kscans

Chapter 18 - Happy New Year

Now then. Let us turn the story back about two months.

It was a certain day near the end of the year. Everyone was busy, and the town was at its most lively. Entrusting matters to Kiku and Saneyuki, Sanetsugu set out for Kyo to offer his New Year’s greetings.

"Well, I’m off."

"Take care." Sanetsugu’s travel companion was, of course, Sahei. Shortly after they set off, Sahei spoke to his master.

"His Majesty didn’t come for an inspection this year, did he?"

"No. It might be because of Shion-sama’s presence, but I suppose I’ll ask one of the two when we arrive." The "two" he referred to were Nanafushi and Miyake.

"Shall we bring a gift of some kind?" Sahei suggested thoughtfully, but Sanetsugu just laughed it off.

"Hmph. I’d rather not be compared to the East. It’s best not to bring anything from the start."

And so, the two made their way, chatting about this and that, arriving in Kyo a month later. The Emperor resided within a vast estate surrounded by vermilion walls, a sprawling complex of buildings with matching vermilion pillars and roofs. Everything was a single story, so from a distance it looked as if it had been stretched out flat, but up close, its scale was dizzying, built with imposing grandeur. The reason it resembled a shrine was that it was, in fact, a facade. The state had established and managed the site under the pretense that the land was spiritually potent. The Emperor was, for all intents and purposes, the head priest. The local residents referred to him respectfully as Yukimitsu-sama, and he was known as a case of "Divine Possession."

But that aside. After passing through the gate and walking for half a league, the two finally reached the palace the Emperor used as his audience chamber. They removed their sandals at the foot of the three-step staircase and ascended—only to find Kagasaki Razan had arrived ahead of them. He was just finishing a bow after seating himself before the Emperor. Razan, sensing both the Emperor's gaze and the presence behind him, turned slightly, pulling back his shoulder. Beside him, a man and a woman remained with their heads bowed. The woman seemed young, while the man was somewhat older. Sahei surmised the woman was likely his wife—the very woman for whom Shintaro still harbored feelings. He resolved to feign ignorance, but it was a herculean task to stop the cold sweat from beading on his brow.

"You’re late. I was worried something might have happened on the road," Razan said in greeting. Sanetsugu’s lip curled into a sarcastic smirk.

"We are not so late as all that." Sanetsugu spat out the words, then sat formally in the same row as Razan’s party and bowed his head to the Emperor.

"Happy New Year, Your Majesty. I look forward to your continued favor this year." From a raised platform about five ken (roughly nine meters) away, the Emperor snapped his fan shut.

"It is good to see both East and West are well. The masters of the two Towers see each other but once a year. You should both relax and stay a while."

Once the greetings were over, both parties briskly exited the palace. A court attendant was waiting to guide them to their rooms. But this guide… Sahei wished they could somehow be shown to their rooms separately. It was the same every year. There was no way Sanetsugu and Razan could remain peaceful in each other’s presence. As East and West, they were forced to compete in all manner of things. Sure enough, the jousting began almost immediately.

"Your son must be of a fine age by now. Have you considered retirement?"

"I won’t yield my position until the day I die."

"Oh my. Then do you plan for your house to end with your generation?"

"Nonsense. The Masaki family simply does not indulge in luxury. We are in none of the peril you seem to be facing."

"How long, I wonder, will such bravado serve you?" At Razan’s mocking tone, Sanetsugu stopped in his tracks.

"It seems your parents failed to teach you any manners… Ah, but that’s right, both the thirteenth master and his wife passed away so early. You never had the chance to learn, did you?" This time, it was Razan who stopped, his face freezing over.

"I do not show courtesy to those unworthy of my respect." Sanetsugu let out a sharp laugh.

"And who’s the one putting on a brave face now? You’re just a pathetic child, aren’t you, Fourteenth Master."

"What did you say?" Having made his provocative statement, Sanetsugu abruptly glanced at the older man and young woman accompanying Razan.

"And who might you be?" For a moment, Razan’s tense expression went blank. But seeing an opportunity to change the subject, he made the introduction.

"My wife and her father."

"Hah! Her father, is it? A father is a father, even one by marriage. You would do well to learn from him." With that, Sanetsugu began walking again. Razan hurried to follow.

"I was thoroughly beaten with all sorts of lessons from a young age. There is nothing more for me to learn."

"I am telling you to learn the basics of life."

"Absurd."

"Hmph. You truly are a pitiful creature."

"Keep talking."

The father, the daughter, and Sahei stared blankly at the backs of their masters as they walked away, trading insults. Eventually, Sahei sighed, pulled out a cloth, and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"It’s the same every year, but I’m amazed they never tire of arguing. Perhaps they’re actually good friends." The daughter reacted to his mutter.

"Does this happen… always?" Startled at being addressed so suddenly, Sahei looked at her. She was a beautiful woman, with sharp features and feminine grace coexisting in perfect harmony. I see. No wonder he can’t let her go, Sahei thought, strangely convinced. But compared to Shion, she seemed to fade into the background. He still couldn't understand why a man like Shintaro was so fixated on this woman. Sahei instinctively averted his gaze from the daughter and looked at the man who was her father.

"You must be Hokura-sama, if I’m not mistaken." He knew it was disingenuous, but he asked anyway. The man’s eyes widened slightly.

"Indeed. I am Hokura Saimon. This is my daughter, Mana."

"I thought as much. I’ve heard that your dojo is one of the five most prestigious in the East. Ah, forgive my late introduction. My name is Sahei. I travel the land, but I am fundamentally in the service of Sanetsugu-sama. We may not have many opportunities to meet, but fate has brought us together. I hope you will remember me."

"Oh no, the pleasure is all mine. This is my first time in Kyo. I’m completely lost. I would be most grateful if you could guide me in matters of etiquette." They bowed to each other and shook hands lightly. Saimon had no ulterior motives, but Sahei did. He was curious about the Shintaro that Saimon knew. After all, he was a vital figure on whom the future of the Masaki family depended. It wouldn't hurt to investigate him from every possible angle.

"What do you say? Once you’ve recovered from your journey, perhaps we could have some tea together?" Sahei said, ensuring their greeting didn't end as a mere social formality. Saimon fell for it completely.

"Oh, that sounds wonderful."

"Then I shall come to invite you later."

"I will be waiting."