Hokutoji Taro was the only person to brave the stampede of faithful stomping down the great temple stairs. The greatness of his name and his merit in the war earned him the privilege of circumventing the crowds. No, it was the people who were supposed to give way, then bow, and then greet him, and thus they did.

The Rikaiha priests, unfortunately, were not among the lot. After all, they considered themselves individuals of the highest caste even though such a system was non-existent in Kagatsean culture. But they did enjoy certain rights and protections by the state, stemming from their own teaching that priests who received a calling were five steps ahead of the common people in terms of enlightenment. They were the pharos to guide the ship to the enlightenment soil in the hour of fog and night.

But even a pharos did not beacon forever. There were times when repairs were made, and for a time, ships would waver in the darkness.

"Go home. The last night's service is over. If it's the taste of Satori no Michibiki you want, come again at first light," ordered the one priest by the door, who had been out sweeping.

"I didn't come here for that." Bowing to people who served no influence on him was one of Taro's biggest pet peeves. What part does he play in my life or the front lines of battle? Yet, against his will, Taro's body inclined. "I was hoping to meet Seishu Domen-sama for a short talk—that! I see him at the altar."

Taro elbowed the priest, but the latter beat him to it in an instant and pushed him back. "It's late! Seishu-sama will retire straightaway due to his current state."

"Hoi! Domen-dono!" Taro's two upraised hands waved. "Over here!"

"Don't you dare address him so!"

Domen was helping the other priests clean the temple—self-torturing, to be more precise—but since the subordinate priests were making a big deal out of his apparent broken ribs, he had promised to just wipe the altar and not bend over much or lean in any direction. He plodded with the help of a cane. When he heard the exclamation, he turned towards the double doors subconsciously, reigniting the puncture sensation from his ribs.

"Let him come to me," the head priest pleaded softly.

The priest by the door gave him a disapproving look, but his resolve waned, and Taro pushed through. He paused near the wide steps leading up to the altar.

"Good evening, Taro-dono." Domen bowed only his head. A washcloth in his hand was replaced with a towel to wipe away the sweat. "Please forgive my unseemly manner of honour. You know of my current situation. Did you have an enlightenment about starting to attend worship?"

"Yes, unfortunately, such enlightenment has not descended upon me yet," Taro replied. "I happened to be travelling around with my retainers and was thinking of seeking shelter in a temple for a while. Although my own home is the safest refuge from further potential assassination attempts, I'll never be able to confine myself to the house for days on end. I need a different conversation partner."

"Seishu-sama!" the other priests had already preceded a reprimand. "Now is Seishu-sama's time to rest. Please, you have been supporting your ribs for too long today."

However, Domen regarded this unusual encounter as a welcome surprise. Most of the time all they did was fighting for the Shogun's interest, if not returning sardonic stares—the defence minister was the one with the stares. The gentle, caring smile etched on Domen's face befitted Taro still. "Perhaps we can do it over tea."

***

In the head priest's private room—which doubled as his residence—Taro and Domen chose a spot on the balcony of the room exposed to the evening light. The Hokutoji clan retainers who accompanied him on his nightly strolls were scattered across the shrine and the roof tiles as loyal eagle eyes. Considering Domen's reliance on a cane, the minister took the initiative to lift the tea set tray to the table.

"On second thought, maybe this was a bad idea," Taro admitted, observing Domen slowly slumped into a cross-legged position with laboured breaths, and how his sweat-mopping had been done many times over.

"Don't fall into guilt, Taro-dono. I couldn't rest from this morning. Between you and me, the priests today were overly lulled by Tamoanchanese candles; they dozed off and forgot about the service schedule." Having said so, Domen began to flip open the three tea caddies arranged on the tray. "Besides, a cup of tea before bedtime suits me well. Too bad the full moon is not yet upon us, but tonight's crescent moon is quite bright. Given the chance, may I offer sauma?"

One side of Taro's eyes crinkled. "Sauma alone, under the moon's gaze? The pairing reminds me of the Moon Eater. I propose adding qilin grass and honey."

"Your tongue has not lost its class, Taro-dono."

Domen dispersed a spoonful of the coarse, wood-shavings-textured powder into each glass—the powder of the dried sauma plant. Then, he poured hot water from a slender teapot with a long handle and stirred the tea until the water took on a translucent green. A mixture of honey and purplish-blue qilin grass turned the liquid a buttery pale.

"Dozo," Domen nudged the glass towards Taro with great care.

With both glasses resting in each hand, Taro and Domen let out a melodious sipping sound as a luncheon to the night. The defence minister's sigh of relief brought the symphony interlude to a close. "I can't recall the last time I drank sauma tea—perhaps I never have. But the bitter flavour is very refreshing."

"You can't recall because you never go to the temple."

Taro scoffed at this. "Look at me as a sinner now, but I have no regrets because defending this country is a much more worthwhile endeavour than frequenting temples. But speaking of sauma, your student used it to concoct the potion I presented at the last meeting."

Domen nodded slowly with his eyes closed. "Sauma is indeed an important plant in cultivation, especially in strengthening all aspects of life, though its effects are subtle, especially if you don't partake frequently." One more sip from him for a few moments of his cup rested on the table. "You have something on your mind. What is it?"

Taro stared at his cloudy tea. A hesitancy suddenly overcame him now. "Can I trust you with this?"

"I do not understand, Taro-dono," Domen replied flatly.

Of course, the head priest understands, Taro thought. He was merely feigning ignorance, and it made the minister's teeth graze together behind clenched lips. "I want to entrust you with a secret. Do you need anything for that, Seishu-sama? Just tell me."

A smile was drawn again on Domen's face. "If it is secrecy you desire, let us treat this as part of the Truth Ceremony. One must divulge all weaknesses, secrets, and deceptions so that they do not burden the body while cultivating or seeking enlightenment. Do this to a priest, and your path to enlightenment will be shortened... And yes, this ritual requires me to keep my mouth sealed from outside interests."

Taro just sighed at this. "Do as you wish."

Domen then buzzed incantations while making strange gestures with his hands, before they merged deeply and a series of gestures were held out again with increased grace. "...with this, the guides of all enlightenment Akira Sato, Ryo Chou, and Yuto Ganba will see with my eyes, and surely the wisdom of these three will enable my mouth to give advice, and your heart to find the path of enlightenment..."

The head priest's mouth continued chattering. Fortunately, his eyes were still tightly closed so Taro could cast a perplexed glance at the roof tiles of the opposite building—at his retainers standing there. His retainers were surely more than patient to wait for the seance's completion with their bodies standing as still as statues.

Two minutes later, Domen spoke the last stanza and opened his eyes. "Say your confession, Taro-dono."

Taro sipped his tea first. "What statement can you make about our shogun, Yotsuba Setsuko?" he asked, speaking in a hushed tone.

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"Our shogun?" Domen frowned. "I'd say she's a good shogun—"

"The shogun who was coronated moments before the Kingdom's Plague struck."

Domen held his gaze for a moment. "An unfortunate coincidence. Why bring up these matters?"

"Don't you find the timing too convenient? And again, you know the Yotsuba clan, don't you? A clan of great researchers and possessors of strength, but unfortunately not a clan fit for warriors. Their bodies are fragile. The dynasty survives by instilling fear in gaining the loyalty of its citizens—public execution decrees even for foreigners, spy networks, magic use restriction within the city, clan genocide for a single defector, even using prisoners as guinea pigs."

Domen still savoured his tea. "But Kagatse flourished and enjoyed safety during the Yotsuba dynasty," the head priest rebutted afterwards. His face still radiated lightness. "The well-being of our people improved each year. Even the fact that Kagatse managed to create a two-tiered city to house all of Kagatse's citizens without any social disparities—in such a short period of time, mind you—is a feat of great achievement. I see all these so-called acts as reasonable affirmations that don't require an overly fearful reaction. Not one elderly person I've encountered has protested against these measures."

"They never protest because they know their every word is being watched-—"

"The spy network and secret police were dismantled by her late father, Yotsuba Soji. Even so, the country remains relatively tranquil."

A smack from Taro's lips. "Because you have been brainwashed by his quasi-benevolence to have you turn your faces to the deepest truth!" He then pointed a warning finger. "All my followers are aware of this. Shogun Setsuko's current reign is indeed more leisurely than her predecessor's. That's her benevolence. Then came the mujino attack. That's her way of instilling fear."

“For someone who upholds facts, you chant the gravest of accusations.”

"You always talk back to me," he retorted, in a tone as if he was holding back some inner turmoil. The minister's eyebrows dipped sharply and his hands fisted together. "Now I doubt if you really hold the oath of secrecy."

"Your secret is safe, Taro-dono," Domen brought his features closer as reassurance. "But remember, what I offer is secrecy, not silence."

Taro's gaze dwelled on Domen's before a sigh broke it. "I have proof, Domen," his tone softened again. "I have a marrad recording from one of my followers who worked as a civil guard evacuating citizens in Amimotocho. He said they were never taken to the nearest safe zone. They were taken to an underground tunnel, a shortcut from the shogunate, he said, and before he could report further, our communication was cut off. He was part of the people who disappeared during the evacuation process."

There was a clear hint of worry in every word the minister uttered. And it worked to pull Domen's face back, though his disbelief lingered. "Taro-dono? That's terrible. This is an earnest statement, isn't it?"

"I thought your ritual demanded honesty."

"Glad to hear you have not completely forsaken the tenets of our faith," Domen praised in a murmur. "Where do you keep these marrad recordings?"

Taro lapsed into silence again. Should he reveal more of this? That thought was ringing in his head. Yet, the fact that Domen was serious about his faith gave him a tad bit of a hint. The Truth Ceremony was something sacred to him, even if its preparation was as ridiculous. After all, why did I bring up this topic in the first place? Doesn't this mean I have some trust in him?

Domen was favoured by many of his devotees because he was a keen listener, and Taro knew this. He also recalled people's testimonies to that effect. As much as he hated him, that was a matter of fact.

"It is kept in my house. Is that a satisfactory answer, do you need further details?"

Domen shook his head. "That suffices. I'm just making sure you don't carelessly store such important evidence—"

"It's in my safe. Don't think of me as reckless, Domen. I'm always calculating things like this."

"Understood... I'm merely cautious; it's an important piece of evidence, after all." Another wave of tea sipping from the priest was held out. "But I'm curious. You are known for your bravery. Why talk about this now? To me?"

"Because you have such far-reaching connections to all factions. And as much as I detest acknowledging it..., you have the shogun's ear."

"What I have are commoners, Taro-dono. As for you? You wield influence far beyond my reach, and I'm not talking about your clan's followers. Based on my encounters with many military personnel, I've discerned a profound respect for you among them."

A slight smile of flattery briefly graced Taro's lips, accompanied by a dreamy look. "I was always with them on the battlefield even as a minister. Such recognition is only natural. Much like how you've cultivated friendships with the elderly thanks to your penchant for visiting residential and nursing homes."

"I understand. You are a person who cares for the defenders of the nation."

"But evidence and the national guard won't sway the shogun." It was Taro's turn to sip his tea again. "...No, they won't. She can easily turn it all around with fear and unexpected tricks. The government fears not its own army, but its people the most. If there are no people, then there is no ruler. If the government crushes all its people for the sake of peace, it's left without subject—no, perhaps not. Its troops take the place of the people. And the ruler will be left naked."

"Even marrad recordings may not persuade the common people, Taro-dono," Domen chimed in again.

"That's where you, with the Shogun's ear, come into play. You care about the people of Kagatse, don't you, Domen?"

"I do, Taro-dono, just as I care about their spiritual health. As I do for you."

"With the combined power of the military, the common people, and sufficient evidence, the shogun will not be able to do much. She will fight, undoubtedly, but she will be contending with her own country. I can't believe someone would do such heinous things to maintain power; it's disgusting."

"If this is true and successful, we must consider a new shogun. A new dynasty," Domen concluded.

"Yes. Kagatseans deserve a better leader."

Domen's eyes looked more intently at Taro. His head jerked slightly. "A leader like you, Taro-dono?"

Taro was pensive. "If Kagatse requires it of me."

"If Kagatse requires it of you?" Domen chuckled. "If Kagatse requires it of you." A momentary pause hung between them. Domen closed his eyes, and with each passing second, Taro's bewilderment mounted, his mouth poised to gape to wake him.

The priest's eyes slowly reopened. "If Kagatse requires it from someone else? Would you be willing to see someone else sitting on the throne?"

And again, Taro pondered. Occasionally his breathing became audible and heavy. However, Domen was more long-suffering with his thin smile.

"What do you mean, Domen?" Taro finally answered. "What matters most to me is Kagatsean's best interests. Throne?" His lips fluttered. "It is a bonus. Although... I believe in maintaining the positive effects of Kagatse, even making it many times better with me on the throne."

"You know, it is a tradition that when dynasties change, the great clans vie for the throne," Domen explained. "The four clans that own the safe zone, and your clan. When that time comes, your military followers may be dispersed among other clans. And losing that much support will certainly affect your path to the throne."

"I... don't see the issue with that. Again, not that I care about the throne, but surely they won't forget all my travails. My entire life has been dedicated to serving the country. There is no reason for them to cast me aside. I have earned their trust and respect."

"Yes. But when one reaches the pinnacle of power, they will not see trust. They will see preference. See what they think is right, because that's the only time they are able to do that. Nothing wrong with it. When someone else ascends the throne, perhaps he will not be as kind as our current shogun to appoint you as a minister or his closest advisor. Will this not concern you? That no one listens to you anymore? Of course, it won't be an issue, because what matters is Kagatse. What matters is that the mujino plague vanishes."

"Are you implying something, Domen?"

"I'm not implying anything. You're the one talking about replacing the current shogun with a new one. Tell me: do you deserve to be the next shogun?"

"I... What do you think? Do you think I can be a good shogun?"

"You seek validation from me? From someone who often snatches the shogun's ear from you?" Domen asked softly, a faint smile lingering on his face. "Taro-dono. If I were to tell you that you are not worthy of being shogun, would you accept it as wisdom just as Dajo Daijin-sama, who always hearkens to my counsel? Or would you dismiss it, as you always have in the past? You need my help and my validation. Does that mean everything I've said thus far holds some truth?"

"That's not what I meant—"

"Would you heed my wisdom?"

"Stop." Taro had lost interest in his tea. "I have finished my confession. This talk... Just look for any indication of the shogun doing this, will you? As for what comes next... that is the unseen future." Taro got up and headed for the door. He still had the decency to exit like a normal person rather than jump off the balcony.

"With this concludes the Ceremony of Truth. May your heart be light, your soul calm, and your path brightened by the guidance of the three gods. I appreciate this tea session, Taro-dono. Please come often."

"Well, I don't know if I can do that again." Taro proceeded towards the exit.

However, just a few steps towards the door, Domen spoke again, "A good Shogun looks not at his people first, but at themselves."

Hokutoji Taro's hand failed to reach the wooden bar, and he slowly turned back to face the priest with a curious expression.

"When a macaque feels its desire being taken by a peer," Domen continued, "it snarls and pounces on the thief. They yank and tear at each other until one bows and neighs, baring his teeth. A grinning macaque is a weak sow. But the triumphant will intimidate the other with a mere lift of its forehead. He will enjoy privileges that are perpetuated to his children and grandchildren. He will fill himself with food first before the others can. He will snatch another female from her mate to groom him until she may return. The triumphant macaque takes precedence over all, with the responsibility that he will protect the group from rival macaque factions.

"I'm no leader, Taro-dono. But if you aspire to lead, then you can't earn their trust with a grin. You must earn it by voicing it as loudly as the determination within you. Don't compromise for any reason, don't submit to the influence that may impede—or even obstruct—your path to becoming a leader. This first, and concerns for the people's interests and the country's welfare will follow. This is the Yotsuba dynasty's recipe for eternal youth. It aligns with Ninshu's cultivation teaching as well—put yourself first in achieving enlightenment, let nothing hinder your mind, body, and spirit, and only then can you lead others.

"Remember why you want to be shogun. Because you were destined for it... or to satiate your personal vendetta."

The moment the lecture concluded, the priest's stoic expression was broken by a bright smile, eyes closed. His head tilted to the side. "Be careful on your way home."

Even after the lecture, Taro's expression of astonishment lingered, as did his silence. He simply completed his exit and let the door close on its own.