020　The first order

Since Father abdicated and left the Imperial Palace, I decided to follow custom and move to Seiryouden, where Mikado lived. Most of the court ladies who are in Umetsubo decide to come with me, so I am relieved. I had a lot of things to do, such as organizing my room, separating the things I kept in storage and the things I had around me, and cleaning. Time passes quickly when I look through books and letters to check what's inside.

"Leave it up to us."

I sat in Mikado's seat because even if I was there, I would be in the way of the ladies. I'm sitting on a tatami mat with a floor cushion spread out. The seat was more comfortable than I expected. I'm nervous... I felt a sense of history in the canopied rest seats, and wondered what Mikado had been thinking while sitting here.

Father and Lady Fujitsubo lived in his palace like a normal married couple. Even after his abdication, he holds various events depending on the season. My mother remained in Kokiden as the Empress Mother. I guess she didn't want to follow Father... The Youngest Prince became the Crown Prince and took up residence in Nashitsubo. He's only three years old, so he must be missing his mom. I hope that the court ladies and his nanny will be there to distract him a little.

The Crown Prince's name is Reizei, but I didn't feel comfortable calling him by his first name, so I decided to call him Reizei-san. I feel like this name won't need to be changed even after he becomes Mikado, and it will show some affection and respect.

Reizei-san looked sad after his mom and Father moved to the palace, but he didn't throw a tantrum or cry. He always seems calm and smart and does what the ladies around him say. Isn't he holding back too much?

It is customary for the Crown Prince to be raised at the Imperial Palace, but in my case, Father was Mikado and my mother was at Kokiden, so I didn't feel lonely. Reizei-san must be worried because he has no one to rely on anymore. It would be best if Hikaru came over frequently and watched over him. I was lost in thought as I stared at one point.

"Mikado." 

I suddenly felt someone call me that, and I turned to look forward. Hikaru is sitting in front of me behind the bamboo blinds, looking very polite. 

"Hikaru, it's fine as usual." 

I felt a little weird and smiled.

"I can't do that."

He also let out a chuckle, then quickly turned serious and started talking about work.

"It's about the festival."

"Yes, Sai-in is feeling well, so I think we can do it as planned. Please accompany her on the purification ceremony day."

"Certainly."

Hikaru have been promoted to Taisho (Major Captain), who is responsible for guarding the Emperor. Father probably wanted to give him as high a position as possible before abdicating. However, regardless of his official rank, no matter what kind of work I entrusted to him, I didn't need to worry. Hikaru was cool and steady during his official duties, leaving no room for anyone to take advantage of him.

"Are you busy?"

"If it's your request, I'll be pleased to do it." 

"Please interact with the Crown Prince once a day."

I tried to be as dignified as possible, while he did his best to suppress a chuckle.

"I'll do as you say, Your Majesty."

With that, he bowed gracefully and left my room. Mikado is difficult. It's difficult to give orders to people.

Sai-in was an unmarried imperial princess who served at the deities of the Kamo-jinja Shrines, and my younger sister was in charge of that role. This year, a procession will be held as she has completed purifying herself at the Imperial Palace and is finally leaving for Murasakino. I asked Hikaru to be the imperial messenger of the festival. In addition to him, other high-ranking aristocrats were to accompany the procession in gorgeous attire.