Scarlet Justice - ep. 119
"Violet Memory"
[Sweet Child of Mine: Epilogue]

"We'll be heading out, Mama."

"Alright. Make sure you have everything."

I put the straps of my bag over one shoulder, filled with everything that Rose might possibly need while we're outside. Today is a beautiful spring day, and I decided that I would take Rose out for some fresh air, outside of the mansion. She has been back and forth with Emi and Touka the past few weeks, but I want some extra time with her before I head back to the Leaf. It should be warm today, so I go with a simple pink dress that stops at my knees.

"I should be set," I say to Emi as we walk to the front entrance. The usual butler with his slick black hair, Honda, acknowledges me with a nod before presenting a velvet-lined box for my perusal. Inside are several types of eyewear.

"Heading anywhere in particular?" she asks.

"The Katsuragi Farm just outside of town. I want Rose to see the beasts of the field today...anime and the occasional documentary aren't enough stimulation on their own."

"That much is fair. If you do come across the old man, send my regards. Is Sakizuki coming with you?"

"That was the plan," I say as I choose a pair of black sunglasses. I nod to Honda and he closes the box before putting it away. "Did you have need of him?"

"No, not really."

"He's married, you remember."

"Hm."

"Behave yourself."

She rolls her eyes. "I'll see you both later."

"Yes, Mama. I love you."

"Yes, yes..." Emi waves over her shoulder as she saunters off.

Honda opens the front door, and I step outside with Rose in my arms. Sakizuki hops down from his driving seat and opens the door for us.

"Thank you kindly."

"You're welcome, ma'am. Ma'ams, I mean."

I giggle a bit at that. "You really are adorable at times, you know. Rose and I will be fine, so you can focus on your driving. Do you know where the Katsuragi Farm is?"

"Yeah, you can't miss the place. Are we stopping there, ma'am?"

"I want Rose to see the pasture. We'll have you and Al park somewhere nearby while we look over the fence."

"Right."

"Don't rush getting there, we'll be just fine with a little bit of suspense." I set Rose down in the nearby basket, making sure she's comfortable before I have a seat myself. "How has the job been, by the by?"

"Oh, uh...great, honestly. Best one I've ever had, and I don't think about leaving. Everyone's really nice...it was kind of weird at first, you know? But I'm more than used to it by now. My wife's happy that she doesn't have to work anymore, and I get to spend some more time with my daughter."

"Nothing you can think of in terms of problems?"

"Nothing, really." He rubs his neck. "The Mistress is pretty...friendly."

"I see. She's harmless for now, but you know how much of a shameless flirt she can be. It's just feeding off of your attention from time to time. But I scolded her a few minutes earlier, and I can have a talk with her if she's making you nervous."

"I wouldn't go that far..."

"You don't have to, Sakizuki. Listen, Touka and I can deliver a slap on the hand from time to time. That woman is a hedonist. Neither good or bad on its own, but transgressing societal bounds so callously makes others uncomfortable."

"Heh. You seem to know a lot about this, ma'am. I mean, seeing as you're so young and all."

"Advanced age and experience are often paired with each other. Youth and experience, however, are not mutually exclusive things. It is easy to forget that in this world of ours."

"That much is true. Ah, I should get us going. Sorry for taking up your time, ma'am."

"As I say often, there is no need for apologies. Come to us if you have anything troubling you, Sakizuki."

He nods. "Yes, ma'am." The door closes gently, and I hear him getting into his designated seat before sending Al forward. The carriage finally moves, and Rose babbles on from her basket beside me. We head through town at a brisk pace, passing by the many buildings crafted in imitations of the western style. They contained the same sorts of amenities as the natives would be used to here on the interior, unlike our home, which was based on more...foreign sensibilities, to simplify it. I wonder what it would be like to go across the ocean once more...

We leave the town behind and end up travelling dusty roads, heading out into the vast fields where farm animals roam and rows upon rows of crops are planted. The Katsuragi Farm specializes in two things: exquisite milk, and exquisite meat. Both are delivered fresh to the mansion as requested, at varying times every two weeks or so. If there is a special occasion, a few maids make their way out and pick up the items themselves. The rolling green fields are visible outside of the carriage window, and I feel us come to a stop a few moments later.

"The pasture does look picturesque. I suppose this is as good a place as any to stop a while. Let's go, Rose."

"Au."

I lift the basket and wait for Sakizuki to open the carriage door, which he does faithfully. I put on my sunglasses and step outside, shaking out my hair as the sunlight kisses my skin. Refreshing as always.

"Did you need anything, ma'am?"

"Nothing, thank you. If you wanted to have a look alongside us, feel free."

"Ah, I should be okay, ma'am. I can watch from a distance while I keep Al company."

"Understood." I walk across the road with Rose, stopping at the fence and then setting down the basket. Rose is her happy, fidgety self as I pick her up, making sure she's secure in my arms and able to look out at the grazing animals.

"These are the other living beings around you, my love. The great beasts of the field, children of nature. Much like our friend Al, we have tamed them, in line with our function as stewards of the Earth. Unfortunately, some take advantage of this, and inflict terrible scars upon the ones who they see as their inferiors. Cruel, and utterly foolish. After all...humans are prey as well. Fit to be consumed, just as these lumbering beasts are. This unwarranted arrogance, repeated over and over...it has brought harm to the Earth and its inhabitants. We have lost our way."

I walk to another point along the fence, closer to what I want Rose to see.

"But we should not focus on such depressing things for now. Those solutions will come as the heavens will it. Let us look at the beast before us, grazing in this vast pasture." I tilt my hand towards the brown fellow in front of me. Its ears move up and down as it takes note of us. "This is a cow. Whereas you currently have your milk sourced from Mama, I have mine come from these humble children. The importance of our care for the Earth cannot be understated here, for the cow consumes the grass of the field and can produce delicious milk because of it. Katsuragi Farm treats its children delicately, and reverently in the case of those who are destined to become meals of the recherche variety. Yes, the king of meats itself, called wagyu beef. One day, you will be able to experience the divine flavour that comes from such exquisitely raised meat. For now, you must grow big and strong with your mother's milk. Which is quite delicious, something we can both agree on."

"Aa!"

"Yes, of course. The wagyu cows are...over there, yes. There is a fellow in black, grazing peacefully," I say as I point towards the black cow nearby. "They will become meat one day soon. Some bleeding hearts would call it tragic and horrible, and in far too many places on this planet, that would be the truth. But as long as we take care to pay our respects, and to humanely silence our fellow creatures as we harvest their flesh, we can properly participate in the great circle of life, where nothing ever truly disappears. The cow becomes meat. The meat that we consume becomes part of us, from a basis of power and energy. And that energy is released from us, back into the atmosphere. The winds and rains are made up of this abundant flow, and come back to the Earth itself, helping grasses and plants to grow in their proper seasons. Another beast consumes the grass. And so things begin anew. An uninterrupted flow, according to the design of heaven."

"Au."

"Yes, truly fascinating. You seem to be grasping what life is, what it could become in the future. We still have a ways to go," I say as I gently rock Rose. "But change will come. I have declared it so, and you will be by my side to help. If you so choose, of course. Hmm...it may be that the greater portion of problems will be solved before your help is needed. We shall see. Things for future consideration."

I notice from the corner of my eye something approaching us. Or, someone rather. A young man on a horse. He slows to a stop on the other side of the fence. Lightly tanned, plenty of muscle underneath that short sleeved shirt of his, and one of those wide brimmed hats to keep away the sun. The quintessential farm lad, and certainly a visual treat.

"Good morning, little miss."

"A pleasant morning to you, sir. What business do you have with us today?"

He seems taken aback by my verbosity, but to his credit recovers quickly. "Oh. I was just wondering if you all were doing okay, seeing as you're standing by the fence and all."

"I see. My sister and I were simply observing your livestock as they grazed peacefully. It seemed a lovely day to do so, and the stimulation should be welcome for a girl of her age."

"Ah...alright."

"I take it you thought she was mine," I say unsubtly.

"Well...I did have that thought, if I had to admit it."

I sigh. Handsome boy, but has rocks in place of his brain. There are things you just don't say to women. "Never you mind. I take it you're one of the Katsuragi boys."

"That's right. Yusei Katsuragi," he says with another tilt of his hat.

"I am Lilith Kobayashi, daughter of the Kobayashi House. My sister here is Rosemary. Is your father in, by chance?"

"Had to run out for an errand or two, sorry about that."

"Nothing to fret about. If you are able, please relay greetings from Emi Kobayashi."

"Emi? One of your sisters?"

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Our mother. The mistress of the estate."

"Oh...that Lady Kobayashi, then. So you're her daughter. Alright, I'll let the old man know when he gets back. Did you need anything? Cold drink, guided tour?"

"We're fine for now, my darling. But thank you for your hospitality. I have beverages cooling in the carriage, and Rosemary here will only drink her mother's milk."

"That sounds about right for a baby. Well, if you all want to come back and have a look at the scenery, feel free. The old man certainly won't mind, and he'd like to meet you, I think."

"I look forward to a meeting with the prestigious master of Katsuragi Farm myself. The beef is delectable, and the milk, an absolute delight to drink. Have you all considered selling fortified milk, by chance?"

"Fortified...?"

Poor thing. I don't think he would understand the concepts of vitamins and minerals, not without his brain turning to pudding in the process. "It's something you can mention to your dear father over a meal, if you remember it."

"I'll try, then. Take care, Miss Lilith. And Miss Rosemary."

Rose wiggles her arms. "Ooh."

He tilts his hat towards both of us before riding off. Ino had a term for these types of boys, but I forget what it was. Mm. I'm sure he appeals to plenty of women as is, though. A magnificent body of steel...and a majestic brain made of brick. Friendly, though. I can appreciate that along with everything else.

"..."

I shudder at the thought of being married off to someone of his...talents. It almost did happen, didn't it. At best, I would have been able to avoid it by being disowned by my father, for the crime of being a so-called degenerate. Good riddance to that worthless trash.

"Human specimens like that are common in this world," I explain to Rose. "Good looks, average intelligence. I am easily frustrated by such beings, but you will surely have a better temperament than I in the future. You are a bit young to worry about these things, but no matter what path you choose in life, I will be here to support you."

Rose fidgets in my arms and smiles. I suppose that's a sign of approval.

"You'll be wealthy the rest of your days, so a trophy husband would be acceptable. We women do like our eye candy," I say as I look out at the farm boy again. Wonder what he's like under that shirt.

"Everything okay, ma'am?"

"Ah, Sakizuki. Yes, everything is well. We were just having a, shall we say, enlightening chat with the local farmhand. One of the Katsuragi sons," I say to him.

"I see. I did meet the lady of the farm once, and one of her daughters. I think she wanted to hook us up, but I gave off a few hints that I was taken. Whip smart old lady, though. Has to be reason this farm has been successful for so long."

"Behind every strong man, there is an even stronger woman, yes?"

"Something like that, ma'am."

"Words to live by, then. If you could fetch Rose's milk from the usual place, I would appreciate that."

"Ma'am. Back in a second."

I watch Sakizuki head into the carriage and emerge a moment later with a bottle of milk. After I receive it from him, I do the usual checks: taste, temperature, air removal, and nipple opening. Once everything is clear, I lower the bottle towards my little sister, and she suckles obediently.

"He probably mistook you for her mother, ma'am."

"Perceptive of you. What brings this on?" I ask.

"You take care of her like it's natural, ma'am. Reminds me of my wife and daughter, all that time ago."

"Hm. I suppose I can take that as a compliment this time, seeing as it's you."

"Thank you, ma'am. Did you need anything else?"

"No, nothing. How is Al doing?"

"Relaxing, enjoying the sights. Same as always, ma'am."

"A lovely child. When I'm done, I have some treats for him to enjoy. Good work should always be rewarded." I give Sakizuki a smile. "And of course, you haven't been forgotten."

"Eh?"

"You'll see in a bit."

"R-right. Thank you."

I nod and return my attention to Rose. Hungry child that she is, we go through another bottle before she's satisfied and drifts off to sleep. I give my faithful servants their treats: Al gets his promised apple slices, seeds removed, and Sakizuki a candy bar. They both enjoy themselves in the spring sun while I sip on a bottle of cold milk.

"..."

There isn't much to worry about right now. But eventually...I will have to head back to work. The world isn't going to change itself. I can see these clear skies from the village as well. It won't be the same, but it will be home there as well. That is the most important thing.

"Finally free...is that right?"

I ponder those words, and how I can make them a reality for everyone.

This week has been...a bit trying. I intend to return to the Hidden Leaf and properly start my work again. There is much to do, and it would be best to get it out of the way as soon as possible. There is a bit of sadness at my inevitable parting, but everyone is understanding.

Almost everyone. Rose has suddenly transformed from a calm child into a miniature tyrant.

She monopolizes my time, crying at almost every instance we're separated. Emi gives her the usual milk, but after that, she wails until I take her away. Touka can't do much of anything and has to call me in for help. The drastic change seems baffling and frustrating at first, but I come to understand the reason for it. Rose can sense that I am about to leave her for a long while, and doesn't care for it. And being an infant, so limited in this world, her fussiness and constant antics are the only way to hold my attention.

Just thinking about it is...it breaks my heart.

Today is my final day at the mansion. I pack up my things and Touka carries my travel bag to the front entrance. My cardigan goes on, and I perch my sunglasses on my forehead.

I hear Rose's loud crying as Emi approaches.

"She doesn't want her big sister to leave. Poor darling..."

"I wish I could take her with me," I say sincerely. "But everyone that I know also has business to tend to. Luna is with Ane-ue now, and I would hate to separate them so suddenly. Aside from that, she is still in the earliest stages of her development. She needs her mother, and the best nanny we have as guidance."

"Lili..."

"I will miss Rose, too. Already, I can feel like there is an empty space inside of me."

"She must know, yes. It's why she cries like this, hoping that you would change your mind," Emi says, trying to calm Rose down. The little one swings her arms out, reaching for me. I feel tears starting to form in my eyes.

"Mama...please let me hold her, one last time."

"Of course." Emi hands Rose to me. Immediately, Rose simmers down and flails around until she can grab hold of my finger.

"Rose..." I sniffle. "This hurts me as well. I don't want to leave you, but I must. I have so many things to do, and because of that, I won't have the time to properly nurture you. Mama and Touka care for you just as much as I do, you have to remember that. Please wait for me...I won't abandon you, I swear it. So please...you have to let go, Rose."

She stares at me, with those big blue eyes of hers. I nod and let the tears run down, feeling her slowly let go of my finger.

"Thank you. I...I love you with all of my heart, Rose. Take care of Mama and Touka for me. Behave for them. Become a splendid, wonderful girl."

"Au..."

"Yes. That's a good girl...good girl. You'll be safe here. I will see you soon, Rose. I love you."

I kiss her gently on the forehead, and her eyes slowly close.

"You were so tired, weren't you...trying your hardest to keep me from leaving. You silly, silly girl."

Emi gently takes Rose from me as I wipe away my tears. "Stubborn little thing...I'm already looking forward to having another sparring partner in a few years, hmhm. Lili, do take care. I'm already excited for your next visit," she says with a smile. "You can bring your girlfriend over, so I can tease her properly."

"Mistress, you really should behave yourself," Touka says. "But I feel the same, I am already looking forward to serving you again, Lady Lilith. It is always a joy. Please be safe in your future endeavours."

"I will be. Thank you both for your affections towards me. Farewell for now, and heaven's richest blessings to you. Until the next," I say with a bow.

"Until the next," they say in unison. I secure my things and head out through the front door, where Sakizuki is waiting in front of the carriage. He takes my things and places them inside, and then I sit and try to make myself comfortable.

"Everything okay, ma'am? Something wrong with the seat?"

"It's nothing. I'm just...restless today, is all."

"Your eyes are-"

"It's dust." I wipe at my eyes and then pull my sunglasses down over them. "Stop worrying. I will be fine."

He nods with understanding. "Yes, ma'am. I'll get us moving."

"Thank you."

I take one last glance at the majestic mansion as the carriage finally pulls away. We travel through the gates, and onto the town's main road.

"I'll keep my promise...and be back soon enough."

My eyes close as I think of my beloved family. I feel myself drift into sleep, with all of them on my mind.