Culinary Chronicles of the Court Flower: Volume 10 [Parts 1 to 10] by Miri Mikawa

Author:Miri Mikawa
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 4: The First Night

I

From the moment the four consorts had learned of Shohi’s decision to fight, they had spent their days in the Palace of Northern Peaks, buried in books. They were so reluctant to part with their work that they continued their research while in bed. Rimi came to the rear palace several times a day to thank the consorts with sweets.

But three days had passed, and they had discovered nothing.

Autumn was progressing quickly. The evening air was growing chilly, and the maple leaves in the garden were changing color.

“This would be easier if you could just talk to me, Tama,” Rimi said, stroking the dragon’s fur as she sat on the sofa in the emperor’s chambers. Shohi was in his office, meeting with his council.

I wish she could communicate like she did at Castle Seika.

As that thought passed through Rimi’s head, Tama turned her big blue eyes toward the consort, and she let out an inquisitive squeak.

“Can’t you try talking, Tama? Or spell something out with letters like you did at Castle Seika?” Rimi asked.

The little dragon responded with a sorrowful squeak.

Apparently, communicating with words or letters was no easy feat for her. Rimi didn’t believe that Tama wanted to make the consort’s life harder, so it was more likely that there were simply things she couldn’t do. Castle Seika had been brimming with spiritual energy. Without a place like that, maybe some things were just too much to ask.

Even when Tama had said “it is decided,” the dragon herself didn’t seem to understand the meaning of it. How was a human supposed to guess?

“You look out of it, Rimi. You worn out? It must be rough, spending night after night with His Majesty,” Jotetsu commented as he entered the room, clearly amused by his own teasing.

“Please don’t put it so strangely, Master Jotetsu,” Rimi said.

The consort had been unable to return to the Palace of the Water Spirit, so at Shohi’s request, she’d been spending every night in his bed. But, like the first night, nothing had happened. He simply slept soundly.

Jotetsu grinned as he hopped up on the windowsill and crudely propped a leg up.

“Far as I see it, it’s a miracle he hasn’t done anything,” the spy said.

“His Majesty told me he wouldn’t do anything inappropriate.”

“I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to do that. I’m nothing but inappropriate,” Jotetsu said, puffing out his chest.

“Is that something you should be proud of?” Rimi asked, a bit shocked by his demeanor.

A while later, Shohi returned to his room. Right after entering, he came straight to Rimi and sat beside her. He heaved a sigh, slumped back in the seat, and stared at the ceiling.

“Are you tired, Your Majesty? May I pour you some tea?” Rimi asked.

Shohi turned his gaze to her, then softly pet the dragon sitting in her lap. The movement of his fingers was a bit stiff and clumsy.

“No, not tired. My body just feels heavy,” the emperor replied.

“Well, it is cold out. Let’s light a brazier.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.