Here is chapter two! Hope you all like it. I have a plan for this story now so R&R if you want it to keep going. Ja ne!
Disclaimer: I do not own Saiunkoku Monogatari nor any of its loveable characters, tragically.
The next day found Shuurei walking through the palace courts accompanied by Seiran. It was not long before they saw Kouyuu, Shuuei, and Ryuuki approaching from the other direction. It was apparent that Kouyuu and Shuuei were bickering in their playful fashion about something, Ryuuki seemingly unsure how to respond. He was saved the trouble of finding out, though, when they noticed the pair approaching them. Ryuuki, immediately forgetting all else, seemed to revert back to the childish behavior so reminiscent of their earlier days together, as he rush forward, intent on embracing her and shouting her name excitedly.
"Stop!" Shuurei commanded to the immature emperor as she raised her hand to further punctuate her statement. Ryuuki, surprised, stopped so suddenly that he tripped and the momentum carried his body further forward as his feet stayed planted. This, of course, resulted in Ryuuki's face planting itself quite comically in the path in front of him, at Shuurei's feet. Kouyuu and Shuuei chuckled at their baka-ou and Seiran attempted to hold back a smile at his over eager sibling. Shuurei merely rolled her eyes at his foolishness as he stood and dusted himself off.
"Why?" he whined, clearly not done with the childish behavior. Shuurei sighed in slight exasperation, and admittedly, slight amusement.
"Because we are here to work," Shuurei berated him in a manner similar to their first months together. "You should know better." Ryuuki simply pouted as the group, now joined together, proceeded to the archives to work and discuss matters.
By the time they reached the archives, Ryuuki had returned to his serious, business-like manner. As Kouyuu and Shuuei started on the work they had come here to do, Ryuuki turned to speak with Shuurei.
"We still have to decide on a new position for you, Shuurei," Ryuuki addressed the issue they both knew needed attention.
"Yes," Shuurei nodded, "do you have any position in mind?"
"I do," Ryuuki confirmed. Curious, Seiran, who had been idly scanning over the books in the archives, stepped closer to the pair. Ryuuki continued. "You have always been very capable of handling finances and the Department of Treasury and Taxation is dreadfully understaffed. Also, I know Kou Kijin greatly appreciated your assistance a few years ago. I believe you would be of great use there."
Shuurei and Seiran both smiled. Ryuuki knew her well. There was no doubt in either Seiran's or Ryuuki's minds that the Department would flourish under her. Eagerly, Shuurei agreed.
"I would be honored to take a position in that department."
Ryuuki nodded, "Then all that's left is to propose it to the court. I doubt there will be any resistance, though. You have come to be quite greatly respected. And besides, anyone who knows you would know you are naturally very money-minded."
The three laughed softly together. The bonds connecting this unique trio were so much deeper than any outsider could truly comprehend, and to come between them was impossible. Only a few could even come close to understanding the invisible ties that held these three together stronger than any chain could. Kou Shouka, who had been a constant support in the lives of each one, was one of those few.
Seiran smiled as his mind drifted in thought. He was immensely happy that everything was working so well for the two dearest to him. All seemed right in the world when he saw his dear younger brother and his precious ojou-sama together. Though he had to admit that a part of him loved Shuurei with more than just sibling affection, he felt completely content pushing that feeling aside if it meant seeing these two together. He knew in his heart, however, that if it had been anyone other than Ryuuki, he would never have allowed them to come near his ojou-sama. Years ago, he had happily accepted the idea of being Shuurei's most important person, second only to her beloved father. He would relinquish that position to none, as he had made clear Sa Sakujun. None, that is, except Ryuuki. As he had gladly accepted being second place in Shuurei's affections to her father, he would, without hesitation, relinquish that position to Ryuuki and eagerly claim his position as third most important in her life. No matter where he stood, these three people, danna-sama, his ojou-sama, and his dear otouto, would always be most important in his life.
As he was lost in thought, the missing member of this deeply bonded group approached. "You all seem to be in good spirits this morning," smiled Shouka in his calm, happy manner.
"Oh! Otou-san! Ohayo," Shuurei greeted the man who would always be most important in her life.
"Ohayo," Shouka responded pleasantly. "I brought tea for everyone. Please join me for some."
Ryuuki, Seiran, and Shuurei all sweat-dropped at this cheerful invitation, each with a nervous expression etched on their face. It was well known that Kou Shouka's tea was so bitter it was almost deadly. Each desperately racked their brain for some excuse to avoid drinking the nearly toxic substance. They were saved the trouble, however, when shouting was heard in another section of the archives, shouting that was distinctly Li Kouyuu. The victim of his rage was, doubtless, the incorrigible Ran Shuuei, likely having teased the poor young man in some fashion or other once more. The trio eagerly excused themselves to go look into the matter and see if anything could be done to quiet the fuming Kouyuu and save the shameless woman chaser that is Shuuei. Shouka just shrugged and sat at the table, listening to the ruckus with a smile that held more knowledge than he let on and quietly sipping the tea that only he seemed to be able to miraculously stomach.
The next day, Shuurei's new position was discussed with the court. As Ryuuki had predicted, there were no objections and Kou Kijin eagerly accepted her into his department. Reishin, who was standing beside the elaborately masked Kijin as usual, immediately started gushing about the wonders of his amazing niece and how fortunate it was to have her back at the capital rather than far away in the Sa Province. Kijin took it all in stride, quite used to his moody friend.
Shuurei mouthed a thank you to Ryuuki afterwards before she was swept away by Kijin and his Vice-Chamberlain Kei Yuuri for on overview of what her tasks would be once she took up her new position. All seemed to be falling in place in their small world. None could imagine a disturbance in their finally peaceful lives. Little did they know that this was only the calm before a series of treacherous storms that they would have to weather before they could reach their happily ever after.
More translations:
Danna-sama: Master, this is what Seiran calls Shouka in the series
Ojou-sama: Lady, this is what Seiran calls Shuurei in the series
Otouto: Little brother
Otou-san: Father
Ohayo: Good morning
Baka-ou: Basically means Stupid Emperor, a nickname given to Ryuuki by Shuuei and Kouyuu early in the series
Well, there you go. Sorry for how short this one is. I figured I would just give you what I have instead of making you wait forever. Tell me what you think!
Preview for the next chapter: All seems to be going well for Shuurei and Ryuuki, but what is this? Kou Kurou wants her to marry Kouyuu?! Can Ryuuki convince the Kou clan that he is capable of not only being a good emperor but also a good husband for Shuurei? And how do Shuurei and Kouyuu feel about this? Wait for the next chapter to find out!