The Twelve Kingdoms: Dreaming of Paradise

Imperial Court. The people suffered before our eyes, injustices flourished, and we were disloyal to His Highness. The slander of treason is not unjustified, is it? If we are sentenced to death on the charge of treason, then so be it."
    "Eishuku—"
    "If we are so fortunate that Shishou spares our lives, then there is good work left for us to do on his behalf. Returning to the Way is difficult, but definitely not impossible. We should work toward that end. If it proves illusive, and if we live long enough, then after Shishou's fall Sai will need the support of the people to keep things from falling apart. Holding up a kingdom with an empty throne is the only way we can repay the people for the injustices they suffered."
    Shuka fell into silence.
    "Shishou said to accompany the Taiho here and then return. That was the Imperial decree. Which means we are obligated to go back. What do you think, Seiki?"
    Eishuku turned to Seiki, who as sitting quietly in a corner of the room. Seiki sighed softly. "I had the feeling that would be the conclusion you'd come to."
    "You may stay here if you wish."
    "Don't be silly. If you insist on returning to Sai, I shall of course accompany you. Without me there, you wouldn't get up in time for your own execution."
    Eishuku laughed and looked at Shuka. "Surely you jest," she heard Bunki exclaim, but nodded anyway.
    He was right. They had destroyed Sai. Obsessed by their own idealism, they had taken reality for granted and stupidly soldiered on to no good end. That being the case, they couldn't hold their own lives dear and abandon their obligations while the people perished.
    We have a duty to sacrifice ourselves in the quest for righteousness.

Chapter 16
    B unki attempted to dissuade them, but after putting Sairin's affairs in order, they left Samei Palace. The servants and ladies-in-waiting who had accompanied them remained behind. Consigning Sairin to their care, Shuka, Eishuku and Seiki descended from Samei Mountain.
    Bunki reluctantly rounded up three kijuu. With her retainers at the reins, they made the return trip to Yuunei in only two days. The retainers set them down before the gates of Yuunei Palace, wished them good luck, and flew off.
    They encountered no difficulties entering the palace. After all, their original orders had been to deliver Sairin and then to come back. They passed through the Fifth Gate into the Imperial Living Quarters. Entering the Naiden, they announced their return. Seeing them, Shishou's eyes darkened.
    "Chousai, Daishito, what are you doing here?" inquired the Shoushikou, almost in tears. It was the Shoushikou who had previously wished them goodbye. Escorting them to their official residence, he asked bitterly, "So you intend to go to the gallows without a fight?"
    "It is up to His Highness," said Eishuku. "If that is what it comes down to, then so be it."
    The Shoushikou hung his head.
    "The Taisai and Shousai?"
    "Awaiting a decision from the Minister of Fall. The Minister is delaying as long as possible, prevaricating and stretching out the investigation. And His Highness hasn't ordered anybody to rush things."
    "How is His Highness doing?"
    The Shoushikou shook his head wordlessly.
    "He looks pale."
    "I believe he is drinking to excess. He's shown up at the Privy Council dead drunk on at least three occasions. At any rate, his heart doesn't seem to be in it. At times he'll babble on incomprehensibly or start shouting clear out of the blue. The Imperial Court is going nowhere."
    "That bad—" Shuka sighed. Shishou was still ill. And his Court was quickly sinking into oblivion.
    Accompanied by the Shoushikou, they returned to their residence for the first time in a long time. All the household items and furniture and anything of value left behind in their sudden departure were gone. The place had been ransacked during their absence.
    "What in the world—" the Shoushikou gasped.
    "Don't worry about it," Eishuku said reassuringly. "The bureaucracy seems to be running wild as well. Our personal goods are hardly that important. But we need to make sure the Imperial Repository stays intact. After this, it will become the domain of the new king that arises to save Sai."
    In response to Eishuku's words, the Shoushikou flinched as if in pain. His head slumped dejectedly to his chest.

Part VI
    huka, Eishuku and Seiki waited patiently at the residence for their sentences to be handed down.
    The gardens visible from the main hall were alive with the colors of