Yatagarasu Series 2 - Part 1

 

Yatagarasu Series

Volume 2: 

The Raven Does Not 

Choose Its Master

Author: Chisato Abe

VOLUME 2 - MASTER POST

Part 1: Good-For-Nothing
Second Son

There was once a prince who said, “A Golden Raven’s birth will be followed by a drought and a terrible flood.”

The prince lamented and said, “The Golden Raven’s birth is a terrible omen that means that many Yatagarasu will die. Why is this so?”

When asked this question, the Golden Raven said, “At times, a drought will occur. At times, a great flood will happen. At times, there will be great turmoil, and many Yatagarasu will die. That is why the Golden Raven is born.”

-Excerpted from Seiu Bouya’s Tale of the Golden Raven: The First Night

When Yukiya regained consciousness, it was dusk. The clouds overhead blurred together in shades of gold as they reflected the light of the setting sun. He sat up and immediately regretted it. Pain lanced up and down his spine to all his limbs.

“Damn it… they really went all out on me.”

Maybe it was better to stay on the ground for now. He didn’t try to get to his feet. He lay back down with his arms and legs spread wide.

The air was crisp and clear. It was growing colder, and that helped. He could barely feel his hands and feet after a few minutes.

As Yukiya lay there looking up at the sky, a black shadow like a smudge flew over him. He blinked and saw a raven.

This was no ordinary raven. It was as large as a tall man and had three legs.

As the raven flew closer, Yukiya put his hand to his forehead, wiping away sweat and making him remember his body’s agony. “Oh, shit.”

The raven was right above Yukiya now. It dove down, and just as it seemed like the huge bird would crash, the raven’s form warped and crumpled like a melting candy sculpture. The next moment, a regal man stood where the raven had been. He wore a long, plain black robe.

“Yukiya!”

Yukiya gulped.

This raven-turned-man was his older brother.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Yukiya asked, feigning innocence.

A vein bulged on his brother’s forehead. “You idiot! Did you think that no one would come looking for you?”

He scolded Yukiya, asking if he had any idea what time it was. His tone was rough, but there was concern in his eyes.

His brother’s gaze turned toward Yukiya’s injuries.

Yukiya forced a smile. “Sorry for making you worry.”

“How did you get hurt?”

“It’s nothing serious. I just fell and hit my head.”

“You fell on someone’s foot?” his brother asked flatly. “There are toe-shaped bruises on your stomach.” He looked Yukiya up and down suspiciously. “Was it those guys from yesterday?”

“I told you; I just fell.” Yukiya grinned wryly.

His brother snorted to express his clear skepticism. “What are you going to do about your face? You’re black and blue.”

They were supposed to go to the lord’s estate today for the New Year’s celebration. Their father was already waiting for them inside the lord’s opulent mansion. He had firmly and repeatedly instructed all of his sons to dress properly for the event. Many critical eyes would fall on them there.

“Uh… I’ll figure something out,” Yukiya said.

“I know that look,” his brother said. “What are you plotting now?”

“Plotting? Me? Nothing.” Yukiya smiled up at his older brother. “We don’t have much time, right?”

His brother became suddenly serious. “No, we don’t. Hurry up and get yourself changed. We have to get to the Lord of Hokke’s mansion before sunset.”

The sky was darkening. Yukiya really did have to rush. Yatagarasu like Yukiya and his brother lost the ability to transform after the sun went down. They would need to fly to reach the lord’s mansion in time; it was far too late to set out on foot.

***

Yukiya’s father wailed in despair, holding his head in his hands. “What have you done this time?”

“Ah, I just tripped and fell,” Yukiya said. His grin was absolutely shameless. He caused his father distress quite frequently and no longer felt sorry about it. He stuck out like a sore thumb among his other family members. He was dressed properly and formally for the special occasion that evening, but his two black eyes were distinctive in the worst possible way. One eyelid was cut and grotesquely swollen.

The other village leaders took one look at Yukiya and retreated to the corners of the room to consult with their families. Only decorum prevented them from pointing.

Yukimasa was the leader of Taruhi Village in Hokke territory. Hokke was the northern part of the land of Yamauchi, which consisted of four territories and twelve villages, three per territory. The position of village leader was hereditary. Yukimasa was well-known for having assumed his position at a young age. He had inherited the role when he was just twenty years old.

For a short while after assuming his position as village leader, there’d been whispers that Yukimasa was too young and inexperienced to govern. Those whispers had ceased after he married the daughter of the Lord of Hokke. His eldest son, who would inherit his position, was extremely talented. To all appearances, village leader Yukimasa led a fulfilling life and his family had a bright future.

And all of that would be true if not for Yukiya, his second son. Yukiya was the source of all of Yukimasa’s worries. His second son was a complete fool. He suspected that Yukiya had been born lacking intelligence. He studied alongside his eldest brother, Yukima, who was only one year older, from his earliest childhood. Eventually his younger brother (five years his junior) surpassed Yukiya in his studies, so Yukiya required individual instruction after that.

This marked the start of Yukimasa’s headaches.

A few years ago, Yukiya had gotten lost himself while searching for his missing younger brother. The boy became a laughingstock in the household after that. Rumors of Yukiya’s stupidity spread to Taruhi Village, where he became known as “the village leader’s stupid son.”

That was bad enough, but Yukiya was not simply stupid. He was also a spineless coward. His temperament was unbecoming of a proud military family. Hokke territory had a strong military culture and there were many warriors in Taruhi Village. Yukimasa’s uncles and younger brothers were renowned warriors in Yamauchi’s capital city. Yukichi, Yukimasa’s third son, possessed exceptional military talent. Everyone said he’d grow up to be just like his famous uncles.

Yukiya alone was hopeless. If he were ever sent to the capital as a warrior, there was a dreadful certainty that Taruhi Village, and perhaps even the entirety of Hokke territory, would be shamed and remembered for the blunder for generations. He lacked even the slightest bit of fighting spirit. Every morning, his sword practice was feeble and erratic. Whenever the three brothers sparred, he would drop his wooden sword as soon as the battle began.

Only Yukiya’s future was uncertain among Yukimasa’s sons. He’d had a somewhat complicated birth. Yukimasa sometimes wondered if that was why Yukiya behaved the way he did.

“Stars have mercy… What am I supposed to tell the lord?” Yukimasa muttered.

The Lord of Hokke was know for his boldness and forthrightness. It was unlikely that Yukimasa would be reprimanded for Yukiya’s sorry state, but Yukimasa expected him to catch at least one disparaging offhand comment. Something like, “How shameful for a warrior’s child.”

“I washed his face in cold water from the well and the swelling’s going down,” Yukimasa’s wife said, looking troubled. “I’m not sure there’s more we can do. Please, don’t scold Yukiya. I can explain everything.”

Yukimasa’s wife earnestly defended the good-for-nothing second son even though she wasn’t his biological mother. Yukiya was the only one of Yukimasa’s three sons who had a different mother. Yukiya’s mother had died early, so Yukimasa’s wife had raised baby Yukiya as her own child. She did her best to show no favoritism to any of Yukimasa’s children. Usually, Yukimasa approved of this, but he also didn’t want his wife to make a scene for Yukiya’s sake. Such behavior would set tongues wagging and the rumor mill churning.

The leader of Taruhi Village felt completely drained. He shook his head at his wife’s words and said, “There is no point in scolding anyone now.”

“That’s right,” Yukiya said. “I just did something stupid again, as usual.”

The look that Yukimasa gave his son was almost murderous. “You are correct, but you should not say such things aloud, my foolish son.” Yukimasa covered his face and lamented, saying, “We have an honored guest today. What a terrible time for this to happen. Perhaps you don’t remember, but Prince Natsuka will be gracing us with his presence this evening. Although he has abdicated in favor of his younger brother and is now a priest of the mountain god, his influence at court remains immeasurable.”

Yukima, Yukimasa’s clever eldest son, gasped. He knew what a visit from the former Crown Prince implied. “Isn’t he from the Souke family?”

“That’s right. If you intend to succeed me, it would be wise to make sure he remembers your face,” Yukimasa said.

The Souke family was the imperial family. They ruled over all of Yamauchi. Each of Yamauchi’s territories was governed by a different noble family: Touke in the east, Nanke in the south, Saike in the west, and Hokke in the north. Collectively, these four territories and the families that governed them were nicknamed the Four Families. An old legend said that the Four Families originated as children of the first ever Golden Raven, the founding ancestor of the Souke family. The Four Families were considered branch families of Souke, with Souke itself governed by the Emperor, whose formal title was Golden Raven.

Natsuka had been stripped of the title of Crown Prince when he was ten years old due to a political upheaval. He was a young man now and well-respected as a Souke nobleman. He was the Emperor’s eldest son and would always have a high position within the imperial court.

“The former Crown Prince was in no way obligated to come this year, but he decided to visit us, in his magnanimity…” Yukimasa could not just tell his second son to go home. His stomach roiled and ached from the stress. It was almost time for him and his family to give their formal greetings to Prince Natsuka. His eldest son walked at his side and his wife, second and third son followed behind them. They stopped in the center of the great receiving hall of the Lord of Hokke.

Many noble families were already present in the hall, all lined up along two walls. They made a clear space in the center for the family that would greet the Lord of Hokke and Prince Natsuka next. The Lord of Hokke sat a the head of the hall with his wife by his side. He had an imposing presence, as befitted a great warrior.

A distinguished young man reclined comfortably on a throne that nearly equaled the Lord of Hokke’s in height and splendor. His honed physique was not at all out of place in Hokke. He cut a dashing figure and looked just as impressive as the lord of the territory. His noble birth was evident in his refined and well-formed features. He was dressed in deep purple robes and his sleek black hair fell loose around his shoulders. Prince Natsuka appeared perfectly relaxed and effortlessly dignified. Unlike most sons of Souke, however, he lacked a certain delicate sophistication and grace.

Yukimasa approached the Lord of Hokke and bowed deeply. “Lord, please allow me to offer my best wishes for good fortune in the new year.”

The Lord of Hokke gestured sloppily with one hand. “Enough of that, Yukimasa. Raise your head. It is good to see you and your family,” he said jovially. He gestured fondly to Yukimasa’s wife and called her name warmly. “Come here, my dear Azusa, and let me take a look at you.”

Yukimasa’s wife obliged, approaching the Lord of Hokke and bowing deeply.

“It has been a long time since I last saw you. Have you and the children been well?” the Lord of Hokke asked.

The three brothers kept their heads bowed.

Azusa gave the Lord of Hokke a bright and pleasant smile. “Thanks to your consideration, I am very well and do not have any troubles.”

The Lord of Hokke nodded in satisfaction. He shifted slightly toward Prince Natsuka and said, “This noble gentleman has come to visit us from the Imperial Court. He is Prince Natsuka of Souke. It would please me greatly for you to offer your greetings and well-wishes to him as well.”

Yukimasa bowed his head respectfully.

Natsuka gave him and his family a gracious nod. “So you are Yukimasa, the leader of Taruhi Village. We have never spoken directly, but I have long wished to meet you, sir. I would like it if we could sit together at the feast later.”

“I would be deeply honored,” Yukimasa said. “Thank you for your kind words.” He was relieved to find that Prince Natsuka was every bit as courteous as he appeared. The prince was much younger than him. Ordinarily, it would have galled Yukimasa to bow to such a man, but Prince Natsuka made it easy.

The Lord of Hokke watched this exchange with undisguised delight. He stroked his beard and then said, “Yukimasa’s abilities are well-known and respected by all. I am certain that he will be of great assistance to you in the future,” he said to Prince Natsuka. “He also has splendidly talented sons. The family has much to look forward to in the future.”

He stopped speaking suddenly when he heard a choked sob coming from somewhere in the hall.

“What is wrong, Yukiya?” the Lord of Hokke asked quietly. “Why are you crying?”

Addressed by the Lord of Hokke directly, Yukiya had no choice but to lift his face and respond. He’d done it before anyone could stop him or make excuses for him.

Yukiya’s face was horrendous. His new bruises were stark and darkening on his cheeks and his nose ran dramatically. He stood before the assembled lords and nobles like a sniveling child.

“Yukiya, what happened to your face?” the Lord of Hokke’s wife asked. She saw Yukimasa’s children much more often than her husband did, so she was truly alarmed by Yukiya’s sorry state.

“I am sorry, my lady,” he said. “I have no more sense or ability than the average commoner.” He sobbed uncontrollably and spoke loud enough to drown out any of his father’s excuses. “I am sincerely sorry for everything. This is entirely my fault. Please do not blame my family for anything.”

There was stunned silence in the receiving hall.

Yukiya sprang up, turned away from the Lord of Hokke and ran to the farthest corner of the hall. With nowhere left to run, he got on his knees and pressed his forehead to the floor. “I’ll do anything, so please forgive me. I just don’t want it to hurt anymore.”

The person he was bowing to was a young nobleman who was perhaps fourteen or fifteen years old. The nobleman had gone very pale and his eyes were wide open in shock. This nobleman’s status was not nearly as high as the Lord of Hokke’s or Prince Natsuka’s; his seat in the hall’s corner indicated this. He was still a nobleman invited to the New Year celebration, though, so he had some status in the Imperial Court.

The young nobleman’s father was sitting by his son. He looked down at the cowering Yukiya and asked, “What is the meaning of this?”

Before the situation could get any more out of hand, a resourceful servant appeared at Yukiya’s shoulder and escorted him to a separate room. Yukimasa and the rest of Yukiya’s family soon joined him. The young nobleman that Yukiya had bowed to was escorted in by the Lord of Hokke and his wife shortly after that.

Yukimasa pieced together what had happened using Yukiya’s tearful apologies and his brothers’ more detailed explanations.

“So, if I understand correctly, this whole affair started because this young gentleman here ate some mochi that was being sold in our village without permission?”^

“Yes, that’s correct,” Yukima said.

It was New Year’s Eve. Even modest village markets sold special stock on this auspicious day. The young nobleman was a priest. He’d paused to purchase some of the mochi in the market, but then he’d eaten it before paying.

Yukichi, Yukimasa’s third son, related most of these details. He’d witnessed what had happened at a distance and children who’d been closer had told him the rest. Unlike Yukiya, Yukichi was well-respected in Taruhi Village. The children there told him anything he wanted to know. The child of the vendor who’d been selling mochi had related the whole incident of the theft to Yukichi in tears.

“Why did Yukiya end up getting hurt?” Yukimasa asked.

Yukima placed his hand on Yukichi’s head, requesting silence from his youngest brother. “It seems this nobleman heard the vendor’s complaint via Yukichi, but he refused to do anything in recompense.” His tone was controlled, but anger bubbled beneath the surface. “He presented himself as the son of the village leader and formally requested payment from this priest. The priest refused to pay and mocked him. Yukichi came back home crying, so Yukiya went to negotiate in his place.”

“But he wouldn’t listen to me, either,” Yukiya said tonelessly.

Yukimasa’s eyebrows furrowed. “If what you say is true, then we must consider how to respond. Kazumaro.”

Kazumaro was the name of the priest. He widened his eyes in disbelief. “You haven’t heard my side of things,” he said.

Yukimasa nodded. “Speak.”

Kazumaro visibly relaxed. “I did not know that this young man was the village leader’s son. I would never have treated him in such a way if I knew. I thought that he was a mountain raven pretending to be a palace raven to extract payment. I sought to admonish him for his lie. I did not mock him in any way, I assure you.”

Mountain ravens were commoners. Palace ravens were noblemen. A mountain raven impersonating a palace raven was a serious crime.

Before Yukimasa could respond, Yukichi said, “You liar! I told you right away that the village leader was my father!”

Kazumaro narrowed his eyes with a hint of malice. “Your manners do you no credit. How could I believe you when you appeared in front of me shouting and waving your arms? Is that the way a son of the village leader should behave? How could anyone blame me for thinking that you were lying? He laid his hands upon me first. If my friends had not defended me, who knows what might have happened.”

Kazumaro’s unruffled expression infuriated Yukima and Yukichi, who gritted their teeth in frustration.

“Um… I believe what Kazumaro is saying is reasonable,” Yukiya said tentatively.

The Lord of Hokke, witness to all this kerfuffle, raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“It’s true that my younger brother started it,” Yukiya said. “He laid his hands on the priest. When I learned that, I firmly believed that we were going about this in the wrong way.”

“Yukiya,” Yukichi whined, sounding much younger than he was.

“Let’s not start assigning blame too soon, Yukiya,” Yukima said quietly.

Yukiya ignored the reproachful looks of his brothers. “I went to see Priest Kazumaro to apologize for my younger brother’s rudeness,” he said. He faced the priest. “It seems that the way I apologized offended you in some way.”

The Lord of Hokke frowned.

Kazumaro was sweating. “No, that’s not true. All of this is just a simple misunderstanding. Both sides misinterpreted things.”

“How?” Yukiya asked, not at all confrontational. He appeared genuinely confused. “I apologized for what my brother did, and then I requested payment to cover the matter of the theft most respectfully.”

“No you didn’t!” Kazumaro was on the verge of tears.

The Lord of Hokke nodded once at Yukiya and then said, “Go on.”

“Yes, lord,” Yukiya said. “He told me, ‘Know your place as a mountain raven.’ He also told me not to lie. He said I couldn’t possibly be the village leader’s son because I was dressed in such shabby clothes. I tried to explain to him that most noblemen in this part of Hokke territory wear feather robes, but he didn’t believe me.”

“Silence!” Kazumaro shouted angrily.

Yukiya kept speaking. “It’s quite obvious that I wasn’t lying. Both Yukichi and I wore our feather robes to talk to the priest. We’d wear them if we were going to talk to anyone in the village. No one could tell we were sons of the village leader based on our clothes.”

Feather robes were a practical invention that everyone had access to, though common people wore them much more often than nobles. When people transformed into their raven shapes, normal clothes made of fabric got tangled in their wings. It was impossible to transform and fly while wearing normal clothes. Feather robes were different, and could be seen as an extension of the body. People created their own feather robes when they were old enough to transform. Warriors who needed to transform quickly in battle often wore them exclusively, and commoners wore them all the time because they didn’t cost any money to create, repair or alter the size.

Kazumaro insisted that he never imagined any of the village leader’s sons would be wearing feather robes. “Moreover, this young man only pretended to apologize for his younger brother’s rudeness. In reality, he was covertly mocking me. I thought he was doubling down on his lies! He said, ‘It was wrong for my brother to put his hands on you, but it is our right as deputies of the village leader to reclaim the value of what you stole.’ Does that sound like an apology to you?”

“Are you saying Yukiya and his brother were at fault for asking you to pay for your theft?”

“No,” Kazumaro said. He realized that he was digging his own grave. The Lord of Hokke hadn’t been on his side from the very start. “But I really didn’t know that I was speaking to the sons of the village leader. You must believe me. I thought that they were lying commoners that were trying to make fun of me. I had no evidence to the contrary.”

“So that is why you and your entourage assaulted Yukiya?” the Lord of Hokke asked. “You attacked the village leader’s son, who had come to you to settle the matter of a theft on behalf of his father.” He sounded annoyed.

Kazumaro’s jaw dropped. He hadn’t thought that he’d be accused of a crime by the Lord of Hokke himself. “A matter of theft? You believe I stole something?”

“It’s not uncommon for the villagers to ask someone from my household to settle such disputes,” Yukimasa said. “What I don’t understand is why a priest would eat mochi being sold for the New Year’s celebration without paying. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

“He said it was his share of taxes,” Yukichi grumbled.

All eyes in the room went to Yukichi. Yukimasa’s youngest son shifted from foot to foot, then said, “The child of the vendor told me that he said, ‘It is only natural for mountain ravens to show their deference to palace ravens.’”

“This happened right in the middle of the market, so I was able to verify what he said from several people,” Yukima said. “There should be plenty of witnesses if this theft requires more investigation.”

The Lord of Hokke scratched the back of his head. The color had risen slowly to his cheeks as Yukichi and Yukima had spoken. “To think that I harbored such a palace raven at my own estate.”

“My lord, forgive me, but we cannot allow the pride of noblemen to be insulted in this way by these people,” Kazumaro said.

“You fool!” the Lord of Hokke shouted. His voice was so loud that the beams and pillars in the room shook.

Kazumaro shrank back in terror. Yukimasa’s three sons also jumped in surprise at the lord’s booming voice.

“You’re a disgrace to this family! You hold none of the responsibilities of a palace raven; your place is purely ceremonial. All you do is act like an arrogant brat. What have you done for the good of the people? You have never served at the Imperial Court, and yet you talk about taxes? How ridiculous! What did your father teach you?” the Lord of Hokke shouted.

Kazumaro turned pale. Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. “I—I am very sorry,” he stammered.

The Lord of Hokke scoffed. “You apologize to me, but not those you have wronged.”

Kazumaro’s face twisted in a snarl.

“Lord!” Yukiya cried out. “This is not right! We forgot our place, too, and owe the priest an apology as well.” He bowed his head and apologized to Kazumaro. “We are truly sorry,” he said.

Kazumaro was in despair. There were no good options for him to act on.

“Kazumaro,” the Lord of Hokke said sternly.

The priest bit his lip. Yukiya was bowing before him. He mimicked Yukiya’s posture, bowing back awkwardly. “I apologize as well,” he muttered quietly. He was humiliated. Yukimasa’s sons had forced him into this.

After apologizing, Kazumaro lifted his head and was escorted out of the room. His father was likely waiting for him with the rest of the Lord of Hokke’s guests.

The Lord of Hokke sighed loudly. “I apologize for what my foolish family member has done. How are your injuries, Yukiya?”

“Well, they hurt,” Yukiya said cheerfully. “But they aren’t getting worse.” His earlier tears had vanished without a trace.

Yukimasa nudged his second son surreptitiously with his elbow to remind him to use his court manners.

“I thank you for your concern, lord,” Yukiya said. “I did not mean to cause you any trouble. To think that such a commotion would happen as we are all celebrating the new year… I am very sorry, lord.”

“You’re not the one who should be apologizing,” Prince Natsuka said in a voice of authority.

Everyone present in the room stood up just a little bit straighter. No one had noticed him enter. He was standing in the doorway.

“Prince Natsuka, what brings you to our humble squabble?” the Lord of Hokke asked.

“I was a bit concerned about how things would turn out,” he said. He was smiling slightly. “Besides, sitting at a feast without someone to talk to is rather dull, wouldn’t you agree?”

The Lord of Hokke slapped himself lightly on the forehead, reprimanding himself for his carelessness. “That was quite discourteous of me, Prince Natsuka. My sincere apologies.”

“Never mind that. From the look of things, you had to retreat here to deal with a blunder caused by my imperial relatives.”

“I’m afraid that is indeed the case. Kazumaro, a priest, lacks sufficient understanding of his duties as a servant of the Imperial Court. Do you intend to recommend some manner of disciplinary action?”

“Of course,” Prince Natsuka said. “Please do not worry. I would never show favoritism or lighten a punishment just because someone is family.” He nodded and then took a seat next to the Lord of Hokke.

Yukimasa had broken into a cold sweat when Prince Natsuka had made his presence known. He apologized profusely for his son interrupting the celebration.

“Think nothing of it,” Prince Natsuka said. “It wasn’t your fault. I was a bit surprised, is all.”

It would be unreasonable not to be surprised when someone suddenly bursts into tears, runs over, and bows deeply in apology during what should be rote ceremonial greetings. The Lord of Hokke had settled the matter in Yukiya’s favor, but even he had been stunned at the young man’s outburst.

“Yes, well, setting aside the specific circumstances of the day, you must learn to comport yourself as a nobleman, Yukiya,” the Lord of Hokke said. “There is a time and a place for disputes, and resolving matters like that in public does not always go well. Isn’t that right, Yukimasa?”

“You are absolutely correct, lord. Please forgive my foolish son’s shortcomings.”

“Am I really that lacking in manners?” Yukiya asked, feigning ignorance.

Yukimasa glared at him. Before he could reprimand Yukiya once more, the Lord of Hokke’s wife spoke quietly. “There is one thing we haven’t considered about this whole situation.”

“Oh? And what is that?” the Lord of Hokke asked.

“Kazumaro was selected to be an attendant to the Crown Prince at the Imperial Palace recently. We must send an attendant, but now Kazumaro seems most unsuitable.”

“That is so,” the Lord of Hokke said. “I had almost forgotten. Natsuka’s younger brother has been away from the Imperial Court for some time under the pretext of studying abroad. He will need more attendants when he returns to the Imperial Palace. Recruitment has progressed apace for the past few months, which is how Kazumaro was chosen. But given the circumstances, we cannot possibly send Kazumaro to the Imperial Palace as planned.”

The Lord of Hokke’s wife nodded. “Perhaps having Yukiya take Kazumaro’s place would solve this problem.”

“Oh! Yes, a splendid idea!” the Lord of Hokke said.

Yukimasa could not help but scream internally, It’s a terrible idea!

Yukiya appeared stunned. This was rare. Yukiya was usually as calm and unflappable as his brothers. That was part of why his outburst in the receiving hall had been so unexpected.

Yukima, Yukichi and Yukimasa’s wife Azusa were as surprised as Yukiya, but they also appeared delighted.

Yukimasa understood that this terrible suggestion had come to pass because Yukiya’s actions had called a nobleman’s honor into question. Matters of honor were not lightly set aside, especially in Hokke territory. Knowing his second son as he did, however, he believed that the Imperial Court was the absolute worst place for him. He would dishonor the family and himself. Yukimasa could not possibly be happy about that.

Oblivious to Yukimasa’s distress, the Lord of Hokke kept discussing Yukiya’s placement in the Imperial Court with his wife.

“If Yukiya becomes an attendant to the Crown Prince, he’ll learn court manners within the palace itself! It would be ideal.”

“It truly is killing two birds with one stone, isn’t it?”

The Lord of Hokke was quite enthusiastic about the whole thing. “How long should we assign him there? A year to start, do you think?”

Yukimasa could not speak against the will of his lord. He placed one hand over his roiling stomach and willed himself to remain calm.

Prince Natsuka noticed Yukimasa’s misgivings. “I also think it sounds like a good idea. However, shouldn’t we first ask how Yukiya himself feels about it?”

Thank you so much, Prince Natsuka! Yukimasa thought. He bowed his head to the former Crown Prince in respect.

The Lord of Hokke nodded in agreement. “True, true. Yukiya, do you have any desire to go to the Imperial Court at this time?”

“Not at all. Not even a little.” Yukiya’s immediate answer was so blunt that it could almost be considered rude.

The Lord of Hokke’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why not? If you wished, you could achieve a very high rank in the Imperial Court. You could rise in the world and achieve great success.”

Yukiya frowned and stopped just short of shaking his head. “I dislike that idea. I have never wanted to do those things.” His expression was pained, but his tone was resolute. “When I grow up, I want to help my older brother with his work and live in Taruhi Village with my friends. I absolutely do not want to go to the Imperial Court.”

His statement was so direct and final that the Lord of Hokke was taken aback.

“To think you are a son of a warrior family—how disappointing. Don’t you have any ambition at all?”

“Not even a little bit,” Yukiya replied, honest and unashamed.

Yukimasa had hoped that his son would dislike the idea of going to the capital, but being told so in such plain terms made him feel increasingly uncomfortable.

Ignoring his father, who was sulking for his own reasons, Yukiya took this crucial moment to earnestly appeal to the Lord of Hokke. “Um, you see, I would be perfectly satisfied if I could spend my life in Taruhi Village. I have always assisted my older brother, who will become the village leader one day. In fact, that’s my dream for the future. I want to help my older brother keep peace in Taruhi Village and make it prosperous for the good of all the people. I beg you not to force me to abandon that dream.”

Yukiya’s plea made no impact whatsoever on the Lord of Hokke.

“Your dream is small. A man has greater ambitions. You are no longer a boy. It is time to grow up, Yukiya.”

“Dear husband,” the Lord of Hokke’s wife said, “I find myself sympathizing with Yukiya’s dream. Isn’t what we do as leaders all for the good of the people?” She gave Yukiya a gentle smile. “I believe that both Yukiya and his elder brother would benefit from knowledge of the wider world. They can then bring that knowledge and perspective back to Taruhi Village. I suggest that they both go to the capital to further their studies for the sake of Hokke territory’s future.”

The Lord of Hokke nodded slowly and then asked for Azusa’s opinion.

Azusa nodded happily. “I agree wholeheartedly. I always thought it would be a waste of talent for Yukiya to remain at home forever. He will never grow if he stays comfortable in Taruhi Village.”

“And what of your eldest son, Yukima?”

Yukima had remained quiet during this discussion out of respect for the Lord of Hokke and his parents. When Azusa looked to him, he nodded enthusiastically.

“I would like to go,” Yukima said. “As for my brother, I truly believe that he can do absolutely anything if he puts his mind to it. But he rarely puts his mind to things. A new environment might change that.”

Yukiya nodded. “I’m a can-do person, but I don’t usually have the motivation to follow through. That’s why people call me a fool.”

The room went silent at these words. Azusa looked like she wanted to reassure Yukiya, but to do so, she’d have to contradict what he’d just said.

Yukima cleared his throat. “Yes, well. Anyway, I think Yukiya would benefit from going to the Imperial Court. He should gain some experience of the world.”

Yukiya shifted from foot to foot, clearly frustrated. “I don’t need to know about the outside world. I’ll spend my whole life in Taruhi Village.”

“That’s exactly why you should go see the world now,” Yukima said quietly. “While you still have the chance.”

Natsuka witnessed the exchange between Yukiya and Yukima with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Your brother has it right,” Natsuka said. “If you truly care for Taruhi Village, use your time at the Imperial Court to benefit the people there. You have relatives in the capital—family and friends of your family who could make life easier for your villagers. Maybe don’t think of this as abandoning your dream. By going to the Imperial Court, you can make the future of Taruhi Village brighter.”

Yukiya disliked this argument and let his displeasure show plainly on his face.

Natsuka responded with a friendly smile. “If you ever find yourself in trouble, you can always come to me.”

So it was decided, then. If Prince Natsuka had decided that Yukiya was going, then no one was going to tell him ‘no.’ Yukiya would serve at the Imperial Court for a year. When the Lord of Hokke laid out the terms of his employment at court and the time he’d be spending there, Yukiya screamed as if he were witnessing the end of the world.

“Ah, come on! I told you I don’t want to do this!”

“Just accept your fate, my foolish son,” Yukimasa said.

The Lord of Hokke and his wife were happily exchanging ideas about how Yukiya would occupy his time at the Imperial Court and paid little attention to Yukiya’s opposition.

Yukimasa leaned closer to his second son and whispered, “It’s been decided by the lord and Prince Natsuka. And it’s just for a year. You only need to be there for one year. Surely you can manage that much?”

“A year?! Even if I go, there’s no way I’ll last that long!”

Yukimasa licked his lips in irritation. “You’re whining about going before you’ve even left. If you give up before a year has passed, I will pack your bags myself and send you straight to the Keisōin. Perhaps a military academy will change your rotten attitude.”

“What?” Yukiya asked, slack-jawed.

The Keisōin was the training academy for Imperial Guards, the Yamauchishu. Very few graduates actually became Imperial Guards because the training was so specialized. Most recruits could not withstand the rigorous training and left in disgrace. Dropouts were given over to the army as ordinary foot soldiers and made to work hard.

Yukiya had heard plenty of stories about the harshness of the Keisōin from Yukimasa’s younger brother. His uncle had once been an Imperial Guard. Retired now, he often spoke of his experiences in the Keisōin and the Imperial Palace over a few drinks. This meant that Yukiya knew the reputation of the Keisōin was credible. His uncle had no reason to lie to him about the terrible conditions there.

Yukimasa squeezed his second son’s shoulder to steady him. It looked like a stiff breeze could blow Yukiya over.

“Please spare me from that, father,” Yukiya said. “If I wind up in the Keisōin, I’ll die. No joke.”

Yukima and Yukichi looked away, clearly uncomfortable.

Yukiya noticed that Prince Natsuka was smiling at him.

No one advocated for Yukiya remaining in Taruhi Village. Not his brothers, and not the prince.

“Then you will just have to endure being in the Imperial Palace for a year,” Yukimasa said. “I believe your brother said it best. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”

Yukiya’s protests died in his throat. The good-for-nothing second son of Yukimasa would enter the Imperial Court as the Crown Prince’s attendant.

As Prince Natsuka, the Lord of Hokke and his parents started discussing logistics and scheduling, Yukiya buried his face in his hands. He was almost in tears.

“Damn it… I can’t stand it,” Yukiya said under his breath.

***

Two months had passed since the New Year’s celebration. Yukiya accompanied his father to Souke territory. Travel from Hokke territory to Souke territory could only be done by air. People would have to either fly themselves or hire horses.

Noblemen considered transforming into their raven bodies shameful. Members of the Imperial Court might spend their whole lives in human form and never transform once. Even merchants and wealthy people with no political rank tried to transform as little as possible. The raven form was associated with the poverty of the working class.

Turning into a large three-legged raven to perform tasks or carry messages for others was considered a menial job. Everyone called people who took on such roles horses. Most horses signed contracts that prevented them from taking human form while they were working.

Yukimasa was a typical nobleman, so he had no intention of flying himself to Souke territory. He’d planned to hire horses from the start. He and Yukiya spent half a day flying on horseback before they reached Souke territory.

Both Yukimasa and Yukima had spent time at the Imperial Court before because of their various duties as village leader and village leader-in-training. Yukiya had never been to Souke territory before.

Yukiya had not planned for any of this. By the time the mountain range that marked the northern edge of Souke territory came into view, he was already homesick.

Unaware of his son’s feelings, Yukimasa confidently rode his horse up to the checkpoint. Everyone who passed through the mountains had to stop at a checkpoint like this one to obtain a travel permit. This checkpoint was frequently used, so it was spacious, meticulously clean and surrounded by high, sturdy fences. A servant arrived almost immediately and took hold of the horses’ bridles.

Yukiya removed his muffler and then dismounted.

“You have your blank permit with you, right?” Yukimasa asked.

“Yes,” Yukiya said dejectedly. “I tried to lose it, but I guess I’m unlucky.”

Yukimasa nodded in silent satisfaction. He gave the horses into the servant’s care, then picked up his luggage and started walking. He and Yukiya entered a building that looked a lot like the village leader’s residence in Taruhi Village. They filled in their travel permits by following a few simple instructions. After that, the permits were registered, and they were on their way again.

By the time they returned to the horses, black bands with a white border were wrapped around the middles of their rented mounts. These bands signified Yukimasa’s rank as a village leader. Crossing the border without some mark of rank like this was hazardous. If Yukiya and his father flew without them, they would be shot down by guards or the army.

A stable boy was tending to the horses. “Will you be leaving now, sirs?” he asked.

“Not yet. I’d like to show my son the castle town. Sorry, but could you deliver this for me?” Yukimasa asked.

“Of course, sir. Which stable would you prefer?”

“The stables in Hokke’s city estate, please. Also, could you please convey that I will arrive by sunset today?”

“Yes, certainly.”

Each of the four imperial branch families in Yamauchi had their main estates in the territories that they controlled, but they also had secondary city estates that they lived in when they had business to attend to in the capital. The lords of each family spent most of their time in their city estates so that they could participate in Imperial Court activities.

Starting tomorrow, Yukiya’s new residence would be Hokke’s city estate.

“Ah, I’m so depressed,” Yukiya lamented.

Yukimasa raised an eyebrow in reproach. “Don’t say that, you ungrateful child. You’ve been given an honorable duty. You should at least pretend to be happy. You can cry from joy.”

“I do feel like crying,” Yukiya said. “You don’t really mean what you’re saying, do you, father?”

“You need some perspective,” Yukimasa said. “Kazumaro’s family is devastated. His appointment to an Imperial Court position was revoked. They might never recover.”

“I never wanted that to happen,” Yukiya said. “I never asked to take his place!”

“Enough of that,” Yukimasa said. “You’re too loud. Stop complaining. Your circumstances are your own fault.”

Yukiya frowned. His father saw all this as Yukiya’s fault. That was understandable. He’d gotten enmeshed in the political situation between Hokke and Souke by accident, and now he had to deal with the consequences.

There had always been great strife between the lords of each branch family. Yukiya had witnessed this only distantly because most lords considered village leaders beneath their notice. Yukimasa was only a village leader, but his family was closely related to the Lord of Hokke’s. Yukiya and his family were in a unique situation. They were close enough to the Lord of Hokke to see his struggles with other families and the Imperial Court firsthand, but they weren’t powerful enough to participate in those struggles.

The position of village leader was more recently created than that of lord. In the past, the four branch families had difficulties governing their territories at a local level. The first capable administrators of villages and cities had emerged out of necessity. The lords of the four branch families had employed these people as the first village leaders.

From the perspective of the four branch families, village leaders were uppity commoners. Many village leaders and people in their families rose to high Imperial Court positions due to sheer merit, but prejudice against them lingered like a bad smell. Village leaders didn’t come from wealth and lacked refinement. They were country bumpkins with a title.

Village leaders were aware of the prejudice against them, of course. Few were motivated enough to rise high in the Imperial Court. It was rare for a second son like Yukiya to get the opportunity to serve the Crown Prince. Those who would be eligible to serve in such a capacity generally didn’t want to. Village leaders and their families weren’t commoners, but they were often treated much the same.

From the outside, Yukiya’s new position in the Imperial Court was enviable. When seen through the eyes of village leaders—not just Yukimasa—the position was nothing but a nuisance.

Yukimasa entrusted the horses to the stable boy and then gestured for Yukiya to accompany him.

“You’ll be living in the capital for a year,” Yukimasa said. “You might as well try to enjoy it.”

“Enjoy what?” Yukiya asked, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Yukimasa laughed. “Oh, what’s that saying—‘seeing is believing?’ You’ll see what I mean soon enough.”

They left the checkpoint together.

Hokke’s city estate was on the south side of the mountain that the Imperial Palace was built upon. They were at the city’s northern checkpoint, so they’d have to travel through half the city in order to reach their destination. Yukiya wondered why they didn’t just fly to the estate now that their horses were banded, but the reason for that soon became clear.

“Is that a lake?” Yukiya asked.

“That’s right. We’ll travel by boat from here,” Yukimasa said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lake this big.”

Yukiya had heard stories about this lake from his brother, but he’d never thought he’d see it in person. Its hugeness boggled the mind. The lake’s surface shimmered with silver ripples in the light of the morning sun. Several buildings were very close to the water. Small boats laden with cargo traveled back and forth across the vast expanse of water.

“For loads too large to be carried by air, we use the lake,” Yukimasa said. “Many people come all the way to the docks to make purchases. The area around the city’s Central Gate is a bit different, though—it’s like a city of its own.”

Yukiya understood perfectly why they hadn’t flown across the city. He wouldn’t want to miss seeing this lake up close. There were many travelers like him and his father in the boats, though he didn’t see anyone else who was obviously from Hokke territory. He saw no one in raven form. Everyone was in human form and using the boats.

The boat that Yukiya and Yukimasa boarded was drawn by a domesticated and defanged water serpent. They enjoyed the smooth, gliding motion of the boat and the lively atmosphere of the bustling lakeside city.

The journey across the lake didn’t take long. Yukiya and his father were still talking about Yukiya’s position and his living arrangements when they alighted on the opposite shore.

The Central Gate rose before them. A wide, magnificent road connected the gate to the docks and swept up the mountain. Yukiya was amazed by the road, which was smoother and better-maintained than any he’d seen.

“Close your mouth,” Yukimasa said. “If you’re this surprised by just the gate, you won’t be able to handle what’s ahead.” He grinned as he took in Yukiya’s reaction.

Yukimasa and Yukiya walked along the side of the road. Food stalls and street vendors were in their path. Most of the stalls were eateries. Delicious smells that tempted the appetite drifted to Yukiya’s nose. Some stalls also sold simple handicrafts and ornamental hairpins made of glass. Girls dressed in colorful clothes frequented the handicrafts stalls, chatting and comparing what was on sale with what they already had.

They were traveling to the heart of the city. Yukiya saw more and more people as they progressed. The number and variety of shops and stalls increased. Women skillfully handled long poles to measure and sell beautiful fabrics. Men used clever words to sell sweet rice wine and boiled beans. Even children sold goods out of their parents’ stalls. Some merchants called out loudly as Yukiya and Yukimasa passed. Lively music drifted to Yukiya’s ears as traveling performers paraded down the street.

Yukiya saw a few questionable goods on sale like fragments of dragon eggs, red sparrow feather charms and dried rainbow-colored lizards. The fantastical nature of such goods made Yukiya doubt they were the real thing.

The city’s central market was orders of magnitude larger than the market square in Taruhi Village. Yukiya followed his father down the street until they reached a high cliff. A carved stone bridge spanned a mountain gorge in front of them.

“Wow, amazing! What is this?” Yukiya asked, unable to contain his excitement. He went to the cliff’s edge and peered into the valley far below. The gorge was so deep that Yukiya couldn’t see the bottom of it. Water gushed out of the cliff in some places and trickled down into the gorge as slow waterfalls.

The bridge itself was a sturdy and painted in shiny red lacquer. The lively city spread out to either side of the bridge. On the mountain side, Yukiya saw a massive gate with several guards standing in front of it.

“That’s the Central Gate. After we cross this bridge, we’ll technically be on Imperial Palace grounds,” Yukimasa said.

Most of Yukiya’s attention was on the guards. They looked like many of the soldiers he’d known. “We’re already at the Imperial Palace? That doesn’t seem right. I see shops beyond the gate, I think.”

“Those aren’t ordinary shops. They belong to high-class merchants who have special dispensation from the imperial family to sell here. The merchants are so wealthy and well-connected that they choose their own clientele.”

Yukiya was nervous when the guards stopped them at the gate. They checked to make sure his travel permit was genuine and then waved him through. Yukimasa followed him shortly after.

The packed earth road was paved with white stone beyond the gate. The beautiful road wound in a spiral around the mountain. The shops they passed were magnificent. Yukiya had never seen such large shops or such esoteric merchandise. He wasn’t always sure of what he was looking at, but it all seemed prohibitively expensive. The customers that frequented the shops were certainly wealthy. There were no people shouting out to customers or advertising their wares here as there’d been by the lake. There were no musicians or entertainers on the road, either.

Yukiya followed his father silently as the road sloped sharply uphill all of a sudden. Before long, they came to a stone staircase. Noble mansions and estates now lined the road.

They walked until they were out of breath and Yukiya’s legs were aching horribly. The top of the stone staircase was finally in sight. A black-lacquered gate lined with wooden pillars greeted them on level ground. The gate was built into a tall white wall. It was quiet here and strangely solemn. Yukiya tried not to breathe too loud.

Yukiya knew that this was the gate to Hokke’s city estate without being told. It had the same kind of gravitas as the main Hokke estate.

“Excuse me! I’m the village leader of Taruhi Village, Yukimasa. This is my son Yukiya. May we enter?” Yukimasa called out to the closed gate.

A small window beside the gate opened. A guard confirmed their identities, and then the gate swung open.

“Be welcome, village leader.”

“Thank you for your greeting,” Yukimasa said.

Beyond the gate was a manicured garden the likes of which Yukiya had never even imagined. Well-tended black pines stood in rows. White gravel gleamed brightly like fresh-fallen snow. The polished white stone road became dark granite one step beyond the gate. The granite road led to a large mansion built in the rugged Hokke architectural style.

Hokke wasn’t known for refinement or luxury, but the city estate was timelessly tasteful. Wrought iron lanterns hung from the eaves of the roof. Yukiya took in his surroundings as he and Yukimasa were escorted inside the mansion.

The Lord of Hokke’s grandson, Kiei, was inside the mansion and came to greet them. The Lord of Hokke had no sons, so Kiei would become the Lord of Hokke someday. He’d turned twenty-three this year and was a lively young man. He looked very much like his grandfather and shared his grandfather’s affable personality. He wore comfortable hunting clothes that were easy to move in. Overall, he looked like a man who couldn’t stay still because he had too much energy.

Kiei smiled wide when he saw Yukimasa. “Welcome to our city estate, village leader Yukimasa. I must apologize for my grandfather not being here to meet you. He and my father are currently at the Imperial Court attending to matters concerning Duchess Shiratama’s accommodations in Sakura Palace.”^

“Oh!” Yukimasa said. “So it’s finally time for that?”

“Yes. It’s time for another Rite of Ascension.”

The Rite of Ascension was an ancient Imperial Court custom. Each of the four imperial branch families would send a duchess to Sakura Palace, and the Crown Prince would choose one of them to be his bride. Duchess Shiratama was the precious pearl of Hokke. She was the most beautiful lady in the Lord of Hokke’s family and was famous throughout Hokke territory.

“Unfortunately, my grandfather is quite busy these days because of all that,” Kiei said. “My father asked me to apologize for them both. They would have preferred to greet you in person.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Yukimasa said. “I am grateful for your presence. It is more than I deserve.”

Yukimasa had married the daughter of the Lord of Hokke, so he was Kiei’s uncle by marriage. Kiei was not too much older than his oldest son, so he’d never had trouble talking to him. It helped that Kiei was like his grandfather and rarely stood on ceremony.

After a brief conversation about the current state of the Imperial Court, Kiei’s attention shifted to Yukiya.

Yukiya bowed his head in deference. “I am Yukiya of Taruhi Village. I’ll be in your care for the next year.”

Kiei became serious and returned the bow. “Ah. I look forward to working with you, Yukiya.”

Having handed Yukiya off to Kiei, there was no reason for Yukimasa to linger. He accompanied Yukiya on his brief tour of the estate and parted from his son once they reached the stables. The horse he’d hired was ready for him.

“Well then, Yukiya. Do your best,” Yukimasa said.

“Yes, father. Be well.”

They’d had a lot of time to talk on the way here. There was nothing Yukiya wanted to say, so their goodbyes were brief and simple.

After that, Yukiya was shown to his own private room. He was surprised to find it as large and well-appointed as Kiei’s own room. Items he would need to perform his duties in the Imperial Court were already there, including formal robes hanging up in the closet. His father must have sent all this from Taruhi Village in advance.

While checking through all the items in the room, Yukiya noticed a folded piece of paper tucked between two pale blue uniforms. “Mother…” He unfolded the paper, which had a faint green pattern and smelled faintly of sandalwood. His father’s second wife had the elegant and refined handwriting of a noble lady. She expressed concern for his well-being.

Please take good care of yourself. If anything happens, contact us immediately. Your mother prays that you will fulfill your duties safely and well so that you can return home in good health.

Yukiya read the last sentence aloud and then chuckled. He spread out one of his pale blue uniforms and took a look at it. It was a short robe, much less complicated than his most formal clothes. The sides weren’t sewn shut, which allowed for greater freedom of movement. Cords for tying the sleeves hung from the cuffs. The stitches were fine and even. His stepmother had sewn these for him herself.

“Thank you very much, mother,” Yukiya said quietly. He bowed to her even though she was very far away.

***

The next day, Yukiya entered the Imperial Court.

A carriage had been prepared in advance. It could fly; two large horses were harnessed to the carriage. One would fly in front and one would stabilize the carriage from above.

Yukiya had ridden horses several times before, but he’d never flown in a carriage.

Kiei would be accompanying Yukiya in the carriage. He also had business in the Imperial Court that day. Yukiya got in the carriage after Kiei, feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

The carriage floated up, accompanied by a whoosh of air. Yukiya let out a low cry of fear.

Kiei showed no fear at all, but he was alarmed by Yukiya’s reaction. “Is this your first time riding in a carriage?” he asked quietly.

“Yes.” Yukiya scratched the back of his head. “I’m the second son of a village leader. People like me don’t ride in carriages. I never thought I’d ride in one, ever.”

“I see.”

Kiei’s attitude was a bit unusual for a Hokke scion. He wasn’t obligated to care about Yukiya, whose status was far beneath his.

“Lord Kiei, you don’t need to worry about me so much,” Yukiya said.

Kiei made a rather awkward face.

“Even so, Lord Yukiya…”

“There’s no need to be so formal. Just Yukiya is fine.”

“No, I really can’t do that,” Kiei said, lowering his eyebrows in distress.

Yukiya gave him a small bow. “I don’t think a country boy like me is really suited to take Lord Kazumaro’s place, but I will do my best for the sake of Hokke territory’s honor. Please feel free to call me Yukiya,” he said, maintaining a humble attitude.

Kiei swallowed the words he was about to say. He shook his head and then said, “Kazumaro… no matter how one looks at it, he was obviously at fault. I should have asked earlier, but how are your injuries? Are you quite recovered?”

“Yes, as you can see. I’m completely fine now.”

“I see. That’s good, then.” Kiei relaxed his shoulders at Yukiya’s casual tone. “You know, Yukiya, while you’re here, you can think of me as an older brother if you like. I’ve heard that serving the Crown Prince is very difficult. If you ever have trouble, please don’t hesitate to ask me for help.”

“That is very generous of you,” Yukiya said. “Thank you very much.”

The carriage arrived at the Imperial Court while they were still speaking. The Great Gate loomed before them, huge and imposing. Beyond the gate were the mountains. Many noble families had built grand palaces into the mountainside, but Souke, the imperial family, conducted most of their business inside the mountain itself. The mountain was considered part of the Imperial Palace. The Great Gate could only be entered and exited by members of the imperial family, the four imperial branch families, and nobles with a high enough rank to build an estate on the mountainside.

Yukiya had heard stories about the Great Gate. The Great Gate and the Central Gate were built in the same style, but the Great Gate was ten times larger at least. He couldn’t even see the whole thing when he was standing so close to it. The vermilion lacquered pillars to either side of the gate were so thick that it would take five or six adults joining hands and spreading their arms to circle one. The metal hinges were larger than Yukiya’s head. Although the gate was well-maintained, it was undoubtedly quite old.

There was a raised platform in front of the gate where nobles from many families stood, waiting to get in. The carriage that Kiei and Yukiya were in landed there.

“Yukiya, what are you doing? Over here,” Kiei called out to Yukiya, who was looking around restlessly.

Yukiya snapped himself out of his awed observations and searched the crowd of nobles for Kiei. The Lord of Hokke’s grandson was already passing through the Great Gate. Yukiya rushed after him. The guards wore scarlet uniforms, so Yukiya’s pale blue uniform stood out conspicuously. Only low-ranking imperial court servants wore light blue. As a person’s court rank advanced, the color of the uniforms that they wore darkened in color. An Imperial Court servant with years of experience who hadn’t been promoted to the next rank would wear a navy blue uniform. Scarlet and green uniforms were worn by people of much higher rank than Yukiya. Yukiya was the only person standing outside the Great Gate in a light blue uniform today.

Any ordinary young man would have felt intimidated by the Great Gate and inexperience, but Yukiya stepped up to the gate boldly. He glanced sideways at a stern-faced gatekeeper as he caught up to Kiei.

His first look at the inside of the mountain left Yukiya speechless. None of the stories or secondhand accounts that he’d heard did this place justice. He’d imagined that the inside of the mountain would be like a cave, but no cave was so spacious or luxurious. He often forgot that he was walking around inside a mountain.

The first chamber Yukiya entered was a grand hall. It had a tidy and orderly appearance and was lined by pillars coated in plaster or lacquer. The hall was shaped like an atrium, approximately square. Sunlight from high windows streamed into the room, creating intricate patterns of light on the floor. The ceiling was high enough that Yukiya had to strain his neck to see it. Carved wooden beams criss-crossed on the ceiling in a grid. There were beautiful decorative carvings inside each grid square.

“This is where the Imperial Court does business, Yukiya,” Kiei said. “This place is called the Hall of the Rising Sun.” He tapped the stone floor with one foot. “During big ceremonies, all the nobles and officials in the city line up here. Can you see the very top spot on the opposite side of the room, just there?” Kiei asked.

The entrance to the Hall of the Rising Sun faced the Great Gate. That whole wall was basically one large door with a sliver of stone wall on either side of the huge opening. The other three sides of the hall were tiered in multiple layers cut into the mountain’s bedrock. Each of the tiered layers was set aside for different families and Imperial Court servants. Yukiya looked where Kiei had indicated and noticed that the area at the top of the hall was closed off. There was no one there. Judging by its particularly luxurious decorations, it was clear that it was something special.

“That is the Council Hall of the Imperial Palace.^ It’s where the Golden Raven’s throne is. During ceremonies, those doors open and the Emperor speaks to us all.”

As Yukiya admired the Hall of the Rising Sun, an official in darker blue robes than Yukiya’s appeared from one of the tiered areas opposite the main gate. He bowed to Kiei, who handed over a few items he’d brought. Kiei lightly waved one hand at the man and sent him back to the tiered area he’d come from.

“I’ll guide you to the Sun Palace,” Kiei said. “That is where the Crown Prince lives.”

“Thank you for your guidance,” Yukiya said. “I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Kiei gave him a cheerful smile. “Oh, it’s no trouble.” He took the lead through the Hall of the Rising Sun and beyond. They passed under one of the high railings of a tier above them to the right of the entrance and then climbed several flights of stairs. The workday had just begun, so Yukiya saw many servants and court officials scribbling documents and running messages back and forth. Some recognized Kiei and greeted him.

“It’s rare to see Lord Kiei here,” a court official said, raising an eyebrow.

Kiei gave the man a genial smile. “Yes, I suppose it has been quite some time.”

Yukiya stayed quiet whenever someone hailed Kiei. He’d hoped that no one would pay any attention to him because he was so low-ranked, but Kiei was known here. Kiei told everyone they passed that he was leading Yukiya to the Sun Palace. No one seemed to believe him. They all gave Yukiya disbelieving glances. Some of the ruder people stared.

“I see, a new attendant, huh,” one official said. His expression was not curious or surprised, but pitying. Behind him, Yukiya heard someone mutter, “Poor thing,” and “I wonder how long this one will last.”

What did they mean by that?

Yukiya turned to Kiei for an explanation, but Kiei simply smiled at him. “Don’t worry. This fine young man was raised in a warrior family in Hokke territory. His training is nothing like what the Crown Prince’s previous attendants received. Not just anyone is selected to become the Crown Prince’s attendant, as you well know. I am certain he will fulfill his duties admirably.”

“I see,” the court official said. He said something vague about expecting great things and then excused himself.

Yukiya felt like there was something strange about that encounter. He tugged at Kiei’s sleeve.

“What was that just now?”

Yukiya realized that he had no idea what an attendant to the Crown Prince actually did. A month before Yukiya had arrived here, the Crown Prince had returned from his travels, which had occupied him for quite some time. No one had expected the Crown Prince’s return at that time, so Yukiya and his family had scrambled to prepare. As things were, Yukiya would be joining the rest of the Crown Prince’s attendants a month late.

He’d assumed that someone like the Crown Prince would have many attendants and servants, so he didn’t think there’d be much for him to do. But everyone they’d passed today seemed to think that being the Crown Prince’s attendant was not just prestigious, but difficult. He hadn’t expected those kinds of reactions from people. He wanted to ask what the current situation at court was and what would be expected from him. It seemed like Kiei had either misunderstood something or assumed that Yukiya was already aware of his duties.

“Don’t worry,” Kiei said when he noticed Yukiya’s face. “People here always underestimate people from Hokke territory. All of the Crown Prince’s previous attendants grew up sheltered in the capital. They just assume you’re the same, Yukiya.”

“So that’s it,” Yukiya said, shaking his head a little. He had to do Hokke territory proud, then. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

Kiei laughed and told him not to worry again.

Yukiya saw an ominous shadow in the young lord’s expression.

“I believe my grandfather was right to send you,” Kiei said. “You will certainly do a better job than Kazumaro. You’ve decided not to return home until you’ve fulfilled your duties, right?”

Yukiya blanched. If he failed here, he’d be packed off to the Keisōin by his father. He couldn’t possibly tell Kiei that. Kiei might not care, but gossip got around. If his father found out he’d been complaining about his situation, Yukiya would be in for a world of hurt.

“Right,” Yukiya said. “I thank you for your guidance and support so far.”

Kiei’s smile was clear and unclouded.

Yukiya was getting sick of stairs. He started to wonder if the Sun Palace actually existed. It was so far from the Hall of the Rising Sun.

The Sun Palace had been built on a protrusion of the mountain. Kiei led Yukiya out of the mountain’s interior onto an elegant stone bridge. The gate of the Sun Palace was just beyond the bridge.

As Yukiya crossed the bridge, he made the mistake of looking down. All the stairs he’d climbed meant that he was at a much higher elevation than before.

The gate had no gatekeeper. A large gong was placed to one side of it.

“What is this?” Yukiya asked. He looked to Kiei.

“A gong,” Kiei said. “This is how you use it.” He picked up a mallet and swung it at the gong, which rung loudly in the mountain air. “If there were a proper attendant, we wouldn’t have to use this ridiculous thing,” he said.

A few moments later, a small door beside the gate opened. A man dressed in feather robes appeared.

“Lord Kiei, thank you for taking the trouble to come all this way.”

“Sir Sumio, I thank you for meeting us. Your duties are much more difficult than mine,” Kiei said.

“Not at all. Is that boy the new attendant?” Sumio asked. He spoke clearly, crisply, and quickly.

Yukiya blinked. Kiei and other nobles had a much slower and more indirect speech pattern than Sumio. It was obvious that Sumio was not a noble the moment he opened his mouth.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Yukiya said. “I’m Yukiya. I’m from Taruhi Village in Hokke territory.” He bowed his head.

Sumio returned the greeting with swift, precise movements.

“I am Sumio, a member of the Yamauchishu. My assignment is to guard the Crown Prince. I am pleased to meet you as well.” His eyes were as sharp and piercing as his speech.

Sumio had to be a warrior of some skill if he belonged to the Yamauchishu, but he appeared unusually short and thin to Yukiya. He was deeply tanned and quite young, appearing almost childlike.

Kiei noticed Yukiya’s lingering gaze. “Sumio’s stature belies his skill,” he said. “He guards all of the Sun Palace on his own.”

“All by yourself?” Yukiya was shocked. A palace was not just a suite of rooms. It seemed impossible for one man to keep the Sun Palace safe. He wondered how many rooms there were inside the Sun Palace.

Sumio shook his head. “It’s not really that difficult. The Crown Prince has spent the past few years traveling. Every room except for the one he is currently using remains locked at all times. It is my assignment to guard the prince, not his furniture.” He grinned. “Well, then. I can take responsibility for Yukiya from here, Lord Kiei.”

“Thank you very much,” Kiei said. He bowed politely to Sumio and said, “Well then, Yukiya, do your best from here.” He headed back to the Imperial Palace alone.

Sumio watched Kiei go until he was almost out of sight. Then he faced Yukiya. “Now then. I will guide you to the Crown Prince’s room. As I mentioned earlier, all rooms except those currently in use are kept locked here. The only room prepared for you is the one next to the Crown Prince’s private quarters. Please be careful not to enter any other rooms.” His tone was brisk and businesslike. He sounded rehearsed. Yukiya guessed that he’d given much the same speech to previous attendants.

Yukiya wasn’t particularly curious about what was in the locked rooms. He nodded.

Sumio escorted Yukiya into the Sun Palace. The doors closed behind them with a heavy thud. The room they’d entered was dim and cool. The walls were made of stone. Yukiya walked behind Sumio as they passed by many closed, locked doors. Sumio ignored them all.

As Yukiya walked, he noticed that they were alone here. He saw no servants, attendants or nobles anywhere in the halls. Sumio was the only person he saw. The unusually high number of closed doors was odd, but the lack of people was even more unsettling.

“Um, how many imperial attendants are there in the Sun Palace?” Yukiya asked.

“Two,” Sumio said.

“Huh?”

“There are only two,” Sumio said.

“Do you mean just you and one other person?” Yukiya asked. His voice cracked at the end of his question.

“There’s no one else here. Two means the two of us—me and you.”

Yukiya broke into a cold sweat.

“W-wait a moment, please. What about the other attendants? A month ago, I heard there were nearly ten young sons of nobles from the city here.”

“They all either quit or were dismissed by the Crown Prince,” Sumio answered without turning around. He sounded exhausted. “His Imperial Highness doesn’t like to have more than one attendant close to him, anyway. We had three attendants here yesterday. One was summoned back home by his family, another’s chronic headaches worsened, and one developed unexplained heart palpitations. None of them are able to work.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Yukiya opened his mouth to protest further, but there was nothing he could say that would get him out of this. His options were service to the Crown Prince or the Keisōin.

The two of them stepped out into a corridor that ran along the front of the Sun Palace. Yukiya hurried after Sumio, who paused in front of a detached room.

“Your Imperial Highness, I have brought the new attendant,” Sumio said.

“Enter,” the Crown Prince replied.

Sumio opened the door.

Yukiya saw the Crown Prince’s back first. He was sitting at a writing desk composing a letter. He sat facing a large window, which was wide open. Soft sunlight spilled over his shoulders. His hair was loosely tied behind his back. He wore a pale purple robe and no shoes. He appeared to be the antithesis of the sunlight to Yukiya. His hair and eyes were dark as night.

“So you’ve finally arrived,” the Crown Prince said. His voice was high and clear. He raised his face from his letter and set down his ink brush so that he could take a closer look at Yukiya.

Yukiya thought the Crown Prince was exceptionally beautiful, like a work of art carved out of marble. His eyes sparkled with lively intelligence. His imperial lineage was unmistakable, though his looks favored his mother’s side of the family. He was sixteen or seventeen years old, but he appeared older because of his height.

Compared to Natsuka, his older half-brother, the Crown Prince appeared much more feminine and delicate. The light in his eyes was intense and showed his determination. It was hard for Yukiya to look at his face for too long because of those eyes, which seemed to be judging every move he made.

Yukiya swallowed nervously. “It is an honor to meet you for the first time, Your Imperial Highness. I am Yukiya of Taruhi Village.” He hid his nervousness and gave the Crown Prince a polite bow.

“Yukiya of Taruhi Village,” the Crown Prince said. “I see. I look forward to working with you.”

Yukiya thought that he smiled slightly, but that might have been his imagination. The Crown Prince’s expression hardly changed at all when he spoke. “Let’s get right to it. Do you mind if I give you a task now?”

The polite phrasing surprised Yukiya a little.

“Uh, I don’t mind at all. This is my job, after all.”

Yukiya’s reply was far from formal. Sumio gave him a mortified look.

The Crown Prince didn’t seem offended. “All right, excellent. Come with me.” He slipped on a purple over-robe over his shoulders and then walked out into the hallway. Yukiya hurried after him.

The passed out of a door and entered a garden. The shrubs were awkwardly trimmed and the potted plants showed no sense of unity or design. It looked quite disordered for a palace garden. While Yukiya was still taking in the odd scene, the prince spoke.

“This will be your main job.”

“What do you mean by ‘this?’” Yukiya asked.

“Watering the plants.” The Crown Prince pointed at the various pots, both large and small, each holding different kinds of plants.

Although the arrangement of the plants in the garden was haphazard, there really were quite a lot of plants here.

“Is this all of the plants?” Yukiya asked.

“That’s right. The amount of water to give each is also recorded in here,” he said, indicating a slim book on a bench.

“May I ask where I should draw the water from?”

“You’re quick to understand the task. Can you see that waterfall over there?” the Crown Prince asked. He pointed in the opposite direction of the pots. Yukiya could just barely see the waterfall that the Crown Prince was talking about.

“I can see it, more or less.”

“I want you to use the water from that waterfall every day without fail.”

That seemed like a strict requirement, but he was the Crown Prince. Yukiya should expect him to be particular in his commands.

“Why go to such trouble? Isn’t the water from the well right there good enough?” Yukiya asked.

The Crown Prince considered his question. “For some of the plants, well water is acceptable. All the grasses and flowers here are planted in pairs, you see. For plants in blue-glazed pots, use water from the waterfall. For the plants in white pots, you may use well water. Do not make any mistake with the water,” he said.

Yukiya responded with a grunt that expressed understanding and then said, “Yes, Your Imperial Highness.”

“A caution. Do not drink the water from the well, no matter how thirsty you are,” the Crown Prince said.

“Huh? Why?” Yukiya tilted his head.

The Crown Prince pointed to a water jug. “You can use this to do the watering. If you run out of water and you are thirsty, only drink water from the waterfall.”

As Yukiya rolled up his sleeves, ready to get started right away, the Crown Prince shook his head at him.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh? I was just about to start working,” Yukiya said.

“You’re starting before I’ve finished explaining your tasks?”

Yukiya pressed his fingers to his temples. “My apologies. What else would you like me to do, Your Imperial Highness?”

“I’ll be going out with Sumio for a while, so tidy up my room before I get back. There are books everywhere—put them back on the shelves by category.”

“Understood.”

“Also, I’m expecting a letter addressed to me. Around noon, go down to the Civil Administration Office and pick it up for me.”

“The Civil Administration Office?”

Yukiya had no idea where the Civil Administration Office was. He tried to remember what he knew of the Imperial Palace. He’d read in a book that the Civil Administration Office was under the purview of the Ministry of War. Lord Kiei worked in the Ministry of War. Yukiya could ask Kiei to show him the way.

One thing that Yukiya was fairly sure of was the distance. It had taken quite a while to reach the Sun Palace. Going from here to the Ministry of War and back would take considerable time.

“Understood!” Yukiya said. “I’ll go ahead and tidy up the room first.” He rolled up his sleeves the rest of the way. He might be desperate, but that didn’t mean he had to be miserable. He intended to follow the Crown Prince’s commands to the best of his ability. He couldn’t let anyone look down on him or underestimate him because he came from the countryside in Hokke territory.

The Crown Prince made a strange face.

Sumio looked like he was about to be sick.

“Uh…” Yukiya looked back and forth between them. “Was there something else?”

There were, in fact, many other tasks to complete. Some of the books in the Crown Prince’s room had been borrowed from the library and needed to be returned. The Crown Prince also wanted to borrow new books from the library; he’d written a list. Yukiya also needed to deliver a package to someone in the Ministry of Court Ceremonies. By the time Yukiya got back from doing that, the letter would have arrived at the Civil Administration Office. The stables at the Sun Palace were overdue for a clean. He had to do that and replace the water in the troughs.

“Oh, and we’re out of paper. Could you restock it?” the Crown Prince asked. He didn’t look the slightest bit guilty or ashamed of piling all this work on Yukiya.

Yukiya’s first task was prioritization. Some tasks were more time-sensitive than others.

“When do you plan to return, Your Imperial Highness?” Yukiya asked.

“At noon, but I plan to go out again almost immediately. Please complete all of your tasks by sunset.”

Yukiya had only just arrived in the Sun Palace. He didn’t know where he’d be staying or where to put his things. It seemed like he wasn’t about to get a break anytime soon, either. If he worked from this minute until midnight without stopping once, he doubted that he’d get everything done.

“All of this, by myself?”

The Crown Prince took in Yukiya’s pained expression and gave him a cold look. “Does it look like there’s anyone else here?”

The prince’s mocking tone made Yukiya bristle without thinking. He frowned and was about to say something snappish when Sumio stepped between them.

“Perhaps he’s right, Your Imperial Highness,” Sumio said. “Yukiya has just arrived, and there are many tasks to complete. It might be best to train him more and ease him into his new role.”

The Crown Prince snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. If he can’t even do this much, he’s not fit to serve me.” He turned to Yukiya. “Can you do these tasks or not? If you can’t, then leave.”

“I didn’t say I can’t,” Yukiya said. “I won’t know until I try. And I’ll do my best,” Yukiya said dutifully. There was a bitter taste in the back of his mouth.

“I have no interest in that,” the Crown Prince said. “It doesn’t matter to me if you do your best or not. What I care about is results. Useless people can put in all sorts of effort and produce no results worth noticing.”

Yukiya should have been used to being talked down to like this. In Taruhi Village, he’d been his father’s good-for-nothing second son, overshadowed by both his brothers. For whatever reason, though, every word the Crown Prince said grated on his nerves and offended his pride. He wasn’t even worried about being sent to the Keisōin at the moment. All he wanted right now was to wipe that vapid smirk off the Crown Prince’s face.

“Why don’t you judge me as useless or not after you see what I can do?” Yukiya asked.

The Crown Prince’s lips twitched upward. “Very well. I will leave you with your tasks. If you go to the kitchen, they’ll probably give you something to eat. That’s all I have to say. I’m leaving now.” He spun on his heel and walked away.

Sumio hesitated for a moment.

Yukiya shook his head at him. Part of him wanted Sumio to stay, but he couldn’t ask for that. There were mountains of things he didn’t know or understand. He had so many questions. If he started asking them now, he’d never stop. He was already short on time and had to get to work.

“Please go ahead,” Yukiya said to Sumio. “Have a safe trip.”

Yukiya prepared himself for a battle of stubbornness. He’d never met anyone more stubborn than he was.

***

Yukiya tidied the Crown Prince’s room first. He checked over the Crown Prince’s list of borrowed books and set them to the side so that they wouldn’t get put on the shelves with the other books. The library books were easy to spot because of their elaborate bindings.

After putting all of the library books in a pile, Yukiya checked to see how the Crown Prince’s shelves were organized. Then he sorted the mountain of books in the room on the shelves.

Next, Yukiya headed to the stables beside the gate. He removed his kimono so that it wouldn’t get soiled while he was cleaning.^ He manifested his feather robe on his skin.

The stable was not particularly dirty. He changed the water in the troughs, did a quick clean of the floors and then returned to the garden. He was getting sick of drawing water already and he hadn’t even run to the waterfall yet. He watered all the plants in white pots first.

Yukiya checked the time. The sun was already high in the sky. The Crown Prince would return soon. Yukiya transformed into a raven and flew to the waterfall. Flying back and forth would take far less time than walking. He gripped the water bucket with his three legs and then kicked off the ground, flying as fast as he could.

Yamauchishu noticed his flight and hailed him. Yukiya showed them the sash he’d put on while donning his uniform. That sash indicated that he was in service to the Crown Prince. The Yamauchishu didn’t get in his way after that.

Yukiya landed next to the waterfall and filled up the bucket. From here, he could see that the detached room that the Crown Prince lived in was supported by many timber beams. It had been built right along the edge of a cliff, jutting off the mountain like an accusing finger. Yukiya had seen estates built in the same overhanging style before, so this did not confuse him. He did wonder why the Crown Prince chose to live right on the edge of the Sun Palace instead of within its depths, where it would be safer.

Yukiya flew back to the garden, watered the plants and then flew to the waterfall again. It took him four trips to water all of the plants.

Just when he was finishing up in the garden, the Crown Prince and Sumio returned.

Yukiya was exhausted. It took all his energy to stand up straight.

“Good work,” the Crown Prince said. “So, where is the letter for me?”

The Crown Prince was looking at Yukiya. He had to see the sweat pouring from Yukiya’s forehead and how out of breath he was.

Yukiya was offended by the prince’s casual question and general disregard for the state he was in. He said, “I haven’t gone to get it yet, but…”

“What did you say?” The young prince’s eyebrows shot up immediately. “I told you to go get it by early afternoon.”

Yukiya had worked desperately hard all morning. If he had been slacking off or had forgotten his orders, that would be different, but he was sure that he was not at fault. He couldn’t bring himself to apologize.

“With all due respect—”

“No. That’s enough.” Since there was no point in hearing apologies or excuses for undone work, the prince didn’t bother listening to Yukiya’s explanation. “I’ll have Sumio go get it. Think about the order of the tasks you need to do and act accordingly. Use your head a little.”

The young prince took several booklets from the bookshelf and started to leave again.

For a moment, Yukiya’s mind went blank, but as soon as the prince turned to face him, he snapped back to his senses. “W-wait! Um, a scholar came by. He left an assignment on your desk.”

While Yukiya had been tidying the Crown Prince’s chamber, a tutor had rung the gong outside the Sun Palace. The visitor had been one of the Crown Prince’s tutors. He’d said, “Be sure to have the Crown Prince do these.” There was now a huge pile of papers on the Crown Prince’s desk.

“Shall I read through the assignments for you?” Yukiya asked. “The due date is apparently tomorrow. Also, there’s a message: ‘Classical poetry and literature are indispensable forms of education for a would-be Golden Raven. You should refrain from spending your days in idleness and devote yourself to making up for lost time.’ That was the message. He seemed quite angry.”

“I see.” The Crown Prince glanced through the pile of assignments on his writing desk. The smile on his face was more mocking than anything else. “Unfortunately, I don’t think this is something I should be doing.”

The Crown Prince turned on his heel and left his chambers.

***

Damn it! Yukiya thought. Damn it, damn it, damn it!

Yukiya had transformed into a raven. He loathed the Crown Prince’s attitude. He’d been flying around since morning and he hadn’t had time to eat. He returned to human form near the Great Gate and bit back a curse. He was about to enter the Imperial Palace when a gatekeeper called out to him.

“Wait! Are you planning to enter dressed like that?”

By “like that,” he must have meant the feather robe. Yukiya put on his brightest smile and gave the gatekeeper an exaggerated bow. “Yes, that’s right.”

“‘That’s right’ is not an acceptable answer. Smarten up your appearance and then come back.”

“There’s no rule that says you can’t pass through the Great Gate wearing a feather robe, is there?”

Yukiya had read through all of the Imperial Palace’s rules and etiquette guides before he’d come here with his father. He was fairly certain that he wasn’t breaking any rules right now.

The gatekeeper hadn’t expected Yukiya to talk back to him. For a moment, he appeared stunned, but then he said irritably, “Even if there’s no explicit rule, that much is common sense in the Imperial Court.”

“I have no intention of disregarding court etiquette. I believe I am making a reasonable request in accordance with palace regulations.”

If Yukiya had tried coming here on foot, he wouldn’t have made it in time. That was why he’d flown directly to the Great Gate. “If I don’t enter now, I will not complete my duties on time.”

“That is not my problem,” the gatekeeper said. “It is my duty to guard the Great Gate. I cannot allow a servant who doesn’t even comprehend basic courtesy or civility to pass.”

“I’m not a servant; I am an attendant to His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince.”

Yukiya showed the gatekeeper the pass that hung from his neck, which served as a substitute for a gate pass.

The gatekeeper’s jaw dropped. “What?!”

Smiling, Yukiya added, “If I dawdle here, I’ll be late in completing His Imperial Highness’ errands. If you understand, please step aside quickly.”

The gatekeeper withdrew, bewildered and defeated.

Yukiya frowned as he passed the man. He didn’t like relying on the Crown Prince’s authority to get past that obstacle. He would have preferred to be let in because he had work to do, not because the Crown Prince outranked almost everyone.

Lord Kiei was Yukiya’s next stop. He ran through the Imperial Palace looking for him. He remained in his feather robe, which drew many hostile glances. No one approached him as the gatekeeper had, though.

“Well, I can’t choose between my pride and my duties,” Yukiya muttered under his breath. He would prefer not to draw attention, but there were some things that couldn’t be helped.

Kiei showed Yukiya where he needed to go. Ignoring the cold stares from those around him, Yukiya completed his tasks with alacrity and then returned to the Great Gate. He transformed into a raven and flew back to the Sun Palace with the items the Crown Prince had commanded him to collect. Flying with a heavy load was especially difficult because he hadn’t eaten or rested all day. He was breathing heavily by the time he re-entered the Sun Palace.

Yukiya carried the Crown Prince’s newly borrowed library books to his chamber. Then he opened the Crown Prince’s letterbox and started arranging the messages received in order of urgency. He assumed that he was allowed to read the correspondence itself in order to perform this task. In a hurry to finish before it got dark, Yukiya skimmed through the letters the Crown Prince had been sent that day. As he opened one letter, a strong scent of face powder wafted through the air.

“What’s this?” Yukiya asked reflexively. He checked over the addresses of the letters he’d been looking at. Most of them came from pleasure quarters or taverns in the city. They were letters asking for another visit or requests to intervene because some courtesan from another establishment was interfering with business.

How does the Crown Prince usually spend his time? Yukiya wondered. He realized that he had no idea.

Physically sorting through the letters was not difficult in the way many of his other tasks had been, but reading letters like the one drenched in face powder wore on his spirit. He rushed through reading the letters, hastily put them in some kind of order and then sighed heavily.

There was still a mountain of tasks left to do.

The Crown Prince’s letters would need to be replied to. He was the Crown Prince’s servant; he had to make sure the Crown Prince was ready to write or dictate letters. After a brief moment of thought, Yukiya took out the Crown Prince’s inkstone box and began to grind ink. The inkstone was old, but very fine, as expected of something belonging to an imperial family member. The jade water dropper was exquisite and very easy to use. Yukiya ground ink for a long time. He didn’t dare touch the Crown Prince’s calligraphy brush.^

The Crown Prince returned to his chamber after sunset. “Ah, you’re still here.”

“Welcome back, Your Imperial Highness,” Yukiya said stiffly.

There was no sign of Sumio—the Crown Prince was alone. He was not wearing the over-robe he had left in earlier, but was dressed only in his feather robe. Yukiya thought about his encounter with the gatekeeper earlier in the day and forced back a snort. What would that gatekeeper say if the Crown Prince tried to enter the Great Gate dressed only in his feather robe? Would the gatekeeper even realize that this man was the Crown Prince?

The Crown Prince started lighting the hanging lanterns in his room on his own. He didn’t ask Yukiya to do it for him, though he could have. Yukiya expected him to.

“How much of the work I assigned to you did you finish today?” the Crown Prince asked. He looked at the library books with great interest before Yukiya could say a word in reply.

“All of it, Your Imperial Highness,” Yukiya said quietly. “Though I’m not sure I’ve done everything to your standards.”

The Crown Prince looked up from his books.

“…All of it? You did everything?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?” Yukiya hoped that he hadn’t said something wrong or forgotten something important. The Crown Prince appeared utterly confused. Perhaps this was what being impressed looked like on him.

“No, it’s nothing,” the Crown Prince said, shaking his head. “Thank you for your hard work.”

Yukiya nodded. “All right then. Good.” He observed the Crown Prince awhile longer, searching for signs of displeasure or malice.

“However—you haven’t touched your assignments, Your Imperial Highness. They’re due tomorrow.”

“I know. It’s fine.”

Yukiya blinked. “It is? I, um, already prepared ink if you want to respond to letters or work on the assignments.”

The Crown Prince smiled faintly. “I thank you for preparing the ink, but I have no intention of doing this bothersome busy work.”

“Won’t your tutor become even more upset with you, Your Imperial Highness?”

Yukiya assumed he would be met with a sarcastic remark, but the Crown Prince was unflappable. He shook his head slightly, unconcerned.

“I don’t particularly mind that. Do you want to do the assignments in my place?”

Yukiya frowned as he stared at the huge pile of papers. “Is that a joke, Your Imperial Highness?”

The Crown Prince was smiling when he said, “No. You don’t have to do the assignments. Just leave them be.”

“Just leave them be?” Yukiya repeated weakly.

“Oh, and Yukiya.”

Yukiya braced himself for another command. “Yes?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“You are to become my personal attendant.”

Yukiya was speechless.

The duties of a personal attendant were not much different from those of ordinary attendants. The difference was almost entirely marked by status. Others saw personal attendants as much more important. Personal attendants were presumed to have a close personal relationship with their charge. They were companions and not mere servants. Even if the Crown Prince employed other attendants in the future, Yukiya would be in charge of them all. This was a promotion. And on his first day, too.

Anyone else would have been delighted by the Crown Prince’s declaration.

Yukiya’s reaction to it was pure terror.

“You have no objections, I trust?” the Crown Prince asked.

Yukiya wanted to say, “I have nothing but objections,” but he kept his mouth firmly shut. He took a moment to compose himself and then said, “I am deeply honored, Your Imperial Highness, but I fear that this responsibility is far too great for me.”

It had only been one day. Yukiya had no idea what the Crown Prince saw in him to promote him so quickly.

“I am only the son of a village leader,” Yukiya added. “Surely there must be others of higher standing who would be more suited to be your personal attendant, Your Imperial Highness.”

“Is it a problem that you are the son of a village leader?” the Crown Prince asked, raising an eyebrow. There was nothing demeaning or dismissive in his question. He seemed genuinely curious.

Yukiya was momentarily at a loss for words. “I mean… all of your previous attendants were city nobles, Your Imperial Highness. If you promote me, there will be complaints.”

“I don’t mind.”

Yukiya’s eyes widened. “There must be plenty of capable attendants among the city nobles. Wouldn’t it be much less troublesome to choose one of them?”

“None of your predecessors were able to do the job.”

“The workload is too much for one person. Two attendants could handle things without too much trouble.”

“You were able to do everything alone, so is it really necessary to employ another attendant?”

“It’s absolutely necessary!” Yukiya said, voice cracking pitifully. “Anyway, my ability to do the work is not a good reason to make me your personal attendant, Your Imperial Highness. I have to return home to Taruhi Village in a year. I am truly grateful for your kind offer, but please allow me to decline.” He knelt down and pressed his forehead nearly to the floor, remaining still and silent for a few moments.

The Crown Prince made a thinking noise. “If there was a good reason for you becoming my personal attendant, would you accept the position then?” he asked.

“Is there one?” Yukiya asked without looking up.

“Yes,” the Crown Prince said.

“In that case, yes. If there is a good reason, I would not be able to decline the position in good conscience.”

“Excellent. Raise your head and do not forget what you just said.”

Yukiya looked up. He wondered at the subtle undercurrent of amusement in the Crown Prince’s tone.

Then Yukiya’s stomach growled angrily.

“Didn’t you go to the kitchen when you were hungry?” the Crown Prince asked.

“I didn’t have time to go,” Yukiya replied, pressing one hand to his aching gut.

The Crown Prince slowly reached into his pocket. “Here. Take this.”

The Crown Prince tossed him an orange fruit. Yukiya hurriedly caught it.

“What is this?”

“A kumquat.” That much was obvious just by looking at it.

The kumquat had been dried and coated in sugar. Its bright yellowish-orange color drew Yukiya’s eyes in the dimly lit room.

“You must be hungry, right? You may eat it.” The Crown Prince removed another dried kumquat from a small pouch and brought it to his mouth. When he ate, his cheeks stuck out like a chipmunk’s or a squirrel’s. He did not appear the least bit regal as he stuffed his face with kumquat snacks.

“Uh, thank you, Your Imperial Highness.”

“That’s all for today. You may go.”

“Yes. Good night.”

Feeling somewhat unsettled, Yukiya bowed once more and left the room.

The moment he was outside the Crown Prince’s chamber, he popped the kumquat he was holding into his mouth. The dried fruit he bit into was sweet and sour, with just a touch of bitterness. He’d never eaten anything quite like it before.

***

“See! Just as I thought! You’re doing great,” Lord Kiei praised Yukiya. He was smiling.

Yukiya didn’t smile back. “There’s nothing to smile about. I had no idea serving the Crown Prince was going to be this difficult.”

Kiei apologized, but then he laughed at the sullen expression on Yukiya’s face.

It had been two weeks since Yukiya had first arrived at the Sun Palace. There had been some palace gossip about his appointment for the first few days, but most people knew that the Crown Prince regularly hired and fired attendants, so Yukiya drew no special notice from anyone.

Yukiya had worked ceaselessly day in and day out since his arrival. His workload did not decrease in any way, but he was getting used to the punishing schedule. It wasn’t easy, but he’d begun to feel better about his place in the Sun Palace.

He was in the Imperial Palace to pick up letters from the Civil Administration Office. The letters hadn’t arrived yet, so he had a few free minutes. He’d decided to spend those with Lord Kiei. Lord Kiei was supposed to be working as well, but he took a break when he saw Yukiya heading toward him. He even went out of his way to make tea for Yukiya.

Their tea-time conversation centered mainly on the eccentric behavior of the Crown Prince.

“Ever since the Crown Prince returned from his travels, only a handful of people have entered the Sun Palace. He won’t allow more than one attendant near him at a time.”

Yukiya had never heard such a thing before. He held his head in his hands and looked up at Lord Kiei, anxious and aggrieved.

“Why is he like that?” Yukiya asked.

“It seems His Highness is extremely averse to people. He won’t even let anyone from the Yamauchishu near him except for Sumio, not even as guards outside the Sun Palace. A man like him should have several personal attendants, but he insists that having only one is enough,” Kiei said, exasperated.

The Sun Palace had been closed and unoccupied for many years while the Crown Prince had traveled the world, studying abroad. Those who had originally served in the Sun Palace had been reassigned to other duties during his long absence. The Sun Palace’s original staff had returned along with the Crown Prince, but he had dismissed them all, sending them back to their previous posts. Even the attendants who had been specially summoned for the Crown Prince were not allowed to enter the Sun Palace—except for one. The Crown Prince had hand-picked one person to enter his service.

“It seems that those who were demoted to candidates for attendant positions and excluded from the Sun Palace envied the one who was chosen to serve the Crown Prince. However, that attendant resigned from the role after a few days.”

The next young man who eagerly became the Crown Prince’s personal attendant also did not last long. Those who heard about it thought that the attendants could not handle the job since they’d been born in the city and had led pampered, sheltered lives.

When no fewer than six personal attendants resigned or were dismissed in short order, though, more people began to notice that there was something amiss inside the Sun Palace.

In the span of less than a month, six attendants were summarily dismissed from service or refused to serve the Crown Prince any longer. Some quit on the very day they were assigned the role, and even those who lasted longer requested a transfer before ten days had passed.

“The Crown Prince is weird. Abnormal.”

Yukiya had heard that complaint in the Imperial Palace more than once.

Kiei told Yukiya what he’d heard from the other attendants who’d quit. He was well-placed to receive that information since most of the Crown Prince’s attendants had passed through the Imperial Palace and the Ministry of War on their way back to the city.

“The Crown Prince forces us to do tasks he knows we cannot accomplish, and then he enjoys watching us suffer. After burdening us with so much troublesome work, he goes out to amuse himself. I absolutely refuse to serve someone like that anymore.”

Another person had shouted loudly that the Crown Prince was malicious and a menace to all who knew him. Kiei wasn’t the only one who’d heard these comments; they were shouted to everyone in the palace. “He gets angry, saying the flowers have wilted even though he never waters them! I followed his orders, making countless trips to fetch water from a distant waterfall. Now it feels like all my effort was foolish.”

Some attendants had been too exhausted for anger. They’d sobbed on their way out of the Imperial Palace.

“All the assignments given to him were forced onto me. Then the tutor who set the assignments became angry at me. He asked why I didn’t make the Crown Prince do them. The Crown Prince insisted that I acted on my own, without his orders, when the tutor complained to him. I have no idea what to do anymore. While I did his assignments, he was off enjoying himself in the pleasure houses.”

Usually, serving the Crown Prince was seen as a great honor. People eagerly accepted the role, hoping to be promoted quickly. In fact, the first attendants to show up at the Sun Palace had volunteered for the job.

Those volunteers had lasted less than three days.

The Crown Prince had been away from the Imperial Court for much of his childhood and early adulthood, so very few people knew his character. This business with all the attendants quitting and making scenes on their way out of the Imperial Palace did not endear the Crown Prince to anyone. Even lower-ranking officials were saying openly that the Crown Prince was a fool and a scoundrel.

Lord Kiei didn’t approve of that kind of gossip, but he had to agree that there was something odd about the Crown Prince, something unusual. “The Crown Prince has… various issues,” he said to Yukiya. “Even so, I’ve never thought it was right, what all those attendants did. They gave up far too fast.” Kiei believed that the previous attendants who’d resigned lacked perseverance. He was the Lord of Hokke’s heir, after all, and Hokke territory valued grit. Like Yukiya, he seemed to think that the city nobles were weak in comparison to strong country folk.

“Yukiya, you grew up in Taruhi Village,” Kiei said. “You’re no quitter. I wholeheartedly agreed with my grandfather when he proposed sending you here. You’re the only one who’s managed to serve the Crown Prince for this long.”

Kiei smiled with satisfaction as if to say he had made no mistake in his judgment. He probably didn’t know what Yukiya was called in Taruhi Village.

Yukiya winced. If he’d remained in Taruhi Village on the same path he’d been on, it was likely that he would have disgraced his family. He didn’t want to think about that. He couldn’t imagine how terrible that would be. His worst nightmares paled in comparison.

As Yukiya turned his grimace into a weak smile, the mail arrived in the Civil Administration Office. Some of the workers in the Ministry of War went to collect their correspondence. Yukiya followed them, grabbing the letters for the Crown Prince and then leaving in a hurry. He forgot to thank Lord Kiei for the tea.

In the past two weeks, Yukiya had run hither and yon to various places in the Imperial Palace and the city. He’d heard all kinds of gossip and he’d started to understand a few things.

First off, the Crown Prince’s reputation was far from favorable. Everywhere he went, Yukiya heard people lamenting the Crown Prince’s lack of common sense. Some even voiced dissatisfaction about the fact that he was the Crown Prince and not his older half-brother. It didn’t help that Natsuka, the Crown Prince’s half-brother, excelled in everything that the Crown Prince was bad at.

Natsuka had been the Crown Prince when he was born, but a political upheaval a decade ago had led to him being deposed in favor of his younger half-brother. Natsuka had stepped down with grace—he had been a child at the time—but he still acted like the Crown Prince wherever he went, and he remained popular. He was said to be intelligent with a gentle disposition, and he was brave and bold when that was required. He was also tall and handsome. Everyone seemed to love him. People often compared his dashing good looks to the previous Emperor’s, who was renowned as a wise ruler. Senior officials who remembered the Emperor often remarked upon this resemblance.

Natsuka had been a rising star in his childhood. His early abdication had disappointed many people.

Yukiya also learned that not many people liked the current Emperor very much, which disturbed him even more than what he’d heard about the Crown Prince. The Emperor was perceived as weak because he bent to the will of the four imperial branch families instead of leading them.

Unlike the Emperor, everyone liked and supported Natsuka. The youngest generation of new court officials loved him. Older generations remembered his famous grandfather with fondness that transferred easily to the young prince who looked so much like him. The current Crown Prince could not compete with him in any way. He’d spent the last few years abroad and had a bad reputation as an eccentric. His only open supporters were from Saike, his mother’s family.

Even if his political position were better, he won’t make friends with a personality like that, Yukiya thought grimly as he returned to the Sun Palace.

Summer days were long. Yukiya was grateful for that. The Crown Prince always returned at sunset. Yukiya hoped that he’d have plenty of time to finish his tasks today.

Yukiya flew to the Summer Palace in raven form, clasping the Crown Prince’s letters in his talons. He was startled to find the Crown Prince standing in the garden waiting for him, his expression stern.

“Your Imperial Highness! You have returned quite early today,” Yukiya said.

“You are late. I have been waiting for you,” the Crown Prince said.

Yukiya moved to put the letters down, but before he could, the Crown Prince grabbed him by the collar and started walking with huge strides.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Yukiya protested as the Crown Prince dragged him along.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Yukiya no longer had any reserve toward the Crown Prince or his commands. Two weeks of nonstop work and unreasonable requests had destroyed any respect he might have had for the Crown Prince at the start. When he shoved the Crown Prince’s hand off his collar and said, “I can walk by myself,” the Crown Prince let him go without complaint.

“Where are we headed?” Yukiya asked.

“The Imperial Hall,” the Crown Prince said curtly.

They were cutting through the Sun Palace in a straight line. Yukiya recognized parts of the route; he’d gone this way with Kiei the first time he’d entered the Sun Palace. He’d never seen the Crown Prince go to the Imperial Palace on foot before.

Something must have happened. Yukiya sucked in a breath and stared straight ahead. “Why are we going to the Imperial Hall?”

“It seems my father has called an emergency meeting.”

Yukiya missed a step and halted for a moment so he wouldn’t trip.

He had never been to the Imperial Hall. The Imperial Hall connected the Golden Raven’s Palace with the rest of the Imperial Palace. Entry was rarely permitted and the Imperial Hall itself was usually kept locked and guarded. The only people allowed in and out were senior officials that served the imperial family, the imperial family itself, and the Emperor.

Before Yukiya could protest that they wouldn’t be allowed in the Imperial Hall, he remembered that he was walking with the Crown Prince. The Emperor’s son.

The Crown Prince wore a light-colored kimono over his feather robe and nothing else. He wasn’t dressed to attend court. He might have been a young wastrel off the street returning from a carouse. That was what he usually looked like, so Yukiya had grown used to him. He wouldn’t be able to tell the Crown Prince’s rank from his appearance alone. His clothes were as unconventional as his personality. He issued commands easily enough, but he was never arrogant. Sometimes he provoked Yukiya on purpose, but he never got angry when Yukiya responded with displeasure or even rebellion. The Crown Prince had never raised his voice, not once. He seemed to find Yukiya’s disrespectful comments amusing.

Yukiya had no sense of awe for the Crown Prince’s power, nor did he have any gratitude toward him for being in his employ. The Crown Prince didn’t care about formality or politeness, so Yukiya talked to him the same way he would anyone of his same rank. As they walked, Yukiya reminded himself that showing such familiarity in public would be frowned upon.

Before long, Yukiya and the Crown Prince were crossing the stone bridge that led back toward the Great Gate. They turned before they reached the Great Gate and entered the Inner Palace.

The ambiance of the Inner Palace was both more opulent and more restrictive than the rest of the places Yukiya had seen within the Imperial Palace. Imperial Guards wore shining armor with elaborate details. The already luxurious decorations became even more refined and elegant.

And then the Imperial Hall was before them.

The gate leading into the Imperial Hall was adorned with carvings of mandarin orange trees and cherry blossoms. Soldiers in full dress uniform guarded the gate on either side. The gate was firmly closed.

“It looks like we can’t enter from here,” Yukiya said.

The Crown Prince’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Well, well, Crown Prince Nazukihiko. It seems you have arrived a little late,” a man said in a raspy, cheerful voice.

The instant Yukiya caught sight of the man he thought, This man is arrogance itself, dressed in clothes. He appeared to be somewhere between youth and middle age, and he had dark skin and unkempt black hair. His smile was insolent and vaguely menacing. His canine teeth were sharp like fangs. His eyes reflected the gleaming yellow light of hanging lanterns, burning with intensity under his bushy eyebrows.

Yukiya noted the man’s scarlet uniform patterned with large golden wheels. He was strong and muscular. Unlike Natsuka, who was muscular but well-proportioned generally, his limbs were thick like logs and his shoulders were broad enough to belong to any two people. His uniform was embroidered and expensive, but Yukiya got the sense that he cared little for the clothes or his position. He reeked of confidence and malice.

This man made Yukiya want to flee. A shiver went down his spine.

But Yukiya could not move. As frightening as the man was, there was an intensity about him that made it impossible for Yukiya to look away.

“You must be Michichika of Minami Tachibana,” the Crown Prince said. ^

The man smiled slightly. “That is correct. I am honored that you recognize me. However, I have left my family, so I no longer go by Michichika of Minami Tachibana. I am now called Rokon.”

“Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be guarding my elder brother?”

Yukiya felt terribly nervous, but Rokon was calm.

“I am guarding him,” Rokon said. “Prince Natsuka is on the other side of these doors.” His expression became grim. He shifted slightly toward the gate that led into the Imperial Hall.

“Did someone order you to stop me?” the Crown Prince asked. His gaze was on Rokon’s absurdly large greatsword. The weapon was so huge and impractical that Yukiya wouldn’t be surprised to learn that it was merely decorative.^

But if that sword had an edge, Yukiya and the Crown Prince might be in trouble.

No one in their right minds would start a fight in front of the Imperial Hall, especially against the Crown Prince. So much was obvious. Even so, Yukiya thought that a man like Rokon might start such a fight without a second thought.

There was a pause.

“Open the gate.”

Rokon burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. “You must be joking! You cannot give me orders, and Prince Natsuka would never issue such a command.” Still laughing, he said, “The gate is closed. You are too late. You cannot go any further.”

Meetings conducted in the Imperial Hall were private. The gate would have been locked from the inside at the start of the emergency meeting. It was impossible to open the gate from the outside. The gate wouldn’t open again until the meeting ended.

Rokon chortled, folding his huge arms over his chest. He looked down his nose at the Crown Prince in a deliberate show of smugness.

“Are you saying that I am not permitted to enter the Imperial Hall?” the Crown Prince asked. He didn’t wait for Rokon’s answer. He walked up to the gate.

Anxious gatekeepers watched his approach. “Open the gate,” he said in a loud, clear voice.

The gate unlocked from the other side immediately.

Rokon’s eyes went wide in astonishment.

The Crown Prince ignored Rokon completely. “Come, follow me,” he said.

It took Yukiya a moment to realize that the Crown Prince was addressing him. By the time he caught up to the Crown Prince, the gates leading into the Imperial Hall were open.

Translator's Notes

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of a short-grain japonica glutinous rice and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch. The steamed rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. While eaten year-round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year, and is commonly sold and eaten during that time.

Sakura means “cherry blossom” in Japanese.

The Council Hall in the Imperial Court has roughly the same name as the same place in Japan’s Imperial Palace, where the Emperor lives. The kanji mean “big height hall.”

Kimono literally means “thing that is worn” and can refer to any clothing.

The process of grinding ink for a brush pen is still practiced for traditional Japanese and Chinese writing. Inkstones have a recess in the center where a small amount of water is poured or droppered. Solid ink sticks are ground into the stone and water, creating ink for the brush pen to be dipped in.

The name Michichika is given in katakana, not kanji, so it has no set meaning. Minami means “south,” and tachibana describes a wild citrus fruit native to Japan. Tachibana are mentioned in early Japanese poetry. They are symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

Rokon is carrying an odachi. An odachi is a large, two-handed Japanese sword, similar to a greatsword, with a blade length typically longer than 35 inches. It was used by samurai on the battlefield, sometimes by cavalry, and was too cumbersome for everyday use, often carried across the back or by an assistant. The odachi is known for its powerful, sweeping cuts. The weapon is less agile than shorter swords like katana due to its size and weight distribution.

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