--This is dangerous, Rokuta had advised Syouryuu some time before.
The emperor’s rule alone could not reach to every corner of the kingdom. Therefore, power must be divided, and provincial lords must be relied upon for administration on provincial affairs. Even though the previous emperor had commanded so, is it really possible for an emperor to rule the nine provinces alone, by seizing power from the lords?

But his advice was not adopted. Roughly speaking, Syouryou just did what he felt like doing. Syouryou is the emperor, and there is nobody who can force him do anything. He gathered close subordinates, but they were just for executing orders like his hands and feet. Syukou (朱衡) and Itan (帷湍) were his subordinates, but no matter what they suggested, if Syouryou didn’t take interest in their ideas, there was no way for them force him to adopt their advice.

How many times up till now had Rokuta’s suggestions and advices been ignored? The emperor hold sovereignty over the kingdom. He is the most empowered person in the kingdom. If the emperor decides on doing something, it means that there is no way to stop him. An example is that nobody was able to stop Kyou-ou’s tyranny.

Rokuta drew a deep breath.
“I will report to the emperor what you said, and asked him for posing no punishment. --Then will you let me go back?”
Atsuyu kowtowed on his fours.
“My sincere apologies, but Taiho, may I ask for your tolerance for the discomfort a little while longer.”
“--So I will be hostage until the emperor takes your suggestion seriously.”
“My sincere apologies.”
“...All right then.

Atsuyu looked up surprised.
“Is it that your honor would heed my suggestion?”
“Yeah. I agree with your reasoning. Yours measures are illegal, but there is no other way to force that idiot to listen. I will go along with the trouble for a little longer.”
“May I extend my heartfelt gratitude.”
“Okay.”

Rokuta muttered, and changed his glances to Kouya, who was standing right behind Atsuyu.
“So this is your master.”
Kouya only smiled.

***

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