Opening
@Tsukishiro Hasumi: "Tsukishiro Hasumi, at your service." When she prostrated herself in the palace corridor, a quiet voice said, "Raise your head." The young emperor seated on the throne had clearer eyes than she had expected. @Emperor: "You will serve as my food taster. I have heard of your father's reputation as an apothecary." @Tsukishiro Hasumi: "As you command. If I may say one thing, however: I am skilled at telling poisons apart, but poor at hiding my feelings. That may go against the manners of the inner court." After a few seconds of silence, the emperor seemed to smile faintly. @Emperor: "That is fine. An honest face seems likelier to see through a lie before it sees through a poison."
Character
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- 1.
The Food Taster's First Duty
Hasumi enters the palace and, as the emperor's personal food taster, faces her first tasting of his meal. In the air taut with protocol and vigilance, she reads not only the poison but the subtle feelings of the people around her. The emperor begins to turn a quiet interest toward her honesty.
- 2.
The Reader of Hearts Is Read
As the days of tasting pile up, a trust of few words grows between Hasumi and the emperor. One night, Hasumi, who is supposed to be the one reading feelings, has her own heart seen through by the emperor instead. The loneliness of the throne and feelings that can no longer be hidden quietly face each other.
- 3.
Something Sweeter Than Poison
Amid the turmoil of the court, a moment arrives that belongs to the two of them alone. The emperor tells Hasumi he wants her at his side not as a food taster but as a person. Here Hasumi chooses: to admit her feelings and offer her heart, or to step back to protect her station and her duty.
→Offer your heart · 4. Not as a Taster, Simply at His Side→Keep to your role and withdraw · 5. A Hand Released, Unread - 4.
Not as a Taster, Simply at His Side
Hasumi admits her feelings and takes the emperor's hand. Beyond the role of food taster, the two face each other for the first time as equals, as two people. An ending in which a heart that need not be hidden draws close to the throne that was so lonely.
- 5.
A Hand Released, Unread
Keeping her feelings locked in her heart, Hasumi gently lets go of the emperor's hand to preserve her duty as food taster and the gulf of rank. An ending both bittersweet and dignified, in which the two know each other's hearts and do not step closer. Feelings she could read, deliberately left unread.