Risai's breath turned brisk. Youko hurriedly held Risai's hand.
"Are you all right?"
I'm all right, Risai replied to Youko stoutheartedly, but her voice was cut off by hasty wheezing breath, and deep shadows dropped on her closed eyelids.

"...Stop. Stop here for today. In the meantime..."
Rest, Youko would like to say, but her hand was gripped tight by Risai's shriveled fingers.

"I beg your help, ... Tai ..."
I understand, Youko gripped Risai's hand back firmly. Koushou (虎嘯), who had been called by Koukan (浩瀚) to station close by, rushed in. Told to stay back for now, Youko retreated from the room, feeling as if she had left her heart behind.

Youko looked at Syouryuu and Koukan's faces.
"I cannot leave this alone. -- I simply cannot."
Youko, Syouryuu admonished in a low voice.
"You have seen that, haven't you? Do you think I can permit leaving that alone? We cannot but leave it alone, you said... Then what is the value of existing as an emperor?"

"Youko, that is not the problem."
"Doesn't the Heaven announce that it rules the land with love and mercy? Does leaving Tai alone suit the 'love and mercy' here? You said that the Heaven's would not allow, but is that really set in stone? In the first place, where is the Heavens? Who is this guy who said it is not allowed?"

The Heaven has its Heavenly Way, and the Way was governed by Tentei (天帝, lit. God). However Youko went through the mere ceremony of being appointed as emperor by Tentei, without seeing Tentei or hearing Tentei's voice herself. Tentei's existance was claimed and made believed. Tentei's reigning power over the whole world was made known. But nobody, not a single person, has ever seen Tentei himself.

"If it is the emperor's duty to just stay here protecting Kei (慶) and leave Tai to rot, I do not need a throne like that."

Youko threw such words, and stormed out towards the garden.

***

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