CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Her Imperial Highness, Princess Toyomike." Sina announced and at once all the guards that had gathered in her quadrangle knelt down and bowed their heads.

"At your service." they replied in unison.

Princess Toyomike halted in her footsteps and looked down at her right, at that moment she noticed that there right next to her was a very young and strikingly handsome boy.

"Get up." she said.

"Thank you Your Highness." The boy replied as he stood up and bowed his head.

"What is your name?" the Princess asked.

"KABANE." The young man replied.

"Kabane?" The Princess called.

"Yes Your Highness?" Kabane replied.

"Are you willing to follow me?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Where you go, I shall follow, ahead of you my life has been laid." Kabane replied.

"That's good enough." The Princess said as she walked over to the entrance of her private quarters and mounted the stairs until she was elevated before the eyes of everyone else.

"Noble men and warriors of Nippon, in my care you have been placed and for that you are my people that I am willing to lead.

I understand that amongst you are people with families and on top of that I know there you have watched me from a very young age as I have grown up into a woman." Princess Toyomike said.

Everyone's attention at her was unwavered.

"I understand that you came into the palace as servants and regardless of the age difference between us be it either older or younger than I am from this day onwards I take you in as my children.

I wish to have you in my service not as slaves but as a family and a people of my own and to transform all one hundred of you into my greatest one hundred defenders of this our beloved Nippon for as long as your unwavered loyalty is with me." The Princess said.

"Your Grace is immeasurable Your Highness." the guards said in unison as they fell to their knees a second time.

"Rise you brave and Noble warriors and with effect from tomorrow, you all shall train to be invincible men, I shall grant upon you the mercies and privileges of the palace and ensure that your families shall never go hungry and that you yourselves shall never faint." The Princess said.

"Our allegiance is with you." The guards said as they placed their heads on the ground as Sina watched over from the Princess side.

"Come here Kabane." The Princess said as the young boy rushed over to her presence but maintained his position at the foot of the staircase.

"Your Highness." He said as he bowed his head.

"All may rise." The Princess said as the one hundred Royal guards complied.

"From this day fourth, Kabane I wish that you take Sina as your sister, cherish one another and assist yourselves in serving me and consequently, you shall stand by my side and be the very arms and shields that protect me." Princess Toyomike said.

"Your Kindness is immeasurable Your Highness." Kabane said as he worshipped the Princess.

"It is done." the Princess said with a smile overwhelming her face.

"Hoorah for her Highness." the one hundred guards shouted.

"What is it, I could barely sleep with all the noise that was coming from outside yesterday." The Emperor asked Sato.

"Pardon me Your Majesty." Sato replied. "It's the Imperial Princess." he added.

The Emperor was startled.

"What's with the Imperial Princess?" Sato asked.

"The rumour has spread fast within the palace and I fear that it must have already reached the people in the city outside." Sato replied.

"Which rumours?" The Emperor asked.

"The Imperial Princess is training her own league of Royal guards." Sato replied.

"What?" The Emperor asked.

"I fear that the case is bound to be a very big one amongst the court officials." Sato said.

"Worse they could misinterpret it that the Princess is indirectly preparing to overthrow the monarchy." The Emperor said.

"Yes Your Majesty." Sato said.

"She is very willful and in deed she understood what it was that I asked of her." the Emperor said.

He appeared to recall the conversation that he had had with his daughter the previous night and at once Sato fell onto his knees.

"Your Majesty." Sato called.

"You look worried." The Emperor Kinmei said.

"I am worried about You Your Majesty." Sato replied.

"Because you do not understand what I am after at this point." The Emperor said.

"Pardon me Your Highness but perhaps Old age in its own clouds my visage." Sato replied.

"If the Princess can establish an individual and independent base for herself then that is good enough a thing for me." The Emperor said.

"Enlighten me Your Majesty." Sato said.

"I trust you so much that I'd confide in you and I know it very well that deep down your devotion is to the service of the Chrysanthemum throne." The Emperor said.

"Yes Your Majesty." Sato affirmed.

"It is a pity though that not all the men in my service are as passionate as you are and none of them are as diligent as my very own daughter." The Emperor said.

"You'd wish for me to join hands with the Princess?" Sato asked.

"It is only her who is capable of handling the crisis there is that I have seen ahead and at one point I greatly fear that the Clans and aristocrats with their growing influence in the army at one point the throne may lack a group of people to defend it's own." The Emperor said.

"And you didn't give her a new set of guards in the fear of aggressing the aristocratic families and clans." Sato said.

"And above all to protect her from the sharp words that are bound to come flying from all corners of my kingdom." The Emperor said.

"I understand Your Majesty." Sato said.

"You always have." The Emperor said as he removed his feet from the covers and then placed them into his boots.

"We have grown old and the throne itself has aged me in these twenty eight years, my son is competent to lead but he lacks a group of sufficient people to support his own cause.

All my other sons are war mongers and take less interest in polishing their smartness to be able to rule the country they'd be effective puppets and in due course I fear the Royal Dynasty might be toppled." He added.

"But for the Imperial Princess?" Sato said.

"She is unlike all my other daughters a mere girl waiting for marriage, no, in her she is something else and perhaps the best cause this country could live for." The Emperor said.

"But her actions could inevitably turn the entire court and the aristocratic families against her." Sato said.

"And that's why like my son the Crown Prince she still needs some bit of guidance before she can defend the right of her ancestors." The Emperor said.

"What should we do Your Majesty, to quench the thirst of those raving men within the court?" Sato asked.

"I must protect my daughter." The Emperor replied. " I realized that yesterday when she told me something that no other son of mine had ever told me before." The Emperor replied.

"What is it Your Majesty?" Sato asked.

The Emperor recalled part of his conversation with his daughter.

"What is your intention?" He had asked.

"We must divide the army." Princess Toyomike had replied.

"Why?" The Emperor had asked.

"There is no man's army as it should all be the Emperor's men, it is not the case as I have come to notice too soon father that at this rate, there are a number of officials that are privatising armies of their own and let alone that they are individually training them.

We have seen a long regime of peace that the Imperial troops have been greatly neglected and on top of that I fear that those defending the throne are only too weak to withstand any pressure that might arise.

Recently, a threat was made on the Crown Prince's life and given that up to now the culprits were not yet apprehended and the Crown Prince was injured it is an indicator that the Royal guards are incompetent as well." Princess Toyomike replied.

"We can not instigate a war to change things." The Emperor had said.

"We do not need to instigate a war." Princess Toyomike had replied.

"What should we do then in your opinion?" The Emperor asked.

"The Kingdom is flourishing and this could perhaps be one of the greatest ages in the Renaissance of Nippon, however long periods of peace in turn are the very tools that engineer war.

The Clans in the court are bound to soon rival with one another for power as the Crown Prince appears to soon pick up a side to sustain and protect his position as Your successor.

On the other hand, the Imperial household is losing control over some resources as the aristocratic families have expanded their lands and some people gained popularity in the army." The Princess replied.

"Your suggesting that?" The Emperor said.

"That we retrain our guards and on top of that we have the security of the palace reshuffled.

We need to ensure that our guards' skills only become better with time because by the time news from the palace travels as fast as lightning and is able to reach the people outside it implies that there are people within these walls that serve the interests of others beyond them." Princess Toyomike replied.

"Doing a security reshuffle, how do you expect us to rid ourselves of the moles as massive bloodshed would certainly cause suspicion among the people." The Emperor had said.

"We do not have to shed any blood to see to it that the Royal household is cleaned." Princess Toyomike replied.

"You still fail to enlighten me on how we should best handle this situation." The Emperor said.

"We could sieve them out depending on their skills and capabilities, if the Imperial palace can retain the cream then we can ensure that what happens within the Imperial family stays within the palace and on top of that, our reason to get rid of the chaff would be justified." Princess Toyomike replied.

"What you are suggesting is good enough but if it is to eliminate the moles within the palace it shall most certainly deal with only a quarter." The Emperor said.

"That's where the logic is father." The Princess replied. "If you can put two bulls in one kraal then they shall certainly wrestle with one another and if there are in deed two many skills each proving their competence as they jockey for favour it's natural for them to be suspicious of one another." Princess Toyomike replied.

"You are implying that if they are suspicious of one another, they'll take caution in what they are told and what they do fearing that amongst themselves there could be spies." The Emperor said.

"Yes, father." The Princess had affirmed with a smile.

"Could it be?" Sato said.

"Even I was surprised." The Emperor said.

"Then I fear the wits of her Highness Your Majesty." Sato said.

"It's natural that if someone is that smart then they'd equally pose a similar threat to me just as they are to my enemies." The Emperor said.

"Forgive me Your Majesty but I think so." Sato said.

"The Imperial Princess is too passionate towards this country." The Emperor said.

"I fear her compassion coupled with her immense wisdom could at one point become something chaotic and poisonous." Sato said.

"It's also natural for us all to be cautious." The Emperor said.

"Then why Your Majesty, if I may speak, it seems as though you are granting the Princess so many privileges in the end she might ask for more than you can certainly give her." Sato said.

"And I must in deed ensure that there is a reserve to the throne which is why if the Imperial Princess is going to train her Royal guards, the Crown Prince must also train his own." The Emperor replied.

"I finally understand Your Majesty." Sato said.

"It would be unnatural if all this were to be heard of beyond you and me as I am very certain this conversation is out of our absolute secrecy." The Emperor said.

"I understand Your Majesty and I won't let my guard down." Sato replied.

"Then go ahead and tell the Court officials that I have an urgent matter to address and I wish to see them all immediately." The Emperor said.

"Yes Your Majesty." Sato said.

"Make sure that the Crown Prince is informed as well." The Emperor ordered.

"Yes Your Majesty." Sato replied as he made his exit.

"Your Highness." Hinote said as he bowed his head.

"What is Her Imperial Highness up to?" The Empress asked.

"I got word from my men, the Imperial Princess is training her Royal guards personally and their training is quite heavy." Hinote replied.

The Empress who was sipping at her cup of tea put it on the table and then looked at Hinote with a smile on her face.

"The Imperial Princess training the Royal guards, she does realize that what she is doing could make her to be suspected for treason." The Empress said.

"I don't understand Your Highness, why you aren't using this chance against her as it seems much more clearer right now." Hinote said.

"Do I take orders from you or it's the other way around?" The Empress asked.

"Pardon my impertinance." Hinote said as he bowed his head.

"You shouldn't be sorry because it is very difficult for someone like you to understand." The Empress said.

"I am indeed unwise." Hinote said.

"The Princess is very crafty in her ways and at this very moment it is very difficult to predict what her actual motive is, if you react with haste then you might fall into the trap that she is laying for you and on the other hand I fear if we delay it might be too late." The Empress replied.

"Yet Your Highness seems not to be bothered by it." Hinote said.

"Careful my friend." The Empress said as she rose from her seat and then walked towards the mirror. " Her Highness could be trying to act smart when in actual sense she is stirring trouble for herself.

If I were to act immediately then it'd be me painting a clear picture that I am against the Imperial Princess and it is obvious that from her actions the aristocratic families shall not stay silent." The Empress said.

"So they'll be the first to cast their fury against her." Hinote said.

"And out of their rage I shall stand out to discipline and tame her." The Empress replied with a smile on her face.

The officials were gathered inside the court and they continued to whisper amongst themselves as they exchanged news on the Imperial Princess' Royal guard.

"His Majesty deigns you with His presence." Sato announced and at once taking their positions, the court officials bowed their heads as the Emperor in all his Majesty made his way up to the Chrysanthemum throne.

"Greetings Your Majesty." The officials said in unison.

"At ease." The Emperor replied as he sat down on the throne.

"You must be wondering what the reason is for me to summon you here today all of a sudden." The Emperor said.

"Please Enlighten us Your Majesty." The officials said in unison.

"Recently, I presume that you are all aware that a series of unfortunate events have happened." The Emperor said.

"Your Majesty, I do not mean to be disrespectful." Moriya said as he bowed his head.

"Speak your mind." The Emperor granted.

"We all that are gathered here can testify that this is an age in which Yamato is flourishing." Moriya said.

"Yes Your Majesty." Other officials affirmed with him.

"There were a number of short comings that were identified in the Office of Finances and on top of that the Crown Prince has assumed the office of the head of the Nara Prefecture, my heart is not settled however as I am taken back to the incident in which his life was threatened upon his return to the capital.

On top of that, I feel that because of the inadequacy in the services of the Royal guards he was able to survive at the will of heaven but having sustained a fatal injury." The Emperor said.

"Yes Your Majesty." The officials said.

"At this point I am certain you all have heard that the Imperial Princess is training her Imperial guards and the same shall go for the Crown Prince as well as I have decided that to ensure the efficiency in the security of all members of the Imperial family, it is necessary that the best are moulded for the Royal guards and the unsuccessful candidates shall be given positions in the local police and the army depending on their capabilities." The Emperor said.

The officials in the court began to exchange glances until eventually, one of them, OTOMO REN NUKATE stepped forward.

"Your Majesty." He said.

"What is it?" The Emperor asked.

"We understand Your concern and you are right in your decision but there is no need for there to be the Crown Prince's Royal guards and the Imperial Princess' Royal guards and the Emperor's Royal guards, they are all Royal guards after all." Otomo Ren Nukate replied.

"Perhaps I have been too brief in my communication but as you have said they are all Royal guards and if the members in the Imperial family have guards of their own then it is necessary that I ensure all their safety." The Emperor replied.

"Your Majesty, women are supposed to be of grace and virtue, if word on the streets is to go about saying that the Imperial Princess commands a guard of her own, it might undermine the image of the inner court and on top of that a woman should not be involved in matters concerning the security of the palace." Moriya said.

"I have given no authority to the Princess to take charge of the Imperial Palace's security, only the command of her own guards to ensure her individual safety." The Emperor replied.

"Your Majesty, if the unlucky candidates lose out, then what is there for them to do as all of them can not be admitted into the army?" Fujiyaro asked.

"It has been long since the fortress that championed the unification of Yamato were catered for, my intention is to retrain the army along with those unlucky candidates and rejuvenate these fortresses that are standing as well as those that are fallen.

Besides I understand that most of you take interest in young talents some if perfectly suiting your liking shall be handed over to your service." The Emperor replied.

"Thank you Your Majesty." The officials replied in unison.

"And from today onwards I wish to divide the Royal guards from the Imperial troops so that in due course I can foster another league of elites that shall protect the Imperial households." The Emperor added.

"Your Majesty is sage." The officials said in unison.

"Very well then, the court is adjourned." The Emperor replied as he stood up from his throne and then walked out of the Throne room immediately.

The rest of the court officials followed him outside as they continued to talk amongst themselves that eventually, outside the throne room, they all halted when they saw Princess Toyomike, Sina, Kabane and a group of other Palace maids following them.

On the Emperor's left, the Empress Consort Ishi Hime arrived with her own company as well and there everyone spectated as the three crossed paths.

"Your Majesty." The women said in unison as they bowed their heads.

"Your Highness." Princess Toyomike and the Empress said to one another as they bowed their heads before looking each other in the eye.

"I see you are all acquainted with one another." The Emperor said.

"I happened to be passing by." the two Royal women coincidentally said together.

"Very well." The Emperor said.

"After all great minds think alike father." Princess Toyomike said.

"In deed, it is quite surprising how fast our dear daughter has grown, it feels as though it was yesterday that she came into the world." Empress Toyomike said.

"In deed she has grown." Emperor Kinmei agreed.

"All thanks to the love that you have given me and the wise counsel from mother." The Princess said with a smile on her face.

"You are flattering me." Empress Ishi Hime said.

"If I don't then whom should I?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Alright." The Emperor said.

The court seemed to have the impression of the Imperial family being one entirely perfect household.

"I suppose I shall take my leave." The Emperor said.

"Yes Your Majesty." The two said in unison as they stepped back and let the Emperor and the rest of the Ministers walk through while they exchanged deadly glances at one another while still maintaining their smiles.

Eventually after they had left, the Empress and the Princess came close to one another again.

"The Palace is bustling with news of our resourceful Princess." The Empress said.

"Of course, I have been busy of late, handling affairs in and out of the palace that I have been rare on the compound." Princess Toyomike replied.

"As it appears you are as busy as the Emperor, perhaps he should give you the throne and his responsibilities temporarily." The Empress said.

"Don't overestimate me Your Highness, I am but a young sixteen years old." Princess Toyomike said.

"I wish I could say the very same for your actions, as it is, you work harder than any of the Princes even the Crown Prince himself." The Empress said.

"It's for the good of the Imperial family to which we belong after all." Princess Toyomike said.

"You have changed so much I must say." The Empress said.

"I have only grown up learning from both you and father, perhaps it is because I look up to you in a number of ways no one would imagine." Princess Toyomike replied.

The Empress opened her arms wide and came close to embrace her step daughter as she positioned her mouth right above the Princess's left ear.

"You used to be too obedient when you were a very young girl, I can't help but wonder what you started thinking of when you grew up." The Empress said.

"Time comes when we all must face our destiny." The Princess said.

"And what is yours Your Highness?" The Empress asked.

"I suppose that for that question, I am soon to find out." Princess Toyomike replied as the two eventually pulled apart.

"I suppose that you really have grown into a strong woman." The Empress said.

"And I won't let you down in my strengths." Princess Toyomike said.

"I look forward to that." The Empress replied as she bowed her head and then walked past Toyomike into the opposite direction.

Toyomike also continued with her people in her own direction and the two parted ways in what seemed to have been a nice way yet deep down the two haboured strange feelings of resentment towards one another.

"How smart of the Emperor." Iname said as he sat down at the small table in his room.

"I suppose the Empress is now certain that your condition is terrible given that you did not actually turn up in the court." Umako replied.

"I suppose that the session this time was more lively." Iname said.

"Not as such but I must say that His Majesty called for it when he was very ready and prepared for the worst that for the first time, social order did not collapse and everyone was short of words." Umako replied.

"He is known to be tolerant and open to any question, what Happened to His Majesty this time around?" Iname asked.

"Apparently, a number of reforms have been brought forward by him and surprisingly none of them were debatable as all were logical and rather considerable." Umako replied.

"And did you say any word?" Iname asked his son.

"I only kept quiet and watched earnestly waiting for a very dramatic atmosphere to erupt but as I said, this time around, the Emperor was most logical." Umako replied.

"Is that so?" Iname asked.

"Yes." Umako replied.

"I see." Iname said.

"What happened back at the court?" He asked." What were some of the adjustments that the Emperor had to make?" He added.

"Word travels so fast, His Majesty allowed the Imperial Princess Toyomike to Train the Royal Guards of her own." Umako replied and at once, Iname stopped.

"What is it?" Iname asked.

"Of course a number of Court officials in deed felt threatened as it seemed that the Emperor had granted the Princess Military power." Umako said.

"It doesn't make any sense at all for the Emperor to have made such a decision out of the blue, the Princess must have asked for it." Iname replied.

"You mean that the Imperial Princess is chasing something?" Umako asked.

"As usual, she has never ceased to surprise me." Iname replied.

"On top of that it seems that the Emperor is not content with the capabilities of the current Royal guards that he suddenly found his need in reshuffling the security and recruiting and promoting the best and most talented Royal guards to ensure the security of the members of the Royal family." Umako replied.

"His intention is quite clear that he called for the meeting to protect the Interests of the Imperial Princess with a very acceptable public excuse." Iname said.

"It seems so." Umako said.

"Are there no Princes and Princesses in the Imperial family other than Princess Toyomike to more ably handle the responsibility given to her?" Iname asked.

"There are father." Umako asked.

"Why did it have to be the Imperial Princess Toyomike?" Iname asked.

"Are you saying that for some reason the Princess has something up her sleeve?" Umako said.

"Unless she is politically enlightened this is a sign from the Emperor that he has great hopes in the Imperial Princess so we need to also play another part before someone else does.

Additionally, the Emperor has indirectly made it clear that he wishes to create an army that can ably sustain the throne and let alone the best that could resist the growing urge of the clans to assume power in the court.

He wishes to have the best talents at his disposal and to change the political tide and make us less competent, he is leaving the chaff to us that we can scramble for it until we have automatically divided ourselves for it." Iname said.

"The Emperor is very conniving." Umako said.

"It's what every politician must be." Iname replied

"Father?" Umako said.

"At this point in time it'd be very wise that we sided with the Emperor's favour and for that to happen new word must first fill the streets and spread about like a wild fire amongst the people." Iname said.

"Father?" Umako called a little bit surprised.

"If we can not spread it so soon then I'm afraid someone else could make it the talk of the Town." Iname said.

"At this point if the Princess is in the Emperor's favour then wouldn't that be to our best advantage?" Umako asked.

"If she could find strength in standing alone then it's possible that at any one point in time she could rise against us." Iname replied.

"Her political visage isn't that wide father and besides she is still young." Umako said.

"With such an outstanding skill it also means that she had room to learn more and more and before that happens then we need to make her see our need for her own survival." Iname said.

"Yes, Father." Umako forcefully complied.

"Where are all the Emperor's sons, the Princess is preparing for the battle field while they have taken over the Royal kitchen." Iname replied.

"What should I do about that?" Umako asked.

"Spread it." Iname said.

"That'll only stir trouble for the Imperial Princess back at the palace." Umako said.

"If the Princess could overcome it greatly then she could perhaps prove most useful for our grandiose visage, should she fail in her every attempt then perhaps she'd bend and let us offer her our greatest assistance." Iname said.

"I think that it is important that we think it through father, the Empress could use the rumour to her advantage and should she strike the Princess with it, then of course without a doubt, it'll be like indirectly helping her to kill the Princess with a borrowed knife." Umako said.

"I understand but at this point it does not really matter whether we sacrifice the Imperial Princess or not." Iname replied.

"Why Father?" Umako asked.

"This chance always comes rarely and we must exploit it to our best advantage before we lose it, this along with my terminal illness are the perfect things to keep the Empress distracted that we might realize our goal as first as possible." Iname replied.

"Yes Father." Umako replied as he stood up and bowed his head before withdrawing from his father's presence.

"You don't have to feel bad for your niece." Iname said. "I have great plans laid out for her future that I shall most certainly not abandon her." He added.

"Whose most wise compared to you father?" Umako said.

"It's not that I am the wisest man in Yamato." Iname said.

"What could it be if not for Your unmatched wisdom?" Umako asked.

"It's just that I choose to outsmart my contenders and I devote my all to vanquish them, you are still young and I hope that my teachings do not abandon you." Iname said.

"Don't worry father, I won't let you down." Umako said.

"I trust very much that you won't." Iname replied.

"Yes." Umako replied.

"Go and accomplish that which I have commissioned you to do." Iname said.

"I'll take my leave." Umako said as he bowed his head once again and walked out of the room leaving his father inside.

"Your Highness." Sina said.

"What is it?" Princess Toyomike asked.

"Your mother is here to see you." Sina replied.

"Let her in." The Princess said as she kept her eyes fixed on the scrolls that she was reading.

"Yes Your Highness." Sina said as she withdrew from her presence and returned a while later with Consort Katashishime.

"Mother." Princess Toyomike said as she bowed her head.

"My ears aren't at ease, what is this that I am hearing about?" Consort Katashishime asked as she sat down right in front of her daughter.

"I understand that you are worried mother but this is something that I wish to keep confidential for the time being." Princess Toyomike said.

"It is grace and virtue that identifies women, things concerning politics isn't any ordinary woman's business." Consort Katashishime said.

"As you have said it yourself mother, I am not an ordinary woman." Princess Toyomike said.

"Why do you choose to be so stubborn especially at this very moment?" Consort Katashishime asked.

"You said it for yourself mother that I can not set foot outside the Royal premises." Princess Toyomike said.

"It doesn't mean that you should get back at me by worrying me greatly." Consort Katashishime said.

"Do not worry mother, I have no intentions on keeping you worried, in fact, I am only trying my level best to protect you." Princess Toyomike replied.

"I didn't ask you to protect me." Consort Katashishime insisted.

"You need me to protect you." Princess Toyomike replied.

"How?" Consort Katashishime asked.

"I promise you mother that this is not something big for you to be worried about, it's just that I am managing the Royal guards and nothing else." Princess Toyomike said.

Consort Katashishime looked at her daughter who seemed very determined even while wearing a smile in front of her mother.

She knew how stubborn her daughter was that she chose not to continue fighting with her over it.

"Fine, if you say so." Consort Katashishime finally agreed.

"You just wait mother and see what my ultimate goal is." Princess Toyomike replied with a smile on her face.