The inexperienced words from the young empress of age 16 or 17 was filled with sincerity. Risai, who first imagined Kei-ou as being more unreliable and gentler, was surprised by Kei-ou's military-man character. -- She is really different from Taiki. Risai started to notice her evidence-lacking presumptions that everyone would be similar to Taiki just because they came from Hourai like he did.

" ... Thank you very much."
" Would you mind if I ask you a few questions? If you feel painful, please tell us though."
" Not at all. After all, I came for the purpose of reporting the situation."

Youko nodded, and looked back at the two men standing behind her.
" I acknowledge that this is impolite in a lady's room, but please pardon their standing up in this meeting. This is our prime minister (冢宰, Tyousai) in our humble kingdom, Koukan. And that is Keiki."

Noticing again her presumptions based solely on Taiki, Risai could not but give a bitter smile. -- The golden hair clearly indicated that he is a kirin. However, Tai's kirin is a black kirin (黒麒, Kotsuki), with the color of polished steel.

" I have heard a lot about you since a long time ago, Kei Taiho."
Upon Risai's words, Keiki looked at Risai in a startled expression. Risai gave a smile.

" I heard a lot from Taiho... Taiki. I was lucky enough to be close to Taiho all the time. Taiho had always been saying that you are a very gentle person who showed great care towards him. Taiho seemed to admire Kei Taiho very much."
Risai said, and Keiki wandered his flustered glance. At the same time, Kei-ou gave a startled look to Keiki's direction.

" ...Excuse me? Did I say anything impolite?"
No, Keiki mumbled in his mouth, and Youko laughed.
" Not at all! It is a rare comment to be heard, and we were surprised, that's all. ... So let’s get back to Taiki. Please inform us of what happened in Tai."
My pleasure, Risai nodded.
" ... Where should I start..."

***

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