Chapter Eighty-Four: The Emperor and Hiaki, an Epilogue
HIAKI Gou stood before the emperor with his subordinates and the Wagtail Priestess as he reported on the events of the island’s Irei Festival. When he glanced down at Sai’s petite head lowered in a humble bow next to him, she almost looked like an ordinary lady-in-waiting.
Kneeling, she spoke in a melodious voice that reminded him of chimes. “The Wagtail Priestess has nothing to add to the Right Wing’s report about the damages caused by the assault or how we dealt with the aftermath. As for the inspection of the arcane devices located across the island, I was able to finish that with the clergy without incident. I have already compiled the details in a document that I have passed on to the appropriate priests. I was granted time to recuperate, and my mana levels have been restored without issue.”
Then she appealed to the emperor. She asked that the imperial government refrain from forcing the uninvolved residents to take collective responsibility when determining a fitting penalty.
She said, “The responsibility lies with me, who thoughtlessly chose to overly involve myself in their lives. I understand that they will be punished, but I beg that you be lenient when you make the final verdict.”
She got shot at by arrows and fell off a cliff, and she’s still so kind, huh? thought Hiaki with an internal sigh. A woman like her will suffer in life.
Like she had claimed, her personality truly wasn’t suitable for a wife of a military officer. If she were dispatched to a battlefield as the Wagtail Priestess, she would only achieve the pointless loss of her life.
Her abilities as a supervisor, however, were remarkable, and although she looked like a meek, obedient woman, she had nerves of steel. Her skills would shine best in a peaceful environment, so she should be left to thrive in the place that suited her. The right person in the right place, as the saying went. The woman would do a respectable job of helping the nation flourish from somewhere far from bloodshed.
When she looked up at the emperor, her gaze was soft, filled with adoration and respect. Her expression was clearly different from when she looked at Hiaki, the servants, or the island dwellers.
I might not look it, but I’m also quite the catch, you know, Hiaki thought in the back of his mind.
✦ ✦ ✦
🐦🐦🐦
THE emperor cleared all the people from the room with the exception of Hiaki, the Wagtail Priestess among the procession of people that filtered out. On the throne, the emperor leisurely shook his unfurled wings as he sat with crossed legs. Soon only Emperor Haruka and Hiaki were left behind.
He looked down at Hiaki. “Right Wing,” the emperor began, “We wish to converse in private, so there is no need for formalities. You may speak your mind.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You have met the Wagtail Priestess. How was it?”
Upon hearing the words bestowed upon him through the emperor’s veil, Hiaki lowered his head with a knowing smile. Well, well, what do you mean by that? “Pardon me, Your Majesty, you are granting me permission to be direct with my opinion?”
The reply was a casual “Yeah” that possessed not a hint of propriety, and the tension in Hiaki’s shoulders released.
He decided to answer bluntly. “She is not compatible with the life of a warrior’s wife. She has too little reservation with regard to self-sacrifice. Yet, at the same time, she easily wins over the hearts and loyalties of those around her… Given her character, if you marry her off to a military man, I would not be surprised if she threw herself before the troops on a battlefield to raise morale. If you wish for her to survive, the best way to handle her is to”—Hiaki placed meaningful emphasis on his next words—“keep her in a safe bird cage somewhere and let her sing as she pleases.”
“Hm? That is high praise coming from you, Right Wing.” A chuckle. “Did her chirping win your heart?”
“Oh, I could never.”
It was almost as if the emperor was boasting about his cute little “bird,” and as a single man, Hiaki felt a—ugh, how do I put it—strong sense of…annoyance in his chest. Yes yes, I know, I know. He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. I know that you reeeally cherish your precious Wagtail Priestess.
To back off without retaliating in some way, however, would grate on his conscience. So, casually, he commented, “On that topic, though.” He stole a fleeting glance up at the emperor. “She recently visited our estate for fun. She seems to get along especially well with the women of the Gou clan.”
“For…fun?” The emperor’s wings appeared to jerk a little.
Noting that, Hiaki professed, “Yes. She does not have many friends or family here in Orient, so I am doing what I can to help her feel at home in the Gou clan. After all, she is someone with the ancient blood of the Wagtail Priestess, just like us.”
“I see… That will be beneficial to her.”
“The women, my mother included, were delighted. They fussed over her as if she were their little sister, giving her clothes and recipes—they were so zealous that I almost thought they could have been receiving my bride. My clan has indeed prepared for the case that she marries into our family, but…” He sighed.
“You were the one who said that she is not suited to a clan of warriors, Right Wing.”
“Indeed, I did. Though it is extremely regrettable.”
The emperor was feigning nonchalance, yet he couldn’t fully hide the slight trembling at the tips of his wings. Looks like a thunderstorm will be on the forecast today, thought Hiaki.
“My younger sister, in fact, holds a profound admiration for the priestess and has declared that she wishes to serve at Sekirei Palace,” he said, pressing on. “My father and I are both eager to support her, but may I request your opinion, Your Majesty?”
“…That is good news. We hope that your sister teaches the Wagtail Priestess about your clan.”
“In that case, I shall continue to be involved with the Wagtail Priestess as her family.”
The emperor didn’t offer a reply. In a secret corner of his mind, Hiaki laughed in triumph.