Thoughts: Saiunkoku Monogatari Ep. 25 (WIP)

Jan 10, 2007 12:29

This very badly translated rough summary of Saiunkoku Monogatari Episode 25 is for cilou, penguin_sensei, and hidden_gems. Even though it's not perfect, please think of it as a sort of a better-than-nothing-stop-gap before the actual subs are released. Please do not use nor distribute this summary outside of my journal, though I don't know why you'd want to. (See below.) o.o;

Disclaimer: This is an amateur attempt at summarizing this episode. I am not fluent in Japanese and WILL have made mistakes here.

A Very Bad Summary for Saiunkoku Monogatari (WIP)
Episode 25 - An Accidental Resemblance 「他人のそら似」

Shuurei is preoccupied with the news that the Sa Clan would marry her off to one of them. Senya asks her what's wrong, since the song she's playing on the erhu isn't one of the normal ones. She's surprised that he can tell, and he changes the subject, saying that he's in the mood for some fruits. Shuurei brings him some grapes, and they sit down to talk.

Senya asks if she's worried about the rumored marriage between the Sa Clan the the Kou Princess, and Shuurei finally admits that because this marriage is between two people who are similar to her/their own ages as well as the fact it would be very influential (as she can't very well just say, “I'm worried since I'm the Kou Princess!”). He replies with the fact that such marriages are common occurrences. Shuurei agrees, but this time feels like an abduction with the legality involved and the fact that agreement hasn't been had from the Princess's family. Senya asks if that isn't that because of the Kou family's status. They wouldn't look at those of the Sa family's status. Shuurei seems surprised and asks if she's a treasured princess. Senya says that at their equal would be like the Ran family. Shuurei sighs. Senya goes on to say that for a high family like the Kou, they most likely wouldn't agree to such a thing (the Kou/Sa marriage). Shuurei thinks to herself that, in the end, the Kou family is thought of in that way. Senya continues, saying that it's obvious since the princess is an established fact. Shuurei exclaims, “Skilled!” According to rumors, the princess is a beauty, is proud, just like a Kou Princess would be. This makes Shuurei think that Kourin must be more princess-like than Shuurei herself in reality.

Senya remarks that rather than a princess of the Kou family, he prefers ‘Kourin’ instead. Shuurei sighs and says, “Thank you.” Senya then asks why she seem to distance herself or look fearful of the thing called ‘romantic relationship’. Isn't that why she insists on calling him 'Young Master' all the time? Did she get abandoned by some cruel man in her past?

“No, it's just that...,” She thinks about when Ryuuki asked her not to forget him and told her that he loves her. She continues with that she can't afford to think of it since she's got things of higher importance to accomplish. Senya asks if she's afraid of romantic relationships. To that she sighs, saying, “To be honest, I'm afraid.”

Senya says they're the same on this matter. This is something unexpected, and Shuurei exclaims that he didn’t seem that way at all with all the pretty women he sees and charms! Senya says that because it's just for fun, he can act that way. But should he ever find that one special person, his hesitation would probably disappear. Senya doesn’t explain what kind of ‘hesitation’ he means and instead asks 'Kourin' to play the erhu for him once again. She agrees.

The scene cuts to Meishou confronting Seiran and Ensei, calling Seiran “Sousenpuu” (Little Whirlwind) and remarking that he still has a pretty face. Seiran is upset and Ensei keeps him protected behind him, remarking that “Old Man” Meishou is still the same, spouting off useless things. As Meishou's an eyesore, Ensei will kill him.

They insult each other, and Ensei brings up the past, when he'd gone home to find his family slaughtered. The old Satsujinzoku leader had marked his face while Meishou had been watching outside. This is something that Ensei won't forget.

Meishou says that the leader failed in allowing Ensei to live on a whim, because that one kid then led to the destruction of the entire Satsujinzoku. Ensei returns with the fact that his own failing was in allowing Meishou to escape, but he wouldn't mind rectifying that now.

Meishou says that he only came to see them today. Unlike the old Satsujinzoku leader, he uses his brain. He tells them that they should come to Kinka. They'll understand once there. Meishou and Ensei trade verbal barbs again before Meishou walks away.

Remarking that they really met up with a distasteful person, Ensei turns to Seiran and says, “Let's go. I'll make you lots of kanro tea.” Seiran refuses, and Ensei goes, “Well, you've got the Princess to do so.” Seiran say that he prefers to save his pleasures for last while Ensei likes them first. Seiran isn't surprised.

Shuurei is playing the erhu, and Senya mentions that they will arrive in Kinka soon enough. Once they get there, he would like Shuurei to tell him her real name - at this Shuurei's hand slips and she stops playing the erhu - since 'Kourin' is too cute and doesn't suit her. Shuurei tries to cover up her shock with mock anger, saying that she's sorry that she's not cute. He walks over to her, saying that her name should be more beautiful and then kisses her.

Shuurei pushes him away with a shouted, “Young Master!' and exits the room, but not before Senya wishes 'Kourin' a good night. Shuurei takes a minute to compose herself, reminding herself that if she can get to Kinka, she can see everyone. As she walks away, she thinks to herself that she has to work towards that.

In the carriage sits Kokujun, Eigetsu, and Kourin. Eigetsu remarks that they're almost to Kinka, and Kokujun apologizes about not being able to study on his own and needing instruction, even though he's older. Eigetsu asks him if he wants to become a government official, and Kokujun reveals that he thought to take the imperial exams, wanting to become like Prince Enjun (his great uncle, aka Sa-Taiho). That's why he figured to ask Eigetsu, the 13 year old who took the Jougen spot, to tutor him. Kokujun apologizes for his bumbling. Eigestsu says it's ok, and then asks if the Enjun-sama that Kokujun is speaking about is the same Sa-Taiho who recently passed away. Kokujun proudly says that yes, he was, as he's a brilliant person, someone you'd call a genius. Kourin looks sad at this reminder. Kokujun continues saying that Enjun had been the Sa family's jewel and someone who he looked up to.

Eigetsu says that he's sure that he (Enjun) must have studied a lot. Kokujun replies with the adage 'silk acquires a gloss with age', but he seems not to believe it (of himself) and therefore can't say much about it. Eigetsu remarks that yes, Kokujun's not a genius. Kourin tries to rebuke Eigetsu for his cruelty, but Kokujun stops her saying that it's the truth. Eigestu then says that he's also not a genius. Kokujun says, “But aren't you a genius?” (Since Eigetsu is only 13 and took the top Jougen spot at this year's imperial examinations.) The carriage goes over a rock.

Eigetsu reveals that because he didn't have time nor money, he did all he could to study and practice, reading and writing things over and over. In the winter he'd write in the snow while during the other seasons he'd write dirt. Even though he did all that, he was still worried. That was all that he could do. Does that make him a genius? Kokujun apologizes. He's ashamed that though he's 18, he still acts this way. Eigetsu tells him not to apologize, since that's not all that he is, that even though he's not a genius, he still has many good traits.

The scene switches to Meishou and Soujun, and Meishou reveals that he's orders to kill the two kids (meaning Eigetsu and Kourin). Soujun is confused since isn't the Kou Princess intended to be Sakujun's bride? Meishou says that it seems the “Shuurei” is fake. Soujun is upset at having been deceived, which allowed Eigetsu to live at that time. Soujun vows to kill them, and Meishou says to do as he wishes, but asks that he waits a little bit as there's something he wants to do. Meishou doesn't elaborate further, instead changing the subject to show Soujun something interesting that he's gotten a hold of. Broken halves of the Sa governor's seal and badge drops out of the bag. The rectangular seal had been found in one of the steamed buns. The other had been hidden in a golden bird-shaped vessel. The soldiers are still looking for the rest.

Soujun is delighted. Meishou agrees. Soujun then asks where the real Kou Princess is. Meishou replies that she's on her way, and that they should also prepare a room for Sakujun. Soujun asks where is brother is, and Meishou remarks that Sakujun says that he's afraid of being with the Satsujinzoku, so he wants a different place to stay. Soujun expresses his disgust at that and then tries to persuade Meishou (and therefore the Satsujinzoku) to follow him instead of his grandfather. Meishou says he'll think about it.

Senya and Shuurei arrive at Kinka, and Senya asks her what's wrong. Shuurei has him confirm that this is Sa Province's most prominent merchant city. Shuurei thinks it's weird since it isn't very lively. Senya then inquires after her plans, hoping that she might come over to the place where he's staying. Shuurei declines, saying that she's got somethings to take care of first, but she'll go see him in the evening after if he'll tell her in which direction his room will be at (implying that it's a room at an inn like the ones they've been staying at during their journey). Senya replies that since he's got a place here, he won't be at an inn. All she needs to do is ask any townspeople about the Chrysanthemum Manor, and she'll be pointed towards it. She says that she understands.

Senya says, “Kourin” and she asks what he wants. He then says he'd be happy if she not treat him so coldly. Shuurei flares up, since he hasn't apologized (for the kiss). Senya replies that he won't apologize, since he hasn't done anything bad that needs to be apologized for. Shuurei then wonders why looking at Senya reminds her of Ryuuki. Just an accidental resemblance? But they didn't physically look like each other at all.

Shuurei confirms that he'll be at the Chrysanthemum Manor and Senya says that he'll be waiting. She takes off, and Senya whispers, once again, that he'll be waiting.

Shuurei finally finds her way to the Merchant guild office, which fits her image of what it should be like with its largeness. However, she finds it weird that it's so quiet. She determines that she first must gather information. She bumps into a man and apologizes. The man asks her if she's possibly a traveler. Is the her first time in Kinka? Was she here looking for a somebody?

Shuurei notices all the unusual (and hard to get) things he's wearing and asks if he's someone from the merchant guild. He's impressed that she figured it out, and then asks her if she's got the special “7-colored” travel pass. Shuurei's shocked and asks him how he knew that.

Shuurei's brought into the merchant guild office and into a room with an older man sitting down. The man reveals that the Satsujinzoku have overrun the town of Kinka. Shuurei asks the guy who brought her in if the older man is the Guild master. He only smiles and laughs a little, then goes to stand in front of the room. The two then reveal the state of Kinka, being controlled by Meishou and the Satsujinzoku. The Sa family is also involved. Because they are merchants, they've already calculated the risks, so if circumstances permit, they'll become anyone's allies. Shuurei sees winning over the merchant guild as her first duty as governor. She must have them as allies. If she can't, then there's no way to deal with the Satsujinzoku and the Sa family. Shuurei asks them how she can get them to take action. She gets the response to tell them what she has of value in possession. Should she have what they ask for, they would become her power. According to their sources, the Sa family's already got one half each of the Governor's seal and badge. It wouldn't be long till they've got the rest. Shuurei says that won't happen and that those are fakes. The two ask how she knows. Shuurei remembers and relates that the emperor guaranteed that the originals would be delivered to Kinka and that it would be impossible for them to fall into the hands of people other than the two true co-governors. Shuurei says it would be good to believe in that. The older man ask where they are now. Shuurei doesn't know.

As Ryuuren passes the gate, he notes that this is Kinka. Tthe guards asking him for his travel pass. He can't seem to find it easily, and the guards and the line of people behind get upset. The guards tell him to hurry up since there are many behind him in line. Ryuuren responds that he's never had to hurry in his life, but he'll do so today! He proceeds to jump up and down, but the guards thought he was going to do something dangerous. When the pass drops to the ground, Ryuuren remarks, “Oh, that's where it was.”

The guard pick up the pass, muttering about the delay, but then sees the mark Souryuurensen denoting a person of the Ran family! Ryuuren then proceeds to play the “Arrival to Kinka Memorial” song! The guards are like, “This flute!” and “This person is Ran Ryuuren-sama?!”

As the sun is setting, we go back to Shuurei, who says that she'll be looking for the real Governor's seal and badge. She continues with the fact that the governor's aide, Rou Ensei would soon arrive at Kinka, along with military officer, Shi Seiran, whose power alone would surpass that of a provincial general. The last one of the group is the co-governor, To Eigetsu. They will all be in Kinka soon. The old man asks if that's all. Shuurei thinks that she must win this 'battle' no matter what. She says the last the last thing is her life. The Sa family wouldn't dare to kill her for fear of the wrath of the Kou family.

The two says that last has no definitive proof, since they wouldn't know it's worth until they tried it. They put forth their condition, that they can get the Satsujinzoku's leader. If they can do that, then they agree to lend her the merchant guild's power. Shuurei agrees, thanking them. The younger man calls her Governor Kou, and asks that she not betray why she came to Sa Province. Shuurei agrees.

Eigetsu, Kourin, and Kokujun are stopped by Meishou and Soujun. Meishou greets them as Governor To and the fake miss.

In front of the guild office, the older man asks if Shuurei would stay the night there but she declines, saying that she's been asked to stay at the place of one of the Rin family. She asks them what's wrong when they look at each other and remain silent. The younger man tells her that several days prior, the Rin family had been massacred by the Satsujinzoku, with no survivors. Shuurei is shocked and starts to ask what is going on. Then who is that person? Just what is he?

x-posted to saiunkoku

translations, saiunkoko monogatari

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