Cocktails and Margins: 35 [The Swallow of Edo ⑫ Final Episode] Season 3

🍸Click here for the previous story🔽

🍸Latest work: Cocktails and Margins
【The Desert Inside the Blue Book】Season
has started.🔽

🎼🎹 I have found a song that I think fits the image of Kuku's story. Please enjoy listening to it if you would like.🔽

✏️ Les Champs-Élysées
(Composer: Mike Wilsh & Mike Deighan)
(Performance: Raymond Lefèvre Grand Orchestra)

🍸🍸🍸
Kuku's adventure tale began.

"After sinking the French fleet entirely with a chain reaction explosion, I had intended to set up a mechanism to move to the 'other side of the French fleet' using the do-te-ra.

If any ships had survived, I intended to sink them with my own hands."

Kuku spoke while drinking the tea she had been served with apparent delight.

"Ah... this is delicious.
I had grown tired of European tea."

Holding the teacup affectionately with both hands, she continued her story.

"However, I made a mistake and gave instructions for the 'other side of France' instead of the 'other side of the French fleet'..."

Ho ho ho🎵

Kuku laughed aloud.

The do-te-ra turns the person inside into a 'lucisomi' state, shrinks itself, and becomes an egg.

And with that invincible armor, it can roll on land or become a propeller to propel itself underwater.

However, Kuku had set the destination incorrectly this time.

"When I woke up, I was in the middle of the strait called Dover, between France and England."

"Oh my... what a blunder. I really messed up again!
I had stayed up for two days straight calculating the tidal currents off Shinagawa... so I was a bit careless.

When I came out of the egg, I was in the middle of the ocean...
Ho ho ho🎵

But, I thought I might as well do some reconnaissance on the enemy while I was at it.

So, I didn't know which was England and which was France, but I swam anyway and ended up in England."

Ho ho ho🎵

"Ah!! This person is definitely my mother..."
Kuzou felt relieved.

Kuku's character hadn't changed at all.

"I hid in the suburbs of a city called London in England for a year.
There were almost no Easterners, so it was very difficult.
I learned the enemy's language and conducted a thorough investigation."
Kuku finished her tea and asked Nuno for a refill.

"But, you were empty-handed at first... you must have had a hard time without even any money?"
Tanuma asked, sounding astonished, yet somehow impressed.

"Oh, that was no problem.
I snuck into the enemy barracks under the cover of night and procured 'provisions' and money just as I pleased."
Kuku laughed mischievously, as if it were nothing.

"However, although I was able to repel the enemy fleet this time, it would be troublesome if they keep persistently targeting Japan.
I thought I would threaten the enemy commander before that..."

🍸🍸🍸

✏️ Live & Let Die.
( Lyrics & Music ) Paul McCartney
( Vocals ) Billy Joel

🇬🇧
One night, Kunei broke into St. James's Palace alone and attacked the British King, George II, while he was sleeping.

🇬🇧 British King George II

The explanation for the English parts accidentally turned into English.

While everyone was stunned, there was a man who was slapping his knee and nodding while laughing loudly.
It was Gennai Hiraga.

“Oh my? I... accidentally explained it in English.
Please forgive my rudeness.”
After bowing to everyone, Kunei spoke to Gennai.

"Do you understand English, sir?"
Gennai replied.

“Yes. Madam.
This is absolutely thrilling. Splendid indeed.”

"Pfft🎵 What a terrible accent.
(Pfft🎵 What a terrible accent)

But you're self-taught, aren't you?
(But you're self-taught, aren't you?)

That actually makes it all the more impressive."
(That actually makes it all the more impressive)

“Thank you so much, Madam.”
Gennai translated Kunei's earlier words into Japanese for everyone.

“I am much obliged,”
Kunei said, thanking Gennai.

“Why is it that men with such quick wits are so good at bewitching a woman's heart?

……Since I have only ever dealt with dull-witted fools like 'Louis'……

Perhaps your superior intellect, Gennai-sama, shines so dazzlingly to me. And what's more…… you're a handsome man (=ikemen)!”

“Mother!”
Okumi raised her voice in anger.

“That is rude to Gennai-sama.”
Seeing Okumi, whose face was bright red and who was genuinely angry, Kunei could understand her daughter's feelings as if she were reading her mind. As for Gennai, who had been addressed, he was also blushing, not knowing what to do with the blatant charm and teasing directed at him by the beautiful older ninja.

“Ho ho ho🎵
I have been terribly rude.
Gennai-sama, she is a clumsy daughter, but I hope you will look after her for a long time to come.”

“What?!”
“M... Mother!”
Seeing the two innocent ones both flustered by the sudden turn of events, the rest of the group, their tension broken, struggled to suppress their wry smiles.

Tanuma, for one, was desperately looking away so his smiling face wouldn't be seen.

The two of them blushed.

“Splendid.”
Tanuma nodded this time with a bright expression.

“That is more effective than taking the man's head.”
“As you wish.”
Kunei bowed her head.

🇫🇷
After that, I immediately escaped from the pursuers, used the do-te-ra, and this time headed to Paris, France.

There were a few Chinese people living in Paris.
True to their reputation, they were all brilliant and kind.

The King was a fanatic for Chinese culture, known as ‘Chinoiserie’.
Therefore, it was easier to hide in Paris than in London.

However, it took me two years to learn the French language this time.
But I successfully managed to tame the enemy lord perfectly.”

“It takes about three hours by carriage from Paris to reach the enemy lord's Palace of Versailles.

I threatened ‘Louis XV’ here as well, but...”

“Heh 🎵”

At this point, Kunei couldn't help but chuckle at the memory.
Ignoring the puzzled Tanuma, Kunei continued her story.

🇫🇷Louis XV

"Q... …Quoi ?"
(W... What?)

"Ne sous-estime pas Zipangu. "
(Do not underestimate Zipangu.)

"Je pourrais t'ôter la vie à tout moment, tout comme ceci."
(I could take your life at any moment, just like this.)

Ne t'avise plus jamaisd'attaquer Edo."
(Never think of attacking Edo ever again.)

"Je... …Comme vous le souhaitez.
(I... ...As you wish.)

C'est mon cousin de Rohan qui a fait ça de sa propre initiative, sans même m'en avertir.
(That was my cousin de Rohan, who did that on his own initiative without even consulting me.)

"Et puis, après cette bataille, on a compris qu'il n'y avait pas de l'or dans le château d'Edo. C'était une mort inutile."
(Besides, after that battle, we realized there was no gold in Edo Castle. It was a pointless death.)

Kunei left a small scar on Louis's cheek as well and turned to leave.
Like the King of England's, the scar would likely fade in a few days.

“Well... my mission was complete, so I thought I could return to the Land of the Rising Sun, but...”

Kunei chuckled at the memory here as well.

Kukei chuckled to herself again here, saying "fufu"🎵.

At that moment, the King grabbed my hand and pleaded with me.

"Vous êtes magnifique. Vous êtes ma déesse.
Je vous en prie, devenez ma maîtresse."
(You are beautiful. My goddess.
I beg you, become my mistress.)

At this, Kukei looked up at the sky and laughed.

Honestly, that Louis at that time... it's hilarious. He said it with such a dead-serious face.

Laughing "Ahahaha🎵," Kukei continued her story, leaving the unresponsive audience behind.

S...so, Mother, did you become the mistress of such a man?
Tokumi asked.

No way! Up until now, other than that moment, I haven't let him touch a single finger.

Anyway, this King Louis is incredibly woman-crazy.

I found out later, but he says the same thing to everyone.
He even had a harem and kept many women waiting on him. But he was serious about each and every one of them.

After gulping down the rest of her tea in one go, Kukei continued her story.

So, I kept him interested to get close to him, and after that, I often went to play in his bedroom. Before long, I became the person he would vent his frustrations to.

Still as bold as ever...Tanuma said, sounding exasperated.

My Lord, I apologize for the delay in reporting due to such circumstances.
However, for the time being, England and France will not be attacking this land of Japan.

Ho...
A sigh of relief rose from everyone.

I see... but why can you say that so definitively?
Tanuma asked.Yes,Kukei began to speak again.

🫖🫖🫖
Eventually, King Louis secretly registered me as a Chinese person living in France, and he began to provide for my housing and living expenses.
During that time, I explored not only France but various countries across Europe.

Hmm.
This part of the story was not amusing to Tanuma.

To Tanuma, Kukei was like an older sister to him.

Even though exploration was the goal, he felt a sense of jealousy, as if a valuable subordinate had been stolen from him.

[[phN_open]]Placeholder node 2[[phN_close]]

“W... what?”
“This past May, or Satsuki as we call it here—May of the sixth year of Horeki—England declared war on France.

Right now, Louis and his people are in a dire situation.
Therefore, Europe no longer has the luxury of spending months traveling all the way to this land of Japan to attack us.
This war looks like it will continue for many more years.”

“I... I see.”
“Besides... Louis... King Louis is truly a hopeless man, and he is being toyed with by his favorite mistress, Pompadour.

Everything is done according to the whims of this foolish vixen.
She uses her position as 'maîtresse-en-titre,' or official mistress, to engage in nothing but corrupt politics.”

“Ho... it sounds just like Yodo-gimi, who had the moats filled in, doesn't it?”
Seki Takakazu interjected.

“Sensei! Exactly! Please, take a cushion.”
Kukei clapped his hands in delight.

“Hmm? I am already sitting on a cushion, am I not?”
“Ah, my apologies.”
Kukei scratched his head.

“It was a gag popular in the bustling streets of Paris, at the Palais-Royal.
It is a show called 'Haut-Gui-Ry,' a form of entertainment where performers' jokes are evaluated and they compete for cushions.”

Imported directly from the Palais-Royal,
Haut-Gui-Ry later
became a huge hit show in Edo.

“If I may...”
Kukei replied.

“I am more concerned about the root cause of the conflicts between the European nations...”
“What?”

“My lord, it was a while after the great turmoil in Muromachi (the Onin War) ended, a story from two hundred and fifty years ago.

A man named Columbus crossed the sea from Europe and discovered a continent called America.”
“Indeed. I am aware of that. The Shogunate has already taken note of it.”

“It seems there is hidden wealth there.
Ever since then, England and France have been fighting over territory.

Could the root cause of this current war (= the Seven Years' War) lie there as well?”

“My lord, I have largely determined the outcome of the military troubles in Europe.

However, I am somewhat concerned about the wealth of this new world called America.

I wish to uncover the true nature of the wealth that the Western powers are risking their lives to greedily claim for themselves. I can still speak both English and French.
I humbly beg you to grant me the order to explore that land.”

“I humbly request your consideration.”

“Very well. I have heard you clearly. I shall deliberate on this throughout the night, so await my decision tomorrow morning.”

Kukei bowed low once more, concluding his lengthy report on his return to the capital.

🐟🐟🍶🍣

At this point, Tanuma ordered the inn staff to bring in the dinner that had been waiting for so long.

Those present tried to excuse themselves from the room, mindful of their status, but Tanuma gently held them back, saying,

“It is not delicious to eat alone.
Join me, Tanui, and share this meal.”

Fresh fish dishes, specially prepared for the next day, were brought in one after another from the sushi restaurant where Okumi worked.

Faced with authentic Japanese cuisine for the first time in so long, Kukei was moved to tears of joy.

The banquet began.

Before long, sake was being poured amidst lively conversation, and the banquet, where everyone praised each other’s hard work, continued late into the night.

🎼🎹 I have prepared a song that I, the author, feel is fitting for the scene that follows. Please listen to it while you read if you like. 🔽

✏️ Let It Be
(Song: The Beatles)
(Performance: Percy Faith Grand Orchestra)

Tanuma Okitsugu

At last, the secret meeting that moved behind the scenes of history was about to begin.

Tanuma Okitsugu sat majestically in front of the alcove, and those who came to meet him bowed deeply on the tatami mats in the tense atmosphere.

When Tanuma announced in a heavy voice,
“I shall now deliver my judgment. Everyone, listen carefully,”

no one made a sound, and they all pressed their heads deeply against the tatami again in silence.

“From here on, I will issue instructions regarding future matters. Everyone, listen with the utmost attention.”
“First... Master Seki Takakazu.”
“Yes, sir.”

Seki Takakazu was called.

“Your words are too kind; I am overwhelmed with honor.”

“Therefore... I have made arrangements for you to spend your time peacefully here in Edo until the day the people of Upaglotz come to retrieve you from the heavens once again.”

Tanuma suddenly placed a hand to his mouth and continued in a voice filled with dignity.

“I have had the nagaya next to where Hiraga lives vacated, so you shall settle there starting today.
Also, from now on, you shall change your name to ‘Sekitaka Kazu’ and go by that name.
I will provide for all your expenses during your stay.”

“I am truly grateful. I will never forget this kindness.”
Sekitaka Kazu was deeply moved and prostrated himself, rubbing his head against the tatami mats.

Gennai also looked up with great joy.
“Sekitaka-sensei! You are most welcome.
My Lord, I am extremely honored.”

Tanuma nodded in silence.

At this point, Okumi stepped forward in front of Sekitaka and handed him a small drawstring bag.

“It is no longer a memento. It is the Platina.
I entrust this to you, Sensei.”

“Understood.”
Sekitaka accepted it.

“Next... Zenihei.”
Tanuma called out.
“Yes, my Lord.”

‘Zenihei’, also known as Asagata Heikichi

You are brave and calm.
Above all, your stance of not betraying your comrades and valuing law and integrity is truly magnificent.

The strong sense of justice hidden within you, and your indomitable spirit that never gives up regardless of the adversity... it is truly magnificent, truly magnificent.

By rights, your achievements should earn you a place among the samurai, but...”

When Tanuma said that, Zenihei’s face clouded over with a complex expression for a moment.

Not missing this, Tanuma softened his eyes and spoke to him.

“...Do not worry, Zenihei. I understand your heart.

You have always ‘hated’ the rigid way of life of a samurai, haven’t you?”

Struck to the core, Zenihei laughed while scratching his head in embarrassment.

“Haha... that is not the case at all.
...Well, I suppose you saw right through me.”

“That is fine.
In that case, I will make arrangements so that you do not feel constrained.

While remaining a commoner, you may use the surname ‘Asagata’ and are permitted to carry a sword.
Also, starting today, I appoint you as my direct special envoy.

Furthermore, I grant you the rank of ‘Town Elder’, the highest position governing the townspeople of Edo, and you shall receive an exceptional lifetime stipend.

From now on, even the officials at the magistrate’s office shall not dare to insult you as a mere commoner or treat you with disrespect.

In this town of Edo, you shall be my eyes and ears, and you are free to exercise your skills to the fullest.”

“Th-that is too kind an honor...! I am truly grateful!”
Deeply moved by Tanuma’s stylish decision, which understood his temperament perfectly, Zenihei prostrated himself deeply, trembling and shedding tears.

Kune of the Purple-Navy Clan

“For you, I must provide both a reward and a punishment.”
Kune did not move a muscle, listening quietly.

“First, your achievement of risking your life to sink all twenty French warships is truly magnificent.

In recognition of your loyalty, I shall send appropriate rewards to your clan.”

“Such undeserved words of praise...”
Kunei bowed her head quietly.

“On the other hand, the crime of acting recklessly on your own accord, contrary to the orders of our military, is grave.”

Facing the cold, detached words, Kunei did not change her expression in the slightest, simply accepting Tanuma's words without a single movement.

Tanuma continued.
“Since you are not a samurai, I will not permit seppuku.
Instead, you shall be sentenced to capital punishment.

It is the punishment of exile, banishment to a remote island.”

At the stern pronouncement, Okumi's heart skipped a beat.

“Kunei!”
“Yes...”

“For the crime of disrupting military discipline and order, I sentence you to exile on the American continent.”
“Heh...♪ Ho ho ho 🎵”

At such an eccentric capital punishment, Kunei couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

“Normally this would be a life sentence, but your achievements in exploration activities in Europe deserve further reward.

Therefore, the exile to the American continent shall be limited to one year.

However, do not neglect your exploration activities for the Shogunate even while in exile.

For this reason, I shall provide you with foreign currency owned by the Shogunate.

Returning home for attendance and reporting is optional, and depending on the progress of your exploration, you may conclude your mission at your own discretion.”

“...I humbly accept.”
Kunei kept her face lowered, smiling fearlessly.

She had intended to stay in that foreign land and work in the shadows of her own volition anyway.

Far from being punished, being officially permitted to cross to the continent was more than she could have asked for.

“That’s not fair, Auntie... I’m jealous.”
Kazuno, who had been watching the scene from the side, muttered quietly with a look of envy.

“If that is the case, it would be more convenient for Lady Kunei to keep possession of that do-te-ra for a while.”
Sekitaka Kazu interjected from the side.

“Lord Tanuma, would that be acceptable?
It is, after all, a means of travel to America.”
Kunei said, looking up at Tanuma.

Sekitaka added with a complex expression.
“However, if this does not return to me, I cannot go back to the past and entrust it to your ancestors.

...In other words, it means I will not be able to save you, who are here now, in the grand cycle of things.”

“I will be sure to handle that without fail...”
Kunei replied fearlessly.

“Well, very well. For the sake of your own self living in the ‘next future,’ you must survive and return safely.
And then, you shall return that armor to me properly.”

Sekitaka handed Kunei a capsule the size of a quail egg.

"As you wish."
Kunei smiled deeply, as if she could see through everything.

🎼🎹 I have found a song that the author personally feels is fitting for the scene from here on out.
Please listen if you would like. 🔽

✏️ Shadowing Room
(Lyrics & Composition: Yumi Arai)
(Vocals: MOEKA)

"Now then... Kumi."
Tanuma called out Okumi's name.

Kumi of the Deep Purple Clan

Okumi had quietly steeled herself.
With this, the reconnaissance mission to investigate Hiraga Gennai had come to an end.

From today, she would be assigned to yet another new mission.

She would have to part ways with Gennai and the others now. It was painfully heartbreaking.

However, that was the very fate of the shinobi she was born to live.

"Kumi."
"Yes..."
Okumi prostrated herself deeply.

Contrary to a moment ago, this time, the heart of her mother, Kunei, skipped a beat.

"Your reconnaissance mission on Hiraga Gennai was truly magnificent. Well done. With this, you are relieved of your duty."

"Yes, sir."
Okumi suppressed the emotions threatening to overflow and replied without moving a muscle while remaining prostrated.

"Regarding your next mission, I will arrange it separately later. Until then, you may rest your body for a while."

Zenihei looked at Okumi's profile.

However, a shinobi and their target of investigation. That was, by nature, a love that should never be allowed and should never have crossed paths.

Furthermore, the sight of her daughter crushed before her eyes also deeply pierced the heart of her mother, Kunei.

For this moment, she could not help but feel a strong sense of guilt for her own destiny in having brought this daughter into the harsh lineage of the shinobi.

But... a shinobi is one who endures; now, there was nothing to do but feign composure.

In this instant, for the first time in her life, Kunei realized her true feelings that had been sleeping deep within her heart.

Perhaps... I loved Rui, she thought.

Was it because this very emotion had bound me that I remained in the land of France for two long years, even after completing all the necessary missions?

However, that is all in the past now.

“Hmph♪”

Kuku laughed at himself in his heart.
Even if it could truly be called love, it was, in any case, a relic of a past that had long since ended.

However... precisely because I was that way myself, I wanted to at least help my beloved daughter's love come to fruition, somehow.

Gennai remained silent throughout.
His heart was filled with a passion that made his blood boil, but that intense rage welling up from the depths of his soul ironically made him cold enough to freeze.

“Don't mess with me... If that's what you intend, then go wherever you like.
But... I won't give up.

I will definitely... find you, Okumi.”

Gennai was quietly, yet with a resolve like raging fire, making up his mind in his heart.

🍸🍸🍸

“Kazuno...”
Tanuma called out calmly.

Kazuno of the Deep Purple Clan

Tanuma gave a signal to Kazuno.
Kazuno nodded slightly with a smile.

Next was Hiraga Gennai's turn.

Gennai remained silent and did not break his expression at all.

“Your performance this time is truly admirable.”
“...”As expected, Gennai did not answer.

“I shall grant you a fitting reward as well.

By the way, before that, due to this secret mission, you have put yourself in a position where your life is targeted by the Dozan Navy. This is the same for Master Sekitaka.”

“I don't care about such things.”
Gennai turned away, not even trying to hide his dissatisfaction.

“No, this is no longer just about your own body.
You and Master Sekitaka must continue to work hard as the Shogunate's brain trust.”

“And if I say I refuse?”
Gennai glared straight at Tanuma.

“Fool, do you defy me?”
“Before that, as a human being... aren't there things that are permissible and things that are absolutely unforgivable?
Even if you control this body, you will not control my heart.”

At those words, Tanuma raised his voice.
“You insolent fool!
You are all my tools. Defiance will not be tolerated.”

Gennai glared at Tanuma.
Without caring, Tanuma continued.

“However... precisely because you are tools, I must use you carefully so as not to break you.
Therefore, I have decided to assign dedicated guards to you and Master Sekitaka.”

"That's very kind of you. Heh..."
"However, even if you have guards hovering around behind me, I will continue to do as I please."

"I will not accept a refusal of protection."
Tanuma stood up with a thud, and with a voice radiating tremendous pressure, he pointed sharply at Gennai.

Then, he slid his finger toward the bowing Okumi, and declared it grandly, as if shouting.

"Kuzo! I have a new mission for you."
"Starting today, I appoint you as the exclusive bodyguard for these two... Hiraga Gennai and Seki Takashi!"

"Eh?!"
"Huh?!"
"Whoa!"
"Ehhhhhhh?!"
"Whoo-hoo!"
"……………!!!!!"

🍸🍸🍸

🎼🎹This is the song from here on.
Please, do listen to it.
I decided from the very beginning that this song would grace the finale of [Edo no Tsubame].🔽

✏️ ANNIVERSARY
　　~Endlessly CALLING YOU~
(Lyrics & Composition: Yumi Matsutoya)
(Vocals) Ria

Taken aback by the sudden turn of events, everyone present was stunned, unable to do anything but let out gasps of astonishment and lose their words.

".........!!!!"

Okumi let out a silent scream.

"Listen well, Kuzo!"
"Starting today, you are to guard the person of this Hiraga Gennai in particular."
"Seki Takashi's face is not known to the navy."

"Do not leave this Hiraga's side for even a moment."
"You shall share your meals and sleep together, and never take your eyes off him for even an instant."

Okumi is nodding her head vigorously up and down.
With such intensity that one might wonder if her head would fly off somewhere.

"And even if it costs you your own life, you must protect this Hiraga's life with all your might!"
"I give you no deadline. It is a mission for eternity."

Okumi continued to nod her head vigorously, and then showed a smile that seemed to explode along with her tears.

"Woooooooah!"
Gennai let out a roar like an earthquake at the sheer shock.

Meanwhile, Okumi's mind went blank,
and while continuing to nod her head,

"Ye... ye... yes"

was all she could barely manage to squeeze out.

Looking down at the two who were left in a state of shock, Tanuma declared even more arrogantly.

"You say human hearts cannot be controlled? How dare you say such a thing, Gennai!"

"To think you would try to escape my control is utterly insolent!"

"Kuzo, watch this traitor day and night, all year round, at all times!"

Okumi keeps nodding her head vigorously. How many heads does she have?

"For that purpose, I give you two a direct order."

"Right now, you two shall become a married couple. No refusal will be tolerated!"

“Hahaha! Uwaaaaaa!!”
“……………!!! Waaaaah!”

“Hmph!”
Tanuma put on an angry face.

Joy exploded.

“Please, I beg you to forgive our rudeness.”
“Quiet! It is already too late! You insolent fools.”
As Tanuma barked this, the corners of his mouth were trembling as he desperately tried to hold back a laugh that was about to spill out.

Beside him, Okumi was weeping uncontrollably, as if her emotions had finally broken through a dam.

Seeing the two of them, the people present, who had been watching with bated breath, could no longer hold back either, and one by one, they began to applaud with beaming smiles.

“Kunei!”
“Yes.”
Tanuma looked at Kunei and smiled gently.

“I said I would bestow a reward upon your clan.
This is that very reward for you all.”

“……I am humbled.”
Kunei prostrated himself deeply with a smile filled with tears.

“Hiraga!”
“Yes, my lord.”
“As for your reward……”

“If I may be so bold.
To have Master Sekitaka as a neighbor, and for Kunei to become my wife.
I could not wish for a greater reward than this.”

“Silence, you fool!”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I shall grant you your own Ningyo Joruri theater.”

“Ehhhhhhh?! ♪”
Faster than Gennai, Okumi’s voice rang out in a high-pitched shriek of astonishment.

“T-…That is a happiness I am truly grateful for.”

“Indeed. However, I shall take half of the gate receipts.”

“Whaaaat?! You’re quite the schemer… how stingy.”

“Quiet. The Shogunate’s coffers are in a difficult state right now.
That revenue will cover Master Sekitaka’s living expenses and Kunei’s travel costs.”

“Well, well! You’ve certainly gotten the better of me.”
Gennai laughed while crying, looking as if he were completely dumbfounded, yet happy.

“I… shall serve you as a tool for the rest of my life, my lord. Please use us as a pair of teacups.”
Okumi also nodded vigorously.

“Gah-hah-hah-hah-hah!”
Tanuma laughed heartily, as if a dam had burst.

“Very well, this concludes all the deliberations. We shall begin the wedding ceremony immediately.”

“Ehhhh?! Right now?
“That is correct. They say good things should be done quickly.”

"Kazuno. Have you made the arrangements?"
"Yes, my lord. Everything is prepared." "Good, then here is my command! Get the bride her costume."

"As you wish!"
Okumi hurried off to a separate room to change into the white bridal kimono that Tanuma and Kazuno had secretly prepared in advance.

Luxurious dishes were brought into the great hall, and the banquet continued from the previous night.

✏️ Noh play "Takasago"
(Lyrics) Zeami
No music

Takasago,
Raising the sails on this boat in the bay,
Raising the sails on this boat in the bay,

[Curtain Call ①]
The ceremony concluded without incident, and the banquet that followed had now reached its peak.

Everyone was sharing drinks, singing, and dancing, and both men and women alike were shedding tears of emotion at this miraculous wedding.

In the midst of the great uproar where everyone had forgotten their reason, in one spot alone, Okumi sat gracefully in seiza before Gennai and bowed with her hands on the floor.

The air around her was so sacred that one could almost hear the rustling of her white kimono.

"My husband... Although I am unworthy, I look forward to a long and happy life with you."

"Ugh... yes! Yes, yes! 🎵 I am the unworthy one! Yes. The square of unworthy. I look forward to it too!"

Gennai, too, was filled with emotion and excitement, and before he knew it, he was wearing the biggest smile.

"Just... one thing. There is one thing I would like to tell you in advance, my husband."
"Hmm? What is it, to be so formal? Tell me anything, my wife."

Okumi looked back at Gennai, who was leaning in affectionately, with eyes that were calm, yet shining without a single cloud.

"Yes... From here on, I will spend my whole life by your side. However... If a lowly woman appears who knows of my existence as your wife and tries to approach you with impure intentions..."

"Eh...!?"
Gennai's complexion changed in an instant at the overly ominous hypothesis.

"At that time, I will... certainly take the life of that woman... without fail." "G-g-gah...!"

Faced with a twitching Gennai, Okumi smiled adorably and pointed softly at her own left foot, which was tucked under her as she sat in seiza.

"Because I have a 'permit' granted by the authorities. I must officially eliminate all unfaithful scoundrels. It is my duty." "Hyaaaaaa!!"

The exquisite sake of Gennai, which had not made me drunk no matter how much I drank, cooled down completely and without a trace in that instant.

“I will not even allow that poisonous woman the luxury of failing to die.
Because I will not permit it.
I will have her see the moon of the afterlife immediately.”

Kuzo said with a serious face.
There was not a shred of hesitation in her eyes.

For a long time to come...

✏️ FOR YOU
(Lyrics & Composition) Ami Ozaki
(Vocals) Ami Ozaki

🍸🍸🍸
Kofu, 2nd year of Tenna (1682). Residence of Takakazu Seki.

“Oku. Hey, Oku.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Tonight is my fake funeral, arranged by the Lord. Please handle it without incident.”

“Leave it to me.”
Lady Seki replied with an expressionless face.
“After that, we will go into hiding until the naval guys are caught.”
“Yes.”

“By the way, this is a good opportunity.
I will take this chance to leave my will.”
“My lord...”

“First, I leave behind the techniques of this scroll.
They are called the 'Techniques of Ash, Mud, Earth, and Flame.'
Next is this hairpin.
Furthermore...”

Takakazu Seki told his wife while looking at their daughter's sleeping face.

“I will decide the names of our descendants now.”
Seki looked at his five-year-old daughter's sleeping face with a smile.

“My daughter... the child of Kurei,
in other words, our grandchild's name shall be Kuichi.”
“Oh my...”

“Listen. Furthermore, that daughter's name is Kuni.”
“I will keep it in my heart.”
“Yes. Furthermore, that daughter's name is... Kumi.
Yes, Kuzo. Her cousin is Kazuno.”

Also, do not tell those people that they are descendants of me, Takakazu Seki, who died yesterday. Keep it a secret.

From today, hide the name Seki. The Seki clan has perished. We shall call ourselves the 'Kon Clan'.

“As you wish. I will do so.
But... the bloodline of the Kofu ninja that sleeps within me, and the mathematical wisdom you have mastered.

These are the children who will be born inheriting both of those things, aren't they.
What kind of strange and brilliant lives will they lead?”

Saying this, the wife looked toward the future with affection, and Seki also turned a gentle gaze toward her and spoke.

“Oku... the future is not determined by a script written by someone in advance.
It is not fixed.
Someday, mathematics will prove that.”

In other words, the future is something we create ourselves.

Oku nodded with a smile.
“Is that so... I believe those words.”

“Yes. But you know...
everyone was very lively.They were living the lives they created themselves.The future... was fun.”

Thank you very much for reading for so long.

🌹rico
🌹roshanak
🌹Ibaraki Kaiju Encyclopedia
🌹Canaria
🌹katten
🌹Itetsuru
🌹Suuna
🌹Education Critic nakumura
🌹Alcon Inc. Representative Director Sugawara
🌹Seaton
🌹log.2027
(in no particular order)
With my deepest gratitude.
Thank you so much for all your support.

Domestic Peacekeeping Force
Colonel Reinhard Daiden

🥕🥃🍒
We will enter a new season starting next time.
Thank you for your continued readership.

🥕🥃🍒
次回からは新しいSeasonに入ります。
引き続きのご愛読をよろしくお願い申し上げます。