The fire in Kyoto is not visible from the Shishin-den, but the air inside the hall gradually changes from cool to warm.
Many high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court begin to sweat on their foreheads, and Emperor Komei, seated in a high position, feels a bit tense.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu has been resisting the enemy for a while, but no triumphant news has been sent back.
The increasing temperature of the air suppresses his anger and makes him somewhat fearful.
As the Emperor, he feels embarrassed to take the initiative to suggest leaving the scene.
Emperor Komei sweeps his gaze downward without saying a word, but the scrutiny in his eyes stirs something within Mutsuhito.
He is only thirteen years old this year, at an age when ordinary children's work for their parents has already begun.
Though Mutsuhito is limited by his status and unable to express many opinions on politics, he enjoys reading and secretly interacts with some members of the Xenophobic faction.
