Pathway to Japanese Literature

Chapter 1

“Ha ha ha!” said the man. “You two ladies!” “You only care for partners and dance with someone like me.” “Because this soirée mood isn’t being savored at all.”

“That’s a lie.” “You’re full of lies.” “That is not so, however.” “When I dance with you, you keep dragging me about so… it makes my head spin.” “That is why I declined.”

“If the waltz hasn’t been decided yet, shall I request it?” The man took out a beautifully decorated program and wrote his name on it.

“Well then, shortly,” said the man, heading toward the dance party. Afterward, when the numerous young ladies had all gone in that direction, there remained the two girls from before.

“Do you know that gentleman?”

“Oh, that gentleman is Mr. Saito,” said Lady B. “He has also visited our house.” “Oh, was that so?” replied Lady A. “I first learned your name during the lesson the other day. Though I have often seen that gentleman before—what is it? He seems a bit rash, isn’t he? And his laughter is so boisterous—he’s such a peculiar gentleman, isn’t he?” “But that gentleman is also quite learned,” countered Lady B. “He is indeed quite an open-hearted and good gentleman.”

These two young ladies were conversing with each other. Among the many gathered young ladies was a figure standing by the water's edge. To begin with, in order to comment in detail— One was about sixteen years old, fair-skinned with large eyes. Her crimson lips were closed solemnly, yet not entirely. Her cheeks naturally exuded charm. An air that invited affection. The Sophora flowers adorning her head were likely beginning to bloom. Her waist was not particularly slender, though. She seemed quite accustomed to wearing Western clothes. Yet she appeared somewhat hunched and modest. She had an additional layer of charm. She wore a peach-colored, amber-toned Western dress. From time to time, she used a fan adorned with red tassels that hung down— was fanning her chest area.

The one sitting beside her was about two years older than the previous young lady. She had a high nose and well-defined eyebrows, her eyes slightly narrow. She always refrained from doing anything that would harm Osan’s health—perhaps she had even privately used lead powder for that purpose. Conspicuously fair-skinned, her hair was rolled up from the nape into a spiral bun, bundled at the top as if in a ginkgo-leaf knot. The recklessly cut bangs coiled into spirals tinged with red. She wore an off-white Western-tailored dress with many hanging beads, appearing slightly uncomfortable though her waist was so slender it seemed ready to snap. She had a tendency to deliberately arch her back, her lower lip alone protruding—to think she was indeed talkative, spreading malicious gossip about the attendant groom.

To put it plainly: She was a lady who surpassed the ordinary. The previous young lady appeared to have sensed something slightly.

“Miss Shinohara.” “And your honorable brother.” “Your honorable brother’s return must surely be approaching now.”

“Well, he did say he would return around summer,” said Shinohara. “I don’t want to.” “It’s such a bother.” “Oh my, why ever not?” “You must be looking forward to it.” “And how splendid it would be to have him assist with school readings and such matters.” “Well I no longer attend school.” “Father’s weak stomach has grown quite severe lately.” “Mother remains oblivious.” “Since I manage half the household duties now too—it keeps me terribly busy.”

“Oh my. “And how have you been managing your English studies?” “You haven’t given up on them, I trust?” “But if someone like you can manage conversation, that should suffice perfectly well.” “Why?” “I truly wish to study English thoroughly.” “You must be aware of that by now.” “As for that person called Yamanaka,” “Since he also has academic ability, I’ve asked him to help me out.” “I’m quite busy.” “Day after day, I practice English as well.” “Household matters and such are quite demanding, but…” “No matter how busy I may be.” “I will certainly attend the dance parties.”

“But if Father is unwell, he would not be able to attend,” “I am also told at home that it counts as social interaction, but…” “I still feel rather uneasy.” “I seldom dance with foreigners.” “Besides, school keeps me terribly busy.” “I’ve rarely had occasion to attend.” “I’ve had scant opportunity to make acquaintances.” “Why must you be so reluctant?” “Even when I mope gloomily at home,” “the moment I come here,” “my spirits turn quite active!” “In the West, those who don’t dance—” “—are scorned as wallflowers, you know.” “Are you one of their ilk?” “Goodness—Mr. Miyazaki has come after so long!” “He cuts such a handsome figure,” “and they say there’s nothing he cannot do.” “His fine looks mirror his character perfectly—how splendid he appears!” “Who might that gentleman’s partner be?” “Dreadfully short.”

“Oh my, that’s such a dreadful Western outfit!” “Japanese people are short and shabby on top of that.” “She carries herself like a heron stepping on a loach.” “Because of that, she must mind her posture or it’ll be trouble.” “I usually wear Western clothes, but…” “Because Mother always says taking things from the floor with one’s hem is improper.” “In the West, things are not placed on the floor.” “If storage isn’t properly managed, we always end up quarreling.”

“Your appearance is splendid, so...” “It is splendid indeed.” “What about Mr. Miyazaki’s sister?” “She is truly like a Westerner.” “In my school as well, she has the reputation of being the most beautiful.”

“Oh my.” “But that Mr. Miyazaki’s sister, though…” “Isn’t it said she appears frightening because her eyes are so large?” “Does she handle practical matters well?”

“Why, she has indeed turned fourteen this year.” “Despite her age, she does everything with great skill.”

“Do you wear Western clothes even on ordinary days?”

“No.” “After all, if one doesn’t wear them regularly...” “I don’t even grasp their practicality.” “Because people only put them on when going out.” “They simply float about in their finery.” “It’s like Tanakaya competing with Shirokiya over garments.” “If I could somehow make them work...” “I do wish to wear them daily, but...” “The tutoring school itself is Japanese-built...” “Things never go as I intend,” she was lamenting when—

A single dance came to an end.

Saitō arrived together with Miyazaki.

“Well then, let’s ask Miss Hamako,” he said and took along the young lady with her hair styled in a quail-tail chignon.

“Oh my. Miss Hattori, it has been some time.” “Mr. Miyazaki, how have you been occupying yourself?” “I have been feeling somewhat unwell—” “My sister continues to receive your kind assistance each occasion.” “Since you attend to her morning and evening—” “Lately she declares she no longer wishes to return home even on Sundays.”

“Not at all,” Hattori replied—but mid-conversation, another dance began. “Then, shall we dance after so long?”

“Very well,” said Hattori—and from there unfolded various affairs such as buffet dining.

Around 1 a.m., the voices of carriage drivers urging on their horses rang out vigorously. Each guest made their way home.

This was none other than the night of the New Year’s banquet at the Rokumeikan.

Part Two

Turning into the side street of Imagawa Kōji Nichōme’s second block—the third lattice-framed house. The front grounds were marked by broom trees and entirely free of dust. The lattice door had been wiped clean. It naturally took on a luster. It appeared that someone had sprinkled the remaining water from the hand bucket. On the mikage stone meant for removing shoes. Two pairs of small geta had been carelessly discarded. A Komachi-esque taste. On the second floor was a bay window. A wet hand towel hung on the bamboo lattice. It was not a boarding house either. Yet it was certainly not a school-affiliated lodging either. Presumably, this second floor— [either] because the owner had died or [the house] was vacant due to [the owner] being away on a journey. To someone with whom [the owner] was ordinarily acquainted. [The owner] likely lent [the second floor] to someone with whom [they] were ordinarily acquainted as a precaution against burglary, though— This assessment, too, seems somewhat forced and far-fetched. The lodger of this second floor— The lodger was around twenty-seven or eight years old. His features were well-defined, though with a slight sharpness.

Such features were lauded as stylishly refined. There were those who appreciated such features, it was said. Kaihei’s hakama, neatly folded in two. A lunchbox wrapped in a purple cloth, among other things. First, could he be a newly prominent official? He appeared fresh from the bathhouse. His eyes were faintly red around the edges. He placed a mirror on the window. He was frantically scratching his head. In a frivolous voice.

The woman said,“Ah,I’mtheonewhosaysso!”andcamestompinguptothesecondfloor.Shepoppedherfaceout.“Ohmyit’sbeenbeautifullypreparedhasn’tit?I’vebroughtthetobaccofire”shesaidholdingafirepaninonehand.Shekneeltwithonekneeraisedbesidethebrazierandsatdown.Shewasaroundthirtyyearsoldwithadarkishcomplexionandahighnose.Theblack-speckledhaori’srightsleevecuffwasslightlyfrayed.Thedeer-patternedkasukimono collarretainedKyoto’srefinedtaste.Sheworeadetachablecollarsaidtohavebeenfreshlywashedseveraltimes.Theslightlythinningfronthairatthebackofherhead—withavermillion-lacqueredcombdecoratedwithMatsutami’smaki-e—shegatheredandfirmlytuckedbeneaththeroundedbun.Trulyshewasastrangecreature.W hiletakingthefiretothebraziershewasintentlytidyinguptheashandstubsofhand-rolledcigarettes.Unbefittingherageherwayofspeakinghadachildlikemanner.

“Hey… Mr. Yamanaka.” “Enough already—turn this way!” “Well, earlier… Well, you’ll have a treat now.”

Yamanaka: “Why?”

“Why? Because there’s something truly wonderful happening.” “Shall I tell you?” “By all means—do enlighten me!”

“Well now, I went to the bathhouse earlier, you see.” “Then while I was out, a splendid rickshaw puller wearing black duck crest livery came.” “He asked if you were home.” “When Kiyo said you were out,” “He replied ‘I shall call again later.’” “‘I absolutely must meet you,’ he said.” “Then he left.” “That’s what Kiyo told me.” “There was a young lady in very refined Western clothes.” “She was waiting in a carriage outside the latticework gate.” “I’m certain it must be that person.”

“Who?” “Don’t play dumb! As if you don’t know—it’s Miss Shinohara!” she declared with nasal force. “Ah, that wild girl? Since I hadn’t visited lately, she must’ve gone out seeking answers about Western books. Her foreigner-like stench when she approaches—utterly insufferable.” “Oh? When did she ever get close?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” “Because she goes to her lessons day after day.” “Having those curly bangs thrust in my face day after day.” “But even if we carry on like this,” she said with a slight laugh, “having such a rare guest come around means you can’t stay calm.” Truly, the older wife had been such a worry. But there was surely nothing shady going on. There had been nothing to feel guilty about. Right.

“There’s nothing like that,” said Yamanaka. “Who knows?” “There’s nothing like that.” “Hmph,” she laughed. The maid Kiyo clattered up to the middle landing.

“Madam Osada! Madam Osada!” “The egg seller has come.”

“I don’t need any today!” “But there aren’t any left!”

“I don’t want any!” “Well, you see... “Whenever I go upstairs, “You never come down in a jiffy, do you?” she grumbled as she came to the kitchen. “Auntie, we don’t need any today, I tell you.”

“Right, right. Thank you kindly.” “I’ll come to ask again another time.” “Well, have a seat and take a cup, I tell you.” “Well then, I think I’ll take a little rest.” Heave-ho. “You always keep yourself so neat and tidy.” “It’s only Lord Shinohara’s maids and you.” “They keep themselves neat.” “But Shinohara-san’s is odd because it’s Western clothes.”

“Oh, are you going into Shinohara-san’s?”

“Ah, I’m not going anywhere.” “They’re such good customers.” “They buy fifty or sixty eggs every few days without fail.” “So you’ve seen that young lady too?” “Isn’t she a beautiful woman?” “She’s not a bad-looking woman...” “To our eyes, the Takashimada style looks better.” “That young lady is our Mr. Yamanaka.” “Hmm, that handsome man?” “Ah, that person’s gotten all hot and heavy with him.”

“But you’re the one who said there was something strange going on with Osada in this household, didn’t ya?” “Ah, well, things with Madam Osada must be strange indeed,” “The night before last, when I went to the annex, the two of them went out together.” “They didn’t come back until nearly one o’clock.” “As I was dozing off,” “there was the sound of a carriage.” “I rushed out and opened the lattice to look.” “The two of them came back together in the same carriage, completely staggering—” “Mr. Yamanaka is such a charming man.” “He’s such a smooth talker that anyone would fall for it.” “But he’s also such a pitiable soul, I tell you.” “During Saigo’s time, his father served as an army second lieutenant or something.” “He died in battle over there.” “The following year, his mother died of illness.” “He had no relatives or anyone to contact.” “While our master was still alive,” “out of pity, he helped him with his business,” “found some way to keep him at the house.” “Before he died—he’d asked Mr. Shinohara here—to get him appointed as a government official.” “He had some knowledge of Western languages.”

“He’s such a smooth talker.” “He’s so shrewd, you see.” “He gradually rose through the ranks.” “Now he’s making as much as twenty-five yen.” “And he’s just that kind of shrewd person, you see.” “Madam Osada in our household also comes from the dregs of society, you see.” “She can’t just stay a widow forever, I tell you…” “Oh, there seems to be someone to attend to you, I tell you.”

“Well then, I’ll humbly make another request again,” said Tamagoya as she departed.

Kiyo peeked out the entrance for a moment. She began to hurriedly ascend to the second floor—just as Mistress Osada was coming down.

“Who’s there—?”

“About that earlier—” Kiyo began. “Then I’ll have you escorted upstairs,” Osada cut in. “Since even if you were to call out, it wouldn’t be heard—that’s essential.” “Come along to the adjoining room.” Kiyo undid her work sash while—

“Hmph. What an outrageous watchdog you are.” “Hey, what’s wrong with the needle box?” “What’s wrong with my needle box being in the hallway? Oh, they’re calling again—I can hear it. There!”

If you put it kindly, it was still ill-spoken of—a widow’s hair—or so someone must have muttered. To live in the world as a widow was difficult indeed. By ancient custom, when her lord died, a wife was to hasten single-mindedly so that her pine-like fidelity might never fade in hue. Her hair had been resolutely sheared off. As it gradually grew back—ah, that hair now bound into a widow’s chignon—could she not even tie it into a rounded coiffure? At times she longed to try a Western-style bun or a comb-bound twist. Yet this was not without regret for what could never be undone. Far better to let the widow’s life blossom anew—the proper course would be to permit her remarry openly.

In Western countries, they say public remarriage isn’t considered shameful. Why then must they suffer? A tree that isn’t a pine masquerades as one—an untimely parasitic branch sprouts forth. Unlike fidelity’s name with its unchanging hue, is it not shameful when one’s face crimsons like autumn leaves?

Chapter Three

A majestic edifice towered into the clouds. Encircling stone walls stretched before it— their iron-gate pillars stood thick and imposing, marking the dwelling of a distinguished nobleman—a name that needed no introduction. This lordly master had been a samurai from a southwestern domain, one whose meritorious deeds during the Meiji Restoration surpassed his peers— as evidenced by the nameplate at his gate, its jet-black ink still fresh with the inscription: "Junior Third Rank, Viscount [Name]." For this man who once championed reverence for the Emperor and expulsion of foreigners, who had rushed through those fervent days of service— even the civilized nations of the West he had scorned as "ugly barbarians" and reviled as "cunning captives"— this habit clung to him still as he faced this new age of enlightenment. His fellow domain samurai— those now thriving in the cabinet— warned he would lag behind the times. They urged him to tour Western nations with official rank— were he to inspect those countries,

due to their counsel that he would surely come to realize something. He toured Europe for one year. After returning to Japan, he became completely transformed into an ardent advocate of Western customs. Deeming that our nation’s food was harmful to health, he exclusively used Western cuisine. Houses were limited to stone construction with glass windows. He disdained wearing any clothing unless it was straight-sleeved woolen garments, extending this even to the household’s maids and servants. He forbade them from wearing clothes in our country’s style, compelling everyone to adopt Western-style garments. Everything became Western through and through— he came to emulate only those foreign customs. This marked the first instance of such extremes. This was Shinohara Hamako’s father, Michikata. Though over fifty years old, he had no sons and only a single daughter, Hamako. While not one to indulge in sentiment, he naturally neglected proper upbringing. If something bore the label “Western custom,” he deemed it wholly acceptable. Western women, he claimed, devoted themselves entirely to socializing.

Theatergoing. Evening parties. She had even picked up fragments of stories claiming that dance parties and day-and-night revelry were the norm. She treated school studies as secondary. Piano. She devoted herself solely to practicing the violin and such. Yet it was said that the household’s moral teachings lay with the mother, but... Her mother, being country-bred from the start, because she was not even proficient in basic reading and writing, Hamako increasingly overlooked such matters. "A woman without education is helpless," or so it went. If it had come to be spoken of so openly... From the start, there had been no proper way to heed such words. Thus, within the household, Hamako comported herself as though she alone existed. Since there was no one to criticize her, those with discernment secretly clicked their tongues in mutual disapproval, it is said.

“Oh, what’s wrong with you? The young mistress hasn’t returned yet. What’re you doin’ lyin’ around like that?” “What? Isn’t it already twelve o’clock? Even men don’t stay up this late! It’s just too much!” “You’re saying that again. If His Lordship hears this, he’ll blow his top right away. In what they call the West, at evening parties, staying up all night is considered perfectly normal. They say girls never wake up before eleven or twelve in the morning there. He usually says so. He says Japan should hurry up and adopt such customs too. He did say so, didn’t he?”

“Even so, if every household did the same, it would be one thing,” “Here, it’s nothing but late nights.” “In the morning, we still have to get up when the neighbors and people across the way rise.” “I just can’t help getting sleepy.”

“That’s right. That’s not just us. Even the mistress has had quite a time with Western-style customs, I tell you. The other day, since she’d gotten so used to eating Western food, she said she wanted pickled radish.” There was a time when it happened—at that time, the student who was there made a snide remark. The mistress concealed it from His Lordship. There was an incident where it was said she’d taken a lover over pickled radish. “Ahaha. That’s all well and good, but even if the young mistress were to return... she won’t be back anytime soon. Today she supposedly danced with someone. And someone supposedly said such things. In the end, it’s always... Having to listen to that Mr. Yamanaka’s boasting is unbearable.”

“But still—that young master who’s been abroad—” “Being His Lordship’s distant relation or some such—” “Isn’t he meant to be the young mistress’s fiancé?” “And you think it’s proper for him to speak that way?” “That’s precisely what they mean by civilization—none of your antiquated notions!” “So long as there’s no impropriety—” “Men and women must mingle openly—” “His Lordship declares it constantly.”

Just at that moment came the clattering sound of a carriage. Groom’s voice: “Young Mistress, you’ve returned…”

Part Four

From Kudanzaka along the moat. The magnolia-wooden-toothed clogs clattered. They must have been on their way back from school. Two or three boys, each around fifteen years of age. One carried a white canvas bag tucked under his arm, wearing a woolen-knit Daikoku hood. Though his bearing did not seem lowly, compared to the other two, there appeared to be a somewhat coarse aspect about him. A cotton-flannel padded garment with stripes slightly too garish— though not shoddily made, its seams around the shoulders stood out conspicuously, making it seem rather gaudy.

“Your lesson today was difficult, huh?” “Ah, but since I had my brother do a preliminary reading yesterday,” “it was awfully easy.” “I had my father do it for me too.” “As for Matsushima-kun, no one’s done any preliminary reading for him.” “He just can’t manage it in the lecture hall.” “Yet despite that, he gets good exam results—he’s a rare one.”

“With just his sister in Matsushima-kun’s household, they don’t have any trouble with tuition fees, huh?” “Where does the money come from?”

“Well, that’s Ashio-kun’s sister.” “She’s quite something, I tell you.” “The other day, when my father went to Mr. Miyazaki’s place in Ichibancho—” “There’s a girl named Hideko in that tenement over there.” “Doing knitting work on the side to cover her brother’s tuition fees, it was said, I tell you.” “She also holds government bonds, though, I tell you.” “Sister doesn’t touch a single one of them, I tell you.”

“Oh? So it’s true then, Ashio-kun?”

“Hmm.” “I don’t know a thing about that.” “See you.”

“Hey, are we parting ways here?” “Well then, see you tomorrow, huh?” Ashio: “Don’t need to invite me.”

“Goodbye.”

Leaving behind their voices—“You’re hiding something—how strange!” Tch—his face twisted in vexation. Mumbling to himself, he climbed the slope, ran up to a certain house in Sanchōme-dani—Ichi-san’s place— wrenched open the lattice door with a clatter, and stomped inside.

“Oh my, Ashio-san.” “You were very late today.” “It’s Mother’s honorable death anniversary.” “I prepared tea.” “If you’re hungry.” “Shall I make you some rice balls or something?”

“I don’t need anything,” said Ashio, throwing down his hat and lunchbox.

“Oh my, that won’t do at all.” “Once I finish knitting this shawl,” “I must go to the yarn shop in Koji-machi.” “Take out the desk as usual and review it once.” “And then please show me now.”

“Ah.” “Sister, next month will already be Father’s third anniversary, won’t it?” “I want to make it proper—maybe by handing out offerings or something.” “But I wish there were households among Father’s honorable acquaintances who would make offerings or such.” “When we left our hometown, it continued through the year before last and last year.” “Both Father and Mother have passed away.” “Back home, there are distant relatives, though.” “If we return to our hometown, both you and I—” “because we’ll end up truly uneducated and illiterate.” “No matter what, I will strive with all my might.” “Because I want to make you into someone great in Tokyo.” “Please study with that intention in mind now.” “That Mr. Miyazaki has been helping us in various ways.” “Because he’s even kindly giving us a discount at the shop.” “On the honorable death anniversary, I’ll prepare some ohagi.” “I’m planning to have you take them along.”

Ashio: “Ah. So how much in government bonds do we have?” “That’s right,” said Hideko. “We have about fifteen hundred yen. Though when Mother passed away, we used quite a lot on the funeral and such. We must keep that money quietly set aside. Both you and I are important capital for when we establish ourselves.” “But Sis,” said Ashio, “I’ll soon become a government-sponsored university student. It’ll only be about three years. Let’s take out that money and use it. You should enroll in the cram school too. Wouldn’t it be better if we both studied?”

“No—you say that—” “If we use it all now,” “All of Father’s hard work will go to waste, you know.” “I’ve been doing this side work all along.” “The amount left over each month.” “The three or five sen at a time that I deposited at the post office.” “It comes to about two yen and fifty sen.” “If there’s something you want, then buy it with that.” “I don’t want anything at all, but…” “My studious sister…” “Every single day, you’re doing nothing but knitting yarn.” “I can’t help but feel sorry for you.”

“No—the studies are what you’ve learned at school.” “Since you remember them well and teach me,” “It’s just the same as going to school and studying.” “If you pity me,” “Please become an accomplished person quickly now.” “With your current academic abilities...” “It’s unclear whether you can even enter university.” “When you visit Mr. Miyazaki next time,” “He’s a Bachelor of Letters and reportedly serves as a university lecturer too,” “Be sure to clearly state your aspirations and make your earnest request when you go.”

Ashio: “Ah… But I’m so vexed I can’t bear it,” he said in a tearful voice. “What do you mean? “Honestly, you’re getting neurotic over trivial things,” she replied. “What’s wrong?” “But it’s about me— “A spineless coward who studies using money from Sis’s knitting work. “Having a sister support a freeloader like me—it’s unheard of. “Everyone else has parents to rely on, but…”

“Therefore, there is nothing as precious as parents.” “After they passed away,” “No matter how much you wish to be filial, it cannot reach them.” “Please stop such complaints.” “Why don’t you go offer some incense at the family altar.” “Oh, you strange person—getting all teary-eyed.” “Such narrow-minded things won’t do.” “It must be in *The Pillow Book* (*Tsurezuregusa*).” “If one uses their heart too sparingly in harsh times, things will turn against them.” “As they say—isn’t that how it goes?” “Just keep your spirits broad.” “Show those who said such things what comes later.” “Don’t make me blush.”

Though she was but a seventeen-year-old maiden, her face bore an unusually enlightened look for one so young, yet her brother's heart— when he thought of his deceased parents, tears soaked his sleeves unbidden—unable to conceal them. At that very moment, he turned his face away.

“Hey there!” “Tofu vendor here!”

“Sis, the tofu vendor’s here.” “Tofu for sale!” “Sis, can’t you hear? The tofu…”

“I heard you.”

She carefully adjusted her expression. “I don’t need any today.”

Part Five

“I beg your pardon.”

“Oh, Mr. Ashio. “Well now, come right in. “Today, Ichirō is also at home. “Mr. Saitō is also here,” she said. At two or three years past her unlucky 42nd year— Her hair cut short, The slightly plump, good-natured-looking old woman Was the landlord of the tenement where the Ashio siblings rented rooms, And the mother of Miyazaki Ichirō.

Ashio walked straight through. He greeted Miyazaki and Saitō. Then he turned toward her.

“Um, today marks the third memorial service of my late father, so I deliberately prepared these botamochi as a token of goodwill. As they are my sister’s handiwork, they may not be well-made, but please do partake.” He covered the tiered box he carried in his hands with a cloth wrapper and presented it.

“I see, that is how it was.” “It has passed so quickly.” “Mr. Saitō was indeed of a different sect, but…” “Look here, Ichirō—how delicious they look!”

“Mr. Ashio, are you applying yourself diligently at school? Mr. Saitō still… He’s making remarkable progress.” “He has a reputation as a prodigy.” “And I went on praising him like that.”

This Saitō was associated with the school Ashio attended. He was likely a teacher there.

“Truly, even this Buddha must be rejoicing beyond the grave,” she said. “And you should hear this too, Mr. Saitō—this child’s sister is truly admirable. There is some of Father’s savings left—even now, they receive eight or nine yen each month from government bond interest—but she insists they mustn’t reduce that principal. She does all sorts of things like knitting wool to make ends meet—why, Sister even cooks the rice herself! On top of that, this child’s school expenses…” “Auntie, that’s a lie,” Ashio protested. “That isn’t true.”

“Mr. Ashio. How can you speak of your sister taking on side work like that? You might think it’s something to be ashamed of and try to hide it. That is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something to boast about. One must earn their keep through their own efforts. As for your sister, she’s truly admirable. And in my household, we praise her in secret, you know. Hey, Mr. Saitō.”

“That is truly commendable.”

“And that’s not all,” Mother continued. “Though she cannot attend school herself—when this child returns—she immediately has him copy down everything she practiced. Because she’s dexterous and he learns quickly—now this child has her do preliminary readings for him, you know.” She turned to address him directly: “Mr. Ashio.” “That is true,” he replied, bowing slightly. “The parts I forgot were all... Sister.”

“I see.” “In Japanese linguistics, they say you perform remarkably well for your age.” “Then that must be Sister’s influence.” “Yes—during my late father’s time,” “Sister regularly attended Ms. Shimoda Utako’s academy,” “where she practiced vocal arts” “and studied classical texts.” “I too learned the fundamentals from her.”

“I see. How about your English?”

“I am reading the Fourth Reader and World History.”

“That’s one hell of a thing! No wonder they call you a prodigy! I’ve only focused on chemistry. I still hadn’t gotten close to Mr. Ashio.”

“Is that indeed so?” “For my part, I am well acquainted with you, Sensei.” “I should think so.” “If you can achieve such excellence.” “You shall surely become an admirable government official ere long, Mr. Ashio.”

“Mother—if you inculcate such notions in a child, it will sow seeds of profound error. Mr. Ashio. Academic study exists not to become some salaried government official. You undertake it to become one who brings benefit to society.”

“Mr. Saitō.” “Even in today’s universities, those who graduate in politics or law—” “They will eventually become government officials, but—” “compared to those who graduate in literature or engineering.” “When you say many of them lack true scholarship—” “It’s like they’re drawing water to their own fields.”

“Ah ha ha!” “That’s why you too, Mr. Ashio—” “Make sure the very word ‘government official’ does not exist in your mind.” “Strive to do things that benefit the world.” “Speaking of government officials, what’s become of Yamanaka?” “At present, it seems government service carries prestige.” “Others have also risen through the ranks, I hear.” “He’s a hopeless case.” “That sort gains popularity these days, I tell ya.” “Well, if we analyze it academically—” “A man composed of seventy percent deception and thirty percent flattery.” “Ah ha ha ha!”

“Even so, he still earns about two-thirds the salary of others in his position.” “A government official brings neither honor nor any real worth.”

“But lately, he’s been showing his face at every society event.” “It’s said he’s been strutting around as if he’s entered the middle ranks of high-ranking officials.” “What? That’s Shinohara’s child and—” “Especially since that fellow keeps favoring her and dragging her around everywhere, I tell ya.” “I heard some strange story about that fellow, though.” “That can never be.” “With his good looks and such flamboyance, he pays no heed to suspicions of impropriety—” “He’s the type to act strange and clingy.” “That strange fellow is making such a racket.” “Come to think of it, you were also teaching at that girls’ school concurrently, weren’t you?” “I hear Shinohara’s daughter has withdrawn from school.”

“She withdrew from school—though she was quite skilled at piano and such—but things afterward haven’t gone as smoothly as one might expect.” “I’d even begun to doubt she’d graduate next year.” “Withdrawal might be for the best.” “Though for English alone, Yamanaka’s been teaching her constantly.” “They say she’s improved a bit lately, but…” “Shinohara’s situation is partly her father’s doing too.” “Since she goes out socializing recklessly.” “She did make quite a name for herself at the girls’ school for a time, but…” “As for promising students—well, there are none at that school, I tell ya.” “But that Hattori girl’s at a private school.” “Gentle and clever, though lacking vitality—admirable indeed.”

“That’s right. My sister is also at the same private school and often receives help every time—but I’m impressed by their kindness, quite unexpected for their age.”

“Goodbye.”

“Oh my! Have you returned so suddenly?” “Give my regards to your elder sister.”

Part Six

In the alcove of a room adjacent to the bedding cupboard stood a bookcase and a chest together. Stains from spilled ink dotted the area here and there. Before the chest sat a small galvanized basin containing neatly folded fabric scraps for mending. Beside it stood two or three combs at attention, though another comb lay casually nearby. The surroundings maintained perfect order with nothing out of place. A package—likely delivered by a servant—had been set down nearby. A student leaned against the window, thrusting her hand into her disheveled hair at the hairline of her high forehead while repeatedly brushing back fallen bangs. Could she rival Xi Shi’s grace? Around her mist-laden eyebrows, she furrowed her brow slightly as she murmured the letter under her breath—just as a female student approached. Her eyes were large, yet where was their charm?

She quietly slid open the shoji screen.

“Ms. Hattori.” “Aren’t you going home today?”

“Oh, this letter has just arrived,” said Ms. Hattori. “It says I shouldn’t go home today.”

“Right.” “How lively and nice.” “If you have that English-Japanese dictionary, please be so kind as to lend it to me.”

“Come now, please do take it.” “I’ve just had something brought over.” “Well then, do come in and partake.”

“Thank you.” “Then let us invite Mr. Saitō as well.” “Mr. Saitō! Mr. Saitō!” she called from the doorway of the next room.

“What—” “I’m so damn sleepy today I can’t stand it.” “And yet last evening, I dozed off in the lecture hall around eight o’clock.” “Ms. Aizawa scolded me.” “Startled, I went back to my room.” “I ended up sleeping without even changing into my nightclothes.” “Ah—” he said with a big yawn, closing the shoji screen with a thud as he entered. “Oh! Mr. Saitō, you’re being rather clumsy there.” “It’s fine. It’s too stuffy in here.” “I’m gonna drive out the carbon!”

“Such nonsense.” “Even if my mouth isn’t empty, my stomach’s growling, man.” “I’d like to get my hands on some supper.” “That’s why I invited you.” “I invited you, so I had you come, man…” “There you go—this is it!” “It’s from your home.” “I’ll open the package now.” “Well, well! Fugetsudo’s castella!” “A bag of peanuts.” “This bag’s just a five-sen sack!” “What’s under this tiered box?” “Well, well! Some dishes here, man!” “The homemade dishes of whitebait and arrowhead!” “It must have been the honorable wife of a high-ranking official.” “She had these prepared for Namiko to eat.” “Ah! A parent’s love is deeper than the sea.”

“Mr. Saitō, if you keep talking like this…” “I’ll take all of it for myself, you know.”

“But you know...” “I had a strange dream last night.” “Fuku-chan turned into a woman.” “She said she wanted to marry into my brother’s household.” “Don’t talk nonsense—be a proper man.” “Become my husband...” “You see, Brother—” “—is quite taken with this Miss Hattori he meets at soirées.” “When I said ‘How tragic,’ Fuku-chan flew into a rage.”

“Hey, Mr. Saitō—you really need to stop now, you know.” “There,” she said, cutting the castella with a penknife and serving it. “Money, money.” “Thank you.” “Whoa.” “Wow.” “Kind,” he twittered in broken English, popping a piece into his mouth. “And then—Mr. Miyazaki.” “That’s enough now, you know. You’re so carefree you don’t mind, but… Please just stop already.” “All right, all right, you’ve made your point!” “Alright, bring Ms. Aizawa here.” “I’ll join in the chat!” he said, noisily munching as he dashed off.

“Really.” “A quick-motion person—Quick motion, eh?” “But that person does resemble my brother.” “He’s quite talented.” “There are any number of people who go on about such things, you know.” “But what’s truly unpleasant is that so-called ‘fellow student’ of yours, I tell you.” “They’re so fixated on keeping up appearances.” “As if their essay marks were poor or something.” “They keep making excuses—‘Oh, I was too busy to attend’—and the like.” “And yet they prattle on about adoring Western things.” “When domestic cohabitation comes up, they drone on about this and that, you know.” “It made me utterly vexed, but...” “Someday, your essay—mark my words—” “I’ve committed it to memory, you see...” “When they heed sages’ teachings only as it suits them...” “Their very bearing may unravel.” “When base commoners deign to heed even folk ditties—” “No lesson fails to impart its wisdom.” “Verily, in soil not its own—” “Though sown, it will not take root.”

“If it is not that person, Though one speaks of it, it will not be heard…. I like this essay very much, you see. I took it as my model and kept silent, I tell you.”

“You have an excellent memory.” “Even I had forgotten.” “Speaking of which, I heard that Mr. Shinohara’s elder brother returned to the capital yesterday.” “Oh—isn’t that person H?” “It is H, but she remains merely engaged.” “Miss Hamako also refers to him as ‘elder brother,’ you know.”

“And what will become of her?” “With such immoral behavior, she’ll never make a proper bride, I tell you.” “How can you say such things?” “Those people are quite educated, you know.” “That’s simply not true.” “Those must be society’s baseless rumors.” “Nowadays, all respectable people keep pace with civilized nations.” “They devote themselves to soirées and such affairs, but...” “And we of the lower classes—” “—having never witnessed any of it ourselves—” “—scorn what we don’t understand.” “The slightest unusual thing occurs,” “and they tack on exaggeration after exaggeration,” “spreading malicious tales” “even to complete strangers.” “For people circulate all manner of rumors.” “Nothing is more fearsome than wagging tongues.” “Though even a reserved soul like myself shouldn’t remain too withdrawn,” “while we’re still students not yet out in society...” “I believe it wisest to neither retreat excessively nor overstep bounds.”

“Really, I tell you.” “What you say.” “It often weighs on my mind, you know.”

Just then, Saitō from before. Saitō came running after Aizawa with a clatter.

“Ah, this is unbearable! Unbearable!” “What troubles you?” “Mr. Saitō tried to snatch it from me!” “That potato, you know.” “I was eating it after receiving it from Mr. Nishimura when...” “Mr. Saitō came and tried to take it away, you see.” “What an unpleasant person!”

“That’s why I’ll treat you to castella.” “I said we should make an exchange!” “Oh! Mr. Saitō actually told the truth.” “Here’s the castella!” “Then I’ll give you this.” “My, how mercenary!” “But you didn’t even check what’s inside!” “You’re such a liar!” “Liar!” “How dare you insult me like that!” “Well, let’s set that aside. Come here and have some.”

The schoolgirls were messily eating together. “Oh dear, it’s almost gone,” said Aizawa.

“What’s the big deal? Ms. Hattori is going home tomorrow anyway. It’s fine if it runs out, I tell you!”

“Oh, please do eat as much as you like.” “I should like to review a bit of tomorrow’s lesson.” “Excuse me.”

“Please do stop. Since you’re going to rest.” “Isn’t it all right if you don’t review it?”

“If one studies as hard as Ms. Hattori does,” “the body wouldn’t last, would it?”

“As for me...” “I’ve never even seen you take a rest, I tell you!” “So she was very worried before the exams.” “The other day, she stayed up until around two o’clock.” “And then she got such a low score, you see.” “I’ve gotten sick of it, I tell you.”

“Oh dear, this is a terrible situation, I tell you.”

“But still,” “It is extremely harmful to your body, I tell you.” “Is it because female students lack vigor compared to male students?” “You mustn’t be too idle, I tell you.” “So please do not encourage them to study so much.” “One must study suitably for oneself, I tell you.” “But these days, making women pursue academic studies has become quite a problem, I tell you.” “If one pushes them too much like Ms. Aizawa—” “If one forces them to study excessively, it weakens their mind.” “It is said that feeble children are born.”

“Ugh, how revolting!” “Who’d ever go get married anyway?” “You say such things!” “Even if you become a teacher, marrying would be better.” “What? Teachers don’t kneel before men…” “I haven’t served them!”

“That’s why these days, scholars say we shouldn’t let women pursue academic studies,” continued Hattori. “There’s even a theory claiming it would be better to render all women uneducated and illiterate, I tell you. If women gain even modest learning, they become teachers—yet feudal lords supposedly have no use for such women. This leads to dwindling population growth and a lack of patriotism, they argue.” She straightened her posture. “Around the fifth or sixth year of Meiji, women’s conduct had grown truly deplorable—strutting about with squared shoulders, wearing men’s hakama trousers, spouting impertinent opinions with self-righteous fervor. Though matters have improved somewhat lately…” Her voice lowered ominously. “Now I hear Westerners speak of revering women, which risks reviving those old excesses. Today’s female students bear grave responsibilities, I tell you.” A derisive snort escaped her. “That Shakespeare declared brazen-faced women as unnatural as effeminate men—I myself have stated such traits are undesirable. Consider Napoleon’s words: ‘To reform France requires virtuous mothers.’ If we deny women education, how shall we cultivate such virtue? Yet educate them too much, and you breed shameless harridans. The solution lies in assigning each woman a specialized field of study—mastered without arrogance—while preserving gentle feminine virtues. Only then shall our descendants become wise men and women, building a new world worthy of civilized nations.”

“Furthermore, first and foremost, Napoleon—” “Declared that virtuous mothers were essential for reforming France.” “Therefore, if one does not make women pursue academic studies—” “They can hardly become virtuous mothers either.” “But if one makes them pursue academic studies—” “Shameless, strong-willed women will emerge.” “They must determine a single specialty no matter what.” “They must diligently study that.” “They must neither act arrogantly toward others nor appear overbearing.” “They must not lack gentle feminine virtues.” “If they do so, their descendants too will produce talented sons and daughters,” “And a new world unashamed before civilized nations will emerge.” “So a certain person has declared.”

“Ugh, I hate it, I hate it! When I hear such things…” “I’ve really grown sick of it all.” “Even if I study my hardest…” “If I become a wife, I’d have to do chores and such.” “It’s so bothersome—I hate it!” “I’ll become an independent artist.” “I’ll become a painter.” “Within the world of art.” “Except for traditional performing arts and one or two others.” “Minamoto is all paintings, I tell you.” “That’s why painting is the King of art.” “Oh.” “Maybe it’s the feminine side?” “Then it’s Queen, I tell you…” “I’ll surely, surely become a painter, I tell you.”

“Oh, they say Mr. Saitō intends to become a painter.” “Even though you’re such a shirker at heart.” “Yet even Mr. Saitō applies himself wholeheartedly.” “He may well become a painter.”

“Well, well.” “In that case, I’ll be wholeheartedly devoted too, I suppose.” “Because I recently got a high score in science.” “Shall I take that as my foundation and become a scientist?” “You…” “Once I graduate from this school, I’ll become a wife, I tell you.” “Ms. Namiko, you’re the same, aren’t you?” “That’s right.” “Because I am fond of literature.” “I will go where there’s a Bachelor of Letters or something.” “Both husband and wife will work for a living, I tell you.”

“Well, aren’t you two close!” “As for me, a husband or anything like that—” “I really, truly don’t want one at all, I tell you.”

“Well then, Ms. Namiko,” “It would be good if you were to come as a bride to my brother’s household.” “I would be happy if that were so.”

“That’s true, I tell you,” Aisai said with still-childlike girlishness. She found it difficult to gauge people’s hearts. When she spoke thoughtlessly, they all chimed in together. Urged on, now once more, they ended up saying such improper remarks.

At the very moment the conversation ceased—

Clack-clack-clack. Oh, that must be the lunchtime clapper. Well then—let us go.

(Sound of clattering footsteps)

Chapter Seven

A rickshaw pulled by two men came and went morning and evening. A Fūgetsudō confectionery box. Food baskets and such brought by student-like figures and rickshaw pullers. There was no end to them at the gate. This was the residence of Viscount Shinohara; however, the master had recently fallen into a critical condition. Even the doctor known only as a certain someone tilted his head in concern, and the commotion within the household knew no bounds. Lately, since Tsutomu—the adopted son—had returned to Japan—

“This is too hectic,” came the complaints. The grumbling of the errand-running students grew clamorous. Today, his condition seemed slightly improved, and everyone from high to low felt at ease, until Osada’s laughter began ringing conspicuously through the halls.

Yamanaka, as usual under the pretext of nursing, was engaged in incessant conversation about something in Hamako’s room. Tsutomu, since his return to Japan, had been sensing something. Tormented, he found no joy in his heart. When he sat at his desk, only the workings of his nerves grew increasingly intense. He had nowhere to direct his increasingly disordered delusions. Though he considered walking to be an extremely suitable therapeutic method, during his adoptive father’s illness there were also the thoughts of those around him, and he was unable to go out freely. Now, the laughter that could occasionally be heard in Hamako’s room or the kitchen areas became the very fuse of his temper bursting. He found himself locked in a staring contest with the ceiling, bitterly distressed and rendered speechless. Ah—these nerves were a frightening thing indeed. At times when he looked about, it was as though demons and specters were assailing him with their piercing gazes. Before he knew it, he imagined himself standing beside a graceful and delicate beauty. They shifted in countless ways, ever-changing. Truly, the reality of this brooding hour was but another fleeting dream indeed. After a short while, there was an air as though he had somewhat awakened from a dream. He yawned two or three times.

He rose deliberately and opened the shoji screen. Stepping into the garden, he wandered three times around the flowerbed without purpose. Consciously avoiding the vicinity of Hamako’s room, he moved gradually toward the front entrance. Approaching the stablehands’ quarters, he detected whispers mingling with bursts of laughter. To ears unaccustomed to base matters, this seemed profoundly peculiar. As he edged closer to listen, a large hunting dog came bounding toward him upon recognizing its master’s footsteps. Silencing its fawning presence at his feet with a stern glance, he bent slightly to stroke its head while straining to hear.

“Hey!” “Ain’t comin’, huh?” “I’m tellin’ ya, this shit’s got me seethin’.”

“What’s wrong?” “What’s done is done.” “It’s your damn lackey’s fault.” “It’s that Miss Hane from your side.” “That one went and barged into the widow’s place.” “She lured out that Yamanaka fellow who’s here now.” “She’s sneaking all the way to Mukōjima as part of their scheme.” “I didn’t think they went out together.” “At first, I thought they were being honest, seein’ as I’m a straight shooter myself.” “Even though there’s already talk of them being a widow and a mistress.” “I’m thinkin’ it’s weird how the opponent’s different,” he said. “Ain’t like flower season—there’s barely anyone around, right?” “Suruto bastard!” “Went out sharing a ride in Miss Hane’s carriage.” “That’s some underhanded business, ain’t it?” “Ain’t no arguin’ with a cryin’ child and the magistrate.” “Putting on a stupid face, they had me pull the rickshaw and followed behind.” “I went to Uehan’s place in the back for lunch.” “It was just too damn embarrassin’.” “I thought I’d at least get Ensuke in on it too, but...”

“Shrewdly get ahead of them, Hansuke.” “Hmm, put someone on their tail.” “As if someone like Hansuke could be a leaky pot!” “Right to your face, I couldn’t stomach it.”

“No wonder he ain’t been comin’ around—I thought it was strange he went out in Japanese clothes for once.” “Don’t ya know about the thumb?” “Nah, ain’t got a clue.” “Every last one of ’em.” “Muzzled with gold, they are.” “Heave-ho, heave-ho,” came a muttered voice as someone approached. They inadvertently raised their voices. Tsutomu kept eavesdropping. His brow had been furrowing like summer lightning since earlier as he listened. He suddenly stirred to rise. Perhaps reconsidering, he stayed hunched, listening still.

“But if ya think ’bout it, ain’t nothin’ special.” “The places we go—all high-status households—but...” “Their grand airs—can’t make heads or tails of all those damn habits they put on.”

“Ain’t that just typical of the types who put on Western airs?”

“Nah, that’s just ’cause the world ain’t opened up proper yet, I tell ya.” “What’re ya yappin’ about?” “Tonight they’re hangin’ some fancy obi or whatnot off their hips.” “Next thing ya know, they’ve stuck ’em up like a bantam rooster’s tail feathers.” “Ain’t this just the season for puttin’ on airs?” “Other day, Mr. Longtongue said somethin’ sharp, I tell ya.” “Says nowadays they call it the age of indulgence.” “When they wanna cozy up to dames—out comes Western airs.” “When they wanna keep mistresses—back comes old-timey ways.” “Not a shred of decency in ’em.” “But hell—ain’t like we got any between us neither.” “This whole ‘age of indulgence’ ain’t worth spit—Ahaha!”

Such trivial talk turned to self-serving matters.

“Mr. Yamanaka is leaving.” Tsutomu hurriedly stood up. His mind churned with possibilities—whether it was that or not. The agitated mind’s clattering clogs— Stealthy footsteps determined not to let a sound escape— He returned toward the garden indeed.

Chapter 8

In the sweltering Minazuki—a heat said to melt gold—to the pleasure boat inn and the lantern-marked shop came a man likely around twenty-four or twenty-five years old. He had a straight nose and fair complexion. Though his eyes appeared ordinary at first glance, there was an indefinable sharpness about him—what one might call Iwashita’s electric intensity, though it was better left unspoken. His mouth was rather too small, almost excessively so, yet he sported a slight handlebar mustache. His height stood above average. He wore a jacket tailored from thin striped flannel with matching trousers. In his hand he carried a slender walking stick, and atop his head sat an oversized Panama hat. He had deliberately forgone carrying a Western-style umbrella.

The landlady exclaimed, “Oh my! The Young Master of Surugadai! It has been quite some time since we last met! I heard from Mr. Miyazaki that you recently returned from your travels abroad—my goodness!”

“I returned about ten days ago,” said Shinohara. “It’s unbearably hot today. I have an appointment to go out for some cool air with Miyazaki—he should be here any moment now. Prepare a roofed boat.” The landlady asked, “Do you require sake? And side dishes?” “Three bottles of Stock,” replied Shinohara. “Prepare about three kinds of accompaniments. We’ll board somewhere eventually—I don’t need much.” As he spoke— Miyazaki entered together with Saitō. “Oh,” said Saitō. “I was planning to come earlier, but—”

The boat being ready, they all boarded it. “When one speaks of five years, it seems like an eternity,” said Miyazaki, “yet now that we’ve reached this point, how swiftly it has passed. During your time abroad, there must have been countless tales—and given your nature, no doubt academic theories of some invention too. I had meant to inquire at leisure and hear your accounts properly, but with Lord Michikata’s condition remaining unimproved... Given the delicate circumstances surrounding his lordship’s state, I found myself constrained from maintaining correspondence.”

“I share your sentiment,” said Saitō. “Yet how fares His Lordship these days?”

“I share your sentiment,” said Shinohara. “Having met alumni friends like you all, I would like to have a leisurely chat... but due to Father’s condition, I’ve ended up unable to even go out. I can’t do as I wish, you know. After a couple of days, his condition improved remarkably—that’s why I invited you today.” Miyazaki replied, “During your travels abroad, you kindly sent me letters each time—though due to my usual ineptitude with the pen, I failed to respond even once out of every three letters. In your replies to my journalistic-style reports on Tokyo’s current state... You argued that ‘the Japanese are like people mesmerized by mesmerism,’ dancing entirely at Westerners’ whims through their imitations. But this differed greatly from the esteemed arguments I had heard before. When people travel abroad, they become enamored with the West—yet you’ve come to dislike it instead?” Those who knew them found it suspicious.

“Indeed, some might find it suspicious,” said Shinohara. “What I gained during my five years abroad—though that phrasing may sound grandiose.” “Well, that’s precisely where matters stand.” “Ah! The ice has melted nearly away.” “Come now—have another drink.” “Boatman! Could you put ashore somewhere and fetch two kin of ice?” Miyazaki interjected: “Speaking of which, Mr. Shinohara—” “Since your return, there must have been immediate discussions—” “Mr. Saitō!” “I had anticipated joining your celebratory banquet—” “But with Lord Michikata’s illness unresolved, such plans remain premature?”

“You are truly someone to be envied.” “Though Lord Michikata speaks of his past merits,” “he is now to be ranked among the peerage,” “The Lady is both talented and beautiful,” “has lately become proficient in English,” “excels particularly at the piano,” “masters dancing and all else,” “wouldn’t be out of place even among your circle,” “You two make a perfect pair—” “That’s what all our friends say.”

“Now that you mention it, that might be the case,” Shinohara Tsutomu said, “but as for me, I find it rather disagreeable. I’ve been wondering what to do about the marriage arrangements, you see. This is all because of you two—I’ll confess my secret.” He leaned forward slightly. “As you know, I was raised from the age of five or six precisely because my parents wished to marry me to that person and have me inherit the household. They even spent a fortune to send me to study in Europe.” His voice lowered. “To start disliking that woman now... When I reflect inwardly, I feel deeply ashamed from a moral standpoint.” He paused, the boat creaking beneath them. “And if I were to leave that household... it would mean nullifying all their kindness.” When he considered it in all sorts of ways, in truth, it was as if he wandered at a crossroads. As for the wedding plans, he had been prolonging them indefinitely under the pretext of Father’s illness.

Saitō: “This is quite unexpected. “After your travels abroad, your arguments have changed considerably, but...” “Looking at it now, it’s not merely about arguments, is it?” “People envy the marriage prospect you’ve secured.” “You fuss over this and that yet make no progress.” “Ah! I see through you!” “You claim to have grown to dislike the West now,” “but the truth is—” “you’ve made some pact with this fashionable ‘Golden Hair Young Lady’ everyone’s talking about.” “They say she’ll arrive any day now...” “Such baseless suspicion!” “There is absolutely no truth to it, but...” “To put it plainly, my aversion stems from...” “the lack of any foundation for sharing life’s joys and sorrows together.” “Yet what you say isn’t entirely false.” Indeed, my innermost convictions had transformed completely. Having journeyed through Europe and seen with my own eyes... The reality differed profoundly from what I had imagined and sought in books. A chasm lay between expectation and truth. There came a moment of sudden clarity— when I realized nothing matters more than human morality.

I came to realize that above all, morality is what matters for humans.

“Well now, so…”

Shinohara: “Yet when I returned to Japan... “You know Father and his Western fixations.” “Having been steeped in them myself,” “‘What hairstyles are trending in Paris now?’” “‘Which fashions are popular there?’” “He persists in asking only about such trivialities.” “While I admire Western scholarship and arts,” “I refuse to idolize its customs.” “This business of men and women clinging together to dance...” “It’s hardly becoming.” “For unmarried youths,” “It might serve as some matrimonial stratagem—” “Like China’s so-called Mid-Spring Festival gatherings.” “Yet even those can scarcely be called chaste traditions.” “They’re lingering barbarisms, you understand.” “Moreover, why forbid married women...” “From dancing with their own husbands?” “When spouses vow to share a thousand lives as one—” “Shouldn’t embracing each other in dance...” “Be both delightful and meaningful?”

“The notion that they must absolutely dance with others...” “What if we take this to its logical extreme?” “If you don’t play the gallant, it’s no fun at all.” “Doesn’t that lead to such logic?” “Using corsets to bind one’s chest, regardless of hygiene.” “Solely conforming to what pleases the vulgar eye—such things as well.” “In China, binding feet to make them small—it’s a distinction without a difference, you see.” “There’s no end to such arguments one could make.” “Therefore, I am not impressed by Western customs.” “Just the other day, while nursing Father...” “Because talk of Western customs kept coming up.” Without realizing it, I started spouting moral theories. “I brought up matters like dancing, but...” “Father argues that such things are precisely where social interactions become most intimate and acceptable.” “I thought it unwise to contradict a patient, so I held my tongue, but...” “You went abroad for nothing.” “So you’re still spouting that rotten Chinese-style theory about separating boys and girls at seven, I see.” Michikata snorted derisively, the sound piercing through to Tsutomu’s very bones and leaving him shuddering. Then he suddenly came to dislike it all—but—

Because there was both duty and a debt of gratitude toward Father. I didn’t like it—yet I couldn’t bring myself to say I disliked it. It truly pained my heart.

Saitō: “Even so, considering society’s reputation… As for that girl, no matter what kind of official’s madam you try to pass her off as… She could manage social interactions. Such impatience…” Shinohara: “What you say, Mr. Saitō… I came to despise that bureaucrat. Even if he became a bureaucrat… How much benefit to society do they deign to think they can possibly give? I revere Franklin more than Waseitō. One cannot say that Franklin was not a bureaucrat either. Waseitō raised the banner of righteousness in Boston; he unified over thirty states; he established a federal union in America. That he has now elevated it to a nation that can stand shoulder to shoulder with European countries without shame—great it may be, but… It’s merely that a single country has become grandiosely strong. It contributes nothing whatsoever to the world. Franklin invented electricity; then came the telegraph; then electric lights.”

“Hundreds of nations across the world—hundreds of millions of people’s livelihoods all relying on its benefits—is that not also a great thing? Even in today’s world, I would bend a finger to Lesseps over Bismarck. Bismarck humbled France, made our country’s King Sōrōsei the emperor of a unified Germania—now they hold sway over all of Europe, yet other countries receive no benefit whatsoever. Lesseps is not like that. He excavated the Suez Canal—what do you think of him opening up transportation for all the world’s nations? Furthermore, they are even attempting to complete the Panama Canal—that’s truly remarkable, isn’t it? Even if the United States of America had never been formed, our Japan would have no inconveniences whatsoever. If there were no telegraph machines—oh, how inconvenient it would be! Even if Germania does not become an empire—in Japan, it’s no big deal—but if there were no Suez Canal—”

“It’s impossible to gauge how severely transportation and trade would be disadvantaged.” “This isn’t limited to Japan.” “The same must hold true everywhere.” “So regarding my accomplishments as a bureaucrat—” “I came to understand they amounted to mere trifles.” “I resolve to model myself entirely after Franklin and Lesseps.”

Miyazaki: “Hear, hear! I wholeheartedly agree.” Shinohara: “That’s precisely why a socially adept wife—” “I don’t desire that in the slightest.” “As for the wife I prefer—” “It’s not that I’d be entirely troubled by her being illiterate, but—” “There exists what is called women’s virtue and the virtue of obedience,” “I want her to be able to read a little and strive in the way of managing a household.” “Infusing a lively nature with the world’s oxygen—” “I have no liking for when that becomes some tomboyish compound.” “In other words, rather than being skilled at dance parties, I prefer her engaging in knitting as a humble craft.” “I want someone who can assist with the household finances.”

“What? *My* household finances?” “The nobility are always prattling on about stingy trifles.” “Bwahahaha!”

The entire group burst into laughter at this.

Boatman: “Ah, Yaomatsuya—”

On the pier, the sound of the teahouse woman's geta clattered and clattered.

“Good morning.”

Chapter 9

Shinohara Tsutomu devoted himself to diligent study at Cambridge University in England, finally earning the title of Master of Arts. On his return journey, he toured various European countries, and after five long years abroad, he at last returned to his homeland. His adoptive father had unexpectedly been elevated to the peerage, the family’s honor having reached its zenith through successive felicities. Though wanting for nothing in life, he had long been betrothed in marriage. Yet Hamako’s demeanor gave him countless causes for concern— even from afar, she bore an air of guilt and comported herself with restraint. What could be the reason for this? he wondered. Just as he began to take notice— the unexpected rumors from stablemen and rickshaw pullers reached his ears. His heart pounded with shock, and he realized the truth of it all. Moreover, countless other matters came to his attention, nurturing seeds of doubt until they sprouted unrestrained. Hamako did not attend her father’s sickbed, and as her frequent outings grew ever more discordant with his heart, he steeled his resolve to divorce her and withdraw from their union. To a few close friends, he had obliquely hinted at these thoughts—yet—

Indeed, since childhood, they had grown up together like the intertwined wells of Tsutsui, competing to outdo each other to the utmost. Glossy black hair and a flower-like face—her form and features too were lovely. As Hamako was a woman whose academic knowledge and wisdom surpassed those of ordinary people, he could not bring himself to cast her aside now. Though it was not that he was enamored of her beauty, he could not dismiss her as an unclaimed jewel either. Secondly, he found it difficult to betray the affection and duty owed to the adoptive parents who had raised him from childhood. He tormented his heart alone. Now, with his adoptive father gravely ill, he could not spare himself to attend to him—and so time passed in that state. Michikata was not only a physician renowned as a national expert; he had even requested an examination from Dr. Baelz who had come from Germany. Though the treatment had not been unwise, there seemed to be a slight improvement—what is called a deathbed rally.

On the evening of Tsutomu’s return from his cooling-off trip, Michikata’s condition took a sudden turn. The following day, he embarked on the journey from which there is no return. Tsutomu and his companions’ grief was profound. Since they had lost a good person, there were none who did not mourn him, it is said. However, Tsutomu inherited his position. Once the mourning period had concluded, they intended to have him perform the marriage ceremony with Hamako. With his mother leading the way, relatives and friends urged him with various arguments. Tsutomu laid bare and explained the circumstances without reserve. Since it was not an unfounded charge to begin with, since everyone’s response amounted to “No one would reproach him for it,” Tsutomu did not forget his adoptive father’s nurturing kindness. Since he had already inherited the peerage of the nobility, he ought to inherit only the hereditary property. He would hand over all remaining inheritance to Hamako. Deeming it a satisfactory arrangement within his heart, he requested a suitable mediator and had her marry Yamanaka Tadashi. He had a certain old servant who had served the household, along with numerous maidservants, accompany her. He sought a suitable house in the nearby district and had her reside in it.

He had taken care of everything without leaving anything undone. All people praised the appropriateness of his arrangements. Tadashi felt as though he had suddenly become wealthy by marrying Hamako, but... He was in the same position as a live-in son-in-law. Hamako had become like the master. She was not lacking in talent or beauty. She had until then been a dependent. In retrospect, there must have been a part of her that found this newfound ease agreeable.

“About last night’s talk...” “I’ve clearly figured out your intentions.” “I’ve finally calmed down now, you know.” “I’ve gotten sick of that old hag.” “Have you gone and changed your tune?” “You have no idea how much I’ve agonized over this.”

“I suppose so.” “After all, it was through that person’s influential backing that I even managed to secure a government position.” “Since he favored me in every way.” “Since I figured there was no harm in currying favor.” “While I was serving to the best of my ability,” “It was about teaching that guy English…” “Well, it was just one of those things.” “I did this thinking I shouldn’t risk offending his feelings…”

“Enough already! I’ve heard plenty.” “The problem is you keep cutting in when I talk.” “And so even the marriage arrangement got settled.” “It’s about suddenly becoming a big shot, but...” “Who knows about their side...” “Enough! You’re annoying!” “It doesn’t rub me wrong, but...” “It’s just like I told you last night.” “This act is the key charade.” “Just keep your distance for now.”

“Oh, I get that part already.” “If you’re finally serious,” “I’ll show my true colors as a wicked hag as well.” “Even if we were to stage a scene like Oden of Otowa-ya.” “It’s because your mind isn’t made up.” “If we fall into that trap, we’ll end up looking like fools, you know.”

“Suspicion should be directed at others.” “Have others latch onto their sniveling.”

“It’s dangerous, I tell you.” “Even so,” “The other side has a good poker face, but you’re the one losing your composure.”

“Nonsense!”

“Then you’re sure about this?” “Obviously.” “Lend me your ear,” he whispered. The two of them whispered together for some time.

This was situated beside Shinbashi Station. In the inner second floor of the teahouse called Shinbashi-ro. The man and woman facing each other were— Yamanaka Tadashi and Osada. Tadashi took out his watch and looked at it. “It’s already time, right?” he said as he stood up. “Is everything set for the hot spring trip this time? Isn’t there a man accompanying you?”

“It ain’t you! What curse’d make me go foolin’ ’round with others?” “If y’doubt me, tag along right to where I board the train!” “There’s none ’cept Okiyo—not even a mangy tomcat!”

As they approached the station, bantering all the while, the departure signal rang out: *ding-a-ling ding-a-ling*.

Chapter Ten

There was likely no hired rickshaw puller. Onto the small gravel of the entrance carriage turnaround, water was being sprinkled continuously. Judging from this appearance, even if one were to dismiss it lightly, it appeared to be a residence befitting a mid-ranking official of second or third class. It was Yamanaka Tadashi’s house. In truth, it was a house that had been purchased with Shinohara Hamako’s wealth. Thus, from household matters to all social interactions, all authority rested solely with Hamako. She advocated women’s supremacy. She herself dashed about in her private rickshaw, while the master would go out every single morning with his clerk’s lunchbox. On his return, he would go as far as Kannonzaka Hill. The five-sen jump-on ride was his greatest pleasure. The rickshaw puller, having finished sprinkling water, was absentmindedly taking in the evening scene when—rattling and clattering—a single rickshaw came dashing up.

“Young man, this will do here,” she said, alighting. She briefly greeted this rickshaw puller.

“Would this be the direction to Miss Shinohara’s residence…?” “I have heard that the lodging has been vacated…” “Is she in today?” “Where have you come from?” “I don’t know.” “Go around to the back and ask.”

“Well then, I shall turn at this wall.” “Understood. Thank you very much.” In the kitchen area at the back of the house, the servant was cutting pickles. She heard a voice saying, “Pardon me.” She opened the latch.

“Where are you from?” “I have come from the Yamanaka residence.” “Thank you ever so much for your long care of our lodging.” “This morning I too returned.” “As the house has now been vacated,” “he instructed me to return promptly.” “Oh, Yamanaka is indeed here, but...” “No one has arrived today.” “Then might this not be the residence of Lady Shinohara?”

“Yes, this is the place.” “If I meet the young mistress, matters will surely become clear.” “I am Sada of Yamanaka.” “I humbly request just a brief audience.” “I ask that you convey my message.” The servant made a puzzled face. Staring fixedly as she went to the inner rooms.

The servant said, “Madam.” “A woman around thirty who looks like the proprietress of a tea house has come.” “She says she wishes to request a brief audience.”

Hamako leaned her arm on the window and was reading a girls’ magazine. “What kind of person?” she asked. “She’s wearing a solid komon-patterned lined haori,” replied the servant. “A very stylish person. She spoke about various matters, but I couldn’t make sense of any of it.” “Isn’t that Osada-san,” said Hamako, “the one my father once took under his care?”

“She said something like ‘Sada’ or such,” said the servant. “Ah! It must be that person,” said Hamako. “Show her in here.” “Shall I go meet her?” said the servant with a puzzled look as she went out. Before long, she guided her in and brought her.

“Oh my, it’s been such a long time.” “I must apologize for my prolonged absence.” “I was away combining business with sightseeing.” “I had gone to the Osaka area.” “That was indeed the case, was it not?” “You’ve indulged in quite a splendid rest, haven’t you?” “Once again, I am deeply grateful that the lodging has been under your care for so long.”

“Oh my, who is it?”

“That lodging had been under your care for some time,” “I mentioned he grew lonely during my absence.” “It seems he closed up the house and vacated it.” “I thank you most sincerely.” “As for me, I know nothing of this husband,” “Who might that be?” “Ohohoho, you speak only in jests.” “It’s Yamanaka Tadashi—as you well know.” “What did you say?!” “Ohohohoho! How absurd!” “Why do you say that?”

“Why do you ask? Ohohohoho!”

Osada deliberately put on a serious face.

“Why are you laughing?” Osada said.

“Why? What is Yamanaka Tadashi to me?” “He is the master of this house, you know!” Osada deliberately put on a surprised look. “What do you mean?” “That mansion of…” “Is that truly the case?” “Oh, how tiresome!” “Are you truly going to ask such a thing?” “I just had a wedding the other day…” “What did you say?!” “A wedding….” “Oh my, oh my! I’m utterly appalled, I tell you!” “I’ve never even dreamed of such a thing….”

“Oh my, was that so? That wedding too, you know. There have been some complications. I haven’t made it public yet, you know. We’ve even held the formal rites of a monogamous marriage. I bought this house with my own assets, you know. I brought all the servants from my hometown as well.” Osada pretended not to hear this conversation, muttering as if to herself. “Well, I’m utterly appalled. That’s why I told ya not to say anything! Because Miss Shinohara’s behavior was suspicious. I told ya you shouldn’t let yourself get tricked!”

“What are you talking about? When have I ever done something like deceiving people?” “I don’t know if you’re a heron or a crow. You’ve charmed another’s man. What a prim and proper young lady you are.”

Hamako, aghast, stared fixedly at Osada’s face. She raised her voice even louder. "When I return from Osaka this time..." "to people my husband knows—the ones not publicly acknowledged," "it’s become a matter of arranging matchmakers through those connections." "Just because he’s been snatched away by you now," "I can’t just sit idly by!" "In any case, release Yamanaka." "Ask him yourself—he’ll tell you how it is." "Now hurry up and release my husband!"

“Even if you say such things, he isn’t here now.” “When you hurl such abuse…” “It makes it seem as though I’m the one at fault.” “There’s also how it looks to others.” “Because it’s disgraceful…” “What’re you actin’ all high and mighty for?” “What’s this ‘actin’ all high and mighty’?” “It refers to people who think they’ve got money and act however they please.” “You stole my husband while I was away.” “You can’t just keep prancing around like some high-society lady!” “I’m so ashamed and furious I can’t stand it!” “Hurry up and release my husband.”

“What do you mean by ‘stole’? If you treat someone so roughly… You’ll be breaking the law. After all, I bear the name of the peerage.” “Oh my, oh my! This is the first I’ve heard of it. A princess with her ladle and rice paddle—! Even if you steal another’s man… Doesn’t that noble law of yours apply?” “I am not aware of any thievery or such things. In any case, Yamanaka is my husband… Someone come quickly and get this lunatic out of here.”

“What do you mean by ‘lunatic’?” “I may speak bluntly, but I’m an honest woman.” “Talking to this thickheaded fool gets us nowhere.” “Go on then—call a policeman or whoever you like!” Though her voice rose in intensity, Hamako had been reared in aristocratic seclusion, never having encountered such vulgar exchanges even in nightmares. She could only parrot the same feeble denials, until at last she trembled on the brink of tears. The steward Sandayu came hurrying forth.

“What kind of deity do you fancy yourself to be? How impertinent.” “Now then—you mustn’t make Her Highness weep any further.” “You’ll only grow more presumptuous.” “Listen here, Ms. Osada.” “At present, His Lordship isn’t in residence either.” “This matter defies comprehension.” “You’d best return when His Lordship is receiving visitors.” “I shall apprise you of all particulars.”

At last, Osada quieted down. Having come this far, perhaps thinking that proceeding leisurely would now be the wisest course— seizing the chance of being pacified by Sandayu, she clattered her way homeward.

Hamako’s voice trembled with lingering sobs.

“Someone—anyone—go meet them quickly.” “Hurry up!”

Thus Osada had come that night—and not only that. Morning and evening she came to hurl abuse and insults. Hamako was not one to be foolish either. She also gave thorough instructions to the servants. They had simply been turning people away by saying she was out.

After that, Yamanaka’s demeanor underwent a complete change. He began staying elsewhere every three days without fail. At last, without Hamako’s knowledge— Bracelets, Rings, and other items adorning Hamako’s person— He had taken them away before she knew it. At last Hamako too came to realize—upon investigating—that Yamanaka had long been living as husband and wife with Osada. Taking advantage of Hamako’s infatuation, there had been no wedding. Since he had schemed to embezzle that property, In the end, he had come to possess much only for that woman. They even began going on sightseeing outings together, Flaunting their relationship by passing in front of my house and such. Hamako was consumed by helpless resentment, Though it was originally her own doing. When she came to her senses, even the Shinohara family’s reputation could not escape damage. The butler and those who had accompanied her had merely followed orders. They attempted to enforce silence, but What is hidden will inevitably come to light—and since it had reached Tsutomu’s ears, he investigated the matter in greater detail. Even the house and estate had been—before anyone knew it— Put up as collateral under what was called a mortgage.

It had come to light that he had even borrowed large sums of money and such matters as well— Tadashi had already resigned from his government post; he had particularly taken Osada with him; they had absconded to parts unknown.

Hamako, since her ill-advised social connections had spread, and since such rumors had also proliferated in abundance, now found herself with nothing left but to gnaw her navel in bitter regret. She spent her days drowning in tears.

Chapter Eleven “Take a seat for a bit.” “Please come in and have some tea.” A woman’s voice called out. “Gather ’round this corner!” “Eternal toilers—turtle hatchlings!” “Gather ’round! Gather ’round! Kikuwai’s turtle hatchlings!” A voice clamored incessantly.

The autumn evening in Takinogawa. In the shade of maple leaves where people were beginning to scatter, at a wayside tea house. Two men rested awhile. Their bearing was not vulgar. As they stood up.

“Shinohara, how about we take a stroll over that way? Since Lord Michikata’s passing, you’ve noticeably weakened physically. It’s because your spirits aren’t up—that’s what’s wrong. Well, there may be aspects that still trouble you, but what’s done can’t be helped. Miss Hamako has resolutely come to her senses—she truly seems to be in regret now. I also had business in Yokohama yesterday, so I paid her a visit. It was a story of her tearfully saying she was utterly ashamed. She has truly become a genuine Christian, and her former self has completely vanished.”

“That was entirely my sister’s fault.” “She herself had truly been mistaken.” “She deeply regrets it.” “Even if she remains quiet like that,” “she cannot even come to meet Mother openly.” “When I think of it—it’s truly pitiable.”

“That’s certainly true, but... “You are mindful of your duty to your adoptive parents, but— “You being so sullen like this— “if you were to contract tuberculosis or something, that would be even more unfilial.” “I know this may sound strange, but…” “I’m also a rather timid person myself.” “When trivial matters weigh on my mind a bit—” “I couldn’t sit still for a moment, but—” “Saitō pressed Mother relentlessly.” “Since I took Hattori Namiko as my wife—” “even when I return home, there’s nothing to dwell on.” “When I’m reading or something and my spirits flag—” “I have her play the koto or make tea.” “I also consult with her a bit about literature.” “They do quite a bit to lift one’s spirits.” “Given that your adoptive mother is also like that…” “It’s only natural for your spirits to become gloomy.” “This may sound meddlesome, but I’ll handle things.” “You should make yourself a Lady Shinohara, na.”

“Truly, during that Hamako affair, I was so worked up.” “I even considered finding a wife who’d surpass her, but—” “Now my mind holds nothing but thoughts of how pitiable and troublesome it all is.” “I don’t think of such things at all.” “Ah—this talk has somehow descended into mere logic, hasn’t it?”

“Moon.” “Well, let’s go.”

“Well now, someone’s scribbled all over here.” “A haiku, perhaps?” All who came to view the autumn leaves were red-faced.

Ha ha ha ha! How trivial. In places like this, waka poetry is rare, you know.

“Wait,” said Shinohara Tsutomu. “I wonder if that fallen object over there contains a waka poem.” “Oh, this pencil writing is quite neat.” Might the autumn leaves not scatter in vain? The true hues seen by those who gaze. That was quite an oddly impassioned poem. What kind of person could have written this. The poem was quite good. It was truly a noble and excellent thing.

“Auntie.” “You don’t know who wrote this, do you?” “There’s too many people here, you know.”

“Let me see now,” “Ah, that was likely a young gentleman of about fifteen now,” “They rested here together, sir,” “It must be the young lady’s.” “A woman…” “It does indeed seem like a woman’s hand.” “Ah, this is Tsurayuki’s style!” “However, poetry is truly one of the arts,” “an indispensable element.” “I hear some Western scholars these days dismiss it as a plaything,” “but it truly isn’t such a thing!” “When one composes poems, concise yet profound sentences flow forth,” “and one’s mind becomes somewhat more elevated.” “What’s the point of girls’ schools anyway?” “It might be good to include waka poetry as a subject,” he said as they approached the bank ahead. Here sat Matsushima Ashio, who quickly noticed—

“Sis! Sis! Mr. Miyazaki—”

“Oh my.” “I truly haven’t had the honor of meeting you since then.”

“Well! What a perfect place to meet you.” “Just the two of you, I see?” “Because my sister is always cooped up inside.” “I persuaded her to come along with me.” “That’s a fine rest indeed.” “Mr. Shinohara, I have often spoken to you about—” “This is Ms. Matsushima Hideko.” “Ms. Hideko, this gentleman has long studied abroad.” “He has returned to Japan after receiving the distinguished title of master artisan.” “He is my close friend, the one addressed as Mr. Shinohara.” “Let me properly introduce you.” Hideko stepped closer. Even if recognized, it remained unvoiced. At last, he looked up at her. Her eyebrows were elegantly arched, her nose high. Her mouth was unassuming yet charming. If she had even studied abroad, the level of her scholarship could be inferred. She appeared all the more dignified. Though bearing no ill will in her person.

Her demeanor was one of such nobility. Her scholarship was so admired that... One’s nose would involuntarily pale in awe. Tsutomu, too, had long heard tell of her. Such were his thoughts, yet her meekness defied all expectation. Her face, as white as snow, flushed slightly with bashfulness. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint rosy hue. Her hair was tied in a bun. Her ordinary, unfashionable clothing— A striped crepe kimono with seven descending stripes, slightly too plain. She fastened an obi of purple silk damask with Yuzen-dyed Kanko crepe in a front-wrap style. Her attire—a black kenchū haori worn over [the ensemble]—was refined. Tsutomu had been gloomy and found little joy in his daily life. When he saw this “living flower.” The colors of the autumn leaves seemed to pale in comparison. In the same way, he turned pale and was speechless. Unaware of what was transpiring, Ashio busily— “Come this way.” As he led the way. Miyazaki sat down.

“Mr. Shinohara, do have a seat…” “Ms. Hideko.” “It was lying under those maple trees over there, but—” “Might this poem perhaps be your composition?” “Oh my, how could that be?” said Hideko with a slightly bashful air. “Truly, until now I had no idea you could compose waka poetry to this extent. Someone like you has truly received ample education.” “You have mastered household ethics yourself.” “The way you carry yourself like this is truly remarkable, though…” “There’s no need to let it go unnoticed and scatter away.” “Even a steed that can gallop a thousand ri needs a Bo Le, as they say.” “Hey, Mr. Shinohara.”

“Indeed, that’s right.” “It is more refined when things remain concealed.”

“Well, that may be so,” said Miyazaki. “But one shouldn’t belittle oneself too much. To call oneself lowly or incapable—that goes too far as well. Maintain a measure of nobility in your spirit. Yet do not grow conceited. That is the true power of scholarship—to keep one from becoming arrogant. Now, Ms. Hideko.” “Indeed that may be so,” replied Hideko. “Though I too have pursued scholarship and come to grasp reason and such.”

“Oh my, you are quite the insatiable one, Ms. Hideko, I say…”

“Oh my, while I was listening to your story…” Before they knew it, the day had grown late. “We will take our leave first.” “Let us go, Ashio.”

“Is that so?” said Miyazaki. “Indeed, it would not do to stay too late. Such things rarely occur among young people. Goodbye—do come visit for leisure sometime. And you must call upon Lord Shinohara here as well. Listen well to his elevated discourses on Western customs and academic studies. Next time I shall bring you along.” “I humbly request your kind consideration,” said Hideko. “I sincerely apologize for our discourtesy. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” said Shinohara—and with sleeves of their haori brushing as they went, they all parted ways.

Ah, this auspicious meeting of a talented man and an accomplished woman— Through the mediation of matchmakers, it was thought they would be joined in felicitous union. They simply cherished each other dearly together, keeping their feelings hidden, not betraying a hint in their expressions. Holding their emotions close, they parted ways. To those watching from the sidelines, it must have made quite a charming sight.

“Well? It seems you’ve taken a liking to her, don’t you think?” “She’s precisely the woman who matches your ideals, wouldn’t you agree?” “I believe there is no other as admirable as her.”

“Huh. That’s right, isn’t it.”

“That very coldness proves you’ve taken a liking to her. Why not play the Bo Le?” “Because her pride stands too high.”

“Well, it’s just as you wished!” he was told abruptly, and when he turned around—

Two merchants returning from Takinokawa.

“Then let’s go with Ōgiya.”

Miyazaki chuckled. “What’s this? A dinner discussion?” “However, Ōgiya of Suehiro must be pleased.” “Oh, Mr. Shinohara…”

Chapter Twelve

The place was Shiba Park. What was known as the Kōyōkan stood splendidly constructed on a moderately high hill. For hosting banquets attended by nobles and the wealthy, there was no equal in all of Tokyo. Its architectural refinement and culinary artistry were peerless. As today marked a celebratory occasion, carriages and rickshaws began arriving shortly past four o'clock. Even the spacious entrance became lined to the point of congestion. This was through Miyazaki Ichirō's mediation for Viscount Shinohara— he was holding a wedding banquet with Matsushima Hideko. Had the late viscount still lived, he would have hosted a Western-style reception at the Rokumeikan or similar venues, but... Tsutomu's adoptive mother disapproved. Hideko had not yet grown accustomed to Western-style socializing, and moreover— among relatives and friends— they still clustered around tables. Rather than eating and drinking while standing, since many preferred sitting formally at soup trays, they had deliberately chosen old-fashioned ways and held the banquet there.

“Your Lordship, I sincerely congratulate you.” “Truly, thanks to your kindness, we have been blessed with such a fine bride.” “I am truly relieved,” she said with her lips, yet her eyes— That tears glistened faintly in her eyes was only natural. Ichirō did not offer elaborate congratulations. From where he had smoothly withdrawn, the gathered guests—each in their own way—began offering their felicitations. The ever-familiar Saitō stood slightly drunk and in high spirits.

“Hey, wasn’t it Namiko-san? “Mrs. Miyazaki.” “As for you and that Miss Hamako—” “They seemed to get along quite well, though…” “Things ended up like that.” “Today of all days, she was supposed to be the guest of honor, and yet…” “It’s so dull, isn’t it?” “That is correct,” was her only response. She did not say anything further about the aftermath. Unmindful of the deference due to the Shinohara family’s female recluse seated in the place of honor, Saitō turned toward Tsutomu.

“Hey Tsutomu—that Yamanaka fellow—” “He wasn’t the type to have guts for such wicked deeds—” “Just desperately trying to humor the late Viscount—” “Since Miss Hamako was his cherished daughter—” “A policy of sucking up to authority—” “The flattery went way too far—” “In the end...” “But that couldn’t be helped—” “Even though you did all that for him—” “That guy’s got his usual sucking-up act—” “A most splendid noble’s son-in-law—” “Even if he puts on a bold front—” “Here’s how it is—” “As if I’d start making excuses like that!” “If so—people’s gossip lasts seventy-five days—” “They’ll fade eventually—” “Prodded by that wicked hag—” “Idiot...” “He’s made a terrible mess—” “That job wasn’t suited to that guy—”

“In truth, he’s less of a villain and more—” “Rather suited to playing the pushover role.” “Spineless through and through.” “No real purpose from the start.” “Just scrambling to please the late Viscount.” “Never meant to deceive Miss Hamako most of all.” “Even that hag—” “Must’ve whispered sweet nothings about her lonely bedchamber.” “Already indebted to her from way back,” “Couldn’t bear shaming her—so he claims.” “Those flimsy sentimental excuses are just part of the mess.” “But once he dipped his toes in—” “Now that shrew’s got him by the throat,” “Pulled off every scheme in record time, I tell you.” “Truth is, when a man—” “Has nothing left worth guarding—” “Just drifts wherever the current takes him—” “He’ll commit atrocities against his own conscience.” “Yamanaka’s cut from that cloth.” “Put grandly—like Xun Yu serving Cao Cao in Han times.”

“That Saigō—if I were to speak of him—” “Just as I thought.” “He was propped up by Satsuma stalwarts,” “tangled in obligations that weren’t even real obligations,” “and ended up spreading the stigma of rebellion against his will.” “One cannot help but conclude he had lost what he ought to protect.” “In hushed tones, they say M also withdrew a considerable sum,” “and lately he’s been kept by that hag.” “He may well have been cast out by now.” “When you consider it all, Miss Hamako has become truly pitiable.” Thus concluded this ill-timed tale. The crowd could only exchange uneasy glances. With no one willing to respond, they feigned ignorance and joined the drunken revelry— just as someone began singing a rehearsed passage from a Noh chant.

“Truly, marriage ties are mysterious things,” said Miyazaki. “Though my humble wife had long maintained proximity, I never imagined matters would develop thus. And as for you... Hmm... These unforeseen bonds from past circumstances—they’re mutual between us both, wouldn’t you say?”

Tsutomu said, “Indeed, when I consider all that has transpired thus far, it reads quite like a novel.” “As for tonight’s banquet—” “And so they lived happily ever after,” Tsutomu’s voice declared, reaching Saitō’s ears. With loud voices, they chanted, “Happily ever after! Happily ever after!”

It should be added.

Matsushima Ashio later entered university. He studied engineering. After graduating, he oversaw a major civil engineering project, became well-known among people, and later married Miyazaki Ichirō's sister, it is said.

As for Saitō Matsuko and Aizawa Shina-ko— Afterwards, they entered Normal School. Both came to be known for their talent and scholarship. As their long-held aspirations dictated, as female scholars, they did not take husbands. Whether they spent their entire lives this way or not, their future was not one that could be known.

The fates of Yamanaka Tadashi and Osada remained uncertain, but it was likely to be an outcome that did not stray from Saitō’s conjecture— so the people declared.