Hiiro (56)
It had been quite some time since I last came to the conference hall.
Was it a year and a half ago? Back when the war was finally nearing its conclusion, there was a discussion on how a member of the royal family, or someone of similar standing, should lead the final campaign to the battlefield. We had to decide who would go. That was the last meeting I attended.
At that time, it was unofficially decided that Sekitora would take command, but after some back and forth, it somehow fell to me. I had a feeling my older brother had set me up, but I didn’t hate the role enough to refuse, so I accepted. After that, I went to the battlefield, and when I returned, I took full advantage of the leave policy for soldiers and had been absent ever since.
I thought I’d never have to attend again.
With that in mind, I entered the hall. Most of the attendees had already arrived, and a variety of eyes, filled with their own agendas, were fixated on me.
The head of the Sanjou family, who sat at the highest seat in the absence of Ichijou and Nijou, was glaring at me, and I had a vague idea why. The Gojou family, represented by Sekitora also had their usual hostile gazes directed my way. I noticed that I hadn’t greeted Toya Sanjou, who looked at me kindly since my return from the battlefield.
"Touya-san, I’ve returned unharmed."
"Yes. Welcome back, Your Highness."
"I apologize for the delayed greeting."
"As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters."
Though Touya-san was already at a considerable age, there was no sign of decline in his beautiful face. If anything, the deepening laugh lines only added to his charm.
This gentle man had opposed my going to the battlefield until the very end, even offering to go in my place. I realized that I had been neglectful by not greeting him upon my return.
I bowed my head.
"I’ve heard of the various events. If possible, I’d be glad to hear them directly from you, Your Highness."
"Of course."
I took my seat as my father and older brother approached. My father looked surprised to see me, while my brother smirked with satisfaction.
The reform proposal concerning the licensing system was put forward: those without a family name could be exempt from the status guarantee fee if they had a guarantor with a family name, and the examination fee would be the same for everyone. Only Sanjou and Gojou opposed the proposal, claiming that people of low birth wouldn’t be able to receive the higher education needed to obtain a license, making it pointless. The rebuttal from Kujou Toshitane was nothing short of brilliant.
"Two people passed the medical license exam last year. One of them was an orphan I adopted. The other, if I recall correctly, was also an adopted child from the Yakushi family, a medical lineage. They took in a talented orphan and raised him. Now, look at the incompetence of those with family names who are supposed to have received higher education. Our Ikumatsu studied relentlessly, sacrificing even sleep. Isn’t that something to be proud of? I’ve been meaning to propose expanding the scholarship system to allow more talented individuals to receive higher education."
"We would like to consider that proposal in due time. For now, let's focus on the licensing issue."
"Hmm. Those who put in the effort deserve proper rewards. This proposal also benefits the country by securing talented individuals. It’s wonderful!"
Under Akemi's chairmanship, the parliament session continued, and additional advantages were raised, such as solving the shortage of doctors, chefs, and drivers. With a majority in favor, the proposal was passed.
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