Chapter 9 - 12 Summary

Chapter Nine begins with Lord Takeo going to the temple at Daifujkii to see the beast that Doctor Ishida has brought back from his travels - the kirin. Here he finds that the kirin has an impossibly tall neck and a gentle manner, with tortoiseshell markings all over its fur. Takeo marvels at the beast, since it has long been believed that the appearance of the kirin portends the arrival of a just and successful ruler.

Also in the precinct of the temple is Takeo's sister Madaren, who has come at his request in order to see her brother. Little does she know how little Takeo really wants to converse with her, but nevertheless they find a little time together amid the ceremonies. Madaren reminds him that she is his sister, and that she therefore has responsibilities towards him. Takeo offers...