076　One of the hell

I heard that Hikaru's daughter's wedding was a splendid event that no one had seen in recent years. I found out about it because even the ladies who served Suzaku-in were talking about it. Accompanying her to the Imperial Palace was her mother, a woman named Lady Akashi. Then Hikaru's only daughter lives in Kiritsubo and is called Princess Akashi. Some people rumored that she was a low-ranking princess, but Togu liked her and visited Kiritsubo frequently. Will the prophecy still come true? I felt relieved and prayed for the happiness of these young people.

"Suzaku-san, let's go to Rokujo-in." 

When summer passed and we were about to enter autumn, I received a letter from Reizei-san. 

"Father will be 40 years old next year, so we'll be celebrating.* More than anything, I would like to congratulate Yugiri-kun grandly on his marriage. You are welcome to come as well." 

*At that time, 40 years old was considered a long life and was celebrated.

I thought it was a very excited letter, which is unusual for Reizei-san, who is always calm. He becomes very lively and serious when it comes to Yugiri-kun. However, is it okay for Mikado and former Mikado to go there at the same time? It says please come, but that is Hikaru's house. I am considering the difficulties of Hikaru, the person who is hosting us. Since it is Reizei-san's order, I am certain that I will follow it, but I will write to Hikaru and ask about it. 

"Since this is Reizei-san's order, I will follow it no matter what, but is it okay if I go to your house too?"

"No problem at all. I'd be happy if you could come too. Don't care about my age. Let's celebrate Yugiri." 

Hikaru seemed to have been preparing for quite some time and readily agreed. I'm a little nervous. Rokujo-in, where Hikaru lives, is certainly a very spacious mansion, but it would be unusual for Mikado and In (former Mikado) to come together.

Reizei-san elevated Hikaru to an official rank that compared him to the Retired Emperor and increased his income. Hikaru's treatment, which was already good, was given even more preferential treatment. Is this also according to that prophecy? It looks like Hikaru will live out the rest of his life in peace as a successful person. The Minister of the Interior became the Grand Minister of the state, and Yugiri-kun became the vice-councilor of the state. His position has also risen considerably. Reizei-san is seriously trying to get him promoted.

◇◇◇

Around October 20th, Mikado went to Rokujo-in. Reizei-san seems to have been there since the morning. It's a great honor to have Mikado come, but it must be hard for Hikaru to welcome him. 

I went there in the afternoon when I thought the event would calm down a bit. At Rokujo-in, the arched bridges and connecting corridors were lined with brocade, and elegant curtains were strung up everywhere, making it look like a festival. There was a cormorant fisherman on the east side of the pond. It seems that he was purposely summoned from outside the Imperial Capital. Yugiri-kun's marriage is being celebrated on an astonishing scale. 

Reizei-san and I were shown to seats in the autumn section where we could see the beautiful autumn leaves. Reizei-san issued an imperial order and had Hikaru, who was sitting one step below, sit between us. Today he has no reservations.

"Don't you really have to ascend to the throne?" 

When Reizei-san gently whispered in Hikaru's ear, he smiled bitterly and shook his head. Hikaru has outstanding talent as a politician, so I also feel that it would be a waste if he did not ascend to the throne. However, he is probably satisfied with his current life in this spacious mansion. They must have talked about something with a father and son, and Reizei-san seems to be a little more energetic than before.

Fishes from the pond and birds caught by falconry were prepared and served to us by order of the Grand Minister of the state. The marriage of Yugiri-kun and Lady Kumoi-no-kari seems to have restored the relationship between Hikaru and the Grand Minister of the state. Although it was not a political marriage, this is a wonderful result. Many imperial princes and court nobles came, and of course Hotaru was there too. Before long, alcohol is served and everyone begins to get drunk. 

"There were parties like this in the past as well."

"It's the Autumn Excursion."

Hikaru and I were reminiscing over 20 years ago. It feels so nostalgic and truly time flies. At dusk, gagaku musicians came and played soothing music. Aristocrat boys serving at the Imperial Palace as apprentices perform their dance skills. The Grand Minister of the state's son, who was about 10 years old, danced well, so Reizei-san took off his clothes and gave them to him as a reward. Then, the Grand Minister of the state performs a dance of thanks. 

"We had danced Seigaiha together before."

When Hikaru spoke from his seat above, the Grand Minister of the state looked down in embarrassment. Even though they seemed to be side by side when they were younger, he was never able to surpass Hikaru in the end... He is the eldest son of a former Minister of the Left, and his mother is the sister of Emperor Kiritsubo. His rise through the ranks would have been quicker if his cousin, Prince Hikaru, had not become a vassal. The difference between them is only slight.

This system, in which the people of kinship compete for fewer government positions, will inevitably reach its limits someday. Resentment will always build up among those who have not been rewarded despite their enthusiasm and ability. Everyone knows that, but they can't stop because they don't want to fall behind. I think this Imperial Capital will come to an end someday. This place could be one of the hell, it just deceives us with its flashy appearance. 

When the evening breeze blew and scattered the autumn leaves, the large garden became as beautiful as if it were covered in brocade. Musical instruments are brought in front of us. I wonder if the ensemble will start after all... While I was sitting there nervously, 

"Well, is this play almost over?" 

Hotaru came in between Hikaru and Reizei-san and sat down with a sake cup.

"Your actions were quite as predicted, Your Majesty?" 

"I could have made it more showy." 

Reizei-san was in a pretty good mood and smiling. When he glanced at Yugiri-kun, who was waiting below, nonchalantly came and sat down next to him. 

"Have everyone gotten drunk?"

"The Grand Minister of the state is asleep."

When Yugiri-kun answered that, Reizei-san smiled happily.

"Congratulations on your marriage, Yugiri-kun!"

"Thank you very much."

Reizei-san seems to be having fun the entire time; Yugiri-kun really is his favorite and he is always supports him. Yugiri-kun seems to be a little drunk, his ears are bright red and his eyes look scarier than usual. It's also interesting because it makes him look better. 

"I'm so happy..."

I murmured this with a deep feeling. I wish this happiness could last forever. 

"I wish those books had ended here. I'm the happiest in my life right now." 

Hikaru murmurs the same thing as me. He looks a little sad as he drinks.

"Will something happen after this?"

I had a bad feeling and asked Hikaru. 

"You are the one who drops a bomb on me when my daughter and son are married and the burden has been lifted off my shoulders."

"Me?!" 

I was so surprised that I answered out loud.

"Yeah. You're always behind the tragedies of my life." 

Hikaru said this in such a pessimistic manner that I felt sad too. 

"Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry..." 

"I can't help it. I guess that's our fate." 

Hikaru gulped down his sake and stared ahead for a while. Does the author of those books of prophecies hate me? 

"Would you like me to disappear?" 

I imagined a large pond in this mansion and thought that since I was short, I could sink into there. 

"No way! Don't add more uncertainty." 

Hikaru stops me, even though he is drunk and grumpy. What should I do? I realized it was time to ask about the contents of those prophecies that I didn't read because they were uncanny.