Ribi
Summary
Ribi serves as the consul for Gen Province, a post appointed by King Shoryu. Although Shoryu warned her that the position was essentially a death sentence, leaving her vulnerable to the whims of local lords, she accepted the role with honor, viewing the appointment as a testament to the king’s trust in her. Despite her relatively low ranking, she was selected over Shoryu’s advisor, Shukou, due to her more composed and calm temperament. When Atsuyu staged his rebellion, Ribi was arrested and imprisoned by the regent. During this time, she, Enki, and an infant were bound by a lethal spell involving a stone and thread placed on their foreheads, which would cause the death of the other two if the thread on any one of them was snapped. Even as Enki disparaged Shoryu, Ribi defended the king, explaining her appointment and the necessity of placing trusted individuals in key government roles. Although she was a competent official promoted to a high position, she was sent to a remote post to keep her away from the damaging influences of court politics. To free Enki from hostage status and prevent Shoryu from being hindered in his actions against Atsuyu, Ribi deliberately snapped the thread on Enki’s forehead, sacrificing herself and the infant child in the process.
