She was expecting Kei-ou to know nothing about Jyun-tei's story, felt nostalgic about homeland-related things, jumped on her feet with passion and sent armies to save Tai. If she took the bait, Kei would sink. Kei-ou will repeat the same tragic fate awaiting Jyun-tei once her imperial army crosses the border. But even so, the imperial army of Kei will remain. If only Risai could have one troop under her command.

She is planning something hideous.

Kaei walked down the hill towards Shisen with her back facing Risai, as if she would like to dissuade Risai to the very end. She didn't slow down her pace or look back. Witnessing her leave, Risai took Hien (飛燕)'s birdle. She peered into Hien, which was looking helplessly at Risai and Kaei's silhouettes.

" Only I am left as the only fool struggling to save Tai..."
Risai patted on the luscious black hair on Hien's neck.
" Do you remember his highness?"
As Hein touched her forehead with his nose, Risai heard a voice in her head.
--Risai, the voice was high-pitched and joyful. He would dash towards Risai in stumbling steps, and always ask, can I pat Hien?

" Do you remember his highness' tiny hands? You loved Taiho so much at that time..."
Hien gave a faint growl.
" Do you want to be the last fools in Tai with me? ... Will you follow me, Hien?"

Hien looked back at Risai with its pitch-black eyes, and without a word, it bent down its body, urging Risai to ride on it. Risai buried her face in the root of Hien's neck, and then jumped onto the saddle. With her hand on the birdle, Risai looked to Shisen's direction, and saw a person standing, looking helplessly at Risai's direction.
(...Kaei)

-- Are you saying that you want to sink Kei for Tai’s sake?
Risai let her gaze wonder around the ceiling above her bed. The face her mind painted on the ceiling was filled with indignation and contempt.
(...However, I arrived with this idea in my mind.)
And on arrival, she was let alive -- saved by the same Kei-ou.
(This can only be fate...)

***

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