When they arrived back at Kōsaten, Shuei was stunned to see many people wandering the property and loitering about. He counted at least twenty. "What—Who are these people?!" he exclaimed, looking at San.
"All of the Seishin who live on Earth," San said. "There's less than one hundred Seishin left, and they have to have special permission from Ten'nō to move here. If they do, they have to be on-call to come back to Seirei-Kai at any time to report to Ten'nō."
"You all can't leave Japan?"
"We can," San said as he pulled into the garage. The door was wide open, but Shuei wasn't concerned with how many Seishin were milling about. "But because we have to report back to Ten'nō at his command, it's more convenient to simply live in Japan. Also since Japanese is the only Earth language all Seishin speak fluently it's easier living here. Those who live in Seirei-Kai however are required by law to live in the capital. As Seirei-Kai is otherwise an empty world this ensures the safety of the remaining population."
Shuei shuddered. "I can't imagine the entire population of Earth being reduced to one hundred people in one place..."
"Well Seirei-Kai itself is not as big as Earth," San said. "If you were to do a planetary size comparison between the two, Seirei-Kai would be roughly the size of Earth's Moon, and most of the acreage is mountains. And the population of Seirei-Kai has never been as big as the population of Earth. The highest population Seirei-Kai ever experienced was 20,000 people, and that was when we still had women."
"Hmm." They both climbed out of the car. "We'll leave your bags for now," San said. "Otou-san wants to see you straight away."
"Fantastic," Shuei grumbled, slamming the car door shut.
"Monbon-san!"
Shuei looked up to see a man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties hurry around the car to him. He had dark hair, but his dark eyes had the familiar blue halos. "Monbon-san," the man said. He offered Shuei a business card. "I'm glad to have finally met you. I'm Kaneda Nakada. You probably know my father—"
"Yes, Kento-ishi," Shuei said. "He—did a lot of healing for me. Sorry, I don't have a card—"
"No, it's fine," Kaneda said. "I just wanted to introduce myself to you. And to let you know how sorry I am about your father."
Shuei stiffened, and he stared at Kaneda in shock. He—He's the first Seishin who offered me condolences for my dad!
"And your grandfather," Kaneda added and Shuei couldn't help but roll his eyes. "But I know that you didn't really have a relationship with Hogo-sama so I mentioned your father first, Monbon-san."
I didn't have a relationship with my grandfather because he was an asshole, Shuei thought snidely. "Thank you, Nakada-san," he said aloud.
"Call me Kaneda," Kaneda quickly corrected him. "I don't care about honorifics, I'll be heading back to school in a few days anyways—"
"Kaneda," San spoke up suddenly, and Kaneda flinched at his voice. "We need to go see Ouji-sama."
"Ah, of course San-sama," Kaneda said respectfully, bowing stiffly. "I apologize for not introducing myself—"
"It's fine." San grabbed Shuei's arm. "Let's go."
Shuei didn't protest as San pulled him towards the front door, but his breathing stilted as they crossed the front courtyard. There was no lingering sign that three people had been killed there. No blood stained the ground and the earth looked undisturbed. But his eyes fell on the area of ground where he had knelt with a gun pointing at his head and he stopped in his tracks.
"What—" San had started to snap, but then he stopped. Shuei almost didn't hear him, still staring at the ground where he had almost died. It felt like it had happened an eternity ago, when it had only happened the day before.
These are very dangerous people. I almost died. I was upset when Kazuhisa blamed everything on me. Kadokawa-san fought to keep me here, but...do I even want to stay here? He ducked his head and gritted his teeth. But if not here...where else can I go? Home in Tokyo isn't home for me anymore...
"Hey." San leaned in close to speak to him softly. "Are you all right, Shuei?"
Shuei swallowed hard and forced himself to nod. "I'm fine. Let's go, San."
They entered the house and as they removed their shoes Shuei was shocked to see Haruto appear and grab San for hug. "I'm glad to see you! Are you okay?"
"I'm okay, Papa," San told him. Now that Shuei knew the truth about San he couldn't help but be in awe of Haruto. Haruto wasn't biologically related to San but was still a loving father to San despite the manner in which San was conceived. Shuei knew that Haruto didn't like Kazuhisa, who was one of San's biological fathers, and he knew that it was related on how Kazuhisa treated San.
Haruto-san gets it, though. He understands that what happened to Kazuhisa isn't San's fault and that San shouldn't be blamed for it.
"Haruto-san, are you okay?" Shuei asked him.
"Ah, a respectful tone!" Haruto said, releasing San to address Shuei. "You wear it well, Shuei-san!"
Shuei bristled at his comment. He's still an asshole. Damn it all.
"But I'm fine," Haruto reassured him, smiling sincerely. "I've suffered worse injuries than a gunshot wound to the chest. It'll take more than that for Haruto Kadokawa to fall!"
"You saved my life," Shuei acknowledged, bowing slightly. "I know San was your priority, but—"
"Well I am his papa," Haruto said, shrugging. "But I was happy to have protected you as well, Shuei-san. It's been a while though since I was involved a fight like that. I think I'm a bit out of shape."
Shuei looked him over with a raised brow. Out of shape? I don't see a trace of fat on your body!
"But anyway, let's go," Haruto said, waving to them. "Anata is waiting for you both."
Haruto led both San and Shuei to the sitting room where they had all of their meals. The other tenants were present sitting around the room but only Renjiro was seated at the low table. He motioned for Shuei to sit across from and Shuei complied without protest. Haurto and San sat in front of the shoji screen doors.
"You're going to Seirei-Kai on Saturday to meet Ten'nō, Shuei," Renjiro announced.
"EH?!" Shuei exclaimed in shock.
"Ten'nō has granted my appeal, but instead of redoing the evaluation he wants to meet with you in person," Renjiro told him, narrowing his eyes at Shuei. "So we will bring you to Seirei-Kai so you can present yourself to Ten'nō. Ten'nō will give another evaluation of you personally, and will determine whether or not you will become the official Gatekeeper."
"I-I-I—you guys want me to go to your world?!" Shuei sputtered. "Is that okay?! I'm not a Seishin!"
"You've been granted special permission by Ten'nō to go to Seirei-Kai for one day," Renjiro told him. "You should be honored, as he does not grant this privilege regularly. The most recent human he granted privilege to visit Seirei-Kai was Japan's Ten'nō Heika, Naruhito, after his coronation."
"Isn't that amazing, Shuei-kun?" Anna exclaimed, clapping her hands. "You've been given privilege on level with our Heika!"
Shuei gaped at the room in shock, his heart hammering against the wall of his chest. "Ah—um—d-do I really have to go to Seirei-Kai?" he protested feebly. "Why can't your Ten'nō make a visit here?"
"Because then Japan's Ten'nō Heika would need to come here to Kyoto to receive Seirei-Kai's Ten'nō," Renjiro said. "As per the blood pact made between our bloodlines. We cannot feasibly ask Japan's Ten'nō Heika to come to Kyoto on such short notice for a visit that would last a single day. It would be more convenient for everyone involved if you were to go to Seirei-Kai to meet Ten'nō there."
Shuei rubbed his hand over his face. "Great. Fantastic. What exactly am I suppose to do in Seirei-Kai?! I haven't even met my own Ten'nō Heika face-to-face!"
"Acting like a mature adult would be a nice start," Renjiro said. Shuei snarled in anger but Renjiro raised his hand. "Ten'nō will ask you questions and make an assessment of your character. Then he will decide if you should be the Gatekeeper. His word is final; if you fail this then we will be compelled to uphold Kazuhisa's ruling. If you pass, then you will be able to stay."
"...Okay," Shuei said slowly. "But that still doesn't help me, Kadokawa-san! What am I supposed to do in Seirei-Kai?!"
Renjiro smiled thinly. "Prove yourself worthy of your position."
Shuei gave him a hard look but said nothing more. It was Nozomu who broke the silence. "And don't worry, Shuei-san! Ten'nō won't be offended by your dyed hair!"
~*~
May 22nd, 2027
Shuei tugged at his black tie and cursed under his breath. His room was currently full of Seishin guarding the now-open Gateway, so he was left changing in the fully fixed bathroom. "I really hoped I would never have to wear this suit again," he grumbled.
It was the same black suit that he wore to the memorial service for the Tragedy at Shibuya Crossing. Black and white colors usually invoked unpleasant memories of grieving in his mind, and this particular suit reminded him of that awful day. But Moria had insisted on buying the suit for him, and it was the only suit he owned (and Moria had insisted that he take it with him), so it was what he had to wear.
Well it's not everyday that I meet an emperor I guess. Especially an otherworldly emperor...
Shuei left the bathroom but bumped into someone with pale silver hair. "Hey, watch where you're going!" he snapped.
"That's my line," the person responded, giving him a hard look with golden eyes.
"E-EH?!" Shuei shouted, jumping back and gaping in shock. "K—Kishi?! Your hair—"
"I know," Kishi responded, brushing his bangs out of his face. "This is what I really look like. Half-Seishin half-humans are distinguished by silver hair and golden eyes. My hair and eye color bothers some Seishin, but K—the Imperial Family prefers to see my natural appearance. So whenever I go to Seirei-Kai—which isn't often, though—I wash out the hair dye and leave my contacts out."
Shuei looked him over. Kishi was dressed in a traditional men's kimono with a black skirt, silver-blue top, and a light matching silver-blue jacket. "That's...a nice outfit," he said lamely, feeling underdressed in his simple black suit.
"It cost 1 million yen, so I only bring it out for very important occasions," Kishi said. He moved past Shuei and entered the bathroom.
"ONE MILLION YEN?!" Shuei shouted in shock.
"Yes." Kishi brushed his hair and carefully tied it in a ponytail. He glanced at Shuei through his reflection. "Haurto-sama was looking for you, Shuei-san. You should go see him in Ouji-sama's room."
"All right, fine." Shuei shook his head and checked his watch as he hurried down the hall. It was 9:32 am. Kadokawa-san said we need to be there at 10:00.
The door to Renjiro and Haruto's room was open, though Haruto and San were the only ones currently inside. Haruto was standing at the foot of the bed and San was sitting on the edge of the bed's right side. "Ah Shuei, come right in!" Haruto called to him. "I would like your help with something!"
"Okay?" Shuei said, entering the bedroom. He looked towards the bed and saw that it was neatly made with black satin covers. But when he saw the outfit displayed on top of the covers he gaped in shock. "Is—that's a furisode!"
"Yes it is," Haruto said proudly. "My furisode. Isn't it lovely?"
Shuei had never seen a furisode in person before. It was a solid saffron yellow, a sharp contrast against the black satin, and the silk that comprised the furisode looked expensive and immaculate. The sash was blue and black. "Whoa," he breathed, glancing up at Haruto. "You—said this was yours?"
"Yes," Haruto said. "All consorts of the royal family wear furisodes, as they've always done. Furisodes are worn for extremely important occasions, such as weddings, so we must take good care of them. Unlike traditional furisodes, the furisodes worn by consorts of the royal family are a single color without designs on them. However all royal consorts are distinguished by these sashes." Haruto carefully picked up the sash in both hands. "Blue and black, which are colors associated with Seishin."
"And what about the yellow?" Shuei asked, gesturing to the body of the robe. "Do all royal consorts wear this color?"
"Oh no, this is a more intimate gesture," Haruto said, setting the sash down. "When a prince gets married, they choose the color of the furisode their spouse will wear. It is a means of bringing the couple closer together. Ten'nō chose scarlet red for the Imperial Consort...and this color—" he spread his arm over the furisode. "—is the color Renjiro chose for me."
"Oh," Shuei said, staring down at the soft yellow silk. He glanced at San, but San also had his eyes on the furisode. "Um—can I ask why—"
"Haruto's aura."
The three of them looked up to see Renjiro enter the room. He was dressed in a black and white montsuki hakama. He approached the bed and stood beside Haruto. "This shade of yellow is the same color as Haruto's aura. My family can see auras, and Haruto's aura is the most beautiful aura I've ever seen."
San flinched out of the corner of Shuei's eye but he pretended to not notice. "As this is an important outfit for a royal consort, I wanted the world to see the beauty in Haruto that I always see in him," Renjiro said. "So I had the silk dyed to match his aura. Now everyone can see a man who has both outward beauty and inner beauty."
Shuei felt heat on his face hearing the older man nonchalantly express his love and admiration for his husband. Haruto turned and gave him a kiss on the mouth. "Boys, could you give us a moment?" Haruto asked, his eyes never leaving his husband's face. "I require Anata's assistance in getting dressed."
Both Shuei and San bolted for the door and slammed it shut behind them. "I'd ask if they're always like this, but—"
"They are," San said, but he didn't sound embarrassed. "They won't be long, but you should go meet with everyone."
Shuei noticed then that San was dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt and black pants. "Ah...don't you need to ready too?" Shuei asked him.
"I'm not going," San said.
Shuei wasn't stupid enough to ask why. "Um...are you okay?" he asked lamely.
San shrugged. "It would be best if I don't go. Ten'nō feels the same way about me as...Him. And a lot of Seishin in Seirei-Kai don't like me. If I were to go with you then you would be failed automatically like before."
"That's not fair," Shuei said.
"I don't mind. I'll help keep an eye on the house on this end. If anyone else tries to come while you're gone, I'll make them sorry."
This still didn't sit well with Shuei. I know what happened to Kazuhisa is awful, but that wasn't San's fault! Why is he being treated like a pariah?! "I—"
San suddenly moved in close, squaring up to Shuei and looking him right in the eyes. "Do you want me there?" he asked quietly.
Shuei almost didn't hear the question. The close proximity of those beautiful eyes distracted him and his knees trembled. He tried to speak but his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.
"Well?" Had he leaned in closer? It seemed like he leaned in closer. He was so close that his breath was tickling Shuei's skin—
"Oi, Shuei-san!" Shuei jumped at the voice but San barely stirred. He did turn to face the newcomer, and Shuei saw that Nozomu was standing there wearing a green and white striped men's kimono. "There you are! Stop messing around, it's almost time!"
"I know that!" Shuei snapped, suddenly feeling angry. He shook his head. "Man, why is everyone getting on my case when your Ouji and his husband aren't even ready?!"
"...Because it's easier?" Nozomu offered in an obnoxiously cheerful voice.
"Whatever." Shuei scrubbed a hand over his face as he turned to leave. "This is stupid, I'll go wait in—"
San suddenly grabbed his elbow, and Shuei stilled. He leaned in close, and Shuei heard his heart hammering in his ears. "Take care," San said quietly.
Shuei realized that he was holding his breath and he exhaled harshly. "You, too," Shuei said, keeping himself turned away from him.
San let him go, and he hurried down the hall. If I pass, then I'll be stuck here for the rest of my life doing a job I don't want. But if I fail, then I'll be homeless. I'm screwed no matter what.
He held a hand over his heart. It was still pounding. Well...if I pass, then at least I can see San everyday.
*
Nozomu watched Shuei leave, then he glanced at San. San was also watching Shuei leave. He was smiling so widely that his lower face was starting to hurt. "Don't worry, San," he said. "Kishi and I will keep an eye on Shuei-san while we're in Seirei-Kai."
San glanced at him, and Nozomu tried to swallow his smile as best as he could. He knew he failed though because San's gaze hardened into a glare. "That is—when I'm not with Riku," Nozomu said, sputtering over an involuntary laugh.
San walked away without another word, presumably back to his own room. Nozomu held his breath until San rounded the corner and was out of sight and he let out a loud laugh. I don't believe it! Kishi was right! He really was right!
Nozomu sighed and wiped away tears of laughter. Oh, I can't wait to tell Riku this...
*
At 9:50 everyone gathered in Shuei's room. The Seishin staying behind were dressed in casual clothes while the Seishin who would traveling through the Gateway were dressed traditionally. Joji had washed his hair dye out and had his natural color, and Taichi and him were dressed in blue and white hakamas that reminded Shuei of period outfits he had seen in movies. Anna looked beautiful in a black women's kimono decorated in bright red camellia flowers. Akiyo was dressed in a men's kimono with blue mosaic print on the fabric, and Shuei realized that he was carrying the egg in his arms. He's bringing their baby with them?! Wait...Sensei said that the egg was due to hatch any day now, right? So he's most likely bringing the egg with us as to not miss the birth.
Near the door, to Shuei's surprise, stood Eisuke dressed in a green checkered men's yukata, and he was surrounded by Seishin chatting at him in excited voices. At him and not with him though, as Eisuke didn't say a word and simply nodded his head at what people were saying to him.
Eisuke-san seems to be popular, doesn't he? They're acting like he's a celebrity!
Eisuke noticed him then, and excused himself from the others. "Monbon-san I heard about what happened on Tuesday. I feel that what occurred is an abnormal circumstance, so I support Renjiro-ouji with this appeal."
"So are you here to speak on my behalf, Eisuke-san?" Shuei asked.
"I am here for fairness," Eisuke said bluntly. "And because it's been a year since I was last in Seirei-Kai and wanted to go back."
Gee, thanks, Shuei thought, hating the reminder that Eisuke wasn't an ally to him. "Whatever," he muttered.
"I do believe you were treated unfairly, given the circumstances," Eisuke added, still bluntly.
"Well...thanks," Shuei said, relaxing a little.
"We will be leaving now."
The Seishin in the room quickly turned and bowed as Renjiro entered the room. Haruto followed behind him dressed in his furisode, and it did suit him well. San lingered at the doorway. "We should be back no later than tomorrow morning," Renjiro said. "I leave San in charge on this side while I'm gone. Heed to him as you would me. Understood?"
"Yes, Ouji-sama," the Seishin in the room chorused together.
"Follow behind us, Shuei," Renjiro said. "You have your outdoor shoes, correct? You will need to wear them once you cross the Gateway."
"Yeah," Shuei said, tapping the back of his black loafers that were tucked under his arm.
"Everyone is here," Renjiro said. "We shall go now."
The Seishin gave their goodbyes. San said nothing, but continued to watch from the doorway with his arms folded over his chest. Joji and Taichi moved to the Gateway and pushed open the door. The familiar pleasant scent filled the room but Shuei couldn't help but feel dread. I'm traveling to another world. I'm literally about to leave Earth and go to another dimension! Is this really happening?!
Eisuke went through the gate first, sliding on a pair of kimono sandals. Taichi and Joji followed next, and then Renjiro followed with Haruto. Shuei was directed to go after them, but his hands shook as he shoved his feet into his loafers. What am I doing? What am I doing?!
"It'll be all right, Shuei-san," Kishi said behind him. "Outside of the sky and landscape, Seirei-Kai isn't that much different from Earth."
"Well the daytime sky is dark blue and the nighttime sky is a black void," Nozomu mused. "Our Sun is white like Earth's Moon, though we're not entirely sure what that really means. Our clouds are purple and stars have never been observed in the night sky, which could mean that Seirei-Kai may be the only place that exists in that realm. We have no oceans and the vegetation is also black there. Like tar, I think. Not a lot of green there—"
"Is this supposed to make me feel better?!" Shuei hissed at them.
Kishi shrugged. "We tried."
"Yeah," Nozomu said sadly. "Sorry, San!" he shouted back across the room.
Shuei didn't know what game they were playing, but he didn't appreciate being made fun of. But he knew better than to attack either Kishi or Nozomu, so as soon as he got his loafers on he stormed down the corridor connecting the two worlds. The wind was warm and when it blew past him it sounded almost lyrical. He almost forgot that he was nervous due to his irritation.
The lanterns hangings from the ceilings swooshed with the mysterious wind. Shuei looked over his shoulder and he no longer saw the opening to Earth's Gateway, but he saw Kishi, Nozomu, Akiyo, and Anna coming down the hallways behind him. He turned to look at the white wall to his left, and he reached out and touched it. It was cold to the touch. I...left Earth, right? So am I in Seirei-Kai? Or this some sort of in-between plane? What would happen if these walls collapsed? Just thinking about something like that creeped him out though, and inspired him to move a little faster.
The corridor was 305 meters long, and he knew he reached the end when he saw an opening and excited chatter, and the rest of the Seishin gathered there. He reached Haruto's side, and he could see on the other side of the threshold a brightly lit room bathed in yellow light. Haruto smiled at him before grabbing his shoulders and gently pushing him to the front of the group. "Here he is," Haruto announced. "Shuei Monbon. The last Monbon."
Shuei was greeted by two individuals dressed the same as the ones who had accompanied Kazuhisa to Earth. One quickly knelt down and grabbed his left foot, forcefully yanking his loafer off. "O-Oi!" he snapped.
"Shuei, give him your slippers," Renjiro told him. He was already on the other side of the threshold.
"Oh." Shuei sheepishly handed the servant his slippers, feeling awkward as the older man fitted his slippers on for him. Haruto gave him a gentle push, and Shuei hesitantly crossed the threshold into the bright room. It was massive and full of people. He looked around in amazement, though he tried to ignore the eyes upon him. His breathing was unsteady. I...I'm here, aren't I? I'm in Seirei-Kai. I'm in a different world.
Towards the north end of the room he saw a massive dais, three meters off the ground and fifteen meters wide. Two thrones eleven meters apart sat atop the dais and both were surrounded by yellow canopies. Shuei could see two silhouettes standing behind their individual screens, and though he couldn't distinguish the people who stood there he knew who they were. They must be Seirei-Kai's Ten'nō and the Imperial Consort, he thought.
Shuei was directed to stand off to the side as the other came through. When Akiyo came through holding his egg, murmurs of delight filled the large room. He saw movement from the dais, and on either side of the two thrones two people emerged to stand beside the throne. The Emperor's throne was flanked by two burly men with short hair; one was a crisp blonde and the other had burgundy red hair. The Imperial Consort's throne was flanked by two smaller men; one with long back hair tied in a low ponytail, and the other had short strawberry blonde hair.
Before the curtains could be lifted over the thrones, the mood in the Reception Hall quickly shifted and Shuei heard more than one person exclaim in shock and horror. Shuei looked towards the Gateway and he saw that Kishi has crossed through with Anna. Kishi had a blank expression on his face but Anna had an arm wrapped around his shoulders and she wore an expression of worry. Taichi glared at the assembled people, but it did little to quell the...visceral reaction from the people.
Kishi said that his physical appearance made Seishin uncomfortable. But why? Yeah, silver hair and gold eyes aren't exactly typical of a human, but there's nothing wrong with him! Shuei scoffed. Great. So these people hate San because of one of his biological fathers, and they're repulsed by Kishi because of his appearance. These Seishin really aren't all that different from humans.
"Welcome."
The Reception Hall fell silent and almost everyone around Shuei quickly dropped to their knees where they stood in full kowtow. He looked around in confusion until he noticed the group approaching him. He saw the man at the front, and his throat went dry. The power that emulated from this man's body was incredible; it made his knees quake. He was incredibly handsome and dressed in a dark blue and black sokutai, a black kammuri, and a gold crown...he knew that this was Ichiro. The Ten'nō of Seirei-Kai.
"Shuei Monbon," Ichiro said. His tone was soft but the power in his voice made Shuei's knees buckle. "Welcome to our realm. You will find that Seirei-Kai is not very different from Earth. Though we are different species with a similar appearance, my people are good people and under my protection. So long as you are here, and you behave yourself, you will also be under my protection."
Shuei couldn't form words to speak. He simply stood there gaping at Ichiro like an idiot. I...Is this normal? Does a Ten'nō usually come down from a dais and talk to people directly like this?!
"He is a little overwhelmed, Ten'nō," Renjiro said, moving to stand behind Shuei. "Do not mind him."
"I thought as much," Ichiro said. "As he doesn't show me the proper respect."
Shuei snapped back into himself and knelt down, kowtowing before Ichiro. "I—I am honored!" he managed to croak out.
"Rise," Ichiro said, his tone somewhat impatient. Shuei complied embarrassedly, as did the rest of the assembled. "You are my guest and welcome to the Imperial Palace. I looked forward to overseeing your appeal, Monbon."
"I-I—thank you, Ten'nō Heika!" Shuei stammered. He honestly didn't know what else to say or do.
Ichiro waved his right hand behind him, and the men with the crisp blonde hair and burgundy hair stepped forward. "This is Rui—" he motioned to the blonde, who bowed. "And this is Katsuki." he motioned the burgundy-haired man, who also bowed in kind. "And they are my personal bodyguards. You would be wise to stay on the good sides of royal bodyguards, as they are capable of...many things."
I'm aware, Shuei thought, rubbing at his throat.
"But if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to tell them," Ichiro said. He then waved his left hand behind him. "Chiyako."
"Yes, Heika."
Shuei saw the scarlet red furisode first, and he knew definitively from what Haurto had said before that this was the Imperial Consort. But he was unprepared for the person slowly approached him with his two retainers. It was a man who appeared to be in his mid-forties, but he was also the most—beautiful man Shuei had ever seen in his life. His features were very androgynous; high cheekbones, full lips and a clean complexion. He was even more beautiful than Anna was!
If he lived on Earth, he would make a fortune as a celebrity, Shuei thought. Chiyako's hair was pale ash blonde and tied in a low loose ponytail, and his eyes were full but narrow and...hard. He held no kindness in his eyes. He did not look upon Shuei with contempt, but simply indifference.
"Monbon, this Chiyako," Ichiro said. "The Imperial Consort and my husband. With him are Yuzuru—" he motioned to the man with black hair and ponytail. "—And Fujie." he motioned to the man with strawberry blonde hair. "They are Rui and Katsuki's husbands respectively. You would likewise be wise to stay on their good side too."
Why does everyone just assume the worst of me?! Shuei thought angrily.
"We have a lot to discuss," Ichiro said, his tone shifting. Shuei looked at him and felt paralyzed by his piercing gaze. He suddenly felt deep regret for agreeing to ever coming there. But without another word Ichiro turned and walked away, heading back to the dais. Chiyako lingered only briefly, looking at the group before following the Emperor back to the dais.
Ichiro did not retake his seat, though Chiyako sat back down on his throne. "Here, come away from the Gateway," Ichiro said, waving to them. "Present yourselves before me."
You're the one who came down to see us at the door! But Shuei didn't dare say this out loud. They moved to the center of the Reception Hall and knelt down in kowtow. Renjiro was at the front, Haruto and Eisuke were behind him, Taichi, Joji, Akiyo, and Anna were behind them, and Shuei, Nozomu and Kishi were behind them. Shuei found himself between Kishi and Nozomu and he could feel their eyes on him.
"Eisuke," Ichiro called out. "We are all deeply honored by your presence here."
"The honor is mine, Ten'nō," Eisuke said.
"Have you been able to find the answer you've been looking for?"
"I have not. But I am confident and I trust in Ouji-sama to keep it safe."
Safe? Keep what safe?
"Joji. Akiyo. I see that your egg is healthy and ready to hatch."
"Yes, Ten'nō," Joji said. "Kento-ishi has told us that Hitomu will be born any day now."
Ichiro smiled with genuine delight. "And we look forward to meeting him. Nozomu?"
"Ah, yes Ten'nō?" Nozomu asked, keeping his head lowered.
"You will enjoy being a big brother. I can tell you so from experience."
Shuei thought he heard Renjiro scoff, but it was so soft and quick that he couldn't be sure.
"Nozomu," Chiyako said suddenly. "Riku has been called away but he will be here later."
Nozomu smiled brightly. "Thank you very much, Chiyako-sama."
Shuei thought that he saw Ichiro give Chiyako a look of disapproval, but when Chiyako returned the look he swiftly looked away. "Kishi!" he called out.
"Yes, Ten'nō," Kishi responded respectfully.
"Step forward, please."
Shuei quickly looked towards Kishi in confusion, and murmurs broke out across the Reception Hall. Kishi didn't stand though, and smoothly crawled forward, navigating between his parents until he was beside Eisuke. "Closer," Ichiro said.
More murmurs broke out because of the fact that Ichiro wanted Kishi to kneel beside the Second Prince. Kishi moved forward though until he was beside Renjiro. "I am honored," he said.
"I am pleased to see you grown," Ichiro said. "The last hybrid to have reached adulthood was over three hundred years ago. How is your health?"
"I am healthy, Ten'nō," Kishi said, still kneeling with his head bent forward. "Kento-ishi has told me so."
"Are you in school or working, Kishi?" Chiyako spoke up.
"A-Ah, Kishi has private tutors and has become a celebrity on Earth!" Anna spoke up. "H-He is a model, and he just received a job to appear in a music video!"
Really?! Shuei was amazed by this news but he was also surprised by the scrutiny the Ten'nō and Imperial Consort were mutually giving Kishi.
Chiyako smiled, which stunned Shuei. From the murmurs of the gallery, he assumed that this did not happen often. "You sound like a well-adjusted young man, Kishi."
"Not at all, Chiyako-sama," Kishi responded. "I am blessed with privilege is all."
"Has Kento-ishi confirmed your condition?" Ichiro said. Shuei looked up upon hearing that and he saw Kishi flinched ever so slightly. "Were you tested, Kishi?"
"Ten'nō," Renjiro said. "If I may speak, this discussion—"
"Is appropriate because I deem it so," Ichiro interrupted him. He glared at Renjiro briefly before looking at Kishi again. "Well, Kishi?"
Shuei heard Anna breathing unsteadily and he saw Taichi's hands clench into fists against the floor. He knew then what Ichiro was implying, and anger flooded his body. This—This is NOT an appropriate discussion in front of all these people! What is Ten'nō doing?!
Chiyako also did not look happy, but Ichiro was looking down at Kishi. Kishi did not otherwise stir, and when he responded his tone was still respectful but cold. "...It was confirmed, Ten'nō. I am a hybrid, after all."
Murmurs broke out across the Reception Hall once more and Shuei felt his anger mounting. I can't believe this! Did the Ten'nō REALLY ask Kishi whether or not he was sterile in front of everyone like that?! This is unbelievable!
"Ten'nō Heika!" a frantic voice from the back of the Reception Hall reverberated the room. "My apologies, but Kōtaishi-sama has returned!"
Both Ichiro and Chiyako perked up at this, and excited chatter filled the Reception Hall. Shuei looked up in confusion and whispered to Nozomu. "Kōtaishi-sama? Crowned Prince?"
"Yeah," Nozomu whispered back. "Shougo-kōtaishi, the only son of Ten'nō and the Imperial Consort. He's almost always away from the Imperial Palace on missions!"
"Y-You guys didn't tell me about him!"
Nozomu shrugged. "You didn't ask."
"What—"
"Ten'nō Heika."
The voice was not youthful but not old, and the Reception Hall quickly silenced. Shuei looked over his shoulder and saw a handsome man who appeared to be in his early twenties with disheveled black hair and black travel clothes casually stroll into the Reception Hall. He was followed by two other young men in his age group; one with crisp blonde hair and one with burgundy red hair, and they were dressed similarly to the young man in front. The trio walked past the group kneeling without giving them a second glance, though the two young men following the first stopped to kneel beside Taichi and Joji.
The first walked straight to the front and stopped beside Kishi. He did not kneel. "Ten'nō Heika," he said, bowing respectfully. "I have returned."
"Shougo," Ichiro said. His tone and posture shifted, and Shuei suddenly did not see a man who exuded authority as an Emperor. He saw a father; a proud, worried father who looked upon his son with open affection. "You were gone for so long this time. We are pleased to have you home."
"I rushed back with Michio and Hibi as quickly as possible once I heard the news," Shougo said. He glanced at Renjiro then. "It's been a long time, Uncle. How are you?"
"I am well, Kōtaishi-sama," Renjiro responded respectfully.
Shougo smiled briefly before his eyes fell upon Kishi. "Hello, Kishi."
"Kōtaishi-sama," Kishi greeted him, lowering his head to him.
Shougo's gaze lingered on him for a long moment, which Shuei noticed, but then he quickly turned to face the group. "Okay. Where is the last Monbon?"
"A-Ah!" Shuei said, jumping to his feet. Then he quickly collapsed back to his knees. "I'm right here—uh—Kōtaishi-sa—"
"You don't need to defer to me," Shougo interrupted him. His tone was cold but there was a hint of amusement. "I heard Kazuhisa-oji-san failed you, but Renjiro-oji-san intervened on your behalf. It sounds like you've made things very interesting here, Monbon. I can't wait to see what other trouble you cause."
Shuei didn't know how to respond because Shougo sounded amused, and he wasn't sure if Shougo meant his words as an insult...or as encouragement.