jychan: I don't own Saiunkoku Monogatari… Enough said.
18. A Proposal
"Kogo Kaori-sama."
Kaori turned to see Yamamoto Kentaro,
"Doushite Yamamoto-dono?"
"I have good news for you, Kogo Kaori-sama."
'Good news from you? More like bad news...'
Kaori thought as she sighed,
"It seems your older sister was detected in the Sa Province. We are currently heightening the security on every route. But we are paying much attention to the nearest route going to Saiunkoku."
He said as Kaori perked up,
"Is that so? Then, if you think that it's best for it, then do so. You have my approval."
Kaori said as she turned away,
'As if, Onee-sama didn't think of that already. I am pretty sure she will most likely avoid that route.'
"Of course. Thank you very much, Kogo Kaori-sama."
Yamamoto Kentaro said as he exited the room with a smile plastered on his face,
'One of these days, you shall perish, Yamamoto Kentaro.'
"Neh, Ryuuren-dono, how did we ride in such a carriage?"
Chika asked as she looked at her companion,
"I just showed them the Ran Clan's Seal, and they immediately told us to ride. But it's quite convenient now to go to Kiyou, neh, Soul Friend Number 3."
Ryuuren replied as Chika shook her head,
"Is Ryuuren-dono's family that well-respected?"
Chika asked as Ryuuren nodded,
"That's good... So, meaning if I go with you, I'm going to get lots of benefits then..."
Chika said as Ryuuren raised an eyebrow,
"Don't tell me that's why you became a friend to me, thinking of the different benefits?"
"Well, before, I didn't know, but now, I know... It's like a bonus..."
Chika replied as she laughed at the end,
"I don't get it why you're laughing."
"I'm laughing because I want to laugh. Don't be such a killjoy, Ryuuren-dono."
Chika said as she rolled her eyes,
"Neh, Chika,"
"Hmph. Doushite?"
"Do you want to become my lifetime companion?"
Ryuuren asked as Chika paused for a second and looked at him,
"Do you know what you've just asked, Ryuuren-dono?"
"I'm pretty sure of it. After all, I was Bougen in the Official Exams."
Ryuuren said as Chika narrowed her eyes and asked,
"Are you boasting?"
"No. So, what do you say, Soul Friend Number 3? Would you want to become my lifetime companion?"
Ryuuren asked once again as Chika faked a laugh,
"That was a nice joke, Ryuuren-dono."
"But it wasn't a joke."
"Eh?"
"So, what do you say, Chika? I'm serious about it."
"But then, Ryuuren-dono, why? Why me? I'm pretty sure that there are lots and lots of pretty women out there."
"I must agree."
Chika glared at the guy while Ryuuren shrugged,
"Why you? Well, you're not after my riches. And I find you interesting. That's all."
Chika looked at him as she replied,
"But then, what if I'm not interesting to you. What will you do? Are you going to throw me out?"
"Iaa. I'm pretty sure that I won't get bored of you."
"Ryuuren-dono..."
"Think about it, Chika."
"Nn. I guess. But then, Ryuuren-dono, I have to find out about my past first before that happens."
"Of course. After all, who knows you might be married already or engaged to someone. That would be bad."
"How many months would it take for us to arrive to Kiyou, To-kun?"
Himeko asked as they were riding a carriage,
"Hmmm... Probably 2 months or 3."
Eigetsu replied as Himeko sighed,
"Is there any problem, Himeko-hime?"
Eigetsu asked as Himeko shook her head,
"Iaa! Iaa! I'm fine. Don't worry. I just thought that it's going to take a few months before we arrive to Kiyou."
"Hime-chan, don't get impatient."
"I know, Rou-san. I'm trying my best. But then, as each second passes by, I'm constantly losing hope."
Himeko said as she stared at the outside, while Kourin went near her and slapped her,
"You're the one who started this, so you must end it! You must finish it. I know I'm so disrespectful, but I thought tha-"
"Arigato, Kourin-san. I was thankful that you slapped me. Now, I know that I must not lose hope, but instead, encourage myself."
Himeko said as she gave a smile,
"Himeko-hime..."
"Arigato, Kourin-san."
"Himeko-hime, don't lose hope! Maybe your younger sister, Hidari-hime is fine. You know, she might be still alive somewhere. Don't lose hope!"
Kourin said as Himeko smiled and replied,
"Arigato, Kourin-san. But then, there are times when one should not keep on hoping as it will hurt one's feelings, if they fail to do so. Excuse me first."
She stood up as Kourin just looked at Himeko with a tint of sadness on her eyes,
"I hope you'll be able to do it, Himeko-hime... No, you'll be able to do it..."
Kourin whispered it to the wind as she looked at the outside, while Himeko was at a side.
jychan: Well, that was it. I wonder what's going to happen next. Shocking! Ryuuren gave a proposal! What's going to happen... A love triangle perhaps??? Fufufufufu...
Stelra Etnae: At the last chapter, they were in Sa Province, but this time, they've gone separate ways... Yes, Hidari is with Ryuuren... Yes, so unexpected... Shuuei's going EMO... Noooo... Fufufufufu... Yes, thanks to that incident, Seiran was able to recognize who Shimo Furiko was... I must agree.. Lelouch was getting creepier... Oh... I wonder what would be Shuuei's reaction when he finds out that his rival would be his younger brother... Fufufufu... Oh? Tomorrow? I'll be expecting your review tomorrow then. Today's Friday here...