The Tale Continues (Saiunkoku Monogatari Fanfiction: Ryuuki x Shuurei lemon)

Chapter 9: The Necklace

The days and months flew by more exhausting and hectic and the day when Shuurei was in Ryuuki's room to dine with him seemed so far off in the past. A disaster happened in Saiunkoku. A plague of locusts attacked the provinces. However thanks to the efforts of many people the problem about the plague of locust that attack is now solved. Ou Ki's attempt for the throne had also been revealed and was also subdued.

A lot of people hated Ryuuki even more but, many had trusted and sworn loyalty to him now. Some because they thought he could be a good king as he gains experience. The others are because of the allies that surrounded Ryuuki. Having Shouka and the Kou clan pledge loyalty to him increased his stock that the other clans also pledged more especially now that Yuushun is really on his side and Ou Ki had bowed to him.

Also, many official will not forget the only woman among these officials who run in to save the emperor. For the sake of this courageous woman who is ready to throw away her life for that emperor, they bowed their head to him too. There must be something that this woman saw in him that they cannot see yet. They wanted to see it too, what she saw in that emperor that made her so loyal to him no matter what.

After everything that had happened, it is almost unbelievable that Ryuuki and Shuurei could once again eat together like this. They are under the gazebo just beside the sakura tree where they first met.

''It really suits you,'' Ryuuki commented on Shuurei's outfit.

''Thanks. But please just ignore it,'' Shuurei replied.

''You look really beautiful,'' Ryuuki said. That made Shuurei blush.

''This is really not my idea,'' Shuurei said as she remembered how sweet Jyuusan looked when she made her wear all those clothes and some make up. She just cannot say no when Jyuusan is so excited about it.

''Let's just eat.''

''Wait, I have something for you.'' Ryuuki came closer to her and wrapped a necklace around her neck. He gazed at her and smiled. ''It suits you.''

''Wow, what a beautiful a necklace,'' Shuurei said in awe. Then her mind started to calculate how much it may cost but she cannot tell.

''I'm glad you like it.''

''I can't accept this. It looks far too expensive. Why not use the money to repair the other parts outside of the city rather than just spend it buying gifts for me,'' Shuurei recoiled.

''Don't worry. I did not really buy that. It's something that only the royal family has. It's a royal heirloom. So always wear it,'' Ryuuki said.

''That's all the more reason I cannot accept this,'' Shuurei said stubbornly.

''Shuurei it is something I own. Please allow me at least cherish you. That will protect you protect you from harm. And when the repairs is what you are concerned about, I have signed tons of papers for the repair and reconstruction in various provinces and cities in Saiunkoku,'' Ryuuki explained.

''Fine. It's magnificent. Thank you Ryuuki.'' Shuurei said as she gazed at the necklace. It is so beautiful. It has intricate designs including a bird of seven colored feathers. ''Now let's eat before the food gets cold.''

Ryuuki happily ate and Shuurei has to stop him from eating too much again. After that Shuurei left him in Jyuusan's care and proceeded to do her work. She was on the way to the archives when she met Kouyou and Shuuei.