During the palace celebration, Shurei boldly presented the plan to make Sa Province a center of academic research. The News of her success had reached Eigetsu and the others. Way to go, Princess! She's taken a great first step towards making your big plan in reality! I almost can’t believe they’d consider such a large-scale and outrageous propose! utter nonsense, This plan was yours and Governor Hong's, wasn’t it? that's true, but...! It will be a long journey ahead, but I, too, will be helping out to the best of my abilities. All right, let's do it! Yeah! However the person who received the biggest shock from the plan was...!
Fate is a Mysterious yet Fascinating Thing
Ah! It's finally over! It’s been nothing but New Year’s greetings for seven days now, over and over again, from dawn until dusk! I'm absolutely exhausted! Your Majesty... we were thinking... Perhaps we should all take a break and pay a visit to Lord Shoka's residence tonight. Unfortunately, I’m afraid I'll have to pass. I must look over the New Year’s greeting letters and write replies to those that require them. Oh. I’m surprised, I assumed he would come and see Shurei, the moment he got the opportunity! Well, That's the royal spirit for you. Yes but all the same, I was secretly hoping for him to say and do things somewhat differently. You think so too, right? So, she's not here? I’m afraid not. Right now, she and Lord Yushun are running around doing errands together. Is that so? Well, it's not as if Shurei's reason for coming home is just to visit, right? You’re right, I suppose not. We’re both terribly sorry for our thoughtlessness. We'll be sure to send her a letter first next time. As a matter of fact, Shurei really wanted to see the two of you. She was saying that she'd like to invite both of you for dinner once everything has settled down somewhat. Really... She's matured so much. She’d be glad to hear you say so, she said she didn't want you to think she had just come home to have fun. And even if you didn't think so, she said you wouldn't acknowledge her unless she worked hard enough for two people. Shurei really is an admirable, hard-working young lady, isn’t she? Could you please give this to her when she gets home? Oh, Thank you very much for the gift. Goodbye. We'll drop by again. Great, I'll be expecting you. Oh! Speaking of which, has His Majesty been in touch with you since shurei came home? No, not even once. Is that so? Something wrong? Not really, It's just that His Majesty hasn't stopped working lately . Even though Shurei has returned, he hasn't even attempted to meet with her yet. Lord Koyu. General Ran. Yes, What is it? Tell me, Do you remember what His Majesty's real name is? Of course, It's King Ryuki Shi. Since I’ve been back , I've only seen Ryuki face-to-face once, at the celebration. Why don't we stop there and call it a day governor hong? No, I want to continue checking into royal council research institutions a bit more. but you shouldn't leave Miss Rin Sai alone any longer. I don't want to keep you from your honey-moon. Don't worry. She has her own business to take care of. For starters, tonight, she's hosting a reception for merchants from all over the country. A reception? May I ask Where it’s being held? I think it's a place called Kogaro or something . Why didn’t you say so, let’s go. Please wait here for a moment. You might not believe it, but I before I became a government official I worked here from time to time... keeping accounts, doing maid services, lots of other little things. You worked here? That’s right, and the experiences helped me a lot in life. Shurei! My darling. Welcome back, my dear Shurei. You've become such an impressive woman. Thank you Miss Kocho. excuse us please. My name is Shurei Hong, I’m the Governor of Sa Province. And this gentleman is Yushun Tei, Lieutenant Governor. It's a pleasure to have you here. Please allow all of us here at Kogaro to give you a warm reception and pleasant evening . Governor Hong. I hope you had a good time tonight Yes, I did. Oh, Miss Kocho. Thank you so very much for everything . Don't mention it. I'd do anything for you, Shurei. After all, You're our pride and joy, not to mention our dream come true. Speaking of which, I was quite surprised to learn that the leader of the Merchants Guild for Sa Province is a beautiful woman like you. Yes, but now my turn of office has finally finished. What , it’s over? It's something that cannot be helped. But I've done everything I could in the meantime. When my brother and I were little, the Sai Clan was in a great of poverty and destitution. As the Sa Clan became stronger so the Sai Clan became weaker in proportion. That’s the reason why Sho and I decided to become merchants. With the meritocracy of the Merchants Guild, we would not have to bow to Sa Clan pressure, and we would have the opportunity to build on our strength. Also, some of the doors usually closed to women were open in the guild. it sounds a lot like the path that my dear Shurei has been walking too. Not really. What I've done doesn’t compare to what she has accomplished. The sincerity of heartfelt feelings you and Governor have, has saved Sa Province from itself . You've been able to accomplish things I could only dream of doing. From now on, Miss Rin, will you be concentrating on raising a family? No, I'll devote myself to being an inventor. An inventor?! I entered the Merchants Guild in the first place because I was praised for my inventions. I'm thinking that, in the future, I would like to invent things that will benefit the lives of people who can't move freely. After all, If my dear husband can maintain the balance between his work and his love for his wife, then I should be able to do it too. A Balance between work and love? I'm home! Welcome back! You're here in perfect time. I had just finished brewing some tea when you got in. But The tea father brews is ...! So bitter! nothing, I'm glad that the flavor hasn't changed! Well, I'm happy to hear that. Hey, by the way, Where's Seiran? He's gone out. I see. Speaking of which, Lord Koyu and General Ran stopped by today. They brought along a lot of groceries for dinner . Father. Now that I think about it, I haven't properly said, "I'm home." Yet Not to those who took care of me, and not even to you, Father. I was only able to get this far because of everyone supporting me along the way. Yet I...! It’s quite all right. Maybe I can invite everyone here and cook dinner for them like I used to. But first... I'm home, Father. Welcome home. It's been a while big Brother. I'm glad to see that you're doing well. I didn't think I could bring myself to see you face-to-face. I intended to protect her with my life, but I failed. I don't understand , Shurei has come back safe and sound. But On her own strength. I wanted to protect her, but before I knew it, I was being protected. I feel angry and ashamed of my own worthlessness. Even still... I envy you, Brother. Because I don't even get the chance to feel that frustration
The Story of Saiunkoku
Seiran. Good morning. Good morning, my lady. here, come and join me! M-My lady! Hello, mother, I'm home. Seiran ? Yes ? You know, This is still our home town in the end, it’s the place we came back to. So we mustn't forget it, no matter where our lives might lead us. I used to think to myself, since I was going to become the governor of Sa Province, I should try not to think of my home town that often. But this is still the place where all of my dreams first started. I know I said so before, but Thank you for supporting my dream up until now. And I hope you’ll keep on doing so. All right, I'm gonna prepare a feast tonight. The first time in a while! Seiran, you'll need you to help! Master. You know, seeing you two working around the house like this again is really making me quite emotional It's like, "it’s so nice, the two have finally come home." Master. I know It's kind of late for me to be saying this, but all the same I’m home. Right now, I feel emotional as well. So much happiness in having a place to come home to. It reminds me that I am not alone in the world. But still...! It says she'll be preparing a big dinner with the ingredients we brought yesterday. But why is the dinner party being held at the palace archives instead of their residence? Honestly. Why are we having dinner at the archives, not at home? Sometimes I really have to wonder What father’s thinking? Perhaps it's so we can have Senior Secretary Kou, Assistant Secretary Kei and some other people drop by for a bit. Yeah, I suppose you’re right. My lady What is it? Ah! No wonder I was beginning to feel cold, That’s right. It's so beautiful. Wow , this looks delicious. Hakumei? So you have a talent for home-cooking as well. Yes. Please Have as much as you like. Thank you. Oh, my. This looks like a sumptuous feast, doesn't it? Welcome, everyone! Oh, the meal looks delicious! Did you make all of this yourself shu? Um-huh. Wow, you're amazing! Lord Koyu, General Ran! I'm so sorry I was out yesterday, and I missed you. Not at all, I’m the one who’d feel sorry for intruding the way we did. Koyu’s been feeling incredibly remorseful for what happened last night. Really? But I was very happy. When I heard that you two came by to visit me, I got all nostalgic for the old days, and it also gave me a great sense of encouragement! Oh my, this bean cake...! Advisor Sho and Advisor So! When did you get here? Mind if a couple of old men join the party? Not at all! Please! Now, everyone, let’s eat before it gets cold! Yeah. Let's dig in. Everyone... I wanted to say this sooner but, I, Shurei Hong I’m glad to be home safe from Sa Province. Welcome back home, Shu! You really have come a long way. It feels like almost a hundred years ago that you were still in initiate training. It sure brings back memories. To think the whole thing started here from a sweet bean bun like this. Yes, it was thanks to your strong recommendation and quick thinking that Shurei first entered the palace . Now , everyone, please enjoy the food before it gets cold. Here, Seiran, you come over here, too! Don't be a wall flower ! Darn. Everyone is having such a good time. Why don't you enjoy yourself too, elder Brother? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sample a bit of Shurei's cooking. Big Brother Are you going in there too? Well, I am the one who manages the archives, after all. And just like that, you all desert me. No one’s stopping you, why don't you go and join them? I guess I’ll just continue watching over her from the shadows? Like I've always been telling you, you should just properly introduce yourself as her uncle. um... I'm so lonely. There's someone even lonelier than you. He's a man who is possessed by loneliness from which he can never escape. The more he behaves like a true king, the lonelier and more isolated he becomes. But That's what it means to be the king, right? Yes it is. But still, he has a dream that he was never expected to have. You're saying that dream is Shurei? From now on, as he gains reputation as king, the ruler, there will be fewer and fewer people who see him just as Ryuki. And your point is? That in the end, Shurei is, and will always be the only person who will still call him by his really name. You were lucky enough to have Shurei and Lord Koyu, as well as Secretary senior secretary Kou. If Seiran had walked through to becoming king, he wouldn't be standing over there, would he? He wouldn't have met Ensei or anyone else. Right now, seiran is able to grab everything he cherishes and hold on to it as much as his heart desires. However, from now on, King Ryuki will never be able to obtain anything for himself for the rest of his life. He’s aware of that, And that’s why he can't bring himself to let go of the one dream he has left. This is troublesome. Why did Shurei and His Majesty ever have to meet each other, I wonder? But still, Reishin. When it comes to two people meeting, Fate is a mysterious yet fascinating thing. - All right, young man. It's time for a little mid-winter swim! - what are you doing, I don't like this?! - Shurei! - yes, oh, father. - Get going! There's somewhere I'd like you to deliver a few bean buns to. I don't get it, There's no one here. Why are you? I could ask you the same. I-I come here every night... since… I guess it’s been ever since you returned from Sa Province. You know, I was able to accomplish a little bit while I was over there. Oh, but you already know, of course. Cause You're the king. I think I might've even matured a little bit. I'm back home. Ryuki. What... What's the matter? Shurei. Shurei... Shurei, Shurei! You really did it, you kept your promise after all. I want you to see me not as the king but as who I am. To tell the truth, I thought about you a lot, in fact I was afraid that the longer I was away from you, the more I'd see you as a good king before anything else. It’s all right. It’s not important now. I confess I couldn’t help but feel lonely without you here with me. I love you. I love you. Shurei. You, and only you, forever. But Why? Don't you 'why' me!! Now, sit down right now! Right! I've had a lot of time to think about life and Romance while I was in Sa Province! okay? And while I was thinking, I realized that I still have a lot of gaps in my defense! Because of that, I’ve decided to make my heart totally steadfast against men from now on! What?! Well, I… uh... wouldn't mind if you make an exception in my case. And there's one more thing I've decided! If I learn that someone has feelings for me, I'll think about it carefully, then give him my answer as soon as possible. And That's ...! You don't have to say it now, I'm not in any hurry. I'll be waiting for you. Always. No matter how far into the future it may be or however far away you are. I know That day will come. My dream is here, it has been ever since the first time we met each other under these trees.
You know, I’m not going to change. Yeah, I already know. I want to keep moving further ahead. So things may never change from how they are now. I know. Even so? Even so. Even so, I'll wait forever.
The News of her success had reached Eigetsu and the others.
Way to go, Princess!
She's taken a great first step towards making your big plan in reality!
I almost can’t believe they’d consider such a large-scale and outrageous propose!
utter nonsense, This plan was yours and Governor Hong's, wasn’t it?
that's true, but...!
It will be a long journey ahead, but I, too, will be helping out to the best of my abilities.
All right, let's do it!
Yeah!
However the person who received the biggest shock from the plan was...!
Fate is a Mysterious yet Fascinating Thing
Ah! It's finally over!
It’s been nothing but New Year’s greetings for seven days now, over and over again, from dawn until dusk!
I'm absolutely exhausted!
Your Majesty... we were thinking... Perhaps we should all take a break and pay a visit to Lord Shoka's residence tonight.
Unfortunately, I’m afraid I'll have to pass.
I must look over the New Year’s greeting letters and write replies to those that require them.
Oh.
I’m surprised, I assumed he would come and see Shurei, the moment he got the opportunity!
Well, That's the royal spirit for you.
Yes but all the same, I was secretly hoping for him to say and do things somewhat differently.
You think so too, right?
So, she's not here?
I’m afraid not. Right now, she and Lord Yushun are running around doing errands together.
Is that so?
Well, it's not as if Shurei's reason for coming home is just to visit, right?
You’re right, I suppose not. We’re both terribly sorry for our thoughtlessness.
We'll be sure to send her a letter first next time.
As a matter of fact, Shurei really wanted to see the two of you.
She was saying that she'd like to invite both of you for dinner once everything has settled down somewhat.
Really... She's matured so much.
She’d be glad to hear you say so, she said she didn't want you to think she had just come home to have fun.
And even if you didn't think so, she said you wouldn't acknowledge her unless she worked hard enough for two people.
Shurei really is an admirable, hard-working young lady, isn’t she?
Could you please give this to her when she gets home?
Oh, Thank you very much for the gift.
Goodbye.
We'll drop by again.
Great, I'll be expecting you.
Oh!
Speaking of which, has His Majesty been in touch with you since shurei came home?
No, not even once.
Is that so?
Something wrong?
Not really, It's just that His Majesty hasn't stopped working lately .
Even though Shurei has returned, he hasn't even attempted to meet with her yet.
Lord Koyu. General Ran.
Yes, What is it?
Tell me, Do you remember what His Majesty's real name is?
Of course, It's King Ryuki Shi.
Since I’ve been back , I've only seen Ryuki face-to-face once, at the celebration.
Why don't we stop there and call it a day governor hong?
No, I want to continue checking into royal council research institutions a bit more.
but you shouldn't leave Miss Rin Sai alone any longer.
I don't want to keep you from your honey-moon.
Don't worry. She has her own business to take care of.
For starters, tonight, she's hosting a reception for merchants from all over the country.
A reception? May I ask Where it’s being held?
I think it's a place called Kogaro or something .
Why didn’t you say so, let’s go.
Please wait here for a moment.
You might not believe it, but I before I became a government official I worked here from time to time... keeping accounts, doing maid services, lots of other little things.
You worked here?
That’s right, and the experiences helped me a lot in life.
Shurei! My darling. Welcome back, my dear Shurei. You've become such an impressive woman.
Thank you Miss Kocho.
excuse us please.
My name is Shurei Hong, I’m the Governor of Sa Province.
And this gentleman is Yushun Tei, Lieutenant Governor.
It's a pleasure to have you here.
Please allow all of us here at Kogaro to give you a warm reception and pleasant evening .
Governor Hong.
I hope you had a good time tonight
Yes, I did.
Oh, Miss Kocho. Thank you so very much for everything .
Don't mention it. I'd do anything for you, Shurei.
After all, You're our pride and joy, not to mention our dream come true.
Speaking of which, I was quite surprised to learn that the leader of the Merchants Guild for Sa Province is a beautiful woman like you.
Yes, but now my turn of office has finally finished.
What , it’s over?
It's something that cannot be helped.
But I've done everything I could in the meantime.
When my brother and I were little, the Sai Clan was in a great of poverty and destitution.
As the Sa Clan became stronger so the Sai Clan became weaker in proportion.
That’s the reason why Sho and I decided to become merchants.
With the meritocracy of the Merchants Guild, we would not have to bow to Sa Clan pressure, and we would have the opportunity to build on our strength.
Also, some of the doors usually closed to women were open in the guild.
it sounds a lot like the path that my dear Shurei has been walking too.
Not really.
What I've done doesn’t compare to what she has accomplished.
The sincerity of heartfelt feelings you and Governor have, has saved Sa Province from itself .
You've been able to accomplish things I could only dream of doing.
From now on, Miss Rin, will you be concentrating on raising a family?
No, I'll devote myself to being an inventor.
An inventor?!
I entered the Merchants Guild in the first place because I was praised for my inventions.
I'm thinking that, in the future, I would like to invent things that will benefit the lives of people who can't move freely.
After all, If my dear husband can maintain the balance between his work and his love for his wife, then I should be able to do it too.
A Balance between work and love?
I'm home!
Welcome back!
You're here in perfect time.
I had just finished brewing some tea when you got in.
But The tea father brews is ...!
So bitter!
nothing, I'm glad that the flavor hasn't changed!
Well, I'm happy to hear that.
Hey, by the way, Where's Seiran?
He's gone out.
I see.
Speaking of which, Lord Koyu and General Ran stopped by today.
They brought along a lot of groceries for dinner .
Father.
Now that I think about it, I haven't properly said, "I'm home." Yet
Not to those who took care of me, and not even to you, Father.
I was only able to get this far because of everyone supporting me along the way. Yet I...!
It’s quite all right.
Maybe I can invite everyone here and cook dinner for them like I used to.
But first...
I'm home, Father.
Welcome home.
It's been a while big Brother.
I'm glad to see that you're doing well.
I didn't think I could bring myself to see you face-to-face.
I intended to protect her with my life, but I failed.
I don't understand , Shurei has come back safe and sound.
But On her own strength.
I wanted to protect her, but before I knew it, I was being protected.
I feel angry and ashamed of my own worthlessness.
Even still... I envy you, Brother.
Because I don't even get the chance to feel that frustration
The Story of Saiunkoku
Seiran.
Good morning.
Good morning, my lady.
here, come and join me!
M-My lady!
Hello, mother, I'm home.
Seiran ?
Yes ?
You know, This is still our home town in the end, it’s the place we came back to.
So we mustn't forget it, no matter where our lives might lead us.
I used to think to myself, since I was going to become the governor of Sa Province, I should try not to think of my home town that often.
But this is still the place where all of my dreams first started.
I know I said so before, but Thank you for supporting my dream up until now.
And I hope you’ll keep on doing so.
All right, I'm gonna prepare a feast tonight. The first time in a while!
Seiran, you'll need you to help!
Master.
You know, seeing you two working around the house like this again is really making me quite emotional
It's like, "it’s so nice, the two have finally come home."
Master.
I know It's kind of late for me to be saying this, but all the same I’m home.
Right now, I feel emotional as well.
So much happiness in having a place to come home to.
It reminds me that I am not alone in the world.
But still...!
It says she'll be preparing a big dinner with the ingredients we brought yesterday.
But why is the dinner party being held at the palace archives instead of their residence?
Honestly.
Why are we having dinner at the archives, not at home?
Sometimes I really have to wonder What father’s thinking?
Perhaps it's so we can have Senior Secretary Kou, Assistant Secretary Kei and some other people drop by for a bit.
Yeah, I suppose you’re right.
My lady
What is it? Ah!
No wonder I was beginning to feel cold,
That’s right.
It's so beautiful.
Wow , this looks delicious.
Hakumei?
So you have a talent for home-cooking as well.
Yes. Please Have as much as you like.
Thank you.
Oh, my.
This looks like a sumptuous feast, doesn't it?
Welcome, everyone!
Oh, the meal looks delicious!
Did you make all of this yourself shu?
Um-huh.
Wow, you're amazing!
Lord Koyu, General Ran!
I'm so sorry I was out yesterday, and I missed you.
Not at all, I’m the one who’d feel sorry for intruding the way we did.
Koyu’s been feeling incredibly remorseful for what happened last night.
Really? But I was very happy.
When I heard that you two came by to visit me, I got all nostalgic for the old days, and it also gave me a great sense of encouragement!
Oh my, this bean cake...!
Advisor Sho and Advisor So!
When did you get here?
Mind if a couple of old men join the party?
Not at all! Please! Now, everyone, let’s eat before it gets cold!
Yeah. Let's dig in.
Everyone...
I wanted to say this sooner but, I, Shurei Hong I’m glad to be home safe from Sa Province.
Welcome back home, Shu! You really have come a long way.
It feels like almost a hundred years ago that you were still in initiate training.
It sure brings back memories.
To think the whole thing started here from a sweet bean bun like this.
Yes, it was thanks to your strong recommendation and quick thinking that Shurei first entered the palace .
Now , everyone, please enjoy the food before it gets cold.
Here, Seiran, you come over here, too!
Don't be a wall flower !
Darn. Everyone is having such a good time.
Why don't you enjoy yourself too, elder Brother?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to sample a bit of Shurei's cooking.
Big Brother Are you going in there too?
Well, I am the one who manages the archives, after all.
And just like that, you all desert me.
No one’s stopping you, why don't you go and join them?
I guess I’ll just continue watching over her from the shadows?
Like I've always been telling you, you should just properly introduce yourself as her uncle.
um... I'm so lonely.
There's someone even lonelier than you.
He's a man who is possessed by loneliness from which he can never escape.
The more he behaves like a true king, the lonelier and more isolated he becomes.
But That's what it means to be the king, right?
Yes it is. But still, he has a dream that he was never expected to have.
You're saying that dream is Shurei?
From now on, as he gains reputation as king, the ruler, there will be fewer and fewer people who see him just as Ryuki.
And your point is?
That in the end, Shurei is, and will always be the only person who will still call him by his really name.
You were lucky enough to have Shurei and Lord Koyu, as well as Secretary senior secretary Kou.
If Seiran had walked through to becoming king, he wouldn't be standing over there, would he?
He wouldn't have met Ensei or anyone else.
Right now, seiran is able to grab everything he cherishes and hold on to it as much as his heart desires.
However, from now on, King Ryuki will never be able to obtain anything for himself for the rest of his life.
He’s aware of that, And that’s why he can't bring himself to let go of the one dream he has left.
This is troublesome.
Why did Shurei and His Majesty ever have to meet each other, I wonder?
But still, Reishin.
When it comes to two people meeting, Fate is a mysterious yet fascinating thing.
- All right, young man. It's time for a little mid-winter swim!
- what are you doing, I don't like this?!
- Shurei!
- yes, oh, father.
- Get going!
There's somewhere I'd like you to deliver a few bean buns to.
I don't get it, There's no one here.
Why are you?
I could ask you the same.
I-I come here every night... since… I guess it’s been ever since you returned from Sa Province.
You know, I was able to accomplish a little bit while I was over there.
Oh, but you already know, of course. Cause You're the king.
I think I might've even matured a little bit.
I'm back home. Ryuki.
What... What's the matter?
Shurei.
Shurei... Shurei, Shurei!
You really did it, you kept your promise after all.
I want you to see me not as the king but as who I am.
To tell the truth, I thought about you a lot, in fact I was afraid that the longer I was away from you, the more I'd see you as a good king before anything else.
It’s all right. It’s not important now.
I confess I couldn’t help but feel lonely without you here with me.
I love you.
I love you. Shurei.
You, and only you, forever.
But Why?
Don't you 'why' me!!
Now, sit down right now!
Right!
I've had a lot of time to think about life and Romance while I was in Sa Province!
okay?
And while I was thinking, I realized that I still have a lot of gaps in my defense!
Because of that, I’ve decided to make my heart totally steadfast against men from now on!
What?! Well, I… uh... wouldn't mind if you make an exception in my case.
And there's one more thing I've decided!
If I learn that someone has feelings for me, I'll think about it carefully, then give him my answer as soon as possible. And That's ...!
You don't have to say it now, I'm not in any hurry.
I'll be waiting for you. Always.
No matter how far into the future it may be or however far away you are.
I know That day will come.
My dream is here, it has been ever since the first time we met each other under these trees.
You know, I’m not going to change.
Yeah, I already know.
I want to keep moving further ahead.
So things may never change from how they are now.
I know.
Even so?
Even so.
Even so, I'll wait forever.