn't the sort of place you are permitted to enter. Go home! |
| Shuurei: |
But I'm an official shinshi! |
| Guard: |
I don't know about that. |
| Shuurei: |
I have to go by noon. Please! Let me pass! |
| Seiran: |
My Lady, let's fight our way past. |
| Guard: |
Eh? Ah, Shinshi Heki. |
| Shuurei: |
Hakumei-kun. |
| Hakumei: |
I figured something like this would happen and came to meet you. For all that you're of a noble family, you're poor, but there are lots of officials who are soft on me. I'll take you. Hurry. |
| Shuurei: |
Thank you. Let's go, Seiran. |
| Seiran: |
Yes!
|
| Shou: |
Now then, Senior Secretary Kou. |
| Kijin: |
Does it meet with your approval, Senior Secretary Sai? |
| Yuuri: |
As expected. As if he'd be able to keep his senses after seeing Houju's utter beauty. For all that it's Senior Secretary Sai, the poor man.
Huh?
|
| Kijin: |
You're the person who tried to entrap Shinshi Kou and Senior Secretary Kou, aren't you?
You embezzled funds, used money to bribe your way into promotions, and tried to pin the blame of your wrongdoings on Official Ro, didn't you?
We have our testimony now. |
| Yuuri: |
Houju, isn't this a little underhanded? |
| Kijin: |
It's all the truth. We have testimony from the idiots involved in the mudball incident as well. What's underhanded? |
| Yuuri: |
Well yes, but it feels rather underhanded. |
| Reishin: |
No. I think this should've been done from the start.
Honestly, I didn't think he was this much of a fool. |
| Sai: |
S-senior Secretary Kou!? |
| Reishin: |
Now then, you did something exceptionally interesting. |
| Sai: |
N-n-n-no, it wasn't my doing... |
| Reishin: |
Even if there were a one in a million chance that were true, I believe it was your doing and the truth of the matter is of little import. |
| Kouyuu: |
That's insane. |
| Reishin: |
It would probably be in your best interest not to go near anywhere with a connection to the Kou clan. Because I've sent out a notice. If you're found, you'll be weighted down and tossed into a nearby river. |
| Shuuei: |
There isn't a single place that doesn't have ties with the Kou clan in this entire country. |
| Reishin: |
Our clan, like myself, is difficult to control when angered and are exceptionally vindictive. We won't forget your name or face even after one hundred years. |
| Ryuuki: |
Scary... |
| Sai: |
I'll never do this sort of thing... |
| Reishin: |
I'm afraid I prefer to drive out those that I despise. A few years ago you made fun of my adopted child calling him an abandoned child. I've had absolutely no intention of forgiving you since then.
Ah, that's right. |
| Ryuuki: |
Is that where he was hiding it?! |
| Kouyuu: |
While there's the saying of hiding one's head but not one's bottom... |
| Shuuei: |
He couldn't even hide his head. |
| Reishin: |
The ring that symbolises the Sa clan's leader... and a fake. |
| Sai: |
That's... |
| Reishin: |
I don't know why you have this sort of thing, but it's pointless to try getting help from the Sa clan with this. Matters have all ready been taken care of. |
| Sai: |
But... |
| Reishin: |
Did you expect me to leave you even a single escape route? |
| Sai: |
It's all the fault of women being allowed to enter! |
| Reishin: |
Huh? |
| Sai: |
It's all the fault of women being allowed in! |
| Kouyuu: |
She's late. |
| Shuuei: |
She'll be here.
|
| Hakumei: |
You surpassed even me when you passed the National Exams. Show those idiot officials who can only make fun of women and children what you're capable of. |
| Shuurei: |
Hakumei-kun.
Again?! |
| Seiran: |
Shinshi Heki. How are you at fighting? |
| Hakumei: |
The Heki clan specialises in the arts and literature. We have no ties with fighting. |
| Seiran: |
He's of no use.
Can I fight and protect both of them? |
| Ensei: |
Hey! |
Shuurei &
Seiran: |
Ensei! |
| Ensei: |
It's been awhile, hasn't it, Hime-san, Seiran? |
| Ryuuki: |
The ones who compiled the papers documenting your misdeeds are Shinshi Kou and Shinshi To. |
| Official: |
These minute details...? |
| Ryuuki: |
Shinshi Kou, having been falsely accused of wrongdoing, stayed up all night to complete this and submit it in the hopes that it would help vindicate her.
It means both of them were quite aware as to who was engaging in inappropriate activities, Senior Secretary Sai. |
| Sai: |
D-don't you think it strange!? Not only were women permitted to take the National Exams so suddenly, but that a little girl of seventeen passes as Tanka!? The National Exams aren't that easy!
The Emperor and his close advisors forced the issue through. Don't you find it odd!? |
| Official: |
Your Majesty, I also think so. Please, tell us the truth. If it's not from her own ability, then we can't accept it. That, above all, is supposed to be the number one reason why the previous emperor introduced the National Exams system. |
| Official: |
That's right! |
| Official: |
Your Majesty! |
| Ryuuki: |
That's right. Personal ability is the principle behind the National Exams. That's why the previous emperor created an exam system where it was impossible even for the Emperor to interfere. Those who have gone through the National Exams should know that better than anyone else, should they not? You're supposed to have first-hand experience in seeing just how strictly impartial the National Exams are and how utterly it won't allow any impropriety. That's right, the National Exams are not easy. |
| Sai: |
Then why does said Shinshi Kou not show herself? Who knows whether it really was Shinshi Kou who wrote these papers or not? It's just about noon. The time the inquiry is to start. Is it because she knew she would end up being shamed and so, ran away instead? Well, even without being forced to become an official, as a lady of the Kou clan, no doubt she has plenty of good marriage prospects. |
| Shuurei: |
I, Kou Shuurei, have arrived. |
| Ryuuki: |
Shinshi Kou, there are those who suspect there was impropriety involved in your passing the National Exams. What will you do? |
| Shuurei: |
It will not do for me to quit being an official for I have yet to accomplished anything. |
| Ryuuki: |
It's just about noon. As of now, we will hold the inquiry here, in this place. If we hold a public, oral examination, there will be no means for impropriety. |
| Shuurei: |
Please, feel free. |
| Ryuuki: |
Very well, let the inquiry begin!
|
| Ryuuki: |
Very well, for your last question, why did you, as a women, want to become an official? |
| Shuurei: |
I'm afraid, if you ask me "why, as a women", I have no answer to that question. I came to do what I myself, can do. I didn't take the National Exams as a man or a woman, but as myself. I want to be an official. I want to protect as much as I can with these hands. That's what I thought. That's why I took the National Exams. |
| Ryuuki: |
Shuurei.
|
| Trailer: |
The special observation of the new officials is almost over. Just where will we be assigned? No, it doesn't matter where. It's just a matter of doing one's best! |
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