Morning had not yet fully broken. Having received word that Koren, the capital of Sa Province, was under complete blockade, Shurei's party was forced to depart early from Kinka. They will try their hardiest to enter thesealed off city of Koren. Official Yu. Yes, What is it? I was wondering would you mind apologizing to Korin for me? We’re leaving without saying anything. When she finds out she’s the only one left behind. I wouldn't worry. I'm sure she understands perfectly... She already knows how dangerous this journey will be, and that she would only be a burden to you. He's right. Well, Please take care. Yes. We'll be off now. You look after things here.
1000 Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day
Governor Hong! It’s my Father? Ensei, stop, stop the carriage. What did you say? Of all the escorts You could’ve chosen you’re only taking my son? Yes. That’s right, Mr. Sai knows the route to Koren very well, and since we're hoping not to get into any battles on our way there, it would be best not to take any soldiers or guards along with us. I'm very honored by you choosing my son, but to put it bluntly, he would be of no help as your bodyguard. He's stingy with money, and when it’s most needed, he may very well leave the battlefield rather than act as your shield as he should do! Good for you, Father. And thank you, You know your son very well. Those are the quality that every merchant should have. It wasn't a compliment! Well, the sun has risen. Let's hurry up and get going. normally it takes at least five days to reach Koren, but given the current situation, we must try to arrive as soon as possible. You're right. Each day we're delayed on the road, the conditions in Koren are likely to become even worse, thanks to the blockade they are under. Like people always say, "Time is money." You really are always working at the abacus, aren't you? Not only is it true, but I'll take that as a compliment. Shurei and her companions have departed for Koren city. What they don’t know is that right about now, Ryuki's party is headed for Kinka at about the same time. At last, We finally made it. Right. Here? Here, just where exactly is here?! We're in Sa Province. I know that much! being directionally challenged could prove to be fatal on a journey like this. If you get lost from the group, we'll likely never see you again. Ryuki and his party had departed from Kiyo and even cut back on sleep so they could gain more ground along a wild animal trail. They will arrive in Kinka before long. I wonder if that’s where Shurei is. Well, We'll be arriving in the morning. I apologize to you, I made you travel treacherous mountain paths that people don't normally use, and had you sacrifice sleep to get further. All for my personal desires. By all rights, as king, I shouldn’t be leaving Kiyo, for any reason. But you didn't come here just on personal feelings alone, did you? As king, you wanted to survey Sa Province with your own eyes, am I right? Yeah, but as far as the situation goes, as king, you definitely can’t get involved at all. It’s good you understand that much at least. Of course. I don’t intend to help them. If they can't overcome this challenge on their own, then it would be meaningless to send them to Sa Province to begin with. All I’m able to do, is watch over them. Still given the pace we’ve been going, neither we nor our horses will be able to make it much further this evening . I suggest that we rest here until morning. Good idea. Here you are. Thank you very much, Korin. I can’t help but wonder if Lady Shurei is okay. Korin. It’s alright, I understand. I would’ve only been a burden if I had gone with them on their journey . But still... I wish I would've at least said to them, "Have a safe trip." or something. Don't worry. I have great faith in Governor Hong I’m sure that she’ll arrive in Koren safely and attend her appointment ceremony with no cost for concern. And the same goes for Governor To. I'm not worried about him! I’m only worried about lady shurei, that’s all. I'm certain Governor Hong would be safe, but the others are different matter, as far as the Sa Clan has concerned. They’re merely nuisances. I wonder will they all be able to reach Koren successfully. It's them. All right, boys, We are not to kill the daughter of the Hong Clan. We have to capture her alive. And the rest? We kill them all and leave their bodies for the wolves to eat! You're the ones who are gonna be eaten. Delicious. Was it you who made this savory rice and bean ball, Governor Hong? Yes. It's stuffed with lots of barbecued pork, so it's really very scrumptious! I'm sure this could sell quite well. Honestly , Mr. Sho Sai, you truly are always thinking about business and money, aren't you? So much so, that I have an urge to run back to Kinka and sell these. But if you do that, it'll only get you into another quarrel with your father, won’t it? That argument you two had this morning was kind of fun. Especially compared to the Sa Clan’s family fights. Welcome back! Just as we expected, those guys from the Sa Clan's private army were wandering around and waiting for nightfall to come attack us. Thanks for helping. I’m worried about Mr. Kokujun. Will he be all right? He’s facing Chusho Sa all on his own. And I wonder if he'll succeed in putting a stop to that man's plans as well. Princess. How about I tell you something I bet you don't even know? What is it? When things started getting messy within the Sa Clan following old man Enjun's death, the first thing that boy did was set off for the Sa Clan residence. If that weren’t guts enough, Kokujun made his opinion known that the full authority of the Clan should go to old Lady Eiki of all people. Mr. Kokujun said that? Unfortunately, no one would listen to his opinion. But he still felt the need to do something to set things right, so he came to me while I was trapped in that dungeon back in Sairi. I think Mr. Kokujun is a man who fights for what’s most precious to him. In any case, no one other than a member of the Sa Clan will be able to solve the problems that within the Sa Clan. He has tasks only he can do, and in the same way, you too, My Lady, you have tasks only you can do. But I’m sure the time will come when your paths and his will meet again. And when that moment comes, I know you will make every effort to help him. Yeah, You're right, seiran. once we reach Koren, it means I will have to meet up with that man again. My Lady, it’s late. could I have some water please, Seiran? I remember that When I was a little girl , mother always used to tell me stories whenever I was unable to get to sleep. Yes, I remember. And of all the stories she told My favorite was always "The Rose Princess". Damn it. Not only is he directionally challenged but he tosses and turns in his sleep as well! Your Majesty. I was watching the stars. You won’t be able to take much more of this if you don't get some sleep. We'll drive the horses to their limits as soon as the sky starts to lighten. When I was little, I was afraid of the dark, so I would often look up the stars by myself. When Shurei was in the palace , I found myself looking forward to night coming. Every night, Shurei would play her eru and tell me wonderful stories. What kind of stories? Like The Rose Princess. Please continue where you left off with yesterday's story. You'll just fall asleep in the middle again, won't you? How many times must I tell you the same tail? As many as you can. Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful princess named the Rose Princess. Besides her beauty , She possessed the amazing ability to heal any injury or illness. However, there was a greedy master who wanted that power all to himself . So he captured the Rose Princess, before long, the story has spread across the country , the story of this Princess who could control the mysterious and whose eternal beauty shined bright enough to dim even the moonlight. Men came in great numbers ...all wanting to propose marriage to her. So her master decided to take her where no one could find her. he gave her whatever her heart desired, except freedom. Just as I thought. I'm not asleep, you know. What?! You're pretending to be asleep? Go ahead. Please Continue. Time passed. And then one day, a man was able to make his way in to meet the Princess. The man jumped over the many fences that encircled her to get to where she was being held. A single look, and he fell in love with her , Even though he had come to kill her because she was disturbing the country's peace with the story about her. Taking the princess, the man fled as far away as he could. As she spent time with the man, the Rose Princess found that she had lost her special abilities, but the man didn’t mind at all. What happened to the Rose Princess then, mommy, did she get to live happily ever after? She sure did. The princess gave birth to a beautiful little girl. But that little girl was always falling ill with fevers. But in her heart, the Princess became aware that she would be able to have a single wish in exchange for giving up her life. The Rose Princess did not hesitate. She said to the man and her little girl, "I will turn back into an ordinary rose, but my heart will belong to you through all eternity." It was from then on, that the rose as we know grew thorns, so it would never be captured again. So The rose's thorns are proof of the Rose Princess' love, right? Nice story. I don't want to become that master who only knew how to confine her with walls. On the other hand, I’m not in a position to throw everything away and flee with the Rose Princess, either. But if I could be the man who loved her, if I could be the man who was loved by the Princess in return...! It’s kind of strange, I don't have any mysterious power like the Rose Princess and I'm not beautiful like her. But maybe I do have... thorns. You have thorns so that no one can capture you, is that it?
The Story of Saiunkoku
What did you say?! They've left for Koren?! Apparently they set off yesterday morning. That’s what I was told by the castle's government official When I asked to have them contacted... It appears we barely just missed each other. It looks like those rumors we heard from the merchant while we were en route were the real thing. Koren is under a blockade. Damn it! If only we'd anticipated the actions of Shurei's group and gone to Koren instead ! The fact that they headed for Koren as soon as they heard of the blockade, shows some quick reaction on their part I’d say. Not to mention the new co-governors seem to be working hard of their own volition. Both Shurei and Eigetsu. I found out more as well, they were able to get rid of the Murderous Blades who had taken control of the city, and they librated the Mayor of Kinka who had been placed in confinement. Oh? Sure Seiran and Ensei are with them, but even so, I’d say that's pretty impressive. Yes, an impressive near miss. It’s not fair, I can't even get a glimpse of Shurei from afar at this point. There’s also that monster sakujun, apparently he’s planning to take the position of head of the Sa Clan and make Shurei his wife. According to the rumors, he’s supposed to be in Koren too. Well , in that case, Shall we head to koren? The woman you love who gives you 1000 years' worth of thoughts in a single day is just a short distance away from you. Although as a king, it's a pretty pathetic move, as a man, sometimes it's all right to do foolish things in the name of true love. Thank you, Shuei! Of course, that’s more trouble for those who serve a certain stupid king. Stop calling me stupid. I’m king you know? Come to think of it, Advisor Sho is also in Sa Province now, isn't he? There's absolutely no need to be worrying about that old badger! Lady Eiki. Advisor Sho has arrived, he says he would like to request an audience with you. So he's finally decided to show up. far too late! Let him in. Yes. I have never liked that man, and unless I miss my guess, I imagine he's still walking down the path of the sly beast-monster. Whoa! So that's Koren. How did it look? Soldiers of the Sa Clan are over there, waiting our arrival . oh Sho Sai! Yes, What is it? You Take over the carriage. Seiran and I will sneak over there and take out those guys so we can open up a path. Of course, I don't know if we'll be able to beat the whole lot of them. and? As soon as I give the signal, go full speed ahead down the road, okay? I’ve always held a basic principle of only using eighty percent of my power while conserving the rest. But, I’ll make an exception. We're counting on you. Come on, seiran, let's go! Please, Both of you, be careful! Look, Let me make this clear to you one more time. Unlike you, I'm a civil official! That may be so, but putting your swordsmanship aside, you are trained in horsemanship, Correct ? By Lord Ruishin. As you can see, the road suddenly gets wider from here. Then we reach the end of the cliff, it's a forest from this point on. If they're going to attack, it will definitely be over here. Yes, You're right. If we get passed, then we'll reached Koren. okay. They're awfully late. We thought so too. So we went out of our way to come to you. certainly are a lot of them! Yeah. Seiran! Behind you! No way, cool. Don't stand there! Attack! That’s pretty Impressive. I can't believe you came all the way here. Yes, I know it’s stupid, and I'm sorry. But at least now, we can swing these swords together! Now's the time. It's the signal! Right, Let's go! wait, that's...! Damn it! Nice try. Shurei?! Don't let your guard down! Yeah, got it! Miss Shurei, be careful ! It's dangerous to stick your head out! oh, right, good point. Shurei. So, Well, the reason I came was...! Hey. We won't say a word to Princess about it. Thank you ensei. As for the rest, I'll leave it to you. Well, shall we get going? Yeah Let’s return home. Yeah, we should. So The nights will be long again. If you'd like, I could tell you a bedtime story. Once upon a time, there was… Cut that out!! Just What's going on inside your head?! You know, I can’t help but feel you need to try and have a bit more fun! Have a bit more fun at what? What are you implying I should enjoy? Am I, Am I unable to even touch the rose? Governor Hong and her party should be arriving in the city any time now. There's Koren.
Next Episode
We've come all the way here to Koren, the capital of Sa Province! It may be completely blockaded thanks to the orders of the Sa Clan, but we're not gonna turn around and leave! All right, Seiran, Ensei! Let's enter Koren... carefully!
Having received word that Koren, the capital of Sa Province, was under complete blockade, Shurei's party was forced to depart early from Kinka.
They will try their hardiest to enter thesealed off city of Koren.
Official Yu.
Yes, What is it?
I was wondering would you mind apologizing to Korin for me?
We’re leaving without saying anything.
When she finds out she’s the only one left behind.
I wouldn't worry.
I'm sure she understands perfectly...
She already knows how dangerous this journey will be, and that she would only be a burden to you.
He's right.
Well, Please take care.
Yes. We'll be off now.
You look after things here.
1000 Years' Worth of Thoughts in a Single Day
Governor Hong!
It’s my Father?
Ensei, stop, stop the carriage.
What did you say? Of all the escorts You could’ve chosen you’re only taking my son?
Yes. That’s right, Mr. Sai knows the route to Koren very well, and since we're hoping not to get into any battles on our way there, it would be best not to take any soldiers or guards along with us.
I'm very honored by you choosing my son, but to put it bluntly, he would be of no help as your bodyguard.
He's stingy with money, and when it’s most needed, he may very well leave the battlefield rather than act as your shield as he should do!
Good for you, Father. And thank you, You know your son very well.
Those are the quality that every merchant should have.
It wasn't a compliment!
Well, the sun has risen. Let's hurry up and get going.
normally it takes at least five days to reach Koren, but given the current situation, we must try to arrive as soon as possible.
You're right. Each day we're delayed on the road, the conditions in Koren are likely to become even worse, thanks to the blockade they are under.
Like people always say, "Time is money."
You really are always working at the abacus, aren't you?
Not only is it true, but I'll take that as a compliment.
Shurei and her companions have departed for Koren city.
What they don’t know is that right about now, Ryuki's party is headed for Kinka at about the same time.
At last, We finally made it.
Right.
Here? Here, just where exactly is here?!
We're in Sa Province.
I know that much!
being directionally challenged could prove to be fatal on a journey like this.
If you get lost from the group, we'll likely never see you again.
Ryuki and his party had departed from Kiyo and even cut back on sleep so they could gain more ground along a wild animal trail.
They will arrive in Kinka before long.
I wonder if that’s where Shurei is.
Well, We'll be arriving in the morning.
I apologize to you, I made you travel treacherous mountain paths that people don't normally use, and had you sacrifice sleep to get further.
All for my personal desires.
By all rights, as king, I shouldn’t be leaving Kiyo, for any reason.
But you didn't come here just on personal feelings alone, did you?
As king, you wanted to survey Sa Province with your own eyes, am I right?
Yeah, but as far as the situation goes, as king, you definitely can’t get involved at all.
It’s good you understand that much at least.
Of course. I don’t intend to help them.
If they can't overcome this challenge on their own, then it would be meaningless to send them to Sa Province to begin with.
All I’m able to do, is watch over them.
Still given the pace we’ve been going, neither we nor our horses will be able to make it much further this evening .
I suggest that we rest here until morning.
Good idea.
Here you are.
Thank you very much, Korin.
I can’t help but wonder if Lady Shurei is okay.
Korin.
It’s alright, I understand. I would’ve only been a burden if I had gone with them on their journey . But still...
I wish I would've at least said to them, "Have a safe trip." or something.
Don't worry. I have great faith in Governor Hong I’m sure that she’ll arrive in Koren safely and attend her appointment ceremony with no cost for concern. And the same goes for Governor To.
I'm not worried about him!
I’m only worried about lady shurei, that’s all.
I'm certain Governor Hong would be safe, but the others are different matter, as far as the Sa Clan has concerned. They’re merely nuisances.
I wonder will they all be able to reach Koren successfully.
It's them.
All right, boys, We are not to kill the daughter of the Hong Clan. We have to capture her alive.
And the rest?
We kill them all and leave their bodies for the wolves to eat!
You're the ones who are gonna be eaten.
Delicious. Was it you who made this savory rice and bean ball, Governor Hong?
Yes.
It's stuffed with lots of barbecued pork, so it's really very scrumptious!
I'm sure this could sell quite well.
Honestly , Mr. Sho Sai, you truly are always thinking about business and money, aren't you?
So much so, that I have an urge to run back to Kinka and sell these.
But if you do that, it'll only get you into another quarrel with your father, won’t it?
That argument you two had this morning was kind of fun.
Especially compared to the Sa Clan’s family fights.
Welcome back!
Just as we expected, those guys from the Sa Clan's private army were wandering around and waiting for nightfall to come attack us.
Thanks for helping.
I’m worried about Mr. Kokujun. Will he be all right?
He’s facing Chusho Sa all on his own.
And I wonder if he'll succeed in putting a stop to that man's plans as well.
Princess. How about I tell you something I bet you don't even know?
What is it?
When things started getting messy within the Sa Clan following old man Enjun's death, the first thing that boy did was set off for the Sa Clan residence.
If that weren’t guts enough, Kokujun made his opinion known that the full authority of the Clan should go to old Lady Eiki of all people.
Mr. Kokujun said that?
Unfortunately, no one would listen to his opinion.
But he still felt the need to do something to set things right, so he came to me while I was trapped in that dungeon back in Sairi.
I think Mr. Kokujun is a man who fights for what’s most precious to him.
In any case, no one other than a member of the Sa Clan will be able to solve the problems that within the Sa Clan.
He has tasks only he can do, and in the same way, you too, My Lady, you have tasks only you can do.
But I’m sure the time will come when your paths and his will meet again.
And when that moment comes, I know you will make every effort to help him.
Yeah, You're right, seiran.
once we reach Koren, it means I will have to meet up with that man again.
My Lady, it’s late.
could I have some water please, Seiran?
I remember that When I was a little girl , mother always used to tell me stories whenever I was unable to get to sleep.
Yes, I remember.
And of all the stories she told My favorite was always "The Rose Princess".
Damn it.
Not only is he directionally challenged but he tosses and turns in his sleep as well!
Your Majesty.
I was watching the stars.
You won’t be able to take much more of this if you don't get some sleep.
We'll drive the horses to their limits as soon as the sky starts to lighten.
When I was little, I was afraid of the dark, so I would often look up the stars by myself.
When Shurei was in the palace , I found myself looking forward to night coming.
Every night, Shurei would play her eru and tell me wonderful stories.
What kind of stories?
Like The Rose Princess.
Please continue where you left off with yesterday's story.
You'll just fall asleep in the middle again, won't you?
How many times must I tell you the same tail?
As many as you can.
Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful princess named the Rose Princess.
Besides her beauty , She possessed the amazing ability to heal any injury or illness.
However, there was a greedy master who wanted that power all to himself .
So he captured the Rose Princess, before long, the story has spread across the country , the story of this Princess who could control the mysterious and whose eternal beauty shined bright enough to dim even the moonlight.
Men came in great numbers ...all wanting to propose marriage to her.
So her master decided to take her where no one could find her.
he gave her whatever her heart desired, except freedom.
Just as I thought.
I'm not asleep, you know.
What?! You're pretending to be asleep?
Go ahead. Please Continue.
Time passed. And then one day, a man was able to make his way in to meet the Princess.
The man jumped over the many fences that encircled her to get to where she was being held.
A single look, and he fell in love with her , Even though he had come to kill her because she was disturbing the country's peace with the story about her.
Taking the princess, the man fled as far away as he could.
As she spent time with the man, the Rose Princess found that she had lost her special abilities, but the man didn’t mind at all.
What happened to the Rose Princess then, mommy, did she get to live happily ever after?
She sure did. The princess gave birth to a beautiful little girl.
But that little girl was always falling ill with fevers.
But in her heart, the Princess became aware that she would be able to have a single wish in exchange for giving up her life.
The Rose Princess did not hesitate.
She said to the man and her little girl, "I will turn back into an ordinary rose, but my heart will belong to you through all eternity."
It was from then on, that the rose as we know grew thorns, so it would never be captured again.
So The rose's thorns are proof of the Rose Princess' love, right? Nice story.
I don't want to become that master who only knew how to confine her with walls.
On the other hand, I’m not in a position to throw everything away and flee with the Rose Princess, either.
But if I could be the man who loved her, if I could be the man who was loved by the Princess in return...!
It’s kind of strange, I don't have any mysterious power like the Rose Princess and I'm not beautiful like her.
But maybe I do have... thorns.
You have thorns so that no one can capture you, is that it?
The Story of Saiunkoku
What did you say?!
They've left for Koren?!
Apparently they set off yesterday morning.
That’s what I was told by the castle's government official When I asked to have them contacted...
It appears we barely just missed each other.
It looks like those rumors we heard from the merchant while we were en route were the real thing.
Koren is under a blockade.
Damn it!
If only we'd anticipated the actions of Shurei's group and gone to Koren instead !
The fact that they headed for Koren as soon as they heard of the blockade, shows some quick reaction on their part I’d say.
Not to mention the new co-governors seem to be working hard of their own volition.
Both Shurei and Eigetsu.
I found out more as well, they were able to get rid of the Murderous Blades who had taken control of the city, and they librated the Mayor of Kinka who had been placed in confinement.
Oh?
Sure Seiran and Ensei are with them, but even so, I’d say that's pretty impressive.
Yes, an impressive near miss.
It’s not fair, I can't even get a glimpse of Shurei from afar at this point.
There’s also that monster sakujun, apparently he’s planning to take the position of head of the Sa Clan and make Shurei his wife.
According to the rumors, he’s supposed to be in Koren too.
Well , in that case, Shall we head to koren?
The woman you love who gives you 1000 years' worth of thoughts in a single day is just a short distance away from you. Although as a king, it's a pretty pathetic move, as a man, sometimes it's all right to do foolish things in the name of true love.
Thank you, Shuei!
Of course, that’s more trouble for those who serve a certain stupid king.
Stop calling me stupid. I’m king you know?
Come to think of it, Advisor Sho is also in Sa Province now, isn't he?
There's absolutely no need to be worrying about that old badger!
Lady Eiki.
Advisor Sho has arrived, he says he would like to request an audience with you.
So he's finally decided to show up. far too late!
Let him in.
Yes.
I have never liked that man, and unless I miss my guess, I imagine he's still walking down the path of the sly beast-monster.
Whoa!
So that's Koren.
How did it look?
Soldiers of the Sa Clan are over there, waiting our arrival . oh Sho Sai!
Yes, What is it?
You Take over the carriage.
Seiran and I will sneak over there and take out those guys so we can open up a path.
Of course, I don't know if we'll be able to beat the whole lot of them.
and?
As soon as I give the signal, go full speed ahead down the road, okay?
I’ve always held a basic principle of only using eighty percent of my power while conserving the rest.
But, I’ll make an exception.
We're counting on you.
Come on, seiran, let's go!
Please, Both of you, be careful!
Look, Let me make this clear to you one more time. Unlike you, I'm a civil official!
That may be so, but putting your swordsmanship aside, you are trained in horsemanship,
Correct ? By Lord Ruishin.
As you can see, the road suddenly gets wider from here.
Then we reach the end of the cliff, it's a forest from this point on.
If they're going to attack, it will definitely be over here.
Yes, You're right.
If we get passed, then we'll reached Koren.
okay.
They're awfully late.
We thought so too.
So we went out of our way to come to you.
certainly are a lot of them!
Yeah.
Seiran! Behind you!
No way, cool.
Don't stand there! Attack!
That’s pretty Impressive.
I can't believe you came all the way here.
Yes, I know it’s stupid, and I'm sorry. But at least now, we can swing these swords together!
Now's the time.
It's the signal!
Right, Let's go!
wait, that's...!
Damn it!
Nice try.
Shurei?!
Don't let your guard down!
Yeah, got it!
Miss Shurei, be careful ! It's dangerous to stick your head out!
oh, right, good point.
Shurei.
So, Well, the reason I came was...!
Hey. We won't say a word to Princess about it.
Thank you ensei. As for the rest, I'll leave it to you.
Well, shall we get going?
Yeah
Let’s return home.
Yeah, we should.
So The nights will be long again.
If you'd like, I could tell you a bedtime story.
Once upon a time, there was…
Cut that out!!
Just What's going on inside your head?!
You know, I can’t help but feel you need to try and have a bit more fun!
Have a bit more fun at what? What are you implying I should enjoy?
Am I, Am I unable to even touch the rose?
Governor Hong and her party should be arriving in the city any time now.
There's Koren.
Next Episode
We've come all the way here to Koren, the capital of Sa Province!
It may be completely blockaded thanks to the orders of the Sa Clan, but we're not gonna
turn around and leave! All right, Seiran, Ensei!
Let's enter Koren... carefully!