At dusk.
The sun gradually sank.
Painting the sky orange and gold.
As if the entire world had been draped in a beautiful veil.
At that moment.
The atmosphere in the Tenshu Pavilion banquet hall was strange yet restrained.
Shogun Tokugawa Shige Shige sat in the seat of honor.
Vice Admiral Momonga occupied the foremost seat on the right, while Rokuten Muzō sat in the foremost seat on the left.
Matsudaira Katakuriko and the other officials sat below them.
Under the bright lights.
Exquisite Japanese dishes filled the small tables before everyone.
Yet aside from Vice Admiral Momonga and Major General Darian.
Everyone else ate distractedly.
"Lord Momonga's throw was truly breathtaking. I will never forget that scene for the rest of my life."
Shogun Shige Shige raised his cup with an admiring expression.
"On behalf of the Shogunate and this planet, I offer you a toast."
Momonga nodded and returned the toast. "It was my duty. Nothing more."
Yoshino Seimei and Hattori Zenzou, who had been specially invited and sat lower down on the left.
Instinctively exchanged glances upon hearing that.
They both saw helplessness and apprehension in the other's eyes.
That had been Antenmaru, the "Jashin," yet he called it "nothing more"?
Just as the atmosphere was beginning to warm up.
The side door of the hall opened.
Princess Soyo entered slowly, dressed in a gold-and-red junihitoe.
Sarutobi Ayame followed closely behind as her guard.
The girl wearing a flat golden crown looked somewhat nervous, but her steps were firm.
She stopped beside Shogun Shige Shige and solemnly bowed to Vice Admiral Momonga.
"Lord Vice Admiral Momonga, please allow me, on my own behalf, to thank you for saving Edo."
Vice Admiral Momonga set down his cup. "There is no need for such formality, Your Highness."
Princess Soyo