Chapter 9: O Lonely Workman

Kaoru pushes a trolley full of fresh clean linens from the laundry room to Haruki's villa. This is her favorite part of the palace, for not only does her favoured courtyard take residence here, but the tasks she is meant to perform parallel those she would as if in Imberia, lending a serenity so often needed to our heroine. She enters the linen room, takes note that this one room is larger than her entire house back at home, then stacks the table cloths and towels neatly on the appropriate shelves. Now she takes the trolley to Tomoe's villa. The soiled linens are collected in a large bin disposed by a chute and transferred to the trolley. As she returns to the central laundry room, she passes a picturesque scene: Tomoe and Akiko sit on a picnic blanket, both in sun dresses and wide-brimmed hats. The grass' green makes crisp the white of the blanket, while the blue of the pool behind them offers a pleasing background. Tomoe reads a book while Akiko plays with dolls. It is a rarity for Kaoru to stumble upon such a moment, so she takes a picture.

Laundering is somewhat of a marvelous thing to this raven-haired slave. Having been raised on hand-washing, Kaoru is all the more grateful for Otium's advanced machines. With three for washing, two for drying, and one for pressing, she needs only to fold and maintain the machines' cleanliness. It is at this time when she indulges in her vice: Daydreaming, this time of Hiroko. Where she is, what she is doing, how she is getting along . . . then imagines their miraculous reuniting.

Off she goes back to the villa with linens pressed and folded. She is sure to be a silent mouse as she passes the pool when she hears a small splash. Smiling, she muses that Akiko and Tomoe are playing some sort of water game. But were they not in sundresses? What a peculiar sight if they are swimming in such formal wear! Feigning nonchalance, Kaoru reverses the trolley ever so slowly to peek at the potential hilarity.

But no one is there. Except a floating hat.

Kaoru abandons all and dives into the pool. She finds Hiroko's sinking body immediately, makes her way to her, kicking violently, desperately, then reaches her, pushing her up, and up, and up, until she hears the child cough and sputter above the surface. A wall is near, aiding the rescue. Akiko instinctively grabs the ledge and is shoved roughly up onto the deck. Water exits the child's lungs through heaving coughs, and she begins to cry from fear and pain. Kaoru also grabs for the ledge but does not quite reach it.

She never learned how to swim.

It can be easily assumed that any faculty of expert military training constitutes an impartial disposition towards a victim. Urgency and achievement should be the prioritized, if not only, matters of a rescue. This is what Enishi taught, and, as he races down the halls through the courtyard to Tomoe's pool, this is his predicament.

Until he sees Kaoru.

A white figure floats face down but he instantly knows it is her. Without hesitation, he dives into the water and retrieves her, holding her head above the surface as he swims to the shallow end.

At this point Haruki and Kenshin and Tomoe arrive to see Enishi carrying a lifeless Kaoru out of the pool. "I heard a cry. Is she alive?" Haruki asks.

There is no time for reply. Enishi lays Kaoru flat and checks for signs of vitality. None. Proceeding resuscitation, his mouth covers hers and breathes. Her lungs inflate but the pallor of her skin is still menacing. He tries again. And again. And again. He is startled by her sudden cough, then immediately turns her over. His father rushes to her side with great relief. She struggles to sit upright, and they both extend a hand to assist her. She takes Haruki's.

Waking from unconsciousness leaves Kaoru feeling disoriented and highly vulnerable. Her master is helping her to rise, then wraps a towel around her shoulders. She hears him whisper words of thanks to the heavens, and what a good girl she is. Akiko is crying softly while the professor attempts to soothe her. Tomoe is near them but is looking this way. I must have drowned, she speculates as her thoughts are being recollected. That can only conclude to her being rescued. Closer to our heroine is Enishi. He stands a few steps away, arms crossed, feet spread, and is soaking. He wears a severe frown and stares intensely at her when he speaks.

"What happened?" he demands.

Kaoru's mouth opens to speak, but she is rendered by coughs.

"Let the girl recover," Haruki defends. "Are you alright, child?"

She nods.

"You should rest immediately. Let's get you off this hard floor."

"Just a minute, father. We need to know what happened while all minds are still fresh. I ask you again, slave, what happened?"

"Enishi, what purpose is there knowing?" Haruki asks. "It seems simple to me that Akiko must have been in the water and Kaoru came to her rescue. There is no critical danger, at least not anymore, so why the interrogation?"

"It is not an interrogation, and I would appreciate if you would not hinder my initiative in the safety of this family. If we do not know the specifics, how are we to prevent another reckless mishap?"

"It is as you heard, my lord," is her breathless reply. Her voice is hoarse, her body is exhausted, her mind cloudy. "I was in the middle of my duties when I went in for Lady Akiko."

The younger Yukishiro approaches. "Then how did you drown?"

"I cannot swim, my lord."

Turquoise eyes narrow. "You cannot swim?"

"I thought I could," she mumbles, hoping he does not hear.

"How does one think and not know?"

"The opportunity had never been given to me."

"And so when the chance comes for you to kill yourself, you take it?" His volume increases. "How could you have been so imprudent?"

She straightens her spine. "I thought I could help her, my lord."

"Help her? It is the blind leading the blind! She could have died!"

"But I saved her."

"You could have died!"

"But you saved me."

"So with that persuasion you will thereby throw yourself into any foolhardy situation?"

"Well, what would you have done, my lord, if you could not swim?"

"I would have learned to swim!"

"Enough!" Haruki commands. "Why are you arguing with her, Enishi?"

Enishi scowls at Kaoru's helpless form. "Yes, why, indeed?" He turns and marches to his niece. It is difficult for the soldier to convert his demeanor to something more familial when great risk is involved. Over ten years of military training has rid Enishi of tenderness in matters of fear and danger, and though without acrimony, his professionalism reflects intimidation and authority.

Akiko hides behind her new intercessor when Enishi approaches.

"Come forward and don't shy from me. You are not in trouble." He crouches to achieve her eye level. "What happened? How did you fall in the pool?"

"My hat flew and I tried to get it back."

"It flew in the water?"

She nods.

"So you tried to get back your hat but you fell in the pool and then you found you couldn't swim, is that right?"

She nods again.

"Next time be sure to ask for assistance. Your safety is always the most important. Understood?"

"Yes, uncle."

"And where was your mother?" Enishi rises and looks at his sister as he asks this question.

"It was no fault of mine." Tomoe automatically is on the defensive.

"No one is blaming you," Kenshin says gently while lifting Akiko into his arms, "I'm sure there is a good explanation."

"I left not even two minutes to replace my book when I heard Akiko crying."

"You left Akiko alone?" Enishi asks.

"I have done it before with no consequence. This was not even two minutes."

"Two minutes is more than enough to kill a child. That much is now obvious."

Tomoe is hurt at her brother's opposition. "Enishi."

"But she is alive and well," Kenshin interjects. "Aren't you, little one? Perhaps we can be easier on Lady Tomoe. It must surely not be easy to mind a child with only one pair of eyes."

"With all due respect, Himura, do not aid in her defense. What excuse do you have, Tomoe, with the hundreds of hands we employ?"

She is silent.

"Answer me."

There is a chill in Tomoe's voice. "I dislike your tone and purpose. You do not try to solve but only blame, all of which is on me."

"I will not have you cower behind your motherhood. Own up to your mistakes and make right your decisions."

"And how should I? Choose a slave for Akiko?"

"That would be a start."

"Fine." To spite her brother, Tomoe wishes to select the most inappropriate candidate. First she thinks someone blunderous, then someone decrepit, then someone hideous; or perhaps this incompetent dwarf being solaced by her father. She pauses. Never had her father wrapped his arms around her as he did with this slave. Never could she remember him looking so concerned. Never did he pet her or offer her the tender smile that he now gives to someone else. In fact, did he not run to this slave first instead of his own granddaughter? Tomoe takes slow steps towards them. With her tone ice cold, she points directly at Kaoru and demands, "I want this one."

Haruki looks up in surprise. "Kaoru? She is but a domestic. She does not have the training as a handmaid." He does not mean offense to our heroine, and shows her so by squeezing her shoulders.

"She can be trained."

There should be no rightful reason for Haruki to decline. Kaoru is a simple house slave, and Akiko is his granddaughter. Yet he desists for Kaoru is his coveted joy. She reminds him of the daughter he cherished before and the goodness he possesses now. His health even improved over the last three months since her arrival. Tomoe barely allows her daughter time to spend with him. Giving ownership to Akiko would not be unequal to a farewell. "Perhaps you would prefer someone with more serving experience."

"That slave saved your granddaughter's life. I believe that is experience enough. If you cared about Akiko you would not hesitate."

Haruki's shoulders sink. Growing up, Tomoe never accepted his love; but perhaps she can accept something, rather, someone, he loves. Yes, he should not be so selfish. "Of course I care. You are quite right that she will make a good handmaid for Akiko. We can sort out the paperwork next week."

"I would like ownership transferred to Akiko tomorrow," she looks at Enishi, "to prevent another reckless mishap." Very much satisfied with her father's defeated posture, she takes Akiko out of Kenshin's arms. "If you all will excuse me, I will have a physician examine my daughter."

The elder Yukishiro lets out a long sigh. "Professor, would you mind helping Kaoru to her quarters?"

"Master, I am fit to walk."

"I worry for you, child."

"I don't mind at all," Kenshin intervenes. He takes Kaoru's elbow. "Come," he says gently, "let me help you."

"Thank you, kindly, professor," says Haruki. As she passes, he places a gentle hand on Kaoru's shoulder. "Thank you, my dear, thank you." Haruki watches the humble pair leave before turning to Enishi. "Well," he commences to the gardens, "that was rather calamitous, wasn't it?"

"Yes, but it could have been a great deal worse. It did not help that you showed favor to that slave."

"Perhaps I can say the same to you. Aught was accidental. Why so much anger, my son?"

"It was not anger. You know how I frustrate at incompetence."

"Having not only the willingness but the action to give up one's life for another's sounds more than competent, in my opinion. Kaoru has proven to be a worthy slave, and I know you think so too."

"She has not proven anything to me as of yet."

"Then why all the emotion? This is not the first time you saved a slave's life. There was a time your victim did not survive a rescue, and you became quite upset; but this was towards yourself. This is, however, the first time I've seen you upset when your survivor did just that: survive."

"The risk was preventable."

"I little understand prevention in this scenario, but I do understand your feelings. From knowing and observing Kaoru, she tries very hard to be diligent, though her old habits still seep through. She is in a miserable situation but is still able to be happy. She has nothing and is completely satisfied. How many do you know are like that? Not many, are there? You are intrigued by her differences. As am I. But I am an old man. You are not."

"What of it?"

Haruki's demeanor changes. "Play around with whomever you please; but leave Kaoru alone."

Uncomfortable by a truth premature to be acknowledged, Enishi minimizes his father's presumption. "My time is valuable. I do not use it idly by trifling with a slave."

At this time Kenshin returns. He seeks Haruki. "I'm glad you're still here."

"I will allow the two of you to speak in private," Enishi says. "I have washing up to do. Forgive me, professor, for not being able to finish our exercise. If I don't see you tomorrow before my departure, then I wish you the best of luck. I trust that I will see you often."

"Thank you, general, I do hope so."

Kenshin and Haruki watch Enishi return to his villa. The mood is no longer grave and Kenshin now feels it appropriate to ask for Tomoe's hand. "Lord Haruki, may I have a word with you?"

"Of course. Come with me to my villa."

"Thank you."

They walk to the villa, through the main hall and into Haruki's office. After seating themselves, Haruki starts. "It will be a shame to have you leave Otium tomorrow. Our visits to each other are not as frequent as I would like them to be."

"I cannot agree more."

"So then, what is it that you wanted to discuss with me?" Haruki asks, his gentle smile present once again.

For a moment Kenshin does not speak. Then, "I would like to be a part of this family."

Haruki's smile fades.

"I'm in love with your daughter. With your permission, I would like to marry her."

The elder is shocked. "When did this all happen? Has she consented?"

"I have not asked her formally. Yet. The quantity of our time does not account for much. But the quality has proven to be superlative."

The father is in deep thought. "Forgive me, Professor, but it is not my predisposition to incline."

Any normal man with a wounded pride would retract or retaliate; but a man in love is a different breed. "If it is due to my status, I assure you that my family's name bears only honor and loyalty. My home, though small, is my own. Tenure at the university will allow me to able to provide Tomoe and Akiko all necessities. My schedule is regular, so I will have time to be an attentive husband and father. You once saw me fit to be your close companion. Surely there are qualities you can find to make me suitable for your daughter."

"Trust when I say that it is not you who I doubt." Haruki is of the persuasion that verbalizing a fear will make it true. He continues not with despair and instead says, "Do not be concerned with labels for I am not. But I think it wise to consult with Enishi. He knows her best in this family."

"Please forgive me, but I already spoke with your son first, and he is happy to give his approval. He warns me to have great patience, but that I will also be capable of making your daughter happy."

A tense silence follows after this admission. Haruki rises from his seat and leaves the office. Kenshin is unsure of what to do. Enishi conveyed that his father would approve, if not heartily. The professor sighs. Perhaps he was overly confident and positive and idealistic. After waiting a few more moments, he rises to leave.

Haruki then returns to the office. He holds out a small box. "This was her mother's. I assume you do not have a ring to propose with."

Kenshin does not even have words beyond his elation so he can only grasp Haruki's hand in the two of his

The elder pats his hand. "If my son thinks it appropriate, and my daughter says she will have you, then I would consider it an honor to have you as my son-in-law."

"I will not marry him!"

Enishi looks up from his reports to see Tomoe storm into his office. It is well into the night with only the moon, the stars, and a desk lamp as illumination. Her flowing dress moves wildly with her strides, her face flush with rage. She throws the small box onto his desk. He is not fazed by her tantrums.

"How dare you consent his proposal? You. You. You are supposed to be on my side! This is utter betrayal. My life is at ruins and you are to blame!"

He waits until her breathing calms. "Are you done?"

"Done? I have not even begun. Marrying Kenshin will be the end of my happiness. Do you know that what Professor Himura makes in one year does not touch what you make in one day? You knew? Then why did you approve?" she yells.

"Why did you not decline?"

"How could I decline to such a pathetic man? If I reject him he may kill himself and I will have his blood on my hands!"

"Is that not a mite drastic?"

"You must have thought something similar otherwise you would have said no."

"I approved because I care for you and Akiko."

"Lies!" She speaks rapidly now. "You can say with your lips that you care, and then send me off into poverty, but I can wager that should the tables be turned you would not speak so quickly. No, you would not even think of it."

Enishi remains calm with his elbows propped on the desk, hands folded. "Didn't I? When I left here at sixteen to attend military school, did you think father gave me a penny? He hated the idea of it and said that if I turn my back and make this decision, I would have to do it on my own. So I did. I sold my vehicle to pay for entry fees and boarding. I sold the clothes on my back to pay for food. I found a job, worked as I studied, and graduated with high honors, and now I have a growing enterprise ten thousand members strong. Tell me again that I do not 'act what I preach'."

"Do not give yourself the satisfaction to think our situations are remotely similar. You were young and wanted to leave. I no longer have my youth and am being forced to leave with someone I not only do not wish to marry, but I detest to marry! I don't want a future mending buttons and darning socks for a husband who has nothing better to talk of than academics and politics. I will never be able to buy another pre-season dress, and I won't be able to give Akiko the future she deserves. If you truly care for me and my daughter, then you will stop this engagement at once!"

"I will not!" he roars from impatience and slams his hands on his desk.

Startled, tears spring to the corners of Tomoe's rust-brown eyes. His stare instills chills and fear that she dares not move or speak.

A few moments pass before he continues. Patience restored, he calmly says, "Do not mistake my actions or words for animosity, but father has spoiled you and left you absolutely dependent on us, particularly me. I take partial blame for I enabled your reliant behavior; but I must make right of this as the only son and help you release us as your crutch."

Tears of frustration spill down Tomoe's pale porcelain cheeks. "It isn't fair."

Enishi walks over to his sister and places his hands on either side of her shoulders. "No, it's not. I understand that it isn't. But I also hope you can trust me that I am doing this for your good. Kenshin is a good man with good characteristics. I know that he is not wealthy but he is neither a pauper. He will make a very loving and loyal husband – and father to Akiko – and in time you will also learn to care for him. You should know more than anyone that love is not the sole element required for a marriage favorable, nor is money an essential." His voice softens. "He will be good to you as Akira was, and that is why I consented."

"But I loved him," she weeps into her hands, "and I have no more love to give. Just like father."

He consolingly squeezes his sister's arms. "You need not love him straight away; but give yourself the chance at being happy once again. You are not happy here, and no matter how much time passes, I cannot see that changing. Go, marry him, and try to live a life more fruitful for yourself. Do not worry about finances. In due time, I will hire the professor on my planet for some teaching position and I promise that you will still be able to have any luxury you crave. Plus, we can be near each other once more."

"I would like that," Tomoe says quietly.

Enishi smiles. "That's a good girl."

She pulls away from him to wipe her tears. "But on one condition: My wedding will be of the Yukishiro scale, in no way humble or modest."

"Done."

"Which means I will need two years to plan."

"Fair enough."

"I also want a grand honeymoon. The World Tour."

"That will be my wedding gift. Now, take back your ring and rest. It has been a long and eventful day."

"Yes. I will leave you so that you can finish up some work before tomorrow's departure. You'll visit me in the morning, won't you?"

"Of course."

"Goodnight, then. And thank you."

Cold water serves as a refreshing distraction as Kaoru washes for the night. She was just thinking about this afternoon's event. What was the purpose of being saved if it only meant to return to a life of eternal bondage? Such thoughts were negative and she could hear her father's voice reprimanding her of such fruitless thoughts. She dries her face and places her toiletries back into her locker.

Tae appears at her side. "Kaoru, I know everyone is almost to bed, but I thought you might want this now than in the morning."

She is given an envelope. It is from her mother. "Thank you, Tae." Impatient to drink in her mother's words, Kaoru opens the envelope with careful excitement. Within reading the first sentence she lets out a small cry and falls to the ground. The letter reads:

My Dearest Kaoru,

I received a letter from Hiroko. It is very brief and does not detail her whereabouts. I enclosed a copy of her letter for you to read.

She does not finish her mother's letter, but instead reads the next page. It is her mother's handwriting, but her sister's words.

Oh, mother, how sorry I am! Kaoru and I have been captured by a slave ship and we were separated. It is entirely my fault and I cannot go a day without regret and remorse. Please forgive me. I miss you so. I don't know where I am or where I will be going. I hope this letter reaches you. I don't know when I can write again, but I will try. I love you, and, if you are able to tell Kaoru, I love her too.

Kamiya Hiroko

The tears that were pouring down Kaoru's cheeks turn into heaving sobs. She cries of relief and fear. How long she had worried for her sister! Yet how much longer will she have to worry? Where is she now? Is she treated well? How can she find her? Kaoru reads the letter thrice more. She wipes her tears and stands. She must focus on the positive: that her sister is alive! Still in the corridor, she now continues to read her mother's letter.

My Dearest Kaoru,

I received a letter from Hiroko. It is very brief and does not detail her whereabouts. I enclosed a copy of her letter for you to read. I know it is what you would want. It was originally written on a piece of scrap paper. Try not to worry. Two weeks have passed since its arrival, and Soujiro is helping me to track its origin. I will bring my daughters home.

I cannot describe the joy in my heart knowing my two daughters are alive. I dare not think of an alternative. You are alive, and you are my reason for living. Please continue to live and hope, for there is much hope in living.

I will await your next letter. Your loving mother,

Kamiya M.

Sobs overtake her again, and she covers her mouth to mute the sound. Then she stops. She looks up in an epiphany, with realization, and suddenly she is running. It does not matter that she is wears her night gown and slippers. It does not matter her letters are crushed in her grip. It does not even matter that it is after hours and she is not supposed to be out. These feelings of utmost urgency overcome her and are out of her control.

She runs and runs until she reaches Yukishiro Enishi's villa. She knocks soundly on the door. After a moment, the door swings open and a very stunned Enishi stands before her. He is only half-dressed with draw-string pants, but this also does not matter to her.

"Kaoru," he says softly, "what are you doing here? Are you alright?"

Tears well in her eyes again. She tries to speak clearly but her words come out in a whisper. "I have to say thank you."

Enishi is about to ask what for, when she throws her arms around him in an embrace. He can feel her flush against him. Her cheek is warm as it rests against his bare chest, her hands soft on his back. While in shock he does not breathe. No slave has ever dared to be in such an intimate proximity. In fact, he cannot recall a single memory of giving or receiving an embrace. Not even his sister. Not even Akiko. He exhales slowly, and as he does, he cautiously brings in his arms to return the embrace. This feeling of holding her is natural, almost familiar, and he is surprised at how well she fits considering her small stature. He lays his cheek against her soft pixie-like hair.

"Thank you," Kaoru whispers, "for bringing life back to me."

The way she words it is so quizzical that Enishi looks down at her. She looks back at him with an honest expression of vulnerable gratitude. There is a small smile on her lips, and for the first time, he notices the depth of azure in her eyes from the moonlight. He is lost, and in this void, he lowers his head, and kisses her.