Ten to twelve (2)

by Mizukami Kyouka · 2026-03-31

“Now, please follow me,” she said, holding a rice-polishing tub, with a hand towel tucked into a narrow sash, as she stood.

Her hair was tied in a bun like a tuft, with a comb tucked in and fastened with a hairpin. Her appearance was truly beautiful.

I also quickly took off my straw sandals, put on old geta, and stood up, and when I glanced over, there was that idiotic boy.

When I briefly looked at him, he mumbled in a lisping voice, “Sister, here, here,” and languidly raised his hand to stroke his bushy hair.

“Monk, monk?” the woman called out, and she nodded clearly about three times, dimples forming on her plump face.

The boy said, “Hmm,” but then slumped again, twirling his navel.

I was so sorry for him that I couldn't look up, only stealing glances, but the woman seemed unconcerned. As she was about to follow me out, a man appeared from behind the hydrangea flowers.

He seemed to have come from around the back, still wearing his straw sandals, with a tobacco pouch dangling like a string, and stopped, puffing on his pipe.

“Reverend, please come in,” the woman said, turning around.

“Uncle, how was it?” she asked, and the old man replied, “Well, that’s what they call a dullard and an imbecile. He’s such a fellow that unless he’s a fox from birth, he wouldn’t be easily fooled, but with my words, I’ll skillfully mediate and ensure the young lady has no inconvenience for two or three months, and I’ll certainly bring him here tomorrow.”

“I humbly ask of you,” the woman said, and the old man asked, “Understood, understood. Oh, young lady, where are you going?”

“Just to the water at the cliff,” she replied, and the old man said, “So that you don’t fall into the river with the young master, I’ll keep an eye out and wait here,” as he stood to the side.

"You say such things, Reverend," she said with a smile.

"I'll go alone," he said, stepping aside. The old man chuckled and said, "Hahaha, well then, please go quickly."

"Uncle, today we had two unusual guests. In such times, more might come later. Jiro alone might be overwhelmed by those who arrive. Could you rest there until I return?" When the woman asked, the old man replied, "Of course," and sidled up to the boy, giving his back a hearty slap with his fist. The idiotic boy, with his protruding belly and a mouth that looked like he was about to cry, grinned.

I shuddered and turned my face away, but the woman seemed unfazed.

The old man opened his mouth wide and said, "I'll steal this husband while you're away."

"Yes, then that would be a feat. Now, Venerable Monk, shall we go?" she said, and she felt as if the old man was watching from behind, but she followed as she was led, along the wall, not towards the hydrangeas, and soon, at what seemed to be the back entrance, she saw a stable to her left. The clattering sound must have been the sound of kicking the wooden panels; it was already getting dim around there.

"Reverend, we descend from here. It's not slippery, but the path is rough, so please be quiet," she said.