Yatagarasu Series
Volume 9:
The Raven's Loyalty
Author: Abe Chisato
Epilogue
Six years had passed since the true Golden Raven’s death.
Clear Mirror Temple suffered sanctions and setbacks, but it remained standing with Prince Natsuka as its head priest. The Imperial Court’s new hard-line policies caused many common people to suffer. People in the Valley were made into horses against their will and compelled to work on infrastructure projects. Clear Mirror Temple was an island of humanitarian aid in a sea of punishing and draconian policies.
Some years before, Prince Natsuka had started dictating the petitions of illiterate commoners himself. One day, he agreed to hear the petition of a strangely familiar father and daughter.
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, head priest,” the man said. He knelt and bowed so that his forehead rested on the floor. He was dressed in rags and covered in dirt, but Natsuka would recognize him anywhere. He grinned brazenly from beneath his hood.
Natsuka almost made the mistake of saying that he’d done well to return to him now. He inclined his head politely. He always had to assume that the accursed Yellow Raven was watching him.
“And what is your petition?” Natsuka asked.
“The truth is, my daughter is exceedingly clever. She wishes to be of service to you, head priest. Could she perhaps assist you with something?”
“Assist me?”
“Yes.”
Natsuka pretended to consider the matter. “Raise your head, girl.”
The girl was beautiful, even caked in mud and clothed in rags. Like her companion, Natsuka would never mistake her for anyone else.
“What do you wish to do?” Natsuka asked.
Her eyes shone brilliantly as she said, “I wish to fight.”
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