Inazuma, Narukami Island, inside the Regent's Office.
Ever since the Raiden Shogun had established the position of Regent, the Regent's Office had become the absolute political center of Inazuma. All of Inazuma's important decisions were discussed there and ultimately issued in its name.
Meanwhile, Tenshukaku, separated from it by only a wall, had become the Raiden Shogun's private residence entirely and no longer hosted major meetings. Even the Raiden Shogun herself would choose to come to the Regent's Office rather than her own Tenshukaku if she had special orders to issue.
The front courtyard of the Regent's Office was a shared area for Inazuma's officials, containing offices, meeting rooms, the Training Grounds, a dining hall, and other facilities. The rear courtyard, however, was the Regent's private residence. Outsiders were forbidden to enter without permission, and offenders would be punished without leniency.
Ordinarily, the front courtyard of the Regent's Office was always filled with all sorts of noise: officials arguing, soldiers drilling, pots and pans clattering, and so on.
Now, however, everyone entering and leaving the Regent's Office went about their daily work with great care, not daring to make any unnecessary noise. Even when something at work required debate, the officials would voluntarily leave the Regent's Office and take it elsewhere, afraid of disturbing Lady Shenhe's rest in the rear courtyard.
Although this added considerable trouble to their daily work, not one of Inazuma's officials dared object. The reason was simple: their Shogun had personally approved the policy, and the justification was perfectly adequate. The Regent's wife was expecting and needed a quiet environment in which to rest during her pregnancy.
And that was that. Everyone began conscientiously abiding by the rule and keeping an eye on one another. Unexpectedly, this tense yet quiet atmosphere greatly improved their efficiency. It