The breeze entered through the window.
Ryuuki, who had been writing in his bedchamber, stopped at the sound of the dry leaves. During late autumn nights like these, if he listened carefully he felt he could almost hear the sound of Ouki`s koto on the wind. On such night, he was tempted to wander around the palace. He put down his writing brush and placed the paper into a box. However, at that time the physician came for his usual visit, upset as always with the scene before him.
The hand examining Ryuuki`s abdomen finally pulled away.
“How is it, Eigetsu?”
The one asking Tou Eigetsu was not Ryuuki, but rather the man how could almost be called the Emperor`s shadow, Kouyuu.
Eigetsu, who at thirteen had ranked as Jougen, had been working in the provincial government aspiring to be like his mentor, Kai Yu. But this autumn he had been moved to a position in the central government.
Prime Minister Li Kouyuu had personally visited him for the request. It was speculated by some that he may be named as a candidate to succeed the prime minister, but, unbeknownst to them, Kouyuu had dragged Eigetsu to the Emperor`s bedchamber the night he arrived in Kiyou.
Kouyuu listened carefully tonight as always to Eigetsu`s diagnosis and instructions. Meanwhile, Ryuuki fixed his kimono, looking like he had nothing to do with the situation.
When Kouyuu handed Ryuuki his medicine, he would quietly drink it. However, when it wasn`t given by Kouyuu`s hand, such as when Eigetsu or his wife prepared it, the Emperor would only say “I`ll drink it later”.
There was no other person who knew the location of the Emperor`s medicine, not even Prince Riou.
As he was washed down the foul tasting medicine while hot water, Ryuuki spoke only of this daughter.
“Eigetsu, even if the vassals start rumors, don`t go examine Chouka. Chouka isn`t particularly sick. I can`t speak about it carelessly, it`s not something I can put into words.”
“Yes. I`ve heard the same warning from my wife.” Eigetsu attempted to keep his expression from turning dark.
The Emperor`s only daughter. Talk of Chouka was rare.
“Besides, since long ago, I would occasionally go speak with her. However, if her condition is bad, I will go see her Highness.”
Once Eigetsu had left, only Ryuuki and Kouyuu were left in the bedchamber. Kouyuu covered Ryuuki`s shoulder with a *haori, and pulled his legs towards the brazier he had lit, coals burning red.
Ryuuki thought carelessly about the morning court session, but he abandoned the idea after sneaking a glance at Kouyuu`s expression.
The two of them together, the autumn moon shining through the window on their silhouettes.
It would be nice if he could see this sight for eternity.
Such were the thoughts of Ryuuki.
Kouyuu asked in an unexpectedly matter of fact manner.
“About Chouka-sama…what will you do?”
Ryuuki sighed. “About that, huh…”
He stuck both his hands in his sleeves and crossed his arms.
“I want to talk to you about that. It`s about Chouka`s sixteenth birthday next year…”
Translation Notes:
*Sentoukyuu is like the Enlightened One`s Cave? If you know Saiunkoku, you know what I`m talking about. I haven`t decided if I want to translate this or leave it as is :/
*Jyouchi is the name given to Ryuuki`s reign.
*Haori is jacket worn over a kimono.
Finally, I`m as clueless as you guys about what Eigetsu and Ryuuki are talking about when they talk about Eigetsu not going to see Chouka. I might come back and edit this after I read the next section, which is from her perspective.