The Twelve Kingdoms: The Shore in Twilight

has not yet returned. In the absence of both the Royal Tai and Taiki, what can the people of Tai hope for? Even if there are more people like Risai, organizing the people and raising an army has become impossible, has it not? Tai cannot save itself. That's why the other kingdoms must lend a hand. If we don't have enough kirin, then we must ask the other kingdoms for help."
    Youko paused and said, "In the first place, weren't any eyebrows raised when Tai announced a change in government? The Phoenix never sang, and yet a new king was enthroned. No matter how you look at it, that was just wrong. Didn't anybody bother to see for themselves what was going on, or confirm all the rumors?"
    "Naturally, we were--" Shouryuu said, but Rokuta interrupted. "At first, formal emissaries and informal observers were sent to Tai, but were not allowed to enter Kouki. Having no vantage point from which to observe, they adopted a wait-and-see stance. Since then, things have been pretty much left to their own devices. I, for one, have repeatedly urged that conditions in Tai be investigated, and ways be found to offer assistance."
    "But, of course," Youko said with a faint smile. "So far as the other kingdoms are concerned, they're screwed, right?"
    Everybody in the room collectively drew their breath. "Your Highness--" scolded Keiki in a small voice.
    Koukan and Enho seemed frozen with surprise. Shouryuu drew his brows into something of a scowl. "I think that was uncalled for."
    "But it's the truth, isn't it? We stand around watching from the sidelines. Sooner or later the ranka of the new Tai kirin begins to grow. Everything goes back to square one. And in En, nobody's feathers get ruffled."
    "Yeah, that's about it," Rokuta answered before Shouryuu could interject.
    "Rokuta."
    "This custom of not intervening in the internal affairs of other kingdoms is, when you get right down to it, nothing more than an excuse. The fact is, in Youko's case, you went around sticking your fingers into every pie in the kitchen. You just haven't found a good reason to get involved, because the Royal Tai and Taiki aren't around, and can't petition you personally. I dare say, you haven't been trying hard enough to find yourself a good reason, and that's because of that little moat called the Kyokai separating En and Tai."
    Shouryuu was on the verge of answering when Rokuta waved his arms wildly. "Don't give me any more of your lame excuses. At the end of the day, you're worried about the refugees. Refugees flowing in from other kingdoms stir too many pots in En. That's why you keep an eye on Kei and Ryuu and track any developments there, and lend a hand if you can. But there's the Kyokai between En and Tai. Not many refugees make it across the Kyokai to En. Compared to Kei, it's almost nothing. Little harm will come to En by standing by and doing nothing."
    "You mean because it's not in En's national interest."
    "That's what I mean."
    "I'm the King of En," Shouryuu said roughly. "So of course I act in En's national interest. You fault me for that? That is the only reason I exist."
    Rokuta glanced at Youko, as if seeking out moral support. "That's about the best you can expect out of a guy like him. Even if you're the only one with her shoulder to the wheel, I'll throw my weight behind your efforts. One way or another, I want to get the little pipsqueak back here."
    "The little pipsqueak."
    "He really was small. And so totally timid. But not without his charms. I've met him on many occasions. If he is suffering wherever he is right now, I want to help him."
    "And I'll do whatever I can."
    Shouryuu pounded his fist on the table. "Kei herself still hovers on the edge of chaos. Should the Royal Kei be dividing her efforts for the sake of other kingdoms? You're traipsing down the garden path."
    "It's the fellowship of the taika. I can't abandon them."
    "And as a fellow taika, let me warn you. This is not the time for you to be setting off on such adventures."
    "But is En going to act?"
    Shouryuu seemed momentarily at a loss for words. "Who do you think I am, first and foremost? I am the servant of En. It's not my job to fix the problems of other kingdoms! En has no end of problems of her own. Are you telling me, the King of En, to put everything on hold and run off and help Tai?"
    Youko looked at Rokuta. "Enki, whatever you've got I'm willing to give it a try. The rejuvenation of Kei may be delayed somewhat, but whatever refugees cross the border into En, I