Epilogue: Some Time Later... (Closed)

[Fukurokujin]

Days pass.

The governor of Painted City looks down on Choudai from his dais. So does the head instructor of the School, standing at the governor's left hand. And so does the city magistrate, standing at the governor's right.

"It seems, Bayushi-san, that you have done a service to the Shosuro," the governor says. "Although how you succeeded where Shosuro Kumaji failed is unclear. Perhaps you were fortunate to have acquired a higher-quality piece of crystal.

"But however that might be, you are to be commended for your work in this matter."

The governor bows, slightly; the other two, more deeply.

Then he gestures to the magistrate. "New orders have come in for you. You will be heading to Kyuden Bayushi; a promotion was mentioned."

[Bayushi Choudai]

He didn't give a damn about any promotion.

"I am of course, gratified to have been of service."

He bowed deeply.

"I have a request, to make, however. It concerns the orphans. As you know, my own marriage is childless."

And would remain so. He wasn't about to force poor Mikan to endure anything involved in that.

"I would not presume to adopt them into the Bayushi family- their parents were Shosuro. But I would see to their care if I could be permitted to do so."

[Fukurokujin]

The governor looks to the sensei, who nods.

"That would be acceptable," the governor replies. "They are of age to enter instruction, are they not?"

[Bayushi Choudai]

"Hai. Four years. They are bright, alert, intelligent, artistically aware, and, if I may say, courageous."

[Fukurokujin]

The governor again looks to the sensei, receives a brief nod.

"Then they will be enrolled in their Family's Schools," says the governor. "And your support of their endeavors will be expected."

[Bayushi Choudai]

Choudai bowed his head.

"Shosuro Hatsuki was a dear friend before the end, and Shosuro Kumaji was a dutiful samurai. I will support their children as I would my own."

[Fukurokujin]

"See that you do."

[Bayushi Choudai]

I would burn this town, the Scorpion Clan, or the world itself to barren rock if it would help my children prosper.

He bowed wordlessly.

In the end, he had gotten the only thing left for him to want in this life.