Discuss about anything related to the Twelve Kingdoms, also known as 十二国記, Juuni Kokki or Jūni Kokuki. Talk about the novels, the anime, the writer Fuyumi Ono or illustrator Akihiro Yamada, but beware for spoilers!
I had been wondering why there was such a large army with both the provincial lords and the Emperor. I mean you in general can not fight other kingdoms and in a long dynasty there are not many Youma to fight. The only poeple it seemed to be able to fight where the other provincial lords, which seemed rather counter productive considering they are all supposed to be on the same side. But then today i read the latest translation of the JK novels and it explained it.
Youko laughed. That is not true, she knew. At the beginning when Youko first came, she was shocked by such a huge army, but she understood the importance once she knew the details. There is nothing like policemen in this world. Patrolling and arresting criminals were under Military Affairs department (Syuu-kan, 秋官) and conducted by the army. Besides those, the army administers public infrastructure construction. Work that are not done with drafted citizens would be shouldered by the army and prisoners in penal servitude, under the command of government officials. Together with palace and city defense and important officials' protection, the army is busy all year round no matter whether there are wars.
So now we know that the army does all the policey things.
If you have a chance you should read that page as it also is a cute look at the inside of Youko's goverment and how it is made of street fighters.
If your spirit has wings to travel, even across the breadth of a thousand million nights, imagination will guide the way and the gateway will always be open to you.