#Teika Kazura

[falseandrealultravival]

Today's Haiku with Picture 625

Like jasmine

The high scent is a fragrance

Teika Kazura

ジャスミンの

香りぞ高き

テイカカズラ

An oriental vine. Apocynaceae, poisonous.

(2023.04.29)

[konjaku]

定家葛[Teikakazura] Trachelospermum asiaticum var. asiaticum

定家[Teika] : 藤原 定家[Fujiwara-no Sadaie]

葛[Kazura] : Creeping plant

This one was entangled a large castanopsis tree and producing a lot of flowers in a mountain. A member of the oleander family, it is poisonous. The white flowers have a sweet fragrance.

Its name comes from the part of the Noh Teika where his devotion turned into it and entwined itself around the grave of his beloved 式子 内親王[Shokushi Naishinnō].

By the way, the original reading of 定家 is sadaie, and teika is the on-yomi(Chinese-derived reading) of it. So is reading 式子[Noriko] as shokushi, 俊成[Toshinari] as shunzei, 義経[Yoshitsune] as gikei, 頼光[Yorimitsu] as raikō, 晴明[Haruaki(-ra)|Hareakira] as seimei etc. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujiwara_no_Shunzei https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gikeiki

[aic-asian]

The Actors Nakamura Takesaburo as Shikishi Naishinno and Tsuruya Nanboku as Gengoro in the play "Tategami Teika Kazura," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1719, Okumura Toshinobu, 1719, Art Institute of Chicago: Asian Art

Clarence Buckingham Collection Size: 11 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. Medium: Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/8216/

[myfoodsflowers]

 Star jasmine  / Teika-Kazura ( Japan )

[lucienlowell]

...oh.

...I was actually half-kidding when I implied there’s something between Teika and Narihira, but uh...yeah. There’s something between Teika and Narihira.

Do want.

Chapter 2 Narihira and Teika

Teika-san's obsession with beauty seemed to be a never-ending thing.

Teika "On this screen is a painting of cuckoos. Whenever I look at it, it's as if I can hear their beautiful cries."

He continued to explain his collection to me.

Teika "And this is - oh...so he's here."

Looking as if he'd just discovered something, Teika-san frowned deeply. Following his gaze, I saw a girl who looked to be a servant, and a golden-haired man - Narihira-san.

Servant "U, um...I really can't..."

?? "It'll be fine, right? After you're finished with your work, you and I--"

Teika "Narihira!"

Narihira "Oh, Teika...what a coincidence to meet you here."

Like a child who'd just been caught getting into trouble, Narihira-san turned with a guilty expression.

Teika "Coincidence? I live here! Don't just come into someone's house and start flirting with their servants!"

Narihira "You're not any better, considering you brought Kazura here."

As if I'd been suddenly splashed with water, I unconsciously stiffened.

Teika "This doesn't involve you. This is my benefactor."

Narihira "It's pretty rude to be calling a girl 'this'. Don't you think so?"

Narihira-san turned his head to look at me.

Kazura "It doesn't really matter to me..."

Hearing my response, Teika-san flashed a triumphant smile at Narihira-san.

Teika "You see? Don't concern yourself with these trifling things, Narihira."

Narihira "Well, at any rate, I'm not going to lose Kazura to you, Teika."

Narihira-san moved closer to me.

(Narihira-san smells just as nice as usual.)

Narihira "If you're just his...benefactor, then it's fine if I want to romance you, isn't it?"

Teika "Stop making excuses! You flirt with any woman that crosses your path. How unsightly!"

Folding his arms tightly, Teika-san stepped in between me and Narihira-san.

Narihira "Unsightly? What is?"

Teika "Everything you do! Listen. Love must be a pure thing. To spend your life with your chosen partner, developing love together, fading away with one another...ah, it's unbearably beautiful. Sharing the same path, the same emotions, which become like the clearest of crystal, a work of art that even reaches the heavens."

I didn't really understand precisely what he was getting at, but-- Gesturing animatedly as he spoke, Teika-san still managed to easily convey his passionate feelings.

(He's a very genuine person, I think...)

Teika "As for you...you just put your hands on anything within reach. It's entirely for your own selfishness."

Narihira "But I really don't - ah, a new beauty appears! See you later, Teika, Kazura!"

As soon as he spotted the girl down the hall, Narihira-san broke out into a run.

Teika "Honestly, before he's even finished speaking... It's impossible to rectify, he's not beautiful at all."

Kazura "But it seems like you two get along quite well..."

Teika "Not in the least!"

Though I'd thought their banter entertaining, Teika-san sputtered those words over his shoulder at me.

Kazura "...Then, do you hate him?"

Teika "...I wouldn't...say that."

Hesitating for a moment after he said that, Teika-san finally began to reluctantly speak again.

Teika "His speech and conduct may be unsightly, but his poetry...is utterly beautiful."

Kazura "Hehe. You know him quite well, don't you?"

Teika "...What are you getting at?"

Hearing the clearly displeased tone that had crept into his voice, I kept silent.

Teika "Listen. This is just the capricious nature of art. Narihira's heart is ugly, and that will never change. If they weren't his associate, I don't see why anyone would ever want to speak to him."

His irritated objection somehow made him look a little bit cuter as I gazed at him.

[falseandrealultravival]

Beautiful but poisonous Apocynaceae Plants (Essay)

oleander

teika kazura

vinca

Sonnet of Oleander

Today I saw a young tree of oleander.

Red smart flowers,

Long and narrow leaves,

A straight branch.

Take this branch

Chopsticks

Make a barbecue skewer

There were many people

Many are killed.

There are many poisonous branches

“Beautiful things are poisonous”

Teika Kazura & Vinca

Poison with the plant of the Apocynaceae family.

Toxic plants are unexpectedly close.

(2018.07.25)

Oleander is mainly a heart poisoning and poisoning is fatal.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Although oleander is an excellent horticultural plant, it is strongly oral toxic, and it is necessary to be careful not to use it for cooking or eat livestock during outdoor activities. Flowers, leaves, branches, roots, and all the fruits and the surrounding soil are also toxic. The smoke that burns raw wood is also poisoned. Even for humus, it is toxic for one year, so it is necessary to pay attention to mulch.

Poisoning symptoms include nausea and vomiting (100%), limb weakness (84%), malaise (83%), diarrhea (77%), non -rotational dizziness (66%), and abdominal pain (57%). The treatment is the same as digitaris poisoning.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

These are the remarkable features of oleander.

Blooming

Teika Kuzura

Demon flower

White and pretty flowers have a fragrance similar to jasmine, but it is a poisonous grass of the Apocynaceae family. As a tradition, Teika Fujiwara, who fell in love with the princess Noriko, became this plant after his death and was entangled with the grave of her. (sci:Trachelospermum asiaticum)

(2019.05.08)

Planted in a flowerbed

Grow up healthy

Vinca

(2019.07.31)

Vinca is also a plant of the Apocynaceae family, and is still poisonous.

To list various kinds of poisonous ingredients

Oleander: Orean Daron, Adyelenin, Gitoxygen, Jitoxygen

Teikakazura: Tracheloside, Lutekiolin, Apigenin (the effect is similar to Kyutou)

Vinca: Pinkuristin, pin plastic (systemic paralysis)

There are others that are suspected of being poisonous just by the name of the family,for example plants of Ranunculaceae family (such as Monkshood), the plants of the Ranunculaceae family will be lined up on the Apocynaceae.

[falseandrealultravival]

Today's Haiku with Picture 360

"Teika Kazura" of the cold

Leaves are blacky

Burnt

寒定家

葉も黒々と

焼けにけり

A flowering tree of the Apocynaceae family. A beautiful poisonous plant.

(2023.01.03)

[konjaku]

定家葛[Teikakazura] Trachelospermum asiaticum

定家[Teika] : 藤原定家[Fujiwara-no Sadaie|Teika], the compiler of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

葛[Kazura] : Creeping plant

Asiatic jasmine. It is a creeping plant and poisonous. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. The name comes from the name of a vine in the Noh play "Teika." https://www.the-noh.com/en/plays/data/program_117.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Shikishi

[falseandrealultravival]

Today’s Haiku with Picture-22

Still old Asiatic jasmine fall in love

老いてなお テイカカズラの 恋をする

TEYKA (定家)is a poet of the Kamakura period, Fujiwara no Teika. He loved Noriko Naishinnō (princess), and when he died, he became an Asiatic jasmine(Teika kazura） entwined with Noriko's grave. And it is also a poisonous herb. The poison is fatal because it belongs to the Apocynaceae family.

12.06.2022

[aic-asian]

The actor Fujimura Handayu II as Nowake no Mae in the play "Tategami Teika Kazura," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1719, Okumura Toshinobu, 1719, Art Institute of Chicago: Asian Art

Clarence Buckingham Collection Size: 33.3 x 15.4 cm (13 x 6 in.) Medium: Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/8219/

[lucienlowell]

I can’t...I just can’t even.

Teika oh my god.

*laughs himself hysterically into the sun*

(Wee note: I’ve chosen to translate “kuni” as “province” here - kingdom doesn’t really work, nor does country...it really just fits much better with the whole feudal-era aesthetic to go with what I did. I know, no one cares.)

Chapter 1 An Obsession With Beauty

Splendid-looking oxcarts and pleasant people filled the streets of the Province of Elegance.

Kazura "How grand..."

Standing before the opulent mansion, I couldn't help but hesitate. --Looming before my eyes was the estate where Teika-san lived. Walking behind Teika-san, who had come to fetch me, I entered the grounds.

Teika "Please, make yourself right at home."

Kazura "Thank you very much."

As I glanced around at the sights surrounding me, Teika-san puffed up with pride.

Teika "Isn't it beautiful? Within this estate, there are only things I find pleasant to look at. I'd especially like to show you my garden. I tend it carefully every day, and I'm quite proud of it. It's magnificent."

As Teika-san strode gallantly forward, I hurried hastily after, not wanting to be left behind.

... ......

As we continued through the halls, I soon saw a splendid garden spread out before my eyes.

Kazura "Amazing, it really is beautiful..."

Teika "Hehe. It's so beautiful it takes your breath away, isn't it?"

Teika-san gave a very satisfied smile.

Teika "Do you love beautiful things as well?"

(Beautiful things? I don't hate them, but...)

Not really understanding his true intent, I searched for a safe answer.

Kazura "Not nearly as much as you do, I think..."

Teika "I feel sorry for those who don't understand beauty. As for myself, I love beautiful things. ...Why? Because I am beautiful myself. Beautiful things suit my beautiful self. Don't you agree?"

As I looked at Teika-san's expression, I realised he wasn't joking.

Kazura "Umm..."

(What should I say?)

Looking at me expectantly as he awaited my answer, Teika-san gave a tolerant smile.

Teika "You're quiet all of a sudden... What's the matter? Are you that fascinated by my beauty? I'll forgive you this time. Look as long as you like."

Teika-san brushed his hair back from his face, striking a pose.

(Teika-san is...really a strange person.)

Not knowing how to react, I could only give him a polite smile.

[lucienlowell]

*hysterical laughter*

Teika’s introduction story was even funnier than I thought it was just from skimming it, oh my god.

Observe.

(Yes, my priestess’ name is a pun if you know Japanese. And for those who don’t, there’s a variety of flower that goes by the name teika-kazura and is heavily referenced in all Teika’s battle skills. Just...shup, it amuses me.)

Introduction Story The Splendidly Handsome Man

Next to the river, I chanted the prayer I'd found.

(Why is it so much brighter than usual?!)

?? "What's the matter? Is my beauty so brilliant you can't even open your eyes?"

Once the light had faded and I opened my eyes, I saw the man standing before me was indeed beautiful.

?? "You must be the one who helped me. I thank you. As a reward...I'll write a poem just for you."

Even as he spoke, he withdrew paper and a brush from within his clothing, quickly composing a poem.

?? "What do you think? It's beautiful, isn't it?"

(...His writing's so elegant I can't even read it, but I'm too embarrassed to say so.)

I could barely manage to read some letters at the bottom that seemed to be a name.

("Sadaie"--)

Kazura "...Sadaie-san?"

?? "Teika, not Sadaie. I am Fujiwara no Teika. Many call me 'servant of beauty' or 'demon of beauty'. The most beautiful of men, who gives rise to poems born of overflowing beauty."

(H, he's really self-confident...)

But as Teika-san noticed the dirt on his clothing, his prideful expression turned to horror.

Teika "What?! I'm not just dusty, but outright dirty...h, how unsightly!"

Breaking into a flat-out run, he threw himself into the nearby river.

Kazura "Teika-san?!"

Absolutely drenched, Teika-san looked down at his now-clean clothes, nodding in satisfaction.

Teika "There...I've returned to my usual beauty."

Kazura "B, but...now you're soaking wet."

Teika "Yet beautiful all the same, don't you think?"

(I don't think he's a bad person, but he's definitely strange...)

Teika "Nevertheless, it would be terribly unsightly if I were to catch a cold. I'll be returning to the estate. You should come visit soon. I'll be sure to entertain you beautifully."

And just like that, I was invited to Teika-san's residence.

[lucienlowell]

Sadaakira no.

I no longer find it hilarious. I also want to hug him half to death.

Behold, chapters 3 and 4.

(And now I’m 100% positive he is in fact based on Emperor Youzei, so.)

Chapter 3 - Rumours Of Guilt

Several days later. Since I'd been helping Sadaakira-san perform his daily cleaning duties, I felt I had begun to get used to it.

(He didn't say anything about the teacup today...is he coming to trust me?)

Meaning to return to my room, I was making my way through the halls when I heard a voice.

?? "Do you think that's the real Priestess of Sunlight?"

(...They're talking about me?)

Peering through the slightly open door into the room the voice had come from, I saw some of the mansion's servants talking.

Servant 1 "I don't trust her. How long do you think she intends to stay here?"

Servant 2 "You don't think she intends to marry Sadaakira-sama, do you?"

(Is this...what they really think about me?)

?? "Hey!"

Just as I was beginning to feel somewhat depressed, a loud voice resounded, and my shoulders jerked in surprise.

Sadaakira "Get to work, don't just stand around talking! Are you trying to get fired?"

Servants "W, we're terribly sorry!"

The gathered servants scattered in the blink of an eye.

(I wonder what Sadaakira-san would think if he knew I heard that...)

I rose as well before Sadaakira-san could realise I was there, turning away from the door.

Sadaakira "Where do you think you're going? I know you're there."

(Ah, he spotted me...)

Peering hesitantly through the door again, I saw Sadaakira-san glaring in my direction.

Sadaakira "If someone says something distasteful to you, don't just stand there and take it. You'll raise too many misunderstandings. ...Just like me."

Kazura "Like you...?"

(Why does Sadaakira-san...look so sad?)

Sadaakira "Anyway, that room you cleaned before. There's still dirt left between the floorboards. You slipped up. Start over."

Kazura "A, all right...!"

I turned away from Sadaakira-san, heading towards the room I'd previously cleaned--

Servant 1 "Sadaakira-sama's temper really makes me nervous."

Down the hall a ways, two servants were chatting with one another.

Servant 2 "I've heard some rumours...he seems to be a really suspicious person."

(...It's the two who were talking about me before.)

Servant 1 "I really don't want to serve in the house of a murderer."

Servant 2 "I know, I'm scared of what he might do. You saw how he glared at us, right?"

Servant 1 "I'm sure the rumours have to be true. They say Sadaakira-sama was driven away from the Flower Palace for killing a man..."

Servant 2 "Shh! Keep your voice down."

(A murderer? Driven away from the Flower Palace? ...Sadaakira-san was?)

Sadaakira "Hey, didn't I already tell you to get to work--"

Servants "!!"

As Sadaakira-san came up behind me, the servants scattered again.

Kazura "Sadaakira-san..."

Sadaakira "...What's wrong?"

Sadaakira-san looked at me with a gaze that was sharp, yet somehow concerned.

Kazura "What they were talking about just now--"

Sadaakira "Just now? What about it?"

Kazura "No, never mind..."

Sadaakira "I don't get you. If something's bothering you, just say it."

Kazura "N, nothing's bothering me. I need to get back to cleaning."

As if trying to run, I walked quickly away to return to cleaning.

***

Chapter 4 - An Incomprehensible Distance

Servant 1 "I'm sure the rumours have to be true. They say Sadaakira-sama was driven away from the Flower Palace for killing a man..."

The rumour was still echoing in my mind, and I couldn't help but think about it.

(I thought a walk would get my mind off it, but instead I'm just thinking about it even more. Maybe I should have told Sadaakira-san about it after all...)

Looking down at the ground as I walked, I suddenly became aware of a sweet scent, and a flower was held out before my eyes.

Narihira "Come now. If you make such an unhappy face, you'll make this beautiful flower wither, won't you?"

Teika "It doesn't matter. Even if that flower should wither, my beautiful self is still present."

Kazura "Ah...Narihira-san, Teika-san. Hello."

Narihira "Hi. Something's wrong for you to be staring at the ground like that, huh?"

Teika "Is it something to do with Sadaakira-sama?"

Kazura "How did you..."

The two of them met each other's eyes as I looked at them in shock.

Narihira "Honestly. Sadaakira-sama is notoriously hard to please, and he doesn't know how to treat women."

Teika "Just because you don't like it doesn't mean Sadaakira-sama does it deliberately."

Narihira "Well, I understand women a lot better than he does!"

Looking at Narihira-san as he puffed up with pride, I couldn't help but smile unthinkingly.

Narihira "There, you smiled. Anyway, if something's bothering you, I think you should tell him directly."

Teika "I agree. Sadaakira-sama doesn't like it when people are sneaking around behind his back."

Kazura "...That's true."

(Sadaakira-san really is that type of person...I need to talk to him face to face.)

Turning away, I left the two of them behind and returned to the mansion.

... ......

The instant I returned, I went to Sadaakira-san's room.

Sadaakira "It's you. What do you want?"

Kazura "I want to ask you something."

Sadaakira "What is it?"

Sadaakira-san put down the book he was reading, looking me in the eye.

Kazura "I heard you were driven away from the Flower Palace a long time ago, Sadaakira-san... Will you tell me why? I want to hear it in your own words."

Sadaakira "......"

Sadaakira-san turned his eyes away from me, beginning to speak in a resigned voice.

Sadaakira "...There was an accident in which a child lost his life, and since I was closest at the time, I was blamed for it. That sort of thing was seen as taboo in the Flower Palace. So they used their influence to send me as far away as they could."

Kazura "That's terrible! If it wasn't you, why didn't you tell them..."

Sadaakira "It wouldn't have helped. You don't believe me either, do you? Besides--"

Sadaakira-san bit his lip firmly, sadness trembling in his eyes.

Sadaakira "...I was responsible. So of course they'd think of me as a murderer."

Kazura "What...wasn't it just an unlucky accident? If you tell the truth, then--"

Sadaakira "No one would believe me if I did. And I don't care if they do believe me. Everyone hates me anyway."

Servant 1 "I really don't want to serve in the house of a murderer."

Servant 2 "I know, I'm scared of what he might do. You saw how he glared at us, right?"

(Those two did say something to that effect, but... He might look a little angry, but I don't think Sadaakira-san is a scary person, or someone who should be hated.)

Kazura "I... I believe you, Sadaakira-san."

Sadaakira "......!"

Though he went briefly wide-eyed, Sadaakira-san soon turned his face away.

Sadaakira "...I have nothing more to say to you."

His words bitter, Sadaakira-san turned on his heel.

Kazura "Sadaakira-san, wait--"

Sadaakira "Let go!"

My hand had seized hold of Sadaakira-san's sleeve, and he roughly threw it off.

Kazura "......!"

Not expecting the sudden ferocity, I was knocked to the ground.

Sadaakira "......"

Sadaakira-san looked like he wanted to say something else, but he remained silent, simply walking away...

[lucienlowell]

Ah-heh, well.

So I...had to translate this poem myself.

I’m terribly embarrassed, I can’t stop cringing, and yet...I am SO PROUD. Because god damn it I just translated that godsbedamned waka (after I looked up what the balls it meant). Pride, j0.

Also, damn, Teika.

Chapter 6 A Show Of Poetry

Beneath the proudly blooming cherry trees, the poetry competition that Teika-san planned had begun. Many people were grouped in pairs, seated facing one another with serious expressions.

(I don't know where to look first.)

As I looked about me, Narihira-san's voice brought me to a halt.

Narihira "Ah, Kazura! Come sit next to me. From here, you'll have a perfect view of Teika's recital."

Taking a relieved breath, I sat down at Narihira-san's side.

Kazura "Thank you very much."

Narihira "It's no problem, really."

Sadaakira "So you're here. It's troublesome that you're so interested in Teika, you know."

Seated on Narihira-san's other side, Sadaakira-san raised an eyebrow as he saw me.

Kazura "I don't mean to be any trouble..."

Narihira "Sadaakira-sama, that was a rather thoughtless thing to say."

Sadaakira "What was that supposed to mean?"

Narihira "Just take a look at Teika, then you'll understand. Ah, it's starting."

Following Narihira-san's finger as he pointed, I saw Teika-san rise from his seat as a man beckoned to him.

Visitor "...Well then, Teika-sama, please give us a poem about these cherry blossoms."

Teika-san gazed at the flowers, then drew a light breath and nonchalantly opened his mouth.

Teika "The mist shrouding the mountaintop Hangs o'er the cherry trees. As the morning faintly comes, It seems to dye the waves Of heaven's river in its crimson hue."

Attendees "Oh! How elegant...!"

As the crowd seethed with excitement, Narihira-san nodded as if he'd just realised something.

Narihira "The row of cherry trees in the midst of the mist are just as beautiful as the sunrise reflected in the river of heaven...that's what it means."

Sadaakira "...I see. So that's what you meant by thoughtless."

Sadaakira-san seemed to have come to an understanding as well, leaving only me to be puzzled.

Narihira "Look, aren't the colours of your kimono exactly like the poem?"

Kazura "What..."

Teika "You look magnificent in that colour...as if all of you reflects the colour of the sky. People may lament the loss of the blue sky, but the 'red sky' I see in you now is far more beautiful. Perhaps it's your smile that makes it so."

Narihira "It's just like 'Teika-sama' said. When you're pursuing a girl, you follow your own aesthetic to the bitter end."

Kazura "H, he's flirting with me?"

Narihira-san smiled at me as if to say I was right on target.

Narihira "He was looking at you the whole time he was reciting that poem. And...he's looking at you now, too."

At those words, I looked at Teika-san, our eyes meeting. He was gazing at me with a gentle smile.

(Then Teika-san's poem really was about me...)

Happiness and embarrassment mingling within me, I felt my heart pounding.

... ......

After the competition, I headed towards Teika-san's room, my heart still feeling warm. However, at the moment I rounded the corner at the end of the hall-- In just that instant, I received a sudden shock.

?? "You know absolutely nothing about that!!"

(That voice just now, was that Teika-san?!)

Throwing open the door, one of the day's visitors fled from the room where the shout had come from.

Kazura "......!"

The visitor's path crossed mine.

Visitor "Teika-sama has attacked me!! Violence!! In this, of all places!"

The visitor continued to shout as he ran. Inside the room, Teika-san was tightly clutching an oil lamp, standing as if frozen in place.

Kazura "......"

Not knowing what to do, I looked between Teika-san and the path the visitor had fled down.

Teika "Kazura...I... I've shown you a truly unsightly side of myself..."

Teika-san's words, his tone far darker than anything I'd ever heard from him, melted into the darkness.

[lucienlowell]

D’aw, Teika.

I’m not sure whether I find him incredibly cheesy or incredibly charming.

Probably both, to be honest.

Chapter 5 The Cherry Pink And Crimson In His Eyes

At Teika-san's residence, more and more well-dressed people were gathering. It seemed as if some sort of poetry competition was to be held today.

Teika "You'll be wearing this kimono for today's gathering. I've taken the liberty of choosing only the finest attire for you. Isn't it utterly breathtaking?"

As the crimson kimono Teika-san had prepared for me enveloped my body, I found myself looking all about me.

(Where has Teika-san gone...?)

?? "Oh, Kazura!"

(That voice...)

As I turned towards the sound of his voice, Narihira-san waved cheerfully at me.

Narihira "It is you, Kazura! All dressed up today, I see. Are you wondering where Teika went off to?"

Kazura "Umm...well, yes..."

Narihira-san only shrugged.

Narihira "Ahaha, please forgive him. Teika wants you to love poetry more than anything else in the world, that's why he's holding this competition."

(Huh? For my sake...)

Narihira "Well, I'd better get going until it's time for you to make your appearance! I'd love to stay and chat, but Teika would be furious. ♪"

Kazura "Wait, what did you mean by...and he's gone."

Only Narihira-san's delicate scent remained behind in the wake of his busy departure. I soon began walking again, continuing to search for Teika-san.

... ......

(I asked all the servants, but no one knows where he is...)

Bewildered, I left the halls, letting the feel of the great outdoors swallow me up. As I did, something abruptly seized hold of my wrist.

Kazura "......!"

Turning about in surprise, I saw Teika-san behind me.

Teika "There you are, Kazura."

Kazura "Teika-san!"

Teika "Come with me."

I followed after Teika-san, who was still holding fast to my wrist.

... ......

On the path Teika-san was guiding me along, I saw splendid cherry trees standing proudly beside a meandering river. The sound of the water was refreshing, and it reflected the pink colouring of the flowers.

Teika "Narihira told me you were looking for me. I only meant to be away for a short while, but I had so much to do... I didn't want to leave you alone in a place you're unfamiliar with. I suppose I didn't think things through all the way. I've done such an unsightly thing...my apologies."

Teika-san hung his head, and I felt a sense of guilt come over me.

Kazura "Um, I'm really sorry for being so fussy about--"

But as if to interrupt my apology, beautiful pink petals began to drift down before my eyes.

Kazura "...It's beautiful."

Teika "It is. ...Will you accompany me for a short while?"

Kazura "Of course."

I followed after Teika-san as he began to leisurely walk.

Teika "There's something I want to show you just ahead."

Kazura "What is it?"

Teika-san kept silent, pointing towards the river. Perhaps because of the shadows, the surface of the water seemed to be dyed a deep red, petals carried on its swaying waves.

Kazura "Amazing, it's so pretty...!"

Teika "...You finally smiled."

Kazura "...Huh?"

Teika "Just as I thought, that kimono suits your smiling face perfectly."

In Teika-san's eyes, I could see my own form reflected, clad in pink and crimson.

Teika "You look magnificent in that colour...as if all of you reflects the colour of the sky. People may lament the loss of the blue sky, but the 'red sky' I see in you now is far more beautiful. Perhaps it's your smile that makes it so."

Kazura "Teika-san..."

The words that came from Teika-san's lips were like a poem in themselves. As I found myself breathless at the thought, I noticed indistinct figures coming closer. It seemed like the competition would be starting soon.

Teika "My apologies, Kazura. I'll speak with you again afterwards. Enjoy yourself."

With those words, Teika-san walked away with a jaunty stride. Before I even knew it, my heart had been filled with bright feelings, blossoming like a proud flower.

[lucienlowell]

This is...surprisingly sweet actually.

Can I have a Tsurayuki of my very own? Plz?

Chapter 4 The Shape Of Beauty

Before I knew it, night had fallen as Teika-san taught me about poetry. The moon floated in the sky, shining with a gentle light.

Kazura "I understand the basics, but writing a beautiful poem really is difficult."

Teika "Beauty hides in everything, even the most mundane things. By observing carefully to cultivate your sense of it, you can then express it in your poetry."

Kazura "I see...I'll try my best."

Teika "For now, let's have something to eat. Working too hard only fatigues your mind."

Calling for a servant, Teika-san made preparations for our meal. Soon, an elegant selection of foods was laid out on a tray before us. Watching Teika-san deftly manipulate chopsticks to bring food to his mouth, I unconsciously went wide-eyed.

Kazura "Your manners are impeccable, Teika-san. I could learn a lot from you."

Teika "Well, becoming as beautiful as me is not a quick or easy process."

Teika-san spoke quietly as he laid down his chopsticks.

Teika "Beauty is something that comes from deep wthin. Those who hold contempt or jealousy for others will never have a beautiful heart."

Taking a breath, he closed his eyes and went on.

Teika "...Those who freely use anger to settle their affairs are especially unsightly. If you work on improving your own heart, then won't beauty spill from within you?"

Kazura "R, right. Something like that would take years and doesn't sound very simple."

Teika-san seemed to be deep in thought as he listened to my words, putting a hand to his brow.

Teika "...Beauty does not just have one single form. Make sure you have nothing to do tomorrow."

... ......

The next day, Teika-san took me with him to Tsurayuki-san's residence.

Tsurayuki "Oh, do come inside. ♪ I'll work on you to the best of my ability!"

Kazura "Um, what..."

Not really understanding what was going on, I let myself be shown into a room within the estate.

Teika "Just settle down and leave everything to Tsurayuki-sama. I'll be back once you're finished."

Tsurayuki "There's no need to be afraid, just hold still and trust me!"

And so, Tsurayuki-san went to work on making me over completely.

... ......

Tsurayuki "Now, Kazura. Let's show the brand new you to Teika. ♪"

Kazura "A, all right."

Tsurayuki "One, two, three!"

Tsurayuki-san threw open the concealing screen with great vigour.

Kazura "...How does it look?"

Feeling rather awkward, I felt like my face was going to burst into flames.

Teika "Hmm..."

Teika-san gazed at me intently.

Kazura "P, please don't stare at me like that."

Teika "There's no need to hide yourself. ............"

As Teika-san continued to look me over, I began to feel more and more uncomfortable.

Tsurayuki "Oh my, it looks like Teika's completely enthralled by you."

Teika "...! W, who's enthralled?!"

At Tsurayuki-san's words, Teika-san finally looked away from me.

Teika "Have a look for yourself, Kazura."

Looking into the mirror he held out to me, I saw that my hair had a luscious sheen to it, and my face had been artfully decorated with makeup.

Teika "What do you think? Made up like this, you're absolutely beautiful, aren't you?"

When I heard him say 'beautiful' so directly, my heart began to pound.

Teika "Your conduct in itself may still be lacking, but soon it will be as perfect as your appearance."

Kazura "Thank you very much..."

Too shy to look Teika-san in the eye, I turned my eyes away.

Teika "You said you wanted to learn from me, so I thought I'd show you true beauty. It's as if I'm looking at a brilliant jewel. Truly... Your genuine wish to be beautiful...that's the most beautiful thing about you. No other woman could ever compare to your beauty."

At the words of straightforward praise he gave to me, I felt a fluttering happiness welling up inside me.

Teika "Just remember not to waste that which your parents gave you, and do your best."

Kazura "I, I will."

Still unable to meet Teika-san's eyes even then, I hid my face behind the mirror just a little bit. There, I could see I was blushing even up to the tips of my ears...