It’s a quiet day in the office – we’ve recently had several cases wrap up satisfactorily and while we’re preparing more, it’s nice to have some calm… and I wonder how Yuubo is doing in Tokyo? He should be back tomorrow or the next day… is he having better luck with Saitou-san that I had?
I’m leafing through a journal that collects notable family law cases throughout Japan. While my work touches family law as it regards inheritance and property, with my sister’s situation I’m trying to learn more about how things are currently going with “second families”. There’s a definite turn in Meiji laws towards Western attitudes towards morality that aren’t going to help oneesan and Saitou-san should they continue as-is.
A name catches my eye as I skim over some recent cases regarding child custody…
Takagi Morinosuke
I made sure to remember that name, and start -discrete- inquiries. And while I don’t know anyone in Aizu directly, I know people who do, but I’m trying to keep my name out of it., so it’s slow-going. If it was known that a Yagi was looking into a Takagi… well, it may not be unlikely that we may have to face each other in court, should Saitou-san’s method not work out.
I take in a breath as I read the article. This case…
A man added the children of his mistress to the family register. The man died, and the legal wife was able to claim the mistress’s children as her own as they were being raised in an “immoral” environment, and, as the legal wife and now as mother to the heir of the house, she had the responsibility to ensure that the children bearing the name of the house were not raised in such a way…
And the article ends with a statement by Takagi-san that he wanted to explore similar cases even where the father is living, as the new government and Aizu family legacies should not be tainted by the spectre of illegitimate children, and that being raised properly within the house is preferable to the mistress creating another generation of loose women and criminals who bear an illustrious family name…
I just sit there for a minute. Should I warn Saitou-san and oneesan? He’s to head up there soon… but when? Now? Or has he already gone? Should I send a telegram? A letter? And until my brother returns, I can’t leave Hanako alone. She’s been a little under the weather lately…
But first, I need to know -more-. These journals can be as inaccurate as our regular newspapers – one of my colleagues here in Kyoto is known for submitting articles which contain a glowing summary of his legal theories and strategies, but fail to mention that he actually -lost- the case in court. Maybe this is similar, and before I worry them, I should know more. But again, -I- can’t go.
I hear footsteps in the hall, and then I call out. “Kenkichi-kun!” The young man who is one of our apprentices pops his head in. He’s bright, and of a background which should make him understand and appreciate the gravity of the situation. He’s also an -excellent- investigator. The police’s loss, with their family background rules, is our gain…
“Sir?”
I indicate for him to sit. “I need you to undertake an investigation for me. You’ll need to travel to Aizu and investigate some court records…”
“And the expenses, sir?” he asks.
“Whatever you need. I need you to get there as soon as possible…” I can see the surprise on his face. I may be -careful- with money, but this isn’t just my sister’s happiness. Saitou-san is right – losing their children would end it all.