044　Picture-matching contest

Reizei-san loved looking at pictures and was good at drawing since he was a little. He also often drew pictures of me and Hikaru. 

Lady Umetsubo who recently married him also seems to be good at drawing. Reizei-san spent his daytime hours at Umetsubo, deepening his relationships with her. That seems to have sparked the competitive spirit of Lady Kokiden's father, the provisional vice-councilor of state. A conflict has begun to arise among the consorts over Mikado, with they collect trendy ink paintings but don't show them to him at Kokiden.

"He still hates losing!"

Although Lady Aoi's older brother has been trying desperately not to lose to Hikaru since he was young. Hikaru smiled bitterly and seemed to be somewhat glad to see his attitude as usual. 

"But it's not good to hold back great paintings. Let's compete openly."

In this way, collecting and having people draw good pictures gradually became popular at the Imperial Palace. I only go to Nashitsubo to see my son, so I can just get a feel for the atmosphere, and it seems like Kokiden is pretty enthusiastic. I was surprised that even Lady Oborozukiyo started collecting paintings.

"If we're going to compete, I wanna win!"

The current Lady Kokiden is her niece, so naturally she seems to support Kokiden's side. Should I do something too? I remembered how wonderful the ceremony of Lady Saigu's departure to Ise was, so I decided to have an artist draw it and present it to Umetsubo. I received some paintings from my mother to give to Kokiden, and even my 5-year-old son is learning how to draw from his nanny. Everyone seem completely absorbed in the painting.

Hikaru was also collecting pictures to support Lady Umetsubo, but he seemed somewhat reluctant.

"I think it's a scary play to have the left and right teams compete and then watch and enjoy it. I don't wanna lose, so I'll prepare though."

There were so many paintings at both Umetsubo and Kokiden that it has become hard to get Reizei-san to see them. As a result, a picture-matching contest was held in front of Mikado a few weeks later.

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The picture-matching contest became a large-scale event, attended by Mikado and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, as well as court nobles and high-ranking courtiers. I was thinking of watching from behind a pillar, 

"Sit here!"

Hotaru offered me a nice seat in the back.

"Thank you. You're giving here to me?"

"Yeah. I'm asked to be a referee."

When Hotaru stepped in front of Reizei-san, he happily waved at him from his high seat. He noticed me,

"Suzaku-san! Let's watch it together."

and offered me a seat next to him.

"Thank you for your kind words, but I will sit here."

I was humbled and sat down in the seat Hotaru gave me. I believe this is an event hosted by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, so I will try to keep a low profile.

I thought this was an amazing event, as the boxes for paintings, the rugs spread out, and even the attire of the children serving were elaborately designed. How many orders were made for this day, and how many craftsmen worked with all their hearts?

Umetsubo from the left team and Kokiden from the right team will compete by presenting paitings to suit several themes. Hikaru is on the left team, and the provisional vice-councilor is on the right team, sitting politely. Hotaru was quick to judge, taking advantage of his athleticism.

"Hmm, not easy..."

However, since both have only carefully selected paintings, it can sometimes be difficult to judge.

"That would be on this side."

"Oh, I understand." 

Her Majesty the Empress Dowager sometimes gives advice when Hotaru is in trouble. The picture-matching contest continued into the night as both teams were close. As a final item, Hikaru brought out a picture scroll of Suma Bay that he had drawn himself. It not only showed the skill of the painting, but also the sadness of the time, and everyone was overwhelmed, and the left team won.

"You're good at drawing too? Kind of creepy."

After the contest ended and the drinking party began, Hotaru muttered with a sigh.

"Versatility never pays. I would leave nothing behind."

Even though Hikaru won, he doesn't seem too joyful and is drinking quietly.

"She's like an empress-regnant...!" 

Hikaru seemed so disappointed that he said those words over and over again.

"She looked good standing above people. She has the knowledge, education, and pride to match that."

He looks lonely and regretful, but he's also resigned.

"Mikado's mother can have such great power? I mistakenly thought that kind of behavior was cause it was your mother. Anyone can become that." 

"Maybe so." 

I agreed with him, remembering the regal figure of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

"She probably couldn't have survived without becoming stronger. I think she had no choice but to be strong due to a fear of my mother."

"That's not all." 

Hikaru laughed a little.

"Her actions were probably the right ones, as a mother supporting the young emperor." 

He said this with a look of regret and respect for his former partner who had become a perfect mother.

The moon rose much later in the evening, and musical instruments were handed out to today's main actors. The provisional vice-councilor looked disappointed after losing, but he probably didn't want to show it on his face, as he played his six-stringed koto with an unconcerned expression. He is a master at it, so he plays brilliantly, conscious of everyone listening.

"I've not played this since in a while!"

Hotaru received the 13-string koto and tuned it with ease. His tone resonates lightly, like a butterfly moving through flowers. Hikaru received the seven-stringed koto and played it a little melancholy. When a court lady held a biwa and all of them played together, the relaxing music spread throughout the Imperial Palace in spring and colored the dawn sky. 

In praise of many great games in the picture-matching contest, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager rewarded everyone. She also gives Hotaru a gorgeous outfit.

"Please give a picture scroll of Suma Bay to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."

With that said, Hikaru left the party.

"I wanna develop the culture and art that is said to have started in the era of Emperor Reizei. So that his name will be remembered for posterity."

Hikaru spoke nonchalantly and had the face of a kind Dad.