黄昏の岸 暁の天

Tasogare no Kishi, Akatsuki no Sora
<The Shore in Twilight, the Sky in Daybreak>

Copyright Fuyumi Ono, Koudansya, 2001
(C)小野不由美・講談社 2001

 


~ Chapter Three ~

 

" Even if I ask Seirai, he will say that there is nothing to worry about. There is a little revolt, and Gyousou does not go out to fight, but to encourage the people and the soldiers. There is nothing dangerous, so I do not need to worry. -- Rousan asked whether this is the case, and exactly it is."

Risai stood up and hurried Taiki away from the garden. Taiki protested, but Risai pressed her voice and said,
"We never know who is passing by here. If Taiho behaves like that, the officials would misunderstand, wouldn't they?"
"But..."
Risai smiled.
"Saiho should never do anything that upsets the officials. Anyway, let me escort you back to your room."

Taiki dropped his eyes, and Risai took his hand. While heading towards Seishin (正寝), Risai tried her best to sound bright while speaking. There were people who spread all sorts of rumors because they feel anxious about Gyousou leaving the palace. Among the rumors was that everything was an evil trick to lure Gyousou to Bun Province. However it was nothing but rumors. The Six Ministers and the generals were discussing exactly on how to deal with it, because trouble would arise if the officials were upset by the rumors.

"It is the truth that there are riots, so there is no way it would be as safe as going on a trip. However, Eisyou is already at Bun Province, and so is Sougen. Gyousou himself is an able general as well, so feeling worried is actually quite an insult, isn't it?"

"But it sounds like Eisyou is having his hands tied. That is why he asked from Gyousou's help, isn't it?"
This comment really left Risai with wide-open eyes.
"It is true that the mob is bigger than expected, and Eisyou is having a hard time, but he had not called for help. His Majesty took Sougen with him so as to give courage to the people and the troops, and bring safety to Bun Province as soon as possible."
"...Really?"

Risai smilingly nodded. Taiki gave a sigh of relief, but anxiety was still written on his face. Risai searched for other topics to cheer up, but Taiki's mind already drifted somewhere else. When they were able to see The main hall of Seishin, Taiki had already sunk into deep silence, as if he was confused whether to trust Risai.

 

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