Chapter 54 Summary

One day in the spring, Ukifune sits alone, admiring the world around her and thinking back on her days with Niou. Instead of attempting to contact him, she composes a poem recounting her memories of former days. As she ponders those days, she realizes that Kaoru was much more worthy than Niou and she would have done better to avoid Niou and his charms.

Meanwhile, the Yokawa bishop is visiting the empress and he tells her the story of how he found Ukifune. The story gets out and, when Kaoru hears it, he realizes that the girl in the story must be the Ukifune that he knew and loved. On the way home from Mt. Hiei, he visits the bishop. Bringing the young brother of Ukifune along with him, Kaoru introduces him to the bishop as one of his messengers before asking the...