Chapter 36
It was about an hour after Tobihi-Bikuni left that the mastermind behind the kidnapping finally visited. It was none other than Yasunaga Fujii, the latest suitor of Tanyuu. Tama put on her best performance to conceal all emotions, as per Tobihi's instructions. She did however find it unfortunate that a young man of such elegance was nevertheless capable of the deplorable acts Tobihi informed her of his plans.
「藤井安長。手荒な扱いをお詫び申し上げる」"My name is Yasunaga Fujii. My apologies for the rough handling." he began politely enough. Tama let out an audible "Hrrrmph!," making her indignant position plentifully known. 「一体何の御用でこんなまねをされますか」"what is the meaning of this, I would like to know" she demanded. She already knew from Tobihi's instructions what he would say next. Nevertheless she let him continue.
「とりあえず申し上げる。薬袋タマ殿、あなたに恨みは無い。できれば狩房嬢にもなるべく危害がかからぬ様に願いたい。ただ、私の御家のためにだけせねばならぬ事をしているだけにすぎない」"first off, I wish you to know I mean you no harm. For that matter, I hope to do as little harm to Miss Karibusa if possible. I only embarked on this endeavor because I had to" Yasunaga began. The apologetic tone in his voice sounded sufficiently sincere to Tama. That was Tobihi's supposition as well. 「ここは、藤井家だ」"this is the house of Fujii," she revealed to Tama. 「藤井？お嬢様に求婚したあの藤井家でございますか」"Fujii? The same Fujii family who wish to court Miss Tanyuu?" Tama inquired. Tobihi nodded. 「しかし、淡幽殿を捕らえようとしている連中は藤井家ではございませぬ。その正体を突き止めたいのです」"but the Fujii family is not the real ones after Tanyuu. Who, is what I want to find out."
Yasunaga was continuing.「薬袋タマ殿、率直に申し上げる。私めは狩房嬢をいかなる手を持ってしてもいただかなければならぬ。結婚という状態の方が望ましいが拒めば力ずくにしても来ていただく覚悟だ」"Ms. Tama Minai, I will be direct. I must obtain custody of Miss Karibusa. Hopefully in happy marriage, but by force if necessary."
He drew in a deep breath as if to regain momentum, then began his pitch again. 「あなたにしてみれば狩房家に対して裏切りという事になるというのは百も承知だ。事実、結局はそれが結果になるかも知れん。然り、ただで協力してくれとは言わん。楽な保護された引退場所に、その上他に私の手の届く限りは提供させていただくつもりだ。ご協力いただけるか」"I realize what I am asking you to do may look like a treason against the Karibusa family. Indeed it may end up that way. That is no small deed. In return I offer you absolute protection from any resultant repercussions, a comfortable retirement, and anything else within my reach. What do you say?"
「私めはどうしたらよろしいでしょう？」"what do you want me to do?" Tama asked Tobihi. She replied 「始めは固く断る振りをなさってくださいまし。その時点に安長は熊戸を説得役に送り込んでくるでしょう。熊戸はすでにこの計画内、よって苦労して説得させた振りを見せてやればこちらの思いの壷にあたるでしょう」"Refuse it at first, just to fool Yasunaga. Yasunaga will send in Kumado to persuade you. He is already in on this little charade. Pretend to have a discussion with Kumado at length and cave in afterward."
Tama kept a straight face but spit out a curt 「死んでもお断りさせていただきます」"over my dead body." Yasunaga looked away and sighed. 「やはりな。然らば仕方が無い。熊戸殿」"as I thought. Very well then. Kumado, come in" he turned his head and called. Tama heard a door to the dungeon creak open, followed by a familiar voice. 「そう簡単にいかんとは言いませんでしたか」"did I not tell you that would be her answer?" Kumado spoke, with a slight mocking tone. Tama raised an eyebrow. She had not heard him use that tone in a long while. Not since he underwent that procedure in the depth of that cave.
「任せたぞ。どんな手段を持ってしても説得しろ」"I leave it up to you to persuade her. Use any means necessary" Yasunaga instructed Kumado. Kumado answered with a glance. Yasunaga turned and looked at Tama briefly and left.