Raven of the Inner Palace Vol. 1 by Kouko Shirakawa

Author:Kouko Shirakawa [Shirakawa, Kouko]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: light novel
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Published: 2022-12-08T08:00:00+00:00

The smell of red roses was strong in the still night air. Koshun walked between the flowers, shrouded in darkness, and approached the Eno Palace. Kajo was waiting in front of the steps with her ladies-in-waiting. Eisei, holding up a light, took a step back. Kajo lowered herself to her knees to bow to Koshun. She used to be a real tomboy—always beating Koshun in games of tag—but she had grown into a graceful woman. As much as this impressed Koshun, he knew he’d only get an extremely sarcastic response if he were to tell her as much, so he decided to stay quiet.

Having dismissed her ladies-in-waiting, she now offered her guest some tea. “Have you paid the Raven Consort a visit, Your Majesty?” Kajo said.

“I did.”

Kajo gave Koshun an odd, silent look. She had a smile on her face, but it was clear that it was a reproachful one. Criticizing people without using any words had long been a habit of hers.

“I just went to report something to her,” he continued. Naturally, his tone made it sound like he was making excuses. The scene seemed like a younger brother being scolded by his sister.

Kajo let out a sigh. “You ought not to visit her as frequently as you do. It causes unfavorable rumors to circulate.”

“I’m not going that frequently,” Koshun argued.

“The Raven Consort is not like your other consorts. She’s not the sort of woman that you can do what you like with, Your Majesty. You’re being a nuisance, even to her. Why are you getting so childishly attached?”

“Attached?”

“You must be.”

“I…just want to meet with her and talk. That’s all it is.”

Jusetsu’s responses interested him. He wanted to know what she’d say about things, what kind of faces she’d make… He couldn’t help but go and see her.

“If you just want to talk, then talk to one of your other consorts. Chatting is not the Raven Consort’s job. You are taking advantage of her kindness, Your Majesty.”

“What kindness?”

Jusetsu was the kind of girl who’d immediately use force to get rid of you if she didn’t like what was happening.

“She’s a considerate person. She’d never be able to bring herself to cut someone down. That’s why she was kind enough to listen to my request.”

Koshun gazed at his cup of tea. Gentle steam was rising from it.

Kajo had a point. Even when they were investigating the jade earring, Jusetsu had taken pity upon the ghost. It was that sympathy that motivated her to work hard to remedy things.

“Do not cause trouble that will end up harming her unnecessarily. You’ll regret it, Your Majesty.”

“…Fine,” Koshun answered obediently.

He’d never been able to oppose her.

During the third jing—the time period between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.—Koshun left the Eno Palace. It was even darker now, and the scent of the flowers was just as strong. As Koshun was walking through the red roses, he came to an abrupt halt.

“Is there something different about me?” he asked Eisei, who was following from behind like his shadow.

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