The Imperial Palace and a Restless Day (宮城と落ち着かない日, Kyuujou to Ochitsukanai Hi?) is the second chapter of Volume 5 of the My Happy Marriage novel.
Summary[]
On the second day of the year, Kiyoka and many members of the unit return to the station despite it being a holiday. The unit is overwhelmed with letters from the public, documents related to the Gifted Communion, and reports of Grotesquerie incidents in the newspapers. Kiyoka and Godou meet with a slightly fatigued Ookaito, who has been working tirelessly in recent days. During the meeting, Ookaito shares that Takaihito's plan has been officially approved. It is believed that the Gifted Communion's goal is to assassinate Takaihito and control the country using the kidnapped Emperor as their puppet. If they capture Miyo, they can use her Dream-Sight power to manipulate people through their dreams. The best strategy is to gather all their forces in one place to protect both of them.
When discussing the Gifted Communion's recent activities and related news reports, Kiyoka blames himself for not comprehending Usui or Houjou's actions earlier. However, Ookaito reassures him that nothing could have been done, noting that their own research into Gifts and Grotesqueries lags behind that of the Gifted Communion. Normally, information about these topics is tightly controlled by the government, and any newspaper or reporter making a fuss about it would face government backlash. The fact that multiple newspapers simultaneously published large-scale reports suggests a traitor within the government. Kiyoka deduces that the Gifted Communion's previous actions were preliminary preparations to dismantle the current imperial system and establish a new one where Gift-users run the country, with everyone having the potential to gain Gift-like powers. The Usuba family, with the strongest Gift, would likely be at the top. Once this goal is achieved, the Emperor, no longer useful, may be killed. Ookaito warns Kiyoka and Godou to be mentally prepared, as Takaihito has foreseen a coup. Even if it fails, the government and the military, including Kiyoka's unit, will not emerge unscathed. Kiyoka finds himself struggling with prioritizing his professional responsibilities before his personal desire to protect Miyo.
In a dream, Miyo finds herself at the Usuba estate, which appears different in both appearance and atmosphere from its current state. This location is the same as where her previous dream featuring Usui and her mother took place. She is puzzled as to why she is having these dreams, despite having better control of her powers. In the dream, a young Usui kneels before Sumi, who is worrying over the hard times that had befallen the Usuba family, and pledges to find a solution to her problems. Sumi is skeptical, believing her oppressor holds an undefiable high status, but Usui vows to dismantle everything causing Sumi distress and pain and replace it with gentler alternatives. Sumi thinks Usui is joking, but Miyo realizes that he is deadly serious and later established the Gifted Communion to fulfill this very goal. Shocked by this revelation, Miyo makes an inadvertent noise, seemingly drawing Naoshi's attention even though this should only be a dream. Miyo wakes up.
On the eighth day of the year, Miyo and Kiyoka set off for the palace. Miyo, Hazuki, and Yurie will be staying in a building connected to Takaihito's residence. A division of the unit has set up camps and erected a barrier around both places and will be responsible for guarding them. Miyo is nervous about her humble background in such a noble place, but Kiyoka encourages her to be confident as the head of the Kudou family's fiancée and tells her to follow Hazuki if she feels uncertain. Upon arrival, Kiyoka parks the car near the outer gate, and they walk to the main entrance where a carriage transports them to Takaihito's residence. Hazuki and Yurie greet them there, with Arata, who will be Miyo's bodyguard, later joining them. In a small banquet hall in the palace, Kiyoka lays down three rules: stay within designated areas, don't let anyone in without prior notice, and obey Takaihito's orders. Kiyoka hints that Takaihito has something to discuss with Miyo. He also instructs Arata to limit his contact with the outside world. If Usui breaches the palace, Arata's top priority is Miyo's safety, and he must kill Usui if it comes to it. After this meeting, Kiyoka returns to his unit, while the rest unpack their luggage. Hazuki invites them for lunch in her room. She explains that life in the palace is highly structured, with strict daily schedules. Miyo will follow an intense study plan, receiving instruction from Hazuki and Arata. Arata, being from the Usuba family, may also need to provide guidance or military assistance as required. During his absence, another bodyguard will take his place in ensuring Miyo's safety.
The unit is divided into three groups: one guarding the Imperial Palace, another patrolling the capital and cracking down on the Gifted Communion, and the third managing station affairs. Defense lines at the palace are established in two areas: the vanguard near the main gate, and the rearguard facing Takaihito's residence. Kiyoka first visits the rear camp, where Godou reports that Gifted Communion missionary activities increased to as many as ten per day and that analysis show that the confiscated Grotesquerie has resistance against all supernatural techniques, with the exception of the barrier technique. Kiyoka orders an accelerated investigation. Then, he goes to the vanguard, where Kaoruko Jinnouchi is waiting for him. She informs him that her father is found to be safe and was entrusted on a sudden military mission, which aligns with the start of the Gifted Communion's operation, suggesting that the organization has infiltrated the government. Kaoruko also asks Kiyoka about his earlier rejection of their marriage arrangement, to which he explains his desire to separate personal and professional matters. Kaoruko finds closure upon hearing those words.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Kiyoka Kudou
- Yoshito Godou
- Masashi Ookaito
- Miyo Saimori
- Naoshi Usui (dream)
- Sumi Usuba (dream)
- Hazuki Kudou
- Yurie
- Arata Usuba
- Kaoruko Jinnouchi
Mentioned characters[]
Chapter Notes[]
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