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During the blank period when Reizei-san was not bound by those prophecies, he held various events. In addition to Kemari tournament that Hotaru had aspired to but was unable to hold during my reign, archery competitions, sumo wrestling, waka poetry gatherings, and concerts were held many times. He is willing to listen and approve even the most unprecedented proposals. As it became easier to take long vacations, it became popular among aristocrats to go to Arima Hot Springs. The number of people enjoying Kashiwagi-kun's favorite fishing activity has also increased, and everyone's diverse personalities began to appear in the Imperial Capital.
You have to raise your daughter well and marry her to Mikado, you have to get a good son-in-low and a good wife... The aristocrats were always worried about women, but the various experiences they had during this period gave them a break. The atmosphere became that "life is not just about romantic relationships," and everyone became somewhat cheerful. Reizei-san's reign was rational and innovative, yet peaceful, and everyone lived happily.
The temple I had built on the mountain west of the Imperial Capital had been completed, so I could become a monk at any time.
"Murasaki and Kashiwagi are both in good health, so you can become a monk anytime."
Hikaru also gave me permission to do so, but I couldn't give up my desire to see Reizei-san's reign through to the end, so I spent my days praying at home.
However, before my son became Mikado, his mother, Lady Shokyoden, passed away. I was so shocked that I couldn't stand up for a while. Although she did not suffer from a long illness, she passed away peacefully. When I saw her last sleeping face and my son's tearful eyes, I decided on the spot to become a monk.
"Will you also be gone?"
My son looked at me with regret, but I forced a smile.
"I pray for her and you. You're fine, you've been watching him closely. Please become Mikado with confidence. We really lost a great person... My heart is always with you."
I cut off my long hair, shaved my head, and became a monk. Although she gave birth to the crown prince, I couldn't make her the empress, so I wanted her to at least become Mikado's mother. She did more for us than anyone else... When I close my eyes and imagine her, all I can remember is her gentle smile that envelops us all. We will never forget your deep love and dedication. Maybe I should have become a monk and prayed for her sooner.
◇◇◇
Years have passed, and it has now been 18 years since Reizei-san ascended the throne at the age of 11. He is still young at 28 years old and appears to be in the prime of his life.
"I will miss you. Are you really going to leave?"
I spend my life praying holed up in a temple in the mountains to the west, but on this particular day I just couldn't resist, so I went to the Imperial Palace wearing Buddhist clothing and hood.
"Let's stay here until you are in your 50s and have a prince."
"That's a little too long."
Even after hearing my unreasonable wishes, Reizei-san still smiles as usual.
"I trust Togu-san and Princess Akashi. Their boy is also 6 years old and will make a great crown prince."
By abdicating, he intends to make my son the Emperor and my and Hikaru's grandson the Crown Prince.
"I'll never forget your wonderful reign. My gratitude to you cannot be expressed in words, but... thank you so much."
I bowed deeply and thanked him. His presence is a one-time miracle. When I think about this, my heart feels like it's going to burst with uncontrollable sadness and emptiness. I burst into tears of chagrin, but I held back. After all, he remains childless to this day. I wish I could have helped and supported him more.
Yugiri-kun was sitting diagonally behind me. The last light of sunset casts long shadows over the gardens of the Imperial Palace. This is an east-facing residence befitting Mikado, bathed in morning sunlight. We cannot see the beauty of the setting sun here. The bamboo blinds that separated Mikado from the vassals had all been rolled up today, and the room was silent. To protect our private conversations, there was no one else in the Emperor's chamber except us.
"It's my pleasure. Thank you very much for your help so far."
Even after hearing Reizei-san's polite farewell, Yugiri-kun's expression did not change. He was so silent that I thought about leaving the room. They may have things they can't talk about if I were there.
I sat back down in the corner of the room and waited for a chance to leave. Then Yugiri-kun took my place in the seat in front of Mikado, and began speaking calmly.
"Did you enjoy Mikado?"
"Yes, thanks to your help."
I thought it might be the first time I'd heard just the two of them talking.
"If you enjoyed it, stay here longer."
"I appreciate your suggestion, but..."
Reizei-san smiled and hesitated for a moment, then
"I want Father to be the crown prince's grandfather."
spoke in a matter-of-fact tone regarding important matters.
"Your life is not meant for him."
"You are so gentle."
Yugiri-kun's eyes were more stern than usual, looking almost angry.
"Are you going to go away without leaving anything behind?"
"I'm a fake. It's enough to have my name on the family tree."
Reizei-san said a little mischievously and smiled. Fake...
No matter how great my reign may be, no matter how shining I am, I'm a fake emperor. Has he ever lived his life thinking that way? No matter how beautiful or perfect I am, I'm not real. No matter what I do, I can't be real...
I felt a pain as if my heart was being cut. But he would have suffered the most. No matter how painful it is, he will never be able to reveal this truth.
"You have what I don't have. You can do what I can't do, so... I'm saved by you."
Reizei-san said to Yugiri-kun, smiled and stood up. He comes down to the same floor as us, leaving the scepter that is the proof of the emperor on his seat. His behavior seemed very simple to me as he was leaving the throne he had held for 18 years.
"Aniue (elder brother)."
When Yugiri-kun called out clearly, Reizei-san turned to him, momentarily surprised.
"Oh... what happened?"
He smiles, looking a little confused, probably because it's the first time Yugiri-kun has called him that.
"Even if our dad dies and that prophecy ends, our lives will continue. It might be more fun in the future."
Yugiri-kun was looking straight at his brother, and his piercing gaze was like a ray of light.
"You are my brother. Even if no one knows us, even if we don't truly go down in history, I'm your younger brother. I've always been proud of that. I'll continue to think so forever, even after I die. You are my only, irreplaceable brother."
For a while, it was as if time had stopped, no one moved, and no sound was heard. Reizei-san didn't even blink, but a tear fell down his white cheek like a shooting star. He frowned a little and looked pained. He covered his face with one hand, holding back tears.
"...Thank you."
Still, he smiled and thanked his brother. I sat with my head down at the edge of the room, erasing my presence. This is the first time I've seen him not so calm and unmasked. I felt like I saw something I shouldn't have seen.
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