 As the series begins, Kōyū is assigned directly to the Emperor, a position that infuriates him because the wandering Emperor never carries out his duties and can rarely even be found.After agreeing to be tutored by Kōyū and assuming a more active role in government, Ryūki offers Kōyū an iris flower as sign of trust.Kōyū openly accepts the flower as a token of loyalty and his belief in Ryūki as a worthy Emperor.