Volume 5, Chapter 14: One Other Shadow (2/2)

Hell just be noisy if hes here, right? she replied.

The weirdo tactician was put onto the first carriage that arrived. It will head straight to the capital. Of course, the talks wont progress with just the weirdo so Rikuson went along. Even though hes still injured and tired, it was unbearable that he was being worked hard again, but he was the right person in the right place.

(At any rate.)

Maomao stared at the head manservant. Ukyou noticed her gaze and scratched his cheek.

Oi, oi, what is it? Is there something on my face? he asked.

Medium build, capable, quick-witted. Hes popular with women, but if she remembered properly, hes married. He had taken in a retired courtesan whos past her prime. He likes children and often plays with Chouu and the kamuro. A long time ago, he also piggybacked Maomao many times.

Im so used to him, so how did I not realise, Maomao thought.

Ukyou is too capable.

And he did really well this time as well, coming across Lady Pai who was being sheltered in this estate by chance.

Fox-donos little brother is such a good person. He gave us this as a souvenir.

Ukyou was carrying a small bottle on the palm of his hand. He removed the lid and stirred it with chopsticks. He pulled out a thread of something sticky.

Its candy made from boiling that potato. The kids will be delighted.

He licked the candy with a carefree smile. He thrust the chopstick in Maomaos direction, and she shook her head.

She thought that he was always soft on Chouu, but was she unable to change her thoughts on this?

Chouus existence is under the watchful eye of the imperial court. Maomao had met the watcher many times, but they werent around twenty-four seven.

Rather, wasnt it Ukyou whos around him for longer?

Then she recalled the time she treated Rikusons injuries. Ukyou had taken over midway. He should have already known that Maomao was fine with looking at the bottom half of patients after all this time. Was he trying to cover up for Rikuson?  That was what she thought, but it was that case in a different meaning.

If there was something that cannot be shown to Maomao.

Speaking of interest, her interest piqued. However, she knew that it was a foolish plan to pursue that. But she couldnt restrain her curiosity.

Thats why she tried toeing the line.

Why is Ukyou working as a guard at Rokushoukan? There are better jobs out there.

Hahaha, what are you talking about now? Ukyou said and let out a sigh. I like this job. Let me keep going on with it for a bit longer.

Maomao replied yeah sure at the words that could be taken either way.

In short, its something like that.

The current emperor has a cunning personality. Its likely that the subordinates he has on hand arent just officials.

The ears of his majesty that have been scattered all over the country probably obtained information while living extremely normal lives.

Its quite amusing to blow up this wild idea.

They might be in brothels that high-class bureaucrats frequent, and they might be among the direct subordinates of crafty high officials. And depending on the person, they will take it upon themselves to keep that knowledge inside.

Working with a face of innocence in normal times, and moving only when the situation calls for it.

Well then, lets stop here with the cheap plotline.

Whats going to happen to that Lady Pai? she asked.

Lady Pai was once again taken away to the capital. She had two guards escorting her. However, Maomao was caught up on the fact that the lady was alone in this estate.

And Lady Pai had not said a word at all this time.

Well, you know. Its nothing I should know about, Ukyou said, putting down the jar of starch syrup.

(Whats going to happen?)

Maomao sat in the carriage, then picked a sweet potato vine and bit into it. It hasnt been cooked, so of course it wasnt tasty.