The fire in Kyoto is not visible from the Shishin-den, but the air inside the hall gradually changes from cool to warm.

Many high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court begin to sweat on their foreheads, and Emperor Komei, seated in a high position, feels a bit tense.

Tokugawa Yoshinobu has been resisting the enemy for a while, but no triumphant news has been sent back.

The increasing temperature of the air suppresses his anger and makes him somewhat fearful.

As the Emperor, he feels embarrassed to take the initiative to suggest leaving the scene.

Emperor Komei sweeps his gaze downward without saying a word, but the scrutiny in his eyes stirs something within Mutsuhito.

He is only thirteen years old this year, at an age when ordinary children's work for their parents has already begun.

Though Mutsuhito is limited by his status and unable to express many opinions on politics, he enjoys reading and secretly interacts with some members of the Xenophobic faction.

He steps forward and says, "Father, the governor is indeed brave, and the bandits are insignificant.

But the fire is ruthless; Father, bearing the burden of the world, should temporarily leave the hall and take shelter outside."

Mutsuhito's words resound loudly.

The rest of the high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court come to their senses.

They believe that people from the Choshu Domain will not break through the defenses of the palace gates, but the same cannot be said for the great fire.

The weather is already hot, and although the external appearance of the Imperial Residence's palace is grand and the materials differ in name from those of the commoners, it is still wood in essence.

Once the fire starts, it will care little if you are Emperor Komei or a loyal official of the court or a humble citizen; it will burn everything to ashes.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince's words are indeed correct!" "Please, Your Majesty, temporarily avoid it for the sake of the realm!"

The assembly of ministers below urges.

Emperor Komei glances at Mutsuhito, feeling that this son is very much like himself, gifted and intelligent, yet maybe too intelligent.

With just one look, he understands what is on his mind.

Today, he can foresee his desire to leave, but what about tomorrow?

Emperor Komei dares not imagine.

A hint of apprehension flashes in his eyes, but he quickly suppresses it and says, "Since you all speak so, we must temporarily retreat."

As he speaks, he rises and walks towards the outside of the hall.

Mutsuhito follows closely behind.

Emperor Komei looks once more at his clever child, noting that physically he has certain limitations.

Contrary to the beliefs of most people, the Imperial family is far from perfect.

On the contrary, due to close-relative marriages, children born to the Emperors of past generations easily suffered early deaths or were prone to certain defects.

Such as Mutsuhito.

From birth, he had a leg defect, walking as if he was lame.

Seeing him walking this way, Emperor Komei's apprehension slightly eased.

He then strides swiftly towards the outside of the hall.

...

Upon exiting the palace doors, Emperor Komei finally understands the severity of the situation on-site.

The distant flames are fierce, as if lighting the sky red, while cries of battle mix with the sweltering breeze.

He does not dispatch anyone to inquire about the situation at the front line.

If things were going well, Tokugawa Yoshinobu would have long sent someone back with good news.

If not well, what's the use in asking, it would only dampen the spirits of the guards around.

In the embrace of ministers and guards, Emperor Komei quickly turns to the rear.

The air grows even hotter, and Emperor Komei runs drenched in sweat.

"Ha, ha."

He pants heavily, feeling his heartbeat like a drum, his feet unable to support his body.

Emperor Komei, though seemingly fine on the outside, has always been poor at sports since childhood, tiring quickly after running for a while.

Before he can leave Shishin-den behind, he can no longer continue.

"Let me rest, rest for a bit."

Emperor Komei's words cause the ministers and guards to stop.

Mutsuhito wipes the sweat on his forehead, issuing orders to those around him, "Quick! Bring over Father's traveling carriage."

"Understood."

The guards nod and turn to run towards where the carriage is located.

Amid just urgency, everyone surprisingly did not think of using the carriage.

Emperor Komei looks around, pleased with Mutsuhito's cleverness.

Yet also more apprehensive.

The relationship between the Emperor and Crown Prince is truly complex.

He neither wishes for the Crown Prince to be a fool nor too exceptionally gifted.

In this current emergency, when everyone is unsure of the next step, the Crown Prince has already understood what to do.

Quicker to react than his own mind.

It's not just intelligence that explains this, more importantly, the Crown Prince's temperament!

Among the ministers present, none are foolish, but why did none think of this?

Their minds too tense, their brains stuck.

Yet, the thirteen-year-old Mutsuhito remains unaffected, his resilience evidently higher than that of those present.

With such a child, Emperor Komei finds it hard not to be apprehensive.

Mutsuhito glimpses Emperor Komei's expression, and though he conceals it well, he can detect the hint of apprehension.

His face remains respectful, yet a trace of bitterness stirs within.

Though he genuinely considers his father's welfare, yet his father actually harbors suspicion against him?

Alas.

Mutsuhito sighs internally, a flash of ruthlessness also passes through his lowered eyes.

He is only thirteen now, and Emperor Komei already starts to feel apprehensive towards him; what more when he grows older?

He must find a way to cause Emperor Komei's premature death early on.

Mutsuhito does not wish to wait decades to ascend the throne.

Moreover, the older he gets, Emperor Komei's sudden death becomes easier to arouse external suspicions.

Only while still a minor, if he causes Emperor Komei's untimely demise, can he clear himself of suspicion.

After all, who would suspect a minor Crown Prince of patricide, of emperor-slaying?

Between filial piety, Prince Sanehito of the Arisugawa-no-miya's face turns from ashen to pale white, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, look, fire!"