# E6 - A Tanabata Invitation
Source: [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GG1U2JVVZ/a-tanabata-invitation)
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(Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.)
***SIGN*** Wisteria Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace
**[00:12] Fujinami**
Samomo.
**[00:13] Samomo**
Oh, is Your Highness awake?
**[00:16] Fujinami**
How was Lady Asebi?
**[00:19] Samomo**
She was delighted.
**[00:22] Samomo**
She even played the koto for me.
**[00:25] Fujinami**
Did she?
**[00:27] Fujinami**
I wish I could have heard.
**[00:31] Samomo**
Please, don't strain yourself.
**[00:33] Samomo**
The weight of your responsibilities
must be taking its toll.
**[00:41] Fujinami**
Listen, Samomo.
I've never had anyone but myself.
**[00:46] Fujinami**
My brother treats me kindly,
but we can rarely see each other.
**[00:51] Fujinami**
In my loneliness,
I lashed out at those around me.
**[00:56] Fujinami**
I don't think I was a very nice child.
**[01:00] Fujinami**
Yet Lady Asebi cared for me
like a younger sister.
**[01:14] Fujinami**
I even took to calling her "Sister" myself.
**[01:25] Samomo**
And in truth, you wish
to become real sisters?
**[01:31] Samomo**
I understand.
**[01:33] Samomo**
Your loyal Samomo will aid Lady Asebi
in marrying the Prince in any way I can.
**[01:37] Samomo**
So please, set your mind at ease and rest.
***SIGN*** YATAGARASU
***SIGN*** The Raven
Does Not
Choose
Its Master
**[03:14] Nazukihiko**
You say you will help
put me on the throne?
**[03:17] Atsufusa**
Yes, Your Highness.
**[03:19] Nazukihiko**
But you...
**[03:20] Atsufusa**
I support Lord Natsuka,
whose faction opposes you.
**[03:24] Atsufusa**
I doubt I could deceive Your Highness,
so allow me to be frank.
**[03:29] Atsufusa**
I will safeguard you from the schemes
of Lord Natsuka's backers.
**[03:34] Atsufusa**
In exchange, I wish you to shelter
Lord Natsuka when you ascend to the throne.
**[03:42] Atsufusa**
Our faction began honestly enough
**[03:45] Atsufusa**
as a simple gathering of court ravens
drawn to Lord Natsuka's character.
**[03:49] Atsufusa**
But before we knew it,
our ranks were infiltrated by extremists,
**[03:53] Atsufusa**
bent on making Lord Natsuka the kin'u
to further their own political ends.
**[03:58] Atsufusa**
And now, they gain strength
under Rokon's leadership.
**[04:02] Atsufusa**
What they practice is not loyalty.
**[04:05] Atsufusa**
If they are not stopped, Lord Natsuka
will be branded a rebel for Rokon's misdeeds.
**[04:10] Nazukihiko**
And you have no issue with my accession?
**[04:14] Atsufusa**
Lord Natsuka promoted me,
a minor noble without a patron.
**[04:20] Atsufusa**
He wishes for nothing more
than peace in Yamauchi.
**[04:24] Atsufusa**
And I value nothing more than his life.
**[04:30] Nazukihiko**
I understand, but I would like to see
your work before I make up my mind.
**[04:36] Atsufusa**
As Your Highness wishes.
**[04:38] Nazukihiko**
I see. Then, I realize this is sudden,
but I would like you to do something for me.
**[04:47] Yukiya; Sumio**
What?
**[04:50] Natsuka**
I hope Your Majesty
will forgive my long absence.
**[04:53] Natsuka**
It delights me to find our Empress so well.
**[04:56] Empress**
Spare me the formalities.
It is good to see you, my son.
**[05:02] Natsuka**
Ma'am.
**[05:04] Empress**
The ladies-in-waiting expect to finally
catch a glimpse of the Prince on Tanabata.
**[05:10] Empress**
Their bustling puts me out of sorts.
**[05:13] Natsuka**
That is unfortunate.
Is that the reason for the karon incense?
**[05:18] Empress**
It does offer some relief.
**[05:21] Empress**
But enough of that.
**[05:23] Empress**
What will you do on Tanabata?
**[05:25] Natsuka**
Lord Toru has invited me to
celebrate it at his southern palace.
**[05:30] Empress**
I put in a word for you.
**[05:33] Empress**
I expect Toru's daughter will attend.
**[05:36] Empress**
You may become acquainted
even with a screen between you.
**[05:39] Natsuka**
I have devoted myself to the Mountain God.
**[05:42] Empress**
How dull.
**[05:44] Empress**
Still, those of the Southern House
hide their thoughts even from family.
**[05:49] Empress**
In that sense, you may be
more "Southern" than any of us.
**[06:00] Yukiya**
Sheesh. What is His Highness thinking?
**[06:04] Atsufusa**
Can't you see the fun in it?
**[06:07] Atsufusa**
Still, His Highness gave me
quite a role to play.
**[06:10] Atsufusa**
I must succeed if I am to win his trust.
**[06:13] Yukiya**
Please take care, Sir Atsufusa.
**[06:17] Yukiya**
If Sir Rokon were ever to find out...
**[06:19] Atsufusa**
I appreciate your concern,
aide to our future kin'u.
**[06:25] Atsufusa**
I dreamed of securing that position
for myself until not long ago,
**[06:30] Atsufusa**
but I think I will let you have the honor.
**[06:39] Sumio**
Stay on your guard.
**[06:41] Sumio**
Atsufusa comes from the
Southern House, just like the Empress.
**[06:45] Sumio**
Still, he has real backbone.
Think he'd join us if Nazukihiko asked him?
**[06:57] Yukiya**
White.
**[06:59] Yukiya**
White. White. White.
***SIGN*** Spring Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace
**[07:13] Asebi**
What lovely weather.
Tonight should be perfect for stargazing.
**[07:18] Ukogi**
Hold still, my lady.
You must dress with special care today.
**[07:22] Ukogi**
You will be coming face-to-face
with the Prince at last.
**[07:25] Asebi**
Y-You're right. Now I feel a little nervous.
**[07:29] Samomo**
You look gorgeous, Lady Asebi.
**[07:31] Asebi**
Thank you, Samomo.
**[07:32] Ukogi**
What news of the other houses, Miss Samomo?
**[07:35] Samomo**
Well, they all look lovely, but the Western
House seems especially magnificent.
**[07:42] Samomo**
They have set out kimonos and ornaments
in the reds that Lady Masuho-no-Susuki favors.
**[07:47] Ukogi**
How I envy them.
**[07:49] Ukogi**
It would hardly hurt the Lord of the East
to loosen his purse strings a little.
**[07:55] Asebi**
Don't just complain.
**[07:57] Asebi**
Look, we still have a kimono
we haven't hung up yet.
**[07:59] Ukogi**
Ah! Stay still, my lady!
**[08:01] Ukogi**
Please try to keep calm.
**[08:04] Asebi**
I'm hopeless, aren't I?
**[08:07] Samomo**
Let us go peek at the stargazing party.
It will surely cheer you up.
**[08:49] Masuho**
How do you do, Lady Asebi?
**[08:52] Asebi**
L-Lady Masuho-no-Susuki! I beg your pardon.
**[08:55] Asebi**
Your kimono looks so lovely that I, well...
**[08:58] Masuho**
Thank you. I spent a year making it.
**[09:02] Masuho**
I sewed every stitch of my kimono
as well as His Highness's myself.
**[09:07] Asebi**
*You* sewed them?
Not your ladies-in-waiting?
**[09:11] Masuho**
Of course.
**[09:13] Masuho**
How could I let another woman
make my gift to the man I love?
**[09:21] Masuho**
Oh, don't worry. You look charming, too.
**[09:29] Fujinami**
Lady Asebi.
**[09:31] Asebi**
Princess Fujinami.
**[09:34] Fujinami**
Oh, good. I see you're all here.
**[09:38] Fujinami**
We still have time
before His Highness arrives.
**[09:41] Fujinami**
Would you play your koto
for us, here and now?
**[09:45] Asebi**
What? But Princess Fujinami, um...
**[09:48] Ukogi**
My lady.
**[09:49] Ukogi**
If you desire your koto,
it is ready for you.
**[09:52] Asebi**
Ukogi, when did you...
**[09:54] Fujinami**
Please, Lady Asebi.
**[10:01] Asebi**
But I...
**[10:03] Hamayu**
What's this? Running away *again*?
**[10:06] Hamayu**
You *are* a lady of the
Eastern house, remember.
**[10:09] Hamayu**
Don't you want to
shut them up for a change?
**[11:49] Hamayu**
They say thoughtless words only
disgrace the speaker. Now you know why.
**[11:56] Hamayu**
Well, consider it a lesson learned.
**[11:59] Masuho**
I do not recall asking your opinion.
**[12:05] Fujinami**
What a wonderful performance.
**[12:08] Fujinami**
You simply must play for my brother, too.
**[12:11] Asebi**
Oh, but I...
**[12:13] Samomo**
Lady Hamayu.
**[12:16] Samomo**
Thank you for encouraging Lady Asebi.
**[12:20] Hamayu**
Don't mention it. I was merely bored.
**[12:25] Cha-no-Hana**
Thank you for delighting our ears.
The East is justly famed for its musicians.
**[12:31] Asebi**
Th-Thank you.
**[12:33] Cha-no-Hana**
Still, what a large koto.
**[12:35] Asebi**
Only the Eastern House uses them.
**[12:37] Cha-no-Hana**
Oh, yes, I am well aware.
**[12:40] Cha-no-Hana**
I even recall seeing those cherry
blossoms and mist before, long ago.
**[12:44] Fujinami**
Cha-no-Hana. I received the proper
permissions before giving it to her.
**[12:48] Cha-no-Hana**
If you will pardon me, Princess Fujinami,
you have a duty to remain neutral.
**[12:52] Cha-no-Hana**
Would it be proper for you
to show a single lady favor?
**[12:57] Cha-no-Hana**
She wins your trust with an innocent face.
A veritable Lady Raven.
**[13:03] Asebi**
Who is "Lady Raven"?
**[13:04] Cha-no-Hana**
You don't know?
**[13:06] Cha-no-Hana**
Her tale is of a lowly raven
disguised as a beautiful lady
**[13:09] Cha-no-Hana**
who steals into the palace, seduces
the crown prince, and pays with her life.
**[13:15] Ukogi**
My lady, pay her no heed.
**[13:17] Cha-no-Hana**
If you care for your lady,
I suggest you teach her.
**[13:22] Cha-no-Hana**
Lest she repeat her mother's performance
in Cherry Blossom Palace.
**[13:26] Asebi**
My mother's?
**[13:28] Asebi**
What do you mean by that?
**[13:31] Cha-no-Hana**
Far be it from me to say. My lips are seal—
**[13:36] Cha-no-Hana**
What is the meaning of this?
**[13:37] Ukogi**
Shut your sly old beak!
**[13:39] Cha-no-Hana**
What? I could say the same to you!
**[13:43] Takimoto**
Calm yourselves, both of you.
**[13:45] Ukogi**
No. I cannot remain silent
when my lady's honor is concerned!
**[13:49] Cha-no-Hana**
Indeed. We need no assistance.
**[13:52] Ukogi**
What gave you the right to address her
at all? You, a lady-in-waiting...
**[13:57] Asebi**
Why did Cha-no-Hana recognize that koto?
**[14:00] Asebi**
And what did she mean about
"Lady Raven" and my mother?
**[14:04] Asebi**
Ukogi won't tell me anything,
and I can't ask anyone else.
**[14:10] Asebi**
Tell me, Samomo, what should I do?
**[14:13] Samomo**
Lady Asebi...
**[14:14] Fujinami**
Lady Asebi!
**[14:17] Fujinami**
Forgive me. I should never
have placed you in that position.
**[14:21] Asebi**
Princess Fujinami.
**[14:23] Fujinami**
Cherry Blossom Palace is always like this.
**[14:26] Fujinami**
Everyone undermines each other and
twists inconvenient truths to get ahead.
**[14:32] Fujinami**
That's why I want you to marry
my dear brother and join me at court.
**[14:45] Asebi**
I understand.
**[14:46] Fujinami**
Oh, Sister! Thank goodness.
**[14:49] Asebi**
Though I doubt I have what it takes.
**[14:52] Fujinami**
Not at all. I promise
I'll help you in any way I can.
**[14:57] Asebi**
Truly?
**[14:59] Asebi**
Then, would you leave Samomo
with me for a little while?
**[15:05] Fujinami**
What?
**[15:06] Fujinami**
Why Samomo?
**[15:10] Fujinami**
Can't you tell me?
**[15:14] Asebi**
Forgive me. I asked for too much.
**[15:17] Asebi**
Please forget it.
**[15:21] Fujinami**
Very well. If you'll find her useful.
**[15:25] Asebi**
Princess Fujinami! Thank you so much!
**[15:46] Yukiya**
Still no sign.
**[15:48] Yukiya**
The Tanabata ceremony is about to start.
**[15:51] Yukiya**
I guess Atsufusa couldn't pull it off.
**[15:55] Sumio**
We need to leave for
Cherry Blossom Palace soon.
**[15:57] Nazukihiko**
Do we? Let's set out, then.
**[16:01] Nazukihiko**
Yukiya, mind the palace.
**[16:04] Yukiya**
Why?
**[16:05] Yukiya**
I know how to use a sword, too.
**[16:08] Nazukihiko**
I can defend myself.
**[16:11] Nazukihiko**
And my enemies won't choose
today to make their move.
**[16:15] Yukiya**
But—
**[16:16] Nazukihiko**
A down payment.
**[16:28] Yukiya**
That guy seriously never listens.
**[16:32] Yukiya**
Well, I guess this is the
most peace I could hope for.
**[16:59] Yukiya**
Please, Kuro!
Our master needs this right now!
**[17:11] Sumio**
Hey, it's Yukiya!
**[17:14] Yukiya**
Message from the Southern House!
**[17:16] Yukiya**
They want you to attend!
**[17:17] Nazukihiko**
Well done.
**[17:19] Nazukihiko**
Kuro!
**[17:31] Yukiya**
Damn that stupid raven.
**[17:37] Yukiya**
Aw, man. And the job I get stuck with is...
**[17:42] Yukiya**
Please forgive me!
**[17:44] Takimoto**
You again?
**[17:45] Yukiya**
His Highness has urgent business and
cannot come to Cherry Blossom Palace.
**[17:51] Yukiya**
He sends his sincere apologies.
**[17:54] Karamushi**
Tanabata without the Crown Prince?
This is unheard of.
**[17:59] Cha-no-Hana**
Do not insult us! Did you imagine
a mere apology would suffice?
**[18:03] Ukogi**
With all due respect,
is His Highness not neglecting our ladies?
**[18:07] Yukiya**
No, he would not dream of it.
**[18:09] Kikuno**
Then, why does he not send
so much as a letter?
**[18:14] Yukiya**
What?
**[18:15] Kikuno**
Letters.
**[18:16] Kikuno**
Both my lady and the others await
some message from His Highness.
**[18:22] Yukiya**
That's strange.
**[18:24] Yukiya**
I know His Highness has sent
apologies to every lady here.
**[18:29] Cha-no-Hana**
In writing?
**[18:30] Yukiya**
Yes. To express his regrets that
he hasn't been able to visit them.
**[18:35] Yukiya**
Have they really not arrived?
**[18:38] Kikuno**
Then, the letters vanished?
**[18:41] Masuho**
What is the meaning of this?
**[18:44] Yukiya**
Um, may I take my leave now?
**[18:47] Cha-no-Hana**
Confound you, boy!
**[18:49] Cha-no-Hana**
We would not be in this dilemma
if you did your job properly!
**[18:53] Yukiya**
F-Forgive me!
**[19:01] Fujinami**
In any case, His Highness will
not be able to join us for Tanabata.
**[19:06] Fujinami**
Look into the disappearing letters.
**[19:08] Takimoto**
Yes, Highness.
***SIGN*** Southern Palace
**[19:19] Toru**
Still, what can His Highness be thinking?
**[19:23] Natsuka**
Is something the matter?
**[19:25] Toru**
He requested a meeting with me.
**[19:28] Toru**
I have no business with him,
so I made my excuses and refused.
**[19:32] Natsuka**
Oh?
**[19:33] Toru**
But he persisted, so I sent a messenger
earlier, inviting him to come today.
**[19:40] Natsuka**
How could he? He must be in
Cherry Blossom Palace by now.
**[19:44] Toru**
Yes.
**[19:45] Toru**
But at least I can say
I granted his request.
**[19:50] Toru**
I did the minimum that duty requires of me.
**[19:52] Natsuka**
I see. Cleverly managed.
**[19:56] Natsuka**
But what would you have done if,
by chance, he ran into me here?
**[20:02] Toru**
Oh, I didn't plan that far ahead.
**[20:06] Toru**
Atsufusa gave me the idea.
**[20:08] Toru**
He's quite the strategist,
if I may praise my own nephew.
**[20:11] Toru**
Does he make himself useful
to you, Lord Natsuka?
**[20:14] Natsuka**
Yes, quite.
**[20:17] Voice**
Please wait!
***SIGN*** Autumn Hall, Cherry Blossom Palace
**[20:32] Lady-in-waiting 2**
I hear His Highness
went to the Southern House.
**[20:35] Lady-in-waiting 3**
What a disgrace for the West.
What does this mean for marriage prospects?
**[20:39] Kikuno**
You over there.
**[20:45] Asebi**
I suppose you could see this spot
from outside, couldn't you?
***SIGN*** Spring Hall
**[20:48] Lady-in-waiting**
Yes, my lady.
**[20:49] Asebi**
Let me see. Do I just pass
this pole through the sleeves?
**[20:53] Lady-in-waiting**
No, my lady. You must...
**[20:55] Ukogi**
My lady.
**[20:56] Ukogi**
What are you doing?
**[20:57] Asebi**
What? I thought I would hang this kimono.
**[21:01] Asebi**
What are you doing, Ukogi?
**[21:03] Ukogi**
Lady Masuho-no-Susuki
presented this to you!
**[21:07] Ukogi**
How could you think of displaying
a gift from a lady of another house?
**[21:12] Asebi**
What? But...
***SIGN*** Summer Hall
**[21:25] Hamayu**
Shiratama?
**[21:27] Shiratama**
I am surprised you could tell.
**[21:29] Hamayu**
Who else has such elegant footsteps?
**[21:33] Hamayu**
So what do you want?
**[21:36] Shiratama**
Would you strike a deal with me?
**[21:39] Hamayu**
A deal?
**[21:40] Shiratama**
I would like you and the Southern House
to give up on marrying the Prince.
**[21:45] Shiratama**
In exchange, when I become consort,
**[21:49] Shiratama**
I promise the Northern House
will show the South considerable favor.
**[21:54] Hamayu**
Out of the question.
**[21:56] Hamayu**
Come back when you can promise
a formal alliance in writing.
**[22:01] Shiratama**
Then, what if I said
I would reveal your secret?
**[22:10] Shiratama**
I know all about your past *and*
what brings you to Cherry Blossom Palace.
**[22:22] Nazukihiko**
Pardon my late arrival.
**[22:24] Nazukihiko**
Thank you for your invitation, Lord Toru.
**[22:26] Toru**
You honor me. I never dreamed you would
actually grace us with your presence.
**[22:31] Toru**
I will have a place
prepared for you at once.
**[22:34] Natsuka**
Allow me to excuse myself.
**[22:36] Nazukihiko**
That will not be necessary.
**[22:38] Nazukihiko**
This is a perfect opportunity.
**[22:40] Nazukihiko**
I have been hoping to have
a heart-to-heart with you, too, brother.
**[22:45] Nazukihiko**
On matters we cannot discuss at court.
***SIGN*** Central Castle Town
**[24:30] Narrator**
*Shiratama makes her move.*
**[24:33] Narrator**
*Hamayu harbors secrets.*
**[24:36] Narrator**
*Fear rattles Asebi and Masuho-no-Susuki.*
**[24:40] Narrator**
* In the Prince's absence, discord resounds*
* all around Cherry Blossom Palace.*
**[24:46] Narrator**
*And tragedy ensues.*
***SIGN*** Falling
**[24:50] Narrator**
*Next time: "Falling."*
***SIGN*** YATAGARASU:
The Raven
Does Not
Choose
Its Master
***SIGN*** Illustration: Natsuki