Takano stretched out a leg, making herself comfortable on the floor. She shifted about and playfully gave Keima a poke in his side. "You all right with all these womenfolk in the room? Not going to have fit on me?"
Keima glanced at the room filled with goddesses, back to his wife, and then back to the goddesses. "I'm fine," he answered, a bit reproachfully. "I'm here to support you."
"My big hero," she smiled affectionately as she patted his arm. She leaned back, letting herself rest on his side, seemingly comfortable to continue her story.
Takano turned back to the audience. "Well, getting back to things... The furthest I had ever been from my village was to the edge of the forest. Where the mountains began to slope downward into the valleys beyond. At most ten or fifteen kilometers. My world was tiny. There had never been a reason for me to travel very far. My father told me about the villages and Edo. And I had been taught some about the greater world. A globe of oceans and countries. Of many different people. But I was so... terribly naive about it all."
She shook her head ruefully. "I mean... I understood trying to live in Edo would be difficult. Quite different from my life in my village. But I truly had no idea...
###
It had taken the better part of five days to reach Edo. But each day was a revelation for Takano, something new to see. People to meet. Things to learn. She felt like a sponge, eager to drink up everything around her. So much to take in! Each night she went to sleep excited, eager for what tomorrow might bring. She was also fortunate Yasuo was with her, for he was quick to steer her away from potential harm, like underhanded merchants looking to cheat the naive country girl. Or the wandering eye of a lecherous monk who saw her innocence as an opportunity to bed her. Or a pickpocket who thought her purse was easy pickings. Yasuo was also patient, answering her questions. Helping her understand the wider world.
On the morning of the fifth day, they arrived on the outskirts of Edo. The first light of dawn was creeping over the horizon, and the city was awakening, its streets beginning to bustle with the early stirrings of merchants and residents. The air was filled with the mingling scents of fresh fish from the markets, the earthy aroma of tea leaves, and the smoky whisper of incense drifting from the temples. The clatter of geta sandals on the stone bridges over the Sumida River blended with the calls of the vendors, inviting her to explore the wonders of the city. Wide-eyed, Takano took in the vibrant colors of the kimonos around her, the intricate woodblock prints displayed in shop windows, and the grandeur of the castle towering over the city, its presence a testament to the shogun's power. This was Edo, a city pulsing with life, ready to unfold its stories before her.
"Brother..." whispered Takano as she took in all the sights. She clutched Yasuo's sleeve tightly, overwhelmed by it all. "Edo is... so much... I could never believe such a place could exist! Where do we even begin?"
Yasuo chuckled and patted her hand reassuring that there was no need to panic. "We begin by finding an inn. We'll get ourselves settled, and then we'll start to look for work." He pointed down the street towards the Sumida River. "This area is called Honjo, not too far from the docks."
"Honjo...?" repeated Takano. She looked east, following the river into the distance where ships were sailing across the waters of Edo Bay. "Where do those ships come from?"
Yasuo shrugged nonchalantly. "All over... Our lands. From the Qing Dynasty. India. The Americas. I don't know for sure."
Takano nodded quietly, taking it all in. Her world had seemed so large when she lived in her village. Now, as she gazed across the bay, it suddenly seemed so tiny. How much more of the world was out there? What mysteries did it hold? What adventures lay waiting to be discovered? Takano closed her eyes, imagining sailing to those distant shores. Exploring their forests, climbing mountains, walking upon beaches. Discovering places lost to time, forgotten by history. Places only she had seen. Only she knew of. She wanted to find them all.
A gentle tugging on Takano's sleeve brought her back to the present. She opened her eyes to see Yasuo gesturing towards a building with a sign displaying a picture of two circles surrounded by rice straw matting. An inn. Takano followed him inside to secure lodging. The proprietor eyed them suspiciously, clearly thinking they were just simple peasants. Peasants without any money, which was close to the truth. Yasuo had been able bring what meager savings their family had with him. But it would not last long in Edo. They needed jobs quickly.
After settling themselves into their room, Yasuo led Takano through the streets of Honjo. Asking after employment opportunities wherever they could. It was slow going, neither of them could write and Yasuo only had the barest of reading skills. Eventually a kindly baker was willing to share what he knew of jobs in the city. Unfortunately, the news was grim. Work was scarce and competition fierce. Finding a job in Edo was going to be more difficult than they had imagined. They returned to their room, Yasuo deep in thought.
Takano wanted to explore more of the city but sat in the small room obediently as Yasuo paced about muttering to himself. She waited patiently until Yasuo finally stopped pacing, turning to her with a sigh.
"I think we should return home," he said gravely.
Takano could not believe what she was hearing. "What?" she exclaimed.
Yasuo shook his head sadly. "I thought we'd be able to find work. I'd hoped... But... we've talked to a lot of people today. No one needs another two simple farmers from the mountains. Even if they did hire us... wages are poor. Not nearly enough for us both to stay here." He crossed his arms stubbornly.
Glaring at her brother, Takano rose angrily to her feet. "No!" she snapped. "I can't go back! They will kill me! The people of our own village think I'm a demon. Where else can I go?"
Yasuo sighed again. "There must be somewhere else. Somewhere better than Edo."
Takano stomped her foot stubbornly. "No! I won't go back. There must be someone here who needs us. Who needs me!" She clenched her fists defiantly. "I refuse to give up!"
Yasuo frowned and started to argue back but Takano cut him off, pleading desperately. "Please Brother! Don't make me go. Help me find work here. Please..."
Yasuo scowled at Takano. Finally he threw up his hands in defeat. "Fine..." he grumbled. He gestured towards the door. "We'll keep looking. Maybe something can be found."
The next few days were hard. They searched endlessly, asking everywhere they could for work. But each day ended the same way, exhausted and empty handed. Takano tried to remain hopeful, but Yasuo was becoming more discouraged with each passing day. At the end of the fourth day and they still had no luck. They tried at the port, the shipping yards, the merchant houses, the warehouses. Yasuo strong young man. But there were thousands of men just like him. For Takano it was even worse, she only knew how to cook a few simple dishes and basic cleaning. Everything in Edo required knowledge she simply didn't have.
Takano saw how little money her brother had left. Just enough for tomorrow and then they would have to leave. And go where? She could not go back home. She had no home. She had to do something. Anything. She couldn't let Yasuo suffer because of her.
That night Takano waited until Yasuo fell asleep before slipping out into the night. She made her way to the river. Walking along it bank until she reached Honjo. Wandering aimlessly through the streets, she tried to formulate a plan. Find someone who needed help? Someone desperate? Someone who would take her even though she had little experience. Someone who would pay her enough to stay. Was such a person even here? Takano wandered further into Honjo. Further away from her brother. Further away from safety.
Takano walked down an unfamiliar street, the buildings around her dark and foreboding. She felt alone and vulnerable. Suddenly afraid, she hurried onward, looking for a familiar street or landmark. Anything that could tell her where she was. Takano rounded a corner, and ahead of her was an open square lined with shops and stalls. Lanterns glowed softly outside them, welcoming customers even at this late hour. Takano breathed a sigh of relief. She was near the markets. Yasuo had shown them to her earlier. She knew how to get back to the inn. But this still did not solve her problem. She still needed a job. Although she and her brother had tried many of these stores, the proprietors wanted works of skill. People who could read and write.
As Takano approached the first stall, she heard voices. Angry voices coming closer. Takano darted behind the stall, crouching in the shadows. Two figures came into view, walking towards the markets.
"Damnable woman," growled one man. He wore a fancy kimono. Expensive clothing Takano had seen others wear in Edo. His hair was elaborately styled, tied up with ornate pins. But there was anger on his face. Frustration etched into every line of his features.
His companion was dressed less finely. But carried himself with a sense of authority. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he responded to the angry man. "She refused your offer again?"
Takano crept forward, curious about the conversation. She peeked around the corner of the stall. The angry man waved dismissively. "Refused? No... She insulted me! Insinuating I was nothing more than a peasant suing for her favor. Me! She dared to mock me! I am one of the lords of the Tokugawa clan!" He kicked a rock, sending it skittering across the ground. "Who does she think she is? Does she forget she lives by my grace? That without me she would be nothing?"
"Indeed..." agreed the other man. Takano strained to hear him, lowering herself onto hands and knees. "But she has proven wilier than you expected Lord Matsudaira. Perhaps it is time to reconsider your approach. You have offered her money, land, power..." The man paused, tapping a finger against his cheek. "A different option. One that would be far more...permanent."
Lord Matsudaira froze mid-step. "Are you suggesting...?" He trailed off, glancing about nervously.
The other man grinned wickedly. "Yes... Why bother yourself with that troublesome hag any longer? She is a drain on your resources and a thorn in your side. Remove her completely. Eradicate that bitch Ichijō from existence."
"But if anyone finds out..." protested Lord Matsudaira.
"They won't," assured the other man. "Trust me Lord Matsudaira. Have I failed you yet? My family knows how to eliminate unwanted obstacles."
Lord Matsudaira nodded slowly. "Very well... If that is your suggestion." He scowled darkly. "That woman deserves nothing less for disrespecting me!"
Takano gasped silently, covering her mouth in horror. These men meant murder! Murder of whoever this woman was. Takano trembled, her mind racing. Should she warn this woman? Whoever she was, she must be important for Matsudaira to want her dead. But who was she? Who was Ichijō? Takano wracked her brain, trying to remember if Yasuo had mentioned anything about the name Ichijō.
The sounds of Lord Matsudaira and his companion faded away as the pair disappeared down another street. Takano waited several moments before crawling out from behind the stall. She stood up slowly, considering her options. Lord Matsudaira had come from a nearby inn. Perhaps this was where Ichijō woman was staying. Takano hesitated. She wasn't sure if warning this Ichijō woman was wise. But it seemed a honorable thing to do. Takano squared her shoulders.
Approaching the inn cautiously, Takano peered through the windows, searching for any signs of movement. The interior was dark. Takano slipped around to the entrance, pressing herself against the wall as she listened intently. Hearing nothing, she carefully slid the towards the door. She believed she was being silent and moving stealthily. This might have been true, if had not been for the man hidden in the shadows beside the door. Takano was startled to bump into him, yelping loudly as she jumped back. She tripped over her own geta sandals, falling backwards onto the dirt.
The man stepped out of the shadows, chuckling softly. "What do we have here, little thief?"
Takano scrambled backwards, staring up at the stranger. He was tall. Much taller than her brother. With broad shoulders and strong arms. She wondered if she was facing the assassin Lord Matsudaira spoke with. Takano swallowed nervously as she tried to gather her courage. "Not thief," she blurted out. She pointed towards the inn. "Looking for a woman called Ichijō," she managed to get out in a squeak.
The man raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Why?"
Takano chewed her lip, wondering if she could trust this man. "Need to warn her... Lord Matsudaira wants her dead..."
The man folded his big arms across his chest. He eyed her closely, clearly skeptical. "How do you know this?"
"Saw him talking..." Takano explained. She climbed unsteadily to her feet. "I overheard. Lord Matsudaira and another man. Said he was tired of her. Tired of trying to control her with money and land and umm stuff. Easier to get rid of her."
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting... And why warn this Ichijō woman? Why should you care?"
Takano blushed slightly, feeling foolish. "Seemed honorable... To warn her..." She hung her head and stared at the ground. She winced slightly expecting laughter.
When the mockery did not come, Takano glanced up at the man. He smirked at her. "Little heroic samurai, are you? Come with me." He grabbed on to her arm, with a vice-like grip that gave her no choice but to follow. "We need speak with Lady Ichijō together..." Takano stumbled after the man, his pace quick and forceful. He dragged her around to the back of the inn. Here there was narrow stairway leading to the second floor of the inn and another entrance. Smaller and simpler than the one in the front. He loudly knocked three times. Takano waited apprehensively as footsteps approached from within. The door slid open revealing an older woman with short black hair with strands of grey standing in the doorway. Behind her Takano could glimpse a small lantern illuminating a sparsely furnished room. The woman regarded Takano suspiciously. Glancing from her dirty kimono to her disheveled appearance. She sniffed disdainfully and turned her attention to the man.
"Hiroki," she greeted curtly, "What is this?" She gestured towards Takano, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
Hiroki bowed respectfully. "Lady Ichijō... This girl claims Lord Matsudaira is planning to have you killed." Lady Ichijō glared sharply at Takano. Takano gulped nervously. Lady Ichijō reminded Takano of an angry mountain cat preparing to pounce on its prey.
Before Lady Ichijō could respond Hiroki continued speaking. "She overheard Lord Matsudaira talking with another man. Likely that rat Katori." Lady Ichijō narrowed her eyes dangerously. Hiroki released Takano's arm, pushing her forward gently. "Tell Lady Ichijō what you overheard..."
Takano took a hesitant step forward. Swallowing nervously, she began repeating what she had eavesdropped on from Lord Matsudaira. Lady Ichijō expression became darker as Takano spoke. By time Takano finished, the older woman seemed livid. She spun on heel stalking into the room. Hiroki motioned for Takano to follow. Takano entered warily, sliding the door shut behind her. Lady Ichijō was pacing about the room furiously, muttering angrily under breath. Hiroki guided Takano to sit in corner while Lady Ichijō continued fuming. After several minutes Lady Ichijō whirled about glaring at Takano.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?" she demanded.
Takano shrank back, intimidated by the older woman. "I swear..." she whimpered. "I just wanted to warn you... "
"And who are you girl?" asked Ichijō as she eyed Takano critically. Her simple and less than clean dress.
Takano bowed awkwardly from where she sat. "Takano ma'am."
Lady Ichijō lips curled up in amusement "Where are you from, Takano? You're not from here."
Takano flushed. Lady Ichijō gaze seemed to bore into her soul. "No ma'am... A village in the mountains... Few days from here."
"Hmm..." mused Lady Ichijō. She crossed her arms, studying Takano intently. "So, what are you doing in the city? And brings you to listen in on that pathetic excuse for a lord?"
Takano shrank further under Lady Ichijō scrutiny. "I came with my brother... Looking for work. We couldn't find any. We have to leave soon." She hung her head glumly. "I went out tonight, hoping I'd find a job. Any job... That's when I came across Lord Matsudaira. He and the other man, they were in an alleyway. They didn't see me."
Lady Ichijō nodded slowly. She glanced at Hiroki, raising an eyebrow. Hiroki shrugged indifferently. Turning back to Takano, Lady Ichijō pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Hmm. If you're being truthful. You have helped me. But if you're lying..."
"I'm not lying!" protested Takano indignantly. She recoiled as Lady Ichijō glared fiercely at her.
Lady Ichijō arched an eyebrow. "Really... I should reward you then. Something for helping me..."
Looking at her feet, Takano spoke barely above a whisper. "A job?"
Ichijō eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You want to work for me?" she scoffed. Takano nodded sheepishly. She turned to Hiroki questioningly. Hiroki smiled wryly. Lady Ichijō tapped her chin several times, deep in thought. Then her eyes lit up mischievously. She smiled wolfishly at Takano. "Very well girl. You have a job. Starting right now."
Takano started in stunned surprise. "Really?"
"Yes, really," replied Ichijō. "Now... Hiroki. Take Takano downstairs and get her cleaned up. We will need to prepare for Lord Matsudaira. He is always an impatient one, and he will move sooner than later." She waved dismissively at Takano, indicating for Hiroki to hurry things along.
"Do you want me to get some of the men from the docks?" asked Hiroki as he pulled Takano to her feet.
"No," answered Lady Ichijō. "We'll handle this quickly and quietly by ourselves."
Hiroki bowed respectfully before guiding Takano out of the room. Downstairs Hiroki instructed Takano to wash herself off as best as she could. He provided her with a fresh kimono. Takano changed quickly, hurrying back upstairs where Hiroki lead her into Lady Ichijō room. The older woman glanced at her appraisingly. Nodding approvingly.
"Much better..."
Takano, growing curious, wondered aloud, "What will be my job?"
Lady Ichijō chuckled darkly. She had been working at a small table, illuminated by candlelight. Takano saw parchment spread across the table. Lady Ichijō held up one of the papers, waving it teasingly. "You are going to deliver this letter to Lord Matsudaira..."
Takano blinked uncertainly. "Deliver...?"
Lady Ichijō rolled up the paper placing it in a bamboo tube. She sealed it shut with wax. "You will deliver this letter to Lord Matsudaira," she repeated. "Saying it from the captain of the Hojo. The ship is docked but is having trouble. He couldn't spare any crew, so he sent you. You don't know anything else. The captain said it was important and gave you a few coins and sent you on your way."
She then gazed very intensely at Takano. "Do you understand Takano? You must just be some random girl sent to deliver an urgent message to the Lord. Nothing else. You don't know anything else."
Takano nodded hesitantly. Lady Ichijō smile grew wider. More sinister. She handed the tube to Takano. "Good... Hiroki will escort you towards Lord Matsudaira's mansion. But you will have to go the rest of the way by yourself. Matsudaira will be suspicious when he gets this letter. He will question you. Just repeat that you know nothing else. Got it?"
Takano clutched the bamboo tube tightly. Lady Ichijō instructions sinking in. "Got it..." she murmured softly. She gulped nervously. Lady Ichijō patted her shoulder reassuringly. Takano followed Hiroki out of the inn into the dark streets of Edo. By now it had grown deep into the night. Few people were about. Hiroki led her through the city, pointing out Lord Matsudaira mansion. Takano memorized the route before continuing on her own. She walked through the empty streets, clutching the tube tightly to her chest. She shivered nervously as she passed darkened alleys. Wondering if Lord Matsudaira's assassins might jump out at any moment.
Finally, Takano arrived at the gates of Lord Matsudaira mansion. Two guards were stationed outside the gate, watching the grounds diligently. Takano approached nervously. Stopping a polite distance away she bowed politely. Clearing her throat, she announced herself, "Excuse me... I have a letter for Lord Matsudaira..."
One guard scowled irritably. "At this hour girl? What are you playing at?" He motioned with his spear threateningly. Takano retreated a few steps. She bowed apologetically holding out the bamboo tube. The guard snatched it roughly from her hands, examining it closely. Satisfied, he grunted brusquely, "Wait here." Takano watched anxiously as the guard disappeared inside the mansion. Several tense minutes passed before he reappeared accompanied by Lord Matsudaira himself. She bowed respectfully, greeting him nervously, "Lord Matsudaira sir... I apologize for disturbing you. The captain of the Hojo sent me with this letter... Said it was urgent and important."
Lord Matsudaira sneered at Takano. "And why would that fool send you girl? Why not one of his crew?"
Takano bowed apologetically, keeping her eyes low. "He didn't say sir... Only that I was to bring this letter immediately."
Lord Matsudaira snorted disdainfully. He snatched the tube from the guard and then waved a hand, dismissing the man. The guard left, leaving Takano alone with the lord. Takano fidgeted uncomfortably under Lord Matsudaira's intense stare. He studied her closely, scrutinizing everything about her. She did not dare meet his eyes. Finally, Lord Matsudaira broke the silence.
"If you're not a part of that idiot Kazuo's crew, how did you get pulled into this?" he demanded gruffly. Takano bit her lower lip nervously. She kept her eyes down, hoping she appeared confused and frightened. Lord Matsudaira scowled at her lack of response. "Well girl?"
Takano knew she had to answer, but she could not tell the truth. Not the full truth. But she could lie with part of the truth. "Looking for work," she said dejectedly. "Any type of work. I thought maybe one of the foreigner ships might need..."
Lord Matsudaira laughed cruelly. "Idiot child... Foreigners don't hire Japanese." Takano hunched her shoulders, pretending to be crestfallen. Lord Matsudaira snorted disdainfully. "Perfectly good work in a brothel for you. You look pretty enough..." Takano flushed red in embarrassment. Lord Matsudaira waved the tube dismissively. "Get lost girl..."
Takano bowed politely and scurried off back down the street. As she departed, she heard Lord Matsudaira opening the tube. She increased her pace, eager to get away from the lord and whatever reaction he might have upon reading the letter. Once Takano felt safe enough, she slowed her pace, turning down an alleyway to catch her breath. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. Taking a deep calming breath, Takano congratulated herself on surviving her encounter with Lord Matsudaira. Opening her eyes Takano glanced about the alleyway, getting her bearings. She recognized this place; it was not too far from Lady Ichijō Inn. The Lady had not told her what to do after delivery the letter and without any other instruction, Takano headed back towards the inn. She hoped Lady Ichijō would not be upset when she came back.
On her return she found the Inn silent. No one around. Neither Hiroki nor Lady Ichijō. Takano wondered where they might be. Had Lady Ichijō gone to confront Lord Matsudaira? Hiroki with her? Takano paced anxiously about the lobby of the Inn, waiting for their return. Time wore on and Takano worried more. She wondered if she should return to Yasuo, tell him of everything that had happened. She decided against it, Lady Ichijō might return soon. She could wait. Takano settled herself on the floor, resting her head against the wall. She drifted off into an uneasy sleep filled with nightmares of Lord Matsudaira chasing her. Hunting her. Seeking revenge for delivering the false letter.
Takano awoke with a start, a hand shaking her awake. Hiroki was above her, staring down at her with a slight grin. "Little thief... Awake I see..." Takano blinked groggily as she struggled to wake up. Hiroki chuckled softly.
"Not a thief," complained Takano. Hiroki smirked playfully. Takano yawned widely. Rubbing her eyes she looked about the lobby. Lady Ichijō was seated at a table, sipping tea calmly. Takano clambered unsteadily to her feet. Stumbling over to Lady Ichijō, she bowed politely asking, "I did as you instructed, I delivered the letter to Lord Matsudaira."
"I know you did. You did well, Takano." Lady Ichijō smiled. A genuine warm smile. "Thank you."
Takano blushed embarrassed. She bowed again, stammering bashfully, "You're welcome." She paused, uncertain exactly how to proceed next. Lady Ichijō chuckled seeing Takano's uncertainty. She gestured towards the table. "Join us Takano. Hiroki will fetch you some tea. You must be thirsty. "Umm... So, my job?"
"Yes, yes, you will work for me, Takano. You will deliver packages for me, and you will retrieve them as well. Your duties may involve other errands from time to time. You will report directly to Hiroki here." Lady Ichijō nodded towards Hiroki. "He is my bodyguard and assistant. He oversees most of my affairs."
Takano bounced in excitement. "Thank you! Thank you! Lady Ichijō. My brother and I will not disappoint you!"
Lady Ichijō laughed. "Brother? Little Takano I have given you a position in my business. Not your brother."
"But..." Takano protested. Lady Ichijō raised hand silencing her.
"No, girl. Let me guess. Older brother, yes?"
Takano nodded.
"Big, strong, farm boy from the country. I have dozens of those in my employ."
"But he needs a job too!" argued Takano.
Lady Ichijō shook her head adamantly. "No. You can work for me Takano. Not your brother." She leveled a stern glare at Takano daring her to continue arguing. Takano opened her mouth defiantly ready to argue more. Lady Ichijō slammed hand down onto the table causing Takano to jump in fright. Hiroki guffawed loudly. Lady Ichijō frowned at Takano, arching an eyebrow imperiously. Takano relented, hanging her head in defeat. Lady Ichijō leaned back satisfied she had won the argument.
"You are tough one, Takano. I like you. But that is my final word on this," Ichijō stated firmly. "Don't ask again." Takano sighed, resigning herself to accepting her new employer's decision. She perked up eagerly as Lady Ichijō continued speaking. "You begin work tomorrow. Hiroki will show you around Honjo and greater Edo. "
Takano nodded solemnly. Lady Ichijō said nothing and guessing she was being dismissed, Takano turned to leave. But she was stopped when Ichijō spoke again. Her words firm and cold. "Takano you will not speak of tonight to anyone. Understand? No one else must know. Not your brother. Not anyone else. Am I clear?" Takano gulped nervously, nodding fearfully. Lady Ichijō's face softened and she smiled. "Go home girl. Get some proper sleep."
Hiroki escorting her out of the Inn. By now it was early dawn, the shops and the stalls were beginning to open for the day. Takano hurried back to the Inn where she and Yasuo were staying. The street rapidly filling with people, and it took time for Takano to make her way through the crowd. Yasuo was waiting for her outside the Inn looking worried. Relief swept across his face when he spied Takano. He rushed over, grabbing Takano by the shoulders. He hugged her tightly, exclaiming happily, "Sister! Where have you been? I've been worried sick! You shouldn't have gone out without telling me!" Yasuo paused suddenly noticing Takano's new kimono. "Sister... What happened? Where did you get these clothes?"
Takano could hardly keep her excitement in check. Hugging Yasuo, she excitedly blurted out, "Brother! Brother! I found work! And it was Lady Ichijō who gave me the new kimono!"
Clearly confused, Yasuo questioned Takano. "Work? Lady Ichijō?"
Taking a deep breath Takano began to explain. Of what she could explain. Lady Ichijō had instructed not to speak of what happened last night. Takano simply explained that she had helped Lady Ichijō at her Inn last night and gratitude she had offered Takano job running errands for her. Yasuo frowned, not quite believing Takano story. But for the moment he reluctantly accepted it. Takano assured Yasuo she would tell him more later. But right now, she needed to sleep. Exhausted from the events of the past night Takano collapsed into bed falling asleep almost instantly.
When she woke up late in the afternoon, Yasuo was gone. Hopefully, he was out looking for work. While she had secured a job, he still needed to find one. Takano ate a quick meal before rushing off to Lady Ichijō Inn. Although Ichijō had told her she would not start work until tomorrow Takano was anxious to learn all she could. Maybe she would have work for Takano tonight.
As she made her way through the crowds of the city, Takano marveled at Edo once more. It had only been a day but already Edo seemed brighter. Happier. Brimming with wonder and adventure. Takano could hardly contain her enthusiasm. She had found work! Work for Lady Ichijō! She would live here. Learn the city. See all the sights. Discover every mystery and adventure Edo held. Here she could hide, be anonymous as everyone else in the crowd. No one would notice if she healed faster than others or never got sick. She was so caught up in her thoughts, Takano did not realize the mass of the crowd had come to a near standstill.
A chorus of voices, mixing of different people speaking at once rose up above Takano. She tried to see the cause of the delay. But she was shorter than most in the crowd. She managed to spy the docks lining the Sumida River. Dozens of ships were moored alongside the quays. More voices in the mob came, this time clearer.
"Is it him?"
"Yes. Yes."
"Poor man."
"Bah, no great loss."
"Hold your tongue. His father will have to be told."
Still trying to see what was happening, Takano climbed atop a crate stacked near the riverbank. From her new vantage point, she saw two men carrying a stretcher towards one of the ships. On the stretcher lay Lord Matsudaira corpse. His robes -the same robes he had been when last she had seen him- were waterlogged and torn. Covered with seaweed and bits of debris. Takano shuddered at the sight, a cold dread working its way from the pit of her stomach. Lord Matsudaira face was pale, ghostly white. Lifeless eyes stared blankly into the sky.
Takano jumped down from her perch. She pushed her way through the crowd, desperate to put distance between herself and the dead lord. Takano raced down the street, sprinting towards Lady Ichijō's Inn. Bursting through the door she skidded to stop. Yasuo was there sitting in a chair, Hiroki leaning against the wall nearby. So surprised by her brother's presence, Takano stood in the Inn's entrance gasped for breath, trying to speak.
On seeing Takano, Yasuo started to get up, but stopped when Hiroki commanded, "Sit, boy."
Yasuo glowered angrily but obeyed. Takano moved slowly into the room, her mind racing at both seeing Lord Matsudaira and now Yasuo. Lady Ichijō emerged from a side room, eyeing Takano calmly. "Your brother decided to pay me a visit, Takano. He did not trust my good intentions."
Yasuo spoke, his words hushed but urgent, "Sister. Takano. Please, you should not work for these people."
Takano did not say anything. Seconds tick by. When she finally did speak, all she said was, "Lord Matsudaira is dead."
"Yes, he is," agreed Lady Ichijō.
"You killed him..." accused Takano.
"Yes, we did." Lady Ichijō tone was calm and even. "He was going to kill me. So, I killed him first."
Takano swallowed nervously, unsure of what to say or do. Hiroki chuckled, breaking the tension. "Little thief... You delivered that letter perfectly. Lord Matsudaira fell right into our trap."
Yasuo words came softly but cut like a knife. "Please, sister, tell me this is not true."
Tears began rolling down Takano cheeks. "I didn't know...I didn't want anyone to die."
"Unfortunately, that's not how the world works, Takano," Lady Ichijō replied sadly. "You're young. Naive. Someone was going to end up dead last night. Either me or Matsudaira. I prefer it to be Matsudaira."
Yasuo pleaded, "Sister come with me. Away from here. We can leave Edo. Find somewhere safer. Better than this." Takano glanced uncertainly from her brother to Lady Ichijō.
"Where?" she asked her brother softly. "Back home they want to stone me. Some other village? Will they accept us? How long will it be before they also turn on me?"
"You don't know that" argued Yasuo.
Takano shook her head sadly. "No brother, I am not safe anywhere else. Here I can be lost in a crowd. Nothing to make me stand out. No one to call me a freak or a witch."
Lady Ichijō interrupted Yasuo before he could respond. "Takano, I know what it is like to lose a home. I understand. You work for me now. I will protect you. Keep you safe." Lady Ichijō expression was sincere and earnest.
Now Yasuo sprang to his feet shouting angrily, ignoring any threat from Hiroki. "How do Iknow I can trust you!"
Lady Ichijō shrugged nonchalantly. "You don't. But what are her options here, realistically? The brothels? Or one of the mills? She wouldn't last more than a year in either one. Here, she has a chance. At least until she can find something better. That is all I can offer." Yasuo glared furiously at Lady Ichijō but remained quiet. Takano wiped tears from her cheek.
Lady Ichijō gaze shifted back to Takano. "Takano, I offered you a job. It still stands. But I am no jailer, I will not keep you from your brother. Therefore, you will have to choose."
Takano sniffled quietly, glancing from her brother to Lady Ichijō. Yasuo pleading silently with Takano to come with him. To leave Edo together. Lady Ichijō expression remained stoic, waiting patiently for Takano to decide. Takano closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Centering herself. She opened them gazing directly into Lady Ichijō eyes. Her voice wavered slightly but Takano was resolute. "Lady Ichijō, I will stay."
AN: For those playing along at home, while I don't know if it's ever officially established but I always took OMG to take place in the mid 1990s. So, I'm putting the time of the story to take place in 1997. That would make Takano's birth to be 1845. Giving plenty of historical shenanigans for Takano to get into for the next century or so.