The sky was clear and blue. However, the weather is something that changes all the time. Rain may start to fall when the moment you notice clouds gathering. And every now and then, a typhoon would come sweeping in.
A Genius Can’t Better a Hardworking Man
You look puzzled, Consort Hong, is something the matter? Shusui, I don't suppose you’ve seen the ink stone case I keep here? No. Excuse me, please. I've brought your tea, My Lady. Korin. Perhaps you know, have you seen Consort Hong's ink stone case anywhere? Uh, no, ma'am. It seems like a few of my things have been disappearing lately. I can't find my embroidery needle or my incense pouch either. I'm sure they’re around. Well anyway, I'll keep looking for them a little longer. This is really strange. Shuei, have you determined the composition of the poison on those items I gave you yesterday? According to the report I received from Koyu and Doctor To, the poison they’re using is getting stronger. An embroidery needle, an incense pouch and now an ink stone case. Anything they can get their hands on, I guess. It's more than that, it's almost like they are asking us to notice all these poisoning attempts. It only seems obvious to you, Your Majesty. It's just that this kind of thing used to be an almost daily affair in the past. You're lucky to have such a heightened awareness of the dangers around you, it's what kept you safe thus far, right? Now then, what do you intend to do about Shurei? No need to worry, I've been secretly giving her a specially prepared antidote every night. And what about the source of this poison? It's coming from the same place, nevertheless, it is very strange... Of all of Shurei' things, the copper chooses items that are easily traced back. Let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Please investigate other suspects as well. I understand. I'm counting on you. No problem. After all, I did accept that lovely purple iris from you, didn't I? Oh,hello Shurei. Oh... I uh... I made some fried sesame dumplings But compared to dumplings, flowers are the thing, right! So sorry to interrupt you! What was that all about? I would wager she's in comfortable , because she still thinks you're interested in men, Your Majesty. I'm afraid that if I tell Shurei the truth, she'll run away from me. Looks to me, like she ran away from you anyway. What's with those two? Are they close enough to be giving flowers to each other? That is quite the outfit! Oh, good afternoon. What are those round objects you have there? These are sesame dumplings. Would you like one? How is it? An exquisite combination of the grainy sesame seeds, the softness of the sticky rice and the sweetness of the red bean paste. A triple tier, triple cheer surprise for the palate. You know, a simple "thank you" would still be nice to hear. Do you mind if I ask a question? Are you playing the flute as a way of saying thanks? If that is what you think or feel when you listen to this music, then That must be its true meaning. Oh... Parden me, what is your name? My name is... Ryuren! General Ran! Long time no see, Silly Brother Number Four. Silly Brother what? It's what I call my pathetic older brother. Shurei, this is my younger brother Ryuren Ran. Younger brother?! Enlighten me, what are you doing here in Kiyo city? A wanderer has no objective. Oh, Good lord. How on earth did you get in here in the first place? What?! You mean he bypassed all the palace's security? He’s always had the ability to sneak into any place he wants. It's frustrating, I can tell you that. What the...He's gone! Damn it. I hear that Shuei Ran and Koyu Ri have both accepted flowers. You must be very proud of yourself, Sho, Everything seems to be progressing as you anticipated. Yes, for the time being. What's that? I just heard the sound of a flute over there. We can't afford to let him wander around unsupervised like this. Come on, let's hurry. How the heck did I get roped into joining this little search party of theirs? Oh, look, It seems that I won again. You bastard! Let's have just one more round! Wait, there he is! Please excuse us, My Lords. What is it? Oh, hi. Silly Brother Number Four. Just what have you been doing with the Three Elders of the court? I was concerned that their old age is keeping them from having fun, so I taught them how to play cards. How did this come about, anyway? I was complaining about the awful noise he was making, and he said he would only stop the flute if we won the game of card against him. Right. We are sorry for my younger brother's behavior. Please forgive us. Come on, we're going. Not so fast! One more game! Let's go! We can't end on a losing note! We, uh. We'll excuse ourselves now. -You can’t take the winning and just run… -Stop right there. You shouldn't spoil a game like that, Silly Brother Number Four! To get a sigh like that from you, this younger brother of yours must really be something... I'd ask him to go away, but there's no way he would just up and leave obediently. Well, since he's here for now anyway, why don't we show him around the palace? This is a painting of the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones. I can tell by looking at it. It's impossible to hold a conversation with this guy. What a peculiar younger brother, ha? I hear he's just been mostly wandering from place to place, playing cards as he was just now Wow, Intrepid isn't he? But that guy is Ryuren Ran. Only a true genius of the Ran family is allowed to carry that name. I'm the fourth child, and have three older brothers above me. But the only one deemed worthy to carry the name of Ryuren was him, the youngest son. Even over his four older brothers?! My younger brother is odd, but the Ran Clan expects great thing. Still he's always wandering, and even if you can catch him, you could hardly talk to him. Interesting, if he's really that difficult to control, I imagine he wouldn’t easily be manipulated. Be that as it may, the Ran Clan considers my younger brother indispensable. What do you think you're doing?! I've made up my mind, I'm gonna stay here tonight. This is where I want to sleep. I'm not sure I want to know the answer to this, but where were you staying last night? I was counting the stars as I fell asleep. So you camped out, ha? Ryuren, no matter what your reason, this is no place for you to sleep. Why don't you stay with your elder brother? There's no way I'm gonna spend the night with a tasteless, unrefined man like him. Then How about my place? And make Lord Shoka have to do with this guy? Then in that case, Koyu, your place will do. What?! That’s a wonderful idea! Please Lord Koyu. all right, if I must. There’s nothing but books here. There isn't a shred of taste in this room. Shut up. Oh, Your Majesty. Advisor Sa. Would you happen to be on your way to Consort Hong's champers again tonight? I am. It pleases me greatly to see the two of you growing so close to each other. But give this some thought. I have a granddaughter, she is just as pretty as Consort Hong and has an equally lovely personality. I'm satisfied with Shurei, thank you. There's no need for any others. My, Consort Hong certainly has you smitten. What do you mean by that? It means you've fallen head over heels in love. Well, fair enough ,if you happen to change your mind on the subject, don't hesitate to let me know. Shurei, I'm coming in. Sure go ahead. Ryuki. Yes, what is it? I’m gonna read for a little while longer so go on to bed without me. You're more determined to study than I am, I'm the king. I'm no genius so I have to do this. But they always say, that "A genius can't better a hardworking man", right? That's very true, If you were a man, I'm sure you'd make a wonderful official. When I was a child, it was my dream to take the National Civil Service Exams and become a Court Official. But thanks to me entering the Royal Harem, I have all these opportunities to study and reflect on the affairs of the country. I feel like I'm allowed to be a little closer to that old dream. Anyway, don't mind me, Ryuki. You go on to bed.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Lord Koyu, are you all right? I didn't get a wink of sleep last night! And It's all thanks to that guy! What the hell is with this idiot?! I don't get what's going on inside his head! First he laid down on the courtyard so he could look at the moon while he fell asleep Then out of nowhere he started playing that damn flute! And on top of that, first thing in the morning, he wanted to weed the lawn, and I had to help him! I see, well, helping him out with weeding was very considered of you. It's not as if you can do much else. Really you must do something about your frighteningly horrible sense of direction. You even got lost in your own house. Mind your own business! Do something, Silly Brother Number Four! Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have to take care of palace security. Oh no, don't you try to escape! Ryuren, you strike me as someone who's above at all. - Do something about this guy! - Let go of me! - Shut up! But if you caused trouble for someone who took you in, the proper response is to apologize. Right? Silly Brother Number Four! Come on. Now, the next step is to say "I'm sorry". I'm... sorry, sir. Oh, it's...fine. I'm sorry too, for acting so self-important. Well, I'd hate to bother Lord Koyu any further, since he's been so kind and patient already. So why don't we go to my chambers and have some tea, and then tonight I insist that you come and spend the night at my house. Please. Thank you, Korin. Silverware, ha ? I see you're not without your own difficulties here, Shurei. What do you mean? Didn't you know? Silverware will change color if it comes into contact with poison. What?! Are you all right, child? Yes, I'm sorry. I don't know what to say, I had no idea that silverware was used for that purpose. Ryuki saved me that time at the banquet, But I need to be more aware of what's going around me and start looking out for myself. I was wondering about that woman Shusui, do you know about her background? Just the [cheese] my lady-in-waiting. She appears to have had considerable training to move like that. You're right. Shusui has a very elegant manner, don't you think? You can be so dim witty sometimes. Dim witty? Shurei, and... who's that? Hey, Shurei, how would you like to travel with me? This life here in the palace doesn't suit you at all. Who are you? who dares to seduce our royal consort. Your Majesty! I'd like you to meet Ryuren Ran. He's General Ran's younger brother. From the Ran Clan? Shurei is not a bird to be caged. She's a bird that should fly free. Right, how about we have chickeny-chicken hot pot for dinner tonight. Yesterday's dumplings were delicious. Tonight, I'll return the favor and make something for you. Ah, anyway Ryuki, I'm going home for the night, okay? Bye! I never intended to cage her. Your Majesty. Seiran. What are you doing out here? Your Majesty. Oh, I was just talking with Shuei's younger brother. You mean the young man from the Ran Clan who's been visiting the palace recently? the same. Apparently, he'll be staying at Shurei's house tonight. I heard he's very unusual a kind of person. But he and Shurei seem to get along well. Seiran,I have a request to make of you, could you also go home with Shurei tonight? If you're worried, I can certainly send some guards over. I'd like to stay here and investigate something a little further. If you're talking about that, I asked Shuei to look into it as well. Don't do anything reckless. Right. Here you go! Didn't you say we were having chicken hot pot? Yes I did. since when did you need soybeans for chicken hot pot? This tiny round thing... For some reason I was suddenly drawn into it. You broke them. This is a problem, sir. I apologize. Please take these in payment for the broken eggs. Ah? What's this? This much?! Wait a minute, sir, at least take these in return! Well, it's a little closer to chicken I supposed, but still...! Please! I see. Excuse me, what's the matter? Nothing, I just wanted to buy some eggs for my sick husband to eat, but I don't have enough money. In that case, I'll exchange these eggs for those green onions you got there. Would you really? Thank you very much! I guess this means we are getting a little closer to hot pot, but...we're getting further away from chicken. Hey Ryuren, why don't you and I... If it's okay with you, I'd like to make an exchange. Sure. Thank you. Just what kind of theory are you basing these traits on anyway? There is no theory to it. And the chickeny-chicken hot pot? No more than an illusion. I don't think I can stand much more of this. He's driving me totally nuts. Don't cry, what's wrong? The wind blew away the straw that I was getting use to make a raincoat. What am I gonna do? Thank you! Tonight we can pick vegetables from our garden and make veggie-veggie hot pot instead! You're not angry with me? here it reminds me of an old folk tale. a man began with a piece of straw and traded up until he was rich. But you ended up doing the complete opposite, Ryuren. You know all the same, I still had a lot of fun. Shurei. Do you know all of those guys outside our front gate were sent here on the king's orders? I think so. It's probably because I'm staying here tonight. Ryuren, another helping? Please relax, make yourself at home. There was a piece of vegetable on your face. Well, Ryuren, That's a first... What is it? That must be the first time I've seen you smile. No need to make a fuss, it's nothing to be surprised about. I guess not. Why don't we have some more, before the food gets cold. Let's eat. Ryuren, you're spilling it! Well, take care of yourself, okay? Right. General Ran! The thought that my younger brother may have caused you trouble was worrying me. No, not at all. He wasn’t the least bit of trouble. Thank you, General, but there was no need to be concerned. Excuse me Shurei, but I should get going. Good luck and stay safe, okay? Yeah, but one more reminder before I go, I hope you'll remember that you're my kindred spirit. You're my kindred spirit, and that will be for life. Thank you, Ryuren. Now, I'll take my leave. Next time we meet will probably be at the National Exams. Exams? That's right. He will be taking the National Civil Service Examination. He had to make a promise to the Ran Family that he would place in the top three rankings. Why is that? That's the condition under which he's allowed to wander around like this. I see. The National Exams. Shurei, I really must thank you. You're the first person I've ever met who didn't turn and run away from my younger brother. That can't be true. He has always been very eccentric, that fact has isolated him from others. That's because he's a genius. I'm sure he sees things in a very different way than the rest of us do. But if you think about it, that can also mean he's unable to see the world in the same way as other people. It must be terribly lonely, enduring that kind of mental isolation. But for the first time, he has a real friend to turn to. A kindred spirit for life. Hey, Ryuki. What is it? I've never been able to do anything unless I put in a lot of effort into it. Like this erhu, I had to practice constantly before I was able to play it. It's hard to have to put in so much effort all the time, but it must be hard to be a genius too. Yes. I'm going to make an effort too. Ta-dah, please accept these! These are all my gifts to you! I'm making enough and trying my best to earn your love. How am I doing, Shurei? It's a hard work, but I'm happy to do it. For you, I'll do whatever it takes. Sh-Shurei? There is nothing I hate more than someone who wastes his money!!
Ryuki has turned into a true king It won't be long now before my work here finally comes to an end. This feeling of relief is making me sleepy. What ? Where am I? could I have I been kidnapped?!
However, the weather is something that changes all the time.
Rain may start to fall when the moment you notice clouds gathering.
And every now and then, a typhoon would come sweeping in.
A Genius Can’t Better a Hardworking Man
You look puzzled, Consort Hong, is something the matter?
Shusui, I don't suppose you’ve seen the ink stone case I keep here?
No.
Excuse me, please. I've brought your tea, My Lady.
Korin. Perhaps you know, have you seen Consort Hong's ink stone case anywhere?
Uh, no, ma'am.
It seems like a few of my things have been disappearing lately.
I can't find my embroidery needle or my incense pouch either.
I'm sure they’re around.
Well anyway, I'll keep looking for them a little longer.
This is really strange.
Shuei, have you determined the composition of the poison on those items I gave you yesterday?
According to the report I received from Koyu and Doctor To, the poison they’re using is getting stronger.
An embroidery needle, an incense pouch and now an ink stone case.
Anything they can get their hands on, I guess.
It's more than that, it's almost like they are asking us to notice all these poisoning attempts.
It only seems obvious to you, Your Majesty.
It's just that this kind of thing used to be an almost daily affair in the past.
You're lucky to have such a heightened awareness of the dangers around you, it's what kept you safe thus far, right?
Now then, what do you intend to do about Shurei?
No need to worry, I've been secretly giving her a specially prepared antidote every night.
And what about the source of this poison?
It's coming from the same place, nevertheless, it is very strange...
Of all of Shurei' things, the copper chooses items that are easily traced back.
Let's not jump to conclusions just yet.
Please investigate other suspects as well.
I understand.
I'm counting on you.
No problem. After all, I did accept that lovely purple iris from you, didn't I?
Oh,hello Shurei.
Oh... I uh... I made some fried sesame dumplings
But compared to dumplings, flowers are the thing, right! So sorry to interrupt you!
What was that all about?
I would wager she's in comfortable , because she still thinks you're interested in men, Your Majesty.
I'm afraid that if I tell Shurei the truth, she'll run away from me.
Looks to me, like she ran away from you anyway.
What's with those two?
Are they close enough to be giving flowers to each other?
That is quite the outfit!
Oh, good afternoon.
What are those round objects you have there?
These are sesame dumplings. Would you like one?
How is it?
An exquisite combination of the grainy sesame seeds, the softness of the sticky rice and the sweetness of the red bean paste.
A triple tier, triple cheer surprise for the palate.
You know, a simple "thank you" would still be nice to hear.
Do you mind if I ask a question?
Are you playing the flute as a way of saying thanks?
If that is what you think or feel when you listen to this music, then That must be its true meaning.
Oh... Parden me, what is your name?
My name is...
Ryuren!
General Ran!
Long time no see, Silly Brother Number Four.
Silly Brother what?
It's what I call my pathetic older brother.
Shurei, this is my younger brother Ryuren Ran.
Younger brother?!
Enlighten me, what are you doing here in Kiyo city?
A wanderer has no objective.
Oh, Good lord. How on earth did you get in here in the first place?
What?! You mean he bypassed all the palace's security?
He’s always had the ability to sneak into any place he wants. It's frustrating, I can tell you that.
What the...He's gone!
Damn it.
I hear that Shuei Ran and Koyu Ri have both accepted flowers.
You must be very proud of yourself, Sho,
Everything seems to be progressing as you anticipated.
Yes, for the time being.
What's that?
I just heard the sound of a flute over there.
We can't afford to let him wander around unsupervised like this. Come on, let's hurry.
How the heck did I get roped into joining this little search party of theirs?
Oh, look, It seems that I won again.
You bastard!
Let's have just one more round!
Wait, there he is!
Please excuse us, My Lords.
What is it?
Oh, hi. Silly Brother Number Four.
Just what have you been doing with the Three Elders of the court?
I was concerned that their old age is keeping them from having fun, so I taught them how to play cards.
How did this come about, anyway?
I was complaining about the awful noise he was making, and he said he would only stop the flute if we won the game of card against him.
Right.
We are sorry for my younger brother's behavior. Please forgive us.
Come on, we're going.
Not so fast!
One more game!
Let's go!
We can't end on a losing note!
We, uh. We'll excuse ourselves now.
-You can’t take the winning and just run…
-Stop right there.
You shouldn't spoil a game like that, Silly Brother Number Four!
To get a sigh like that from you, this younger brother of yours must really be something...
I'd ask him to go away, but there's no way he would just up and leave obediently.
Well, since he's here for now anyway, why don't we show him around the palace?
This is a painting of the Eight Colored Enlightened Ones.
I can tell by looking at it.
It's impossible to hold a conversation with this guy.
What a peculiar younger brother, ha?
I hear he's just been mostly wandering from place to place, playing cards as he was just now
Wow, Intrepid isn't he?
But that guy is Ryuren Ran.
Only a true genius of the Ran family is allowed to carry that name.
I'm the fourth child, and have three older brothers above me.
But the only one deemed worthy to carry the name of Ryuren was him, the youngest son.
Even over his four older brothers?!
My younger brother is odd, but the Ran Clan expects great thing.
Still he's always wandering, and even if you can catch him, you could hardly talk to him.
Interesting, if he's really that difficult to control, I imagine he wouldn’t easily be manipulated.
Be that as it may, the Ran Clan considers my younger brother indispensable.
What do you think you're doing?!
I've made up my mind, I'm gonna stay here tonight.
This is where I want to sleep.
I'm not sure I want to know the answer to this, but where were you staying last night?
I was counting the stars as I fell asleep.
So you camped out, ha?
Ryuren, no matter what your reason, this is no place for you to sleep.
Why don't you stay with your elder brother?
There's no way I'm gonna spend the night with a tasteless, unrefined man like him.
Then How about my place?
And make Lord Shoka have to do with this guy?
Then in that case, Koyu, your place will do.
What?!
That’s a wonderful idea! Please Lord Koyu.
all right, if I must.
There’s nothing but books here. There isn't a shred of taste in this room.
Shut up.
Oh, Your Majesty.
Advisor Sa.
Would you happen to be on your way to Consort Hong's champers again tonight?
I am.
It pleases me greatly to see the two of you growing so close to each other.
But give this some thought.
I have a granddaughter, she is just as pretty as Consort Hong and has an equally lovely personality.
I'm satisfied with Shurei, thank you. There's no need for any others.
My, Consort Hong certainly has you smitten.
What do you mean by that?
It means you've fallen head over heels in love.
Well, fair enough ,if you happen to change your mind on the subject, don't hesitate to let me know.
Shurei, I'm coming in.
Sure go ahead.
Ryuki.
Yes, what is it?
I’m gonna read for a little while longer so go on to bed without me.
You're more determined to study than I am, I'm the king.
I'm no genius so I have to do this.
But they always say, that "A genius can't better a hardworking man", right?
That's very true, If you were a man, I'm sure you'd make a wonderful official.
When I was a child, it was my dream to take the National Civil Service Exams and become a Court Official.
But thanks to me entering the Royal Harem, I have all these opportunities to study and reflect on the affairs of the country.
I feel like I'm allowed to be a little closer to that old dream.
Anyway, don't mind me, Ryuki. You go on to bed.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Lord Koyu, are you all right?
I didn't get a wink of sleep last night! And It's all thanks to that guy!
What the hell is with this idiot?!
I don't get what's going on inside his head!
First he laid down on the courtyard so he could look at the moon while he fell asleep
Then out of nowhere he started playing that damn flute!
And on top of that, first thing in the morning, he wanted to weed the lawn, and I had to help him!
I see, well, helping him out with weeding was very considered of you.
It's not as if you can do much else.
Really you must do something about your frighteningly horrible sense of direction.
You even got lost in your own house.
Mind your own business!
Do something, Silly Brother Number Four!
Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have to take care of palace security.
Oh no, don't you try to escape!
Ryuren, you strike me as someone who's above at all.
- Do something about this guy!
- Let go of me!
- Shut up!
But if you caused trouble for someone who took you in, the proper response is to apologize.
Right?
Silly Brother Number Four!
Come on.
Now, the next step is to say "I'm sorry".
I'm... sorry, sir.
Oh, it's...fine.
I'm sorry too, for acting so self-important.
Well, I'd hate to bother Lord Koyu any further, since he's been so kind and patient already.
So why don't we go to my chambers and have some tea, and then tonight I insist that you come and spend the night at my house.
Please.
Thank you, Korin.
Silverware, ha ? I see you're not without your own difficulties here, Shurei.
What do you mean?
Didn't you know? Silverware will change color if it comes into contact with poison.
What?!
Are you all right, child?
Yes, I'm sorry.
I don't know what to say, I had no idea that silverware was used for that purpose.
Ryuki saved me that time at the banquet,
But I need to be more aware of what's going around me and start looking out for myself.
I was wondering about that woman Shusui, do you know about her background?
Just the [cheese] my lady-in-waiting.
She appears to have had considerable training to move like that.
You're right. Shusui has a very elegant manner, don't you think?
You can be so dim witty sometimes.
Dim witty?
Shurei, and... who's that?
Hey, Shurei, how would you like to travel with me?
This life here in the palace doesn't suit you at all.
Who are you? who dares to seduce our royal consort.
Your Majesty!
I'd like you to meet Ryuren Ran.
He's General Ran's younger brother.
From the Ran Clan?
Shurei is not a bird to be caged. She's a bird that should fly free.
Right, how about we have chickeny-chicken hot pot for dinner tonight.
Yesterday's dumplings were delicious.
Tonight, I'll return the favor and make something for you.
Ah, anyway Ryuki, I'm going home for the night, okay? Bye!
I never intended to cage her.
Your Majesty.
Seiran.
What are you doing out here? Your Majesty.
Oh, I was just talking with Shuei's younger brother.
You mean the young man from the Ran Clan who's been visiting the palace recently?
the same. Apparently, he'll be staying at Shurei's house tonight.
I heard he's very unusual a kind of person.
But he and Shurei seem to get along well.
Seiran,I have a request to make of you, could you also go home with Shurei tonight?
If you're worried, I can certainly send some guards over.
I'd like to stay here and investigate something a little further.
If you're talking about that, I asked Shuei to look into it as well.
Don't do anything reckless.
Right.
Here you go!
Didn't you say we were having chicken hot pot?
Yes I did.
since when did you need soybeans for chicken hot pot?
This tiny round thing... For some reason I was suddenly drawn into it.
You broke them.
This is a problem, sir.
I apologize. Please take these in payment for the broken eggs.
Ah?
What's this?
This much?! Wait a minute, sir, at least take these in return!
Well, it's a little closer to chicken I supposed, but still...!
Please!
I see.
Excuse me, what's the matter?
Nothing, I just wanted to buy some eggs for my sick husband to eat, but I don't have enough money.
In that case, I'll exchange these eggs for those green onions you got there.
Would you really? Thank you very much!
I guess this means we are getting a little closer to hot pot, but...we're getting further away from chicken.
Hey Ryuren, why don't you and I...
If it's okay with you, I'd like to make an exchange.
Sure.
Thank you.
Just what kind of theory are you basing these traits on anyway?
There is no theory to it.
And the chickeny-chicken hot pot?
No more than an illusion.
I don't think I can stand much more of this.
He's driving me totally nuts.
Don't cry, what's wrong?
The wind blew away the straw that I was getting use to make a raincoat.
What am I gonna do?
Thank you!
Tonight we can pick vegetables from our garden and make veggie-veggie hot pot instead!
You're not angry with me?
here it reminds me of an old folk tale.
a man began with a piece of straw and traded up until he was rich.
But you ended up doing the complete opposite, Ryuren.
You know all the same, I still had a lot of fun.
Shurei. Do you know all of those guys outside our front gate were sent here on the king's orders?
I think so. It's probably because I'm staying here tonight.
Ryuren, another helping?
Please relax, make yourself at home.
There was a piece of vegetable on your face.
Well, Ryuren, That's a first...
What is it?
That must be the first time I've seen you smile.
No need to make a fuss, it's nothing to be surprised about.
I guess not.
Why don't we have some more, before the food gets cold. Let's eat. Ryuren, you're spilling it!
Well, take care of yourself, okay?
Right.
General Ran!
The thought that my younger brother may have caused you trouble was worrying me.
No, not at all. He wasn’t the least bit of trouble.
Thank you, General, but there was no need to be concerned.
Excuse me Shurei, but I should get going.
Good luck and stay safe, okay?
Yeah, but one more reminder before I go, I hope you'll remember that you're my kindred spirit.
You're my kindred spirit, and that will be for life.
Thank you, Ryuren.
Now, I'll take my leave.
Next time we meet will probably be at the National Exams.
Exams?
That's right.
He will be taking the National Civil Service Examination.
He had to make a promise to the Ran Family that he would place in the top three rankings.
Why is that?
That's the condition under which he's allowed to wander around like this.
I see. The National Exams.
Shurei, I really must thank you.
You're the first person I've ever met who didn't turn and run away from my younger brother.
That can't be true.
He has always been very eccentric, that fact has isolated him from others.
That's because he's a genius.
I'm sure he sees things in a very different way than the rest of us do.
But if you think about it, that can also mean he's unable to see the world in the same way as other people.
It must be terribly lonely, enduring that kind of mental isolation.
But for the first time, he has a real friend to turn to.
A kindred spirit for life.
Hey, Ryuki.
What is it?
I've never been able to do anything unless I put in a lot of effort into it.
Like this erhu, I had to practice constantly before I was able to play it.
It's hard to have to put in so much effort all the time, but it must be hard to be a genius too.
Yes. I'm going to make an effort too.
Ta-dah, please accept these! These are all my gifts to you!
I'm making enough and trying my best to earn your love.
How am I doing, Shurei?
It's a hard work, but I'm happy to do it.
For you, I'll do whatever it takes.
Sh-Shurei?
There is nothing I hate more than someone who wastes his money!!
Ryuki has turned into a true king
It won't be long now before my work here finally comes to an end.
This feeling of relief is making me sleepy.
What ? Where am I? could I have I been kidnapped?!