The Emperor's Hall - Touga's Office
Touga studied the scroll which contained the new consorts' names, but he was only looking at one girl's name and repeatedly read hers only.
"Eiko..Kikume. Glorious elegance and purity of a faithful heart." He whispered. A faithful heart..he once had that.
Jashu entered his office, but he didn't put down the scroll he was holding while Jashu spoke.
"Your majesty, the empress wishes to see you."
Still looking at the scroll he replied. "Let her in."
"Yes sir."
When Touga heared steps, he gave the scroll he was holding to Jaken beside him. Inukimi, accompanied by Hinata curtsied and greeted the emperor.
"I am here to congratulate his majesty on his acquisition of more worthy beauties."
Touga chuckled. "Beauties..as if that's the only reason why I chose those women, because of their appearance. What have you heard?"
Inukimi smiled. "Word is all over the palace. His majesty was very happy with the results of today's audition. Word is, you have found a beauty among the drones of unmemorable faces, a human."
Touga smiled and lowered his head. "What I've seen today stays with me." He doesn't want Inukimi to know about a particular woman who he've set his sights on. Anything can happen.
"I shouldn't say this, but have his majesty chosen a rank for Kikume?" So she knows, Touga thought.
"Let's make her a Precious." A Precious concubine is a 6th ranked concubine. Already? Pretty high for a newly-chosen consort. Inukimi thought.
"Precious? Alright, precious it is. What about Higurashi?"
"Who again?"
"Higurashi Kagome. Daughter of Higurashi Zishan, director of Jizhou county."
"Oh. The one mother chose. 7th rank, she'll be a Lingering."
"Not making her rank too high is a good decision. If people see that his majesty ranks human concubines higher than the youkai ones, they might say you favor humans than youkai, and may spread rumors." Touga raised an eyebrow at Inukimi, there goes that discriminationg tone of voice again.
"I have no care whatsoever. Let them say what they want." Touga said firmly.
"That Eiko Kikumi, you're really taken to her." Inukimi stated smiling with a cat like expression.
Touga sighed. "You must be tired Inukimi, go to sleep now. I'll be working late."
Inukimi's smile vanished as she curtsied one last time and went out.
Touga remembered a poem he read from before, also one of Cai Shen's work. When he first read this his father was the emperor and he was still a prince. He roamed his eyes along the various books lined up on his shelves behind his desk.
"Ah, there it is. Book of Blossoms." The book had a plum flower painted on it. Touga smiled as he remembered Eiko's face. He went to the page where a fold was located on the paper's edge and whispered to himself a few lines that fit what he thought of Eiko.
"A willow branch abundant with luxurious verdure, snakes down, dotted with a crush of nameless blossoms." Touga smiled and thought to himself, there is nothing more pleasing today than seeing Kikume's smiling visage. He remembered how she smiled at her friend, those dimples of her deepening.
Kikume Manor
"Wow! What are those?!" The kitsune who Eiko found out was named Shippo, shouted as the coach they were riding and the carriage where Fuyumi was neared the manor. Eiko looked through the window of the coach to see why it was so noisy. There Eiko can see various people, their servants and guards. She could also see smoke. They were lighting sparklers for Eiko's return. Eiko can hear them laughing and cheering as they ran to her coach. There was also music.
"Look miss! What a lively scene!" One of the wolf youkai commented, with a big grin on his face, his fangs glinting.
Eiko can now see the faces of her family. She can see her parents and her sister Rin clapping with big smiles on their faces. Some of the people who live in their neighborhood also gathered to their house to offer congratulations. She could see a number of people saying congratulations to her parents as her parents gave small bows back to them.
As the coach came to a full stop, Shippo got down first and helped Eiko.
"Father." Eiko looked at her father and wanted to cry. She wanted to say she didn't want to live in the Taisho Domain, but how?
"I'm your servant, Kikume Hanji. With my family, we respectfully greet the honorable young mistress. Greetings young mistress and welcome."
"What is the meaning of this? Mother, father, please stand." Eiko can't stop the tears from falling as she witnessed her parents giving her a kowtow.
"Don't, young mistress, it would be improper to dismiss official etiquette." Her father reasoned, looking up at Eiko from the ground.
"Miss, you are an official young mistress now. This man is supposed to salute you according to etiquette." The other youkai wolf reminded.
"This man is my father! Fuyumi, Atsuko, hurry and help father and mother up." Atsuko who was waiting beside Eiko's parents rushed to pull them up, Shippo also helped her parents as a sign of courtesy.
"We are grateful for your kindness, young mistress." Her father added.
"It's windy outside, let's go inside and talk. Atsuko, entertain and provide food to the people outside."
As soon as Eiko ushered her parents to the door, she looked back at the Youkai who brought her home.
"Thank you very much for bringing me home." Eiko smiled as she bowed to the three youkai.
"It was no problem young mistress, we actually enjoyed being with you. And please don't bow to us, we are only mere guards."
Eiko smiled. "You're not just mere guards, and it doesn't mean because you are guards you can't receive gratitude." The three youkai had surprised faces on their faces upon hearing what she said and rubbed the back of their heads as they blushed.
"We can pass a message to the Emperor saying you are grateful?" Shippo asked.
"Oh, umm, I will say that to him in person, once I return." As if.
"Oh, alright. We'll be going now young mistress." The three youkai kneeled one leg and rode the coach back to the Taisho Domain as Eiko waved them goodbye. As soon as they faded away from view, Eiko went inside to see her parents.
Her parents were sitting. Upon seeing them, Eiko kneeled on the carpet facing her parents.
"I am an unfilial daughter. I cannot accompany you in your old age." Eiko can hear her voice breaking as she cried. Her mother immediately stood up from her chair and held her hands.
"Rise Eiko." Eiko remained kneeling.
"Moreover, I've subjected you to this new set of etiquette that needs to be complied with. My heart cannot help but be uneasy." Once again her mother tried to pull her up.
"Please allow me to finish." Eiko closed her eyes to stop her tears from falling, her lips were now quivering.
"Although now I belong to the Imperial Family, I will not disregard filial piety. I ask you, mother and father, to allow me to conduct myself towards you as I have always been before I depart this home. If you will not grant me this request. I would stay kneeling until you do." Her mother now had tears falling from her eyes as she stared at her daughter.
"We understand, we understand. We have not raised you in vain. Rise now, do rise." Her father said softly as he pulled her up. Eiko can hear the soft sobs of her mother, as her mother wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
The Palace of Wind
Kanna leaned her head on her arm as she tried to return back to sleep before her young mistress wakes up. She was sitting on the floor, behind her was her mistress' bed. She could already hear the chirping of birds. It's already morning? Kagura was up til late last night, waiting for his majesty who never came.
Kanna can hear the ruffling of sheets behind, alerting her, and in a second stood up.
"Young Mistress, are you awake?" Kagura didn't bother answering and sat up. Kanna set aside the sheer pink curtains of her bed.
"Ughhh." Kagura cradled her head from the pain. She had to get up already. The empress wanted every consort to be present for this morning's meeting.
"Kagura-sama rises." Kanna announced to the servants. Two servants standing outside the bedrooms, set the curtains of Kagura's bedroom aside, letting the maids bringing a basin of water, a towel, and an empty water jug enter so Kagura ran rinse her mouth and wash her face.
After her morning routine, Kagura sat infront of her vanity. Kanna was putting earrings on her, while Fucha was combing a section of Kagura's hair.
Juromaru entered and kneeled before Kagura to deliver morning news.
"I answer respectfully to 1st class consort Kagura. His Majesty stayed up last night at his office, but young mistress Chihiru visited him. They didn't talk long though." Juromaru informed with his head lowered.
Both Kagura's eyebrows pulled down together, her eyes glaring into her own reflection in the mirror.
"His majesty doesn't visit the harem for over 10 days, then that bitch goes to him for a late night talk? Is she trying to seduce him?! It's been more than 2 months since she miscarried, hasn't she had enough of the pitiful act?! She's definitely playing her slutty tricks!" In an instant, Kagura faced Kanna, in doing so Fucha unintentionally pulled her Kagura's hair making Kagura grimace from the pain. Kagura stood up and pushed Fucha as she glared at her with glowing crimson eyes.
"Imbecile! How could you be so careless?!"
Fucha kneeled and kowtowed as she begged for forgiveness. "Young mistress please forgive me, please forgive me." She repeatedly begged.
Kanna gave Fucha four slaps shouting, "Is this how you do your job? You did that on purpose didn't you?! I know you did that on purpose" Kagura smirked at the poor girl as she combed her hair.
"Such a ruckus and so early in the morning too! Why is she still here?!" Kagura slammed her hand in the table, while Fucha was kowtowing. So as not to make the young mistress angrier, Juromaru pulled Fucha away her palace.
"Please spare me young mistress! Please! Young Mistress! Young Mistress! Young Mistress!" Fucha repeatedly begged screaming while Juromaru pulled her outside. Slowly Fucha's voice faded away as Kanna continued getting her young mistress ready and dressed.
Taisho Domain - Ganji road
Fucha's face ached all over, she can taste a bitter and rusty flavor inside her mouth as Juromaru dragger her farther from Kagura's palace. She was getting dizzy as she tried to struggle to get away from the man's grasp. His hold on her was really tight. As Juromaru caught sight of a small Pavilion with a well beside it, he punched Fucha's stomach, rendering her unconscious and let her fall on the stone walkway.
He studied his surroundings if there were youkai or people near. He studied the various tall flowers and trees around. Not a single life was present.
He smiled maliciously and eyes the well as she dragged Fucha's lifeless body towards it.
Palace of the Virtuous
Inukimi sitting on her high golden throne studied her nails with a blank expression as the women looked at her apprehensively. Inukimi had always been patient but it is evident in her face that she is seething.
"Empress, it doesn't look like Kagura is coming today. Why don't we end this early?" Hinata cautiously informed.
"I am the Empress, she is but a concubine. It's protocol for any concubine to pay her respects to me. I will wait. Serve the tea." Inukimi stated for everyone to hear, reminding everyone where their standing lies in this domain. That even though she is mostly passive and patient, she is and will always be the Empress, and she will skin anyone alive, who tries to defy her. The women sitted below looked down at their feet as the servants entered, carefully setting the teacups on their tables.
"Kagura is last again." Mameha, a Tiger youkai with pale purple skin, silver hair, feline shaped eyes with hazel irises and slit dark pupils, her lips are blood red and pouted as she drank her tea, her long claws frightening as she held her tea cup.
"She is the great general Naraku's younger sister after all. And his majesty dotes on her." Nazuna, a human girl with maroon colored hair and indigo colored eyes commented.
Mameha laughed. "Hmph, so what if she gets the most attention. His majesty is so busy she only visits her 4 times in a month at most. And the one and only empress is up there." Mameha motioned his head to Inukimi who was sipping tea.
"Still, the emperor visits her. He haven't even stepped in my palace for 3 months." Hana, a pretty young human girl, with long red hair, and green eyes stated. She was a gift from a tribe northwest from the Capital. A tribe that was looted and plundered by dragon youkai. Touga didn't want to have her, but if he didn't, she would've been homeless or slaved, one can call her spoils of war.
Inukimi raised her head, she can hear the heavy steps of men and the clinking of their armor. Kagura is near. Youkai stationed at the gates of the Inukimi's palace kneeled on one knee as Kagura went down from here sedan chair.
"1st class consort Kagura arrives!"
Kagura was ushered by Kanna and Juromaru inside the palace, upon reaching the formal receiving area. All women aside from the empress stood up and kneeled.
"Greetings 1st class consort Kagura."
Kagura raised her chin higher. "Please rise. Hmm. Looks like Lingering Chihiru has made a full recovery, you are quite early, aren't you." Eyeing Chihiru she looked at her from head to toe.
Chihiru smiled and curtsied. "Thank you for your concern, Kagura-sama. I am not used to being up and about so early just yet, but I certainly cannot be late in paying respects to the empress." Chihiru stated proudly, staring at Kagura eyes.
Inukimi smiled from her seat. "It must be hard on you. You have to take care of yourself after a miscarriage. Your health is tantamount in ensuring more heirs for his majesty."
Chihiru smiled genuinely at Inukimi and curtsied to her as well. "Thank you empress."
Kagura stepped towards the threshold and eyed Mameha.
"Mameha-neesan looks a bit more plump, his majesty will surely be pleased."
Mameha curtsied to her and smiled. "I am gracious for your kind words Consort Kagura."
"Oh, I almost forgot, it must have been some time since his majesty last visited Mameha-neesan. I have such bad memory, please don't mind me neesan."
Mameha pursed her lips and looked away. "No harm in that."
Inukimi rolling her eyes, spoke loudly. "Enough of that, we are all sisters here, no need to keep standing. Take your seat."
"Thank you empress." they all stated in unison and sat down.
"Bring Consort Kagura her tea." Hinata said to a servant. As Kagura opened the lid of her tea cup and smelled the aroma of the tea she smirked.
"This is last year's Longjing tea? Empress haven't consumed them all yet? Old tea, no matter how carefully stored, will still smell moldy. I gave my various unfinished stored sacks to tea to Kanna and the servants." Kagura sighed to the Empress. "I have some of this year's tributary Yu Qian Longjing leaves that were harvested before the rainy season in late April. Kanna can bring some later for Empress to have a taste."
"Thank you for your concern. His majesty also gave me some of those Yu Qian Longjing leaves, but I figured that the 3rd prince, would enjoy it, so I gave them to 1st class consort Mameha for both mother and son to enjoy."
Kagura placed her teacup on her table, not bothering to sip one drop. She faced Mameha as she spoke, "But of course, it must be a rarity for Mameha-neesan to receive tea of such quality. The next time the third prince wants anything, don't hesitate to ask me."
Inukimi smiled. "Third prince is most filial, he would never disturb his majesty over such a trivial thing, the credit goes to 1st class Consort Mameha for raising a disciplined son."
"Third prince is indeed filial, he must be very fond of studying, knowing how much his majesty values knowledge." Kagura added.
"Third and fourth princes are still young. Third prince is the second oldest, and thus be an exemplified prince, so his character is naturally commendable." Inukimi commented.
Kagura sighed. "His majesty's ascension to the throne was such a rushed affair. Taisho domain still lacks so many things. How deplorable that the Empress has to live in this Palace of the Virtuous. I was thinking that we should pick a nice day and decorate this palace. It should make Empress' home more comfortable."
Inukimi laughed. "How considerate of you Consort Kagura. His majesty has not been in power for very long yet, we must be frugal if we can."
"The Empress is indeed benevolent. In comparison, my Palace of Wind is much too lavish. I feel uneasy every time I visit you Your Highness." Kagura stated while frowning.
"The palace of Wind used to be the residence of the previous emperor's Yuna. It is naturally grand."
Inukimi nodded. "Indeed. Yuna mothered many children, Emperor Mattaki was very fond of her."
Kagura growing bored of the conversation stood and curtsied. "It's getting late, I'll take my leave of you."
All the women stared at each other, stood, curtsied and bid their farewell to the Empress in unison, "We take our leave of you."and walked out with their handmaidens.
"What conceit. But it only took a few words from Empress to shut her up." Hinata commented.
Inukimi sighed. "I only the spoke the truth. Not having any children deals a direct blow to her."
"Our palace may not be the most opulent, but it is a place of felicity. His majesty gave this Palace of the Virtuous to Empress because of your virtue and compassion. That is a truly harmonious union.
Inukimi laughed silently.
Taisho Domain - Heikun road
Kagura was seated at a sedan chair carried by 6 men on their shoulders. On the sides 8 youkai stand guard, walking beside Kagura. Hana and Nazuna walked as they accompanied Kagura along with their handmaidens.
"Don't be angry Kagura-sama. The Empress is just jealous of the attention his majesty gives to our household." Kanna reminded.
"The former Yuna did have many children and was a great favorite of the previous emperor, but her son was charged with treason, which implicated her." Kagura said in an angry tone.
"There's no need to take her seriously Kagura-sama, just look at how frail the Empress appears, she wouldn't dare to compete with you. His Majesty will surely antagonize her if she dares to antagonize you.
Kagura directed her eyes to Nazuna. "Well, aren't you wise."
Nazuna laughed. "Not at all. All I know is that His Majesty cherishes Kagura-sama like no one else."
"That's right. Of all the palaces, only our palace, and the Emperor's hall was where the mating of previous emperors have taken place. This just shows how much the Emperor values Kagura-sama.
Hana nodded. "Exactly, courtesy is all that exists between the Emperor and Empress. His Majesty's regard for Kagura-sama is undisputed."
Kagura smiled devilishly and laid back on her chair all the way back to her palace.