Kyoami nodded. It was an answer he would accept. He had grown to know his mother's secretive nature, and, polite boy as he was, he did not press. Instead he listened, and his golden eyes widened.

The emperor… Kyoami wasn’t even sure how to approach a man of such standing. Or how to even act around an emperor. In his narrow chest, his heart quickened, but he was not sure if it was entirely from fear, or also from a dash of excitement.

His mother's words caught him off guard and he tipped his head, looking at her curiously. His ears flicked and he smiled because he listened to the mountains! Is that… from something? He asked.

To be called impressive, however, it made his ears warm, but it also warmed away the fear that had started growing in his heart since the mention of the emperor. A light shining and keeping the dark at bay.

Because he was born an Ichimonji.

He stared at his mother, thinking of the story she told him, of his father. He ducked his head and lapped up a small mouthful of mushrooms.

I will seek out the emperor, Kyoami said once he sat straight once more. What... what should I do when I find him? He asked, more uncertainly, ears pulling back.