“You are prepared to report concerning this?”
“I am, your Majesty,” answered Echizen.
“Proceed.”
The Prince of Echizen indicated the governor of the city with a slight toss of his head.
“Privily, your Majesty, I beg,” he said.
Kommei hesitated. He seemed to be studying Echizen’s face. If read correctly, he saw written there so much determination, so much loyalty and faith and truth, that its very expression communicated to him some of its lofty strength and resolve.
“My Lord of Aidzu will withdraw,” he said, quietly.
“But, your Majesty—” began Aidzu.
The first expression of imperial command came into Kommei Tenno’s face. His head elevated itself, his eyes enlarged and became purple with haughty command.
“I have spoken,” he said.