Are you really sure about this?
Yes. Please go ahead and melt down the key.
I don't know...!
I have a bad leg, As you well know, it’s best if I remain in here and do my work in safety.
Besides, I also have the seal of the Lieutenant Governor.
All right. I promise you that I'll return with the new governor, without fail.
In the mean time, Hold on until then.

While There's Life, There's Hope

Sa Province, the land where Shurei and Eigetsu have been assigned as new co-governors, is currently the most politically and socially unstable of the eight provinces in Saiunkoku.
judging from the petitions Korin brought with her, it appears that Sa Province is in even worse condition than we'd thought.
it’s true. Even Lieutenant Governor Tei is having problems, he’s chosen to enter a prison made to hold the worst criminals while he’s continuing to do his work.
That means The Sa Clan is unable to obtain the Lieutenant Governor's seal.
Therefore the authority of the Sa provincial government remains in the hands of Yushun Tei and the other provincial government officials.
A prison made to hold the worst criminals.
we understand that Lieutenant Governor Tei is a very composed and quiet man who considers matters a great deal.
Yes, that's pretty accurate.
But he also has a lot of spirit to match, if he determines to do something, then that’s that.
Another skilled individual who passed the same year as Senior Secretary Kou and Lord Reishin.
Yeah, and someone we really want in the central government.
How are things with the Sa Clan?
we have heard that after Advisor Sa's death, there's been no end to the fighting among the clan members.
Not to mention, that the ring symbolizing leadership of the clan still hasn't been found.
Also, please tell us, how is Advisor Sa's wife, Lady Eiki?
we understand that, while Advisor Sa was here in the Royal Court, she remained in Sa Province and kept the clan in line for him.
at the moment..!
Lady Eiki is under guard deep within the clan’s residence and is no longer able to act freely.
Also, lady Shunki, Advisor Sa's only granddaughter barely managed to escape danger and that was only thanks to lady Eiki's quick thinking.
She's currently in hiding at a secret location.
I would never have believed it’d possible For the dauntless Eiki to be under house arrest...!
if that’s the case, It won’t be easy for the new co-governors.
It will be just like when I took office, the Sa Clan would try and stop us, they’ll send assassins to attack us while we’re on the road to Sa Province.
Seiran and I will be the only guards, so as not to attract any attention.
I know that you and Seiran are both very skilled at fighting, but I can’t help but wonder , will you be all right?
We'll protect Princess and Eigetsu, even if it means our lives are full for it.
Please Take good care of the two new governors, lieutenant governor Ro.
Yes, your majesty !
Father.
I'm on my way.
have you never left kiyo city before? It must be a pretty big moment for you then.
Yes. But now we have to be focused on the next three months , we have to get to Koren , the provincial capital in that time, So, now that we're on the road, we have to think of our work as having already begun.
That's right.
taking office Safely is also one of your responsibilities as governor.
But normally, it should only take a month and a half to reach Koren city.
Of course We don't know when pursuers from the Sa Clan will show up
what happens if it results of that, they don't reach their post within three months?
They'll be regarded as having abandoned their post and will be automatically stripped of their positions.
that’s awful.
Look at it this way, All the more reason to get to Koren as quickly as we can!
All right, that's the spirit, Princess.
Come to think of it, this is probably your first time camping outside, isn't it?
Yes it is, but considering how dangerous our road is gonna be, we don’t really have a choice in the matter.
Besides, it certainly doesn't hurt to be frugal once in a while.
My Lady, the water's come to a boil.
Thank you very much, Seiran.
I can take care of this.
Please why aren’t you relaxing, get some rest, lady Shurei.
Oh, thank you.
Um, Lady Shurei. I didn’t get the chance earlier to say Thank you, for allowing me to accompany you.
the person who poisoned you was Korin....
Korin.
that’s just great. If this is how it is on day one, I hate to think about what’s ahead.
Here you go, Princess.
A present.
Thank you. This will really help with dinner.
How did things go with the men chasing us?
They were a bit rowdy, but I took care of them.
I think we should be okay for the time being.
So they came, as expected.
Yeah, of course.
After all, having the new governors arrive would cause problems for those guys.
It’s gonna get tough from here on, Mr. Special Officer.
to keep her ladyship safe, I'll do whatever it takes
It's been a month since we left Kiyo. We haven't come into town like this for a while.
That's certainly true.
Since we have the opportunity , why don’t we stop and rest somewhere?
Sure, Let's do that.
After all, it doesn’t seem the Sa Clan’s sent anyone into this town.
A kidnapper!
A kidnapper?!
Stop right there.
Catch him!
He's gone that way!
come on, catch the guy!
Wait!
You've got it all wrong! this is just a misunderstanding!
it's really all a mistake, honest!
Oh, Ensei.
that idiot.
wait, Korin, what are you doing?
Father, what on earth is the matter?
This is your Father?
that’s right, he’s my father. And the boy he's carrying is my younger brother.
What is it that you want with them?
Oh, Oh, is that so?
we thought it was a kidnapping, sorry.
I was worried about how things were gonna turn out back there.
I’d like to know just how you managed to be mistaken for a kidnapper, Ensei?
I'm sorry, it was actually all my fault.
I was in a used bookstore when I found some books on medicinal herbs that I'd never seen before.
since they were on an upper shelf...!
I figured it would be difficult for him to see, so I gave him a lift. And when I did...!
A kidnapper!
But it worked out, of course it was thanks to Miss Korin, that we got out of it.
That’s Very true.
Thank you for helping , Korin.
I'm really glad you offered to come with us.
No, you're too kind.
But still, I was really impressive back there, coming up with the idea like that on the spot is amazing .
It's because you took it on yourself to do the unnecessary.
You could show a bit more repentant.
geeze, I'm really sorry.
Now then, say, Eigetsu has apologized, so go easy on him, okay?
If you say so, lady Shurei.
Excuse me, would it be possible to stop the carriage somewhere for a moment?
here miss Korin. Take one of these.
What’s this pill? It looks sort of suspicious.
It looks like you’ve got a bit of a fever, that pill should help.
We've been camping outside all the time, so it's no wonder you're getting a little weak.
Oh, no, This is quite a fever.
Korin. Why didn't you say something to us sooner?
Don't worry, It's nothing serious.
I don't wanna be a bother.
Sorry, that won’t do, Miss Korin.
If you start feeling weak or fever you've gotta tell us right away.
If you push yourself too hard and get worse, you'd become a huge burden on us.
You’re right, I'm very sorry.
Still, you’re the one who's feeling ill and suffering the most at the moment , right?
Now, please take it.
Seiran. Where are you going?
It’s best if I go on ahead a little and check things out.
If I remember correctly, The town of Sakyo should be at the base of this mountain.
Wow. Seiran is pretty cool, don't you agree?
Yes he is.
He's very different from most likely boneheaded fool like you.
That’s for sure.
This is bitter.
Oh, oh, dear, I'm sorry about that.
We’d better get a room in town for the night.

The Story of Saiunkoku

Eigetsu. I'll take over for a while.
After all, You need some rest, too.
In that case, here. you should have Korin take this as soon as she wakes up.
Sure, I'll do that.
I'm sorry. Did I wake you?
Lady Shurei.
No, Korin, you need to rest more.
Please forgive me, lady Shurei.
Don't worry about it a bit.
It’s not your fault at all, On the contrary, it's my fault for deciding to camp outside all this time.
I'm so sorry.
No, not at all, you're mistaken.
in any case, get some rest.
Right now, the only thing you should be concentrating on is getting better.
I'm very sorry.
Just Get better quickly, Korin.
I'm... so sorry.
You don't need to apologize so much.
It’s not just that, I have no right to be treated so well by you of all people.
What are you talking about?
There's something I must apologize for.
Something I should’ve apologized for a long time ago.
It’s About what happened one year ago.
everything was my doing, lady shurei.
So, My Lady, is Korin feeling any better?
Not at all, the stress from this trip has taken its toll. Where's Ensei?
Damn it!
He said he was going out to see how things were in town.
maybe he's been mistaken for a kidnapper again?
Seiran. That's not very funny and you know it.
But it's because of that shaggy beard of his, isn't it?
That's why I keep telling him to shave it off.
I personally figure it’s coming useful, I don't think we would’ve made it this far without anyone figuring out who we really were, if Ensei didn't have that strange appearance.
no one would ever guess he’s an official, I’m afraid that no matter how hard I tried, I could never grow a beard that would make me look nearly as suspicious.
Seiran with a mustache or a beard.
But still, it’s not fair for us to impose on Ensei like this all the time.
That’s very kind, my lady, but He's your assistant
being imposed on is part of his job description.
Besides, he doesn't think of it as an imposition at all.
I see.
And of course, neither do I.
That's always been the case since long ago.
But now that you mention it, maybe I should say that I’m sorry.
there’s nothing to worry about. It all gets written off by a single cup of tea made by you.
Come to think of it, the tea in this area is very sweet, isn't it?
I believe it's called Gan Lu tea.
It's the first time I've ever had such wonderfully sweet tea.
It's not heavy, it’s very delicious.
It's actually not your first time, my lady.
We've had it in the past when we came by this way, and even as a child, you liked this tea very much.
You're kidding!
It's true.
When you were two or three years old, you wanted it even more than food, and would insist on having it.
You know, Come to think of it, we actually met you in Sa Province, didn't we?
I remember Father telling me about it before.
By the way, Seiran.
I didn’t get the chance to tell you that I'm really happy you came with us.
Well, I'm the special guard assigned to you and Eigetsu, it's only natural that I came along with you on the journey .
of course, that’s True, but that's not what I meant.
as part of becoming an official I thought I had prepared myself for the reality, that I’d be sent out to any region or any post completely by myself.
But Your life is your own, Seiran.
In truth, you could choose any path that you wanted.
You were totally free, but Even so, His Majesty bestowed a sword on you and you still stayed by my side.
I'm so happy about that.
I don't know what happened to you in the past in Sa Province, and if you don't wanna talk about it, I won't ask.
But please remember Just as you always take care of me, I'm always watching out for you and wanting to taking care of you.
So, for starters, don't restrain your true feelings because of me.
I promise It's okay to look gloomy sometimes, and show me that you're worried about something.
It's not that I don't want to go to Sa Province, my lady.
After all, it's the place where I met Master, Madam, and you.
That’s a very good memory.
It's just that things are complicated, and I haven't finished sorting out all of my feelings about what happened in the past.
So, yes at times, I might end up looking a little thoughtful and depressed.
times like that, there is something you can do for me, could you make more of this Gan Lu tea and have some of it with me?
That's all you want me to do?
Yes, my lady.
All right then. In that case, I need to buy lots of Gan Lu tea.
It's quite expensive.
Oh, Silly.
If that's the price of making you feel better, then it's the cheapest thing in the world.
And so?
How much longer do you intend on standing there eavesdropping, Ensei?
- Hi! There, I'm back!
- I'm sorry.
Yeah, sorry, It was such a touching scene that I thought it would be rude to intrude.
same here.
Welcome back, Ensei.
Would the two of you like some tea?
- Yes, please!
- Yeah!
You know, seiran, I can’t help but notice that you're really very kind when it's just you and Princess alone together,
The only time you ever seem to have a nice and polite personality, is when you're with Princess or Mr. Shoka.
Oh, I know just the thing, I'll also make you some Gan Lu tea and have it with you, okay?
you would be unwanted company, idiot .
- that's so mean of you. I just wanna support you.
- That’s right, ensei knew seiran before he came to live with us, didn't he?
- I'd rather become friends with the locusts… ensei.
- could it be that sa province is also the place where these two met?
Now then, we've had breakfast, so let's get started.
Sairi is just beyond Sakyo, Once we slip past the border guard there, we'll be in Sa Province at last.
So We're almost there.
We're gonna slip past the border station?
That’s right, It's risky, and we'll encounter criticism later if we avoid going through the boarder office, but it's our best bet.
It seems Taking office really is quite a difficult burden, isn't it?
That's because Sa Province is unique.
By the way, how old were you when you became governor, Mr. Ensei?
Ah, well, let’s see, it's been exactly ten years since then, so I’d been seventeen years old, same as Princess now.
Seventeen?!
Yeah, sweet seventeen.
That might be so, but the fact remains that you're probably the only one who's been the governor of the same province for almost ten years without promotion.
I was simply forgotten about by the central government during the struggle for the throne.
Considering that Sa Province is plagued by problems, how were you able to keep things under control long enough for the court to forgot about you?
Now that you mention it, that is a very good point.
You're really something, Mr. Ensei.
Well, let’s get back to the subject.
Shall We, we stop to plan out the journey from here on.
to put it simply, at our current pace, it should take about one month to get from here to Koren, the capital of Sa province.
But first of all, we have to deal with the border guard at Sairi, which is coming up on us fast.
what rumors have you heard in Sakyo?
At Sairi's border guard station, all young men of around twelve or thirteen, and young women of around sixteen or seventeen are being temporarily confined if they come from Shi Province.
There's no doubt about it, it's the actions of those idiots in the Sa Clan.
Once these visitors are confined, they're supposed to remain in the custody of the guard station until the summer passes.
In other words, until the end of our window to reach koren and take office, right?
Maybe we should split up, after all?
Doesn’t look like We have choice, does it?
After all, I'm pretty famous and well-known in Sa Province.
If I were seeing with Princess and everyone else, I'd practically be announcing that these two are the new governors.
The risk of being discovered would be too high.
Well, we can go over the little details of the plan later, but first, we'll review the most important point to remember .
It’s this.
The place to aim for right now is here, just below the capital.
The merchant center of Kinka.
You two have memorized the map, right?
Nothing can begin until the two of you reach that city.
Regardless of what might happen, Princess , Eigetsu, it’s crucial you’ll arrive there.
Understand, this is an absolute must.
Ensei. I can’t say I’m getting a particularly good feeling from this big speech of yours.
I-I feel the same way.
Korin.
Lady Shurei. Oh, no, I'm so sorry.
It looks like I've slept an awfully long time.
Your face is still a bit flushed.
I think You need to rest some more.
No. Thanks to you, I'm feeling much better now.
Korin?
I know what I've done is completely unforgivable, but even so, I’m begging you to please, let me remain by your side and help you!
Even if it means my life, I intend to protect you, lady Shurei.
Korin.
To tell the truth, I’d already heard about everything from Lord Koyu before we departed.
Then why on earth did you permit me to accompany you on this journey ?
Because despite that, no matter what, I still really like you, Korin.
Oh. Lady Shurei.
Thank you for talking to me about it.
Lady Shurei.
Once I've reached koren city, and formally taken office as provincial governor, please stay by my side, okay?
Yes, ma’am!
I promise right here and now, I will keep you from harm’s way Even if it means my life.
That’s sweet, but please Don't waste your life on me like that.
Like they always say, "while there's life, there's hope", so remember that? Okay?
Lady Shurei.
What's the matter?
What's going on?
Please remain quiet.
Eigetsu. I’ll leave her in your hands.
right.
Just What is going on?
Here, princess, hold this.
What?!
Ow, ow, do I look like a piece of luggage!
Ensei?
Remain silent, My Lady. From this moment on, you mustn't say another word until it’s safe to do so.
Hey, don't forget, Princess.
You're the Governor and a lady of the direct line of the Hong Clan, you gotta depend on that.
Ensei.
No matter what happens, you're to make your way to Kinka. Have you Got that?
We're from the border office of Sairi!
Do not move!

Next Episode

Sa Province was right before my eyes, when I suddenly ended up all on my own. This isn't good!
As I was thinking about how to make my way to Kinka, I ran into a man.
A mysterious, and suspicious lady-killer.