Koushiro

Koushiro! Part 4

In Gennai's parlor, Koushiro was reading in front of a portrait of a woman who had the same features of Koushiro. Gennai came down the stairs with Mimi, a young lady of about the same age of Koushiro.

"It's delightful to see you read so well Koushiro. And your writing is coming along nicely too." Mimi commented.

"You know, Mimi. Young Koushiro looks a lot like that picture of your sister." Gennai said.

"I believe you're right. I never noticed that until now." Mimi said. At that moment, Mrs. Bedwin, Gennai's housekeeper, came in carrying a tray of muffins.

"Sir, Mrs. Grimwig is here to see you." Mrs. Bedwin said.

"Mrs. Grimwig? She wasn't supposed to come here until tomorrow." Gennai said.

"Well sir, she came by and asked if I had made any muffins. When I said yes she announced she had come to tea." Mrs. Bedwin said. At that moment, Mrs. Grimwig, a funny-looking old lady, came in limping.

"Ah, Mrs. Grimwig, is there something wrong?" Gennai asked.

"Yes, some young vagabond left an orange peel at the foot of the stairs and I tripped." Mrs. Grimwig said.

"Oh. Have you met young Koushiro yet? He's the boy that was falsely accused of picking my pockets." Gennai explained.

"He's the young troublemaker that left that orange peel lying at the foot of the stairs, isn't he?" Mrs. Grimwig asked.

"No. He has not yet had one. He's the one who was almost wrongly branded a thief." Gennai said.

"Him? Not a thief? Ha! Look at him Thomas, just look at him. A classic vagabond." Mrs. Grimwig said.

"Sir, a man from the bookshop came with some books for you." Mrs. Bedwin said.

"I have some books for Miss Sellers as well. Can you bring these to the man?" Gennai said.

"Sorry sir but the man left already." Mrs. Bedwin explained.

"Why not have this brat take them. I'm sure he'll deliver them just fine." Mrs. Grimwig said with a laugh.

"That's a good idea Clara. Koushiro, I'd like you to take these books and this money to Miss Sellers. All right?" Gennai asked.

"Yes Mr. Gennai. I'll be back before dinnertime." Koushiro said. He took the money and books and left.

At midnight, Koushiro had not yet returned.

"See? What did I tell you Thomas? He's a thief. He hasn't returned. He's a thief! Forget his charm. It's time to move on." Mrs. Grimwig said.

"Sir, don't listen to her. Koushiro's a good boy." Mimi said.

"Very well. If he returns within the next hour, I shall forgive him and forget his shady past with those thieves. If he does not, I never wish to hear of him again!" Gennai said.