Chapter 8

Just like how egg white glued on paper, bad luck stuck on me anywhere. Only water could wash it away eventually turning it useless. As simple as that, time would dispel me off my agony; along with my life.

Doubt swallowed my being into deep sea of disbelief. I stared upon the gloomy sky by the window, wondering what was right and what was wrong or was there never black and white? Was everything grey all along?

It is going to rain…this autumn is full of hurtful truth. One by one they are taken away from me for a purpose I don't understand. Just like those maple leaves.

I had no idea why Saitou kept silent. There must be a reason to his quietness. Was he involved in Izu's kidnapping or was he a victim of threat? If he were involved, it explained why he had stayed silent. If he were a victim, perhaps something precious of his was taken as hostage. Did he have siblings? Did he have a woman he cared other than me? Perhaps he had, which could be proved by his stillness. Maybe he didn't want to drag them with him. If he were not involved; a complete outsider, why didn't he fight for his cause? Why didn't he protect his name?

I want truth. Should I ask him for the truth of his silence? I sighed.

I stared at the shy sun which hid behind those grey clouds. It shone with its grace even with clouds holding it back. Shortly, droplets of water began to fall. Drizzle of autumn always made my heart worry. However, I decided not to give into the worry. Seeing how those little birds still flew swiftly as they sung in the rain encouraged me.

I shut the window and approached my desk by my left side; next to a drawer. I sat there and looked at how dark the circles under my eyes. I had been crying a lot ever since Izu disappeared. I must stop. I tied my hair up and took up the brush to paint my face, neck and shoulders white. I was grateful the white paint covered all imperfections I had. I smeared red on my lips and corners of my eyes.

Is Kiku's death connected to Izu's disappearance? Midori's death…too? Is Tayuu a dangerous position now? I wondered.

"Himawari-don! The dresser is here!" A voice reported from outside. I recognized that voice; Kana.

"Let him in." I said as I stood up. The dresser entered and without any words, he decorated me swiftly and professionally. He also did my hair. Once everything was set, he excused himself quickly. Of course, he was busy decorating other oiran too.

Izu taught me all lessons for my survival. I must stand strong. To look for Izu… I need a position to look for sponsors. Guests must be of high rank. Tayuu. It is a fearsome position now. No one would want to step up for the position ever since Midori's death. They keep saying it is Izu's fault. They say Izu's a greedy woman even after her freedom. They say she's the notorious priestess.

I slid open the door to see cheerful faces of two loyal kamuro. They smiled brightly at me. I smiled back. "Good morning. Are you two ready?" It was the day Midori was going to be cremated. Her burnt body and cut arm were going to be sent away.

Kana and Beni nodded to me, smiling with a hint of sadness. Hence, we were sent from Wachigaya with palanquin towards Sumiya.

Reaching there, we saw many of Shimabara inhabitants were already present; especially Midori's comrades. They were all crying uncontrollably; losing their pride as oiran and returned to being human. In a black palanquin, Midori was kept. Two men were there to carry it away.

Sayaka was sobbing hard by my side.

One of Midori's comrades came to me and grasped my clothes strongly. Her makeup was ruined due to her tears. Malice and menace were aimed at me. I frowned at her; sad. I understood her anger and anguish. If only I hadn't given the position to Midori, she wouldn't have died. If only I had prolonged my decision, she might have considered again.

"Why…?! Why did you give the position to her?! Why did you kill her?! It must be you who had planned all these! You must have worked with a customer to trap her and kill her when she pestered for the position!" Hana shook me as she spat all kinds of blame on me.

"You should have known that she was lying about her family! If you knew, you shouldn't have given her what she had wanted!" Asagi joined in and gave me a slap across my face. "Her family had long rotted! Twelve years! Twelve years her family had ceased!"

"I knew nothing about her family. I gave the position she wanted so much that she begged for it! What is wrong about it?!" I released Hana's grip off myself.

"Himawari-don!" Beni called out. Her voice shook. She must have been frightened.

"How dare you…?!" Yuri pushed Beni away. She stomped towards me and sent another slap but I held her wrist; stopping her.

"Enough!" Sayaka shouted as she sobbed. Then, a young man stepped in and separated us. Ah, I recognized him. He was the guard who watched Izu and I when we went for shopping. He was a man with small eyes and freckles on his cheeks.

"Go on… step up as Tayuu. Let's see if you are really innocent or not! If you died later, your name should be clear. Hahah…Ahahahah!" Tears flowed down Hana's cheeks as she walked away with two of her friends; upstairs.

"Hima, you should understand now that there's no one who fits the rank except you." Sayaka came to me as she wiped away her tears.

Yes. No one would want to be a Tayuu. I wondered if Sayaka wanted me dead or wanted me to success. 'Tayuu' seemed very morbid despite the honor. Will I become a Tayuu? I thought. No. Not now. I need to look for Izu. In order to do that, I need subordinates. I need subordinates I can reach now and later. I can't get out of this house but they can. Subordinates with flexible position…

I watched the black palanquin being carried out of the house. Deep in my heart, I said good bye. Once the black palanquin disappeared from my sight, I pulled Beni and Kana by their hands towards my room. I pondered about the candidates to join my Izu-search-group as I climbed up the stairs with Beni and Kana behind me.

Guards.

OvO/

I entered my room and found my drawers were a mess. I rushed to my drawers and checked immediately for Izu's hairpin. I lost many hairpins and accessories. They were taken—stolen. It was probably Hana and her comrades who did this. I sighed in relief. At least you are safe. I held Izu's hairpin within my hands.

"Beni, Kana, help me clean up the mess." I called as I picked up brushes and old hair ornaments of mine. Kana picked up papers and Beni picked up powder container, mirror and a few handkerchiefs.

"Himawari-don…"

"What is it Kana?"

"Why did Hana-don, Yuri-don and Asagi-don hit you?" Kana approached me with pile of papers in her arms. She cast her eyes downward at the floor; probably afraid that I might scold her for talking about her seniors.

"They didn't success, Kana." Beni put all those items she had gathered on the floor and ran slightly to my side. She embraced me.

I smiled as I embraced Beni back. "I'm fine."

"Really?" Kana asked, tilting her head upwards to look at me.

I nodded and released my embrace. I brought all those brushes back to my desk and arranged them. Beni brought what I told her to gather to my desk too; arranging it neatly. Kana also brought those papers to the desk and placed it at the corner of the desk.

"You were pushed. Did you fall? Any pain?" I asked as I pulled Beni in front of me. "Arms? Legs?"

Beni shook her head. "I didn't fall."

"Good…good." I smiled. Deep in my heart I prayed for God to protect both of them. Please don't let them suffer along with me.

"Go to Sayaka-sama. Do your job well." I told them.

"What are you going to do, Himawari-don?"

"Shopping."

OuO/

I walked my way to the entrance to see Sayaka. She was already busy checking on customer's reservation. She glanced at me as she sucked her tobacco stick and puffed some smoke. She cleaned up her desk and sat on her chair behind the counter.

"Sayaka-sama. My hairpins are lost. I don't have anything to decorate my hair."

"Mitsuo! Watch her." Sayaka slid a hand into her sleeve and took out a small pouch with money inside.

Mitsuo was his name. The guard who helped me before approached Sayaka and took the pouch of money. "Where to?" He asked me.

"Hairpins store." I replied.

"Let us be on our way." He said as he led the way. He took his steps out of the pleasure house and spun towards me, making sure he hadn't left me. I chased up to him soon; running slightly. From behind I could hear a reproach from Sayaka who forbid running as it was rude and ungraceful.

I chuckled a little. "Hurry!" I pulled Mitsuo by his sleeve and we disappeared into the crowds.

An alley. I noticed. I glanced at Mitsuo who walked by my side. He seemed to notice my look that he turned to look at me. I looked away nervously. I purposely tripped and dropped myself straight to the ground. As I expect. As I had expected, Mitsuo was a very attentive person. He reached an arm out immediately to prevent me from hitting the ground.

"T-thank… you." I thanked as I regained my standing posture.

"After Midori was sent away, did Hana and the others pick on you? Do you have any injuries?" He was unexpectedly kind and it was exactly what I hoped for.

Droplets of tear began to form at each corner of my eyes. I ran into the alley. Mitsuo pursued. Once we entered the dark alley, I sniffed and sobbed; deliberately.

"What is it?" Mitsuo asked.

"… Your kindness reminds me of my sister." I said, not looking at him.

"…Izu Tayuu?" Mitsuo voiced softly and gently as not to hurt me.

I nodded. "I… I miss her." I spun to look at him. My eyes were wet with tears. I stared at him. I trembled a little.

Mitsuo didn't say anything. He kept his stare on me. His eyebrows were furrowed. He seemed purely concerned.

"I gave the position to Midori. That's a fact. It's also a fact that I… I killed her!" My voice shook as I recalled Kiku's death and triggered my tears to flow.

"It's not your fault…" Mitsuo spoke. His hands were clenched despite he tried to hide it under his sleeves. His knuckles were white. He looked angry at the fact that I was blamed although I was innocent.

"…Izu…Izu disappeared… Why are people treating her like a murderer?! She's not the priestess! Why must her name be sullied?! I need to find her…I need to return her glory and honor!" I exclaimed with every emotion I had in control. I wiped away my tears. I dashed towards Mitsuo and embraced him.

"H-Himawari—"

"Please! Help me. Help me find Izu. I can't go outside… I don't have wings… but you can. You have your wings and freedom. Please… help me. Return Izu to me." I pleaded.

"But…"

"Please! I beg you! Izu trusted you so much!" I begged. In this world…there are two types of people you can't lie to. One of them is people who are straight and truthful. I grasped his clothes tightly; so tight that my hands trembled.

"I understand… but what merit will i—" Mitsuo tried to negotiate but I wouldn't give him the chance. I pulled him close and kissed him. He seemed surprised and it was what I wanted.

"This is my first…" I lied. I released my grasp from his clothes.

Mitsuo didn't budge an inch. He stoned. His face was red even his ears. I waved my palms before his eyes but there was no reaction.

"It's…my first too…" He said embarrassedly.

Oh my. I put my palm on my lips; surprised.

"I doubt it was your first but… I'm sure your desire to look for Izu is not a lie. I'll help. Call me whenever you want." Mitsuo smiled sheepishly. I was glad that he agreed to help. I got an ally and I needed more.

"Asking me for help means you have a clue to Izu's whereabouts. Do you have it?" Mitsuo's expression turned serious and I felt his tension. He must be aware of the danger.

"I think… Kiku's death has something to do with Izu's disappearance. It must have something to do with Izu's bracelet on Kiku's wrist." I said, showing little fear on my face as I embraced myself; trembling. "It must be hard to believe but… i…saw a spirit telling me that the murderer is a man who has golden hairpin."

"So, you want me to look for the man with hairpin?" Mitsuo asked.

I nodded. "It's very common for guests to send gifts to oiran. Perhaps you can ask them if they wanted it delivered. Write their names down for a few days from tonight."

Mitsuo nodded. He then asked if we were still going to the hairpin store. I shook my head and said that we were going to change our destination. I need some sweets.

OmO/

Mitsuo and I returned to Shimabara just when Sumiya was open. We were reprimanded by Sayaka for being late but we didn't mind it. I made an excuse saying I was tempted by many hairpins, yet the money she gave wasn't enough so we ended up in sweets store. Of course, she scolded me saying that I was greedy. I didn't mind it. If I had to be greedy to get Izu back… I would. I would be any sin if Izu would return.

"Hima… Please, I beg you. Sumiya can't go on without Izu's replacement. You should know that Tayuu is important to our business." Sayaka attempted to convince me again. Her money-oriented mind wasn't a surprise but her actual intention

"…" I didn't know how to reply but I knew I needed a high position to empower my search. It wasn't a bad talk. I needed subordinates and it was exactly what I would exchange with the status.

"Hima?" Sayaka called.

"The position is too dangerous. Now that Midori died due to the position… I won't—" I believed intimidation was necessary at this point. If I spoke of the condition, she would know what I intended to do. I must let her speak of the condition.

"—I know! But without anyone as Tayuu is also dangerous to this house! Tayuu has the power to add prosperity! I have been raising you to be one! Please!" Sayaka pleaded desperately.

"But…" I purposely prolonged our talk. A lie must be processed as natural as possible.

"If you're worried that you might be in danger once you become a Tayuu, I'll assign guards for you! Please, Hima. I'll give whatever you need as long as you agree to do Oiran Walk." Sayaka spat. There was a hint of disagreement but she finally said it.

"Guards… perhaps I'll feel safer with guards." I muttered as I sighed in relief.

"…Fine. I'll assign Mitsuo for you." The sound of disagreement was there and it felt quite good when my ears caught it. I knew what her disagreement meant. She was afraid that I might seduce Mitsuo. It was not in our policy. We, oiran only served customers with money. And if I seduced Mitsuo, he would get free service. However, it was also because of her money-oriented mind that I could get such good business.

Lucky. Mitsuo agreed to help me too.

"Alright. This talk is over. Get ready, you have a customer." Sayaka sighed.

"What occupation?"

"A merchant." A foreign voice rang. I spun to look who it was. Fubuki Tenjin… It came to me as a wonder. I had no idea why she wouldn't ask for a rise before Midori's death. Was she content with her current position; second to Tayuu?

"Fubuki…"

"Sayaka-sama, let me borrow her for a while" Fubuki pulled me by my hand and dragged me to a room. I was completely clueless what she wanted. What does she want? I wondered.

Fubuki let go off my hand and turned to look at me. She smiled. What happened next was out of my expectation. I didn't expect her to embrace me. That moment a familiar smell was captured by my nose. It felt all nostalgic and missing. I circled my arms around her and embraced her back. I inhaled deeply for the scent. Scent of rose. I'll definitely find you back…I swore.

"Izu gave me her favorite fragrance as a gift. She told me to use it after her disappearance. I believe it is for this purpose." Fubuki snuggled close. Her voice was gentle just like of Izu's voice. Ah…it was very comfortable that I felt as if I was tempted into a wonderland. For that short moment, I enjoyed the illusion while being full aware of the reality.

"I can't be here any longer. I have a customer to serve." I released my arms. I gave a smile to her. "I'm fine now. Thank you." I had something to think about. Izu gave the fragrance to Fubuki knowing that she would disappear. That night she disappeared, she screamed. She must have been kidnapped. She knew she was going to be kidnapped but there was nothing she could do. Who was she against? I pondered.

"If you need anything, you can come to me." Fubuki said.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I asked.

"Izu paid me for this. I refused her but she insisted to the extent of begging. I had no choice but to agree. Still, I didn't take her money." Fubuki sighed. "One day, a drunk customer became violent towards me. I had no idea what to do. Coincidentally, Izu was passing the hallway right in front of my room. She heard of the fuss and entered. I couldn't believe my eyes when she took a whole jug of sake and poured it onto the customer."

I almost dropped my jaw upon Fubuki's explanation. It was something Izu would do but I had never heard of her being rude to customer before.

"After that I asked her how I should repay her and she said 'accept my money and your debt is cleared' I mean… how could I refuse her after getting saved?" Fubuki giggled. I sensed a strong respect from her. She must have felt heart-broken when Izu disappeared.

"She was my savior. I also wanted to rise up as Tayuu, but from that moment, I understood. She wanted you to take her position when she's gone. She knew you have the ability." Fubuki smiled yet again. It was sincere. I didn't have any doubt. I was pleased, delighted, glad, and happy to the fact that I still have ally within same nest. Other from Hana and her comrades… there was still someone who cared for me. It was a complete different care from someone with money-mind.

"I see… thank you. Thank you very much." I bowed deeply.

"It's fine. Well then… we can keep this talk some other time. You need to serve a man." Fubuki said as she pushed me out of the room and hurried me to the hall.

"D-don't push!"

"I'm sorry for being so late…I should have come to you right away after Izu disappeared."

OvO/

A merchant… huh? I pondered as I walked into the hall. There was indeed a man dressed ordinarily; I believed it was his best get-up. He had a stacked up boxes with him. He put it behind him. He purposely keeps himself as neat as possible. A considerate man. He keeps his business box with him. Negotiable. Business-oriented. The box has scratches everywhere. He must have worked as merchant for quite some time.

I placed myself sitting before him.

"Ahahaha… G-good day!" He greeted. His cheeks were pink. He's new… which means he doesn't know much about the rules here…

"Good day!" I smiled as I poured a cup of sake for him. I passed the cup to him.

"O-oh! T-thank you!" He gratified as he took the cup with the modesty he had; as a business man. "I heard that there's a 'mysterious beauty' here so I came to see her myself! I didn't expect her to be so gorgeous! Ahahaha!" He laughed sheepishly. He drank the cup of sake I gave him.

"Oh my… I am nothing of sort! What an exaggerating man you are!" I giggled as I hit his arm gently while the other hand pulled up my sleeve to cover half of my face; feigning shy.

"Ahahaha! I'm just being honest!"

"It's unfair. You know my name but I don't know yours. Tell me your name." I asked as I looked at him enthusiastically.

"My name is Juurou." He said.

"Juurou-han?" I giggled. "What is that box?" I pointed to the box; feigning innocent.

"Oh. You haven't seen a merchant? I work as a merchant but also selling medicine actually… Don't tell anyone about that. The medicine I sell is two times stronger than the permitted medicine."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Not when you use it according to the dose. It is actually effective!" Juurou spoke spiritedly. He seemed very proud of his double occupation. It didn't matter to me.

"How do you do both jobs?" I asked as I poured sake into his empty cup again.

"I open store in morning to noon. Then, I carried my box around the town to sell medicine till evening." Juurou explained briefly.

"I see. It must be tough. What kinds of medicine do you sell, Juurou-han?" I prodded, showing interest. "Show me!" I pleaded.

"I sell any kinds of medicine! Wait a moment." Juurou boasted as he took his box and placed it before my eyes. He opened the box and laid folded papers one by one on the floor. They were in powder form.

"What is this?" I pointed to one of those white packs.

"Ah. That's sleeping medicine. Some people really find it hard to sleep and that's when they use this medicine." Juurou explained.

"How did you begin to become a drug seller?" I continued; showing curiosity.

"Well… to be honest I had always wanted to be a physician. But I ended up getting married as a mukoyoshi[1] to a merchant's daughter. Not long after that my father-in-law and mother-in-law died of illness." Juurou sighed. He looked as if he was recalling the scenes in his head.

"I see…It must be heart-wrenching. There, there. Thanks for your hard work." I leaned my cheek on his shoulder, caressing his arm gently.

"I was frustrated. I regretted not pursuing my own interest. I might not have been married into the family but…I could have saved them!" His face looked sour. He must have been blaming himself for that.

"It wasn't your fault. What about your wife? She…permits you to come here?" I asked.

"Our marriage was a marriage without love. She hated me. She thought it was my fault that her parents died. We have no child and we don't really speak to each other." Juurou briefly explained. A solemn smile crept up his lips.

"It must have been suffocating. Anyway, how do you make these medicines?" I noticed his pain from his story. I changed our topic for a better atmosphere. Hopefully it made him feel better.

"Well, first of all I collect herbs. I wash them and dry them. Then, I grind them into powder and pack them into folded papers!" Juurou explained. He looked happy. It was a good sign. He seemed distracted from the heavy conversation before. I was enjoying the talk about medicine too. Things I didn't know were explained. My thirst for knowledge grew and I wanted to know more.

I had Juurou explain what kind of herbs he used and what medicine he had in his inventory. I also had him to tell me how outside was. He said things had been on edge. He said Shinsengumi had been patrolling and raiding places. He didn't know what the deal was. Then, he heard something about The Priestess of Great Serpent. He also told me that he heard some rumors about the missing Tayuu. Reaching to this point, I had no choice but to tell him what had happened. However, I only told him about Izu's disappearance and nothing else about Sumiya. I told him how I missed Izu. I considered telling him how harsh my life was but… I decided not to.

Unknown to us the time was up. Beni and Kana slid open the door, informing us that the incense was burnt and it was time for Juurou to depart.

"Will you come again?"

"Of course!" Juurou smiled.

"Tell me how you measure the dose next time!" I pleaded as I waved my hand. With that, Juurou disappeared behind the door.

"Beni and Kana. Come. I'll pass you a secret mission. Since it is a secret, don't tell anyone, alright?" I put my index finger on my lips.

Beni and Kana nodded. Their eyes were gleaming with excite.

"When people are not watching, go to Midori's room and search around. I'm sure she has taken something of mine. Report to me what you see there. You don't have to bring many things. Bring the one you think is the oddest." I said. There was no need to say what to find. They should know what to bring. It was a lie when I said Midori had taken my things.

OnO/

The door which was slid close was harshly opened. Sayaka entered with a sour look. She spun and pulled Mitsuo by his sleeve forcefully into my room. I didn't know what was happening but I knew Sayaka was mad.

"Tell me in front of her! Did she embrace you?!" Sayaka asked. Her voice was loud and high.

What?

"Did she kiss you?" She calmed herself and asked.

"…" Mitsuo looked at me with a terrified face as if our agreement was found out.

"I'm asking you, did she seduce you?!" Sayaka hissed. The tobacco stick she had in a hand was thrown at me but it didn't hit me. Ashes in the stick came out; burnt.

"S-Sayaka-sama… I didn't do such—" I tried to calm her.

"—I'm not asking you!" Sayaka barked and I knew I had to stay silent. In such situation, I could only trust Mitsuo to lie. If he could lie this through then everything was well. If he couldn't… what was left would be punishment for both of us.

"Reiji! Zaku! Tie her up!" Sayaka ordered as she picked up her tobacco stick, sucking what was left. Her order came to me as a surprise. She didn't have any proof of what I did yet… she knew. Who saw us? I didn't notice anyone at that moment.

The guards; Reiji and Zaku came to my sides and held my arms. They brought along a new rope. I struggled but I couldn't win against two men. They tied me by arms by my back and tied the rest of the rope around my torso.

"Sayaka-sama! W-we really didn't!" Mitsuo desperately fought for our cause.

"Sayaka-sama!" I called. That was when I saw Asagi walk through the hallway, glancing at me with a smirk. Two, we can't lie to liars. I knew the reason behind all these. Asagi must have hired someone to spy on me and Mitsuo. Whether I kissed Mitsuo or not, she only had to lie and hire someone to be the witness. Then she would lend her body temporarily to the witness as the payment.

"Take her to the east yard under the willow tree!" Sayaka commanded.

"Mistress! Please!" Mitsuo pleaded.

Thus I was brought under the willow tree. With another new rope, they tied me onto the trunk of the tree. I struggled hopelessly under the drizzle of autumn. The wind blew, making my body shiver from the chill.

"Reiji! Bring it over to Mitsuo." Sayaka passed down another order. Reiji did as she wanted and brought a wooden bat. He passed it to Mitsuo who took it reluctantly with fear. That time, I knew what was going to come.

"I don't care what reason you two make. I heard that you two are secretly lovers. Not that I won't allow it but Mitsuo has to pay. Embracing and kissing him… I won't allow free service!" Sayaka hissed. She puffed out venomous smoke. "Zaku! Pour water!"

The next thing that happened was, Zaku brought a pail of cold water and poured the whole liquid onto me, making me shiver from the coldness. I choked on the water and coughed.

"I… I didn't do such thing to Mitsuo!" I shouted.

"Shut up!" Sayaka shouted.

"Sayaka-sama! I am innocent!" I attempted again.

"Mitsuo, You know what you have to do." Yet my effort was in vain.

Mitsuo stepped forward. His hands trembled with the bat in his palms. He looked frightened.

"Mitsuo…it's okay. Do it." I whispered when Reiji, Zaku and Sayaka weren't looking. Punishment must be bestowed.

"…but…" Mitsuo faltered.

"Hit her but not her face." Sayaka added. "Hit her!" Soon, Mitsuo swung the bat upon me.

"Argh!" Pain spread throughout my body. I could feel blue colored my skin with piercing pain. Mitsuo hit my arms, shoulders, stomach and legs. He did it with his eyes closed.

With the cold wind blowing my wet body, I shivered. However, not only did I shiver due to the coldness of weather but I also shivered due to the torment which was bequeathed onto me

"Aaaahhh!" Mitsuo cried as he hit me.

I screamed in pain once every hit was given to me. Gradually, one hit by one hit, Mitsuo's face turned blue. He looked guilty. He looked sorry. What was there to be sorry for? I didn't hate Asagi for the punishment. It didn't change the fact that I did try to seduce Mitsuo in order to make him my subordinate. I doubted Asagi knew my true intention but I knew she was on her way to ruin whatever my plan was.

A small amount of blood flowed down by the corner of my lips and that was when Sayaka stopped Mitsuo. "Enough. Leave her here for now." She walked away with Reiji and Zaku who looked at me pitifully.

Mitsuo knelt down and wiped away the blood with his sleeve. "I'm sorry…" Tears flowed down his eyes. 'Test his potentials first.' Right, Izu? He passes the test…Not many men will tear up for a woman.

"I'm tired… let me…sleep for…a while…" I muttered as I shut my eyes close. It was freezing but I had no choice.

"Himawari! Hima!"

"I said I'm sleeping…"

OuO/

I was half-awake when I felt the ropes were untied and I was being carried away. I had no strength to open my eyes to see who it was but I smelled a familiar scent of rose. All pain seemed to fade away in those arms. It felt like a dream. It was always good to dream of wonderland in the nightmare of reality.

"Beni, Kana…. Hurry! Move the blanket away for a while!"

I felt something soft by my back. Is it my mattress?

"Hurry and cover her! She must have been cold." It was voice of a man. It was nostalgic and warm. Who… is it? Saitou-han?

"Hima? Himawari?! Can you hear me? Hima!" The voice called. My cheeks were gently tapped.

"Who…is it?" I opened my heavy eyelids and saw Egawa. He looked very pale and worried. Has he recovered? I wondered. "Jun-han…are you alright?" I asked.

"Look at you! I should be the one saying that!" Egawa scolded. He looked very angry. "How could Sayaka-san do this?! Didn't she choose you to be the next Tayuu? And yet…and yet!" He bit his lower lip.

"…It's alright." I muttered, smiling a bit.

Egawa sighed. "You must be hungry. Beni, can you bring some food over? Kana, bring warm tea." He told the girls. The girls nodded and walked away.

"What did the physician say about you?" I asked.

"I inhaled too much smoke but other than that…just a few scratches. It was nothing serious. Don't worry." Egawa smiled.

"Good. Good…" I chuckled. "Why are you here today, Jun-han?"

"It's about Izu. There's a lost bracelet handed to the police office this afternoon. It's not the kind of bracelet anyone can afford. Some witnesses came to identify the bracelet and they all said it belonged to Izu. They said they saw it during Oiran Parade."

"Is it true?!…then…any clue to where Izu is?" I asked immediately. However, Egawa only shook his head. It was a deep disappointment.

"I'll work hard, Hima! To clear her name!" Egawa balled up his fist and showed further determination to look for Izu. I was grateful to meet Egawa. I was grateful of his kindness.

"Thank you." I thanked.

"No problem. Hima… after Midori's death…it's clear that she was murdered. I don't think it's good for you to be the next Tayuu with such uncertainty." Egawa spoke. He frowned as he looked at me, trying to convince me to wait.

"No. To look for Izu, I need a position with everything at my disposal. I need to be a Tayuu."

"Hima… it's dangerous." Egawa held my hand. His warmth was spreading.

"I know but I must." I freed my hand.

"Still!—"

The door slid open. Beni and Kana entered with food and a tray of teapot and cup.

"Himawari-don! Can you get up?" Kana asked as she put the tray of tea down. She went to my side and helped me sit.

"Do you think you can eat now?" Beni asked, placing the tray of food on the floor.

"…I'll let you rest now. I'll come back after I found something about Izu." Egawa seemed hopeless upon my decision. It was true. There was nothing he could do to change my decision.

"Come again. Thank you for coming." I greeted.

"Himawari-don. We found these in Midori-don's room." Beni whispered as she slid her hand in her sleeve. She took me a few letters.

"What are these? Love letters?" I asked.

"They don't seem so." Kana commented.

I unfolded the papers and it was a surprise. Midori had something to do with the culprit behind the murders. 'If you can snatch the position from Himawari, I'm yours.' ? What is this about?

I unfolded the other letter. 'I poisoned Himawari. The position is definitely mine now. When will you redeem me?' It was clear that Midori was in love with the culprit whoever he was, while the culprit had his eyes on me. There was no way it had nothing to do with Izu's disappearance. Those letters made me worry and uneasy.

I folded the letters and put it in my sleeve. I could think about it later after I had my food. I replenished myself with the food Beni brought for me and the tea Kana brought. I thanked them and embraced them.

"Good job." I patted their heads.

"Himawari-don, you should rest." Beni suggested. She looked worried.

"Yes, I suppose I should. Beni and Kana, I'm going to give you another mission. Are you going to do it?" I asked.

"Yes." Beni and Kana replied in unison. Their mischievous faces didn't quite fit the situation but they seemed happy about it. A mission.

"Watch Hana, Yuri and Asagi. See if they are trying to bully me. Be careful. This is a secret." I said.

"Roger!" They cheered together.

I lied down and shut my eyes. Not long, Beni and Kana exited my room. They must have thought that I was asleep. No. My mind was full of the letters. No matter how many times I re-think, the result was always vague. I could only assume that the culprit wanted me to rise as Tayuu. Dangerous or not, I must.

If I'm going this way…I mustn't involve Saitou. Still… I must ask him. The next time he comes, I must ask. I told myself.

"Himawari…Himawari!" A whisper was heard from the door. It seemed to be Mitsuo. He must have come secretly.

I slid open the door gently. "How was it?"

Mitsuo slid his hand in and passed me a list of names. "I could only get this many tonight."

"It's alright. Thank you for your hard work. You should return soon before Sayaka found out. We have to stay away… at least until I become Tayuu and you are truly assigned as my guard." I gratified.

"I'm…sorry for what had happened…" Mitsuo bowed deeply.

"Raise your head. It's alright. I expected a punishment but I didn't expect it was a trap made by a fellow liar." I commented. "I have another favor." I added.

"What is it?"

"Is it possible for you to write down list of Midori's customers? It's going to be difficult to look into the book of customer record. Sayaka-sama is always at the counter."

Mitsuo seemed to be in thought for a while. "I'll see what I can do." He spoke.

"About your merit of helping me… I'll give some money from Tayuu's salary although most of it goes to this house." I smiled.

"Thank you very much!" Mitsuo bowed gratefully.

"Return to your post now, Mitsuo." I added.

Mitsuo gave another bow before he left.

I slid the door close and browsed through the list of names. Those names didn't seem odd to me as I knew most regulars. They brought hairpins to those oiran they favored. They all looked like possible-culprit. However… I found something I didn't expect. I didn't expect to find names of my least expectation. It was too fast to make any conclusion but it still surprised me.

Saitou-han…and Jun-han?! But why…?


[1] Adopted Son-in-law. In a family that had no heir, they usually adopted one through the marriage with their daughter.