The Twelve Kingdoms: Dreaming of Paradise

Sou. I am here to welcome the Sai Taiho. I am pleased to know that you have arrived here safely."
    "We deeply appreciate the gesture," Eishuku answered on their behalf.
    He and Shuka introduced themselves and expressed their thanks to the princess. Bunki nodded and said, "The Chousai must be quite tired. The Sai Taiho appears fatigued as well. We have made a palace available for your use on Samei Mountain. It's not that far from Houga. Let us proceed there."
    Bunki indicated a kijuu bearing a palanquin. It was only a short jump from Houga to Samei. Mt. Samei was a Ryou'un Mountain that soared above the Sea of Clouds. They set down at the foot of the mountain, and then wound through the magical tunnels, emerging above the Sea of Clouds. There was a small palace located at the peak surrounded by a large garden.
    Sairin was taken to the Seiden of the palace. There she was left in the care of her ladies-in-waiting.
    Bunka explained to Shuka, "The villa is used as a summer retreat. It may be a tad chilly, but considering the Sai Taiho's condition, we thought it best to stay close to Houga."
    "Thank you," Shuka said with a bow.
    Bunki smiled. "If there's anything I can do or anything you need, please don't hesitate to mention it. The Sai Taiho seems to be in such a sad state that we've made available a neighboring villa for the Chousai and yourself. I hope that will meet with your approval."
    "Of course it will. We truly appreciate all that you have done for us."
    In fact, Bunki had taken every care possible, up to and including the villa. Flowers were arranged in the foyer. A sizable contingent of servants was waiting for them. As they had arrived with not much more than the clothes on their backs, a new wardrobe was laid out, along with all the personal effects they would need.
    "Please, take your time. I'll try to keep out of your hair as much as possible. For the time being, consider this your own home.
    Shuka again bowed deeply and expressed her heartfelt thanks.

Chapter 15
    I n fact, both Shuka and Eishuku were exhausted, and were grateful to Bunki from the bottoms of their hearts. In Shuka's frazzled state, the gesture really touched her. At the same time, though, it was very sad. The extraordinary generosity that the people of Sou were showing them—complete strangers and foreigners—stung her conscience.
    A mere twenty years.
    "Will the Imperial Court founder after so short a time?" Shuka asked herself sadly, gazing at the gardens from the window of the main hall of the manor. "To Sou, it must all seem a shameful performance."
    Bunki came in with a basket of fruit. She answered with a perplexed smile. "No one is saying that. An Imperial Court is a hard thing to get a handle on. Especially after a revolution, the younger the court the harder it is."
    "You're probably right."
    "It is usually the case," Bunki stated with a reassuring smile. "But that aside, what will Shuka-sama and Eishuku-sama be doing henceforth? You were quite important ministers in your government. His Highness would like to make use of your expertise on behalf of Sou."
    "Well—" said Shuka.
    For a moment she couldn't deny the joy that filled her heart. There was no place for them in Sai. Her career as a minister was over. She had no idea what she would do after this. She couldn't help but feel uneasy. At the same time, that she hadn't been able to achieve what she should have as a minister filled her with regret. The opportunity to start over again as a minister in a wealthy kingdom like Sou was a lifesaver.
    But Eishuku raised his voice and said coolly, "We thank you for the offer, but we cannot agree. Our duty is to Sai. It is to our own shame that we must depend on your kingdom's resources."
    "Eishuku—"
    Eishuku shook his head firmly. "Shuka, we simply cannot. If you would excuse me—"
    "But—" Shuka raised her voice. "Shishou said we musn't return."
    "However true that might be, it doesn't mean we should rely on the kindness of strangers and put Sai behind us. We certainly know that if we return to Sai, we will be branded traitors and punished harshly for it. Death is by no means in the cards. Shishou told us to flee, and he may at least spare us our lives."
    "But—"
    "And even if he does not, our lives would be taken in recompense for our sins."
    "We are not traitors!"
    "Can we really say that we are not? Though our roles in the revolution earned us high positions in the government, we were unable to save Shishou or save the