With a conspiracy occurring behind her back, Youko is stressed out, and looks into her sword for some advice. She makes some rather rash decisions, banning and exiling Koukan, and demoting several high officials within her cabinet. She tells Keiki she's going to go to King En's place for a while to study. Meanwhile, Suzu is failling to her death, until her master's youma rescues her. She takes advantage of the situation, and rides it all the way to the palace, where she meets Queen Sai, who treats her like gold. Things aren't turning out too well for Shoukei, who's on the verge of being executed by the townspeople for revenge against her father. But the Kei province leader, who led the rebellion, took her in, and sent her to Queen Kyou.
What's so nice about this episode is how everything is turning out a little better for all three characters, especially for Suzu. She's finally in the hands of a responsible person in Queen Sai, and getting the break she deserves after a century of hard labour? While Shoukei seems to also be getting a break, the face that Queen Kyou makes doesn't seem like she'll be treating Shoukei like Queen Sai is with Suzu. On the other hand, Youko seems to be getting her grip, sticking with her new philosophy of being aggressive with her own cabinet instead of trying to appeal to them. Though with her new change in attitude, what's instored for Youko?moreless





