Artist's commentary
Left by the Demon King
A single red spider lily is placed in front of a gravestone at a certain temple.
On the way home after a day of fun at the castle town, near the riverbank, she tells a story that is both bizarre and entrancing. It's an idea for a new unified nation that a mediocre person like you would never have dreamed up in your feeble mind. More than anything, you were captivated by her eyes as they burned a passionate red in the crimson light of the setting sun.
I wanted to keep laughing and smiling in that place forever and ever.
I wanted to keep crying in that place forever and ever.
I wanted us to be there together in that place forever and ever.
But the times, the warring states, and all that surrounded him did not allow it.
Why am I so foolish and incompetent? Why did I not have even an ounce of talent to complement those passionate eyes of hers? Why couldn't I even follow in her footsteps?
I just couldn't, so I had no choice but to eradicate everyone who looked down on her. I had no choice but to offer my very body and throw myself into the fire to illuminate her.
A single barren flower laid the path for her to become the Demon King, a being who eventually became known as the enemy of gods, the Buddha, and all creatures.
I'll leave the rest to you, Sister.
Ah, but if it were possible, I would have liked to hang around with Sister a bit longer...