[kyoami. they are alone, and kaede is relieved to speak in japanese with him. she kisses his face, his forehead, seeing how much he has grown. eat. eat. tell me what you have been doing. are there friends to make? kyoami must be seen. he must be visible. the Son of Heaven must take his notice. she imagines that in the future, he too may make a match within nobility. both of her children are on assured paths, so long as she guides them to stay their course. but now the mother pauses. she reaches to cup his jawline. are you happy, kyoami?]

kyoami. they are alone, and kaede is relieved to speak in japanese with him. she kisses his face, his forehead, seeing how much he has grown. eat. eat. tell me what you have been doing. are there friends to make?

kyoami must be seen. he must be visible. the Son of Heaven must take his notice. she imagines that in the future, he too may make a match within nobility.

both of her children are on assured paths, so long as she guides them to stay their course.

but now the mother pauses. she reaches to cup his jawline. are you happy, kyoami?