075　Yugiri's marriage

March 20th was the death anniversary of Yugiri-kun's grandmother, Mrs. Omiya, and a memorial service was held at the temple. She is my father's sister and my aunt, but I didn't go because if I tried to go there, I'd end up bothering the people around me. I secretly sent a gift of condolence to the lady who was Lady Aoi's lady-in-waiting. Most of us do not leave this Imperial Capital for the rest of our lives, so the longer we live, the more relatives we have. Counting aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins, the whole town is filled with relatives.

After Lady Aoi passed away, Yugiri-kun's grandparents mostly took care of and raised him in their home. Since I was Mikado, I could only watch from a distance, but I'm really glad that Yugiri-kun grew up safely. I think it's partly because Lady Aoi protected him from heaven. I thanked them and prayed with my palms together toward the western sky.

Then after Lady Tamakazura, his grandmother Mrs. Omiya probably helped him again this time. At this memorial service, I heard that the Minister of the Interior spoke to Yugiri-kun and expressed his desire to reconcile. 

"Are you angry that he punched you?"

"I'm not angry at all." 

When I asked him this before, Yugiri-kun clearly denied it with strong eyes.

"I think he was right in hitting me. I would do the same thing if I were in his shoes."

Yugiri-kun isn't as flashy and competitive as the Minister of the Interior, but they probably have something in common on the inside. He is Lady Aoi's older brother and Yugiri-kun's uncle, so they may be surprisingly similar in some respects. Yugiri-kun doesn't hold a grudge against him at all, but he may have been hesitant to talk to Yugiri-kun, who has become a respectable man, until now.

April has arrived, and the wisteria flowers have begun to bloom beautifully. Morning and evening, I shut myself up in the room with the Buddhist altar and prayed. Yugiri-kun's grandfather and grandmother, Lady Aoi, please protect him so he can get married... One day while I was praying like that, 

"His Excellency the councilor and Middle Captain has come."

a court lady in charge said to me, and I looked up. When I turned around, Yugiri-kun was standing there, more dignified and shining brightly than usual. 

"It’s a pleasure to see you again."

"Hi, long time no talk."

I bowed to him, prepared a seat for him, and sat down with him. 

"The other day I got married to Kari."

"Wow... congratulations." 

I felt deeply moved that this day had finally come.

"I'm going to repair the Sanjo mansion and live with her."

"It's your grandparents' house?"

"Yes, we have memories of growing up there."

I couldn't say anything and covered my face with both hands. I'm so overwhelmed with emotion that I can't find the words.

"I'm happy for you..." 

I couldn't help but want to congratulate him, even though I knew that if I said anything, tears would fall. 

"Your grandfather, grandmother, and Lady Aoi will be delighted..." 

As I wiped away my large tears with both hands, I felt the greatest joy I've ever had in my life. I remember the first time I met 8-year-old Yugiri-kun, and how he came to my house without telling Hikaru, and I feel so blessed to have been able to watch him grow up until now. 

"You have really persevered and worked hard until now..." 

His mother passed away soon after he was born, and he was forced to start at Sixth Rank, where he studied a lot at Daigaku-ryo. He faced many difficulties that other aristocrats did not experience. Conflicts with his father, Hikaru, would also have bothered him. I respect this young man from the bottom of my heart, as he has endured hardships that I have never faced before.

"You are my irreplaceable nephew. I'm so proud of you." 

I wiped my tears and spoke to him clearly. 

"Thank you for your praise." 

He thanked me in a calm voice and waited for a while until my tears subsided. 

"Have you seen Reizei-san yet?" 

"I'm going there now." 

"Thank you for coming first. Please give my regards to him."

I was surprised that he had come to see me before Reizei-san, but I was grateful and bowed to him.

"How is Kashiwagi-kun?"

"Very good. He's been fishing lately." 

"Wow, fishing?" 

I was a little surprised, but Yugiri-kun said with a smile deep in his sharp eyes. 

"He rides a horse to the river and seems to be leisurely casting a fishing line." 

"That's great." 

I had never been outside of the Imperial Capital, so I was surprised at his ability to act. What kind of joy and excitement does it bring to catch a fish? I would like to try that too, but I can't swim so I'm afraid. Kashiwagi-kun has a sense of adventure. I thought Reizei-san was kind as well for allowing this.

"My sister's marriage is around April 20th."

Yugiri-kun told me that and left. It's finally marriage... Will my son Togu be kind to her? I don't think even parents and children should talk about things like this, so I just prayed.

Hikaru said they would become very close and have grandchildren. After Togu finished his coming-of-age ceremony and welcomed his consort, I tried not to go see him too much so as not to bother him. I think he's definitely starting to become independent from me, just like Yugiri-kun, and I don't want to get in his way. I would like to leave the future to young people and live my life quietly, looking forward to their success.