Summary
At the beginning of the year, I was steadily reading through The Twelve Kingdoms, but I ended up pausing for a while.
Now I’m continuing the series and writing a summary and my impressions.
Summary
- Year 38 of Fusai (普白). In the Kingdom of Kyou (恭国). Twenty-seven years after the previous king’s demise, the nation is in decline.
- Juushou (珠晶), the 12-year-old daughter of Soujoshou (相如昇), a wealthy merchant from the capital city of Renshou (連檣), is an incredibly driven girl. Declaring herself a worthy candidate for the throne, she embarks on the perilous journey of Shouzan (昇山), accompanied by a mount named Hakuto (白兔; technically the "rabbit" character here is a rare variant that isn’t supported by most fonts).
- “There’s no one who will step up to do what needs to be done, so even someone as small as me has to take on the responsibility and think things through.”
- Juushou, being exceptionally intelligent, makes quick progress on her journey but is deceived by a scoundrel who steals Hakuto. Fortunately, she’s aided by chance encounters with Gankyuu (頑丘), a member of the migratory Shu clan (朱氏) who traverse the Yellow Sea (黄海), and Rikou (利広), the second son of the King of the Kingdom of Sou (奏国). Together, they head toward Houzan (蓬山).
- While Juushou is highly capable, her straightforwardness makes her a “logic monster,” which leads to a temporary fallout with the adults in her group who must make harsh, pragmatic decisions during the journey.
- “You monster!”
“If you find it dirty, then you’re simply too naive. The throne is built on the blood of others.” - However, after parting ways, Juushou comes to understand that the cruelty of Gankyuu and the others is part of the natural order. When her own reckless decisions inadvertently attract vicious youma, Juushou resolves to defeat the monsters before returning to the group. During a fierce battle, she becomes separated from the others, only to be rescued by Gankyuu and the divine Dog-Wolf Shenjun (犬狼真君).
- At this point, Gankyuu hears the truth from Juushou—that her claims of being a worthy ruler were false. Born into privilege, she had felt guilt over her comfortable life, which led her to study at Joushou (上庠; likely akin to high school) and Shougaku (少学; likely akin to university), aspiring to become a government official and bring prosperity to the people. But she ultimately realized that no change could happen without a king. The adults around her only complained about the lack of a ruler but made no efforts to ascend Shouzan themselves. So she decided to go first. Hearing this, Gankyuu acknowledges Juushou might become a great member of the Shu clan, though he doubts such a future will come to pass.
- Upon reuniting with the group, they are met by a kirin from Houzan, who has come to greet Juushou.
- “Why has the kirin come to me...!?”
“Isn’t the reason obvious?” - “Houzan saw a kingly aura emanating from you.”
“Then why didn’t you come when I was born, you idiot!?” - Juushou is crowned the King of Kyou!!!
Impressions
- Incredible!!!
- Juushou’s character design is just outstanding. Her way of thinking doesn’t strike me as mere positivity. Instead, it’s future-oriented. Juushou’s thoughts are always connected to what lies ahead. She isn’t just a “bright” child; she feels like a child open to the future. That’s remarkably healthy and inspiring.
- Even though she’s constantly striving for the throne, she also expresses a desire to become a Shu clan member or a merchant rider if she cannot become king. While those around her laugh at the idea of equating the throne with such roles, to Juushou, they are all paths toward the future, carrying equal weight.
- It’s also reassuring that Juushou isn’t just a machine relentlessly pursuing her goal—she feels the hardships as they come like any normal person. Honestly, Juushou truly has what it takes to be a ruler.
- In the previous volume, it was already revealed that Juushou would go on to reign over 90 years of stability.
- When the kirin arrives for Juushou, it’s great to see her express disbelief—“Why has the kirin come to me?” Despite proclaiming herself a ruler’s candidate for so long, it’s clear she wasn’t consumed by the ambition for the throne.
- Gankyuu’s perspective on Juushou is also compelling. Initially dismissive of her, Gankyuu’s eventual conviction in her ascension is incredibly moving.
- Speaking of Gankyuu, he’s a great character. His resistance to Juushou’s assertions stems from his own clear ideology—that wishing for a king is a form of dependency, and that kings are unnecessary without permanent settlements or land ownership. It’s a fascinating ambivalence, like the Law and Chaos dichotomy in Shin Megami Tensei.
- Everyone thinks Rikou is the kirin at first, right?
- By the way, the phrase “spreading the wings of ambition” (tonan no tsubasa o haru) is an actual classical idiom that means to undertake a grand endeavor. Its origin is said to be from Zhuangzi.
- About my method for taking reading notes: starting by pre-setting frames for each chapter has been working really well. I think I’ll adopt it as my personal method.
