The Effect of Youth
The wind was bitter and harsh. The streets are empty however in the palace grounds the effect of the wind was muted.
Public servants still had walked purposely or had wandered aimlessly. The rustle of robes overwhelming of the whirring, howling sound of the wind.
It is not entirely unexpected when Reishin had visited Houju. It is a habit of Reishin's to arrive unexpectedly. However Houju has a long grown used to the particular behaviours of his friend.
His ministry was near deserted when Reishin arrived at the height of lunch. Scattered amongst it's rooms are quiet, industrious public servants. Houju does not tolerate idle chatter and foolishness. Nor does he favour frivolous displays, but he still merely did wait as Reishin entered, flamboyantly waving a fan in front of his face.
Reishin is smiling, but his eyes do not light up. Reishin's eyes linger on Houju's mask. They made their greetings, a thousand times before and a thousand times in the future to come.
"That is one of mine," Reishin murmured thoughtfully. He tapped his fan against his chin.
Behind the mask Houju raised a brow. No one saw it, no one can, yet Houju cannot stop these reflexive motions and gestures. Sometimes, he believed that Reishin could tell. Houju told himself that it was impossible.
"They are all one of yours," Houju replied. They all are, Reishin is being silly once more.
"Hmm," Reishin nodded, appearing satisfied. "That's true."
The conversation died. Houju looked down at the paperwork. Officials never seemed to tire of extorting money out of the state. It was his business that they were found. The punishment was not his discretion.
"I heard," Reishin finally continued. "It surprised me."
Houju nodded. He had expected this. "It is normal enough thing, I am not the first, nor the last."
"True, true," Reishin smiled and then laughed. "I supposed I should say my congratulations to you. On becoming a father."
"My wife is at not at that stage yet," Houju murmured.
"But she will be, won't she? She's healthy and you will give the best condition for the birth." Reishin insisted. He took a deep breath. "I should advise you, that being a father is not easy. You don't know what you have gotten in to."
"I think if you have managed - "
"But I know you will do a fantastic job. Your child will grow up loved. Maybe someday, you'll be able to show your face to her," Reishin grinned.
"You don't know it's going to be a girl," Houju rebutted after a moment of silence.
Reishin shook his head. "I think I have very good chances."
"You would," Houjo said.
"Girls have to be treated preciously, you'll be good at that," Reishin pointed out.
Houju nodded slowly. "Thank you."
"Goodbye," Reishin jerkily turned away, leaving Houju's offices. Houju returned to work, slightly unsettled.