Lord Matsudaira stood, followed an instant later by his colleagues. “Congratulations, and good luck, Grand Governor.”
“I envy you, Masamune-dono,” Lord Sakai added. “I know you would prefer not to spend the remainder of your life in idleness, and die in bed.”
“May the buddhas and kamis watch over you,” said Lord Hotta.
The lord commissioners walked out and returned to their suite.
“The world is dark, yet can I see to walk, the silver moon illuminating my path,” Date Masamune murmured.