Each day, Ryuki Shi was becoming more and more competent as the King of Saiunkoku. He would clearly state his opinions in the Royal Court, form conclusions from the opinions of his ministers, and actively involve himself in every aspect of government affairs. He really is becoming more like a king, isn't he? Well, that's just because he has a good teacher. Now, consider this issue, we would like to hear you opinions by the end of the day.
Lacking the Finishing Touch
I see. He's doing well. He is. I hear that even in the Royal Court he comes forward with his opinions. If that's how it is, I guess it's about time I pack my things and go home. I came here to help the king, but If he's dealing with affairs of state properly, then there's no need for me to stay at the palace any longer. Classes at the temple school should start again and with the summer banquet season coming up there'll be lots of performing jobs. The king will be very lonely without you. I have to live my own life, and this isn't the place. What a lovely scent. Korin prepared it for you. I believe she referred to it as her secret formula. Secret formula? Yes. She was worried about you I think. She said, "the consort seems a little under the weather lately". I see. When you see Korin again, would you please tell her "Thank you "for me? Of course, My Lady. I will be sure to pass on your thanks. Well then, please excuse me. Anything unusual to report? No, sir! Very well. I thought it would be a breeze if I had a map of the palace with me. That's it! This stupid map must be wrong! That's gotta be it. Otherwise, there's no way I would get lost! It was you, wasn't it?! Why do you have to interfere?! What was that? This is what that person surely desires, isn't it?! It's over there. Please, I want to be of use to him too! It's coming from here. Honestly making such a racket at this time of night! If it wasn't for him, I would. . . Korin! Are you okay? Is anybody else there?! Check Consort Hong's room quickly! Don't tell me. . . ! Consort Hong! She's gone. Damn it! Shuei! Shuei, Where's she?! What a surprise. You didn't get lost this time. This is no time to be joking around! Where's Seiran? You’d think he’d be the first one here all things considered. What's going on? Your Majesty. But we already switched Korin's drugged incense with a non-lethal substitute. Which means there must be others involved as well. Whoever they were, They vanished like smoke along with Shurei even in the middle of such high power security, it looks like we're dealing with real professionals here. At least we figured out a few things, Korin's motive has been clearly established. And she's involved with this other person. Although I'm quite sure he never would've expected that girl'd take any action like this. I wanted to handle this matter a little more discreetly, but now it's come to this, I have no choice. Shuei, your order is to arrest that man immediately. Yes, sir. Koyu, please remain with Korin until she wakes up. Inform only Shoka and please do so in secret. Also, there's a chance people may be injured, We must ensure they’ll receive treatment quickly. Wake Doctor To and the royal physicians, and tell them to be prepared. Yes, right away. By the way, Your Majesty, there's one other who remains unaccounted for. It seems very odd that Seiran is nowhere to be found in a situation like this. Do you think that he was. . ! I don't. And your basis? None. That's hardly a persuasive argument. Your Majesty. Please forgive me, I'm told that you didn't give Seiran a flower. Why is that, may I ask? Because it's not necessary. Not necessary? There's no need to confirm his true feelings. I know for a fact that Seiran would never betray Shurei or me. In the same way I have no doubt in my mind that you two who willingly accepted my flowers, will always serve me with loyalty. My, it seems that you estimate our worth extremely highly, Your Majesty. I'm not estimating. I know it for a fact. It's part of who you are. You’re both stubborn and unyielding, always poised to take action, never pandering to those who are in power. In addition to these traits, you have high self-respect that borders on arrogance, You’re both unwavering in self-confidence and faith and neither of you bow before those who are unreasonable. Is he supposed to be praising us with this speech of his? I'm not sure. Well then, you are saying that in your eyes, Seiran is innocent? I am. You pass the test, Your Majesty. What's that? It's a note that was given to me by Seiran. You got a note? To be perfectly honest, he told me not to let you see it, but I see no harm since you truly believe he's innocent. What's this I thought you would have been surprised. What are you talking about? Of course I'm surprised! I wasn't asking you, Koyo, I was asking the king. I already knew. It's been a long time. Those words seem appropriate. It's quit amusing, don't you think? Now when I look at you, I'm reminded of the distant past. Prince Seien. So Seiran is really you brother Prince Seien. Well whoever it was, they escaped quickly. Your Majesty. Hurry and carry out my orders immediately! Arrest Advisor Sa on site! You'll likely find Seiran's already with him. Yes! And you, Your Majesty? Shurei is in the Ministry of the Enlightened One's Cave. I'll go. - The Enlightened One's Cave? - It's too dangerous for you to go! This is obviously a trap. It likely is. But this time I must jump right in. I will bring Shurei back! A long time ago, when I served the former king, it was a time of constant warfare and strife. In those day, Sho, So, and I fought together on the battlefield doing what we could to get ahead and reach the top of the pile. The Sa Clan was then ranked the lowest among the Seven noble Families, I wanted to elevate our position and I offered the former king my loyal service. You've already accomplished that goal. Your power and rank are unshakable. You've become an advisor with hundreds of ministers answering to you. Why do you find it necessary to do something like this now? It's a gamble of sorts. What, a gamble ? All things were still fine back then, but then I realized something. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I sacrificed, I would never be at the very top. As long as both of us still live, that man will always be above me. You mean Advisor Sho. It didn't matter how much effort I put in, I could never reach Sho's level, he outpaced me. He is the type of person we define as "genius". But you also rose to the position of advisor. Yes, but I'm an ordinary man. Success, honor, status, power, like crazy things, they nourished me as I climbed my way up the long and steep path to where I am today. But it was very different with Sho. He was sincerely devoted to serving the king to the exclusion of all else. Status, power and wealthy mean nothing at all to him. It's as though he has no desire in his heart for anything in this world beyond simply existing. And That is the reason why I despise my dear old friend Sho.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Despise him? He showed me all too clearly the difference between a genius and an ordinary man like me. I have no regrets about living my life in the way that I've chosen. Almost all of my wishes have been fulfilled. And yet despite all my satisfaction, there's still one desire that remains. To rise above Sho. This is now my only wish and fondest dream. I wonder how he will respond to this. Can I surpass him in this last match of wits? As I said it's a gamble. I've already grown old. Because of that this is a risk I can afford to take. I have no attachment to what little remains of the life left to me. This is my first and last wager. Constructing this life of mine has been like painting a dragon. All that is lacking now is the finishing touch. And that's why you kidnapped Lady Shurei? Where am I? Who did this to me, and why? Surely there isn’t any way that they can benefit from kidnapping me. I admit I did not anticipate the king becoming so intensely fond of your mistress. But he made it clear he would prefer that girl to my own granddaughter, so forging an alliance through marriage was no longer an option. And then, just as I was thinking about what to do next, fortune smiled on me, and I learned of your existence, Prince Seien. No, I am not Prince Seien! Your eyes are identical to those of the former king when he was a youth. No, I. . . ! Well, if you insist on denying it, that's fine. However, quite frankly, your warn is of little value, once people learn that their beloved Prince Seien has return from exile, I guarantee there will be many who will want you to take the throne. There is only one king in Saiunkoku and that’s king Ryuki! Would you really wanna risk a repetition of the struggle for the throne eight years ago?! There will be no need to go through anything like that. It will be fine if His Majesty just disappeared. . . Yes, perhaps through an unfortunate accident. . . ! If Shurei's here, the darkness doesn't matter. Who is it? The king, huh? It looks like things are gonna get interesting. I will be waiting patiently with a throne I’ve prepared for you, Prince Seien. What have you done with king Ryuki? After all this time, you still care so deeply for your younger brother. You were the only one in the entire palace who ever truly loved the lonely child Prince Ryuki. Could it be because you'd gone through the same very harsh experience yourself? You're wrong! He was the only one who always loved and respected me! Purely and innocently, without any ulterior motive. I was the one who found comfort being with him and trusting him in. It was because of Ryuki that I was able to go on when I was in the Royal Palace! That's why I was the one who loved him! Now tell me right now, What have you done to Ryuki? It appears that it will take a little more convincing in order to have you take the throne. That'll never happen! You've become blinded by ambition. You are a fool, Advisor Sa! How dare you. Ryuki! It’d be impossible for you to have me take the throne. That chance died the moment Ryuki became king, a new era has already begun for the Royal Court. Your great opportunity has come and gone. Shuei Ran and Koyu Ri have already chosen the master they are going to follow, they’ve pledged their loyalty to him. If you somehow were successful and were able to put a puppet king on the throne, rest assured that those two and I would take you down without hesitation. You see, the thing about my younger brother, is that he's nowhere near as stupid as you seem to think. And as for myself, I'm nowhere near as obedient as you think either. That much seems to be apparent, in that case, I'll just have to make you obedient! You see, Prince Seien, there are many different ways to turn a disobedient person into a puppet. - Seize him! - Yes, sir! It's a lovely scent, is it not? Advisor Sa! Don't worry, by the time you come around you will be on the throne. Nobody told us this guy would be so skilled! I'll ask you once, where is Shurei? Over here. I have your lovely princess. Is that really Shurei with you? Certainly! Of course her mouth is covered, so I can't let you hear her voice. Now then, be reasonable and throw away your weapon. No! That isn't me down there! Those two in the shadow they're both assassins and they are trying to kill you! Oh, if only I could warn you! That's a good boy. Don't go over there! Ryuki! Take him away. What's going on? The king knows you're behind this. It won't be long now before General Ran arrives. How? How did they know? Korin, the young girl you brought to the Royal Harem, she's the one who led us to you. Korin, you say? I never told her a thing about this! I'm so sorry, Lord Enjun. At some point, Korin came to realize what your intentions were. In order to help you, the man she so adores, she planned to kill Consort Hong on her own initiative. It was through her attempts at poisoning that we were finally led to you. As I recall, you found Korin collapsed and near death in front of your gate during the great struggle for the throne eight years ago. You took her in then, didn't you? Lord Enjun. Yes, Korin, my child, what is it? Um. . . here. I embroidered it for you myself. I hope you can find some use for it. Korin! It's ironic, isn't it? Your kindness and good conscience were ultimately instrumental in your final downfall. This is impossible! Shusui never mentioned anything about this to me. Shusui? If you're referring to the assassin I know by that name, then I should inform you that she's a member of the Wolves of the Wind. That woman will only take orders from three people, the former king, myself and of course Advisor Sho. I see now. That explains everything. He is always the way, all this hard work and planning, and he had me dancing in the palm of his hand once again right up until the very last moment. That’s Sho for you! And you, to think that you were the legendary assassin, Black Wolf! I must congratulate you! You did an excellent job managing to keep it a secret from us all this time. I will let you take the prince go right ahead. But my life is something I'll never let you take, you are not the one to whom I will give my last breath. Really, you can be so reckless. Don't do it, Ryuki! Don't go over there! RYUKI!!
Next Episode Well, My work here is finished. Despite everything that's happened, I really enjoyed it in the end. Now that, Advisor Sho, one more thing, Those five hundred gold coins you promised me, hand them over!
He would clearly state his opinions in the Royal Court, form conclusions from the opinions of his ministers, and actively involve himself in every aspect of government affairs.
He really is becoming more like a king, isn't he?
Well, that's just because he has a good teacher.
Now, consider this issue, we would like to hear you opinions by the end of the day.
Lacking the Finishing Touch
I see. He's doing well.
He is. I hear that even in the Royal Court he comes forward with his opinions.
If that's how it is, I guess it's about time I pack my things and go home.
I came here to help the king, but If he's dealing with affairs of state properly, then there's no need for me to stay at the palace any longer.
Classes at the temple school should start again and with the summer banquet season coming up there'll be lots of performing jobs.
The king will be very lonely without you.
I have to live my own life, and this isn't the place.
What a lovely scent.
Korin prepared it for you.
I believe she referred to it as her secret formula.
Secret formula?
Yes.
She was worried about you I think.
She said, "the consort seems a little under the weather lately".
I see.
When you see Korin again, would you please tell her "Thank you "for me?
Of course, My Lady.
I will be sure to pass on your thanks.
Well then, please excuse me.
Anything unusual to report?
No, sir!
Very well.
I thought it would be a breeze if I had a map of the palace with me.
That's it!
This stupid map must be wrong!
That's gotta be it.
Otherwise, there's no way I would get lost!
It was you, wasn't it?!
Why do you have to interfere?!
What was that?
This is what that person surely desires, isn't it?!
It's over there.
Please, I want to be of use to him too!
It's coming from here.
Honestly making such a racket at this time of night!
If it wasn't for him, I would. . .
Korin!
Are you okay?
Is anybody else there?!
Check Consort Hong's room quickly!
Don't tell me. . . !
Consort Hong!
She's gone.
Damn it!
Shuei!
Shuei, Where's she?!
What a surprise. You didn't get lost this time.
This is no time to be joking around!
Where's Seiran?
You’d think he’d be the first one here all things considered.
What's going on?
Your Majesty.
But we already switched Korin's drugged incense with a non-lethal substitute.
Which means there must be others involved as well.
Whoever they were, They vanished like smoke along with Shurei even in the middle of such high power security, it looks like we're dealing with real professionals here.
At least we figured out a few things, Korin's motive has been clearly established.
And she's involved with this other person.
Although I'm quite sure he never would've expected that girl'd take any action like this.
I wanted to handle this matter a little more discreetly, but now it's come to this, I have no choice.
Shuei, your order is to arrest that man immediately.
Yes, sir.
Koyu, please remain with Korin until she wakes up.
Inform only Shoka and please do so in secret.
Also, there's a chance people may be injured, We must ensure they’ll receive treatment quickly.
Wake Doctor To and the royal physicians, and tell them to be prepared.
Yes, right away.
By the way, Your Majesty, there's one other who remains unaccounted for.
It seems very odd that Seiran is nowhere to be found in a situation like this. Do you think that he was. . !
I don't.
And your basis?
None.
That's hardly a persuasive argument.
Your Majesty.
Please forgive me, I'm told that you didn't give Seiran a flower.
Why is that, may I ask?
Because it's not necessary.
Not necessary?
There's no need to confirm his true feelings.
I know for a fact that Seiran would never betray Shurei or me.
In the same way I have no doubt in my mind that you two who willingly accepted my flowers, will always serve me with loyalty.
My, it seems that you estimate our worth extremely highly, Your Majesty.
I'm not estimating. I know it for a fact.
It's part of who you are.
You’re both stubborn and unyielding, always poised to take action, never pandering to those who are in power.
In addition to these traits, you have high self-respect that borders on arrogance, You’re both unwavering in self-confidence and faith and neither of you bow before those who are unreasonable.
Is he supposed to be praising us with this speech of his?
I'm not sure.
Well then, you are saying that in your eyes, Seiran is innocent?
I am.
You pass the test, Your Majesty.
What's that?
It's a note that was given to me by Seiran.
You got a note?
To be perfectly honest, he told me not to let you see it, but I see no harm since you truly believe he's innocent.
What's this I thought you would have been surprised.
What are you talking about?
Of course I'm surprised!
I wasn't asking you, Koyo, I was asking the king.
I already knew.
It's been a long time.
Those words seem appropriate.
It's quit amusing, don't you think?
Now when I look at you, I'm reminded of the distant past.
Prince Seien.
So Seiran is really you brother Prince Seien.
Well whoever it was, they escaped quickly.
Your Majesty.
Hurry and carry out my orders immediately!
Arrest Advisor Sa on site!
You'll likely find Seiran's already with him.
Yes!
And you, Your Majesty?
Shurei is in the Ministry of the Enlightened One's Cave. I'll go.
- The Enlightened One's Cave?
- It's too dangerous for you to go! This is obviously a trap.
It likely is.
But this time I must jump right in.
I will bring Shurei back!
A long time ago, when I served the former king, it was a time of constant warfare and strife.
In those day, Sho, So, and I fought together on the battlefield doing what we could to get ahead and reach the top of the pile.
The Sa Clan was then ranked the lowest among the Seven noble Families, I wanted to elevate our position and I offered the former king my loyal service.
You've already accomplished that goal.
Your power and rank are unshakable.
You've become an advisor with hundreds of ministers answering to you.
Why do you find it necessary to do something like this now?
It's a gamble of sorts.
What, a gamble ?
All things were still fine back then, but then I realized something.
No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much I sacrificed, I would never be at the very top.
As long as both of us still live, that man will always be above me.
You mean Advisor Sho.
It didn't matter how much effort I put in, I could never reach Sho's level, he outpaced me.
He is the type of person we define as "genius".
But you also rose to the position of advisor.
Yes, but I'm an ordinary man.
Success, honor, status, power, like crazy things, they nourished me as I climbed my way up the long and steep path to where I am today.
But it was very different with Sho.
He was sincerely devoted to serving the king to the exclusion of all else.
Status, power and wealthy mean nothing at all to him.
It's as though he has no desire in his heart for anything in this world beyond simply existing.
And That is the reason why I despise my dear old friend Sho.
The Story of Saiunkoku
Despise him?
He showed me all too clearly the difference between a genius and an ordinary man like me.
I have no regrets about living my life in the way that I've chosen.
Almost all of my wishes have been fulfilled.
And yet despite all my satisfaction, there's still one desire that remains.
To rise above Sho.
This is now my only wish and fondest dream.
I wonder how he will respond to this.
Can I surpass him in this last match of wits?
As I said it's a gamble.
I've already grown old.
Because of that this is a risk I can afford to take.
I have no attachment to what little remains of the life left to me.
This is my first and last wager.
Constructing this life of mine has been like painting a dragon.
All that is lacking now is the finishing touch.
And that's why you kidnapped Lady Shurei?
Where am I?
Who did this to me, and why?
Surely there isn’t any way that they can benefit from kidnapping me.
I admit I did not anticipate the king becoming so intensely fond of your mistress.
But he made it clear he would prefer that girl to my own granddaughter, so forging an alliance through marriage was no longer an option.
And then, just as I was thinking about what to do next, fortune smiled on me, and I learned of your existence, Prince Seien.
No, I am not Prince Seien!
Your eyes are identical to those of the former king when he was a youth.
No, I. . . !
Well, if you insist on denying it, that's fine.
However, quite frankly, your warn is of little value, once people learn that their beloved Prince Seien has return from exile, I guarantee there will be many who will want you to take the throne.
There is only one king in Saiunkoku and that’s king Ryuki!
Would you really wanna risk a repetition of the struggle for the throne eight years ago?!
There will be no need to go through anything like that.
It will be fine if His Majesty just disappeared. . . Yes, perhaps through an unfortunate accident. . . !
If Shurei's here, the darkness doesn't matter.
Who is it?
The king, huh?
It looks like things are gonna get interesting.
I will be waiting patiently with a throne I’ve prepared for you, Prince Seien.
What have you done with king Ryuki?
After all this time, you still care so deeply for your younger brother.
You were the only one in the entire palace who ever truly loved the lonely child Prince Ryuki.
Could it be because you'd gone through the same very harsh experience yourself?
You're wrong!
He was the only one who always loved and respected me!
Purely and innocently, without any ulterior motive.
I was the one who found comfort being with him and trusting him in.
It was because of Ryuki that I was able to go on when I was in the Royal Palace!
That's why I was the one who loved him!
Now tell me right now, What have you done to Ryuki?
It appears that it will take a little more convincing in order to have you take the throne.
That'll never happen!
You've become blinded by ambition.
You are a fool, Advisor Sa!
How dare you.
Ryuki!
It’d be impossible for you to have me take the throne.
That chance died the moment Ryuki became king, a new era has already begun for the Royal Court.
Your great opportunity has come and gone.
Shuei Ran and Koyu Ri have already chosen the master they are going to follow, they’ve pledged their loyalty to him.
If you somehow were successful and were able to put a puppet king on the throne, rest assured that those two and I would take you down without hesitation.
You see, the thing about my younger brother, is that he's nowhere near as stupid as you seem to think.
And as for myself, I'm nowhere near as obedient as you think either.
That much seems to be apparent, in that case, I'll just have to make you obedient!
You see, Prince Seien, there are many different ways to turn a disobedient person into a puppet.
- Seize him!
- Yes, sir!
It's a lovely scent, is it not?
Advisor Sa!
Don't worry, by the time you come around you will be on the throne.
Nobody told us this guy would be so skilled!
I'll ask you once, where is Shurei?
Over here.
I have your lovely princess.
Is that really Shurei with you?
Certainly! Of course her mouth is covered, so I can't let you hear her voice.
Now then, be reasonable and throw away your weapon.
No!
That isn't me down there!
Those two in the shadow they're both assassins and they are trying to kill you!
Oh, if only I could warn you!
That's a good boy.
Don't go over there! Ryuki!
Take him away.
What's going on?
The king knows you're behind this.
It won't be long now before General Ran arrives.
How?
How did they know?
Korin, the young girl you brought to the Royal Harem, she's the one who led us to you.
Korin, you say?
I never told her a thing about this!
I'm so sorry, Lord Enjun.
At some point, Korin came to realize what your intentions were.
In order to help you, the man she so adores, she planned to kill Consort Hong on her own initiative.
It was through her attempts at poisoning that we were finally led to you.
As I recall, you found Korin collapsed and near death in front of your gate during the great struggle for the throne eight years ago.
You took her in then, didn't you?
Lord Enjun.
Yes, Korin, my child, what is it?
Um. . . here.
I embroidered it for you myself.
I hope you can find some use for it.
Korin!
It's ironic, isn't it?
Your kindness and good conscience were ultimately instrumental in your final downfall.
This is impossible!
Shusui never mentioned anything about this to me.
Shusui? If you're referring to the assassin I know by that name, then I should inform you that she's a member of the Wolves of the Wind.
That woman will only take orders from three people, the former king, myself and of course Advisor Sho.
I see now.
That explains everything.
He is always the way, all this hard work and planning, and he had me dancing in the palm of his hand once again right up until the very last moment.
That’s Sho for you!
And you, to think that you were the legendary assassin, Black Wolf! I must congratulate you!
You did an excellent job managing to keep it a secret from us all this time.
I will let you take the prince go right ahead.
But my life is something I'll never let you take, you are not the one to whom I will give my last breath.
Really, you can be so reckless.
Don't do it, Ryuki!
Don't go over there!
RYUKI!!
Next Episode
Well, My work here is finished.
Despite everything that's happened, I really enjoyed it in the end.
Now that, Advisor Sho, one more thing,
Those five hundred gold coins you promised me, hand them over!