Novel Volume 5 Chapter 2

## The Imperial Palace and a Restless Day

**The Imperial Palace and a Restless Day** (宮城と落ち着かない日, *Kyuujou to Ochitsukanai Hi*?) is the second chapter of Volume 5 of the *My Happy Marriage* novel.

## Summary

On the second day of the year, Kiyoka Kudou and many members of the unit return to the station despite it being a holiday. The unit is overwhelmed with letters from the public, documents related to the Gifted Communion, and reports of Grotesquerie incidents. Kiyoka and Yoshito Godou meet with a slightly fatigued Masashi Ookaito, who has been working tirelessly in recent days. During the meeting, Masashi shares that Takaihito's plan has been officially approved. It is believed that the Gifted Communion's goal is to assassinate Takaihito and control the country using the kidnapped Emperor as their puppet. If they capture Miyo Saimori, they can use her Dream-Sight power to manipulate people through their dreams. The best strategy is to gather all their forces in one place to protect both of them.

When discussing the Gifted Communion's recent activities and related news reports, Kiyoka blames himself for not comprehending Naoshi Usui or Houjou's actions earlier. However, Masashi reassures him that nothing could have been done, noting that their own research into Gifts and Grotesqueries lags behind that of the Gifted Communion. Normally, information about these topics is tightly controlled by the government, and any newspaper or reporter making a fuss about it would face government backlash. The fact that multiple newspapers simultaneously published large-scale reports suggests a traitor within the government. Kiyoka deduces that the Gifted Communion's previous actions were preliminary preparations to dismantle the current imperial system and establish a new one where Gift-users run the country, with everyone having the potential to gain Gift-like powers. The Usuba family, with the strongest Gift, would likely be at the top. Once this goal is achieved, the Emperor, no longer useful, may be killed. Masashi warns Kiyoka and Yoshito to be mentally prepared, as Takaihito has foreseen a coup. Even if it fails, the government and the military, including Kiyoka's unit, will not emerge unscathed.

In a dream, Miyo finds herself at the Usuba estate, which appears different in both appearance and atmosphere from its current state. This location is the same as where her previous dream featuring Naoshi and her mother took place. She is puzzled as to why she is having these dreams, despite having better control of her powers. In the dream, a young Naoshi kneels before Sumi, holding her hand, and pledges to find a solution to her problems. Sumi is skeptical, believing her oppressor holds an undefiable high status, but Naoshi vows to dismantle everything causing Sumi distress and pain and replace it with gentler alternatives. Sumi thinks Naoshi is joking, but Miyo realizes that he is deadly serious and later established the Gifted Communion to fulfill this very goal. Shocked by this revelation, Miyo makes an inadvertent noise, drawing Naoshi's attention. His eyes take on an eerie gleam as he turns to look at her, and the next moment, Miyo loses consciousness within her dream.

On the eighth day of the year, Miyo and Kiyoka lock his house, load their luggage into the car, and set off. At the palace, Miyo, Hazuki Kudou, and Yurie will stay in a building connected to Takaihito's residence. A division of the unit has set up camps and erected a barrier around both places and will be responsible for guarding them. Miyo is nervous about her humble background in such a noble place, but Kiyoka encourages her to be confident as the head of the Kudou family's fiancée and tells her to follow Hazuki if she feels uncertain. Upon arrival, Kiyoka parks the car near the outer gate, and they walk to the main entrance where a carriage transports them to Takaihito's residence. Hazuki and Yurie greet them there, with Arata Usuba, who will be Miyo's bodyguard, later joining them. In a small banquet hall in the palace, Kiyoka lays down three rules: stay within designated areas, don't let anyone in without prior notice, and obey Takaihito's orders. Kiyoka hints that Takaihito has something to discuss with Miyo. He also instructs Arata to limit his contact with the outside world. If Naoshi breaches the palace, Arata's top priority is Miyo's safety. After this meeting, Kiyoka returns to his unit, while the rest unpack their luggage. Hazuki invites them for lunch in her room. She explains that life in the palace is highly structured, with strict daily schedules. Miyo will follow an intense study plan, receiving instruction from Hazuki and Arata. Arata, being from the Usuba family, may also need to provide guidance or military assistance as required. During his absence, another bodyguard will take his place in ensuring Miyo's safety.

The unit is divided into three groups: one guarding the Imperial Palace, another patrolling the capital and cracking down on the Gifted Communion, and the third managing station affairs. Defense lines at the palace are established in two areas: the vanguard near the main gate, and the rearguard facing Takaihito's residence. Kiyoka first visits the rear camp, where Yoshito reports that Gifted Communion missionary activities increased to as many as ten per day and that analysis show that the confiscated Grotesquerie has resistance against all supernatural techniques, with the exception of the barrier technique. Kiyoka orders an accelerated investigation. Then, he goes to the vanguard, where Kaoruko Jinnouchi is waiting for him. She informs him that her father is found to be safe and was entrusted on a sudden mission, which aligns with the start of the Gifted Communion's operation, suggesting government involvement. Kaoruko also asks Kiyoka about his earlier rejection of their marriage arrangement, to which he explains his desire to separate personal and professional matters.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Kiyoka Kudou
* Yoshito Godou
* Masashi Ookaito
* Miyo Saimori
* Naoshi Usui (dream)
* Sumi Usuba (dream)
* Hazuki Kudou
* Yurie
* Arata Usuba
* Special Anti-Grotesquerie Unit members
* Kaoruko Jinnouchi

### Mentioned characters

* Asahi Ookaito
* Takaihito
* Emperor
* Houjou