Sa Province is one of the eight provinces that make up Saiunkoku. In its capital city of Koren, in a chamber of a particular residence, an old man is gloating to himself. The man is none other than Chusho Sa, the younger brother of the late Advisor Enjun Sa. At last, The time has come. it's been one year since you died. My dear elder brother, You can't imagine how much fighting there's been in the struggle for clan leadership. However, that'll all be the end soon. As long as the new governors are held in check, the one who controls their seal and charm will be the one to become the new clan leader. First, will be the elimination of Ensei Ro. We're from the border office of Sairi! Do not move! Your charge was running through the border station twice, both last summer and this spring, you can’t talk your way out of it. And there are further charges, this past month you’ve been assaulting neighboring citizens in towns, committing robbery of money and valuables, even murder. You shall confess to everything you've done, Little Rascal King of the Murderous Blades. Look, I have no knowledge of anything other than running through the border station. Well, I guess there's no way outta this. I'll go with them. I'm afraid you're not the only one who’ll be coming with us. Aren’t you the Little Whirlwind of the Murderous Blades? Don't! Don't resist, Seiran. Just let it go. Next, we get the two new co-governors. I don't care if the boy gets killed. The main problem will be the other one. The Hong Clan wouldn't take her death lightly. So we'll have to lure her into our arms. Sakujun should be more suitable for that. That time has come! As soon as we get rid of elder brother's remaining granddaughter his bloodline will come to a fading end. even if I die, my bloodline will still continue. You died first and you have lost. I promise that I will surpass you, Enjun Sa.
Companionship in Travel, Compassion in Life
You hit a government official and used his seal while he was down? Hey, I told him I was in a hurry to go and make a direct appeal to the king. But he kept searching for faults in me and refused to let me through. Ensei, You stupid idiot! If anything bad happens to her ladyship, I'll kill you. Geeze, will you Have a little faith in her. In case you’d forgotten, Princess remained hidden and didn't come out. If she had come out and remained with us, both governors would easily fall into the clutches of the Sa Clan. She saw what was going on and understood what the best course of action was. These were the good results of Princess' appraisal of the situation as governor. No matter how you look at it, it's her job to make the decisions. I'm not in the same position as you. My job is to protect the governors. Why did you drag me along here, too? If you were your usual self, it wouldn't be a problem, but...! What? The Murderous Blades are involved. After all this time, Who'd have ever thought that we'd hear that name again here and now? I’m about the only one who can stop you, If you lose control and go on a rampage, because of those idiots. Letting you escape with Princess while you are in that state would only make me worry. You're being annoying, as always, Ensei. Don't worry. Knowing Princess, we'll be able to meet up with her in Kinka in no time. Hey, Princess. There are so many delicious things here! Can I go buy some? It's a very lively town, isn't it? Wow! There's a used book store over there! My Lady, are you sure you are not tired? Shall I buy you some ice or something? Lady Shurei. When I'm feeling better, I'll see to your needs again, I promise. They've come. That was a lot quicker than I expected. I didn't believe it at first, but it is the real you, Ensei Ro. Hey! Long time no see, Sojeey! Address me as Lord Sojun! Since they were with you, I must assume that the kid and the young girl are the new governors of sa province . Why don't you ask them instead of me? Not that it matters whether they're imposters or not. The charm and the seal are What's important. As long as I have those, I have the power to name anybody I wish as governor. But wouldn’t you know, those very things are nowhere to be found. Tell me! Where did you hide the charm and seal? Who knows? Well, Threatening you won't work. Wow, What happened?! In the short time since I last saw you, you've actually become pretty reasonable. Shut up! As long as I have you in custody, it doesn't matter what sort of new governors come in. And I don't care if you don't tell me where the charm and seal are hidden. You can try shipping them in or whatever, but ultimately, they'll come to Koren city, And that's our territory. As long as we get rid of you and Yushun Tei, we can take all the time we need to look for them. You really have gained a lot of wisdom, Sojeey. So who’s the poor guy who had to teach you? Damn you! If I ever get the opportunity, I wanna kill you with my own two hands. That's impossible. At least, Not with your skills. Well then, I'll just starve you to death. What?! But that's the worst way to die! While I'm at it, here's a little something you might want to know. Kinka is already under control, the control of the Murderous Blades. You heard me. the Murderous Blades, That legendary band of vicious thieves is working for our family now. I thought that group was wiped out a long time ago. It turns out There was a survivor. The second-in-command at that. His name is Meisho. Well, if you think you can escape, go ahead and try. So that's Sojun Sa? Yeah. And it looks like someone formidable has been giving him some ideas Certainly looks that way. Sojeey learned and used the word starve for the first time, after all. Meisho, he says. That's obviously how they all knew my old nickname of the Little Rascal King. Seiran. What? You're gonna hunt down the ghosts of the past, aren't you? yes. If there’s anyone who might threaten to reveal the past to her ladyship, then I’ll send them to the very depths of hell. First things first, We'll meet up with Princess in the town of Kinka, as originally planned. If the Murderous Blades really have taken control there, I need to weed them out quickly as assistant to the governors. What about Eigetsu and Korin? Do You mind if we stay here a little longer to make a decision about that? When everything is over, let's all drink Gan Lu tea together, delicious tea that Princess has made herself. Are you feeling all right? Where's lady Shurei? She got away. But Mr. Seiran and Mr. Ensei are here in the dungeon. This is my fault, You should have left me behind and made your escape. Miss Korin. It’s not like that, Why do you think Mr. Ensei only hid Shurei and no one else? I dunno. If we were going to be caught, then we'd be better off being caught as a foursome. By now, everybody knows that The new governors are a thirteen year-old boy and a seventeen year-old girl. And their assistants are the previous governor, Mr. Ensei, and a special officer, Mr. Seiran. The Sa Clan was looking for this foursome. So I’m supposed to be a stand-in for Shurei? Shurei is a lady of the direct line of the Hong Clan. Normally, you'd think of a lady who’s well-bred and sheltered . I know that Shurei would probably be mad at me if she heard me say this, but you fit that sort of image much better than she does. Thanks to that mistaken identity, they're taking good care of you and we even save on accommodations. We also prevent anyone from pursuing Shurei, so all kinds of good things have come outta this. You know, when you put it that way, I'm beginning to feel the same way, too. So Let's do our best to keep fooling them, okay? You’re right. No matter what happens from here on in, I'll do my best for lady Shurei's sake. Wh-why are you smiling? Oh. I was just thinking that You're much prettier with that sort of determinate expression on your face. How rude you are!
The Story of Saiunkoku
Your Majesty. I have a small favor to ask. Denied. I don't particularly need you to hear me out. I'll just go anyway. What’s that? Where are you going? To Sa Province. I was planning to deliver this. The Sa Clan leader's ring! So you're the one who had it. You really are a scheming, evil old man. Well, I suppose I'll be off then. Just who do you intend to hand that ring to? There’s no need to worry. Your majesty. I don't intend to do anything like bullying new officials with bright futures ahead of them. Besides, I'm not the one who will choose. This will. I can at least assure you of that much. My, but I’m looking forward to it, I haven't seen Shurei in such a long time. Perhaps while I’m there, I'll see if I can have some of her homemade sweet buns again. This is all the money I have. I'll have to watch my spending. You are to make you way to kinka, Got that? That’s right, I have to make my way to Kinka, no matter what. Hey! I'm sorry! You little idiot! Look what you've done! That wine cost me twenty silver coins! Twenty silver coins? It can’t have cost that much. You heard me, girl, that’s what it cost. Damn. This is all you've got? Give that back! I'll cover the expense, but there’s no way you can convince me the wine was that expensive. What did you say?! I agree with her. I also don't believe it to be that valuable. Yeah, what’s it to you?! And just who are you? Who am I? Why, as you can see, I'm a merchant dealer, sir, and a member of the Merchants Guild. The Merchants Guild? That's right! The Merchants Guild can help me. So You two are the new governors? But you're just a couple of kids. True, For starters, we'll test them and make sure they're the real thing. In the Seven Scriptures, what were the Nine Fundamentals for ruling a country as told to King Yu by Kishi? The Elements, Businesses, Objects, Arrangements, royal Perfection, Virtues, Examination of Doubts, Verifications, and Happiness. Name the book, section, and page number in the Seven Scriptures where I find that. It’s in The Book of History, the section on the Great Plan, from the third line on page forty-two to the twelfth line on page forty-three. I see, very good. Now, for you, girl. Now I want you to Write down the work that marked the beginning of the brilliant career of poet Mei Senshi. You can't be serious! You want her to write all of that long piece? Is there a problem with that? Uh, well no... it’s just she's not feeling very well right now. Please give that to me. That would be enough. I think it’s safe to consider them both as genuine articles, Don't you, Lord Sojun? Oh, yes. The charm and the governor’s seal are all the remain now. Why not force these two to give us the location? No. that’s pointless, They probably don't know. It’s likely that they’ve been given as little information as possible. like, go to Kinka. Or something like that. As I thought. I never expected the two of you to be carrying such a treasure in the first place. That's why we’ve taken the initiative in order to gain control of Kinka. As you know, kinka is The merchant capital of Sa Province. All material goods entering Koren no matter how small will go through there. No doubt your plan was to hide them in with some other goods and slip them in that way. That's Meisho for you, that’s why he’s the new leader of the Murderous Blades. Don’t look so concerned, Even without the charm and the seal, the two of you can still be of great use to us. Especially the girl. Lord Sojun, where's your younger brother? You mean Sakujun? He's still in Kinka. He says he's scared because bandits have appeared to have been attacking the highway. In that case, it would probably be faster to take these two to him directly. Young lady, please don’t worry, your future elder brother will see to it that you’ll reach Kinka safely. What’s that supposed to mean? Only the [happiest of] meanings, my lady The Sa main house wishes for you to become Lord Sakujun's wife. I'll go on ahead and return to Kinka to get everything prepared.. As for you Lord Shojun, You're to stay here for the time being, until Ensei Ro escapes. Escapes?! Oh he will. Don't you ever doubt that. what, you're going to Kinka on your own? But...! Yes, I know it's probably very dangerous. That’s why I was thinking of going through the Merchants Guild and having you introduce me to a caravan for Kinka. Ah, I see. After all, the Merchants Guild can always be trusted. Not to mention, there's little fear of being attacked by bandits. Of course, Because that the guild will be sure to retaliate. Exactly . It is only natural to try and destroy bands of thieves. And we would also lay claim to any valuables they have hidden away. So unless they're an exceptionally foolish band of thieves, there’s no way they’d dare attack the caravans belonging to the Merchants Guild. That’s Exactly right. Young lady! You have very discerning taste! That erhu's a truly exceptional item from Koku Province. Would you mind if I try it out for a bit? Of course. Please do. That was amazing! You're a truly accomplished player! Young lady, Out of respect for your skill, I'll have to give you a special discount. Five silver pieces. How about it? Sorry, I’m afraid I don't have that much money on me , however...! however? I'll buy it for one silver coin. Young lady, that's way too cruel. I beg your pardon for interrupting. You would like to have that erhu, wouldn’t you? I’ll make you an offer, If you play five tunes that I request, I'll pay the five silvers for you. And the titles of those tunes? They are Tosho Ki, Ouou Den, Saigu Shu, Biwa Ki, and Soyo Ki. Those are all difficult pieces to play. You can't play them? Nice try, I’ll accept your challenge. That was truly wonderful. Why, thank you. And I'm not only talking about your performance. You bargained the merchant down, bought the erhu for two silver pieces, and pocketed the remaining three. You promised me five silver pieces, so I'm not giving any back. Mr. Umm...! My name is Senya Rin. But please You can call me Senya. This is the Sakyo branch office of the Merchants Guild. Now then, shall we go inside? you have business here as well? I do, I finished my work here in Sakyo, and I am about to return to Sa Province. I thought I would have the guild take care of the preparations for that. So that means, this person is also a merchant , and the member of the Guild. Aren't you coming in? Sorry, Just a moment! Ah, Mister Rin, you're most welcome to our humble office. Someone will show you the way shortly. If we do not meet again, then do me a favor and think of that erhu as me, take good care of it. Uh, sure. Now then, young lady, what is your business here if you don't mind me asking? Right. I was hoping I can join a caravan on its way to Kinka. I beg your pardon, but do you have a pass you could show me? Oh, yes. Here it is. What, but this is...! my sincere apology , I will show you the way immediately . You will be seeing the Sakyo Regional Director of the Shi Provincial Branch of the Merchants Guild. Why such an important person? I received this pass from Senior Secretary Kou before I left. And it has the Kou family emblem of mandarin ducks and flowers. I was told that it should let me though most checkpoints without being searched. Please, do come in and make yourself at home. I'm Kaku, Regional Director of the Sakyo Branch office. I’ve heard your companions were taken into custody. Please don't look surprised There is nothing that happens in this city that we're unaware of. Now what favor is it that you wish of the guild? I want to be added to a caravan bounded for Kinka. Really, That's all. Are you planning to leave your companions behind? Right now, the only thing I'm able to do for my friends is get to Kinka. I understand. Say no more my lady, If that is what you wish, then the merchant guild will see it done without fail. You look rather confused about things. The explanation lies in your token. I don't understand, I thought this was just a standard travel pass. That's where you're mistaken. That emblem on that travel token has had a little extra work down on it. This is...! It's called the luminous seven-colored paint. It's a very special commodity that only merchants under the direct control of the Hong Clan know how to manufacture successfully. The Hong Clan. If a person carrying a token bearing the Kou family crest made with this paint should come to us, we were to help that person regardless what we were doing at the time. That was a direct request from the leader of the Hong Clan as well as the proxy clan leader. And in return for our help , the Hong Clan will surrender the manufacturing process to the merchants guild as well as the rights to any derivative works or products. Despite refusing to bargain during many years of negotiations, they've agreed to give up those rights in return for your guaranteed protection. Uncle Kuro. Now, what would you like to do? Thank you, My wish is still unchanged. Please find me a place in a caravan heading for Kinka. I don't care if it's menial work. Very well my lady. Huh? What are you doing here? I heard from the guild that there's a girl who wants to join a group to Kinka, so I replied that I would be willing to take her on as my personal maid. Personal maid?! Not menial work?! They say through companionship in travel, we find compassion in life. I do trust that we'll get along well. I understand. Your personal maid. Yes, but that reminds me . I haven't even asked your name yet. Oh. Yeah, right. My, My name’s Korin. I see. I’m pleased to meet you, Korin.
Next Episode
In order To get to Kinka, I’ve become a personal maid to a young master of the Rin family, but somehow this young master reminds me of someone. He's handsome, somewhat removed from the norm, and making advances towards me?!
In its capital city of Koren, in a chamber of a particular residence, an old man is gloating to himself.
The man is none other than Chusho Sa, the younger brother of the late Advisor Enjun Sa.
At last, The time has come. it's been one year since you died. My dear elder brother,
You can't imagine how much fighting there's been in the struggle for clan leadership.
However, that'll all be the end soon.
As long as the new governors are held in check, the one who controls their seal and charm will be the one to become the new clan leader.
First, will be the elimination of Ensei Ro.
We're from the border office of Sairi! Do not move!
Your charge was running through the border station twice, both last summer and this spring, you can’t talk your way out of it.
And there are further charges, this past month you’ve been assaulting neighboring citizens in towns, committing robbery of money and valuables, even murder.
You shall confess to everything you've done, Little Rascal King of the Murderous Blades.
Look, I have no knowledge of anything other than running through the border station.
Well, I guess there's no way outta this. I'll go with them.
I'm afraid you're not the only one who’ll be coming with us.
Aren’t you the Little Whirlwind of the Murderous Blades?
Don't! Don't resist, Seiran. Just let it go.
Next, we get the two new co-governors.
I don't care if the boy gets killed. The main problem will be the other one.
The Hong Clan wouldn't take her death lightly.
So we'll have to lure her into our arms. Sakujun should be more suitable for that.
That time has come!
As soon as we get rid of elder brother's remaining granddaughter his bloodline will come to a fading end.
even if I die, my bloodline will still continue.
You died first and you have lost.
I promise that I will surpass you, Enjun Sa.
Companionship in Travel, Compassion in Life
You hit a government official and used his seal while he was down?
Hey, I told him I was in a hurry to go and make a direct appeal to the king.
But he kept searching for faults in me and refused to let me through.
Ensei, You stupid idiot!
If anything bad happens to her ladyship, I'll kill you.
Geeze, will you Have a little faith in her. In case you’d forgotten, Princess remained hidden and didn't come out.
If she had come out and remained with us, both governors would easily fall into the clutches of the Sa Clan.
She saw what was going on and understood what the best course of action was.
These were the good results of Princess' appraisal of the situation as governor.
No matter how you look at it, it's her job to make the decisions.
I'm not in the same position as you. My job is to protect the governors.
Why did you drag me along here, too?
If you were your usual self, it wouldn't be a problem, but...!
What?
The Murderous Blades are involved.
After all this time, Who'd have ever thought that we'd hear that name again here and now?
I’m about the only one who can stop you, If you lose control and go on a rampage, because of those idiots.
Letting you escape with Princess while you are in that state would only make me worry.
You're being annoying, as always, Ensei.
Don't worry. Knowing Princess, we'll be able to meet up with her in Kinka in no time.
Hey, Princess. There are so many delicious things here!
Can I go buy some?
It's a very lively town, isn't it?
Wow! There's a used book store over there!
My Lady, are you sure you are not tired? Shall I buy you some ice or something?
Lady Shurei. When I'm feeling better, I'll see to your needs again, I promise.
They've come. That was a lot quicker than I expected.
I didn't believe it at first, but it is the real you, Ensei Ro.
Hey! Long time no see, Sojeey!
Address me as Lord Sojun!
Since they were with you, I must assume that the kid and the young girl are the new governors of sa province .
Why don't you ask them instead of me?
Not that it matters whether they're imposters or not.
The charm and the seal are What's important.
As long as I have those, I have the power to name anybody I wish as governor.
But wouldn’t you know, those very things are nowhere to be found.
Tell me! Where did you hide the charm and seal?
Who knows?
Well, Threatening you won't work.
Wow, What happened?!
In the short time since I last saw you, you've actually become pretty reasonable.
Shut up! As long as I have you in custody, it doesn't matter what sort of new governors come in.
And I don't care if you don't tell me where the charm and seal are hidden.
You can try shipping them in or whatever, but ultimately, they'll come to Koren city, And that's our territory.
As long as we get rid of you and Yushun Tei, we can take all the time we need to look for them.
You really have gained a lot of wisdom, Sojeey. So who’s the poor guy who had to teach you?
Damn you! If I ever get the opportunity, I wanna kill you with my own two hands.
That's impossible.
At least, Not with your skills.
Well then, I'll just starve you to death.
What?! But that's the worst way to die!
While I'm at it, here's a little something you might want to know.
Kinka is already under control, the control of the Murderous Blades.
You heard me. the Murderous Blades, That legendary band of vicious thieves is working for our family now.
I thought that group was wiped out a long time ago.
It turns out There was a survivor.
The second-in-command at that.
His name is Meisho.
Well, if you think you can escape, go ahead and try.
So that's Sojun Sa?
Yeah. And it looks like someone formidable has been giving him some ideas
Certainly looks that way.
Sojeey learned and used the word starve for the first time, after all.
Meisho, he says. That's obviously how they all knew my old nickname of the Little Rascal King.
Seiran.
What?
You're gonna hunt down the ghosts of the past, aren't you?
yes. If there’s anyone who might threaten to reveal the past to her ladyship, then I’ll send them to the very depths of hell.
First things first, We'll meet up with Princess in the town of Kinka, as originally planned.
If the Murderous Blades really have taken control there, I need to weed them out quickly as assistant to the governors.
What about Eigetsu and Korin?
Do You mind if we stay here a little longer to make a decision about that?
When everything is over, let's all drink Gan Lu tea together, delicious tea that Princess has made herself.
Are you feeling all right?
Where's lady Shurei?
She got away. But Mr. Seiran and Mr. Ensei are here in the dungeon.
This is my fault, You should have left me behind and made your escape.
Miss Korin.
It’s not like that, Why do you think Mr. Ensei only hid Shurei and no one else?
I dunno.
If we were going to be caught, then we'd be better off being caught as a foursome.
By now, everybody knows that The new governors are a thirteen year-old boy and a seventeen year-old girl.
And their assistants are the previous governor, Mr. Ensei, and a special officer, Mr. Seiran.
The Sa Clan was looking for this foursome.
So I’m supposed to be a stand-in for Shurei?
Shurei is a lady of the direct line of the Hong Clan.
Normally, you'd think of a lady who’s well-bred and sheltered .
I know that Shurei would probably be mad at me if she heard me say this, but you fit that sort of image much better than she does.
Thanks to that mistaken identity, they're taking good care of you and we even save on accommodations.
We also prevent anyone from pursuing Shurei, so all kinds of good things have come outta this.
You know, when you put it that way, I'm beginning to feel the same way, too.
So Let's do our best to keep fooling them, okay?
You’re right. No matter what happens from here on in, I'll do my best for lady Shurei's sake.
Wh-why are you smiling?
Oh. I was just thinking that You're much prettier with that sort of determinate expression on your face.
How rude you are!
The Story of Saiunkoku
Your Majesty. I have a small favor to ask.
Denied.
I don't particularly need you to hear me out.
I'll just go anyway.
What’s that? Where are you going?
To Sa Province. I was planning to deliver this.
The Sa Clan leader's ring!
So you're the one who had it.
You really are a scheming, evil old man.
Well, I suppose I'll be off then.
Just who do you intend to hand that ring to?
There’s no need to worry. Your majesty.
I don't intend to do anything like bullying new officials with bright futures ahead of them.
Besides, I'm not the one who will choose. This will. I can at least assure you of that much.
My, but I’m looking forward to it, I haven't seen Shurei in such a long time.
Perhaps while I’m there, I'll see if I can have some of her homemade sweet buns again.
This is all the money I have.
I'll have to watch my spending.
You are to make you way to kinka, Got that?
That’s right, I have to make my way to Kinka, no matter what.
Hey!
I'm sorry!
You little idiot! Look what you've done!
That wine cost me twenty silver coins!
Twenty silver coins? It can’t have cost that much.
You heard me, girl, that’s what it cost.
Damn. This is all you've got?
Give that back! I'll cover the expense, but there’s no way you can convince me the wine was that expensive.
What did you say?!
I agree with her.
I also don't believe it to be that valuable.
Yeah, what’s it to you?!
And just who are you?
Who am I? Why, as you can see, I'm a merchant dealer, sir, and a member of the Merchants Guild.
The Merchants Guild?
That's right! The Merchants Guild can help me.
So You two are the new governors?
But you're just a couple of kids.
True, For starters, we'll test them and make sure they're the real thing.
In the Seven Scriptures, what were the Nine Fundamentals for ruling a country as told to King Yu by Kishi?
The Elements, Businesses, Objects, Arrangements, royal Perfection, Virtues, Examination of Doubts, Verifications, and Happiness.
Name the book, section, and page number in the Seven Scriptures where I find that.
It’s in The Book of History, the section on the Great Plan, from the third line on page forty-two to the twelfth line on page forty-three.
I see, very good. Now, for you, girl. Now I want you to Write down the work that marked the beginning of the brilliant career of poet Mei Senshi.
You can't be serious!
You want her to write all of that long piece?
Is there a problem with that?
Uh, well no... it’s just she's not feeling very well right now.
Please give that to me.
That would be enough. I think it’s safe to consider them both as genuine articles, Don't you, Lord Sojun?
Oh, yes.
The charm and the governor’s seal are all the remain now.
Why not force these two to give us the location?
No. that’s pointless, They probably don't know.
It’s likely that they’ve been given as little information as possible.
like, go to Kinka.
Or something like that.
As I thought.
I never expected the two of you to be carrying such a treasure in the first place.
That's why we’ve taken the initiative in order to gain control of Kinka.
As you know, kinka is The merchant capital of Sa Province.
All material goods entering Koren no matter how small will go through there.
No doubt your plan was to hide them in with some other goods and slip them in that way.
That's Meisho for you, that’s why he’s the new leader of the Murderous Blades.
Don’t look so concerned, Even without the charm and the seal, the two of you can still be of great use to us.
Especially the girl.
Lord Sojun, where's your younger brother?
You mean Sakujun?
He's still in Kinka.
He says he's scared because bandits have appeared to have been attacking the highway.
In that case, it would probably be faster to take these two to him directly.
Young lady, please don’t worry, your future elder brother will see to it that you’ll reach Kinka safely.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Only the [happiest of] meanings, my lady The Sa main house wishes for you to become Lord Sakujun's wife.
I'll go on ahead and return to Kinka to get everything prepared..
As for you Lord Shojun, You're to stay here for the time being, until Ensei Ro escapes.
Escapes?!
Oh he will. Don't you ever doubt that.
what, you're going to Kinka on your own? But...!
Yes, I know it's probably very dangerous.
That’s why I was thinking of going through the Merchants Guild and having you introduce me to a caravan for Kinka.
Ah, I see.
After all, the Merchants Guild can always be trusted.
Not to mention, there's little fear of being attacked by bandits.
Of course, Because that the guild will be sure to retaliate.
Exactly .
It is only natural to try and destroy bands of thieves.
And we would also lay claim to any valuables they have hidden away.
So unless they're an exceptionally foolish band of thieves, there’s no way they’d dare attack the caravans belonging to the Merchants Guild.
That’s Exactly right.
Young lady! You have very discerning taste!
That erhu's a truly exceptional item from Koku Province.
Would you mind if I try it out for a bit?
Of course. Please do.
That was amazing! You're a truly accomplished player! Young lady, Out of respect for your skill, I'll have to give you a special discount.
Five silver pieces. How about it?
Sorry, I’m afraid I don't have that much money on me , however...!
however?
I'll buy it for one silver coin.
Young lady, that's way too cruel.
I beg your pardon for interrupting.
You would like to have that erhu, wouldn’t you?
I’ll make you an offer, If you play five tunes that I request, I'll pay the five silvers for you.
And the titles of those tunes?
They are Tosho Ki, Ouou Den, Saigu Shu, Biwa Ki, and Soyo Ki.
Those are all difficult pieces to play.
You can't play them?
Nice try, I’ll accept your challenge.
That was truly wonderful.
Why, thank you.
And I'm not only talking about your performance.
You bargained the merchant down, bought the erhu for two silver pieces, and pocketed the remaining three.
You promised me five silver pieces, so I'm not giving any back. Mr. Umm...!
My name is Senya Rin. But please You can call me Senya.
This is the Sakyo branch office of the Merchants Guild.
Now then, shall we go inside?
you have business here as well?
I do, I finished my work here in Sakyo, and I am about to return to Sa Province.
I thought I would have the guild take care of the preparations for that.
So that means, this person is also a merchant , and the member of the Guild.
Aren't you coming in?
Sorry, Just a moment!
Ah, Mister Rin, you're most welcome to our humble office.
Someone will show you the way shortly.
If we do not meet again, then do me a favor and think of that erhu as me, take good care of it.
Uh, sure.
Now then, young lady, what is your business here if you don't mind me asking?
Right. I was hoping I can join a caravan on its way to Kinka.
I beg your pardon, but do you have a pass you could show me?
Oh, yes. Here it is.
What, but this is...! my sincere apology , I will show you the way immediately .
You will be seeing the Sakyo Regional Director of the Shi Provincial Branch of the Merchants Guild.
Why such an important person?
I received this pass from Senior Secretary Kou before I left.
And it has the Kou family emblem of mandarin ducks and flowers.
I was told that it should let me though most checkpoints without being searched.
Please, do come in and make yourself at home. I'm Kaku, Regional Director of the Sakyo Branch office.
I’ve heard your companions were taken into custody.
Please don't look surprised There is nothing that happens in this city that we're unaware of.
Now what favor is it that you wish of the guild?
I want to be added to a caravan bounded for Kinka. Really, That's all.
Are you planning to leave your companions behind?
Right now, the only thing I'm able to do for my friends is get to Kinka.
I understand. Say no more my lady, If that is what you wish, then the merchant guild will see it done without fail.
You look rather confused about things.
The explanation lies in your token.
I don't understand, I thought this was just a standard travel pass.
That's where you're mistaken.
That emblem on that travel token has had a little extra work down on it.
This is...!
It's called the luminous seven-colored paint.
It's a very special commodity that only merchants under the direct control of the Hong Clan know how to manufacture successfully.
The Hong Clan.
If a person carrying a token bearing the Kou family crest made with this paint should come to us, we were to help that person regardless what we were doing at the time.
That was a direct request from the leader of the Hong Clan as well as the proxy clan leader.
And in return for our help , the Hong Clan will surrender the manufacturing process to the merchants guild as well as the rights to any derivative works or products.
Despite refusing to bargain during many years of negotiations, they've agreed to give up those rights in return for your guaranteed protection.
Uncle Kuro.
Now, what would you like to do?
Thank you, My wish is still unchanged. Please find me a place in a caravan heading for Kinka.
I don't care if it's menial work.
Very well my lady.
Huh? What are you doing here?
I heard from the guild that there's a girl who wants to join a group to Kinka, so I replied that I would be willing to take her on as my personal maid.
Personal maid?! Not menial work?!
They say through companionship in travel, we find compassion in life.
I do trust that we'll get along well.
I understand. Your personal maid.
Yes, but that reminds me . I haven't even asked your name yet.
Oh. Yeah, right. My, My name’s Korin.
I see. I’m pleased to meet you, Korin.
Next Episode
In order To get to Kinka, I’ve become a personal maid to a young master of the Rin family, but somehow this young master reminds me of someone.
He's handsome, somewhat removed from the norm, and making advances towards me?!