Chapter 10

"Beni…Kana…rest well."Coming close in proximity, I kissed their foreheads for the very last time before placing them on the cold floor. Standing up and looked around, I found that he was no longer there. Where is he? Saitou was gone and there was only Egawa in sight. He looked lifeless; guilty and remorseful.

"I'm sorry…" He apologized.

"What are you apologizing for, Jun-han?" I asked, staring at him emotionlessly.

"Hima…Cry it out. I know how it feels… It'll be better after you have cried it out."Egawa said, frowning. Concern was all there to show but no, I had sworn.

"No." I shut my eyes for a short while. "I am no longer Himawari. And hence, no longer will I cry." I looked at him intently.

"…You will not do anything dangerous, right?"Egawa asked. His voice shook a bit. It convinced me that he had a change of heart. However, I wouldn't take what wasn't mine. His love was Izu's to hold.

"I won't." I lied as I gave a smile.

Several policemen ran into the bathroom to secure the area. Thus, both Egawa and I were brought into the hall to be interrogated. Officers questioned us and we told them exactly what had happened. According to what Egawa said, he was watching the parade when he heard a scream. He immediately ran towards the source which appeared to be Sumiya. Sayaka ran to him in tears saying that Beni and Kana were dead. By that time, I was on my way back. Sayaka told Egawa not to let me in but he failed.

The police turned to me and asked about my relationship with those two and also what I was doing before, during and after the parade. However, there wasn't much to justify.

After the interrogation ended, Egawa excused himself to the police office, saying he would try to plead the chief to hire him again in order to get a part in the case.

With exhaustion piling on my body, I excused myself to my room.

Reaching my room, my eyes caught the sight of kneeling Mitsuo. His face was full of remorse and fear. He must have feared me for my rank. It was obvious. I had asked him to take care of Beni and Kana but he didn't accomplish it. I had every power and right to dismiss him from his job.

"Sayaka-sama asked me for an errand…so…"

"…If you were by their side, you would have been killed too."

"If I was by their side, they wouldn't have been killed!" He bit his lower lip and hit his fist on the floor. "It was my fault!"

"If you were there, I would have lost you." I slid the door open. "Tilt your head and be grateful of your life."

"…"

"Don't look down on yourself."

"…U-understood!"

"Good. Now pass this message to Sayaka-sama that I want to have a bath no matter what." I said. Mitsuo bowed without a word and left. I asked for the bathroom to be dealt with, but it was all but an excuse to have Beni and Kana cremated quickly.

Sayaka seemed to finish it up immediately. A new pair of kamuro was assigned to me. Seven and six their ages were. Kumo and Rin came to inform me that the bath was ready. I marched my way immediately while Kumo and Rin stayed in my room, waiting for my return. However, bathroom wasn't my destination. Turning my way to the hallway which faced the willow tree, I sat. I convinced myself again to seek revenge and swore not to turn back.

Lost in thought, I wasn't aware of the time I had spent there. Maids were looking for me. As not to cause any ruckus, I returned to my room and slept.

That dawn brought me news. Five knocks on my door rang and I immediately knew it was Mitsuo. Sliding the door open, Mitsuo passed a piece of paper hastily from the gap. A name was written over the paper. I expected a full list of men who came to meet Kiku on that day but I was certain Mitsuo didn't have enough time to copy them all. 'Almost caught' was probably the best answer.

"Daisuke. He came for Kiku that night and it was his first time asking for Kiku, assuming that he had always asked for Midori. It's probably his name which was smeared with ink." Mitsuo muttered before he shut the door and went away.

Someone must have been awake… Be safe, Mitsuo. Approaching my drawer and took out the list of men with golden hairpins, I scanned through the names and found the same name. A feeling of discomfort smothered my heart as I looked at the name. There was a high chance that he was the murderer and the one who had kidnapped Izu.

Urashima Daisuke…

OmO/

Winter began. The world was slowly turning white. Time was merciless. Missing and dreaming didn't suffice. There was no time to recall the red maple leaves. There was not enough time.

Status and position as the highest in the hierarchy were bestowed to me. Contrary to what I possessed, I didn't think of it as a pride or honor. What I received was nothing more than a stepping stone to my goals.

There was this saying, 'to find the culprit, you must first think like the culprit'. However, it was difficult to accomplish. The culprit's target was unclear and sketchy. There must be something that he wants. I thought. What came to my mind next was my life. I began to ponder if I had offended anyone before. As far as my memory enabled me to recall, I had never offended anyone.

It must have something to do with Midori, Kiku and the unknown man. How many secrets did you keep, Midori?

Birds' chirping woke me up. Right after I opened my eyes, there was a knock on the door. It isn't Mitsuo's sign. I sat on my bed as I said, "Please come in."

"I'm coming in, Shin-ya." It was a recognizable voice. This was the second time she entered my room. There must be something that she wanted from me. It was Sayaka.

Sayaka placed herself sitting across me.

"What is it, Sayaka-sama?" I asked.

"There will be a guest of great status. His letter came just now, saying that he was coming for you tonight. He was supposed to be your destination of the Oiran Parade but he heard of Shinsengumi's raid and said it was alright." Sayaka began. There was no tension between us. It was just an ordinary talk of business. "He heard about what had happened last night and he compromised. Well…you have been the topic around the town lately…"

"Who is he?"

"The Chief of local police. Mikami Hoshi-han."

"Is it because kamuro's case has reached his ears?" I sighed. Did he hear it from Jun-han when Jun-han pleaded for employment? Hoshi-han was a man of power in the town. It would be advantageous to have him as an ally. If I could dig information about the victims with lost limbs, I could probably find something about the culprit. It was a golden chance.

"It probably is, but no matter what you have to do the ceremony as Hoshi-han would be your first customer in your Tayuu debut and he would possibly be your first patron." Sayaka sighed, fanning herself with her fancy fan.

I bowed; understood. A patron… Of course, I need to pay for Kumo's and Rin's living expenses as their elder sister. The more patron I get, the richer I am.

"Prepare yourself well." Sayaka warned before she got up and exited my room.

Noticing stares, I faced two kamuro who looked enthusiast to some work. Gripping the brush and dipped it with ink, I wrote a message. After that, I reached for the drawer and took out some sweets, I passed it to them. Kumo and Rin looked very pleased.

"Thank you very much, Kottai." They bowed deeply.

"Rin, give this to Mitsuo secretly. Do you understand?" I gave my order as I passed the scrap of paper. Rin bowed again and walked her way out of my room.

"Kumo, please prepare my clothes."

OvO/

Specially made fragrant which signified Shimabara's rose was put on me; by my neck, wrists and ankles. My hair was exquisitely adorned with golden ornaments. My face was evenly painted in white with red on my eyelids and my lips. Eyebrows were colored in red-ish brown. The sash was black on one side and the other side was gold; butterfly prints were here and there. Clothes were amber in color with the outer clothes in black. I went my way to the game field.

My very first Kashi no Shiki[1]…Each step brought me near to my mission. Keeping my emotions inside, I walked smoothly and gracefully towards the hall where Mikami Hoshi was.

Kumo and Rin walked in highly educated manner in front of me; courting me. Their previous sister must have taught them well. They were active and obedient. However, I would not involve them too much in my actions.

Entering the hall, my eyes darted to the sole man who sat silently. One look was enough to know what kind of a person he was. He had big stature. He seemed to take good care of his mustache and beard; making him look fierce. Little hairs grew over his forehands.

I can feel his piercing stare. I placed myself sitting between two kamuro. My hand reached for the sake cup by my right side. I held it elegantly. Sake cup as mirror which reflects the customer…I gestured the cup towards the customer with my eyes transfixed on the cup. Finishing with a few more gestures, I put down the sake cup to where it was taken from.

Tools for tea ceremony had already been prepared beforehand. It was by my left side. Moving the tools in front of me, I took a handkerchief from my sash and wipe the cup with precision. After it was done, the handkerchief was kept again. Next, I filled the cup with powder of tea and water. Once the mixing was done with the whisk, I placed the cup of tea in front of Kumo who sat by my right; beckoning her to serve it to the guest. Kumo bowed once before she took hold of the cup with both hands and approached the guest. She passed the cup of tea well.

Standing on my feet, I pulled my outer clothes by its collar. The shamisen player started to play and sing. Thus, I began my dance. 'This dance is called Inishie. Only Tayuu is allowed to do it. It tells about the sole flower which blooms in Shimabara.'

The dance went by fast. Before I knew it, I was at the last phase of the dance. I swung my arm and stood straight. Lowering my waist, I sat down. An instrument was passed to me by Rin who sat by my left. It was a Kokyu[2].

Shooting a glance at the singer, I made sure she was ready. The singer nodded. The play started and she began to sing. Slowly and gracefully we produced music. Shooting another glance at the singer who sang with a smile, I confirmed another fact. Hoshi-han must be enjoying the ceremony. This song can go faster. Swiftly changing the tempo of the song, I urged the singer to sing faster without ruining the sweet melody. It became fun for a moment.

The song was short so it didn't take much time before I was left alone with my customer. For a while, we stayed silent. My eyes didn't yearn for his image so I cast them downwards.

"Excuse me, I bring sake." A voice spoke from behind the door. It was Mitsuo. He did as I asked but I mustn't let anyone know our cooperation. It was weird for a guard to deliver sake.

"Why are you delivering sake? Aren't you supposed to guard the door?" I finally spoke.

"Sayaka-sama asked me to deliver because no maids are available." Mitsuo bowed. He knew what he had to do. He had to lie. He knew he was bad in lying. Therefore, he bowed to hide his face.

"You may leave." I said. With a firm 'yes', Mitsuo left me with my guest.

For a second, our eyes finally met. Turning my gaze to the tray of sake immediately, I took the tray of sake in front of Hoshi. I placed my hand over the neck of the bottle, pouring the sake into the cup. Suddenly, a big rough hand took my wrist. With one swift push, I was pushed onto the floor. I yelped.

"Hmph…so this is the woman who met misfortunes but refused to give up. I have heard of you, Shin-ya." Hoshi smirked. His breathing was close and it reeked of sake. He must have drunk before he came here. "Since you have met so many misfortunes, it won't hurt to add another one right? I shall be your next misfortune." He put his body above me. Truly, it was my misfortune. Yet, I didn't have such intention.

"Mister, no!"My refusal was disregarded. He didn't stop. He proceeded to kiss me by neck. The second his lips touched my skin, a shiver ran down my spine. His actions disgusted me but I had to go pass this day to be able to gain access to his information.

"Hoshi-han!" I called; firm and desperate. That moment, he stopped but his smirk didn't disappear. "L-Let's play a game."

"A mere woman is trying to get me to play a game! Hahahaha!" Hoshi removed himself from me. He sat as he laughed. "Why not?! But if you lose, you have to give yourself to me. I heard you are still a virgin…Heheh." He fingered his mustache and beard.

Regaining my sitting posture, I said, "We will play with sake. Who gets drunk first loses."

"Sake? Hahahaha! Isn't that lovely?! Then, hurry up!" Hoshi looked confident but I was not in position to lose. If my status as Tayuu didn't help much to a man like him, then I had to do something else to prevent it. Sayaka wants his money and I want his information. I can't just reject this man. I have to win over him.

After I had poured sake into a cup and passed it to him, he sipped his first cup and finished his turn. I poured another cup of sake; my turn. I held the cup with my right hand and with my left sleeve, I hid my face. With my right hand being obstructed by my left sleeve, slowly I poured the sake into my right sleeve. Then I kissed the edge of the cup; smearing my lip paint on it.

Putting the cup down, I poured the second cup for Hoshi. He sipped it happily.

Pouring my second cup, I let it flow into my sleeve again. I was grateful for my thick garments. The liquid wet the inside only. Just like that, we proceeded to the sixth cup, tenth cup, fifteenth cup and twentieth cup. Hoshi's face looked red as an apple but he didn't seem to give up.

"Are you drunk, Hoshi-han?" I tried to confirm. It's supposed to work now…

"Mhm…I'm…not!" He denied desperately, swinging his arm in midair.

"You seem very drunk. Why don't you lie down and take a rest?" I suggested. I'm grateful the sake hasn't wet my outer garment. Otherwise, my trick would have been exposed.

"I'm not drunk!" Hoshi took hold of my wrists suddenly, making me fall onto the floor again. My struggle was in vain for he didn't budge. His big hand held both my wrist effortlessly and with the other hand, he landed a slap over my cheek. Biting my lower lips, I held myself from yelping. Endure was the only thing I could do. Hoshi moved his hand over my sash and with one single pull, he undid my garments.

Hoshi's hand slithered around my waist and moved upwards to my chest. He planted a kiss over my stomach as he snickered. Digging my nails into my palms, I forced myself to withstand the ordeal.

"Heheh…" Hoshi removed his sash and glued his skin on mine. However, this misfortune was coming to an end. He planted a kiss on my collar bone before he fell onto me. He motioned a thrusting gesture between my legs but he wasn't aware that he hadn't entered me.

Eventually, his motion was getting slower and slower. He gradually lost his energy and fell asleep. It relieved me that I didn't have to experience bodily relationship.

"…Tayuu? Are you alright?" Mitsuo's rushed whisper was audible.

"I'm fine. Come in." I pushed Hoshi's body aside and fixed my clothes.

"Tayuu?! Did he…"Mitsuo entered and shut the door quickly.

"No. he didn't."I took deep breath in attempt to calm myself. "He shouldn't wake until tomorrow's morning." Mitsuo did as I had ordered. While I was entertaining Hoshi during the Kashi no Shiki, I had him to buy the strongest sake in town. Then, I told him to get one of my sleeping medicines from my drawer. I also told him to mix only half of normal dose. We didn't want any corpse at my Tayuu debut.

"I'm glad you are fine." Mitsuo knelt down and bowed.

"Anyway, ask the maids to prepare the bath. I need to cleanse myself." A sense of relief spread throughout my body. I placed myself sitting before my desk, checking if there was any mark left and was glad that there was none.

"Anyway, as I have written in the message, we have to undress Hoshi-han to fool him. I believe he wouldn't ask for any relation for a while." I approached the sleeping man and tugged his outer clothes. Mitsuo followed afterwards. We laughed together in the process. We were happy for our plan was a success. I knew it was too fast to be laughing but there was this weird tattoo on Hoshi's back; a disfigured tattoo of a peach. We undressed him but left his loincloth on then we put him on my bed and covered him with blanket.

OmO/

The bath was quickly prepared. It was the best bath I had had. The fragrant suit my taste. The warmth was just alright. What made it best was there was no one in the bath. Despite the freezing wind, the warmth spread evenly throughout my body. I felt I was cleansed. I made a good choice.

Bathing was the only period I could let my mind rest without thinking about anything. I relaxed myself under water, feeling the warmth which hugged me gently. I gazed at the scattering stars above me as I rubbed my arms. It's comfortable…

Thus, I bathed as how a Tayuu was supposed to with exclusive goods. Bathing under the crescent moon which eerily shone upon the earth brought an odd sensation. I embraced myself, drowning myself under the water temporarily. I should distance myself from Rin and Kumo in front of people's eyes…I thought as I exhaled. My breath turned white in air. Winter is just by the corner.

The fragrance slowly disappeared and the water also became colder. Thinking that I was time I ended my bath, I stepped out of the bath tub and dried myself with a towel. I dressed myself and called a maid who stood by outside to help me with my sash.

"It's done, Tayuu."The maid said, smiling.

"Thank you."I smiled and marched my way back to my room. Walking up the stairs, Asagi was seen at the end of the hallway. She stared at me with the sort of underestimating look. It didn't matter to me. They might pose as a threat; Asagi and her comrades. It's impossible for me to do my research with only Mitsuo anyway. I need another guard. I need a spy.

"Are you happy now?" Asagi asked. "Are you happy now that you are a Tayuu and no one can disobey you?"

"I don't have such intention." I answered as I continued my trip to my room. Asagi didn't chase and didn't demand for more significant answer. It was unnecessary for her to know my goals and I had no intention of sharing it.

Reaching my room, I saw Mitsuo was guarding the door. He bowed at my sight which I dismissed immediately. I knelt down to the box of incense, put on four sticks and lit them up. I stood up and slid open the door.

"Wake me up when the incenses are burnt."

OuO/

Lifting up the brush, I painted my lips in red. Today was a good day. Not only did I get my best bath, I also had my best sleep. Sleeping by Saitou-han's side is…comfortable too… However, it was best to not meet.

"What…happened?" a coarse voice asked. It came from behind me. Hoshi was awake.

"How could you…forget? ...Hoshi-san, you are an idiot." I pouted my lips; sulking. From the reflection in the mirror, I could see that Hoshi was scanning around. He also saw his only-loincloth appearance. He let out a chuckle as he approached me and embraced me.

"I must have been very drunk. Did I really do it with you?" He sniffed my shoulder.

"Idiot…" I muttered as I continued to paint my lips.

"You smell wonderful. A bath?"

"I have many preparations to do, Hoshi-han." I put down the brush and carried on drawing my eyebrows.

"Other customers?" Hoshi sniffed around my neck.

"Are you jealous, Hoshi-han? You had my first already. Why are you comparing yourself to others?"

Hoshi suddenly cupped my chin roughly as he smirked. "Arrogant, aren't you?"

As I smiled gently, I held his hand which cupped my chin. "Will you come again?" I glanced at him sheepishly.

"Hahahaha! How can I say no to those eyes?" Hoshi grinned. He looked happy and accomplished. It was also my pleasure to see his happy face. It was a huge relief that he didn't find out anything weird.

"Will you bring a list of your men here? We can arrange a feast here." I suggested, smiling as I leaned to him.

"In need of money that much?" Hoshi asked. His grin disappeared.

Did I say anything wrong? I became worried. "Actually…my mother in the village is sick. I can't go home but I can send some money for her to buy medicine." I frowned, fingering my sleeve.

"You sure are kind. I'll see what I can do." Hoshi grinned again. Perhaps he wasn't a bad man after all—just a pervert.

"Really?! Thank you very much, Hoshi-han!" I bowed.

Hence, Hoshi-han's time ended and he dressed himself. He said his farewell with a gentle kiss over my temple and with that, he went away.

The door which was shut was open again. Mitsuo poked his head inside and asked if I wanted dango[3].

"Yes please!" I responded desperately. Perfect timing!

"I will soon get it. Please wait for a moment." Mitsuo smiled before he shut the door and dashed downstairs.

When I was waiting for Mitsuo's return with plenty of dango, Kumo came to tell me that someone was on the way to look for me. It was her third time entering my room. This time, she brought some companions. To my discomfort, Sayaka brought Asagi, Hana and Yuri. When I asked what they wanted from me, Sayaka asked me to train them. Which means…I'm to be their sister and they are to be my younger sisters? What on earth…I was agape. It was too sudden that I didn't know what to say. I didn't have any problem training them but…Aren't they supposed to hate me? Well… more allies are better than lacking allies.

"Alright." I said.

Asagi, Hana and Yuri exited my room after bowing and Sayaka followed afterwards.

OmO/

It was a long wait when there was no distraction. Eventually, I tried to distract myself with calligraphy and writing poem. I didn't complete any of them due to lack of inspiration. When is Mitsuo going to return? That moment, my belly sounded. As I waited, I had become hungry. It's time for breakfast…

"Tayuu, is it alright if we come in? We bring your breakfast." Kumo and Rin spoke in cute unison. They came at the right timing.

"Come in." I said as I opened the door, letting them in. "Good morning." I smiled.

"Good morning." They greeted, smiling brightly in the process. They stepped into my room and put the tray of food in front of me. The smell spread across my room. It smelled like heaven if I could say. Well, I had no idea what heaven smelled like so, let it be my mere delusion. Holding up the bowl with miso soup, I savored the fragrance. Slowly, I put the edge of the bowl to my lips and sipped the soup. I squealed in pleasure. Then I realized that those two kamuro were staring at me with mouths agape. They must be hungry too. I passed the bowl to Kumo who looked at me clueless.

"Take a sip. After that, give Rin some too." I said as I raised my chopsticks.

"T-thank you very much!" Kumo and Rin bowed.

"It's alright. You two must be hungry too." I couldn't help but to smile upon their cuteness. At the same time, they reminded me of my previous precious pair of attendants.

After they had finished the soup, I divided the grilled fish to three and fed them. They were hesitant first, but they eventually accepted it shyly. I chuckled at their modesty.

The breakfast was then disturbed by Mitsuo who slid the door harshly. Breathless he was but he did his job well; in his palm were three sticks of dango.

"I'm….very…sorry…for…being late!" Mitsuo managed an apology between gasps. He calmed himself and passed the dango to me. Then, he bowed.

"You're late but you came at the right timing with the right amount of dango. Here, Rin this is yours and this is yours, Kumo." I gave each stick to Kumo and Rin, left the last stick of dango for me.

"I'm…glad…to hear that." Mitsuo lifted up his head and grinned in accomplishment.

"Here, yours." I pulled out one piece of dango out of the wooden stick and fed Mitsuo. He was startled at my sudden act that he almost choked on the dango. He coughed as if he was being suffocated. Quickly, I pat his back gently. In the end, he swallowed the whole dango and survived the silent dango's assassination.

"You don't have to rush." I chuckled.

"…I thought I was dead…No, it's about a guest!" Mitsuo was suddenly alright again. He looked at me seriously, making me wonder what was about the guest. I stared at him with curious eyes. Then, he spoke again. "Daisuke! A man called Urashima Daisuke is coming here for you! He just paid for you tonight."

That name caught me by surprise. To think that the chance would come in such haste... the wind of fortune is at my side. I straightened my back. "I see. Mitsuo, I need you to guard the door tonight."

"I understand!" Mitsuo bowed.

"What is happening, Tayuu?" Rin asked.

"A very important guest is coming. I want you two to be active in helping Sayaka-sama tonight. Do not return here until I call for you two. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Kumo and Rin answered together and bowed in unison as well.

Tonight will be my first battle.

OnO/

Many customers were served that day, but I didn't let my guard down for even a second. The anticipated battle was right before my eyes. I couldn't afford myself to miss the chance. I served as I waited. However, the man named Daisuke didn't appear.

To my exasperation, he didn't appear for four nights in a row. He paid for me but he didn't come to see me. I told myself to be patient but I couldn't wait to meet and ask directly if he was indeed the culprit. I eventually went to Sayaka and asked her to tell that man if he came to pay again that I was curious and I wanted to say my gratitude to him. Thank God for he agreed to meet me. Nevertheless, his visit was after two nights.

"What on earth is he thinking?! I don't think Sayaka-sama has any problem with a man who pours money onto you, but…"Mitsuo vexed as he paced back and forth.

"Be calm, Mitsuo. He should appear tonight." I placated him.

"But if he doesn't turn up! It's as if…it's as if he's taking you for a fool!"Mitsuo sighed deeply.

"Will you take a bet with me? If he appeared tonight, I will treat you manjuu." I offered.

"Eh?" Mitsuo seemed dumb-founded. Surely, he didn't expect it coming from me.

"If he didn't appear tonight, you will treat me manjuu." I continued.

"But the bet…isn't it odd?" Mitsuo asked.

"Yes it is." I giggled. "So, are you taking it or not?" I looked at him challengingly.

"Y-yes." Mitsuo answered sheepishly.

"Well then, off you go to guard the door while I wait." I said as I pushed him out of my room. I slid close the door and placed myself sitting before my desk. Reaching to my drawer, I took a hairpin and kept it in my sleeve; for self-defense. I exhaled heavily; annoyed.

I waited yet again. I waited for the man to whom I sought the truth. Boredom engulfed me wholly to the point I almost fell asleep. How late can he be? I cursed mentally. Thinking that it was better for me to have a cup of tea and calm down, I poured myself a cup of tea. Indeed, the tea calmed me. I lifted the cup up and sipped the tea.

"Tayuu, the guest is here." Mitsuo whispered suddenly. I was startled that I almost spilled my tea. Putting the cup down hastily, I pushed the tray of tea behind me. I straightened my back and faced the door.

"Excuse me., ahaha…" A foreign man entered as he chuckled nervously."My name is Urashima Daisuke." He bowed and placed himself sitting across me.

"I know of you, Daisuke-han." I smiled. An ordinary merchant. He definitely is not rich, looking from his clothes. He came to meet a Tayuu with soiled clothes…I scanned him ups and downs.

"Me? Ahaha! I'm unworthy to be known by a Tayuu such as you!" Daisuke praised. He looked oddly nervous and smiley. Something was definitely wrong with that man.

"Of course I know. My sister, Kiku used to talk a lot about you, Daisuke-han, about how kind you are and how generous you are. I have felt your generosity." I bowed. "Thank you very much."

"Ahaha… is that so?" Daisuke laughed as he scratched the back of his head. When I looked closely, I saw a tray of tea pot and two cups. It reminded me of a bad memory.

"What is that, Daisuke-han?" Taking a strong grip of the hairpin in my sleeve, I braced myself to ask.

"O-oh! I borrowed it from this house! Is it…bad?" Daisuke smiled nervously. "A-anyway, congratulations! You certainly deserve the Tayuu title!" He greeted as he bowed.

"Thank you."Bowing, I gratified.

"Here, have a cup for your success!" Daisuke poured the tea into the cup and passed it to me.

"My apologies, it's not our policy to drink in front of a guest."

"Can't you make it an exception? For your brilliance!" He cheered.

"You sure are good with words, Daisuke-han. Kiku must have been very blissful to serve a guest like you." I chuckled as I brought my sleeve up to hide my face. "It must have been tough for Midori to endure the burning jealousy."

"…H-how?!" Daisuke spluttered. There it was; the expected reaction. With the name 'Midori', everything was clear. He was in cahoots with Midori.

"Now that Midori is gone, you are planning to fulfill her mission, isn't it correct?" I stared at him, looking into his eyes as if to look for truth in his eyes. "You are here to kill me, aren't you?"

"I—n-no…" He stuttered.

"Daisuke-han, did you kill Kiku?" I took a deep breath and continued.

"No! No!" Daisuke stood up abruptly. He became desperate and fear painted his face. He was frightened and he had every reason to because he was guilty. He shook his head vigorously as he walked backwards to the door.

"Hold on, dear guest. The incense isn't burnt yet. It's not time to go home yet." Mitsuo slid open the door and pushed Daisuke back into the room.

"U-Uwaahh!" Startled by Mitsuo, Daisuke fell onto the ground; on four. He was trembling badly. If he were innocent, he wouldn't have shivered. He only had to speak the truth.

"Did you kill Kiku?" I repeated with my eyes transfixed at his.

"I-I am forced to! I…I only held her down to shut her up! That's all!" Daisuke explained frantically. "I-It wasn't me! It's wasn't me! Really! I'm telling the truth!" He was anxious.

"Who asked you to do so?" I prodded.

"Forgive me! I gave a lot of money to you, didn't i? Forgive me! If it's not enough…I'll give more! Just give me some time!"

"You came a few days before Izu's disappearance. Do you know where she is? Who kidnapped her?"

"My wife and child are at stake! Please understand!" Daisuke cried as he charged towards me. His hands strangled my neck; suffocating me. Pain overwhelmed my body and drained all my energy. Lacking the air, my eyes spun. Clutching onto his arms, I dug my nails into his skin and attempted to push him away.

However, what I did made us fall off balance. Daisuke sat on me. His hands were strongly attached on my neck. His nails began to sink in my skin. Coughing, I hung onto my fading consciousness. Reaching for the hairpin in my sleeve, I stabbed his arm.

Groaning in pain, Daisuke finally released his hands.

"Tayuu!" Mitsuo rushed in and sent his foot towards Daisuke. He kicked him away. Propping me up, Mitsuo kept his eyes over Daisuke.

"Forgive me!"Daisuke charged upon Mitsuo and they struggled to hit each other. Daisuke attempted to strangle Mitsuo and vice-versa. "She must die! If she doesn't die, my wife and child will die!"

Getting up on my knees, I crawled to Daisuke and pulled out my hairpin which was stuck in his arm. As the result, Daisuke released his grip from Mitsuo and groaned painfully again. Taking this chance, Mitsuo took hold of Daisuke's arm and threw him against the floor. With his knee, Mitsuo pinned him down.

Wheezing, Mitsuo and I stared at each other. Daisuke shouted and screamed like of a mad man. It wasn't long until he stopped.

"Daisuke-han…Tell me, who ordered you?" I asked as I rubbed my neck.

"Nishiya…Kyoko…I'm sorry…" Tears flowed down Daisuke's cheek.

"Speak!" Mitsuo urged, pulling his arm.

"It's Akira! Akira asked me to do all these!" Daisuke cried. "Please…kill me…"

"We won't." I assured.

"If I went back without you being dead, my family will end up dead! Please!" Daisuke begged. Unable to say yes or no, I kept silent. Upon distress, he forced himself to get up and shake off Mitsuo; regardless of what was to become of his arm. He took the cup of tea and gulped it down.

"Daisuke-han…?"

In short amount of time, he dropped the cup and held his neck. He groaned painfully. "I'm…sorry…"

"Daisuke-han?! Daisuke-han?!" I held his shoulders. "Daisuke-han? Are you alright?" I didn't expect he would actually drink it on his own. It was the same trick Midori had done before. The cup he brought was smeared with the poison before-hand. I didn't know what kind of poison he used and how much he had smeared over the cup but he looked very tormented.

It was only a flash. It was only a flash and I realized I was all in blood. It was only a tick of time and I recalled what had happened. Daisuke had coughed big amount of blood and it was splattered on me. My hands shook and my body trembled. My breathing seemed to stop. My chest pained and I found myself gasping for air. My chest went up and down in the effort to normalize my body. Upon the sight of blood and Daisuke, memory of the past was awakened and I couldn't look away.

"Tayuu!" Mitsuo rushed to me and held me by my shoulders, forcing me to put my focus on him. Reflexively, I clutched onto his arms. "Breathe! Tayuu! Breathe!" He said. He inhaled and exhaled, beckoning me to follow. Bit by bit, I inhaled and exhaled.

"Are you alright?" Mitsuo asked.

"I'm…fine." I was finally calm again. I released my grip from his arms and found out that my nails had dug into his flesh. "I'm sorry… it must have hurt." I apologized.

"No. It's alright." Mitsuo smiled.

"What is happening inside?! Shin-ya?! Shin-ya!" A familiar voice rang from outside of the room. It was Egawa. He opened the door and seemed very surprised. Still, he rushed to me, wiping the blood away from my face. "Shin-ya…Are you alright? What has happened?" He asked.

"Why…are you here, Jun-han?" I asked while still in the process to stabilize my breathing.

"I came for you when I saw Mitsuo suddenly rushed into the room." Egawa explained. "What's with all these?"

"A guest. He came with tea pot and cups. I told him it's not our principle to drink in front of the guest and he went ahead drinking it. Then he looked all painful. Finally, he vomited blood on me." I explained briefly.

"Mitsuo, call Sayaka-san." Egawa said.

"Yes, sir!" Hence, Mitsuo made a bee line and left us.

Egawa embraced me suddenly. His warmth comforted me. Weak as I was, I couldn't reject him. My energy was drained after calming myself from the shock.

"I told you not to do anything dangerous. If you see anything weird or odd, just go away. Why won't you listen?!" Egawa reprimanded. "What if that man was indeed the culprit and killed you?!"

"Jun-han… I'm alright." I patted his back.

"I'll work hard! I'll work hard to look for Izu! So please! Please, Shin-ya! Stop working so hard! I don't want to see you suffer!" Egawa released me and looked at me.

"I have to take revenge for Beni and Kana." I said.

"I don't think they want you to do it." Egawa tried to convince me.

"Why are you doing this to me? I am nobody to you." I frowned. I couldn't understand why he cared so much for me. I couldn't comprehend his concern to me. He was a man who loved my elder sister and I was just another stranger to him. There was no need for him to pry.

"Izu will not tolerate seeing you suffer." Egawa answered. "Not only will I work hard to look for Izu! I'll work hard to pay for your freedom! So please! Wait for me!" It was unexpected. I was speechless. My freedom…I had no idea how to reply and I had no idea what to feel. Fortunately, Sayaka came at the right moment and ruined our moment with a scream.

As soon as Sayaka saw the scene, she dashed to me and checked whether I was alright. She pulled me out of Egawa's grip and led me to an empty room. She shouted for some maids as well as a guard whose name was Reiji. Then, she turned to me.

"Do you think you can return to Wachigaya? No, of course no…after such thing…" Sayaka was restless. She motioned me to sit on the floor and went to the door. She called for Reiji again and in a moment, the man came.

"Reiji, from tonight you are to guard Shin-ya's door and to protect her. We all know how dangerous the position is." Sayaka spoke, to which Reiji knelt and heeded.

Reiji was a man around Mitsuo's age; around twenty. His hair had the same hairstyle as Mitsuo; bald in the middle. His face was full of dirt. He must have gotten so dirty from all the cleaning. For a moment, he seemed to eye at me suspiciously.

Maids came and were ordered to bath me. Immediately, I was brought to the bathroom and cleaned with the utmost care.

OmO/

To clean the storage room was my job. Amidst of cleaning the dusty room, a horrifying shout made me jump in surprise. Knowing it came from the house owner, I rushed my way to where she was. It took me a while to figure out where Sayaka was. That moment, another shout rang and I knew the spot immediately.

As my legs brought me to an empty room near the room where the Tayuu stayed, I saw Sayaka and Mitsuo as well as the regular customer, Egawa. Seeing Mitsuo and Egawa carrying a corpse, my curiosity tingled. Making a turn to my right, her image was caught by my eyes; Shin-ya Tayuu. A disturbing feeling grew within my heart as my eyes scanned her. Why is she… in blood? Did she hurt herself? I wondered.

"Reiji, from tonight you are to guard Shin-ya's door and to protect her. We all know how dangerous the position is." Sayaka said.

I knelt and bowed. "Yes." There was no way I could say 'no' to what was given to me. How would I earn money? At least it wasn't any cleaning duty. It was just a guard post. There was nothing better than to be stationed to guard a door and do nothing. There was a high chance I could slack off too. It was supposed to be a grateful feeling that I felt. However, there was this uneasiness within my heart I couldn't comprehend.

Several maids came running and brought the Tayuu away. Certainly, she was brought to the bathroom. Who would want to pay for a Tayuu in blood? Soon enough, Sayaka walked away. She definitely was heading to her counter at the entrance of this house. She would probably write down names and count her coppers or gold which was her daily ritual.

In about a moment, Mitsuo returned, saying Egawa went to report the case to the police.

Mitsuo approached me and greeted me saying he was glad to work along with me. Moving my head up and down, I nodded. We shook hands and bowed at each other. What startled me was, Mitsuo suddenly pushed me against the wall with his hands clutched tight on my clothes. It took me by surprise that I almost bit my own tongue. What the hell is his problem?!

"From now on we are personal guards of Shin-ya Kottai. Whatever you hear and see, you must keep it only to yourself." Mitsuo glared.

"I understand…" Answering so, I was released. Fixing my clothes, I dared myself to ask. "What was with the corpse? Why was Tayuu in blood?"

"Reiji, you are a curious one, aren't you?" Mitsuo eyed me intently. To be honest, it was uncomfortable. We had never actually talked to each other and once we were paired together, such treatment was given to me.

"If you really want to know… you have to swear to secrecy." Hearing Mitsuo's response, I knew I had landed in the wrong place. Never mind that, feeling challenged to know the issue, I agreed. It was all thanks to my curiosity in my blood.

Mitsuo explained briefly what had happened. He kept repeating that I must keep silent of it. He told me Tayuu was in danger due to the mission she was forced to take and that the culprit was unknown.

"We are her personal guards. So we have to protect her at all cost. She might reward you if you did a good job." Mitsuo grinned.

"Why do you want to help her? She's just a courtesan. She can't get out of here. How is she going to solve this?" Questions kept popping in my head and I felt the need to quench my thirst to know.

"You know, courtesans are women who lie, act, pretend and cheat but Shin-ya…Shin-ya Kottai, has always been true to me. She showed me braveness, courage, gentleness and will for her beloved ones. She lost her precious and I thought she was going to break down." Mitsuo heaved a sigh before he continued. "She didn't give up. She showed me hope when she was in her worst."

"I see…" Having heard such matter, I had no idea what to say.

"About how she will solve this affair… she has her way." Mitsuo added.

A particular subject appeared within my mind, urging me to ask. "Don't tell me the killing case outside has something to do with her? …The case with lost limbs?"

"There's a high chance of it." Mitsuo's answer wasn't enough. Cupping my chin with my fingers, I began to ponder. My desire to know more shook my brain to think, yet there was no answer within me.

"Well? What do you say?" Mitsuo chuckled.

"I want to see her in action." A grin crawled up to my face as I answered.

[1]Kashi no Shiki is a ceremony to introduce the Tayuu to the customers. In this ceremony customers have chance to study the Tayuu closely. The ceremony includes a tea ceremony, a dance and instrument play by the Tayuu. If customers were to behave inappropriately, a Tayuu had every right to reject the customer.

[2]Three stringed instruments similar of shamisen but kokyu is played with a bow. The strings are made of horse's tail. Instead of playing it by changing fingers' position, it is played by rotating the kokyu itself by its neck.

[3]A kind of Japanese sweets made of rice flour. It is round and often served with green tea.