Baptism and Greater Prosperity

The Decline of the Rosen Clan - Episode 8 |

In 1168, at the age of 51, Lord Henry fell gravely ill. Driven by a desire to escape death's grasp, he finally received baptism. Whether it was the grace of this act or not, his illness swiftly faded, and he was able to live out his days to a ripe old age. Although Lord Henry formally retired from the world of politics after this, his influence remained considerable throughout the rest of his life.

At that time, the people's loyalty to the House of Rosen was like trees swaying in the wind. The reverence they showed was akin to a parched land awaiting the life-giving rains. When it came to the lords of the Rosen family, even the most noble aristocrats—those assured of high office—could not stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Alwyn Rosen, the Senior Counselor and Henry’s brother-in-law, went so far as to say, "One who does not belong to the House of Rosen is hardly worth considering." In such a state of affairs, people did everything they could to establish ties with the Rosen family. From the creases in their robes to the way they wore their hats, anything considered the "Rosen style" was copied by all in the land.

This is a story based on a Japanese classic.