Saiunkoku Monogatari:Volume 1 Chapter3

Chapter 3: The truth in the darkness

In the midst of pitch darkness, cherry blossom petals continued to fall without end.

A figure approached. When he realized I was there, he smiled.

Like a small ripple, a warm feeling spread through my heart. Such happiness…

As I tried to get closer, that person went back the way he came.

---……brother…?

I chased after the figure that was distancing itself from me. But regardless of how much I run, the gap continues to widen.

The hand that reached out so desperately was so small, like a maple leaf.

--Why……

I felt like crying. That was the only person there for me.

Don’t go. Don’t go.

Don’t leave me alone.

The cherry blossoms blew away. They became wisterias, they became sweet osmanthus…… they became snowflakes.

The figure blended in with the snow, and vanished.

I kept waiting. Through spring, through summer, through autumn, through winter. Always.

--Don’t go.

I don’t even dare to say those words.

--Don’t go.

Just as I felt I was about to fall to my knees in despair, someone grabbed my hand firmly from behind.

Surprised. ……I turned around slowly.

--Waking with a start, the familiar face of a guard was right beside him.

“……Sei-ran……?”

“Forgive me for presuming to enter without our permission. You were crying out in your sleep……”

The emperor slowly sat up on his bed. After taking the evening meal together with Shuurei and returning to his chambers, he’d apparently fell asleep.

He was covered in cold sweat. When he thought to wipe the sweat from his bow, the emperor finally realized that he was holding Seiran’s hand.

Raising his arm while still holding that hand, Seiran hurriedly explained, "Ahhh...... umm, you reached out your hand and I unthinkingly...... I beg your pardon.

The Emperor still holding onto that hand, shook it up and down a couple of times.

"......Y-your majesty?"

Stopping his hands, the Emperor smiled.

"How about sleeping with me tonight, Seiran."

Seiran froze instantly. With an expression of having drunk pure vinegar on his face, it was obvious that he was trying, with all his might, to find some way out of his difficult situation. The Emperor cocked his head slightly.

"You don't want to."

"No...... Um, everyone has their own preferences. That is...

"I'm kidding," the Emperor said simply to a flustered Seiran, and smiled. "I just decided. I won't sleep with you."

"Whew......"

"It'd be too much of a waste."

"............"

Seiran wisely stayed silent.

The Emperor stared intently at Seiran.

"......as I thought. Seiran, aren't you a bit too masculine? Even though we're of a fairly similar age."

Having such a thing said so solemnly, Seiran was once again at a loss as to how to reply.

"I've been thinking recently, that it seems that Shuurei relies on you more than on me."

"............"

"You're a good man, so I can understand that. Also, you've been living together a long time. But, as Shuurei's husband, there are times when it annoys me."

"............"

"So, I think I'll go and bridge the gap with my wife."

The Emperor was very serious. Seiran trying to discern his intentions hesitantly asked, "And, i-in what way......?"

The Emperor tilted his head and thought silently for a moment when he suddenly came up with a plan, "I know, I'll have her call me by name as well."

And reluctantly letting go of Seiran's hand, he quickly jumped out of bed.

"There's no need to guard my chambers tonight."

The Emperor started walking away wearing only his nightwear, astonishing Seiran.

"W-wait a moment!"

"Hm?"

"You'll catch a cold! For all that it's spring, it still gets cold at night, so you should wear something on top."

The Emperor laughed, "While I like Shuurei, I also like you, Seiran."

Leaving a beautifully shocked frozen Seiran behind, the Emperor ended up leaving his chambers wearing only his nightwear afterall.

The moon shone brightly that night.

The Emperor thought back over the past month as the cool breeze brushed his cheek.

His heart was surprisingly calm. He thought that this was what it meant to be at peace. Even when being scolded by Shuurei too for some reason would make him very happy, his face would relax resulting in Shuurei getting even angrier with him. Wanting to experience that more, he'd lied about a number of things but, he figured it was fine. --because Shuurei's face when angry was very cute.

Having someone be concerned about oneself.

That it would bring such happiness.

The Emperor dropped his gaze to both his palms --The many things he should be able to grasp in his hands. Was Shuurei's smile one of those things. He then realised that if he closed his hand, he could grasp it. But if he continued, as he had up until then, and left his hands open, it would fall through his fingers---.

Up until then, he'd only had the barest of things in his hands.

Shouka, his place in the archives, the time he spent there-- those sorts of things which *to him* were very important, but small things. But he'd thought that it was fine that way. He long since given up wanting very much. --Except for one thing.

For that, he'd taken the throne he hadn't wanted. To him, it was only a temporary position. He wasn't the one who should be there. To protect the empty throne, being an Emperor in name, for when *that person* eventually returned. That's why while having taken the throne, he refused to be Emperor.

But then he met Shuurei.

He thought about if he could have her who had such unusual warmth. However, that was the same as letting go of the wish he'd so fervently hoped for up until then. She was a consort. Unless he were "Emperor" she couldn't be his. A breeze blew past. He looked at his palm-- and after a long moment slowly closed his fist.

Shusui looked up at the moon from inside the room.

"Time passed by so fast. --Has it been a month now?"

Shuurei leaned back against the sofa and sighed.

"How true. I wonder whether my coming here was worth it?"

"Of course."

Shusui squinted her eyes delightfully.

"The emperor seems to have changed in such a short time, slowly showing the prestige of a emperor. Hold the court every morning, then studied in the afternoon with the teachers, didn't Sho-Tai Shi say too, the impression of the emperor to all officals are already changing."

"Haha, you are right. The emperor has been hardworking, heard that he can voice out his opinions in the court now. Also, his majesty often voice out unexpected, sharp views in his lessons. Although he always is rebutted by Kouyuu-sama."

But Kouyuu also will listen to Ryuuki's opinions. Shuei disclosed that Kouyuu willing to listen to Ryuuki's opinions is already rare. If it is some insignificant things, he will settled it before rebutting.

"However, His majesty is still summoning men to his chamber every night......"

Only this point cannot be corrected. But, if Ryuuki changed back to straight will cause problems to Shuurei too.

Ta Ta Footstep sounds can be heard, Shuurei immediately readjust her sitting position. The person is Korin, holding a cup of fragrant tea in her hands.

"Exactly, we are troubled by it too."

Shusui watched Korin walk in, laughing:

"You have been eating with His Majesty, spending so much time together, and so close together, so why do u sleep separately at night? However everyone thinks it is just a matter of time, right? Korin."

Korin became energetic upon hearing, blushing.

"Everyone says that His Majesty treasure Consort Kou, since both are still young, feelings can be cultivated slowly, but the older officals are dying to see the birth of the princes and princesses soon."

(Miss!) Shuurei can only shout in her heart.

"The maids has arranged the schedule, Consort Kou."

Hearing Korin's innocent reply, Shuurei almost dropped the tea cup. Schedule? What schedule!?

Shuurei focused all her attention on her face, trying to maintain her expressions to prevent cramps, managed to squeeze out a smile.

"......This, Korin, I appreciate your help, This, This thing needs the natural flow, and cannot be rushed, so thanks for your care."

Korin showed a expression of disappointment, but immediately show an adorable smile. Such a charming smile makes even Shuurei to want to move forward to hug her.

(......Hai, Hai, if only I was as cute as her......)

After comparing, her mood fell, as such she can't even compete with the beautiful Shusei.

"--Then please rest well, Consort Kou."

Korin retreat humbly, --Next moment, she rushed back. Seeing Korin rush in, Shuurei and Shusei got shocked at the same time. Rarely sees a strictly trained maid rushing.

"Oh no!"

Korin expressed agitated:

"His Majesty is here--!"

"......It's so late already, is there a matter?"

Ryuuki did not reply Shuurei's first question immediately.

Undid her hair, long flowing hair made Shuurei look more appealing, Ryuuki observed from head to bottom then whispered:

"Ern..... I am here to bridge our gap."

"Ah? Gap?"

This man has always do random things, this action is even more confusing. Shuurei stunned, but found Ryuuki holding a stalk of rose in her right hand.

"......Ah, is this for me?"

Ryuuki nod like a kid.

"Really, what gap, if you want to gift flowers can just say it directly.... ah, you won't pick up the flower with your bare hand!? See! Full of injuries on your palm!"

Shuurei stared at Ryuuki's hand holding the rose, cannot help but raise her eyebrows.

"And why are you wearing so thin! Look at you shivering in the cold, nights in summer are still cold, why are you outside without wearing a coat!"

Shuurei dragged Ryuuki in without a word.

Seeing Shuurei's reaction same as Seiran's, Ryuuki smiled. .......Wearing thin is indeed the right choice.

First time entering Shuurei's chamber, Ryuuki looked around curiously. His view stopped at a flower in the vase. Place in the big vase is a......?

".......Pink rose......"

Ryuuki pluck a whitish yellow rose, hearing his soft voice, Shuurei answered:

"Ah, that is delivered by Seiran in the day, he said the rose bloomed."

Ryuuki frowned. ......indeed, Seiran is really a perfect man, always winning in every aspects.

But Shuurei misunderstood the sad expression of Ryuuki.

"Ah, I have not thank you yet. So sorry, I really like these flowers, Thank You."

Shuurei's smile made Ryuuki relieve.

Shuurei placed the rose in the vase in a neat action, and let Ryuuki sit on the corner of the bed.

"Come, show me your right hand!"

Ryuuki obediently open his palm, full of blood and thorns, Shuurei frowned:

"Really, why pluck the flower with bare hand? Don't you feel pain?"

It is painful, Ryuuki thinks. He didn't think so much then.

'Wait!"

Shuurei took her medical box, took out the pliers.

"I help u remove the thorns one by one, will take some time."

Holding Ryuuki's hand, Shuurei's eyes become wide open.

"......I say you......"

"En?"

"......Are you training sword?"

Rough palm, with a lot of hard callus. --Similar to Seiran's.

Ryuuki changed his expression slightly, showing a little hesitation.

"......This is the basic homework for royalty."

"Oh?"

Not knowing anything martial arts, Shuurei immediately accept this answer.

Ryuuki is relieved, and immediately remember his inital objective. --Right, I am here to bridge the gap!

"......Shuurei."

"En?"

"Lets call each other by our name."

"Name?"

"My name."

"Oh."

Focusing precise work, Shuurei answer vaguely, once she understand the meaning of the words she stop her action.

"......What?"

"I say, you can call me directly by name."

"......Why, why so sudden?"

"You don't call me by name seems unfair."

"This and fair or unfair......"

Totally not related! Shuurei thinks, but Ryuuki continues to stare.

"If my name is always not used, won't it be too pitiful."

This speech is not related to the previous lines, but they make sense too.

"So it is decided, will call me by name from now on."

"......Call you...... Ryuuki?"

Shuurei can't help muttering, Ryuuki blink, jumping for joy, such a happy smile made Shuurei surprised.

Ryuuki's expression of happiness beats Shuurei.

"......Alright, but only limited to privately."

His Majesty--Ryuuki nod furiously, feeling happy from achieving her initial objectives, then finally feeling the pain from the palm, the sharp pain is really not comfortable.

"Why does rose has thorns?"

Ryuuki angrily complain, Shuurei pluck the thorn while answering:

"Because the princess of rose fell in love with a man."

Ryuuki blinked.

".......What you mean?"

Seeing his reaction, Shuurei got a shocked instead, she raise her head and stare at Ryuuki seriously.

"......You don't know this story?"

Seeing Ryuuki's blur expression, Shuurei's face turn dull. Everyone knows this story, this is a childhood story everyone heard in their childhood, but there is no one around him to tell him story.

Shuurei feel sympathetic, telling the story while plucking the thorns:

"......Very long ago, there is a very beautiful princess, name Rose Princess, she possess a magical power that can heal all illness and injuries, so there is plenty of suitors......"

Shuurei's voice sounds like a lullaby.

And after successfully bridging the gap, the burden in his heart lighten a lot.

And with the nightmare earlier-- although there is Seiran accompanying him making it better-- causing him to be tired, starts to snore off. This time he can finally......have a good sleep.

After Shuurei finished the story, she has finished the treatment too.

"Ok, job well done."

Shuurei raise her head, saw Ryuuki sleeping like a log, can't help sighing.

"Can't do anything about you."

She moved Ryuuki's big body to the bed, and cover him with the blanket, then Shuurei has a headache. ......Where should I sleep now?

The bed can fit 3 adults, the space is more than sufficient. Seeing him sleep so heavily, impossible to just wake up, and he likes guys, will not cause any problems, so Shuurei came to a decision soon. She just has to wake up before the maids tomorrow.

Just in case, Shuurei also put a pillow in between them as a boundary.

With a pillow in between, with the Emperor and Consort lying at the sides sleeping.

Late at night --- while reading a book in the archives, Shouka raised an eyebrow slightly when he realize he had a visitor.

"--Kouyuu-dono?"

"......I'm sorry to disturb you so late. Would it be all right for me to sleep in the archives tonight?" Seeing the heavy fatigue in his face, Shouka quickly realized the problem. However, the courteous Shouka didn't say anything like 'You got lost again, didn't you'.

"Of course, make yourself comfortable. Although it is small."

"As always, thank you very much."

Despite being silent a long time, Kouyuu was very depressed and rather upset that he'd ended up getting lost in the department of civil affairs where he worked. He didn't think that the cause was because he didn't simply follow along with someone else as he usually did. Perhaps it was possible that a certain ogre of a superior spread some medicine to throw off one's sense of direction. He felt like someone had moved the landmarks as well. Or maybe perhaps......

"......Kouyuu-dono"

At the sound of Shouka's voice, Kouyuu was brought out of his whirling imaginations of victimization.

"Ah, y-yes!?"

"I heard you were summoned by the Senior Secretary of the Department of Civil Affairs but, did something happen?"

Unsure if Shouka noticed his momentary tension, Kouyuu quickly smiled slightly.

"--Yes, about work, a little. ......Ah that's right, there's something I wanted to ask you."

"What is it?"

"It's been about a month since I've been assigned as the Emperor's tutor. During that time, I've wondered about a number of things."

Shouka's expression changed slightly. Kouyuu continued, looking very serious.

"---I'll ask this bluntly. Could it be that the Emperor---"

The next morning, Shuurei woke very slowly.

......For some reason, it's unusually warm. That and something rather heavy is on top of me. It was a strangely comforting weight.

"Unnn......"

While still half in the world of dreams, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

"Kou-kihi-sama, it's morn......"

'It's not Shusui's voice......' as she idly thought that, with the words having been cut off suddenly, for some reason, the sounds of someone rushing out and closing the door could be heard.

"......?"

Shuurei tried to shift her body. But her body didn't budge.

What had been on top of her...... or rather, what had been hanging on to her, wouldn't let her get up. Still half in her dreams, Shuurei forced her eyes open. Looking up slightly, a face was right there. The lowered lashes were very long and together they rankled on Shuurei's nerves.

(......Aaahh-, come to think of it, only his looks are pretty good aren't they--......)

It's completely unlike the strangely childish impression one gets from his manner of speech but....... .......

Shuurei snapped awake at that moment.

(W-w-w-w-w-wait a minute----!!)

Shuurei had been sleeping with Ryuuki holding her. She tried to jump up but his arm was firmly wrapped around her and didn't budge a bit. Given the circumstance, Shuurei's face turned bright red.

"H...hey! Your Majesty! Wake up. Let go of me already. Emperor!!"

"Unnnn......"

Ryuuki sleepily opened his eyes. Finding Shuurei in his arms, he lovingly caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, smiling happily. Then with increasing strength, held her close.

"You said you'd call me by name......"

And he went back to sleep.

Shuurei shrieked.

"Don't sleep! Get up! Wake up. Wake up already----"

The servant who had come to wake Shuurei up today hadn't been Shusui and was the end of her luck.

The rumours had spread in the short time it took for them to eat breakfast.

"The Emperor's has shared his bed with a woman!" that sort of mistaken rumour, however, Shuurei couldn't deny it since she supposedly was his wife.

While she didn't say anything when the servants mentioned it, she complained clearly with her "isn't that nice!". Korin was teary eyed, finished preparing things for the morning meal three times faster than usual, and fled the room as though it would be wrong for her to be there and to leave them to themselves. There wasn't even a servant to wait on them. Shusui alone looked apologetic and stayed in a corner of the room.

Shuurei held her head. She looked at Ryuuki who was calmly eating breakfast resentfully. However, for some reason he was in an extremely good mood.

"......Ahhh sheesh. Why did you go past the pillow-......"

"Your face is red."

"---"

Shuurei threw her tea cup at him. However, Ryuuki caught it without problem. He was used to it now.

"That's dangerous isn't it."

"Unlike you, I'm not immune to that sort of thing! You idiot, you're the worst!!"

Shuurei slumped on the table.

"Ahhh---- Father and Seiran, what're they going to think when they hear this stupid rumour... what'll I do if they believe it-"

Ryuuki frowned annoyed. Shouka aside, "Why do you mention Seiran."

"But, but, but......!! It's the young girl's heart. You won't understand." Shuurei said as though not answering. But somehow, it also seemed to make sense. "............Hey."

"What?"

............Nothing really ended up happening, right?" In truth, Shuurei only had a vague understanding of such things, and therefore couldn't determine on her own if something had or had not in fact happened. Actually, since the Emperor was attracted to men, such things shouldn't happen in the first place but, just in case. Just in case.

However, Ryuuki just looked away. Shuurei paled.

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