047　Dad and son

"Reizei-san told me he had something important to tell me. Sorry, but can you come with me tomorrow? I want you to watch so that no one comes."

Hikaru said with a serious look on his face, so I nodded.

"Of course it's fine, but is it okay if I overhear?"

"No problem. If you'll keep it a secret."

Hikaru already looks anxious.

"I'm sure it'll go well."

I thought Reizei-san wouldn't blame Hikaru for his past. However, considering his current painful feelings, I think it might be better if Hikaru ascended the throne once though...

The next afternoon, we went to the Imperial Palace as Reizei-san called us. All the court ladies were ordered to leave his room, so Hikaru and Reizei-san were left alone. I stood with my back against the rolled-down bamboo blinds, keeping watch to make sure no one came near. 

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"Sometimes my mother would look at me with very sad eyes. She secretly sighs, trying not to let me see. Because of this trouble, she had prayed day and night even after I ascended the throne. She may have gotten sick because she pushed herself too hard."

It seems that Reizei-san is not at the Emperor's seat. I think he's sitting on the floor so that he's at the same eye level as Hikaru. That's what I realized from their conversation, which I could hear in small voices. I sit back down in front of the bamboo blind where I can hear their voices best, and continue to keep an eye on my surroundings. 

"I couldn't help but find it frustrating. I wanted her to tell me everything she was thinking. We are mother and son. I thought I could take on any sin with her. Even though I was small and weak, I wanted to protect her."

Sin... That painful word pierced my heart. Was his birth a sin? Could such a beautiful, intelligent, and kind boy be a child of sin? I wanted to question the Gods and Buddhas. Hikaru listens in silence the whole time, only hearing Reizei-san's calm voice faintly.

"Now that my mother has passed away, I believe I should inherit her prayers. However, it's too heavy for me alone... If you don't mind, could I join you too? I want to pray with you. I'll make amends if I can. If this is a sin, I bear it with you."

After speaking up to this point, Reizei-san remained silent for quite a while.

"Would it be better if I weren't in this world?" 

"Absolutely not! You were our only hope."

I could hear the faint sound of clothes rustling, and I felt like the two of them were hugging each other. They are crying in hushed voices.

"May I call you Father?"

"Yeah... I'm sorry until now."

They didn't move for a while, and only the sounds of sobbing could be heard. Reizei-san... We're really sorry we couldn't tell you the truth until now.

I wanted the dad and son to be alone, but I didn't want anyone to come, so I remained silently guarding the place. I'll be in the shadows and protect them. They were so close yet so far away, but they were finally able to meet again.

"What should I do...?"

"Don't worry, I'll support you. Would you like to protect the country until His Highness grows up?"

Hikaru spoke to Reizei-san gently, caring for him. He is probably encouraging Reizei-san, who is wondering whether to abdicate. I was deeply moved as I sat there holding my breath.

Reizei-san... it must be tough for him. However, I think it's good that He is now able to talk about important things with his dad. It must have been hard for Hikaru to endure it for so long as well. Since Hikaru was determined to never tell his son the secret. Now, 14 years later, the two were finally reunited as dad and son! 

"Then, is Yugiri-kun my younger brother?"

"Yeah."

"May I tell him?"

"Of course. ...But he can keep our secret?"

When Hikaru said that, Reizei-san chuckled a little. Reizei-san now has a younger brother, and Yugiri-kun has an older brother! I was so happy and excited. I hope that they will support each other and become even closer friends.