lovefujitez

Title: Lost
Day/Theme: 18. Voyeurs of your humiliation
Series: Saiunkoku Monogatari
Characters: Shi Ryuuki, Ran Shuuei, Li Kouyou, Kou Shouka
Disclaimer: Characters mentioned in fic are not mine
Rating: PG
Word Count: 612

Kouyou stared at the map Shouka-sama drew for him, so he wouldn’t waste too much time finding his way around the Imperial Palace. It’s a known fact that Li Kouyou's brilliant mind should be protected as Saiunkoku’s most valuable national treasure, but he has no sense of direction. The young master has been observed walking around the hallways like a lost mouse running around a maze of labyrinths, screaming how the office he’s been searching for moved overnight or simply disappeared into the thin air.

However, even with a map, Kouyou still can’t find his way. Shouka could see Kouyou from the archive’s window frantically pacing back and forth searching for his office. Kouyou scheduled to meet with the Emperor at the archive library for their history lessons. The young emperor, Ryuuki watched his trusted court adviser in disbelief.

“Shouka did you give Kouyou a map?” The Emperor asked.

“Just as you suggested,” Shouka replied.

“It looks like it didn’t help at all.”

“Your Highness should consider posting directional signs,” the older man suggested.

Shouka noticed the Emperor’s eyes brightened a little too slyly and heard the royalty snort a laugh.

“I can only imagine the list of people who would have so much fun moving the signs around to confuse Kouyou some more,” the royalty commented.

“Ah, that I will have to agree,” Shouka’s younger brother, Kou Reishin, would definitely top his list.

Although he adopted Kouyou and love him as his own son, Reishin would definitely move the signs to point to every bathroom location. Another well-known suspect would be Kouyou's friend, Ran Shuuei, who would actually move offices around if he could, just to tease the poor genius for his gift of getting lost.

“We should probably send someone to fetch Kouyou.” The Emperor suggested but the young royalty noticed the bamboo steamer covered with a warming clothe, sitting on the corner table. “Shouka, did Shuurei make steam buns for your lunch today?” He ogled excitedly.

“Yes, but I have to steam the buns before eating." Shouka replied, “I should go and get the young master.”

“Kouyou can try to find us a little longer. Let me go and steam the buns Shouka while you prepare some tea?” The Emperor suggested pleadingly. Shouka knew how the young prince enjoyed eating the steam buns made by his daughter. Ryuuki grew up eating those steam buns almost every day.

“What about Master Kouyou?” Shouka asked. Suddenly, a young deep voice replied on behalf of the Emperor.

“Kouyou should work harder in finding his way,” Ran Shuuei firmly stated, “He’ll never survive in a war. This is a good strategy that we help him remember different locations in the Imperial Palace. It will give us enough time to enjoy those delicious buns.” The young general smiled.

“Shuuei, you’re here,” the Emperor called as he returned carrying the warmed steam basket. “I guess you’re here to watch this morning’s entertainment.”

“I wouldn’t miss this opportunity even if Master Sho comes with his sword!” Shuuei laughed.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! I BET SHUUEI AND THAT IDIOT MOVED ALL THE OFFICES SOMEWHERE ELSE!”

Kouyou’s voice pierced their ears as he screamed out his humiliation for the entire palace to hear.

The Emperor and Shuuei rolled on the floor laughing out loud.

Shouka shook his head. He didn’t know whether to feel pleased or feel bad. He enjoys seeing the young masters enjoy the steam buns his daughter cooked, but as he gazed at the lost Kouyou still pacing back and forth just across the way, he wondered if his friends are that mean and evil to let the confused one continue taking the wrong path.