Pathway to Japanese Literature

When Obon arrived in Edo’s streets with autumn’s first breeze after midsummer’s peak had passed—during the seventh lunar month—people’s hearts filled as if by prior accord with a faint longing for those gone and phrases like *all souls of three realms* rose to their lips. Tonight, for viewing Aoyama Hyakunin-cho’s star lanterns—one of Edo’s famed spectacles—the shogunate had come in procession with his beloved Lady Ohikari, and so this quarter bustled with comings and goings unlike its usual quiet.

“Hey, Omaki—you don’t think Oharu and Tsunekichi are dillydallying out there, do you? They’re taking an awfully long time.” “There’s no such thing.” “The group leader’s residence isn’t even five blocks from here, you know.” “It must be that the shogun’s procession is running late.” At the home of Genbei of Ibukiya, a medicine wholesaler near Baishōin Temple, their daughter Yuri—who served in the Inner Palace—had been granted special temporary leave for the evening. Eager to see her face for the first time in six months, they had earlier sent their younger daughter Oharu, accompanied by the clerk Tsunekichi, to meet her partway. But once the reception preparations in the inner parlor were complete, Genbei could no longer contain his impatience; he ventured out to the entrance, his head leading the way into the already pitch-dark evening.

Before he knew it, his wife Omaki had drawn close behind Genbei and was craning her neck toward Hyakunin-cho. “Hey, Master. Once Yuri returns tonight, I do hope we can settle matters with Mr. Heitarō and have her leave the castle as soon as possible.” “That’s what I want too, but according to Yuri’s letters, this superior of hers—Lady Sodenoi or whoever—is being so kind to her that she says she doesn’t want to leave in a hurry.” “I can’t fathom the minds of girls these days.”

“After all, a merchant’s daughter serving in the palace for so long is a recipe for trouble. …Come to think of it, they truly are late—could there have been some mishap?…”

At Omaki’s worried appearance, Genbei—sharing the same concern—also cast his gaze toward the distant streets of the town. The entire area of Hyakunin-cho was as beautiful as a cluster of stars—every residence had cedar logs five or six *ken* tall, their tips fitted with roofs wrapped in cedar leaves, beneath which lanterns hung. From the Meiwa through Kansei eras, Edo’s townspeople had enthusiastically hung tall lanterns at every household to welcome the spirits, but now in Tenpō, the custom had completely faded—its remnants could only be glimpsed in temples and the displays of Yoshiwara’s Tamaya Yamasaburo. Moreover, Aoyama Hyakunin-cho—where the Teppo-gumi retainers resided—alone maintained this tradition unaltered, its rare sight becoming one of Edo’s famed attractions. It had long been customary for the shogunate to divert his palanquin to the group leader’s residence as a resting place for one night during Obon.

Tonight as well, Shogun Ieyoshi had arrived in procession with his beloved concubine Lady Ohikari, and Yuri—Genbei’s daughter who served Lady Ohikari—had joined the retinue. However, due to her exemplary daily service, news that she had been granted permission to return home midway had already reached the Ibukiya household yesterday morning, sending them into raptures. Before the couple who had been waiting impatiently, Tsunekichi’s voice suddenly emerged from the darkness, buoyant with excitement.

“Master.” “Madam must be overjoyed as well.” “Oh, Tsunekichi.” “Where’s Yuri?” “Yes. “The procession has just arrived at Lord Endō’s residence, so the young lady was granted leave.” “She comes now, but as a guest accompanies her, I hurried ahead to inform you.”

Just then, Oharu’s lantern drew near, and within its light, Yuri’s face appeared distinctly visible. Adorned in the *Bunshin Takashimada* hairstyle and beaming in her palace maid attire, the lingering beauty of her summer makeup was so radiant that even to us, her parents, she seemed almost dazzlingly radiant.

“Oh, Yuri…” “Well, you’ve finally come back home.” “Father… Mother… “You’re both in good health…” Leaving behind the fellow maids and tea monk who had accompanied her home, Yuri hurried over. Her parents took her hands, and her heart must have swelled with emotion. Her eyelids were already moistening. Oharu and Tsunekichi had rushed in from the shopfront to announce Yuri’s return home, and so the Ibukiya household suddenly came alive with bustling energy.

Morning breeze.

“Boss, it’s terrible!” “Hey, Iwakichi, you’re making too much noise. In a household entrusted with official duties, if you go around declaring every little thing a crisis, we’ll be laughed at by the guests, I tell you. Watch yourself!” “Heh. This is a major screw-up. I let my usual habit get the better of me… Mornin’, Boss of Kuromon-cho.” “Mr. Iwa.” “Quite the busybody you’ve been since morning.” “In front of Boss Denshichi here, I’ve managed to get wind of a once-in-a-decade commotion that ain’t just any ordinary fuss…”

“Iwa—what’s this all about?”

In response to the boss’s question, like a strike meeting its echo, Iwakichi’s voice rang clear.

“Yes.” “Last night, a palace maid who accompanied the shogun was killed.”

At the home of Tomegorō the detective in Aoyama Kitamachi—where last night’s wake for his father, who had died of old age, had left everyone’s eyes swollen and red—Iwakichi’s voice now made them snap their eyes wide open in unison. Since Tomegorō’s father had also been a renowned bounty hunter in Edo, Denshichi of Kuromon-cho—who had been doted on like a son by Tomegorō’s father—had brought his flat-nosed subordinate Takezō and spent the night there. Yet just as they were about to leave at that very moment, they heard an extraordinary story one could not ignore.

“Iwa—you’re makin’ too much damn noise.” “Kuromon-cho’s here too.” “At least calm down a bit when you’re talkin’.” “No—Kitamachi’s…” Denshichi, laughing, stopped Tomegorō as he was scolding.

“There’s also a man here who rarely gets flustered. As for me—I’m used to jumpy folks, so how ’bout lettin’ me hear the rest of what you were sayin’?” “This is no joke.” Flat-nosed Takezō shook his head.

“Boss. There’s no need to come all the way to Aoyama and drag me into this.”

“Ha ha ha. People oughta think being dragged into things is the best part… Now then, Mr. Iwa—what’s the story here?” Iwakichi gulped audibly and held his breath. “In truth—she’s the daughter of Ibukiya on Baishōin-dōri Street.” “So it’s Yuri from the Inner Palace. Where the hell was she killed?” Tomegorō also unintentionally leaned forward on one knee.

“Last night, she came back to her own home.” “They apparently held a mock celebration with a crowd—drinking and eating—and then went to bed, but this morning when her mother went to wake her, she found her stabbed through the chest, already cold, or so the story goes…” “Hmm…” “The person apparently came as part of the entourage to view the Star Lanterns.” “I heard she’d been granted a temporary leave for just two days.” “After all, it happened the very night she returned—her parents and everyone at the shop must’ve been beside themselves.” “They grabbed me when I rushed in and had me spoutin’ a bunch o’ nonsense—this is about Miss Yuri, who was known ’round these parts as the belle o’ the town.” “So I rushed back in a hurry to ask you, Boss, to come take charge.”

“I see. You’ve listened well. His Excellency the Shogun returned last night, but precisely because this matter concerns him, if we don’t settle this within today or tomorrow, it’ll stain Magistrate Tōyama-sama’s honor. Let’s go immediately.” Tomegorō stood up and looked at Denshichi, who had been listening silently.

“Kuromon-cho.” “It’s exactly as you’ve just heard.” “It must be a bother, but could I get you to come along?” “Hmm. If it’s all right with you, I’ll gladly accompany you.” “You’re the one carrying the deceased.” “If I can lend a hand, it’d be my greatest satisfaction.” “Much obliged.” “If this drags on, folks’ll come swarmin’ from all over this time—can’t afford to dawdle on a job like this. If Brother hadn’t come along, we’d be up a creek. You’re worth a thousand men.”

Just as Tomegorō, suddenly stirred, was about to leave with Denshichi, it was Takezō who called out to stop them. “Boss.” “What?” “I still ain’t seen the palace maid who got killed.” “…Let me make a name for myself today.” “Idiot!” “Wait—Kuromon-cho’s… “Take Take-san along too. “There’s gotta be somethin’ you’ll need me scramblin’ around for.” “Heh, heh. “Much obliged.” “I’m sure my nose’ll come in handy for ya.” Flat-nosed Takezō rolled up his sleeves after saying this.

Flat-nosed Takezō rolled up his sleeves in a swift motion after saying this.

The Breast Wound

“Ah, Boss of Kitamachi.” “You’ve had a long journey.” “Please do come in.” Clerk Tsunekichi, his face deathly pale and hands clasped nervously, greeted them, but Tomegorō—his brow deeply furrowed—merely gave a curt nod and briskly proceeded to the inner rooms.

Following behind them, Denshichi, Takezō, and the rear guard were trailed by the well-known Iwakichi, who exchanged some words with the apprentices as they proceeded.

The shop was dimly lit with its large shutters closed, and in the detached room they were led to, Yuri’s bed remained untouched, with only a single stick of incense and water offered at the bedside. It was exactly the kind of house where a bloody incident had occurred, and a gloomy atmosphere permeated the air.

“Boss, what a dreadful turn of events. After Miss Yuri went to the trouble of taking her temporary leave, to suffer such misfortune… It’s like a nightmare.”

“Boss of Kitamachi, please understand our plight.” “That she couldn’t even sleep peacefully for a single night after returning home for the first time in half a year… What a cruel twist of fate this is.” “If it had come to this… how much better it would have been had she not come back at all.”

As Genbei’s voice faltered, Omaki too said only a word before collapsing in tears there and then. “Please, Boss.” “Please apprehend the one who killed her quickly.” “At least allow my daughter to attain peace, I humbly beg.” “Don’t you worry.” “I’ve known Miss Yuri since she was a little girl.” “The girl who was praised as Aoyama Komachi—I won’t let the bastard who did this to her live another day in peace.” “And today, since Denshichi of Kuromon-cho—my senior brother—happened to be at my place, I had him come along with me.”

“Huh?” “So this gentleman here is Boss Denshichi of Shitaya?…” The couple, while astonished, bowed their heads repeatedly. “I apologize for taking up your time during such a busy period.” “I humbly ask for your kind assistance.” “Well, I can’t say if I’ll be of much use, but since there must be some reason I’ve come all this way, I’ll do my best to lend a hand.” Denshichi nodded softly, still gripping his shibubuchi pipe.

Tomegorō approached the corpse and gazed intently at Yuri’s face. The others also gathered around the bedside and swallowed hard. Starting with the kimono, then removing layer after layer until they opened the front—skin so stark white it seared the eyes appeared before them as though still living. “Brother, this was indeed what did her in.” “Hmm—the blade had remarkable sharpness.” A single stab beneath the rounded swell of her breast—the weapon having pierced straight to her heart—left her garments dyed crimson red, yet she seemed to have drawn her last breath without visible struggle.

After Tomegorō readjusted the kimono to its original state, Denshichi too performed a one-handed prayer in unison before turning toward Genbei.

“Master. Now then, let me hear a full account of last night’s events.” “Yes… Miss Yuri returned home precisely at eight in the evening. Accompanying her were Lady Sodenoi—a senior maid from the Omotezukai serving Her Ladyship O-Hikaru, around thirty years of age—and a monk named Ōsuiken.” “What on earth were those two doing coming along?” “Lady Sodenoi has a residence in Hyakunin-cho and was said to be on excellent terms with Yuri. Having similarly received permission for temporary leave, she kindly stopped by to accompany her on the way back.” “…As for Reverend Ōsuiken, at the behest of Her Ladyship O-Hikaru, he provided escort along the way, so…”

“So then, did the two of them enter the sitting room?”

“That is correct.” “As we had also prepared a meal, we seated the two honored guests at the head of the table, with Yuri and Heitarō sitting beside them, and had them partake in a bite.”

“When you say Heitarō…?” “He is the son of Yuki-ya in the same neighborhood, and once Yuri leaves the castle, they are to be together. Last night, we invited him over as well.”

“Then, at that time, there wasn’t anything unusual, right?”

“By then, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and Reverend Ōsuiken was exceptionally skilled at singing and dancing.” “They thoroughly entertained us, I must say.” “Hmm.” “When did everyone leave?” “Reverend Ōsuiken had stated that he need not join the procession, but even so, he returned by palanquin around eight in the evening. After a short while, Yuri proposed to escort Lady Sodenoi to view the star lanterns. As it wasn’t far, we sent Tsunekichi along with her, and Yuri herself returned in barely half an hour.”

“………” “Afterward, we had some time alone as parent and child and talked about many things, but since she was tired and said she wanted to sleep late tomorrow morning, she asked for the annex connected by the corridor. So we put her to rest there.” “This may sound like complaining, but now that I think of it, if only we had let her sleep in our room—that alone fills me with unbearable regret.”

“Master.” “I must ask something terribly rude of you…”

Denshichi interjected. “Mr. Heitarō and Miss Yuri hadn’t fallen into a strained relationship, had they?” “No, no.” “That is not the case.” “Speaking as her parent—though it may not be my place—Yuri is a steadfast woman, and Heitarō too is a timid man; we are simply waiting for their wedding day to be set.”

“It seems he hasn’t come yet this morning.” “Yes. We have instructed our shop staff to keep quiet to prevent the commotion from growing too large, and we have not yet informed Yuki-ya…”

Tomegorō, who had been listening to this, suddenly straightened up upon seeing Denshichi nod.

“Madam.” “Well then, we’ll finally begin the investigation.” “Let’s have all household members summoned.”

Midnight Incident

When Omaki went out, soon after, five pale-faced men and women lined up at the entrance.

“Allow me to explain. The one present at the front is my younger sister Oharu, who is seventeen.”

“Miss Yuri was nineteen, correct?” “Yes, she was at her critical age.” The girl who bowed politely at her father’s voice wore her hair in a chignon fastened with a pink silk band, her features bearing resemblance to her elder sister’s—a composed young woman who gave every impression of reliability. “Next is Tsunekichi, our clerk. In time, we intend for him to become Oharu’s husband and take over this shop.” “He has served us since childhood and works most diligently, so…”

Tsunekichi flushed red and pressed both hands to the floor, but Oharu—having long been settled on the arrangement and showing no sign of feeling anything—kept her gaze fixed on her sister without changing her expression.

The remaining ones were apprentices who had recently arrived from the countryside: Tamikichi and Matsusaburō. Neither Tomegorō nor Denshichi seemed particularly interested in this.

“Ours is a modest business, and since I am still the one primarily working, this number of people is sufficient for us to manage.” “…The one handling the kitchen is Omine, the maid seated at the very end.” “She is eighteen years old; we hired her from Bōshū the year before last, and she is an honest person.” Omine, who was looking down shyly, wore the plain attire befitting a maid, but her shoulders were softly rounded, her chest full, and there was an undeniable allure in the face she occasionally turned toward Tomegorō—a woman who would catch men’s eyes.

“Well, I’ve got it all figured out.” “With all of you lined up like this, this investigation’s gonna go smooth as silk.” “Now listen up—someone here knows who sneaked into Miss Yuri’s room after everyone was dead asleep last night. No use playin’ coy—spit it out.” “………” “Keep mum like this, and I’ll hafta grill every last one of you.” “Might even drag y’all down to the magistrate’s office if I feel like it.” “We already got the gist of it—heard plenty already. So you better start talkin’ straight.”

“………”

“Alright!” “Well then, let’s question each of you one by one.” “Leave Miss Oharu here alone and have the rest wait in the next room.”

Even after everyone had left, Tomegorō remained displeased. “Miss Oharu, the only ones here are your parents. To avenge your sister, you’ve gotta tell the truth. Because you looked like you had something to say just now, I sent everyone away. So spit it out.” “Yes.… I cannot say the exact time, but when I went to the lavatory at midnight, someone passed through the corridor, treading stealthily.”

“Hmm.”

“When I stepped into the corridor, the one who turned around in surprise at the hand-lantern’s light was already far ahead—but it was unmistakably Tsune-don.”

“Tsunekichi?…”

Genbei parroted back the question in surprise. “That corridor leads from the detached room where my sister was sleeping to the kitchen. From midway along that corridor, there is a turn leading to the room where Tsune-don sleeps with the apprentices. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it, but now I believe that was him returning from my sister’s room.”

“I see… Have you noticed anything else about this incident?” “Nothing.”

“Alright. Then you go over there and call the apprentices.” “Yes.” An oppressive atmosphere settled over those present. “Tsunekichi, of all people…” “But… now that you mention it—when it comes to Yuri—he does tend to get rather carried away.” “Even yesterday, didn’t he say he’d go to meet her alone?” To Genbei’s apparent disregard for Oharu’s words, Omaki did not join in.

“I have brought the apprentices.” “………” The apprentices seated behind Oharu exchanged glances and fidgeted restlessly. “Hey. You all must’ve noticed Tsunekichi leaving the room after you went to bed last night.”

“………” When Matsusaburō looked at Tamikichi in distress, Tamikichi glared back at him, but soon squinted up at Tomegorō as if dazzled.

“Matsu-don seemed to be sleeping soundly, but I was kicked awake by Tsune-don.” “It hurt like hell, but since it was too dark to see, I told him to cut it out, and he seemed to go back to his own bed.” “I see. So there’s no mistake he went out at midnight?” “Well?” “This morning, did you notice anything unusual about Tsunekichi?” “Ah, right!”

Matsusaburō suddenly raised his voice. “I was asked to polish a thin-bladed knife used for shaving rhinoceros horns and dried liver, so I polished it.”

“What? A blade?…”

A bright smile suddenly appeared on Tomegorō’s face.

“Miss Oharu.” “Your conjecture was right on the mark.” “Fetch Tsunekichi here at once.”

The unlatched bolt.

“Tsunekichi.” “You went out back just now, I hear.” “You were fixin’ to finally make a run for it, weren’t ya? But that ain’t how this’ll play out.” “No.” “Why would I do such a thing?” “That’s…” Made to sit before Tomegorō, Tsunekichi hung his head dejectedly upon hearing Oharu and the apprentices’ accounts—but when Tomegorō’s words struck like a finishing blow, he resolutely lifted his face.

“This morning, after learning of the young lady’s fate, I was searching for any clues when I noticed that the bolt on the rear gate was undone.”

“Huh?! The bolt?…”

Genbei shouted from the side. Tomegorō watched the scene coldly, but it was Denshichi whose eyes suddenly lit up.

“Then, Boss. So that was always latched, wasn’t it?” “That is correct. At around six in the evening, it is always latched without fail. Last night as well, I made my rounds and confirmed it without a doubt.” “Then what about you, Aniki?…” Discontentedly, Tomegorō looked at Denshichi. “Are you suggesting there’s someone who came in from outside?” “Well now.” “I’m not saying there is one.” “But I can’t say there isn’t one.” “I just think we’ve gotta check that out.”

“Hahaha! This bastard here cooked up that bolt story to shake off the suspicion clinging to you! Hey, Tsunekichi!” At Tomegorō’s voice, Tsunekichi jerked his shoulders.

“You had feelings for Miss Yuri, didn’t you? You couldn’t stand Heitarō takin’ her from ya, so ya pulled some damn fool stunt—that’s what happened, ain’t it? Precisely ’cause she knew your true heart, Miss Oharu—the one meant to adopt you—ain’t gonna side with ya now. Well? Got any defense?” “……” “Miss Oharu.” “Right?”

“I won’t say that Tsunekichi killed her… but when weighing my sister against him… I find myself wanting to side with my sister.”

“Alright, Tsunekichi. Well?” “I-I… Since I entered service as a child, the young lady above me has always been kind to me. Though it may be presumptuous for someone like me without a mother, precisely because I have revered her as both a mother and an elder sister, there is no way I could commit such an outrageous act as killing the young lady. …As for the blade, since I was supposed to grind rhinoceros horn powder today, I had just sharpened it. I absolutely did not shed any blood.”

“So when Miss Oharu saw you, weren’t ya comin’ back from the annex?”

“……”

“Miss Oharu was in the privy.” “You had no damn reason to be walkin’ that hallway—weren’t ya?” “……”

“Alright.” “No more questions.” “I’ll haul you off to the magistrate’s office now and make you eat sand—so prepare yourself.” “The magistrate is Lord Tōyama Saemon-no-jō—a name that silences even crying children.” “He won’t last a moment.—Hey, Master Genbei! Bring me the blade from that bastard’s room.”

With that, Tomegorō abruptly threw a rope around Tsunekichi. “Y-yes…” Watching Genbei stagger out, Tomegorō shook his body and laughed. “Brother Denshichi. It seems to be settled. C’mon, let’s pack up and leave together.”

“Nah, ’preciate the offer, but I’ll stick around here. You go ahead an’ poke at that fella all ya like.” “So what? Still got it stuck in yer head that some outsider did this?”

“That I don’t know.” “But Kita-machi’s…” “I still can’t shake the feeling there’s more to check.” “I’m the type who can’t enjoy a meal unless I investigate to my satisfaction.” “Since I ain’t holdin’ back at all, you go on ahead and leave without me.” “Nah, I’ll be back by evening and have your family Buddha hear my report.”

The color of autumn leaves. After Tomegorō and Iwakichi triumphantly departed with Tsunekichi in tow, the stunned group could only steal fearful, sidelong glances at Denshichi.

“Well then, Master.” “Since I’m going to inspect the backyard now, no one’s to go outside yet. But you all can get started on arrangements for the deceased.” “And then—the maid called Omine.” “You’ll guide me.” “No, I…”

As Oharu tried to swiftly stand up, Denshichi subtly restrained her. “Nah, Omine’s better.” “When it comes to kitchens and back entrances, maids know ’em better.” “Hey, Take.” “Yes.” “You…”

At Denshichi’s whispered words, lion-nosed Take nodded vigorously and dashed out to the front.

With Omine leading the way, Denshichi exited to the backyard and slowly surveyed every corner. Once he sat down on a garden stone beside the back gate, he had Omine take a seat on one end of a log lying before him. “Let’s hear your story.” “When Tsunekichi was tied up, your face wasn’t just any face.” “There’s somethin’ you’re hidin’, so let’s hear it.” “Yes…” Tears suddenly welled up in Omine’s taut eyes.

“Boss.” “T-Tsunedon didn’t kill the young lady!” “How do you know that?” “Earlier, you mentioned Miss Oharu was walking down the corridor, but Tsunedon was in the maids’ room until that time.” “Why was he in your room at such a late hour? That’s strange, ain’t it?” “Yes…” Omine’s pallid face flushed red.

“Though it is deeply embarrassing, since this concerns Tsunedon’s life, I will tell you everything.” “The two of us… Tsunedon and I have pledged ourselves to each other.” “What did you say?” “It was this spring.” “When I fell ill and was bedridden for about ten days, Tsunedon nursed me every night, and I ended up being moved by his kindness…” “But you—Tsunekichi’s the man set to become this house’s son-in-law, ain’t he?”

“That is correct.” “However, Miss Oharu acts quite coldly toward Tsunedon because he used to be a shop boy.” “So at times, Tsunedon would cry tears of frustration.” “…I too have always felt sorry for him.”

“Hmm.” “Last night, Master Genbei attempted to have Miss Oharu and Tsunedon take their seats at the celebration, but Miss Oharu refused to be with Tsunedon and promptly went to bed.” “The reason being…”

“The reason being…?” “Because Miss Oharu is in love with Mr. Heitarō.” “Speaking of Heitarō—he was set to wed the late Ms. Yuri… So you’re saying *the man* has feelings for Oharu too?”

“That is something I do not know, but when I think of what happened last night…” “When you say what happened last night…?”

“...” “If you keep up this pointless holding back, it won’t just be Tsunekichi—it’ll do you no good either.” “Speak plain.” “Y-yes.” “...The truth is, Tsunedon stayed with me past midnight, but said he’d go refill the oil in the lantern at Ms. Yuri’s room and left for the annex...”

“Hmm.” “After that, I knew nothing more, but since this morning’s commotion, he has been saying that last night he did something unthinkable.” “……” “Tsunedon says that when he went to the annex, he was startled by signs of someone being inside the shōji and turned back—if only I had seen their face then.” “Because he thought it was Mr. Heitarō, he couldn’t discern the kimono’s pattern, and Tsunedon was deeply frustrated.”

“I see.” But then, why hadn’t Tsunekichi mentioned that earlier? That alone would’ve helped prove his innocence... “Yes, it is like this. Because my parents are poor, when I entered this household’s service, I borrowed a substantial sum of money. If I were to fail in my duties midway, I would have to repay that debt and return to my home province. I believe Tsunedon must have considered this and kept silent for my sake.”

“I see.” “Moreover, since Tsunedon cares deeply about Ms. Yuri, he simply couldn’t bring himself to say that there had been a man in the young lady’s room.”

It was the moment when Denshichi gave a firm nod.

“Boss, I’ve brought him.” The moment Takezō’s voice was suddenly heard, Heitarō—grabbed by the right hand—entered through the back gate like a ghost.

Scattered flowers.

“Oh, Heitarō.” “Sit here.”

“...”

When he pointed to where Omine had been dismissed, Heitarō sat down like an Awa puppet—torso rigidly straight, only his head drooping. “What time was it when you snuck into Ms. Yuri’s room?”

“…” “This morning, when the mistress here saw Ms. Yuri dead and started raising a fuss, what Master Genbei noticed when he rushed over was that the rain shutters on the veranda were open about two inches.” “A pro’d never make such a dumb mistake.” “Only amateurs panic and botch things like that.” “You lost your head and ran—no two ways about it.” “I confess.” “Hah! You’re nicked!”

Takezō barked down from above. “Ah, please wait…”

As if doused with cold water, Heitarō trembled violently and instinctively prostrated himself before Denshichi.

“Take, don’t wait.” “Heitarō, you got something to say?” “Yes… It was indeed me who sneaked into Ms. Yuri’s quarters, but at that time, Ms. Yuri was already dead…” “Heitarō.” “If you spout lies, it’ll only make your punishment heavier.” Denshichi snapped harshly. “No, I would never lie to you, Boss.” “Last night, after Ms. Yuri saw off her guests and returned, I joined Uncle and Auntie for a casual conversation.”

“Hmm.” “Though Uncle and Auntie both kept urging in unison to hold a wedding soon, Ms. Yuri wouldn’t agree.” “Not only that—she said that due to various circumstances next March, she’d made a promise with Lady Sodenoi not to take temporary leave, so her next return home would likely be around this time next year.” “…” “I left shortly after, but even when I got home, I was so frustrated I couldn’t sleep at all.” “So I became desperate to have one more proper talk with Ms. Yuri, and in a daze, I left my house.”

“When you wouldn’t listen, you decided to kill her in a fit of anger, huh?” “That’s utterly preposterous! “Besides, I do not have a blade. “I simply thought that if I spoke with all my heart, she might change her mind—that was my only hope.” “So, how did you get in through the back?” “When I left my house, I had resolved to climb over the wall if necessary, but when I casually tried pushing the back gate, it opened without any resistance, so…”

“So you’re saying the latch had been unfastened?” “That is correct.” “Then I went through the garden to the veranda—quietly opened the rain shutters—and when I neared her bedside… In the dim light of that dawn lantern lay Ms. Yuri’s naked corpse—her fists clenched tight.”

“Hmm.” “The moment I cried ‘Ah!’, I could no longer see anything, but I soon realized that if I stayed there, suspicion of murder would fall on me.” “I was so terrified I couldn’t even think to wake anyone, and in my panic, I fled back home.” “That ain’t how it was.” “You were egged on by Oharu and hatched some grand scheme, weren’t you?”

“There is absolutely no truth to that.” “I detest headstrong women like Oharu.”

He must have been holding back until now. Suddenly, tears streamed down Heitarō’s cheeks.

“Alright, now I’ll go meet your old man.” “Hey Take.” “Go tell the master here I’m gonna make a round.”

Denshichi suddenly stood up and grabbed Heitarō’s wrist. Heitarō’s pale, rounded arm was as gentle as a woman’s.

A red dragonfly hovered. “Boss, must we really hurry so?”

“You idiot! I’m swamped with official duties. I ain’t got time to deal with you!” “But Heitarō ain’t the culprit, is he?” “That’s exactly why!” “If we can’t catch the bastard who snuck into Ms. Yuri’s room, then I suppose there’s nothin’ for it but to take it slow. Why don’t we take a breather somewhere around here?”

“Take. If you wanna rest, go ahead and sleep right there as long as you like.”

“You can’t be joking.” “Boss, now—wait just a moment.”

Denshichi quickened his pace from Baishōin Avenue toward Hyakunin-chō, appearing lost in thought as he half-heartedly brushed off the lion-nosed Take. “Take, it’s time for you to get to work.” “Huh? Me?” “……Much obliged.” “Ain’t nothin’ else. You’re gonna head to Akasaka Gomon-gai and scrub down Tameike’s Barley Rice Teahouse.”

“There are six teahouses there.” “There are thirty women.” “Now, the popular ones are O-Taki and O-Tsuma…”

“I ain’t lookin’ to get laid. Go find out what customers came in from around the fifth hour last night until this morning. Our main target’s that tea monk Ōsuiken, but there might be some other pickings out there too.”

“Understood.” “But why would the tea monk go there?…”

“Last night on the way back from Ibukiya, Genbei shrewdly must’ve made ’em hand over a couple of nibu or even a ryō. No doubt about it.” “The monk’s residence is in Hamamatsuchō, I hear, so it makes for a convenient base of operations.” “After being squeezed dry, who knows what he’s plotting—that’s the kind of guy he is.” “I see.” “He’s the kind of monk who barges into Ibukiya and tries to butter everyone up.” “Since we ain’t got a clue who’s been orderin’ him from the castle or what for, we can’t afford to let anything slip.”

“Right away, sir.” “I’ll be sure to bring back somethin’ to show for it.” “I’m gonna stop by one place first then head back to Kuromonchō.” “If I don’t know how things are on your end first, the work order won’t get sorted out. So I can’t rush things at all—got it?”

“Ah, got’cha.” “Boss, you take care on your way too.”

After seeing Takezō off as he kicked up a cloud of dust and ran away, Denshichi turned straight onto the main street and slipped through the gate of an old, small estate.

“Excuse me. “…Would this be the residence of Lady Sodenoi, who serves at the castle?” “Yes, yes.” “Who might you be?” Answering in a slack voice and emerging with unsteady steps was an elderly woman who appeared to be a servant, dressed in a tea-colored unlined kimono and a black satin obi with a raised pattern. “I am someone handling official business for the magistrate’s office. I have come to inquire as I wish to meet briefly with Lady Sodenoi.”

“And… what sort of business might that be?” “I have come to inquire regarding Ms. Yuri, the daughter of the Ibukiya household…”

“Please wait a moment.”

Denshichi silently waited while gazing at the precautionary basket hanging from the ceiling of the earthen floor area across the way.

And before long, the elderly woman returned. “I apologize for the wait.” “At present, the young lady is not in residence, but the master has expressed his willingness to meet with you.” “……Please come in.” Although Sodenoi’s absence came as a surprise, he couldn’t simply withdraw now. Led to the inner room with peeling walls, Denshichi involuntarily cried out “Ah!” in his mind upon seeing the master of this house. “Would you be Denshichi-dono?” “I am Shinsai, Sodenoi’s father.”

The one sitting on the floor—his incurable disease must have reached its final stages. His face was disfigured, his voice hoarse—an old man whose very age was uncertain. “I do not meet with anyone,” he said, “but hearing it was official business, I had you shown in. What might the matter be?” “It is nothing else, but in truth, Ms. Yuri of the Ibukiya household—a colleague of Lady Sodenoi—has tragically passed away last night, and I wish to inquire with Lady Sodenoi regarding various matters…”

“What did you say? Lady Yuri has passed away?… I was particularly close with that young lady—she even honored us with her visit here last night…”

“Is that so? Were you two on such good terms?...” “Exactly. She spoke of using matching items for both her clothes and hair ornaments, but were Sodenoi to hear of it, she would surely lament.” Though Shinsai had been confined to his sickbed for ten long years, his words still carried the dignity one would expect from someone who had once served as Lord Matsudaira Iyonokami’s physician. “And where might the young lady have gone?”

“That person is my messenger who went to visit relatives in Yotsuya. They should return by around eight.” “I’ll tell you anything this old man knows, but…” “In that case, I shall call again when she returns.” “Please do kindly convey my regards.” With a chill running down his spine as he exchanged words, Denshichi suddenly noticed something and promptly rose from his seat.

Oshun's Wisdom

“Hey, Oshun.” “In Yanagishitatei’s stories or something like that—I think I’ve come across it before—but does it really happen? Two women loving each other like husband and wife?”

“Well, I wonder how that could be…” “Did something happen?” After returning to his home in Kuromonchō, Denshichi watched his wife Oshun preparing tea in the parlor and suddenly spoke. “Hmm.” “There’s a bit of a troublesome matter.” “I don’t know about such things.” “…Back when I attended Tomimoto’s lessons, there were haori-clad men who came to the teacher’s place and spoke of such things.” “In all-female theater troupes or women’s prisons, they say women even exchange vows and go so far as to get matching beauty marks…”

“I see.”

Denshichi stood with his arms folded, deep in thought, when Takezō returned. “Boss, I went and came back.” “Oh, that was quick! Did that fellow spend the whole night soaked through?” “Much obliged,” “Just as you said.” “...Mr. Ōsuiken went up to Sakaeya, had himself a right lively time, slept there, and left around seven this mornin’—from our side, it’s just a plain ol’ story with nothin’ special.... Real sorry ’bout that.”

“No need for thanks—you’ve done well.” “Now my thoughts’ve fallen into place.” “Let’s make for Hyakuninchō again—straightaway.” “This time… Ah, this time we’ll get a proper bite on the line.” “Heh! That’s welcome news, boss.” “Might run late tonight—see you get a lantern ready.”

“Understood…”

Takezō, brimming with determination, had no sooner left than he hurriedly turned back.

“Boss.” “Just now, an old woman who says she’s Lady Sodenoi’s messenger showed up in a palanquin.” “Sodenoi’s?…” Denshichi had been staring intently at the pipe in his hand but rolled it roughly onto the tatami mats.

“Alright.” “Don’t let them in here.” “Yes, sir.” The old woman guided in by Takezō was unmistakably the same one they had seen earlier, but with her neat change of clothes and carefully smoothed hair, she now appeared transformed into a figure of unrecognizable refinement.

“Thank you very much for your earlier efforts.” “The young lady has just returned, so…” “Oh, it’s I who was rude earlier. What brings you here?” “The young lady says you were supposed to come in the evening, but as the patient is agitated, she requests that you postpone until tomorrow morning.” “……” “Tonight, I shall spend the entire night tending to the patient and feigning filial devotion like others. As I will return to the castle tomorrow morning, on that occasion, you may have the leisure to meet properly—or so she has instructed me to convey…”

“In that case, she wishes for just parent and child to be alone together today, does she?” “Yes. Since I’ve also been granted leave, if you would be so kind as to permit it, I shall go stay at my daughter’s place in Asakusa…” Denshichi picked up his pipe and, forgetting to pack it with tobacco, sank into deep thought; then he tapped the edge of the long brazier with its bowl. “Very well.” “Even visiting would be a heartless act.” “It’d be a shame to interfere with your well-deserved rest.” “I won’t come by until around noon tomorrow, so please take your time.”

“I am most grateful.” “In that case, I humbly entreat your kind consideration.”

After drinking the tea Oshun had pressed upon her, the old woman hurried home. “Boss, this ain’t no joke,” said Takezō. “What’s become o’ the lantern prep?”

“Hey, Take. Ain’t they say haste makes waste?” “But Boss. Now that it’s turned out not to be Tsunekichi, Heitarō, or Ōsuiken—I don’t know what you plan to ask Sodenoi, but if this too is pushed to tomorrow, ain’t it enough to make a man lose heart?” “Ha ha ha. It ain’t even time to lose heart yet. On a day like this, you should go to sleep early and start fresh tomorrow.”

*Note*

A bright morning arrived, and from the clear early autumn sky under the dazzling sun, the voices of small birds clamored noisily in the garden.

“Good mornin’.” “Is the Boss present?” “I’ve come from Tomegorō.” “I was hoping to meet with you here for a moment.” “Oh, Mr. Iwakichi.” “Awfully early again, ain’t ya?” Takezō seemed to be doing something in the back, while Denshichi, who had been replacing the water at the household shrine, casually went out to the entranceway. “Boss Tomegorō was supposed to come up, but due to being occupied, I, his humble substitute, have come to inform you posthaste.”

“And what’s this matter about?” “This morning at dawn, Sodenoi took her own life, so…” “I see… So she’s really dead after all…”

“So you’re saying the Boss knew since yesterday that Sodenoi was going to die?”

At Iwakichi’s voice, Takezō, who had rushed out in a fluster, let out a shrill cry, but Denshichi did not respond to it.

“Iwa-san, why don’t you have a seat.” “And what about the patient?” “I see.” “The patient was also killed by Sodenoi’s hand.” “The retired neighbor from next door, who helps with changing the patient’s bandages every morning, discovered it and came rushing to us.” “Boss Tomegorō and I went there right away, but with her throat stabbed and lying prostrate—this letter that was beside Sodenoi—when Boss opened and read it, everything became clear.” “Not knowing what it was about, I took the liberty of reading it first, but since he instructed me to deliver it promptly to the Boss of Kuromonchō, I’ve humbly brought it here as ordered.”

What Iwakichi held out, Denshichi took and looked at—a single letter.—

Upon returning this time, I was shocked to learn my father’s illness was an incurable disease, and the sorrow of Dearest Yuri having witnessed his condition defies all comparison. My intimacy with Dearest Yuri must now end, for should careless words let this secret reach the castle gates, I cannot fathom what calamity might follow—thus I resolve to die by my own hand. Seizing upon our midnight promise to meet in secret, I went to Ibukiya and stabbed Dearest Yuri as she slept. Though I had meant to die there and then, my ailing father compelled me homeward—yet as time slipped away, the investigators’ pursuit closed in swiftly, leaving all hope lost. The interrogators, compassionate souls, granted me one final night; thus after tending devotedly to my father and waiting until he slept at dawn’s edge, I severed his life-thread—then turned the blade upon myself to ascend the netherworld’s path. In that realm beyond where neither worry nor grudge may dwell, I shall take my father’s hand and follow Dearest Yuri—together we shall become dwellers of the White Jade Tower, finding joy in this final moment.

“Hey, Oshun. So after all, the two of them really were in the kind of relationship you said, huh.” “I don’t really understand, but hearing that suicide note, I couldn’t help but cry.” Oshun, who had brought tea to Iwakichi, pressed her sleeve to her eyes. “Boss—when we hauled in Tsunekichi back then—had you already set your sights on Sodenoi?”

“Nah, that ain’t it.” “It’s just that stabbin’ through the breast in one thrust—figured that’d be a bit beyond your average townsfolk.” “While hearin’ Shinsai’s story, I cottoned on clear it was Sodenoi—but when they sent word over, reckoned I’d keep my hands still and let her end things proper-like without no ruckus for one night. … You had rough go of it there, Iwa-san.” “So that delivery business—all squared away?” “Yessir.” “Maids like them—once such matters come up, they’d likely been let go by yesterday’s end.” “…The clean-up got handed full over to Boss Tomegorō.” “They’re right in the thick of sortin’ it now.”

“I see.” “I’ll show up later myself, but make sure to tell Mr. Tomegorō to take care of things properly for now.” “Understood. I’ll make sure to pass that along.” Having said that, Iwakichi suddenly stood up and assumed a solemn expression. “Boss Denshichi.” “I’m truly grateful for everything.”

Iwakichi bowed his head awkwardly and hurriedly left.

“Oshun, since we’re involved, won’t you prepare a condolence offering?” “Yes.” Denshichi had said this, but his eyes were wet with tears—perhaps mourning the ill-fated women who had died during Obon.

It goes without saying that Tsunekichi was released the same day.