(Kato)
As we head out to Mother’s estate Wednesday afternoon, I point out various developments in Osaka to Miyagawa-san. A leather goods factory that I’ve bought, land being cleared for another metalworks facility… another piece of real estate nearby to built homes for the workers. There’s a concept in America where you rent your workers homes -you- own and put in a store that -you- own and all of your money you pay out in wages comes back to you! Genius, those Americans. Kato Town… I like how that sounds.
Poor man, though, still troubled by his stomach. My personal doctor did visit him last night and told him to just be careful what he eats. It’s too bad, as I’ve arranged for some very fine food like they eat in London, England to be served – from that place that brings the pretty girls dressed like maids from Europe. And good wines, as well… I’m sparing no expense!
As we come into the gates of the estate, I see a line of the pretty girls walking back to the reception hall. Mother and the others do live a quiet life out here… but it is much larger than my home in the city. Ah! Fresh country air!
We arrive at the lovely mansion I built for Mother. All that glass… hmmm… maybe I should do a glassworks soon. More buildings are going to want this instead of shoji doors, after all. At least the important ones will.
The steward comes out to greet me. “Ah, sir, welcome. And to you, as well, Miyagawa-san,” he says, bowing deeply.
“Ah, and how are preparations?”
“The girls are here,” he says, with a knowing smile. “But the provisions are coming a bit late – but not too late – Hada-san runs a good operation but even she cannot control the river.”
I nod. I’m in a good mood and see no need to get vexed over the food! After all, what is food to the prize I’m to have soon? Besides, I can always send to the kitchens for something to tide me over.
It also makes me think that I should have a private train line run out here like the American tycoons do to their estates, but, oh, Mother would dislike the noise! She’s a funny one on imported things, after all.
Inside the house, I see a small figure darting away and I frown. “Iwata-san,” I say, to my steward, “make sure you keep that child away. Don’t I pay her nanny enough?” Really, now. I shouldn’t have to tell him about the two women – but one spends most of her time horizontal thanks to her addiction, and the other is nearly mad, I’ve been told – she spends every waking moment in prayer.
Pity, pity. Oh well! To think of the infatuation I once had for each of them… but how they disappointed Mother and I.
Jun-kun, who was in the carriage following mine, hands me a paper he stopped for on the way out. “The police are helplessly stymied with the Yagi Hide case, sir. Entirely overwhelmed! -And- there’s a number of articles praising your generousity and thoughtfulness with the reward!”
I smile. How surprised they’ll all be when I’m the one who rescues her!
“Well, Iwata-san, please show Miyagawa-san to his room so he can rest. I’ll go see Mama.” It’s a bit before the other guests arrive. This won’t be a large affair, but it should always be done with ~style~!
(OOC – Close)