A conversation between Emperor Ryuuki and Shuuei while taking a stroll in the palace garden. Extract from Saiunkoku Monogatari episode 19. This happened just before Shuuei leaves for her post as the governor of the Sa province.

Shuurei: While I hate to admit it, you don't need me the way you are now.

Ryuuki: Wrong! *pauses for a while* I've said it many times. That you're very dear to me. By that, I mean I don't want you to be below me, but by my side.

Shuurei: I can't do that.

Ryuuki: I know that. I don't hope for that much right now. But I want you to remember, that I have no intention of taking anyone other than you as my wife.

Shuurei: That's impossible.

Ryuuki: Why?

Shuurei: I can't become a consort. I'm striving for something different.

Ryuuki: Shuurei, do you care about me?

Shuurei: I do. But it's probably... different from what you feel for me.

Ryuuki: That's enough.

Shuurei: *Surprised* Eh?

Ryuuki: I'll say it again. I won't take anyone but you to be my consort. I was all alone for one year. It's simply a matter of repeating that. But even so, I'm lonely.

*Ryuuki hugs Shuurei*

Ryuuki: I have but one wish. While it can't be helped in official situations, beyond that, I hope you won't distance yourself from me. I don't want you to keel. Rather than the emperor, I wan't you to see me. Otherwise, I'll be so sad and lonely that I won't be able to sleep anymore.

*Pauses*

Ryuuki: I'm not asking you to return my feelings, but please don't use my being an emperor as an excuse to run away. You're the one who found me and made me emperor. So running away at this point would be unfair.

Shuurei: You were always doing silly things.

Ryuuki: I was always serious. Please don't forget, all I want is you.

Shuurei: No doubt the person you love will be very happy. But please give that happiness to someone else! I didn't take the National Exams to become your wife. I came to be beneath you and to support you.

Ryuuki: Stubborn, aren't you? But that's all right. Because I'm stubborn too. If you come to love someone else over there, be sure to contact me before getting married.

Shuurei: Why...?

Ryuuki: I'll come running, challenge him to a fight, make you realise again just who's the better man, and break off your engagement.

Shuurei: *Chuckles and replies with a smile* I promise, I'll contact you. *becomes serious* I won't kneel to you, I won't look at you through your position as emperor. *turns gentle again* You'll become a good emperor. Well, I wonder if you mightn't become a good man, too.

*Ryuuki kisses her all of a sudden. This time, Shuurei doesn't resist.*

Ryuuki: You won't be able to forget me now, right?

Shuurei: *embarrased* You...

Ryukki: Please, don't forget. That I love you.


Haha. A little long, but this scene was super sweet. One of my favourite parts. =D Once again, the anime is titled Saiunkoku Monogatari. =)