Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon - Volume 2 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Meeting (2)

"...'Tatsuishi, you're going to appear before the Emperor dressed like that?"

Kiyoka could feel a headache coming up as he massaged his temples.

Unfortunately, since the Tatsuishi family had now gone under the Kudou family, the responsibility of supervising over them now rested on Kiyoka's shoulders. And it's not like he could complain about it.

"I'm not a military man, and besides, I've heard that it's alright for ability users to dress like that."

Kazushi explained calmly and didn't find anything wrong with his attire.

What he said was indeed true. There were no rules that he had to specifically abide by as an ability user other than obeying the emperor. Therefore, since he wasn't an ability user in the military, there wasn't any particular dress code and the like for him.

This had been a custom from long before the Meiji Restoration and it was also proof of just how special the existence of an ability user was to the country.

However, Kiyoka just wished Tatsuishi Kazushi some maintained basic decorum. It hurt his eyes to see Tatsuishi Kazushi's outfit of flashy primary colours of red and yellow.

"Kudou-san, this is my formal attire, so to speak. You don't have to be so rigid."

".. Just this once. I'll strike you if I see this again."

Ookaito sighed as he watched the two people before him and gave Kiyoka a look that read: "You have it hard too, huh."

Despite this little hiccup, they had finally met up with Kazushi and it was time for their meeting with that esteemed individual. Although the atmosphere of the palace was heavy and solemn, Kiyoka and Ookaito were well-accustomed to it.

They arrived at the innermost part of the palace. Beyond the opulent set of sliding doors was a room where the royal would hold an audience with them.

"I beg your pardon, it's Ookaito, Kudou, and Tatsuishi, may we enter?"

"---You may enter."

With barely a pause, a reply came from inside the room when Ookaito greeted him on behalf of the three of them.

"It's been a long time since I last gave you my greetings, Takaihito-sama."

When they entered the room, they were met with the sight of that eminent figure in front of the tokonoma they were facing.

His skin was pure white and his lips bright red; he had a pair of long, narrow eyes they could not read. Even though he was a man who was of similar age as Kiyoka, his unworldly appearance that could be described as both feminine and masculine by those who had been graced by his presence, held a natural sense of intimidation.

That man had no family name; known only by the name Takaihito.

That's right, he was one of the emperor's children. In other words, he was the prince of this country, and most importantly, he was the frontrunner to succeed the throne as the next emperor.

"I'm glad to see you, Masashi, Kiyoka-and the new head of the Tatsuishi family."

Kiyoka and the others all bowed their heads deeply in unison. As expected, even Kazushi was quiet here.

Takaihito rested his hands on the armrest with a smile tugging at his lips.

"Raise your heads, all three of you. You may be at ease."

"Yes, we beg your pardon."

Following Ookaito's answer, Kiyoka and Kazushi raised their heads and straightened their postures. Though no one was really foolish enough to allow themselves to be at ease as Takaihito said, the tense atmosphere did relax slightly.

Kiyoka exchanged a look with Ookaito before swapping positions with the latter.

As the main subject of the meeting was regarding abilities, it was under the jurisdiction of Kiyoka. While Ookaito was his superior, he was not an ability user and his company was only due to formalities.

Kiyoka opened his mouth to speak with his head slightly lowered.

"...Takaihito-sama, may I introduce this individual?"

"Alright, let's hear it."

Then, Kazushi who was prompted took a step forward with his head hung low.

"I am the new head of the Tatsuishi family, Tatsuishi Kazushi. Although my family has been blessed by the heavens with abilities, we've committed a grave crime, yet you've granted me an audience with you, and I would like to express my sincerest gratitude."

"Don't worry about it. You must've had it hard as well."

"Ah, I am unworthy of such words. From now on, the Tatsuishi family will be the hands and feet of the Kudou family, and we will do our best to restore the honour and trust of our family, as well as to serve the royal family."

"On behalf of the Emperor, we forgive the Tatsuishi family. I wish you all the best and hope that you do not go back on the promise you made today."

Kazushi bowed deeply once more while saying "Understood."

There was only one path for ability users, and that was to serve the emperor. Therefore, even if they are charged as guilty and served their punishment according to the laws of society, without the permission of the emperor, their worth as ability users will be denied.

The Tatsuishi family has now once again been allowed to serve the emperor.

"You've worked hard as well, Kiyoka. Regarding the Saimori family... what a pity."

No matter how badly the Saimori family had fallen, they were still a family of ability users and the loss of such a family was a great loss for both the emperor and the empire. Originally, for a situation like this, they should have been severely pursued to take responsibility.

However, since no one died and the Saimori family had already been punished, losing their standing and fading into obscurity, this much was enough.

Kiyoka lowered his eyes gloomily.

"I sincerely apologise for my lack of ability."

"No matter. It was as fate has decreed."

Takaihito said with a smile while nodding magnanimously. Hearing that, Kiyoka relaxed his stiff shoulders and heaved a deep sigh.

Since they were kids, both the prince and Kiyoka had been at the forefront of their respective circles-the most promising amongst princes and ability users respectively-as such, the relationship between the two transcended formality and convention, and was much closer than it should have been.

"Thank you for your generosity. Then-l've heard word that you have received a revelation, Takaihito-sama."

"Mhm." In the future, some troublesome supernatural apparitions will appear."

Kiyoka frowned at the sound of troublesome apparitions.

"Revelation" was an ability that is passed down from generation to generation, only to the direct descendants of emperors.

It's said that those who possess this ability are told by the gods in advance of the calamities that will befall the country—in other words, "Prophecy".

With this ability, emperors have been able to learn of national crises, allowing them to make every effort to avert them or minimise the damage.

The fact was that Kiyoka did not know if there truly was a divine revelation from God. However, it was the duty of ability users to carry out their missions following these revelations and they did have historical evidence of that in the battles against the supernatural.

Even though Takaihito was the second son of the emperor, he inherited the power of revelation which the eldest did not and it was almost guaranteed that he would be the next emperor—that was how important the ability of revelation was.

On a side note, at present, the emperor was not in good health, which was why Takaihito was acting as his substitute, relaying the revelation, and giving instructions to Kiyoka and the others.

"Take extra care. If you aren't careful, some may lose their lives in this battle."

The weight of those words was instantly taken up a notch as Kiyoka received Takaihito's words solemnly.

Naturally, there was always the risk of death in battle, but for him to be summoned like this and forewarned so directly was a rare instance.
"...What is the thing? Is it a demon5 or fallen god of some kind?"

"Well, I haven't inherited the throne yet, so my power is still unstable; I can't see thatfar."

"...I understand, so either way, it'll certainly be dangerous."

"Mhm."

Then he'd have to go about it extra carefully.

If it was dangerous for ability users like Kiyoka, then it would be even more so for those who are innocent and know nothing of such supernatural beings.

Ookaito and Kazushi, who had been listening to the conversation thus far, also seemed to hold their breath as the words left them slightly on edge.

"Please inform me again should you have any more visions, Takaihito-sama."

"Yes, I'll be counting on you when the time comes."

"—Oh, just one more thing, Kiyoka..."

Just when Kiyoka thought it was over and was about to take his leave, he was stopped by Takaihito.

"Yes, Takaihito-sama?"

"I heard that you got engaged at last."

That annoying topic again? Whether it was Ookaito or everyone else, recently, this topic seemed to always come up whenever he met with an acquaintance.

Kiyoka was starting to get tired of talking about it all the time.

However, it didn't seem like Takaihito was here to tease him about his engagement.

"About your fiance... well, things are going to be tough from now on."

"...Tough?"

"But it'll probably be fine since it's you. Fufu."

Takaihito said cheerily.

"Is that a revelation as well?"

However, Kiyoka did not receive an answer from the prince who sees the future.

Kiyoka has known him long enough to know that the latter would not tell him everything.

"...I will keep that in mind."

And with that, the meeting with Takaihito came to a close as Kiyoka and the others left the palace, each with their own considerations for the near future.