Risai
Summary
Risai serves as the general of Tai’s Jou Province, a position that grants her considerable fame, although she remains less celebrated than Gyousou. When news spreads regarding Taiki’s return to the Twelve Kingdoms, she joins the multitude of attendees climbing Mount Hou, hoping to be selected as the new sovereign. She holds the status of a sennin, a longevity granted to generals because the governor of Jou has lived for an extended period and requires his subordinates to possess similar lifespans to remain useful. Taiki establishes a friendly rapport with her, yet ultimately declines to recognize her as Tai’s new king. Once Gyousou ascends to the throne, Risai maintains her loyalty as a faithful subject. Later, during a fresh outbreak of civil war, the mysterious disappearance of both Taiki and Gyousou prompts Risai to join military commanders and civil servants in opposing the governor who seizes control of the kingdom. Although numerous officials are imprisoned, she manages to evade arrest and persists in her search for the missing leaders. She eventually escapes to Han and seeks sanctuary in Kei, where she begs Youko to locate either Taiki or Gyousou. Her goal is to rescue Tai from the corrupt, totalitarian regime of a usurper whose rule blatantly violates the Mandate of Heaven.
