The Emperor's Last Consort

Chapter 6

The ministers filed out of the imperial meeting hall in two orderly lines. There were both the old and new, and robes of many colours with amulets hanging from the fronts bearing different insignias and titles.

The afternoon state meeting had just ended after three long hours of earnest discussion with Emperor Byakuya.

One of the ministers leading the left line along the hall, looked up. He was handsome, with wavy brown hair and clad in a white robe with black-lined sleeves. "I must offer my congratulations and admiration to you, Kyoraku, for yet another milestone in office. His Majesty has once again approved of your proposal, this time of the dam construction along the smaller cities."

The minister leading the right line of the hall, only smiled. His similar brown hair was longer and curlier, tied up at the back of his head with an eccentric flower headband. His robes were a soft pink and bore floral motifs. "Ah, you humble yourself, Sosuke. Your time will come... when your plans are much less, shall we say, ambitious."

"Arrangements for a fortified military base on the outskirts of the country is ambitious?" Aizen raised one eyebrow slightly.

"It is... if increased taxes and burden on the common people are the proposed ways to achieve it." Kyoraku's expression was one of mild amusement. "The country of Seireitei at present needs no such recharge in military – especially when we have very able Generals and able men. And imposing all those heavy taxes on the common people... where would all the pretty girls look for money to buy their pretty clothes?" Kyoraku threw his hands up dramatically.

"I believe when they have given themselves up to brothels, you will have easier access to them. On these grounds alone, you should be supporting my cause." Aizen's voice tone was conversational, even if his answer was thorny.

Kyoraku only laughed heartily. "My dear Sosuke, pretty girls do not belong in brothels. They belong out in the open, free to pursue whatever they want. Education... family... or even an old minister such as myself."

They walked along in silence for a while.

"Beefing up the military and national power is of utmost importance if one wishes to remain on top." Aizen spoke up. "It is amazing that His Majesty takes this matter lightly."

"His Majesty is well aware of our splendid armies, and knows we are in a safe place," Kyoraku replied. "And if we were to poise our armies on the border, it would only send an ill message to the neighbouring countries."

"A message they would do well to remember." Aizen's voice was cool.

"Hueco Mundo may be a barbarian country, but they know the value of peace. So does Karakura, there has not been a war for many decades. There is no need for us to antagonize them now." Kyoraku stopped walking suddenly. "Unless of course... these proposed new armies were to serve a different purpose?"

Aizen turned to face the older minister, halting his steps as well. "What may you be implying, Kyoraku?" His voice was light, almost as if they were only having leisure talk.

"What could a womanizing fool such as myself imply?" Kyoraku winked at his younger colleague. "Well then, I will be off now to go look for my beautiful Nanao-chan. You watch yourself now, young man."

"And you." Aizen nodded, smiling but the smile did not reach his brown eyes.
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"Aizen-sama."

Aizen nodded as one of his subordinates appeared at his side.

"So the proposal for a new military base was rejected?"

Aizen only nodded, watching the receding back of Kyoraku Shunsui. "I foresaw it, that proposal was too bold. I would have been surprised if His Majesty accepted it. It seems that I will have to be a little more subtle next time."