Flower Spelling - Chapter 2
Chapter 2 – Cat Matchmaking
Shortly after noon, a guy claiming to be Takasugi’s messenger made a trip to the Tatsumi Residence.
Sogetsu, who was cleaning the corridor, cocked her head and wiped her wet hands on her apron.
“Sogetsu is me, but… Did something happen to Mr. Takasugi?”
“Anyway, they said to bring you to them. I’m sorry, but can’t you come with me?”
“Saying that all of a sudden…”
Sogetsu arched an eyebrow in distress.
Ever since the incident the other day, Takasugi and the three of them have been visiting Tatsumi Residence from time to time. When they landed, Sogetsu would go up to the tatami room as an apprentice geisha, not to engage in geisha games, but rather to converse with Sogetsu.
Most of the time, they discussed what they were doing and other inconsequential matters. However, there were occasions when they initiated conversations about complicated politics that Sogetsu could not comprehend. In such cases, she drinks in silence and is careful not to interrupt, but there was once when she inadvertently interjected. This was when Kusaka mentioned the name “Nagai.”
“Mr. Nagai? I believe you mentioned him before, at the prison house.” She quickly lowered her head in apology after saying it, but Kusaka smiled as if to reassure her everything was okay.
“It’s my fault for coming here and bringing up the topic. Yes, let me explain it a little. You know that right now in Japan, the country is divided between the group that wants the expulsion of the barbarians and the opening of the country to the outside world, right?”
“Yes. Mr. Kusaka and the others belong to the expulsionists, aren’t they?”
“We, as individuals, do. But within the Choshu clan, the faction of opening diplomatic relations to the world is strong. In particular, Nagai Uta’s plan to make the voyage strategy to advocate is gaining tremendous support. Simply put, he believes that the Shogunate and the Imperial Court must work together in order to save the country from crisis.”
“Yes.”
That’s a terribly valid point. Sogetsu was astounded by Kusaka’s condescension, which came as a shock to her as she had assumed him to say something absurd.
Honestly speaking, Kusaka, you are a good fellow! But then, he slammed his fist onto the tatami.
Afterward, he turned his fixed gaze on Sogetsu and began ranting violently about how Nagai’s argument was hollow and in defiance of the wisdom of the Imperial Court.
She glanced for help from Takasugi and Ito, but they were so used to it that they feigned not to notice and extended out their chopsticks to boil the potatoes.
As a result, Sogetsu was forced to listen to Kusaka’s lectures incessantly, and unwittingly got acquainted with the prevailing political situation.
Just for this matter… Is it really a big deal to call me all the way out here. Don’t tell me you’ve been caught in the act.
She became apprehensive and requested permission to leave the store from the landlady. The man led her to a sweet shop close to Nihonbashi. In the upper tatami room, Takasugi sat alone on the window ledge, playing the shamisen.
It appeared that nothing horrible had happened, based on his calm demeanor. She felt relieved, yet also irritated.
“What the hell is this? It must be something very grave. I left my job at the store to come here.”
Takasugi didn’t seem to bother that Sogetsu was arguing with him and urged her to enter with a gesture.
“Don’t be so angry. I’ll pay for the Hanadai.”
“At the moment, I’m not an official geisha. Besides, Mr. Takasugi, you haven’t paid me in any way for the work I’ve done.”
Takasugi brushed off Sogetsu’s sarcasm with aplomb. “I am in need of your assistance with something today. — Isn’t there a kimono shop called Yamatoya across the street?
Following Takasugi’s attention, she peeked out the window at the street and discerned many customers coming and departing under the dark blue curtain with the name “Yamatoya” printed on it.
“Yeah, it seems to be thriving.”
“In fact, I’d like you to come in as a spy there.”
“… Spy? Spy is… Uh, I believe it’s someone who seeks out someone’s secrets or information, right?”
“Yup.”
“What ‘yup’, don’t say it so casually! What are you saying outrageously? This is not the same as going to a grocery store to buy radish. I won’t do it. I have no idea what’s going on but I’m not going to uncover someone else’s secret.”
“Calm down. The fate of Yamatoya’s successor and the young girl is at stake.”
“… Eh?”
Takasugi set his shamisen down and proceeded to explain the problem calmly.
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It happened yesterday night in Shinagawa’s “Sagamiya” brothel.
For its pristine white warehouse appearance, Sagamiya was also known as “Warehouse Sagami,” and since it was close to the Choshu clan’s lower residence, many Choshu clan members, including Takasugi, were regular clients.
“Hey, Master Takasugi. Do you hear any strange voices?”
While pouring a cup of sake for Takasugi, who had come to visit, as usual, Aikatano Kikuno remarked with her beautifully arched eyebrows. He listened closely, and sure enough, a suppressed “buh, buh” could be heard coming from the hallway.
Intrigued, Takasugi studied into the hallway via the sliding door.
In the darkness at the back, there was a shadow wandering around.
“… Hatsune? What are you doing there?”
When Kikuno realized what it was, she let out a piercing shriek, having peered out terrified from behind Takasugi. The thing that seemed to be a monster was her sister Hatsune.
“The young master is not here?”
“Kiku, that’s…”
Hatsune, the prostitute, broke down in tears immediately seeing Kikuno’s face.
??
“Hatsune is now in the process of getting out of the contract.” After waiting for Hatsune to stop crying, Kikuno explained.
“The man I am dating is the young master of a kimono shop called Yamatoya near Nihonbashi, and he wants to take me on as his proper wife, not as a concubine. The young master is a good man, and I couldn’t ask for a better match…”
There was just one problem. That’s “Bubu,” a cat owned by Hatsune. The young master’s mother was not a fan of cats and allowed Hatsune to marry him, but only on the condition that she never takes the cat with her.
“I don’t want to be separated from Bubu!”
She insisted that if that was the case, she would remain a prostitute for the rest of her life, and she got into a confrontation with the young master over it today. The young master stormed out, enraged, and she realized the cat had vanished.
“I am sure he kidnapped the cat simply to get even with me!”
When the tears dried, she became infuriated all at once, and Hatsune declared that she would ride into Yamatoya and retrieve the cat.
?
“… So about that, we have to coax him.”
“You definitely said something cool like you were going to find it, right?”
“You understand me quite well.”
“Anyone can tell that by this point. But why are you making this such a big deal? You can’t really tell that the young master took the cat. Maybe it simply went out to play.”
“So, you’ll go to the store to find out. If I ask them straight out, there is a chance that they will turn a blind eye. However, it is suspicious for a man to stay in a kimono shop alone for a long time.”
That’s where Sogetsu comes in. Sure, it looks natural entering with a lady.
“This was also done in recognition of your courage. Please lend me your help.”
Saying it this way, how can she refuse?
“I understand. I will help out.”
Eventually, she nodded.
?
After a brief meeting, they gathered in front of Yamatoya. There was a constant stream of clients, and the servants’ enthusiastic greetings could be heard throughout the area.
Sogetsu squeezed the cloth bag containing silver vine.
Now, let’s commence the operation.
Following Takasugi through the store’s curtain, she was immediately confronted with a wide variety of brightly colored kimonos.
While she was looking around, she heard a polite voice saying, “Welcome,” and a young man walked forward to greet her.
“What can I do for you today?”
“Well, can you show me some of your autumnal obis?”
As they interacted, she posed as a natural guest while discreetly monitoring the other person.
He had a slender face and spoke in a calm tone.
I wonder if this is the young master. He seems decent and doesn’t look like someone who would steal a cat.
Despite their misgivings, the young master outlined the items to them with zeal.
There was a light-colored obi with seven autumnal flowers masterfully drawn on it, as well as an obi with an artistic pattern of flowing water and autumn leaves.
If you wish to match it with a kimono, this purple-blue obi is a fine choice?
When the time was right, Sogetsu gripped her stomach and crouched down.
“What happened?”
Takasugi stared Sogetsu in the eyes, astonished. It was, of course, a ruse.
“Ouch… My stomach suddenly…”
“This is bad. Are you able to stand? Please take a seat in the back.”
Sogetsu moved into the back of the store, supported by Takasugi after the young master decisively instructed a nearby man to show them the way.
“I’ll get you some decoction,” the man remarked as they were brought into the room. Until the sound of the footsteps was faded, Sogetsu drew a deep breath.
“For the time being, the first stage of the operation has gone well. What comes next?”
“Ask the man if he saw a cat in the store when he returns. It’s not a good approach to directly question the young master.”
“I understand… What about Mr. Takasugi?”
“I’ll take a look around.”
“Eh!?”
Isn’t that a bit too bold for its own good?
She was concerned, but he simply stated, “If it comes to it, just claim I was trying to go to the bathroom and got lost.”
Sogetsu scowled and instinctively held her stomach when she sensed someone approaching.
“Excuse me. How are you feeling…?” With a caring voice, it was the young master himself who entered. “I’ve brought you the decoction. It has an unpleasant taste, but it will relieve your stomachache.”
What he offered was a teacup filled with a sludgy, muddy, swamp-colored liquid. It would take a great deal of willpower to drink it, but she couldn’t refuse something that had been so generously provided to her. In a single gulp, she downed it all.
With the harsh taste that followed, she couldn’t even let out a voice due to the strangely knotted sensation on her tongue.
Instead of Sogetsu, Takasugi introduced themselves by their family name.
“I am Shotaro, the late son of this Yamatoya. Please take a good rest.”
“That’s extremely thoughtful of you. I’m sorry for bothering you again, but might I use your restroom?”
“Please do. Turn left along this corridor and walk straight into the backyard.”
Takasugi thanked him and exited the room, leaving Sogetsu and Shotaro alone.
She wanted to ask about the cat somehow, but she didn’t know how to find out from the person in question.
After all, it’s preferable to simply ask him than to disturb him.
As she pondered, Shotaro gave her a concerned look.
“Does it hurt? If it’s severe, I’ll send for a doctor.”
“No, no, no, I’m fine! I’m much better now… It is just due to overeating!”
“Overeating?”
“Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but I ate way too many dumplings.”
It was not an outright lie. Takasugi had previously purchased her dumplings as a thank you for her cooperation. Shotaro chuckled as he saw Sogetsu’s blushing face.
“I know a girl who has a sweet tooth. Whenever I brought her sweets as a gift, she would eat them with great relish. I wanted to see her smile, so I went back many times.”
“Um, is that person called Ms. Hatsune?”
She was so taken with his loving smile that the words just flowed out of her mouth.
“Eh? Why do you know Hatsune?”
Oh, no!
In a panic, she covered her mouth but it was too late. Sogetsu bowed her head in resignation.
“I am sorry. I will be frank.”
?
“… I see, at Hatsune’s request.”
“I am truly sorry. I didn’t mean to deceive you.”
As Sogetsu bowed repeatedly, Shotaro waved his hand, saying no, no, no.
“Please don’t be so apologetic. It’s not that I’m upset. Rather, I thought it was amusing that Hatsune would do such a thing.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, did you actually take the cat out?”
“Hmm, I guess half right, half wrong.” Shotaro grinned and clarified without hesitation. “Yesterday, I went to see Hatsune with sweets, as usual. However, as you are aware, we had a disagreement. I went home early before I could give her the sweets. It was then that I became aware of Bubu. He had apparently been drawn in by the fragrance of the food and had entered the cargo……To make matters worse, my mother happened to be present. My mother screamed, Bubu ran away in surprise, and we were in a tangle last night.”
“Oh, so Bubu is still missing?”
“No, fortunately, I was able to catch him quickly.”
“Just,” Shotaro said, slurring his words. “My mother misinterpreted the commotion as Hatsune’s harassment and grew further vehement in her opposition to my marriage proposal…”
“Well.”
What a pitiful story. Sogetsu, who had grown to like Shotaro’s personality as they talked, wanted to help him regardless of the fact that Takasugi had asked him to.
“Well, I won’t be able to assist you with your mother, but I’ll go meet Ms. Hatsune and inform her of the situation that Mr. Shotaro didn’t kidnap the cat.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m certain that Ms. Hatsune doesn’t honestly believe that you were mean to her.”
“Thank you very much. Actually, I was having some difficulties. I wanted to go and return Bubu right away, but I couldn’t leave the store during the day and my mother would be watching.”
The cat was apparently hidden in the storage room. She almost collided with a man as she stepped out into the hallway. He was the man who had earlier led Sogetsu to this spot. On his hands were holding a tray containing tea utensils.
“Oh, Shigezo. Could you kindly leave the tea there for me while I take her to the toilet?”
“Yes, sir.”
Sogetsu and Shotaro hastily departed the area, as if to avoid Shigezo’s scrutinizing look.
The storage area at the store’s far end was poorly lighted and crammed with boxes of all shapes and sizes. The boxes, according to Shotaro, were antiques that his predecessor acquired as a pastime, but since neither the current owner nor Shotaro, his successor, are knowledgeable with such matters, the boxes have been collecting dust since his predecessor passed away.
“It’s a shame, I’m going to organize it properly someday, but I haven’t had time to do so…”
As he said this, she scanned the room, but there was no sign of the cat, not even a scraping sound.
“That’s strange, I’m sure it’s in here. The door was locked and everything.”
“You don’t think someone??
“No, I don’t think so…” Shotaro snuck glances anxiously at the doorway while denying it. “Anyway, we need to find it fast, before things get too complicated.”
“Yes.”
They nodded at each other and were about to leave the room when.
There was a crash, and a stack of boxes toppled, and something dropped from above at the same moment.
“Bubu!”
“Eek.”
Shotaro exclaimed as the black and white cat dashed out of the doorway and into the corridor.
“Hey, stop!”
Sogetsu and Shotaro rushed out in pursuit of the kitten. Bubu bolted at the sight of him, without even pausing to look around.
They proceeded across the backyard, dodging between the clay hearths until they came to a halt in front of the partly shoji-opened room.
“Oh no, that’s mother’s room!”
They both plunged in after it, and then they stopped moving as though frozen.
The room was a shambles on the inside as if a tornado had swept through. The candlestick had toppled over, the contents of every drawer in the hand library and chest of drawers had been dispersed, and buried in the midst of it all was a woman who appeared to be the landlady, lying face down. And the one by her side was?
“Shigezo! What did you do to my mother!”
“Damn it!”
Shigezo ground to a standstill in his searching and locked his gaze on Shotaro.
“You sucker! You should’ve just stuck to your job at the store!”
From his pocket, he pulled a strangely gleaming dagger out of his hand.
“Wah.”
Sogetsu flung the drawstring purse she was clutching at him right away.
The knot loosened, and Shigezo was smacked in the face by the silver vine powder within. His fright was short-lived, and Shigezo came at her with his face plastered in powder.
As if he was shielding for Sogetsu, Shotaro took a step in front of her. That was when it happened.
Nyaahh!
With a strange squeal, Bubu leaped onto Shigezo’s face.
“Bubu!”
“Damn, it hurts! You, get away from me!”
Shigezo attempted furiously to get it off, but the cat clawed at him and wouldn’t let him go. Unable to resist, Shigezo pushed them aside and fled.
“Ah, wait a minute!” Sogetsu trailed after the guy alone into the corridor, leaving Shotaro to attend after the landlady.
Takasugi then appeared in front of the fleeing Shigezo.
“Mr. Takasugi! Please seize that man! He’s a thief!”
“What?”
When Takasugi was stunned, Shigezo rushed into the room with all his might.
Just as he figured he was about to collide with the man, Shigezo’s body crumpled with a scream.
Takasugi plunged his sword’s hilt into the man’s abdomen with all of his power.
“What the hell’s going on?”
“About that, I want to know too.”
Sogetsu sank to the floor, breathing deeply, while Takasugi stared blankly at her.
Only the kitten purred happily on top of the fallen man.
??
“Oh my god, that was such a big catch.” Kikuno tilted her head demurely.
Sagamiya, a warehouse in Shinagawa. In a room with a view of the ocean, Takasugi, Sogetsu, Kikuno and Hatsune were all together, discussing the unexpected circumstances surrounding the kitten.
“But.” Hatsune tilted her head. “Why did this Shigezo guy consider stealing in the middle of the day?”
“Oh, that’s because of Bubu.”
“Because of Bubu?” Hatsune lowered her gaze to the kitten, who was soundly resting on her lap.
“I heard that Mr. Shigezo had been taking out antiques from the storage room little by little and exchanging them for money for some time.”
He was very cautious subsequently to replace the comparable inexpensive ones so that the shopkeepers would not notice.
“Shigezo surreptitiously took a jar from a wooden box on the night Bubu arrived in Yamatoya concealed in Mr. Shotaro’s luggage. But the shopkeepers were running around all night looking for Bubu, so he didn’t have a chance to put up a replacement.”
“Just when he was getting antsy, we unexpectedly showed up.”
“That’s right. Mr. Shigezo grew intrigued when he saw Mr. Shotaro and me walking toward the storage and followed us. And he feared his evil conduct had been exposed when he overheard our chat there.”
“As a consequence, he snatched the money from the store and attempted to escape.”
“Yes.”
When he woke up, Shigezo appeared to have given up and revealed everything. Fortunately, Shotaro’s mother was not gravely hurt, and Sogetsu and Takasugi arrived early to avoid any trouble from the officials.
“But I’m glad you’re both okay. I really don’t know how to apologize for all the trouble I’ve caused you…”
“Oh, don’t be concerned. Mr. Takasugi and I are both safe. In fact, it’s a credit to you. Thanks to Ms. Hatsune, we were able to catch the bad guys. Isn’t that right, Mr. Takasugi?”
“Yes, that’s right. It was fun to play the part of a spy. And now that she’s heard that the cat saved Shotaro’s life, her mother’s attitude is beginning to soften.”
“Eh…” Hatsune’s cheeks were flushed with joy.
The cat purred and stretched, perhaps sensing Hatsune’s excitement. Then, on some whim, it went up to Sogetsu and started waddling on her lap.
“Oh, that’s rare. It’s unusual for Bubu to come to other people on its own.”
“I wonder if there’s even a whiff of silver vine left in the air… Hey, I don’t have anymore.”
She tenderly caressed it and brought its face to her in a gentle manner while she stated this. Her cheeks relax as she feels soft and fluffy.
“… Now that mentioning it, “Bubu” is an odd name, isn’t it? Does it have any origin?”
“Yeah. I have gotten the idea from Bubuzuke.”
“Bubuzuke?”
“In the language of Kyo, it is called ochazuke. I’m from Kyo, and in Kyo, recommending bubuzuke to customers means that they should go home early. So I’m praying that this kitten will also drive away unsavory customers.”
“Well, it’s not a cat that beckons, it’s a cat that drives away.”
Takasugi caressed the cat as he approached from the side. Bubu seemed to be in a good mood, or he was simply being quiet.
“You really got rid of the bad guys with that, you’re doing great.”
Everyone laughed at Takasugi’s words, and a conversation blossomed over Bubu.
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And then, days later.
Sogetsu received a letter from Hatsune.
Master Sogetsu
I haven’t seen you around since then, but I hope you are doing well.
In fact, on the auspicious day of September, I will be betrothed to Master Shotaro and we will hold a wedding ceremony.
I am really grateful to you and Master Takasugi for this.
If you have any problems, please let me know at any time.
Now it will be our turn to lend assistance.? Hatsune
P.S. Of course, Bubu is part of it too.
T/N:
Hanadai – charge for a geisha’s service
Kitten – The author used the words kitten and cat together. I have no idea whether it’s a kitten or a cat. Or the word kitten is like an affectionate way to call it, I guess
Kyo – In the Edo era, Kyoto is known as Kyo
Silver vine makes a cat react to it positively. Even though Shigezo is a thief, they still call him Mister, probably due to Japanese culture