“It was thoughtful of the governor,” Akitada said. He sighed and set down his cup untasted. “I may have been too abrupt. He offered us welcome and hospitality, and I treated him with cold formality—as if he were a proven criminal. Oh, Seimei, I must either clear him or place him under arrest. How am I, a mere junior clerk of the lower eighth rank, to arrest a Fujiwara who is not only older than I, but who far outranks me?” Seimei was unconcerned. “You are sent by the emperor. That gives you the power to act on His Majesty’s behalf. The governor was very properly humble. Besides, you are very
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