Translation: Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Introduction
Ryuuki: Kou Shuurei, being a woman and an officer, do your duties to your heart’s content.
Shuurei: For as long as the Emperor shall call me.
Ryuuki: We shall look forward to the day when the bud that was granted to you blooms. From today onwards, you (all) shall be the pillars of this country.
Voiceover: After that they set out for Sa-province, to a distant land, in order to make their dreams come true. Saiunkoku Monogatari original Drama CD part 2: Mono Omou Kimi ni Ai no Te wo.
[Sound of people talking]
Ryuuki: Hmm…today is such a usual day.
Kouyuu: Usual? Yeah, I guess, as usual shujou hasn’t done a single thing. Thanks to that work has stalled and is piling up one on top of the other. So, have you finished anything?
Ryuuki: Eh…no, not yet. But really, as usual people are labouring away at work today, aren’t they?
Shuuei: I daresay, and there is no special event coming up.
Ryuuki: That’s right.
Shuuei: Why the long face, shujou? Did something happen?
Ryuuki: Shuuei, Kouyuu, don’t you want to eat Shuurei’s manjuu right now?
Shuuei & Kouyuu: Haa?!!
Ryuuki: I don’t know how, but I want to eat them RIGHT NOW!!!
Shuuei: Ah, I see. It’s been a while since Shuurei-dono set out for the Sa-province. That’s why you are missing her.
Kouyuu: A while? It hasn’t even been a month! Don’t you know how long Shuurei is working there?
Ryuuki: I…I understand that. But even though I’m so lonely, my surroundings don’t change at all. Always the same!
Kouyuu: Isn’t that natural? Sending Kou Shuurei as a governor is just one part of your job. If the whole country has to change its customs for it, that would be a far greater problem.
Ryuuki: Yeah I guess you are right, but doesn’t Kouyuu feel lonely without Shuurei?
Kouyuu: Of course! I know what troubles Shuurei has taken to come so far. Working as a civil officer at a place where pure ability is a better strategy than experience, is the ideal path for Shuurei. Then what is the need to feel lonely?
Shuuei: That’s true. I feel thrilled instead by what she is doing at Sa-province. But Kouyuu, even as you say it, even you feel a bit lonely don’t you?
Kouyuu: Not at all! But I’m a little worried. Shuurei was made governor a little too rapidly. She doesn’t possess the things that are learnt only by accumulating experience.
Shuuei: The excellent aides over there will support her. I’m sure that Shuurei-dono will be fine.
Ryuuki: Yeah, I guess she’ll be fine. I don’t think it was a mistake to appoint her as governor. Rather, I think she was the best choice. But why does it feel so lonely just because she is not in Kiyou?
Shuuei: That’s because…do you wish to meet Shuurei-dono?
Ryuuki: It’s alright even if I don’t meet her. I just want her to be here.
Shuuei: Sa-province is also part of Saiunkoku.
Ryuuki: That’s right. It’s a part of my country but…too far.
Shuuei: Have a little more confidence, after all you rule over the entire kingdom.
Kouyuu: It’s unfortunate that you don’t remember that.
Shuuei: Most unfortunate.
Kouyuu: After all he’s an inexperienced ruler.
Ryuuki: Kouyuu is so severe…
Kouyuu: If I were not so then even the things that are making progress would be stalled.
Shuuei: That’s not his true nature.
Kouyuu: You shut up! Must you always say unnecessary things with your trivial mouth?
Shuuei: As usual I struck a chord didn’t I?
Kouyuu: You…
Ryuuki: Kouyuu and Shuuei are (arguing) like always. But watching your quarrel makes me feel a little assured.
Shuuei: Kouyuu should take the credit for this one.
Kouyuu: If you have no other work than to talk then go deliver these documents!
Shuuei: Ooh…scary!
Ryuuki: Ah, my mood is a little better. Alright, I too will persevere.
Kouyuu: Kindly do that, SHUJOU!
Ryuuki: Ehehe…yes. [Thinking] In spite of everything, I want to eat Shuurei’s manjuu in the afternoon, in the evening I want to listen to Shuurei’s niko…Shuurei’s scent, which permeated my life, has become distant but if I hold on to it I’ll become desperate. On the day of her departure, did Shuurei cast her always-strong glance towards me? Or else is my heart a weak thing?
*****
[The sound of a door opening]
Shouka: Oya, shujou! Welcome, it’s so nice of you to come!
Ryuuki: Shouka, sorry it’s so late at night.
Shouka: Not at all…(Sorry but) I can’t serve you anything but tea. How about it?
Ryuuki: That’s alright. Sorry for the trouble. [The house is] so quiet.
Shouka: Yes. I’m preparing the tea right now. [The sound of a teapot] Here you go.
Ryuuki: Thank you. [Takes a sip and chokes a little] Shouka…
Shouka: Yes?
Ryuuki: It’s so quiet.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuki: Is this house always so quiet?
Shouka: It’s too early for the crickets to sing.
Ryuuki: Don’t you feel lonely?
Shouka: I’m fine. But the house feels a bit too large.
Ryuuki: I’m lonely.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuki: But I don’t regret what I wished for. What do you think Shuurei is doing right now?
Shouka: I think she just had her dinner.
Ryuuki: The Sa-province is an unforgiving place.
Shouka: Seiran is with her, as are Ensei-kun and Eigetsu-kun.
Ryuuki: Ah, even I have faith in them. That’s why, perhaps, it’s fine. Shuurei et al will do something using their powers.
Shouka: Yeah, even I have faith in them. They are all strong children.
Ryuuki: Even I have to become a lot stronger, isn’t it?
Shouka: Are you leaving, shujou?
Ryuuki: Yes. Today I came all of a sudden, Shouka must have things to attend to. I’ll come again. Shouka, I’m sorry I cast such a huge burden on Shuurei. To that extent, I’ll also have to do what I must.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuka: I’ll go visit you in the archives tomorrow. Please make tea for me once again.
Shouka: Yeah, I’ll wait for you!
*****
Shouka: Do you fancy a spot of tea?
Kurou: No, I’m fine. If I want tea I’ll make it myself, Shou-aniue.
Shouka: I’m sorry I made you hide, Kurou.
Kurou: Its alright, I didn’t wish to meet shujou anyway. More importantly, it seems shujou can come here at his will. [Can’t follow what he says next] Please be a little careful.
Shouka: I always worry you, don’t I? But shujou has turned into a fine man hasn’t he?
Kurou: I can only see a child who comes crying to you.
Shouka: He is a gentle person. He came here to ask after my well-being, knowing that I might be feeling lonely without Shuurei.
Kurou: Gentleness is the same as fragility.
Shouka: Kurou is so severe.
Kurou: I’ll make some tea.
[Sound of pouring tea]
Sou-taifu: About shujou…
Shou-taishi: Hmm…he’s saying he isn’t feeling good these days. He’s also looking pensive.
Sou-taifu: It seems something big is causing him to be so absent-minded. Do you know the reason?
Shou-taishi: Of course I know. There is only one reason.
Sou-taifu: The former empress, is it? That she went to Sa-province as governor?
Shou-taishi: That’s right.
Sou-taifu: But wasn’t it shujou who decided to send her away? How effeminate.
Shou-taishi: He’s still wet behind the ears. [Takes a sip of tea] Sa-province, eh? It has become a hotbed of activities.
Sou-taifu: Shou, you miss doing something unique don’t you? [Matanai kakashite oru?]
Shou-taishi: What are you saying…
Sou-taifu: You old goat…
Shou-taishi: We’re both old goats. More importantly, the way to comfort shujou’s spirit that is marinating in loneliness…we elders should lend a helping hand.
Sou-taifu: That’s new. I never knew you cared so much about shujou.
Shou-taishi: I always think of shujou.
Sou-taifu: What are you saying, you old racoon? Anyhow I think you have time on your hand now, so you are going to make fun of shujou.
Shou-taishi: Exactly! Since retirement, my days have become so ordinary.
Sou-taifu: Now that you said it, my days are exactly the same. It’s been so long since I drew my sword.
Shou-taishi: Again you’ve started with the sword? If you don’t use your head a little longer [can’t follow]
Sou-taifu: That’s enough! So, by what wily method are you going to tease shujou this time?
Shou-taishi: Wile is unpardonable. Listen and be surprised, this is my plan.
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Sou-taifu: No way! If it was me I’d…
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Shou-taishi: No, no way!
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 1
Ryuuki [sleepily]: Is it morning? Shusui…
Shusui: Excuse me, I see that you are awake, shujou*. Good Morning.
Ryuuki: Ah…good morning…I had a terrible dream last night.
Shusui: What did you dream about?
Ryuuki: Wherever I went Shou-taishi would beat me to it and laugh. I ran here and there throughout the house but the old fool kept following me like a shadow.
Shusui: Ah…is that so?
Ryuuki: Really! It was the worst dream!
Shusui: Well…you’ve just woken up but…there’s something that I was told to deliver to you urgently. Shall I bring it?
Ryuuki: Yeah.
Shusui: Excuse me for a moment.
[Sound of opening a door and footsteps with the rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: What?!! What’s this outrageous heap of documents? This…these are marriage proposals!!!
Shusui: Seems like it.
Ryuuki: This is your ‘urgent business’?! Besides, such a mountain of them?!
Shusui: Shall I bring the rest?
Ryuuki: Eh?
[Ryuuki is buried under an avalanche of papers]
Shusui: Are you alright, shujou?
[Ryuuki scrambles out of the heap]
Ryuuki: Who is it? Who sent this pile?
Shusui: That…I don’t know very clearly…these were very ordinary marriage proposals so I didn’t investigate…
Ryuuki: These are a nuisance! Shusui, dispose with them right now.
Shusui: Won’t you take a look?
Ryuuki: You mean look at all these? Don’t say such impossible things. Besides, I don’t need them. I won’t do marriage interviews.
Shusui: Understood. Then, shall I bring your clothing and breakfast?
Ryuuki: Yes, please do that.
[Sound of a door closing]
Shusui: Shou-taishi is such a pain in the ass. Sending so many marriage proposals…what is planning to do, I wonder.
******
[Sound of footsteps]
Ryuuki: What’s with all the marriage proposals? In the first place, who brought in that pile? Come to think of it, in the past also someone used to come with a mountain of marriage proposals…hmm…that was before I met Shuurei…
[Sound of an arrow striking somewhere]
Ryuuki: What? This is an…arrow?!
Sou-taifu: Good morning, shujou.
Ryuuki: Ah, Sou-taifu…Good evening…but why are you carrying a bow in your hand?
Sou-taifu: Oh, don’t worry about it. It was only to call shujou’s attention.
Ryuuki: Oh…next time please call my attention in a more conventional way. So long then…
Sou-taifu: Of late Your Highness is feeling rather under the weather, isn’t it?
Ryuuki: No…I’m fine.
Sou-taifu: No, I assume from your appearance that your awakening this morning also wasn’t particularly pleasant? That’s why I’ve come to help you get some morning exercise. Come now, shujou.
Ryuuki: Wait, Sou-taifu, we’ll exercise later. Don’t bare your sword yet…stop!
Sou-taifu: Oh…you are not thinking of using a sword?
Ryuuki: No, you don’t understand at all. Why is it necessary that I’ll have to be trained by Sou-taifu since morning?
Sou-taifu: I don’t care if you don’t need a sword. In that case…
[Sound of Sou-taifu beating the hell out of Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: This is dangerous! Calm down a little, Shou-taishi. [can’t catch what he says here, any help really appreciated] but don’t joke around.
Sou-taifu: I didn’t come here with the intention of joking.
[More sounds of Ryuuki being beaten to a pulp]
Ryuuki: Sou-taifu…what are you trying to do?
Sou-taifu: This is morning exercise, shujou. If you are not feeling good, if you devote yourself to training till you can’t even move your body** you will feel fresh and glorious. Your evil emotions having been dispelled with, naturally your heart will become quiet.
Ryuuki: But I’m fine, I’m telling you! If I have evil emotions I’ll get rid of them myself. Your concern is unnecessary.
Sou-taifu: Don’t be so reserved!
Ryuuki: This is bad! If I get hit like this I’ll be knocked down before I can do my work…
Sou-taifu: What’s up Your Highness? I won’t give up so easily!
Ryuuki: It definitely seems that way. Alright, in that case I shall…run away!
Sou-taifu: Don’t think I’ll let you get away so easily. Don’t underestimate me! Now, you assholes! Get him!
Soldiers: Be prepared, shujou!
Ryuuki: What are you doing?
Soldiers: Prepare for attack!
Ryuuki: Wait, I’m the Emperor!
Soldier1: Forgive us, shujou. If we don’t comply, Sou-taifu has threatened to subject us to powerful blows until we cannot stand on our legs!
Soldier2: Please, I have a cute newly-wed wife at home…I can’t die of violent blows yet!
Ryuuki: Damn you, Sou-taifu! You’ve turned the soldiers into your allies…
Sou-taifu: Ah, shujou, pick up your sword***. Don’t make me come over there.
[Sound of someone hitting Ryuuki…I think it is Sou-taifu]
Ryuuki: Aaagh! There’s no other way…forgive me!
[Ryuuki hits a soldier and knocks his sword out of his hand. Ryuuki picks up the sword]
Soildier: Gyaah! My sword!
Sou-taifu: At last you’ve picked up a sword. Splendid! Splendid! There’s no more need to hesitate!
Ryuuki: I am the Emperor so please hesitate.
Sou-taifu: Soldiers! Don’t let the Emperor leave!
Soldier [sobbing]: Forgive me, shujou!
[Sound of swords clashing and then Ryuuki knocks the sword off a soldier’s hand]
Soldier: Ah! My sword!
Ryuuki: You’re not wounded, are you?
Soldier: I’m not!
Sou-taifu: Even now they’ll block the path of your retreat.
[More sound of swords clashing]
Sou-taifu: You are not giving one hundred percent into your swordsmanship.
Ryuuki: Even if you are saying that, I’m giving my best so it can’t be helped!
Sou-taifu: What happened to your usual rhythm? I don’t remember teaching you such weak swordsmanship!
Ryuuki: Wait!
Sou-taifu: I won’t wait!
[Sou-taifu is aggressively attacking Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: This is bad…if this keeps up then the government affairs will be delayed and Kouyuu will get mad at me again…well, since it has come to this…
[Ryuuki rallies back a bit, I guess]
Ryuuki: Over there! Sa-taiho’s ghost!!
Sou-taifu: What the~
[Taking advantage of the distraction, Ryuuki throws away his sword and runs away]
Sou-taifu: He lied to me…I let him escape…
Soldiers: What about us?
Sou-taifu: It can’t be helped…you are dismissed.
Soldiers: Thank you!
[Soldiers escape with their lives]
Sou-taifu: Dammit! He surprised me…you better not joke about this!
Shou-taishi [laughing]: Serves you right! Basically any man who feels refreshed after training has muscles in his head equivalent to yours.
Sou-taifu: What did you say? In that case, Shou, what happened to your sending a mountain of marriage proposals anonymously? After all, it seems like shujou didn’t look at even a single one.
Shou-taishi: There are many more marriage proposals. Just because he ignored them once doesn’t mean I’m going to give up.
Sou-taifu: You seem to be full of determination. As I would expect, your vengefulness is twice…nah, a hundred times that of ordinary men isn’t it?
Shou-tashi: Hahahaha!
******
[The sound of frantic footsteps and then Ryuuki tumbles inside a room, panting heavily]
Kouyuu: You’re late! What were you doing, shujou? With a face like you’ve just seen a monster…
Ryuuki: More terrible than a monster…I was attacked by Sou-taifu!
Kouyuu: Huh? Well, I don’t care what excuse you make. Get in your chair and start working right now!
Ryuuki: It was dreadful, I tell you!
[Ryuuki pulls his chair]
Shuuei: You were attacked by Sou-taifu? Thank God you could escape and come here!
Ryuuki: Isn’t that so? There’s no use arguing with him…I barely escaped with my life!
Shuuei: That too so early in the morning…did something happen? It’s as though he was deliberately aiming at the time when he could start the training.
Ryuuki: Really! When I woke up today I got pelted with “only this much” marriage proposals that someone sent anonymously…is today an unlucky day?
Shuuei: Marriage proposals?
Ryuuki: Yeah…this morning alone there was a heap of it. I’ve said so many times that I won’t do a marriage interview.
Shuuei: Still, until shujou takes an Empress such proposals will keep coming.
Ryuuki: I won’t marry anyone other than Shuurei. That’s final.
Shuuei: Yes, yes, isn’t that so? Alas, I don’t know whether to call you earnest or obstinate.
Kouyuu: Move your hand rather than your mouth!
Ryuuki: Ah…I know…alright, let’s start from this part.
Shuuei: You never proceed beyond that.
Kouyuu: You don’t interfere, Shuuei.
Shuuei: Well, in that case let me not anger you and go make some tea. Shujou, would you take some delicious, chrysanthemum flavoured tea?
Ryuuki: Yes, that will be nice.
[Sound of crockery and the rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: O-kay, alright, this part is done. Umm Kouyuu, what’s this? The previous survey~
[There is a knock on the door]
Ryuuki: Go and see, Kouyuu.
[I’m not sure if Ryuuki is asking Kouyuu to get the door (Mite, Kouyuu) or Kouyuu is saying he’ll go and see who’s at the door (Mite koyou). In any case it’s actually Shuuei who opened the door]
Shuuei: Shou-taishi…is it?
Shou-taishi: Ah, the brat from the Ran clan…excellent! Hold this and this.
Shuuei: Huh? Ah…umm…Shou-taishi, what business brings you here?
Shou-taishi: Since I heard that shujou isn’t doing well these days, this old man had no choice but to come here himself. I’ve brought a wonder drug, you see? Oi, have a look at this, Ri-jirou. Won’t you help as well?
Ryuuki: Oi old goat…I mean, Shou-taishi! Don’t make my assistants labour as you please! What’s with this mountain of documents?
Shou-taishi: Look at any one of them, as you please.
[There is a rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: These are… [Draws in his breath sharply] grrrrrr…marriage proposals!
Shuuei: Oh no! All these are…marriage proposals for shujou?
Shou-taishi: Oh yes! That’s so.
Ryuuki: I don’t need them. I won’t do marriage interviews. I won’t take an Empress. How many times have I told you?
Kouyuu: Where among these is the ‘wonder drug’?
Ryuuki: They are a nuisance!
Shou-taishi: Isn’t it known from the past that after being dumped by a woman, a new woman is the miracle cure?
Shuuei: Aha! I see…certainly.
Ryuuki: You don’t agree with him! I wasn’t dumped.
Shou-taishi: O? You really think so?
Ryuuki: I wasn’t du-dumped. I-isn’t that so? I don’t think I was…perhaps…w-was I?
Shou-taishi: Perhaps shujou is the only one who thinks he wasn’t dumped. But do take a look at the marriage proposals and give them a serious consideration. An obstinate man is hated by all.
[Ryuuki starts crying. Shou-taishi walks out with an evil cackle]
Shuuei: Ah, he made a Parthian shot!
[At this Ryuuki bawls louder than ever]
Kouyuu: Shut up! You are the Emperor so don’t cry like a child! So, what should we do with this mountain of documents?
Ryuuki: Hide them all away!
Shuuei: Show a little spirit, shujou. Not all women are like Shuurei-dono.
Ryuuki: There’s no way I’ve been dumped by Shuurei yet. No way! No way, I tell you! None!
Kouyuu: Listen, do your work right now]
******
[There is a knock on the door]
Shouka: Come in, Reishin. Aren’t you a little early?
Reishin: Yes, a little early I guess.
Shouka: Well, there’s nothing to hurry about.
Reishin: No! Yesterday also, today at noon also, that snivelling brat had come to your place, didn’t he? It’s so unfair that strangers get to visit you so often and I don’t. If someone comes today please shall send them away.
Shouka: That’ll be troublesome. To be honest, the previous visitor is still here.
Reishin: Previous guest? Who is it? I’ll kick him out of the house!
Shouka: Hmm…I wonder about that. Please come this way.
[Sound of footsteps and opening a door]
Reishin: You…Kurou!
Kurou: Rei-aniue, it’s been a long time. I contacted you so many times but didn’t receive a reply. I’m happy that we met so suddenly like this.
Shouka: It’s so nice that the three of us have come together like this. Reishin, please sit here.
Reishin: Ani-ue, why is Kurou here?
Shouka: He came yesterday as well. So then, would you like a spot of tea?
Kurou: I’ve already asked Shou-aniue not to touch it, didn’t I? Let me make tea~
Reishin: Don’t butt in, Kurou! I don’t want to drink your tea! I want to drink tea brewed by ani-ue.
Kurou: Understood.
Shouka: Don’t talk like that. Kurou only wanted to make tea for you.
Reishin: Ani-ue spoils Kurou way too much!
Shouka: Reishin…
Reishin: …I’m sorry, ani-ue.
[Shouka pours out the tea]
Shouka: Here, Reishin.
Reishin: Thank you!
[Sound of the three of them sipping tea]
Reishin: Aaaaahhhh! Ani-ue’s tea is so delicious!
Shouka: Really? I’m glad. Is it because of my guests that the house has become so much brighter?
Reishin: From now on I’ll come to visit. I’ll run in day and night.
Kurou: It’ll be troublesome if the head of the Kou clan wastes time everyday at this place.
Reishin: Shut up! It’s my choice!
Shouka: Reishin, I don’t mind if you come here at your leisure time but please don’t cause trouble to the people at the Ministry.
Reishin: There is no business that is more important than coming to ani-ue’s place.
[Reishin gulps down a steamed bun]
Reishin: This manjuu is delicious! As expected of ani-ue!
Shouka: Kurou made that manjuu.
[Reishin nearly chokes on the bun]
Reishin: It is kept at ani-ue’s place that’s why it is delicious.
Shouka: From the past, Kurou has been a child capable of anything, isn’t that so?
Kurou: If you wish I can make some for you later.
Reishin: That won’t be necessary. If you have so much time on your hand do the work of your beloved Kou clan.
Kurou: Since Rei-aniue doesn’t keep in touch that’s why I have time to spare.
Shouka: But Kurou’s manjuu is really delicious.
Kurou: So what? I don’t care how it is.
Reishin: What’s that style of speaking when replying to ani-ue?
Shouka: I am such a happy man!
Kurou: What’s this all of a sudden?
Shouka: Yesterday it was you and shujou. Today I’m spending the night with my beloved brothers…it’s such a luxury! Really.
******
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 2
Ryuuki: When I listen to the sound of the niko I remember…
Shusui: Shujou…
Ryuuki: It’s beautiful…please continue. Tonight I want to listen to the niko.
Shusui: Yes.
Ryuuki: How nostalgic…when Shuurei lived in the Inner Palace she used to play the niko for me every night.
Shusui: My playing doesn’t compare with Shuurei-sama’s.
Ryuuki: I like Shusui’s playing as well. So graceful and beautiful.
Shusui: That’s enough.
Ryuuki: I seriously mean it.
Shusui: Eh…thank you so much.
Ryuuki: Come to think of it, sending the marriage proposals in the morning was Shou-taishi’s handiwork, wasn’t it?
Shusui: I’m sorry…he asked me not to tell you who it was from.
Ryuuki: It’s not your fault. It’s entirely that old goat’s fault, so don’t worry about it.
Shusui: I thought he was worried about shujou, since you’re not doing well…
Ryuuki: Nope, he only wants to harass me. Or else he’s killing time, make no mistake about it.
[Shusui starts laughing]
Ryuuki: This is no laughing matter. Nee Shusui…
Shusui: Yes?
Ryuuki: Did you feel lonely when Shuurei left the Inner Palace?
Shusui: Oh yes…well…a little. When I think that Suurei-sama isn’t in Kiyou then I feel a bit lonelier.
Ryuuki: Isn’t it? Definitely I’m not the only one. There are many people other than me who are lonely because Shuurei isn’t here. But nobody speaks about it. Somehow I feel that way.
Shusui: Shuurei-sama has affected a lot of people, that’s why (they feel her absence). But shujou is missing her the most, I think.
Ryuuki: That’s right! I miss her the most!
[Both laugh a bit]
Ryuuki: It’s a beautiful timbre.
[Ryuuki’s recollection]
Ryuuki: Is it over already?
Shuurei: The tune ends here so it can’t be helped.
Ryuuki: Umm…I want more.
Shuurei: Didn’t I say this is the last one? If you stay up late every night it’ll affect your health.
Ryuuki: This is the last one. If you play another tune then I’ll sleep.
Shuurei: Okay…the next one is really the last. Is it fine?
Ryuuki: Yep, I promise.
[Ryuuki comes out of his reverie]
Ryuuki: The nights that were only dark and fearsome before had turned into such a happy time thanks to Shuurei.
[Shusui stops playing]
Shusui: Shall we call it a day?
Ryuuki: Yeah, I guess…no!
Shusui: Did something happen?
Ryuuki: Shusui, please teach me how to play the niko.
Shusui: Eh? Niko? Me?
Ryuuki: Yes. Whenever you are free…even if it’s a little bit before bedtime…will you please teach me?
Shusui: I don’t have enough talent to teach somebody.
Ryuuki: Why do you say that? You played so beautifully!
Shusui: Besides, I’ve never taught anybody before.
Ryuuki: It’s fine. As if I’m seriously learning it.
Shusui: It won’t be very good…alright. I’ll do my best.
Ryuuki: Thanks, Shusui. Alright then, without wasting more time, let’s start right now.
Shusui: But if you don’t sleep right now…
Ryuuki: Just a bit. Pleeeease!
Shusui: Alright, a bit. The instrument is delicate so please don’t drop it.
[Shusui hands over the niko to Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: Oho…it’s heavier than I thought!
Shusui: Place it on your lap and hold the neck around here.
Ryuuki: Like this?
Shusui: Yes, like that! Now take the bow in your other hand.
Ryuuki: Like this, right? But how will it make a sound?
Shusui: Press the strings with your finger. And then…
[The niko makes a sound]
Ryuuki: Oho! It happened!
Shusui: Yes! It’s simple so let’s try one.
Kouyuu: Reishin-sama! You are back!
Reishin: Kouyuu, is it? What happened? Is it surprising that I’d return to my own home?
Kouyuu: N-no…didn’t you go to Shouka-sama’s place?
Reishin: I did….yes, I did.
Kouyuu: D-did something happen?
Reishin: Doesn’t concern you. Ah, that’s right, if someone sends steam buns let me know at once. Alright?
Kouyuu: Steam buns? I don’t understand clearly…
Reishin: That snivelling king goes to ani-ue’s place as he pleases. His friendliness with Shuurei is also difficult to forgive. I even told ani-ue not to pamper him.
Kouyuu: Ohh…Re-Reishin-sama, a letter has come again from the Kou clan.
Reishin: Leave it.
Kouyuu: B-but…
Reishin: Oo? You are talking back to me?
Kouyuu: No…I’m sorry.
Reishin: If you have understood then burn that letter and things like it. Ah, Kouyuu…
Kouyuu: Yes?
Reishin: Tomorrow I’ll go out at night. I’ll leave any work that’ll remain unfinished at that time to you.
Kouyuu: That’s…
Reishin: It’s fine, right?
Kouyuu: But…
Reishin: IT’S FINE, RIGHT?
Kouyuu: Yes.
Reishin: Good.
[Sound of a dog barking]
Yuuri: Haaaa! This is done, Houju.
Houju: Understood.
Yuuri: Then this document has been summarized already…today also we had to work till so late.
Houju: It’s true…we got delayed by stupid things. A heap of documents collapsed and the inkstone broke and so on.
Yuuri: If Shuu-kun hadn’t stored away spare equipments we would have ended up wasting even more time.
Houji: We already wasted time in remembering that.
Yuuri: I got really flustered, didn’t I? I’m so embarrassed. But Houju, don’t you miss having Shuu-kun visit here sometimes?
Houju: I don’t miss it.
Yuuri: I miss it, at times. When Shuu-kun became an officer I thought she would totally come to the Ministry of Finance.
Houju: You don’t have to talk as if we have been separated for all eternity. It’s so irritating…wherever I go people keep saying ‘I’m lonely!’ ‘I’m lonely!’
Yuuri: Wherever you go?
Houju: There used to be someone as noisy as a little sparrow in the Ministry of Personnel. Before this he used to spend all night complaining about stupid things.
Yuuri: Ah, I see.
Houju: Even if Shuurei isn’t here nothing will change. Even the ones she left behind.
Yuuri [laughing]: That’s so like you! However, it is alright even for Houju to occasionally feel lonely at the absence of the girl.
Houju: Hmm. Would you like some tea?
Yuuri: Yeah, I think so, please. If we don’t take proper breaks Shuu-kun will be worried.
Houju: Ever since Shuurei has come, you have become quite talkative.
Yuuri: Oya…is that so?
Houju: Yes, that is so.
[Sound of tea being poured out followed by the sound of footsteps]
Shuuei: Eh? Sou-taifu!
Sou-taifu: Ah, the greenhorn of the Ran clan…sniff sniff…you smell nice, you darned lady killer. Before you fascinate the ladies why don’t you become able to properly wield your sword? You are a disgrace to the military.
Shuuei: More importantly, are you alone?
Sou-taifu: Does that surprise you?
Shuuei: I think it’s quite rare.
Sou-taifu: He dumped me and went somewhere.
Shuuei: I thought he didn’t have any work that would take him outside.
Sou-taifu: It seems he had a private mission. His sneaking around makes me so mad!
Shuuei: It seems like you are in a bad mood. Tonight the army’s drinking party is open. How about showing your face there?
Sou-taifu: Sorry but I don’t like to be among that bunch of carefree men.
Shuuei: Is that so? In that case I don’t wish to interrupt you anymore.
Sou-taifu: Shoo! Ah wait, please tell shujou…
Shuuei: What?
Sou-taifu: “Don’t ever hesitate to go for training”.
Shuuei: I…I’ll tell him.
Sou-taifu: Sa-shuu, is it? how much longer ka shite ken mo motenu oiboro ni nattara atarashiku umarekawatta ano tochi o mi ni ikitai mono yo.
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 3
Ryuuki: This looks fine…alright, Kouyuu, please bring those documents here.
Kouyuu: Yes.
Shuuei: Somehow the Emperor seems to be in good spirits this morning.
Kouyuu: He didn’t work for six months, asking if we were feeling lonely in the absence of Shuurei. I don’t know what happened today but the result is good.
Shuuei: It would have been a bother if it continued everyday.
Ryuuki: Kouyuu…this one, this one and the one over here are also done.
Kouyuu: Today you’re so efficient…I’m failing to recognize you. Let me see…this one has been summarized quite well…good job. This one…well it’s quite up to the mark. Alright, you pass. You have done well. Thank you for the trouble, Your Highness.
Ryuuki: That’s all there is for the morning, right?
Kouyuu: Some official documents should come from the Ministries of Finance and Personnel in the afternoon so for the time being that’s all.
Ryuuki: In that case I’ll take a break for one koku. I have to go somewhere.
Kouyuu: You have to…go somewhere? Only if you can return at the end of one koku.
Ryuuki: Really?!
Shuuei: If you are going out I’ll~
Ryuuki: It’s alright…no need to come with me.
Kouyuu: That’s strictly prohibited.
Ryuuki: I know.
[Ryuuki brings out a niko]
Shuuei: Shujou, is that a niko, by any chance?
Ryuuki: That’s correct. Alright, I’ll be back.
[Ryuuki runs away]
Kouyuu: Bearing a musical instrument…
Shuuei: He was in quite a bit of hurry. Come to think of it, it seems that shujou is learning to play the niko these days.
Kouyuu: I’m hearing that for the first time! Who did you hear it from?
Shuuei: A few days ago…from a woman who lives in the Inner Palace. Shusui-dono is teaching him.
Kouyuu: You little…but I wonder why is shujou learning to play the niko?
Shuuei: I guess there is somebody he wants to play it for.
Kouyuu: Who is it?
Shuuei: Who knows…
Kouyuu: Shuuei, is it alright for us to ignore shujou’s suspicious behaviour?
Shuuei: You’re right…plus it’ll be bothersome if in spite of being the Inspector-general, I relax my vigil. Kouyuu, shall we accompany him for a little?
Kouyuu: Hehe…I cannot but agree.
[Ryuuki rushes into Shouka’s mansion]
Ryuuki: Shouka!
Shouka: Oya, shujou! What happened? Why are you in a rush?
Ryuuki: I want to show something…no, I want Shouka to listen to something. That’s why I hurriedly finished off the morning’s work and came here.
Shouka: Something you want me to listen to?
Ryuuki: Yep. Well, what about we sit here together?
Shouka: Would you like a spot of tea?
Ryuuki: Thank you.
[Ryuuki brings out (unwraps?) the niko as Shouka prepares the tea]
Ryuuki: Do you know what it is, Shouka?
Shouka: A niko?
Ryuuki: Correct! I wanted to play it for you, Shouka, so I learnt it from Shusui.
Shouka: Shujou? Niko?
Ryuuki: I’m still a beginner…I just learned to play a short tune.
Shouka: I certainly wish to (respectfully) listen to it.
Ryuuki: Really?
Shouka: But…why did you suddenly wish to learn to play the niko?
Ryuuki: …I was comforted by the sound of Shuurei’s niko on nights that I had no choice but to endure alone. Even now, just by remembering that sound, my heart is calmed. Even if I can’t play it as well as Shuurei, I wished to do something for Shouka who always makes tea for me. Shouka’s tea always rejuvinates me, that’s why.
[Ryuuki begins a tune as Shouka pours out the tea. Attention shifts to the eavesdroppers]
Kouyuu: What’s this? Shouka-sama was the purpose for learning the niko?
Shuuei: I’m a little jealous. He didn’t play it for us even once.
Kouyuu: Don’t be stupid!
Shuuei: Nee, Kouyuu, I’ve never been in an audience for music, but don’t you think it’s a nice timbre?
Kouyuu: I don’t understand these things well.
Shuuei: But you’ll admit it’s not a bad sound?
Kouyuu: Let’s return.
Shuuei: Don’t you wish to listen a little longer?
Kouyuu: It’s a waste of time! I need to reach these documents~
Shuuei: Yes, yes, I’ll help you out. In any case I’ll have to guide you.
Kouyuu: I DON’T NEED YOUR GUIDANCE!!!
Shuuei: Shhh! It’s okay, let’s go.
[Eavesdroppers leave. Ryuuki ends his piece]
Ryuuki: Th-that’s it.
[Shouka claps]
Shouka: It was marvellous, shujou! A gentle tune…it touched my heart.
Ryuuki: Yeaaahh! So it was worth putting so much effort into learning it!
Shouka: Yes, please play it for Shuurei when she comes back. I’m sure she’ll be happy too.
Ryuuki: Is that so? But…no, wait.
Shouka: Oya…why?
Ryuuki: I wish to be praised by Shuurei but still…I wish to listen to her playing. Unlike earlier, now I can’t meet Shuurei at all times. When Shuurei comes back I’ll drink tea made by her, eat manjuu and even dinner made by her, and then listen to her niko.
Shouka: Is that so?
Ryuuki: Yes.
[Ryuuki takes a sip of Shouka’s ‘chichicha’ and chokes a bit]
Ryuuki: Tea’s nice. Shouka, Shusui was saying that wanting to play the niko for someone is a precious feeling. That’s why I thought of a lot of people while doing my lessons. Shuurei, Shouka, Seiran, Shuuei, Kouyuu…to tell you the truth there are so many people around me now. I realized that for the first time. It’s so different from the childhood I spent all by myself…
Shouka: Shujou…
Ryuuki: I am happy. I’m a blessed king. In spite of that I wish for ‘something more’. I am selfish. I want Shuurei and Seiran to do their best but I also want to see them soon.
Shouka: Man is a selfish animal. We end up wanting ‘everything’ from the people who are important to us. I guess it can’t be helped.
Ryuuki: But that doesn’t mean we can obtain ‘everything’.
Shouka: That’s because everybody is different. Just because we wish for something, it doesn’t mean that we shall obtain it.
Ryuuki: Hmm…that’s exactly how it is. I wish to return the many important things that I have received from Shuurei. But that’ll be an endless list.
[‘onaji dake kaeseru’: Basically Ryuuki is saying that he wishes to give things (kindness etc) to Shuurei in an amount equivalent the amount he has received from her]
Shouka: That’s fine, I think. To receive from someone and give back to them, and then to receive some more in exchange of that - you don’t need to return it all at once. You should do it gradually. The relationship which develops like that becomes full of warmth.
Ryuuki: That’s fine, right? But shall I be able to properly return Shuurei’s kindness? I’m a little worried about it.
Shouka: I think she’ll be quite happy even if you simply receive it.
Ryuuki: She’s got a personality like that…that’s what bothers me.
Shouka [laughing]: So then, what about one more cup of tea?
Ryuuki: Thanks.
Shouka: Do you have time for it?
Ryuuki: Yep, I took a break for one koku. Even Kouyuu has praised me for being efficient!
Shouka: Hear, hear! Then, please relax a bit.
[Shouka pours out the tea]
Ryuuki: Well, Shouka, how about I play the niko once again? Shusui said I’ll advance only by playing a lot.
Shouka: The niko? Certainly! Please play it again.
Ryuuki: Alright! This time, for Shouka’s sake, I’ve remembered another tune! So please listen to the next one.
Shouka: With pleasure!
[Ryuuki starts another tune]
Ryuuki [thoughts]: I’ll probably never play the niko in front of Shuurei. But if this sound crosses the night sky and reaches the end of my country, and then turns into a star that colours the sky, and if that star can colour the nights that Shuurei spends in the distant Sa-province even a little, I’ll be happy with that for now. I pray that the strong, warm glance that I saw the other day blossoms once more in front of my eyes.
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Epilogue
Shuuei: Good evening, Shusui-dono.
Shusui: Ran-shougun! Again you crept in as you pleased, ne? I wonder if you even realize what place this is.
Shuuei: Of course I understand…the Emperor’s Inner Palace. That’s why I clandestinely came to visit.
Shusui: You won’t get away by being desperate.
Shuuei: Who will catch me at this hour? By the way, you are carrying a niko.
Shusui: So what?
Shuuei: Tonight I came here after hearing the sound of a niko from the Emperor’s room. Was Shusui-dono the one who was playing? It was a beautiful timbre.
Shusui: Tonight? But more than half of the performance was given by shujou.
Shuuei: Shujou? Niko? I’m hearing that for the first time! Has he started recently?
Shusui: Yes. A few days ago he suddenly asked me to teach him.
Shuuei: I see. Maybe he’s playing it thinking of Shuurei…he was saying that he was lonely until some time back.
Shusui: Maybe…but more than his nostalgia for Shuurei, he told me he was learning it because he wanted to play it for someone.
Shuuei: Does he want to play it for Shuurei-dono?
Shusui: That’s quite likely.
Shuuei: So, Shusui-dono is teaching him?
Shusui: Isn’t that intimidating?
Shuuei: Shujou is in an enviable position. Every night he is under Shusui-dono’s direct supervision…alright, please teach me something!
Shusui: I am employed at the Inner Palace.
Shuuei: Unfriendly as usual. At least won’t you play the niko for me?
Shusui: Didn’t you come hearing it a short while ago?
Shuuei: If I know it’s you who is playing, the timbre will become all the more pleasant to me.
Shusui: Again…you are quite a smooth talker, aren’t you? Excuse me, but I have work to do after this.
Shuuei: Since you have graciously stopped for me, can I hope for another moment like this?
Shusui: I didn’t specially stop for your sake, Ran-shougun.
Shuuei: Then why?
Shusui: Because, if I didn’t stop you would’ve followed me to my room.
Shuuei: I did intend to do that.
Shusui: I’m not going to my room now. So long then.
Shuuei: I shall come to see you again.
[Shusui walks away without reply]
Shuuei: Alas! I got dumped tonight as well.
[The sound of a niko playing]
Shuuei: Huh? Is that the sound of a niko? Surely Shusui-dono’s room lies in that direction. [laughs] I give up…does she realize (my feelings for her) or doesn’t she? Ahh…what a beautiful sound…gentle, graceful, beautiful…it’s as if the sound represents you, Shusui-dono. Good night. Sweet dreams…
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Introduction
Ryuuki: Kou Shuurei, being a woman and an officer, do your duties to your heart’s content.
Shuurei: For as long as the Emperor shall call me.
Ryuuki: We shall look forward to the day when the bud that was granted to you blooms. From today onwards, you (all) shall be the pillars of this country.
Voiceover: After that they set out for Sa-province, to a distant land, in order to make their dreams come true. Saiunkoku Monogatari original Drama CD part 2: Mono Omou Kimi ni Ai no Te wo.
[Sound of people talking]
Ryuuki: Hmm…today is such a usual day.
Kouyuu: Usual? Yeah, I guess, as usual shujou hasn’t done a single thing. Thanks to that work has stalled and is piling up one on top of the other. So, have you finished anything?
Ryuuki: Eh…no, not yet. But really, as usual people are labouring away at work today, aren’t they?
Shuuei: I daresay, and there is no special event coming up.
Ryuuki: That’s right.
Shuuei: Why the long face, shujou? Did something happen?
Ryuuki: Shuuei, Kouyuu, don’t you want to eat Shuurei’s manjuu right now?
Shuuei & Kouyuu: Haa?!!
Ryuuki: I don’t know how, but I want to eat them RIGHT NOW!!!
Shuuei: Ah, I see. It’s been a while since Shuurei-dono set out for the Sa-province. That’s why you are missing her.
Kouyuu: A while? It hasn’t even been a month! Don’t you know how long Shuurei is working there?
Ryuuki: I…I understand that. But even though I’m so lonely, my surroundings don’t change at all. Always the same!
Kouyuu: Isn’t that natural? Sending Kou Shuurei as a governor is just one part of your job. If the whole country has to change its customs for it, that would be a far greater problem.
Ryuuki: Yeah I guess you are right, but doesn’t Kouyuu feel lonely without Shuurei?
Kouyuu: Of course! I know what troubles Shuurei has taken to come so far. Working as a civil officer at a place where pure ability is a better strategy than experience, is the ideal path for Shuurei. Then what is the need to feel lonely?
Shuuei: That’s true. I feel thrilled instead by what she is doing at Sa-province. But Kouyuu, even as you say it, even you feel a bit lonely don’t you?
Kouyuu: Not at all! But I’m a little worried. Shuurei was made governor a little too rapidly. She doesn’t possess the things that are learnt only by accumulating experience.
Shuuei: The excellent aides over there will support her. I’m sure that Shuurei-dono will be fine.
Ryuuki: Yeah, I guess she’ll be fine. I don’t think it was a mistake to appoint her as governor. Rather, I think she was the best choice. But why does it feel so lonely just because she is not in Kiyou?
Shuuei: That’s because…do you wish to meet Shuurei-dono?
Ryuuki: It’s alright even if I don’t meet her. I just want her to be here.
Shuuei: Sa-province is also part of Saiunkoku.
Ryuuki: That’s right. It’s a part of my country but…too far.
Shuuei: Have a little more confidence, after all you rule over the entire kingdom.
Kouyuu: It’s unfortunate that you don’t remember that.
Shuuei: Most unfortunate.
Kouyuu: After all he’s an inexperienced ruler.
Ryuuki: Kouyuu is so severe…
Kouyuu: If I were not so then even the things that are making progress would be stalled.
Shuuei: That’s not his true nature.
Kouyuu: You shut up! Must you always say unnecessary things with your trivial mouth?
Shuuei: As usual I struck a chord didn’t I?
Kouyuu: You…
Ryuuki: Kouyuu and Shuuei are (arguing) like always. But watching your quarrel makes me feel a little assured.
Shuuei: Kouyuu should take the credit for this one.
Kouyuu: If you have no other work than to talk then go deliver these documents!
Shuuei: Ooh…scary!
Ryuuki: Ah, my mood is a little better. Alright, I too will persevere.
Kouyuu: Kindly do that, SHUJOU!
Ryuuki: Ehehe…yes. [Thinking] In spite of everything, I want to eat Shuurei’s manjuu in the afternoon, in the evening I want to listen to Shuurei’s niko…Shuurei’s scent, which permeated my life, has become distant but if I hold on to it I’ll become desperate. On the day of her departure, did Shuurei cast her always-strong glance towards me? Or else is my heart a weak thing?
*****
[The sound of a door opening]
Shouka: Oya, shujou! Welcome, it’s so nice of you to come!
Ryuuki: Shouka, sorry it’s so late at night.
Shouka: Not at all…(Sorry but) I can’t serve you anything but tea. How about it?
Ryuuki: That’s alright. Sorry for the trouble. [The house is] so quiet.
Shouka: Yes. I’m preparing the tea right now. [The sound of a teapot] Here you go.
Ryuuki: Thank you. [Takes a sip and chokes a little] Shouka…
Shouka: Yes?
Ryuuki: It’s so quiet.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuki: Is this house always so quiet?
Shouka: It’s too early for the crickets to sing.
Ryuuki: Don’t you feel lonely?
Shouka: I’m fine. But the house feels a bit too large.
Ryuuki: I’m lonely.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuki: But I don’t regret what I wished for. What do you think Shuurei is doing right now?
Shouka: I think she just had her dinner.
Ryuuki: The Sa-province is an unforgiving place.
Shouka: Seiran is with her, as are Ensei-kun and Eigetsu-kun.
Ryuuki: Ah, even I have faith in them. That’s why, perhaps, it’s fine. Shuurei et al will do something using their powers.
Shouka: Yeah, even I have faith in them. They are all strong children.
Ryuuki: Even I have to become a lot stronger, isn’t it?
Shouka: Are you leaving, shujou?
Ryuuki: Yes. Today I came all of a sudden, Shouka must have things to attend to. I’ll come again. Shouka, I’m sorry I cast such a huge burden on Shuurei. To that extent, I’ll also have to do what I must.
Shouka: Yes.
Ryuuka: I’ll go visit you in the archives tomorrow. Please make tea for me once again.
Shouka: Yeah, I’ll wait for you!
*****
Shouka: Do you fancy a spot of tea?
Kurou: No, I’m fine. If I want tea I’ll make it myself, Shou-aniue.
Shouka: I’m sorry I made you hide, Kurou.
Kurou: Its alright, I didn’t wish to meet shujou anyway. More importantly, it seems shujou can come here at his will. [Can’t follow what he says next] Please be a little careful.
Shouka: I always worry you, don’t I? But shujou has turned into a fine man hasn’t he?
Kurou: I can only see a child who comes crying to you.
Shouka: He is a gentle person. He came here to ask after my well-being, knowing that I might be feeling lonely without Shuurei.
Kurou: Gentleness is the same as fragility.
Shouka: Kurou is so severe.
Kurou: I’ll make some tea.
[Sound of pouring tea]
Sou-taifu: About shujou…
Shou-taishi: Hmm…he’s saying he isn’t feeling good these days. He’s also looking pensive.
Sou-taifu: It seems something big is causing him to be so absent-minded. Do you know the reason?
Shou-taishi: Of course I know. There is only one reason.
Sou-taifu: The former empress, is it? That she went to Sa-province as governor?
Shou-taishi: That’s right.
Sou-taifu: But wasn’t it shujou who decided to send her away? How effeminate.
Shou-taishi: He’s still wet behind the ears. [Takes a sip of tea] Sa-province, eh? It has become a hotbed of activities.
Sou-taifu: Shou, you miss doing something unique don’t you? [Matanai kakashite oru?]
Shou-taishi: What are you saying…
Sou-taifu: You old goat…
Shou-taishi: We’re both old goats. More importantly, the way to comfort shujou’s spirit that is marinating in loneliness…we elders should lend a helping hand.
Sou-taifu: That’s new. I never knew you cared so much about shujou.
Shou-taishi: I always think of shujou.
Sou-taifu: What are you saying, you old racoon? Anyhow I think you have time on your hand now, so you are going to make fun of shujou.
Shou-taishi: Exactly! Since retirement, my days have become so ordinary.
Sou-taifu: Now that you said it, my days are exactly the same. It’s been so long since I drew my sword.
Shou-taishi: Again you’ve started with the sword? If you don’t use your head a little longer [can’t follow]
Sou-taifu: That’s enough! So, by what wily method are you going to tease shujou this time?
Shou-taishi: Wile is unpardonable. Listen and be surprised, this is my plan.
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Sou-taifu: No way! If it was me I’d…
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Shou-taishi: No, no way!
[Whisper, whisper, whisper, whisper]
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 1
Ryuuki [sleepily]: Is it morning? Shusui…
Shusui: Excuse me, I see that you are awake, shujou*. Good Morning.
Ryuuki: Ah…good morning…I had a terrible dream last night.
Shusui: What did you dream about?
Ryuuki: Wherever I went Shou-taishi would beat me to it and laugh. I ran here and there throughout the house but the old fool kept following me like a shadow.
Shusui: Ah…is that so?
Ryuuki: Really! It was the worst dream!
Shusui: Well…you’ve just woken up but…there’s something that I was told to deliver to you urgently. Shall I bring it?
Ryuuki: Yeah.
Shusui: Excuse me for a moment.
[Sound of opening a door and footsteps with the rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: What?!! What’s this outrageous heap of documents? This…these are marriage proposals!!!
Shusui: Seems like it.
Ryuuki: This is your ‘urgent business’?! Besides, such a mountain of them?!
Shusui: Shall I bring the rest?
Ryuuki: Eh?
[Ryuuki is buried under an avalanche of papers]
Shusui: Are you alright, shujou?
[Ryuuki scrambles out of the heap]
Ryuuki: Who is it? Who sent this pile?
Shusui: That…I don’t know very clearly…these were very ordinary marriage proposals so I didn’t investigate…
Ryuuki: These are a nuisance! Shusui, dispose with them right now.
Shusui: Won’t you take a look?
Ryuuki: You mean look at all these? Don’t say such impossible things. Besides, I don’t need them. I won’t do marriage interviews.
Shusui: Understood. Then, shall I bring your clothing and breakfast?
Ryuuki: Yes, please do that.
[Sound of a door closing]
Shusui: Shou-taishi is such a pain in the ass. Sending so many marriage proposals…what is planning to do, I wonder.
******
[Sound of footsteps]
Ryuuki: What’s with all the marriage proposals? In the first place, who brought in that pile? Come to think of it, in the past also someone used to come with a mountain of marriage proposals…hmm…that was before I met Shuurei…
[Sound of an arrow striking somewhere]
Ryuuki: What? This is an…arrow?!
Sou-taifu: Good morning, shujou.
Ryuuki: Ah, Sou-taifu…Good evening…but why are you carrying a bow in your hand?
Sou-taifu: Oh, don’t worry about it. It was only to call shujou’s attention.
Ryuuki: Oh…next time please call my attention in a more conventional way. So long then…
Sou-taifu: Of late Your Highness is feeling rather under the weather, isn’t it?
Ryuuki: No…I’m fine.
Sou-taifu: No, I assume from your appearance that your awakening this morning also wasn’t particularly pleasant? That’s why I’ve come to help you get some morning exercise. Come now, shujou.
Ryuuki: Wait, Sou-taifu, we’ll exercise later. Don’t bare your sword yet…stop!
Sou-taifu: Oh…you are not thinking of using a sword?
Ryuuki: No, you don’t understand at all. Why is it necessary that I’ll have to be trained by Sou-taifu since morning?
Sou-taifu: I don’t care if you don’t need a sword. In that case…
[Sound of Sou-taifu beating the hell out of Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: This is dangerous! Calm down a little, Shou-taishi. [can’t catch what he says here, any help really appreciated] but don’t joke around.
Sou-taifu: I didn’t come here with the intention of joking.
[More sounds of Ryuuki being beaten to a pulp]
Ryuuki: Sou-taifu…what are you trying to do?
Sou-taifu: This is morning exercise, shujou. If you are not feeling good, if you devote yourself to training till you can’t even move your body** you will feel fresh and glorious. Your evil emotions having been dispelled with, naturally your heart will become quiet.
Ryuuki: But I’m fine, I’m telling you! If I have evil emotions I’ll get rid of them myself. Your concern is unnecessary.
Sou-taifu: Don’t be so reserved!
Ryuuki: This is bad! If I get hit like this I’ll be knocked down before I can do my work…
Sou-taifu: What’s up Your Highness? I won’t give up so easily!
Ryuuki: It definitely seems that way. Alright, in that case I shall…run away!
Sou-taifu: Don’t think I’ll let you get away so easily. Don’t underestimate me! Now, you assholes! Get him!
Soldiers: Be prepared, shujou!
Ryuuki: What are you doing?
Soldiers: Prepare for attack!
Ryuuki: Wait, I’m the Emperor!
Soldier1: Forgive us, shujou. If we don’t comply, Sou-taifu has threatened to subject us to powerful blows until we cannot stand on our legs!
Soldier2: Please, I have a cute newly-wed wife at home…I can’t die of violent blows yet!
Ryuuki: Damn you, Sou-taifu! You’ve turned the soldiers into your allies…
Sou-taifu: Ah, shujou, pick up your sword***. Don’t make me come over there.
[Sound of someone hitting Ryuuki…I think it is Sou-taifu]
Ryuuki: Aaagh! There’s no other way…forgive me!
[Ryuuki hits a soldier and knocks his sword out of his hand. Ryuuki picks up the sword]
Soildier: Gyaah! My sword!
Sou-taifu: At last you’ve picked up a sword. Splendid! Splendid! There’s no more need to hesitate!
Ryuuki: I am the Emperor so please hesitate.
Sou-taifu: Soldiers! Don’t let the Emperor leave!
Soldier [sobbing]: Forgive me, shujou!
[Sound of swords clashing and then Ryuuki knocks the sword off a soldier’s hand]
Soldier: Ah! My sword!
Ryuuki: You’re not wounded, are you?
Soldier: I’m not!
Sou-taifu: Even now they’ll block the path of your retreat.
[More sound of swords clashing]
Sou-taifu: You are not giving one hundred percent into your swordsmanship.
Ryuuki: Even if you are saying that, I’m giving my best so it can’t be helped!
Sou-taifu: What happened to your usual rhythm? I don’t remember teaching you such weak swordsmanship!
Ryuuki: Wait!
Sou-taifu: I won’t wait!
[Sou-taifu is aggressively attacking Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: This is bad…if this keeps up then the government affairs will be delayed and Kouyuu will get mad at me again…well, since it has come to this…
[Ryuuki rallies back a bit, I guess]
Ryuuki: Over there! Sa-taiho’s ghost!!
Sou-taifu: What the~
[Taking advantage of the distraction, Ryuuki throws away his sword and runs away]
Sou-taifu: He lied to me…I let him escape…
Soldiers: What about us?
Sou-taifu: It can’t be helped…you are dismissed.
Soldiers: Thank you!
[Soldiers escape with their lives]
Sou-taifu: Dammit! He surprised me…you better not joke about this!
Shou-taishi [laughing]: Serves you right! Basically any man who feels refreshed after training has muscles in his head equivalent to yours.
Sou-taifu: What did you say? In that case, Shou, what happened to your sending a mountain of marriage proposals anonymously? After all, it seems like shujou didn’t look at even a single one.
Shou-taishi: There are many more marriage proposals. Just because he ignored them once doesn’t mean I’m going to give up.
Sou-taifu: You seem to be full of determination. As I would expect, your vengefulness is twice…nah, a hundred times that of ordinary men isn’t it?
Shou-tashi: Hahahaha!
******
[The sound of frantic footsteps and then Ryuuki tumbles inside a room, panting heavily]
Kouyuu: You’re late! What were you doing, shujou? With a face like you’ve just seen a monster…
Ryuuki: More terrible than a monster…I was attacked by Sou-taifu!
Kouyuu: Huh? Well, I don’t care what excuse you make. Get in your chair and start working right now!
Ryuuki: It was dreadful, I tell you!
[Ryuuki pulls his chair]
Shuuei: You were attacked by Sou-taifu? Thank God you could escape and come here!
Ryuuki: Isn’t that so? There’s no use arguing with him…I barely escaped with my life!
Shuuei: That too so early in the morning…did something happen? It’s as though he was deliberately aiming at the time when he could start the training.
Ryuuki: Really! When I woke up today I got pelted with “only this much” marriage proposals that someone sent anonymously…is today an unlucky day?
Shuuei: Marriage proposals?
Ryuuki: Yeah…this morning alone there was a heap of it. I’ve said so many times that I won’t do a marriage interview.
Shuuei: Still, until shujou takes an Empress such proposals will keep coming.
Ryuuki: I won’t marry anyone other than Shuurei. That’s final.
Shuuei: Yes, yes, isn’t that so? Alas, I don’t know whether to call you earnest or obstinate.
Kouyuu: Move your hand rather than your mouth!
Ryuuki: Ah…I know…alright, let’s start from this part.
Shuuei: You never proceed beyond that.
Kouyuu: You don’t interfere, Shuuei.
Shuuei: Well, in that case let me not anger you and go make some tea. Shujou, would you take some delicious, chrysanthemum flavoured tea?
Ryuuki: Yes, that will be nice.
[Sound of crockery and the rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: O-kay, alright, this part is done. Umm Kouyuu, what’s this? The previous survey~
[There is a knock on the door]
Ryuuki: Go and see, Kouyuu.
[I’m not sure if Ryuuki is asking Kouyuu to get the door (Mite, Kouyuu) or Kouyuu is saying he’ll go and see who’s at the door (Mite koyou). In any case it’s actually Shuuei who opened the door]
Shuuei: Shou-taishi…is it?
Shou-taishi: Ah, the brat from the Ran clan…excellent! Hold this and this.
Shuuei: Huh? Ah…umm…Shou-taishi, what business brings you here?
Shou-taishi: Since I heard that shujou isn’t doing well these days, this old man had no choice but to come here himself. I’ve brought a wonder drug, you see? Oi, have a look at this, Ri-jirou. Won’t you help as well?
Ryuuki: Oi old goat…I mean, Shou-taishi! Don’t make my assistants labour as you please! What’s with this mountain of documents?
Shou-taishi: Look at any one of them, as you please.
[There is a rustling of papers]
Ryuuki: These are… [Draws in his breath sharply] grrrrrr…marriage proposals!
Shuuei: Oh no! All these are…marriage proposals for shujou?
Shou-taishi: Oh yes! That’s so.
Ryuuki: I don’t need them. I won’t do marriage interviews. I won’t take an Empress. How many times have I told you?
Kouyuu: Where among these is the ‘wonder drug’?
Ryuuki: They are a nuisance!
Shou-taishi: Isn’t it known from the past that after being dumped by a woman, a new woman is the miracle cure?
Shuuei: Aha! I see…certainly.
Ryuuki: You don’t agree with him! I wasn’t dumped.
Shou-taishi: O? You really think so?
Ryuuki: I wasn’t du-dumped. I-isn’t that so? I don’t think I was…perhaps…w-was I?
Shou-taishi: Perhaps shujou is the only one who thinks he wasn’t dumped. But do take a look at the marriage proposals and give them a serious consideration. An obstinate man is hated by all.
[Ryuuki starts crying. Shou-taishi walks out with an evil cackle]
Shuuei: Ah, he made a Parthian shot!
[At this Ryuuki bawls louder than ever]
Kouyuu: Shut up! You are the Emperor so don’t cry like a child! So, what should we do with this mountain of documents?
Ryuuki: Hide them all away!
Shuuei: Show a little spirit, shujou. Not all women are like Shuurei-dono.
Ryuuki: There’s no way I’ve been dumped by Shuurei yet. No way! No way, I tell you! None!
Kouyuu: Listen, do your work right now]
******
[There is a knock on the door]
Shouka: Come in, Reishin. Aren’t you a little early?
Reishin: Yes, a little early I guess.
Shouka: Well, there’s nothing to hurry about.
Reishin: No! Yesterday also, today at noon also, that snivelling brat had come to your place, didn’t he? It’s so unfair that strangers get to visit you so often and I don’t. If someone comes today please shall send them away.
Shouka: That’ll be troublesome. To be honest, the previous visitor is still here.
Reishin: Previous guest? Who is it? I’ll kick him out of the house!
Shouka: Hmm…I wonder about that. Please come this way.
[Sound of footsteps and opening a door]
Reishin: You…Kurou!
Kurou: Rei-aniue, it’s been a long time. I contacted you so many times but didn’t receive a reply. I’m happy that we met so suddenly like this.
Shouka: It’s so nice that the three of us have come together like this. Reishin, please sit here.
Reishin: Ani-ue, why is Kurou here?
Shouka: He came yesterday as well. So then, would you like a spot of tea?
Kurou: I’ve already asked Shou-aniue not to touch it, didn’t I? Let me make tea~
Reishin: Don’t butt in, Kurou! I don’t want to drink your tea! I want to drink tea brewed by ani-ue.
Kurou: Understood.
Shouka: Don’t talk like that. Kurou only wanted to make tea for you.
Reishin: Ani-ue spoils Kurou way too much!
Shouka: Reishin…
Reishin: …I’m sorry, ani-ue.
[Shouka pours out the tea]
Shouka: Here, Reishin.
Reishin: Thank you!
[Sound of the three of them sipping tea]
Reishin: Aaaaahhhh! Ani-ue’s tea is so delicious!
Shouka: Really? I’m glad. Is it because of my guests that the house has become so much brighter?
Reishin: From now on I’ll come to visit. I’ll run in day and night.
Kurou: It’ll be troublesome if the head of the Kou clan wastes time everyday at this place.
Reishin: Shut up! It’s my choice!
Shouka: Reishin, I don’t mind if you come here at your leisure time but please don’t cause trouble to the people at the Ministry.
Reishin: There is no business that is more important than coming to ani-ue’s place.
[Reishin gulps down a steamed bun]
Reishin: This manjuu is delicious! As expected of ani-ue!
Shouka: Kurou made that manjuu.
[Reishin nearly chokes on the bun]
Reishin: It is kept at ani-ue’s place that’s why it is delicious.
Shouka: From the past, Kurou has been a child capable of anything, isn’t that so?
Kurou: If you wish I can make some for you later.
Reishin: That won’t be necessary. If you have so much time on your hand do the work of your beloved Kou clan.
Kurou: Since Rei-aniue doesn’t keep in touch that’s why I have time to spare.
Shouka: But Kurou’s manjuu is really delicious.
Kurou: So what? I don’t care how it is.
Reishin: What’s that style of speaking when replying to ani-ue?
Shouka: I am such a happy man!
Kurou: What’s this all of a sudden?
Shouka: Yesterday it was you and shujou. Today I’m spending the night with my beloved brothers…it’s such a luxury! Really.
******
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 2
Ryuuki: When I listen to the sound of the niko I remember…
Shusui: Shujou…
Ryuuki: It’s beautiful…please continue. Tonight I want to listen to the niko.
Shusui: Yes.
Ryuuki: How nostalgic…when Shuurei lived in the Inner Palace she used to play the niko for me every night.
Shusui: My playing doesn’t compare with Shuurei-sama’s.
Ryuuki: I like Shusui’s playing as well. So graceful and beautiful.
Shusui: That’s enough.
Ryuuki: I seriously mean it.
Shusui: Eh…thank you so much.
Ryuuki: Come to think of it, sending the marriage proposals in the morning was Shou-taishi’s handiwork, wasn’t it?
Shusui: I’m sorry…he asked me not to tell you who it was from.
Ryuuki: It’s not your fault. It’s entirely that old goat’s fault, so don’t worry about it.
Shusui: I thought he was worried about shujou, since you’re not doing well…
Ryuuki: Nope, he only wants to harass me. Or else he’s killing time, make no mistake about it.
[Shusui starts laughing]
Ryuuki: This is no laughing matter. Nee Shusui…
Shusui: Yes?
Ryuuki: Did you feel lonely when Shuurei left the Inner Palace?
Shusui: Oh yes…well…a little. When I think that Suurei-sama isn’t in Kiyou then I feel a bit lonelier.
Ryuuki: Isn’t it? Definitely I’m not the only one. There are many people other than me who are lonely because Shuurei isn’t here. But nobody speaks about it. Somehow I feel that way.
Shusui: Shuurei-sama has affected a lot of people, that’s why (they feel her absence). But shujou is missing her the most, I think.
Ryuuki: That’s right! I miss her the most!
[Both laugh a bit]
Ryuuki: It’s a beautiful timbre.
[Ryuuki’s recollection]
Ryuuki: Is it over already?
Shuurei: The tune ends here so it can’t be helped.
Ryuuki: Umm…I want more.
Shuurei: Didn’t I say this is the last one? If you stay up late every night it’ll affect your health.
Ryuuki: This is the last one. If you play another tune then I’ll sleep.
Shuurei: Okay…the next one is really the last. Is it fine?
Ryuuki: Yep, I promise.
[Ryuuki comes out of his reverie]
Ryuuki: The nights that were only dark and fearsome before had turned into such a happy time thanks to Shuurei.
[Shusui stops playing]
Shusui: Shall we call it a day?
Ryuuki: Yeah, I guess…no!
Shusui: Did something happen?
Ryuuki: Shusui, please teach me how to play the niko.
Shusui: Eh? Niko? Me?
Ryuuki: Yes. Whenever you are free…even if it’s a little bit before bedtime…will you please teach me?
Shusui: I don’t have enough talent to teach somebody.
Ryuuki: Why do you say that? You played so beautifully!
Shusui: Besides, I’ve never taught anybody before.
Ryuuki: It’s fine. As if I’m seriously learning it.
Shusui: It won’t be very good…alright. I’ll do my best.
Ryuuki: Thanks, Shusui. Alright then, without wasting more time, let’s start right now.
Shusui: But if you don’t sleep right now…
Ryuuki: Just a bit. Pleeeease!
Shusui: Alright, a bit. The instrument is delicate so please don’t drop it.
[Shusui hands over the niko to Ryuuki]
Ryuuki: Oho…it’s heavier than I thought!
Shusui: Place it on your lap and hold the neck around here.
Ryuuki: Like this?
Shusui: Yes, like that! Now take the bow in your other hand.
Ryuuki: Like this, right? But how will it make a sound?
Shusui: Press the strings with your finger. And then…
[The niko makes a sound]
Ryuuki: Oho! It happened!
Shusui: Yes! It’s simple so let’s try one.
Kouyuu: Reishin-sama! You are back!
Reishin: Kouyuu, is it? What happened? Is it surprising that I’d return to my own home?
Kouyuu: N-no…didn’t you go to Shouka-sama’s place?
Reishin: I did….yes, I did.
Kouyuu: D-did something happen?
Reishin: Doesn’t concern you. Ah, that’s right, if someone sends steam buns let me know at once. Alright?
Kouyuu: Steam buns? I don’t understand clearly…
Reishin: That snivelling king goes to ani-ue’s place as he pleases. His friendliness with Shuurei is also difficult to forgive. I even told ani-ue not to pamper him.
Kouyuu: Ohh…Re-Reishin-sama, a letter has come again from the Kou clan.
Reishin: Leave it.
Kouyuu: B-but…
Reishin: Oo? You are talking back to me?
Kouyuu: No…I’m sorry.
Reishin: If you have understood then burn that letter and things like it. Ah, Kouyuu…
Kouyuu: Yes?
Reishin: Tomorrow I’ll go out at night. I’ll leave any work that’ll remain unfinished at that time to you.
Kouyuu: That’s…
Reishin: It’s fine, right?
Kouyuu: But…
Reishin: IT’S FINE, RIGHT?
Kouyuu: Yes.
Reishin: Good.
[Sound of a dog barking]
Yuuri: Haaaa! This is done, Houju.
Houju: Understood.
Yuuri: Then this document has been summarized already…today also we had to work till so late.
Houju: It’s true…we got delayed by stupid things. A heap of documents collapsed and the inkstone broke and so on.
Yuuri: If Shuu-kun hadn’t stored away spare equipments we would have ended up wasting even more time.
Houji: We already wasted time in remembering that.
Yuuri: I got really flustered, didn’t I? I’m so embarrassed. But Houju, don’t you miss having Shuu-kun visit here sometimes?
Houju: I don’t miss it.
Yuuri: I miss it, at times. When Shuu-kun became an officer I thought she would totally come to the Ministry of Finance.
Houju: You don’t have to talk as if we have been separated for all eternity. It’s so irritating…wherever I go people keep saying ‘I’m lonely!’ ‘I’m lonely!’
Yuuri: Wherever you go?
Houju: There used to be someone as noisy as a little sparrow in the Ministry of Personnel. Before this he used to spend all night complaining about stupid things.
Yuuri: Ah, I see.
Houju: Even if Shuurei isn’t here nothing will change. Even the ones she left behind.
Yuuri [laughing]: That’s so like you! However, it is alright even for Houju to occasionally feel lonely at the absence of the girl.
Houju: Hmm. Would you like some tea?
Yuuri: Yeah, I think so, please. If we don’t take proper breaks Shuu-kun will be worried.
Houju: Ever since Shuurei has come, you have become quite talkative.
Yuuri: Oya…is that so?
Houju: Yes, that is so.
[Sound of tea being poured out followed by the sound of footsteps]
Shuuei: Eh? Sou-taifu!
Sou-taifu: Ah, the greenhorn of the Ran clan…sniff sniff…you smell nice, you darned lady killer. Before you fascinate the ladies why don’t you become able to properly wield your sword? You are a disgrace to the military.
Shuuei: More importantly, are you alone?
Sou-taifu: Does that surprise you?
Shuuei: I think it’s quite rare.
Sou-taifu: He dumped me and went somewhere.
Shuuei: I thought he didn’t have any work that would take him outside.
Sou-taifu: It seems he had a private mission. His sneaking around makes me so mad!
Shuuei: It seems like you are in a bad mood. Tonight the army’s drinking party is open. How about showing your face there?
Sou-taifu: Sorry but I don’t like to be among that bunch of carefree men.
Shuuei: Is that so? In that case I don’t wish to interrupt you anymore.
Sou-taifu: Shoo! Ah wait, please tell shujou…
Shuuei: What?
Sou-taifu: “Don’t ever hesitate to go for training”.
Shuuei: I…I’ll tell him.
Sou-taifu: Sa-shuu, is it? how much longer ka shite ken mo motenu oiboro ni nattara atarashiku umarekawatta ano tochi o mi ni ikitai mono yo.
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Chapter 3
Ryuuki: This looks fine…alright, Kouyuu, please bring those documents here.
Kouyuu: Yes.
Shuuei: Somehow the Emperor seems to be in good spirits this morning.
Kouyuu: He didn’t work for six months, asking if we were feeling lonely in the absence of Shuurei. I don’t know what happened today but the result is good.
Shuuei: It would have been a bother if it continued everyday.
Ryuuki: Kouyuu…this one, this one and the one over here are also done.
Kouyuu: Today you’re so efficient…I’m failing to recognize you. Let me see…this one has been summarized quite well…good job. This one…well it’s quite up to the mark. Alright, you pass. You have done well. Thank you for the trouble, Your Highness.
Ryuuki: That’s all there is for the morning, right?
Kouyuu: Some official documents should come from the Ministries of Finance and Personnel in the afternoon so for the time being that’s all.
Ryuuki: In that case I’ll take a break for one koku. I have to go somewhere.
Kouyuu: You have to…go somewhere? Only if you can return at the end of one koku.
Ryuuki: Really?!
Shuuei: If you are going out I’ll~
Ryuuki: It’s alright…no need to come with me.
Kouyuu: That’s strictly prohibited.
Ryuuki: I know.
[Ryuuki brings out a niko]
Shuuei: Shujou, is that a niko, by any chance?
Ryuuki: That’s correct. Alright, I’ll be back.
[Ryuuki runs away]
Kouyuu: Bearing a musical instrument…
Shuuei: He was in quite a bit of hurry. Come to think of it, it seems that shujou is learning to play the niko these days.
Kouyuu: I’m hearing that for the first time! Who did you hear it from?
Shuuei: A few days ago…from a woman who lives in the Inner Palace. Shusui-dono is teaching him.
Kouyuu: You little…but I wonder why is shujou learning to play the niko?
Shuuei: I guess there is somebody he wants to play it for.
Kouyuu: Who is it?
Shuuei: Who knows…
Kouyuu: Shuuei, is it alright for us to ignore shujou’s suspicious behaviour?
Shuuei: You’re right…plus it’ll be bothersome if in spite of being the Inspector-general, I relax my vigil. Kouyuu, shall we accompany him for a little?
Kouyuu: Hehe…I cannot but agree.
[Ryuuki rushes into Shouka’s mansion]
Ryuuki: Shouka!
Shouka: Oya, shujou! What happened? Why are you in a rush?
Ryuuki: I want to show something…no, I want Shouka to listen to something. That’s why I hurriedly finished off the morning’s work and came here.
Shouka: Something you want me to listen to?
Ryuuki: Yep. Well, what about we sit here together?
Shouka: Would you like a spot of tea?
Ryuuki: Thank you.
[Ryuuki brings out (unwraps?) the niko as Shouka prepares the tea]
Ryuuki: Do you know what it is, Shouka?
Shouka: A niko?
Ryuuki: Correct! I wanted to play it for you, Shouka, so I learnt it from Shusui.
Shouka: Shujou? Niko?
Ryuuki: I’m still a beginner…I just learned to play a short tune.
Shouka: I certainly wish to (respectfully) listen to it.
Ryuuki: Really?
Shouka: But…why did you suddenly wish to learn to play the niko?
Ryuuki: …I was comforted by the sound of Shuurei’s niko on nights that I had no choice but to endure alone. Even now, just by remembering that sound, my heart is calmed. Even if I can’t play it as well as Shuurei, I wished to do something for Shouka who always makes tea for me. Shouka’s tea always rejuvinates me, that’s why.
[Ryuuki begins a tune as Shouka pours out the tea. Attention shifts to the eavesdroppers]
Kouyuu: What’s this? Shouka-sama was the purpose for learning the niko?
Shuuei: I’m a little jealous. He didn’t play it for us even once.
Kouyuu: Don’t be stupid!
Shuuei: Nee, Kouyuu, I’ve never been in an audience for music, but don’t you think it’s a nice timbre?
Kouyuu: I don’t understand these things well.
Shuuei: But you’ll admit it’s not a bad sound?
Kouyuu: Let’s return.
Shuuei: Don’t you wish to listen a little longer?
Kouyuu: It’s a waste of time! I need to reach these documents~
Shuuei: Yes, yes, I’ll help you out. In any case I’ll have to guide you.
Kouyuu: I DON’T NEED YOUR GUIDANCE!!!
Shuuei: Shhh! It’s okay, let’s go.
[Eavesdroppers leave. Ryuuki ends his piece]
Ryuuki: Th-that’s it.
[Shouka claps]
Shouka: It was marvellous, shujou! A gentle tune…it touched my heart.
Ryuuki: Yeaaahh! So it was worth putting so much effort into learning it!
Shouka: Yes, please play it for Shuurei when she comes back. I’m sure she’ll be happy too.
Ryuuki: Is that so? But…no, wait.
Shouka: Oya…why?
Ryuuki: I wish to be praised by Shuurei but still…I wish to listen to her playing. Unlike earlier, now I can’t meet Shuurei at all times. When Shuurei comes back I’ll drink tea made by her, eat manjuu and even dinner made by her, and then listen to her niko.
Shouka: Is that so?
Ryuuki: Yes.
[Ryuuki takes a sip of Shouka’s ‘chichicha’ and chokes a bit]
Ryuuki: Tea’s nice. Shouka, Shusui was saying that wanting to play the niko for someone is a precious feeling. That’s why I thought of a lot of people while doing my lessons. Shuurei, Shouka, Seiran, Shuuei, Kouyuu…to tell you the truth there are so many people around me now. I realized that for the first time. It’s so different from the childhood I spent all by myself…
Shouka: Shujou…
Ryuuki: I am happy. I’m a blessed king. In spite of that I wish for ‘something more’. I am selfish. I want Shuurei and Seiran to do their best but I also want to see them soon.
Shouka: Man is a selfish animal. We end up wanting ‘everything’ from the people who are important to us. I guess it can’t be helped.
Ryuuki: But that doesn’t mean we can obtain ‘everything’.
Shouka: That’s because everybody is different. Just because we wish for something, it doesn’t mean that we shall obtain it.
Ryuuki: Hmm…that’s exactly how it is. I wish to return the many important things that I have received from Shuurei. But that’ll be an endless list.
[‘onaji dake kaeseru’: Basically Ryuuki is saying that he wishes to give things (kindness etc) to Shuurei in an amount equivalent the amount he has received from her]
Shouka: That’s fine, I think. To receive from someone and give back to them, and then to receive some more in exchange of that - you don’t need to return it all at once. You should do it gradually. The relationship which develops like that becomes full of warmth.
Ryuuki: That’s fine, right? But shall I be able to properly return Shuurei’s kindness? I’m a little worried about it.
Shouka: I think she’ll be quite happy even if you simply receive it.
Ryuuki: She’s got a personality like that…that’s what bothers me.
Shouka [laughing]: So then, what about one more cup of tea?
Ryuuki: Thanks.
Shouka: Do you have time for it?
Ryuuki: Yep, I took a break for one koku. Even Kouyuu has praised me for being efficient!
Shouka: Hear, hear! Then, please relax a bit.
[Shouka pours out the tea]
Ryuuki: Well, Shouka, how about I play the niko once again? Shusui said I’ll advance only by playing a lot.
Shouka: The niko? Certainly! Please play it again.
Ryuuki: Alright! This time, for Shouka’s sake, I’ve remembered another tune! So please listen to the next one.
Shouka: With pleasure!
[Ryuuki starts another tune]
Ryuuki [thoughts]: I’ll probably never play the niko in front of Shuurei. But if this sound crosses the night sky and reaches the end of my country, and then turns into a star that colours the sky, and if that star can colour the nights that Shuurei spends in the distant Sa-province even a little, I’ll be happy with that for now. I pray that the strong, warm glance that I saw the other day blossoms once more in front of my eyes.
Saiunkoku Monogatari Drama CD
Mono Omou Kimi Ni Ai No Te O
Epilogue
Shuuei: Good evening, Shusui-dono.
Shusui: Ran-shougun! Again you crept in as you pleased, ne? I wonder if you even realize what place this is.
Shuuei: Of course I understand…the Emperor’s Inner Palace. That’s why I clandestinely came to visit.
Shusui: You won’t get away by being desperate.
Shuuei: Who will catch me at this hour? By the way, you are carrying a niko.
Shusui: So what?
Shuuei: Tonight I came here after hearing the sound of a niko from the Emperor’s room. Was Shusui-dono the one who was playing? It was a beautiful timbre.
Shusui: Tonight? But more than half of the performance was given by shujou.
Shuuei: Shujou? Niko? I’m hearing that for the first time! Has he started recently?
Shusui: Yes. A few days ago he suddenly asked me to teach him.
Shuuei: I see. Maybe he’s playing it thinking of Shuurei…he was saying that he was lonely until some time back.
Shusui: Maybe…but more than his nostalgia for Shuurei, he told me he was learning it because he wanted to play it for someone.
Shuuei: Does he want to play it for Shuurei-dono?
Shusui: That’s quite likely.
Shuuei: So, Shusui-dono is teaching him?
Shusui: Isn’t that intimidating?
Shuuei: Shujou is in an enviable position. Every night he is under Shusui-dono’s direct supervision…alright, please teach me something!
Shusui: I am employed at the Inner Palace.
Shuuei: Unfriendly as usual. At least won’t you play the niko for me?
Shusui: Didn’t you come hearing it a short while ago?
Shuuei: If I know it’s you who is playing, the timbre will become all the more pleasant to me.
Shusui: Again…you are quite a smooth talker, aren’t you? Excuse me, but I have work to do after this.
Shuuei: Since you have graciously stopped for me, can I hope for another moment like this?
Shusui: I didn’t specially stop for your sake, Ran-shougun.
Shuuei: Then why?
Shusui: Because, if I didn’t stop you would’ve followed me to my room.
Shuuei: I did intend to do that.
Shusui: I’m not going to my room now. So long then.
Shuuei: I shall come to see you again.
[Shusui walks away without reply]
Shuuei: Alas! I got dumped tonight as well.
[The sound of a niko playing]
Shuuei: Huh? Is that the sound of a niko? Surely Shusui-dono’s room lies in that direction. [laughs] I give up…does she realize (my feelings for her) or doesn’t she? Ahh…what a beautiful sound…gentle, graceful, beautiful…it’s as if the sound represents you, Shusui-dono. Good night. Sweet dreams…