It wasn’t difficult to find out where they lived. This is government property after all, until the land rights are transferred to him upon full payment. It’s good to be in Yamagata-san’s good graces the access to resources under his command and influence is tremendous that even a former Aizu clan member like me is allowed into the deep recesses of the Imperial government.
It’s Sunday so he should be here as there’s no work, actually the entire family should be here and that will allow me to observe what I could not in such a short police ball setting. Although I do want to know how this entire situation came about and how this “Yagi Hide” came to know Lindenburgh. Yamagata-san isn’t fond of foreigners but we allowed them in so we can take what we find useful in their knowledge and strategy and throw away everything else.
“Excuse me!!” I knock on the gates. It’s then I notice the name Yamaguchi. I can only snortle at that.
(OOC: Yamakawa is about the same age as Hajime. He wears his beard and brows long though to make a more state manly appearance which makes him look much older. He is dressed in Western garment.)
I hear a knock at the gate. Lunch is finished, and Makoto and I were about to start gardening, which, in Hajime’s absence, I wish to keep up…
It always makes me a bit nervous to hear the gate while Hajime’s gone. Could it be an unwanted visitor? I know that he said that this place was under the care of his colleague, but still……. or it could be something innocent, like a delivery.
I open the gate and there’s a man standing there, with extravagant facial hair. I remember this man… “Good afternoon, Yamakawa-san, please, come inside,” I say, letting him enter. After all, he did say that he would be visiting Tsutomu-kun soon.
(Yamakawa):
I’m let in by the woman from the ball. Her name was Yagi-san wasn’t it?
“Good day.” I say to her and look around. There’s a good sized garden and surprisingly a “house” up on a tree. “As I told Goro I was going to visit.” I say as I proceed inside. I remove my shoes at the genkan and wait for the woman to lead me to the receiving area.
“Where is Goro?”
As I told Goro I was going to visit. Where is Goro?
I lead him into our formal living room with a bow, where we had just put fresh flowers out this morning, and I… had had a little prayer. The flag hangs there in its pride of place.
“Goro,” I start, remembering that I have to use that name, “is out on a long-term assignment,” I tell him. “He’s been gone a few days.” I smile, and ask, “I’m sorry if you came all of this way to see him – may I bring you some tea and refreshments?”
The woman shows me to a room with an alcove. I’m surprised that a certain flag is hanging there. I didn’t think Goro had a penchant to overly show his associations, especially one marred with so much controversy in Aizu. Although I will give Hijikata the benefit of staying in Aizu until he said he couldn’t possibly anymore. Even Goro scoffed at that.
“He’s been gone a few days.” “I’m sorry if you came all of this way to see him – may I bring you some tea and refreshments?”
I nod. “Refreshments are fine.” I watch this woman, she is a samurai’s daughter but seems to have had less than adequate training.
I go to the kitchen, and I see Yukiko-san and Makoto outside, with Ai-chan sleeping peacefully on her basket on the engawa. I look around for Tsutomu-kun… if he can’t see Hajime, at least he can see him. I catch Yukiko-san’s attention and she comes over.
“Tsutomu-kun’s godfather who is, I’ve been told, an important man in both Aizu and the current government, has come for a visit. Can you find him, and make certain that he and Makoto-chan are presentable?” She nods, and with the tea done, I set everything out on my best tray and return to the living room.
He’s looking at the flag. “It’s probably been a while since you’ve seen one of those?” I bow as I enter the room, and set down the tray. Sitting in front of him, I prepare the tea, the best of my Kyoto matcha, which I then offer to him, and present the box of chestnut sweets.
“Tstuomu-kun should be here shortly; he stays very busy with school – he’s also in the kendo club, and will be representing Futaba in a match against other schools soon.”
The woman comes back and offers me tea. I take a sip. At least it’s quality tea. But then she tells me about Tsutomu, which surprises me as I did not explicitly asks for him.
“Thank you for the tea.” I hold up my hand, “I actually am not here to meet with Tsutomu-kun, in fact I’ve never met him since Tokio and Goro had the child.”
“Since Goro is not here, then I suppose I will try to get some clarity from you.” I start and straighten up from being in seiza, “I would like to know how you know of von Lindenburg and who precisely are you as you certainly are not the legal wife of the Fujita house. Tokio did let me know fairly recently that Goro had some help in maintaining the house here in Tokyo, when I met them last in Aizu.”
Perhaps she is in fact the “help” that Tokio mentioned at the castlegrounds? “In that case what help do you provide?”
I actually am not here to meet with Tsutomu-kun, in fact I’ve never met him since Tokio and Goro had the child
That’s … surprising. Doesn’t he have interest in his own godchild? It would be -nice- if some of his extended clan -did-, for all of his affinity for them…
Since Goro is not here, then I suppose I will try to get some clarity from you. I would like to know how you know of von Lindenburg and who precisely are you as you certainly are not the legal wife of the Fujita house. Tokio did let me know fairly recently that Goro had some help in maintaining the house here in Tokyo, when I met them last in Aizu.”
I pause a moment before replying. “I’d never met the Field Marshal before that night – a countrywoman of his is the woman who made my dress, and from what she told me, the foreigners here tend to socialize within their own national groups – I suppose it must help with homesickness,” I smile slightly, as the smell of the tea makes me have a bit of longing for Kyoto, “I believe that Frau Weber asked him to keep an eye on me, as the police ball was my first Western social outing.” From what Frau Susanna told me, there’s a great deal of discretion about their relationship – they’re more free here in Japan, but they are still careful.
“As for your second question… I do keep house for Goro here, as well as Tstuomu-kun and his niece, Yamaguchi Yukiko-san. I am not his legal wife, no, I am merely his mistress.” Certainly he doesn’t think that Hajime would bring a housekeeper to a ball that was meant only for senior officers and their wives?
“I’d never met the Field Marshal before that night – a countrywoman of his is the woman who made my dress, “I believe that Frau Weber asked him to keep an eye on me, as the police ball was my first Western social outing.”
She smiles as she says this. Perhaps she has ended up as a good friend of this Frau Weber but it’s a curiosity as to why such a high ranking official would associate with a mere dress maker, even if they are “countrymen”.
“Ah I’m glad you have someone looking out for you. It would’ve been a shame if Goro had come to the ball with an unsatisfactorily dressed companion, especially one posing as his wife.” I nod agreeably.
“As for your second question… I do keep house for Goro here, as well as Tstuomu-kun and his niece, Yamaguchi Yukiko-san. I am not his legal wife, no, I am merely his mistress.”
“Well it maybe the Meiji era but some of the old Samurai customs still stands today such as concubinage.” I take a sip of the tea, “The Yagi’s were a good samurai house and it’s only natural that Goro would want an ongoing mistress to keep in Tokyo seeing as Tokio is somewhat permanent in Aizu. She said it was to be closer to family and she seems agreeable to both you and Goro’s arrangement.” I let out a breath, “Even if current laws are murky, if Tokio had allowed it then I suppose you two should find no trouble – after all this is a noble man’s tradition.”
Ah I’m glad you have someone looking out for you. It would’ve been a shame if Goro had come to the ball with an unsatisfactorily dressed companion, especially one posing as his wife.
“I would certainly not wish to embarrass Goro,” I say. Posing as his wife? I’m certain that’s how it looked to him; and probably the rest of the world. That Hajime and I have other plans is of no concern to this man.
But then he speaks of concubinage… and I’d like to rebuke him. But… I remember Hajime not being pleased when I did so with Namuzawa-san. “I’ve known Goro since the Shinsengumi days, of course.” The way he avoided my question about Hijikata-san tells me, that, sadly, my visitor is one of -those- men who have left those days in a distant, closed-off past. Much like it’s said that another version of my Hajime did….
“I wish to provide a good home for him and the children,” I say, simply. That’s true, mistress or wife. And I suppose Tokio is “agreeable” as she gets the status of wife and gets to keep Hajime and I on uneven footing… but I know what I am.
Makoto then enters, with her face in a set expression that I know is her using her “good manners” as she sits carefully behind me. “This is our oldest daughter, Makoto-chan. Our youngest, born just this September, should still be at her nap.” Makoto bows low. “Welcome to our home, sir,” she says. We’ve worked on this, since Namuzawa-san. She reflects our union, after all… and I’ve put enough strikes against her already. She can at least be well-mannered.
Yamakawa:
“I would certainly not wish to embarrass Goro,”
“Of course.” I nod, “It would be troublesome for the house and the Meiji.” But I have heard from Takamine already that Goro had made a scene at the school which sealed Tokio’s leaving for Aizu.
“I’ve known Goro since the Shinsengumi days, of course.”
“Ah you mean Jirou or Saitou as he was calling himself then.” I chuckle a little, “He’s much settled down these days with his new identity. He probably doesn’t even remember those names much less those days. After all we all had to leave those days behind if we are to move -forward-. That’s what we advised all of them who came from the clan so they can reintegrate into this new society.”
“I wish to provide a good home for him and the children,”
“I’m sure you were chosen specifically for those purpose.” I bow to her a little, “And we are grateful of your service.”
Then without warning or being told to appear, a girl comes and is introduced by her mother, along with another daughter that is napping. She bows and I don’t say anything but I appreciate her effort – so I bow my head politely at the girl.
“Ah girls can sometimes be good. In the old days and certainly today, one can easily find value in them by marrying them off to a more established family. And both of your daughters of course will be recognized as Shizoku. Very good!”
Then I turn to this Makoto.
“Little girl, have you started learning to play some musical instruments? The Koto maybe?”
Tsutomu:
I told her not to go in there but Makoto went ahead anyway. If I remember right, mother always told us not to come out unless called but we should be ready. It is considered the height of rudeness to just go in… So I stand outside the hallway not really hearing anything. I’ve heard so much about Yamakawa-sama, I feel like I should know him by now.
(OOC – will reply in the morning)
It would be troublesome for the house and the Meiji.
Would it? I only nod my head slightly.
He’s much settled down these days with his new identity. He probably doesn’t even remember those names much less those days. After all we all had to leave those days behind if we are to move -forward-. That’s what we advised all of them who came from the clan so they can reintegrate into this new society.
Given that we’re sitting in front of the Shinsengumi flag… but if this is what this man needs to believe to find peace with his place in this new order… then that is his truth. “Ah, but the principals of the samurai remain, do they not? Even in a new society?”
I’m sure you were chosen specifically for those purpose. And we are grateful of your service.
That’s… a rather infuriating thought but I can see that he -means- it… which makes it both terrible and not as much all at the same time. I only smile a bit. “Ah, please don’t classify it as a service,” I say, sweeping my eyelashes down, and bringing my hand to my face. “As a woman my feelings are much too delicate to speak of my role as such…”
(Makoto)
He talks about us being “recognized” does that mean our names and how everyone here has a different last name? Or that I’m Yamaguchi and not Fujita?
I just want to belong to chichiue… and niisan!
Little girl, have you started learning to play some musical instruments? The Koto maybe?
Does my school even have that? “Some girls at my school have piano lessons, sir,” I say, remembering to talk very very politely, “but I prefer sewing… oh! And Kyudo.” I try not to stare but he has the -fanciest- mustaches. There are pictures in the hall in the Administration building with men like that with big, big mustaches.
“Is Tsutomu-kun here?” Hahaue asks me.
“Oh yes, he’s in the hall.”
“Tsutomu-kun, please join us – your godfather is here to visit,” she tells him. She’s speaking -very- fancy and I can’t get all of her words.*
* – OOC – of course Makoto refers to Hide’s Kyoto accent, which, Hide still doesn’t believe that she has.
“Ah, but the principals of the samurai remain, do they not? Even in a new society?”
I nod “Absolutely Yagi-san and we of the Aizu clan is the most complete embodiment of Bushido. That’s why even though we were on the losing side of the war, the clan has made great headways into this Meiji. We conduct ourselves with much tradition and dignity.”
“Ah, please don’t classify it as a service,” “As a woman my feelings are much too delicate to speak of my role as such…”
“It -is- a service and don’t be ashamed of it.” I bow slightly, “Goro was a hero of Aizu and thus deserves not only the services of a good wife which is why the clan thought the daughter of Takagi-sama, another war hero we lost in the Kinmon incident was the perfect fit. Of course a man of Goro’s stature at times would desire, or rather need another by his side to keep his house straight. As you say, certain principles of the Samurai remains intact.”
“Some girls at my school have piano lessons, sir,” “but I prefer sewing… oh! And Kyudo.”
As Yagi-san disappears calling for the boy I did not ask to see, I go ahead and speak to the little girl who is obviously needing a little attention. I am fond of little girls and giving them dreams.
“I see. Try to learn the Koto, it is the instrument of respectable Samurai families.” I don’t say much about her “sewing”, it is fiine as it is. “And Kyudo, do you know little one that Aizu has the most courageous women in all of Japan? The Joshigun and aside from the Naginata, they were first trained in the art of Kyudo. Each woman was expected to fight for the clan and die an honorable death beside her husband. Actually one such onna bugeisha is here right now in Tokyo and after defending Aizu, the Meiji has earmarked her as fitting to send out to the world to become a nurse! That is the quality of Aizu women!”
Tsutomu:
Yagi-san calls me and I open the door slowly. I nod at both Yagi-san and Makoto. Then I look to my left and is that Yamakawa-sama? I go over to his side, slight off center as a sign of deference and sit in seiza bowing low, with my hands touching the floor.
“Yamakawa-sama. I’m Fujita Tsutomu, son of Fujita Goro and Takagi Tokio. I am honored to meet you sir.”
I keep my head down on the floor. He taps my shoulder.
“Fine young man, I’m glad to finally meet you.”
I straighten up. And half bow my head.
“I just met with your mother and father in the castlegrounds a few weeks ago. They are a fine pair and your father is very supportive of you mother being in Aizu to help the clan rebuild. I also met with your Uncle Morinosuke and he is such an asset to the clan doing pro-bono work. One day I hope you too will follow in their footsteps.”
Wait? Was father really with mother in Aizu and supported her? Are they trying to work things out?
Suddenly I bow my head lower and put my hands on my knees. Suddenly I feel such great elation! “Thank you Yamakawa-sama! The Fujita-house is much indebted to the Aizu Karo and Matsudaira-sama!”
It -is- a service and don’t be ashamed of it
For once I’m glad that Hajime isn’t here, to hear all of -this-. He struggles enough with our situation and this sort of talk…
He talks of Aizu women, and Makoto’s mouth hangs open a bit as she follows every word. “Ah, your passion for your clan truly shines through your words. Makoto-chan has much to inspire her.” Although I would much prefer her as a nurse than what she thinks she wants at this age…
Tsutomu-kun enters and he seems inspired by Yamakawa-san’s words, and his training and good manners are coming through.
They are a fine pair and your father is very supportive of you mother being in Aizu to help the clan rebuild
I suppose when you consider the woman sitting in front of you as little more than a housekeeper and whore, you can speak like this… and his words seem to please Tsutomu-kun. Oh dear….
From the other room I hear Ai-chan… I bow low. “Please excuse me, I need to attend to my daughter, I will be back in a moment – we don’t keep servants.” That, and I need to -breathe-.
I -never- get it right here. Even when it’s done with blustery politeness by a “great” man, it still -hurts-. And while I mustn’t make a terrible impression, I’m not going to leave my child to scream… but I’m certain that those Aizu wives who are paragons among women never dare have a child who does anything as common as -cry-.
(OOC – Hide leaves the room unless stopped)
A child is suddenly crying and Yagi-san makes her excuse to leave.
“Please excuse me, I need to attend to my daughter, I will be back in a moment – we don’t keep servants.”
“Ah but surely his niece is helping you.” I stop her for a moment, “But please don’t let me stop you Yagi-san, I was just leaving anyway.” I half bow to her, “I’m glad you were able to clarify the situation here…”
Then I look at the two children, “These are definitely -fine- children.” I look agreeably at his son and daughter.
“Yagi-san, I’ll see Yamakawa-sama to the gate.” The boy tells his guardian.
“Well it’s decided. I won’t take anymore of your time Yagi-san.” I put on my cap and then take something from my back pocket. “Here is my card in case you should ever require assistance. Aizu families are a close knit group.”
(OOC: He will also exit unless stopped. The card is to a boarding house he runs with his mother that houses other Aizu clan members. Aizu Aizu Aizu…LOL. Maybe Tsutomu should go visit there. heh.)
Ah but surely his niece is helping you
I nod. “Yes, but a child needs its mother.” But he’s leaving anyway… I suppose he made his point.
And Tsutomu-kun will see him out. I look at the card I hold, as I take Ai-chan from Yukiko-san. Of course, I’d never reach out… but I’ll have to let Hajime know about this when he returns.
As Yamakawa-san and Tsutomu-kun leaves, Makoto falls over from her proper sitting position to the floor, in giggles. “You did well, Makoto – you’ll have made your father proud,” I tell her.
(OOC – Close, although Aizu is -forever-, lol)