Sea of the Wind, Shore of the Maze, Chapter 7

Chapter 7
    "Taiki, you can leave the palace today."
    The summer solstice had actually passed some time ago, but it wasn't until now that Teiei spoke these  words.
    The day had finally arrived. Taiki put down the chopsticks with which he was using to eat breakfast.
    "Yes..."
    He had gotten up earlier this morning than usual, and even the clothes that Sanshi had prepared for  him were all much more ornate than usual. Taiki had already mentally prepared himself for this.
    Youka patted his back gently. "You don't have to be this nervous."
    "Youka, will you accompany me when I go?"
    Youka smiled. "Yes. I'll also be by your side the whole time."
    "What about Sanshi?" Taiki had a feeling that she would say no.
    Teiei nodded and her answer wasn't far from the one he wanted to hear. "Of course Sanshi will come  with you. Except, Sanshi has to hide herself. You might not be able to see her, but she'll definitely be  nearby."
    Taiki heaved a disappointed sigh. If Sanshi had to hide nearby, that meant that when the time came,  she wouldn't be holding his hand, not to mention that she wouldn't be able to gently stroke his back.
    "I understand..."
    - - - - -
    Teiei and Youka were in the front, followed by over ten ceremonial nyosen, and Taiki was in the  middle as they walked onto the small paths, all the way to the gate of Houro Palace without stopping.
    The nyosen in front of him took down the bolt of the door.
    Before the door was opened, Taiki remembered the vast wilderness that was the exterior of the maze,  but after the door was opened, the scene outside had underwent a complete change.
    The towering crags stretched out in layers, creating waves upon waves of green, and between these  rocks was an expansive grassland, upon which there was a flood of colors. Tents had been pitched one after  another, and countless flags had been raised everywhere. Fences had been built with stakes to which horses  and unusual animals had been tied, and on which harnesses and cloths had been hung to dry. Not to mention  that there was a variety of people, dressed in a variety of styles.
    Just like this, a busy little village had appeared.
    Taiki began to feel apprehensive and couldn't help but grab Teiei's hand.
    "There is no need to be afraid. Would you like to adjust your breathing?"
    Taiki used his eyes to express consent and then straightened his chest even more and took a deep  breath.

    Teiei held his hand and prepared to walk forward. A man at a nearby tent saw this and kneeled down  to bow. This movement spread outward like a ripple, as the people scattered about the grass in discussion all  kneeled down to bow.
    Taiki tightened his grip on Teiei's hand, as he looked straight ahead at the quivering hairpins on the  heads of the nyosen walking in front of him, hoping to rely on this to shake off the torment of being stared at  by innumerable eyes.
    "Are you still all right?" asked Youka's gentle voice from behind.
    "Yes... Can we speak?"
    "Yes, there's no need to be so shy."
    "Okay."
    The ceremony seemed not to be as difficult as he had thought it was going to be. At this, he heaved a  sigh of relief.
    "Is this all the people?"
    Teiei replied, "No, only half of them have come first."
    "Oh, good..."
    When he looked around, he saw a great many people wearing armor. There were many very young  people and a lot of old people as well, and there were numerous men, but also lots of women.
    "I didn't think there would be so many women here."
    Teiei smiled, but her smile was not as natural as it usually was, as if she were suppressing her  emotions. It was probably because Teiei was also very nervous, but just had a different way of expressing it.
    "Well, of course... would you rather serve under a king or a queen?"
    "I don't know."
    The road from the great gate to Hoto Palace was paved with stones. Many adults had gathered on  either side of the road, kneeling down with their heads lowered. This sort of scene looked unnatural.
    "Why is everyone bowing?"
    "They are paying their respects to you." Teiei knew that had she used the word "status" to explain it  to Taiki, he probably wouldn't understand, so she stopped herself from using it.
    "Should I greet them?"
    "You do not need to right now. If you wish to speak to someone, you can invite them to stand up."
    "Can I chat with them?"
    "You may after the incense ceremony. Then, you can ask them whatever you want."
    "There are a lot of big animals here..."
    "Those are youju.