Shurei's group, who had quietly entered the blockaded capital of Sa Province, Koren city, found a letter from Sakujun sa already waiting for them at their hideout. It was an invitation to the selection ceremony for the new head of the Sa Clan. Meanwhile, Kokujun was determined to stop his grandfather, Chusho and his older brother, Sakujun. However his desperate pleas were in vain and he was thrown into the Sa clan’s dungeon. Is that you, Father?
A Diamond in the Rough
So you're going after all, Princess? Well, it is a special invitation. Besides, I have to get my flower bud paying back from that man. That means I'll have to go wherever he is. My Lady, I don't like this! Neither do I , Shurei. It sounds too dangerous! Thank you both for worrying about me. But the thing is...! Please don't forget, don't forget that I do love you. Please don't forget. don't forget that I love you. Shurei this is something I must do, I have to meet him face to face. My Lady...! I've come to collect you. When did he arrive ? You realize you're awfully early. So I guess This man must be Mr. Sakujun. He's very good looking, isn't he? His looks are all that's good about him. You shouldn't follow him ,Even if he says he'll give you candy! Mr. Seiran, I'm not so much of a child that'd fall for that. If I were able to sell a portrait of him, I could make a very decent profit. Would you Cut it out, Sho! Now is not the time to be calculating?! Do you know that kind of situation we're in? My Lady! I'll go with you. Thank you for your invitation. Good. I'm very happy to hear that. I suppose this means I haven't grown tired of you just yet, doesn’t it? That's rather dangerous, Little Whirlwind. Oh, I’m sorry. There was a fly over there that was bothering me. I see Your speech and your skills have degraded. I feel sorry for you wasting your time on meaningless hardship. At least I’m lucky enough not to become like a certain foolish lord I know ,whose brains have rotted away from too much fooling around. Wow, you are pretty scary, Mr. Seiran. But on the other hand, Mr. Sakujun isn't even shaken at all! both of them are really incredible. If I want to be that good, I've gotta try harder. At what? What are you doing? I thought we were leaving. Since he's been kind enough to come for me, I guess I'll be on my way. I’m sure I’ll See you later, Little Whirlwind. You’re going to have to give back my flower bud at some point you know. Just great... Now that the diamond has been taken out of the rough, there’s nothing left behind but just us big rough men! But That was impressive, Seiran. You held it in well. I think you need a hug after that? Not a chance! Okay, This is the residence of that important man in Kinka! Now to take care of Mr. Ensei’s request of us, I’m gonna talk to the big man in Kinka on our way to Koren! Here’s your tea. Thank you very much korin. Here you are. Good evening! Excuse me for intruding so late at night. I am the deputy leader of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, Yoshun is my name, and I’m at your service . Official Yu...! Yes. It seems our visitor is here to see me about something. Please, sir, don't stand up. Seeing as you have some trouble walking, please stay in your seat. How do you know that I have trouble walking, young man? It’s just that you have the same look as a wild deer with an injured leg. Yes, I heard about you from Ensei Ro. He had good things to say about you. It’s a pleasure to meet the famous deputy head of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, Mr. Yoshun. Oh, no, I'm only the deputy leader. I'm just in training, I’m not famous! Oh, but my big brother, I mean, Boss Shorin is definitely famous! He’s our famous leader, yeah. Here you go. oh, thank you very much for the tea, miss. Wow, That was very nice. At last, I'm beginning to feel relaxed again. Excuse me, Would you be the most important person here? Yes for the time being at least. I’ve been appointed to fill the highest ranked official post in the city of Kinka. Well, that's amazing for someone so young. I am very honored to receive such a fine compliment from you. But now, if you don't mind me asking, where is your leader and Lady Shunki Sa? They're gone on ahead of me, on their way to Koren. But it was my understanding that Koren has been blockaded, it's not going to be easy for them to enter the city. Normally that would’ve been a problem , but This totally awesome guy gave us a wooden token! When he did, Miss Shunki said it’d be all right, now they'd be able to enter no prob. The wooden token was blue with a picture of dragons and a lotus flower on it. You know, There sure are some amazing young men in the big city! Just out of curiosity , what was it about this person that struck you as practically amazing? His outfit! The feathers, the color coordination, even the shape, they were all totally unique and incredibly cool! Umm... did that person happen to carry a flute with him by any chance? Yeah. he did, and He made really wonderful music with it. Is that the guy from the Ran Clan? I live in the country, so I never knew that refined city folk could be that amazing! Is that so? Well, I wouldn't say it has anything to do with whether or not he's from a big city. in the case of that person, it's his personality and disposition that makes him unique even in the very big capital. You may pass. We made it to Koren, Miss Shunki, we're in the capital of Sa Province! It's all thanks to that awesome guy's wooden token! I'll see what I can get from these horses' hoof prints. A few of them suddenly picked up the pace. Okay, looks like They went this way. I assume it was Ensei who caused the horses to gallop so fast through the city, if we follow these tracks, we should find them in no time. Hang in there just a little longer, Miss Shunki. We’ll be there before you know it. The stars... so Shunki is making her move. Shunki. You should know by now that men are utterly foolish. It's always the women who have to rescue them in the end. On top of that, that one in particular is so useless and unreliable. Shunki I borrowed one of Great-Uncle Enjun's books. W-Would you like to read it together. Invite her out for a walk or something! What a fool! But for all his little thoughts, that boy had the same eyes as Enjun. He's the man whom Shunki has chosen. Perhaps in time we’ll discover that he's inherited more from Enjun than merely his eyes. What... What should I do? I was too late. I couldn’t stop any of them, not Grandfather Chusho or brother Sakujun. It's all over. The Sa Clan has finished. Great-Uncle Enjun. What would you have done? You could've done something. I know it. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always admired you. But, there was just one thing that I could never understand . Why did you kill all the heirs in the main branch of the Sa family? Why? Thank you very much for getting in touch with me, Yoshun. You have been extremely helpful in this. No, no, it’s nothing. It's a chivalrous thief's duty to finish a job they’ve been asked to do. Now, that’s done, it’s off to Koren! Wait a moment, Where do you intend to go in Korin? I'm gonna go to where Boss is! But Koren is under a blockade, remember ? you won't be able to enter. Having said that, I’m also planning to travel to Koren very soon. If it's all right with you, could you be my bodyguard on the way there? That way, we can both make our way into Koren together. Huh, Really? Would that really be okay? Oh, wow. The outside world is full of so many kind people! But this job I'm asking you to do is not without danger. Is that okay? How dangerous are we talking about? Is it as dangerous as being chased by five giant hungry, man-eating bears? Or are you saying that the risk in the big city is even worse than I’ve imagined. Like maybe ten bears or something? I know, I don't believe that our journey to koren, will be quite that dangerous. Well, that certainly is a relief to hear.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Stop worrying, It will be all right. Princess has a really good head on her shoulders. You’re Right. Once everything is over, then you can beat him up as much as you like. It won't be enough. In that guy's case, just beating him up won't be anywhere near enough! Hey. Don't do anything too distasteful, okay? Cut it out, Seiran! Hold on a sec! What do you think you’re doing? You idiot! Who starts swinging a sword when there's a young girl around? Wow, guess the world's not such a bad place when it comes to coincidences . Just as we lose one diamond, another one flies right into our arms. This here is lady Shunki Sa. You said this building is detached from the main Sa Clan residence, right? yes. Why is the lay out here so complicated? It seems too easy to get lost. It's in case of emergencies. As it’s laid out now, it's not an easy place to occupy and it’s difficult to discern where people might be, That sorta thing. It is a place with the history of rebellions and betrayals from long ago, after all. rebellions and betrayals ? you mean like what your grandfather's doing? Yes. What ? you’re right. He’s the one who wanted you here, he ordered me to bring you to the residence, that way no one can interrupt us. And I’ll then be free to ravish you. Huh? apparently our wedding ceremony will be formally held after that, at the same time as the selection ceremony for the leadership of the clan. So wait just a sec, are you saying you brought me all the here with the intention of violating me at some point?! Well, in the end, that was a general idea. In that case, you’re just wasting your time. Even if that were to happen, I would not become your wife! That doesn't particularly bother me much, I'm not necessarily interested in the structure of having a marriage or a wife. As long as you bring color to the daily monotony and boredom I must endure in my life, I have no more to ask. Until you eventually become tired of me, is that right? That’s right. Until I become tired of you. Don't be ridiculous , You must take me for some sort of a fool or something. I would've preferred that if you’ve grown tired of me by now. That way, all I need to do is get you to hand over my flower bud, and then leave. I suppose that’s true. However, since you are special to me, this might drag on for a little while. Look, The reason I came here was not so I could relieve you of your boredom. I only came so I could get my flower bud back from you. I thought You said it didn't matter to you whether or not I became the governor. I did say that. But I wasn’t aware that you were required to have that flower hairpin in order to take the position of governor? Normally not. But in my case, it's necessary to have it. we look forward to the day when the buds you’ve both been given bloom for all to see. I understand. If that’s the case, then I'll give it back to you. Now, let's see. You can have it back on the day of the selection ceremony. What did you say? Well, if I gave it back to you right now, you'd have no reason to stay here, and would probably flee in the blink of an eye. No, I won't run away! Not until the clan’s selection ceremony. Well Then there's no problem, is there? You can trust me to keep my promise. All right, Very well! Come then. Your room is over here. may I ask you something? Mr. Kokujun, he’s returned to this residence, right? Yes. What is he doing now? What is it? Oh, nothing, you're quite right. He's definitely here. But his standard is an issue within the Sa Clan. That means It doesn't really concern you, does it? Can't I be worried about him as one individual to another? All right, then. Then He's perfectly well. Wait a minute! How do you expect me to believe you, you say that in such a patronizing manner? Then why don't you try searching for him yourself? You're free to do anything you like while you're here. I don't mind what you do or where you search. And that includes not just the separate residence but the main building as well. In other words, you're saying Mr. Kokujun is hiding away in a place that I’ll never be able to find, just by searching for him alone, huh? a map of the compound for the Sa clan’s residence ? That's very impressive. To think she’s able to draw this accurately. Even though she’s lived there for most of her life, it’s still amazing how much details she’s included. Lord Koyu would get totally lost in this place, that’s for sure. I wonder if they've returned to Kiyo by now. If only we’d been able to meet her in Kinka. Shurei. This will be your room while you’re our guest. If there's anything you'd like, I'll have it prepared for you immediately . But once night falls, I'd like you to play the erhu and make some tea for me like old times. Also... I'd like you to wear your hair like this. I've told you many times, this is the style I prefer. So, is there anything else you'd like to ask me? am I allowed to send letters? I’m afraid to say That wouldn’t be part of my jurisdiction. Even if you could, it would be under the condition that the letters will be checked. You would go that far? I know that my grandfather would go that far. I understand. If there's nothing else, for the moment, why don't we go to my room? It's just next door to yours. You'll play the erhu for me, won’t you? I have one there. Oh, before you start playing, could you brew some tea for me? There are several different kinds of tea leaves over there. And of course, I have some Gan Lu tea as well, so you can make some of that if you'd like. It's delicious. Thank you for saying so. But... I would much rather drink Gan Lu tea especially made by you. There are walls and passages in such strange places. It's quite a complicated compound , isn't it? Anyone would get lost in here. Not just Lord Koyu! The whole residence is equipped with dead ends and traps, geeze, what a place. But this map could prove extremely helpful. Shall we make a copy and deliver it to Her Ladyship? Sounds like a Good idea. Shorin. As the second-generation leader of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, I have another assignment for you. There's a young lady in the Sa Clan's residence that I need you to find. I want you to deliver a message . Now What?! Look, Ensei. I know you’ve been watching out for us, but now you’re just being demanding. A chivalrous thief doesn't ask for anything in return, Besides, it's Lord Shoka's daughter that you need to find. Why didn't you say that in the first place? Mr. Shoka did favors for my father, so If it’s his daughter, then it's obvious I'll be glad to search for her! That's what I’m talking about, as for locating her, just listen for the sound of an erhu being played, then you'll find her in no time. You’ve got this skill would make wild children call you a wild child. Was that a compliment? dunno. But remember , you gotta be quiet and discreet, you don’t want anyone else but her to see you. So this is a stealth job then? Certainly a job fit for a chivalrous thief like me! I like it. Just copy the map and wake me up once it’s all ready. I'm taking a nap to store up some stamina for this little venture . Amazing , he's already asleep. Like I said, he's a wild child. But even though he's a wild child, will he be able to track down the sound of an erhu in such a big residence? Do you think he'll be able to find Shurei. Don't worry. These animal instincts of his can be trusted. After all, this is the same guy who was able to find us by following horses’ hoof prints from the gate checkpoint. I guess you're right. He's quite something. It's not as if there's only one horse in the whole of Koren, right. But Even so... When I look at him and you, it still amazes me how different you can be at the same age, Eigetsu. The Same age? Wait, What?! You can’t be serious? Yes, I am. I can’t believe it, wow, I guess I'll have to work even harder. This is a very well drawn map. well, let's start making a copy for Princess to use. When it comes down to it, This young lady was a lot more help to us than Kokujun was. Hey, that’s just the way it works, when the going gets tough, girls tend to be braver and stronger than guys. Yes, they're strong. Is that right? Now I see. So that's how it was, Great-Uncle Enjun. The reason you killed all the heirs in the main branch of the clan was because it was already far too late for you to do otherwise. There was no longer any other way you could help set things right again. To that extent, this family, the entire Sa Clan, was rotten to the very core. So there was nothing left for you to do but start all over from scratch. And now, all I can do is to bring everything to an end by my hand just like him. Just like Great-Uncle Enjun once did. Father.
Next Episode
Honestly. Erhu this, erhu that... I'm surprised that man never gets tired of it! Oh, but I can't afford to waste time here. I have to look for Kokujun and Lady Eiki! But hey, why is this residence so huge?!
It was an invitation to the selection ceremony for the new head of the Sa Clan.
Meanwhile, Kokujun was determined to stop his grandfather, Chusho and his older brother, Sakujun.
However his desperate pleas were in vain and he was thrown into the Sa clan’s dungeon.
Is that you, Father?
A Diamond in the Rough
So you're going after all, Princess?
Well, it is a special invitation.
Besides, I have to get my flower bud paying back from that man.
That means I'll have to go wherever he is.
My Lady, I don't like this!
Neither do I , Shurei. It sounds too dangerous!
Thank you both for worrying about me. But the thing is...!
Please don't forget, don't forget that I do love you.
Please don't forget. don't forget that I love you. Shurei
this is something I must do, I have to meet him face to face.
My Lady...!
I've come to collect you.
When did he arrive ?
You realize you're awfully early.
So I guess This man must be Mr. Sakujun.
He's very good looking, isn't he?
His looks are all that's good about him.
You shouldn't follow him ,Even if he says he'll give you candy!
Mr. Seiran, I'm not so much of a child that'd fall for that.
If I were able to sell a portrait of him, I could make a very decent profit.
Would you Cut it out, Sho! Now is not the time to be calculating?!
Do you know that kind of situation we're in?
My Lady!
I'll go with you.
Thank you for your invitation.
Good. I'm very happy to hear that.
I suppose this means I haven't grown tired of you just yet, doesn’t it?
That's rather dangerous, Little Whirlwind.
Oh, I’m sorry. There was a fly over there that was bothering me.
I see Your speech and your skills have degraded.
I feel sorry for you wasting your time on meaningless hardship.
At least I’m lucky enough not to become like a certain foolish lord I know ,whose brains have rotted away from too much fooling around.
Wow, you are pretty scary, Mr. Seiran.
But on the other hand, Mr. Sakujun isn't even shaken at all!
both of them are really incredible.
If I want to be that good, I've gotta try harder.
At what?
What are you doing?
I thought we were leaving.
Since he's been kind enough to come for me, I guess I'll be on my way.
I’m sure I’ll See you later, Little Whirlwind.
You’re going to have to give back my flower bud at some point you know.
Just great...
Now that the diamond has been taken out of the rough, there’s nothing left behind but just us big rough men!
But That was impressive, Seiran. You held it in well. I think you need a hug after that?
Not a chance!
Okay, This is the residence of that important man in Kinka!
Now to take care of Mr. Ensei’s request of us, I’m gonna talk to the big man in Kinka on our way to Koren!
Here’s your tea.
Thank you very much korin.
Here you are.
Good evening!
Excuse me for intruding so late at night.
I am the deputy leader of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, Yoshun is my name, and I’m at your service .
Official Yu...!
Yes. It seems our visitor is here to see me about something.
Please, sir, don't stand up. Seeing as you have some trouble walking, please stay in your seat.
How do you know that I have trouble walking, young man?
It’s just that you have the same look as a wild deer with an injured leg.
Yes, I heard about you from Ensei Ro.
He had good things to say about you. It’s a pleasure to meet the famous deputy head of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, Mr. Yoshun.
Oh, no, I'm only the deputy leader. I'm just in training, I’m not famous!
Oh, but my big brother, I mean, Boss Shorin is definitely famous! He’s our famous leader, yeah.
Here you go.
oh, thank you very much for the tea, miss.
Wow, That was very nice.
At last, I'm beginning to feel relaxed again.
Excuse me, Would you be the most important person here?
Yes for the time being at least. I’ve been appointed to fill the highest ranked official post in the city of Kinka.
Well, that's amazing for someone so young.
I am very honored to receive such a fine compliment from you.
But now, if you don't mind me asking, where is your leader and Lady Shunki Sa?
They're gone on ahead of me, on their way to Koren.
But it was my understanding that Koren has been blockaded, it's not going to be easy for them to enter the city.
Normally that would’ve been a problem , but This totally awesome guy gave us a wooden token!
When he did, Miss Shunki said it’d be all right, now they'd be able to enter no prob.
The wooden token was blue with a picture of dragons and a lotus flower on it.
You know, There sure are some amazing young men in the big city!
Just out of curiosity , what was it about this person that struck you as practically amazing?
His outfit!
The feathers, the color coordination, even the shape, they were all totally unique and incredibly cool!
Umm... did that person happen to carry a flute with him by any chance?
Yeah. he did, and He made really wonderful music with it.
Is that the guy from the Ran Clan?
I live in the country, so I never knew that refined city folk could be that amazing!
Is that so? Well, I wouldn't say it has anything to do with whether or not he's from a big city.
in the case of that person, it's his personality and disposition that makes him unique even in the very big capital.
You may pass.
We made it to Koren, Miss Shunki, we're in the capital of Sa Province!
It's all thanks to that awesome guy's wooden token!
I'll see what I can get from these horses' hoof prints.
A few of them suddenly picked up the pace.
Okay, looks like They went this way.
I assume it was Ensei who caused the horses to gallop so fast through the city, if we follow these tracks, we should find them in no time.
Hang in there just a little longer, Miss Shunki. We’ll be there before you know it.
The stars... so Shunki is making her move.
Shunki. You should know by now that men are utterly foolish.
It's always the women who have to rescue them in the end.
On top of that, that one in particular is so useless and unreliable.
Shunki I borrowed one of Great-Uncle Enjun's books.
W-Would you like to read it together.
Invite her out for a walk or something! What a fool!
But for all his little thoughts, that boy had the same eyes as Enjun.
He's the man whom Shunki has chosen.
Perhaps in time we’ll discover that he's inherited more from Enjun than merely his eyes.
What... What should I do?
I was too late. I couldn’t stop any of them, not Grandfather Chusho or brother Sakujun.
It's all over. The Sa Clan has finished.
Great-Uncle Enjun. What would you have done?
You could've done something. I know it.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always admired you. But, there was just one thing that I could never understand .
Why did you kill all the heirs in the main branch of the Sa family?
Why?
Thank you very much for getting in touch with me, Yoshun.
You have been extremely helpful in this.
No, no, it’s nothing.
It's a chivalrous thief's duty to finish a job they’ve been asked to do.
Now, that’s done, it’s off to Koren!
Wait a moment, Where do you intend to go in Korin?
I'm gonna go to where Boss is!
But Koren is under a blockade, remember ?
you won't be able to enter.
Having said that, I’m also planning to travel to Koren very soon.
If it's all right with you, could you be my bodyguard on the way there?
That way, we can both make our way into Koren together.
Huh, Really?
Would that really be okay? Oh, wow. The outside world is full of so many kind people!
But this job I'm asking you to do is not without danger. Is that okay?
How dangerous are we talking about? Is it as dangerous as being chased by five giant hungry, man-eating bears?
Or are you saying that the risk in the big city is even worse than I’ve imagined.
Like maybe ten bears or something?
I know, I don't believe that our journey to koren, will be quite that dangerous.
Well, that certainly is a relief to hear.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Stop worrying, It will be all right. Princess has a really good head on her shoulders.
You’re Right.
Once everything is over, then you can beat him up as much as you like.
It won't be enough.
In that guy's case, just beating him up won't be anywhere near enough!
Hey. Don't do anything too distasteful, okay?
Cut it out, Seiran! Hold on a sec!
What do you think you’re doing? You idiot!
Who starts swinging a sword when there's a young girl around?
Wow, guess the world's not such a bad place when it comes to coincidences .
Just as we lose one diamond, another one flies right into our arms.
This here is lady Shunki Sa.
You said this building is detached from the main Sa Clan residence, right?
yes.
Why is the lay out here so complicated? It seems too easy to get lost.
It's in case of emergencies.
As it’s laid out now, it's not an easy place to occupy and it’s difficult to discern where people might be, That sorta thing.
It is a place with the history of rebellions and betrayals from long ago, after all.
rebellions and betrayals ? you mean like what your grandfather's doing?
Yes.
What ? you’re right. He’s the one who wanted you here, he ordered me to bring you to the residence, that way no one can interrupt us.
And I’ll then be free to ravish you.
Huh?
apparently our wedding ceremony will be formally held after that, at the same time as the selection ceremony for the leadership of the clan.
So wait just a sec, are you saying you brought me all the here with the intention of violating me at some point?!
Well, in the end, that was a general idea.
In that case, you’re just wasting your time.
Even if that were to happen, I would not become your wife!
That doesn't particularly bother me much, I'm not necessarily interested in the structure of having a marriage or a wife.
As long as you bring color to the daily monotony and boredom I must endure in my life, I have no more to ask.
Until you eventually become tired of me, is that right?
That’s right. Until I become tired of you.
Don't be ridiculous , You must take me for some sort of a fool or something.
I would've preferred that if you’ve grown tired of me by now.
That way, all I need to do is get you to hand over my flower bud, and then leave.
I suppose that’s true. However, since you are special to me, this might drag on for a little while.
Look, The reason I came here was not so I could relieve you of your boredom.
I only came so I could get my flower bud back from you.
I thought You said it didn't matter to you whether or not I became the governor.
I did say that. But I wasn’t aware that you were required to have that flower hairpin in order to take the position of governor?
Normally not. But in my case, it's necessary to have it.
we look forward to the day when the buds you’ve both been given bloom for all to see.
I understand. If that’s the case, then I'll give it back to you.
Now, let's see.
You can have it back on the day of the selection ceremony.
What did you say?
Well, if I gave it back to you right now, you'd have no reason to stay here, and would probably flee in the blink of an eye.
No, I won't run away! Not until the clan’s selection ceremony.
Well Then there's no problem, is there? You can trust me to keep my promise.
All right, Very well!
Come then. Your room is over here.
may I ask you something?
Mr. Kokujun, he’s returned to this residence, right?
Yes.
What is he doing now?
What is it?
Oh, nothing, you're quite right.
He's definitely here.
But his standard is an issue within the Sa Clan.
That means It doesn't really concern you, does it?
Can't I be worried about him as one individual to another?
All right, then. Then He's perfectly well.
Wait a minute! How do you expect me to believe you, you say that in such a patronizing manner?
Then why don't you try searching for him yourself?
You're free to do anything you like while you're here.
I don't mind what you do or where you search.
And that includes not just the separate residence but the main building as well.
In other words, you're saying Mr. Kokujun is hiding away in a place that I’ll never be able to find, just by searching for him alone, huh?
a map of the compound for the Sa clan’s residence ?
That's very impressive. To think she’s able to draw this accurately.
Even though she’s lived there for most of her life, it’s still amazing how much details she’s included.
Lord Koyu would get totally lost in this place, that’s for sure.
I wonder if they've returned to Kiyo by now.
If only we’d been able to meet her in Kinka.
Shurei.
This will be your room while you’re our guest.
If there's anything you'd like, I'll have it prepared for you immediately .
But once night falls, I'd like you to play the erhu and make some tea for me like old times.
Also... I'd like you to wear your hair like this.
I've told you many times, this is the style I prefer.
So, is there anything else you'd like to ask me?
am I allowed to send letters?
I’m afraid to say That wouldn’t be part of my jurisdiction.
Even if you could, it would be under the condition that the letters will be checked.
You would go that far?
I know that my grandfather would go that far.
I understand.
If there's nothing else, for the moment, why don't we go to my room?
It's just next door to yours. You'll play the erhu for me, won’t you? I have one there.
Oh, before you start playing, could you brew some tea for me?
There are several different kinds of tea leaves over there.
And of course, I have some Gan Lu tea as well, so you can make some of that if you'd like.
It's delicious.
Thank you for saying so.
But... I would much rather drink Gan Lu tea especially made by you.
There are walls and passages in such strange places.
It's quite a complicated compound , isn't it?
Anyone would get lost in here. Not just Lord Koyu!
The whole residence is equipped with dead ends and traps, geeze, what a place.
But this map could prove extremely helpful.
Shall we make a copy and deliver it to Her Ladyship?
Sounds like a Good idea.
Shorin.
As the second-generation leader of the Bald Eagles of Sa Province, I have another assignment for you.
There's a young lady in the Sa Clan's residence that I need you to find.
I want you to deliver a message .
Now What?!
Look, Ensei. I know you’ve been watching out for us, but now you’re just being demanding.
A chivalrous thief doesn't ask for anything in return, Besides, it's Lord Shoka's daughter that you need to find.
Why didn't you say that in the first place?
Mr. Shoka did favors for my father, so If it’s his daughter, then it's obvious I'll be glad to search for her!
That's what I’m talking about, as for locating her, just listen for the sound of an erhu being played, then you'll find her in no time.
You’ve got this skill would make wild children call you a wild child.
Was that a compliment?
dunno.
But remember , you gotta be quiet and discreet, you don’t want anyone else but her to see you.
So this is a stealth job then? Certainly a job fit for a chivalrous thief like me! I like it.
Just copy the map and wake me up once it’s all ready.
I'm taking a nap to store up some stamina for this little venture .
Amazing , he's already asleep.
Like I said, he's a wild child.
But even though he's a wild child, will he be able to track down the sound of an erhu in such a big residence?
Do you think he'll be able to find Shurei.
Don't worry. These animal instincts of his can be trusted.
After all, this is the same guy who was able to find us by following horses’ hoof prints from the gate checkpoint.
I guess you're right. He's quite something.
It's not as if there's only one horse in the whole of Koren, right.
But Even so... When I look at him and you, it still amazes me how different you can be at the same age, Eigetsu.
The Same age? Wait, What?!
You can’t be serious?
Yes, I am.
I can’t believe it, wow, I guess I'll have to work even harder.
This is a very well drawn map.
well, let's start making a copy for Princess to use.
When it comes down to it, This young lady was a lot more help to us than Kokujun was.
Hey, that’s just the way it works, when the going gets tough, girls tend to be braver and stronger than guys.
Yes, they're strong.
Is that right? Now I see. So that's how it was, Great-Uncle Enjun.
The reason you killed all the heirs in the main branch of the clan was because it was already far too late for you to do otherwise.
There was no longer any other way you could help set things right again.
To that extent, this family, the entire Sa Clan, was rotten to the very core.
So there was nothing left for you to do but start all over from scratch.
And now, all I can do is to bring everything to an end by my hand just like him.
Just like Great-Uncle Enjun once did.
Father.
Next Episode
Honestly. Erhu this, erhu that... I'm surprised that man never gets tired of it!
Oh, but I can't afford to waste time here.
I have to look for Kokujun and Lady Eiki!
But hey, why is this residence so huge?!