Sasha McGlynn

Thinking naturally caused a craving for sweets

Jinshi had started by thinking about Maomao’s books, but soon he found himself thinking about Maomao—specifically, how he might talk her into accepting his proposal. He would have to prepare, set everything up so that she had no comeback and no reason to refuse

the sky lit up just as the bell was sounding, and then there came that terrible crash

I heard that tremendous noise almost as soon as I saw the flash of light

It was right about the time the evening bell was ringing. First I saw the sky light up, then I heard the bell, and it wasn’t a moment later that the thunder came.

The former emperor had passed away when Jinshi was thirteen, and Jinshi had become crown prince. That same year, he challenged the Emperor to a game of Go, and when he won, he earned the right to enter the rear palace as the “eunuch,” Jinshi. All so that he could abandon his position as crown prince.

“Ever since then, I’ve held that a man shouldn’t bet on a game of Go,” the Emperor said.

“I’m afraid you can’t take it back now.”

“I told you, if you wish to be Emperor, I’ll happily give you the title when the time comes.”

Today was, in fact, the very day of the garden party—and sadly, it indeed didn’t involve Maomao this year. Several of the physicians had been assigned to attend at the banquet, but that was all.

I’m sure she doesn’t see him as anything but a conversation generator at best, though. As she headed for the oven outside, Maomao reflected anew on how formidable En’en could be

As she peered at the blue sky, Maomao had a thought. I wonder what that picture was about. The eerie image drawn by the little girl, Jazgul.

This looks oddly familiar, Maomao thought as people crowded in to watch the pair on the stage: Jinshi and the man with the monocle. Between them, only a Go board.