by Ben Stevens
‘But no such entertainment was provided for me, of course. Instead, the pair of us sat and talked over a most excellent lunch, there in that small and private room.’
‘The dishes might have been poisoned, master,’ I cautioned, shocked by his seemingly casual attitude concerning this meeting with the woman who’d apparently been behind several determined attempts to kill him – and so also, by association, me.
At once, my master gave a burst of laughter that I found rather irritating. I felt that he was not giving me all the information I should have been receiving – especially concerning this mysterious man who’d been the only male Hata had ever loved, and for whose death she apparently blamed my master…
‘When Hata-san makes her next attempt upon my life, Kukai, she will certainly ensure that she is nowhere in the immediate vicinity, nor will she try by such a clumsy method as poisoning. Remember the genius of that hired assassin in The Rain Player?’
I did, and I nodded.
‘Yes, master,’ I said quietly.
‘Anyway, we spoke,’ continued my master, as though he’d quite failed to detect my somewhat surly mood. ‘Of course, she already knew the reason why I’d come to visit her…
“Ennin-sensei, this young man is besotted with me, and there is nothing that you or anyone else can do to change that,’ she declared. ‘My advice to you is this: you go your way, and let me go mine. Your certain failure in this case will only cause you considerable embarrassment, and will quite likely severely affect this… reputation… you appear to have…’
‘As she smiled at me, I reflected that she was indeed an uncommon beauty. You understand, now, how if she could affect even my cold, clinical thought processes, how little chance any other man would have?’
It was rare to hear my master speak so flatteringly about himself (for all his genius, he was usually one of the most modest of men), and it caused me to realize that Mayumi Hata had in fact created that tiniest sense of – Doubt…? Desire…? – within my master’s soul…
My master continued –
‘Returning her outwardly amiable smile, I told her –
“Casually informing me that I may go ‘on my way’ is perhaps a little deceptive, given that you have certainly been behind two attempts on my life – probably more…’
‘At this, her stare darkened and she smiled no more.
“You blame me, after you took from me the one person I have ever cared for?’ she demanded.
“The object of your affection was the most evil man I have ever known,’ I returned, meeting her stare. ‘But at least I am now fully certain that the pair of you were well-matched.’
‘There was no denying the glint of murder that briefly showed in her eyes; but she quickly recovered her composure, to give me that smile which has caused many a man to come instantly adrift from his senses.
“One of these days, Ennin-sensei, I will be successful in achieving my ultimate aim – that is your destruction, of course,’ she breathed. ‘You would be considerably more formidable a prey if you would only retaliate… But you are so saddled with these ridiculous notions of ‘right and wrong’, ‘good and bad’ that you can act only in a defensive manner – even now, as I fully admit my intention, here in private, to kill you.
“Poor, stupid Ennin! I have read some of those stories written by that servant of yours; that truly pitiful man who follows you around everywhere like some lost sheep.’
(I raised my eyebrows at this, wondering if it was really necessary for my master to have to report this conversation quite so exactly. But my master continued, oblivious to my thoughts.)
“I have read people say that these stories show the triumph of ‘good over evil’ – ha! To me they show only a lost, wandering soul, accompanied by his luckless scribe who is forever cursed by the memory of his dead wife and child, the pair of them certain to one day encounter an ‘adventure’ which they will not survive.’
“That day is not yet, however, nor do I intend that you will ever be the author of this ‘unfinished adventure’,’ I returned. ‘By the way, not to change the topic of conversation, but this is truly excellent sashimi. Do you not agree…?’
‘She did, and so the rest of our luncheon passed civilly enough. Do not think it strange that she could be pouring out threats towards me one moment, and then be quite charming and civil the next. She had made her position perfectly clear; there was no need for us to continue that particular line of conversation.
‘So we moved onto lighter matters. Mayumi Hata has a certain knowledge of antique Chinese furniture, and it was actually quite fascinating to hear her discourse upon this. At the conclusion of our meeting, she bid me farewell, and I left that inn observed by her oversized bodyguards…
‘Anyway, Kukai, here I am back at the rather more modest inn where you and I are currently staying, with very little clue as to how to proceed next.
‘Unless…’
This last word came as a whisper, and my master’s eyes stared for a long time at one of the drab walls in the room where we were staying.
Finally, my master got quickly to his feet, saying –
‘I have just remembered someone else I saw at that luxurious inn, who seemed to regard me with what I can only describe as being a certain… favor.
‘So I am going back out, Kukai.’
‘Out, master?’ I said, thoroughly confused.
‘Possibly to go… courting,’ returned my master mysteriously. ‘I have no idea what time I will return – you have no need to wait up.’
‘I see, master,’ I muttered.
‘Incidentally, regarding Hata-san, for all her faults, she does have a certain wit,’ said my master then, his gaze at once appearing a little distant, and a slight, whimsical smile showing.
‘Not very long after her unfortunate husband’s funeral, she commenced something of a bohemian lifestyle, devoted almost exclusively to partying and pleasure. It was during such a time that she met the one man for whom she has ever cared…’
My master shook his head slightly, and continued –
‘During one such party, anyway, she held a feast, full of the finest meat and fish dishes. As her guests complimented her upon the food, she informed them –
“Soon, I shall bring out a dish of such splendor, such breathtaking beauty, that you will not dare cut it. This I can assure you.’
My master paused, compelling me to say –
‘And, master?’
‘I am late, Kukai. I need to catch my intended ‘date’ on her way home from work – for I heard her mention to another worker there that she finishes about now. Indeed, I believe it was intended that I should overhear that particular snippet of conversation…
‘So I will tell you the rest of the story some other time…’
And with that, he was gone…
3
At breakfast the following morning, my master appeared somewhat pale and worn. I had no idea what time he had returned the previous night – or early that morning – even though we shared the same room. I had already been fast asleep.
‘Dear, oh dear,’ sighed my master, transferring a little rice from the bowl to his mouth with a pair of chopsticks. ‘She is quite the talker…’
“She’, master?’
My master nodded, fixing his eyes upon me.
‘Maho – that is, the woman who believes herself to be the object of my affections – has been employed at the inn of the Thousand Falling Blossoms for nearly two decades.
‘She is certainly around my own age, although she claims to be somewhat younger. During the course of our painfully protracted conversation (which chiefly involved her talking – a great deal, and commonly about herself – and me listening while also attempting to appear interested), I was at least able to glean certain, important facts – indeed, you might also say secrets – which may well come in useful in due course…’
My master was talking in riddles, as he so often did. Usually I did not object to this; but now, just as I
had the previous day, I found that I did. It is hard to always remain calm and even-tempered, while at the same time somehow sensing mystery and great danger swirling all around you…
The following morning (again, my master had gone out courting that evening, although this time he had returned looking somewhat pained before I’d gone to sleep), saw the merchant named Koike pay us another, surprise visit.
On this occasion, however, his face was badly bruised, while his eyes burnt with a wild light.
‘I secretly followed my son to his meeting with that accursed woman late last night,’ breathed Koike, cradling his chest as though his ribs pained him. ‘But one bodyguard blocked my way, even as I saw the other one allow him entry into that inn!
‘And then, Ennin, I was thrashed – beaten until I lost consciousness, there in the street outside that inn. It was my own son who awoke me, in the first pale light of dawn. He looked distant, not himself, a thin smile on his lips and a far-away look in his eyes. He stank of drink and… and… vice…
“Come, papa,’ he told me. ‘Let us go home.’
‘Not a single word about the ill-treatment I’d received! Yes, we went home, as I tried and failed to think of something I could say to him, concerning all that I had suffered.
‘He did not even seem to notice – as though it was the most natural thing in the world to leave an inn, and there to come across one’s own father lying unconscious in the street, covered in blood!
‘Once back at home, he merely went straight to bed, no doubt worn out by his night’s carousing. I checked the place where I have recently taken to hiding my money – only to see that he had someone discovered it, and thus removed a goodly sum.
‘And now, as he slumbers, I have come here, Ennin-sensei, to inform you of my decision concerning this whole wretched matter.’
‘It is you who must leave this area, Koike-san, taking with you your son,’ declared my master. ‘This is truly the only way you can guarantee that he is free of Mayumi Hata’s malign influence.’
‘You realized this already, of course, Ennin-sensei,’ nodded the merchant sadly. ‘Yet still I feel that accursed woman may even seek to follow us…’
‘Come,’ said my master brusquely. ‘Time is of the essence. So mentally-enslaved is your son to this woman, that he will surely seek to resist any attempt to make him leave this area. We must get him now, while he slumbers, and forcibly carry him to the cart that you will have waiting. It may even be necessary, I regret to say, to bind him hand and foot, lest he otherwise try to escape back into her clutches…’
‘I will do this – I care not!’ wailed the merchant. ‘Once we are away from this area, for however long it takes, surely he will forget this woman…’
One glance at my master’s face informed me that this was rather a naive hope; but then my master said forcefully –
‘Quickly! Go and arrange this horse-drawn cart, assemble whatever possessions and luggage you need, and I will meet you at your mansion shortly.’
‘You – you know where this is, Ennin-sensei?’ asked the merchant doubtfully. ‘Yet I said nothing to you, concerning my actual address…’
‘No,’ shrugged my master, ‘you did not, yet still I know it all the same. Now go – quickly! I will be there soon.’
With a nod, the merchant departed.
‘You will continue to stay here, at this inn, Kukai,’ my master informed me then. ‘I will return… presently.’
I would much rather have gone with my master, but I had to do as he instructed. He gave me a small leather pouch full of money – to pay for my food and lodging here – and then left without another word, his face set and intent…
4
Time dragged, there on my own at this inn. I walked around the town a few times, but there was precious little to really see. Some days passed, until I was in my room at the inn, writing up another of my master’s cases, when a letter was delivered to me.
It was written in a fine, feminine hand – and it was addressed to me personally.
Dear Kukai-san (the letter read),
If you were free this evening, I would like to meet you for dinner. I have read a number of your stories concerning your ‘master’, and this has given me the strong desire to talk with you – the narrator.
You have doubtless heard all about me, from Ennin-sensei – your so-called ‘master’. All I ask is that you meet with me, for some fine food and conversation, and make up your own mind before we part company. Whatever you may have been told, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from me!
I will be expecting you at seven p.m., at the inn named the Thousand Falling Blossoms. I hope that you will feel able to come.
My Best Wishes
Mayumi Hata
The so-called ‘Most beautiful woman in Japan’ had invited me for dinner! As I saw her name, the letter (lightly but deliciously fragranced) fell from my hand in surprise.
Obviously she knew that my master was out of town; and, furthermore, might remain so for some time. For what had happened was still the talk of the town – the wealthy merchant named Koike and my master effectively forcing the merchant’s son into a horse-drawn cart, the three of them then disappearing off to who-knew where… Somewhere, no doubt, that my master judged was far-enough away (if still only temporarily) from Mayumi Hata, where he could talk with that boy named Yuji and attempt to save him from that woman’s clutches.
But from all that I had heard so far, concerning her effect on various men, this would be an all but impossible task. At the earliest possible opportunity, I was certain, that hopelessly smitten young man would again seek out Mayumi Hata, and further drain his father’s wealth while simultaneously being driven to mental ruin – perhaps even his death…
…And still as I thought of all this, I realized that I would accept Hata’s invitation. (Strange, I thought now, that my master always added the honorific san to her name, even when we spoke in private. As though he somehow admired or respected her, for all he’d said concerning her allegedly poisonous soul.)
I’d heard so much about her; I just could not let slip this chance to meet her in person. I was also greatly irritated at my master, for having just left me here alone in this unknown town. There was thus the flame of rebellion in me, a desire to act against the advice my master would certainly have given me, had he but known that Hata had invited me to dinner …
A few hours remained yet. I felt a sense of excitement, of trepidation, welling up inside of me. Was she really as breathtakingly beautiful as even my master (that man of cold logic) had claimed? What was her real motive for wanting to meet with me – especially as (according to my master) she had previously dismissed me as being ‘truly pitiful’ and a ‘luckless scribe’?
And now she claimed she wished to talk with me, because of those cases I had written concerning my master…?
Whatever, I would be finding out soon enough. Yes, I certainly would meet with Mayumi Hata – then to let events take their own course…
‘..You are taller than I imagined, and broader,’ she declared, as we sat alone in that room at the top of the inn named the Thousand Falling Blossoms. The same place (or so my master had said) where the famous ninja Katsushika had once successfully concealed himself.
An exquisite display of food was laid upon the low table between us – yet nothing could be as beautiful as that woman in the delicately-lit room. The walls were decorated with pictures of fantastic skies, dragons and misty mountains; something which served only to accentuate Mayumi Hata’s strangely exotic beauty.
‘You always portray yourself as being so passive and… docile, in those cases you write concerning your master,’ she continued. ‘And yet you are as worthy of praise – of this ridiculous adulation, even – as he…’
I nodded, not knowing what to say. I felt curiously drugged, my thoughts not quite my own. Then, distantly, I remembered my master informing me that her massive bodyguards (I’d glimpsed them but briefly, upon entering the
inn) only left her side when she desired to make love with her latest… well, partner – and at this thought my mouth watered…
Then I shook my head, attempting to get a grip on myself. I was being played, I told myself, as who knew how many other men had been played already…
Still I felt a thrill course through me, as she fixed her smoldering gaze fully upon me, her crimson lips parting just slightly to show gleaming white teeth…
‘My master says you have tried to kill us,’ I blurted foolishly, some part of me still desperately attempting to resist succumbing to her many charms. It wasn’t just the surface beauty – although that was certainly outstanding – but something else as well; some indefinable physical and mental magnetism…
‘Did he say why?’ she murmured, her eyes never leaving mine.
‘You... I mean, he… My master, he killed or… somehow caused the death of a man you… cared for?’ I stammered. I had the feeling that I was drowning, losing all control of myself…
And liking it…
Slowly, she came round the table to sit at my side. Her kimono slipped a little from one shoulder.
‘And did he say the name of this man, Kukai-san?’ she asked, still in that soft voice which now caused goose bumps to rise along my spine.
‘No,’ I replied. ‘He would not… tell me…’
‘He keeps a great deal from you, wouldn’t you say? From the one who is always so loyal to him; who has dedicated his life to him…’
Again, that distant, yet stubborn part of me which refused to fully give itself up to her protested.
‘He has his… own methods,’ I countered, although my voice was weak, and trembly with desire.
‘Yes,’ she continued, as though I’d not even spoken. ‘Using you, making himself seem like this creature of higher intelligence, through this propensity he has of often keeping even his closest and most loyal friend in the dark…’
I opened my mouth to protest again… Yet there was something in what she was saying, a truth, that stilled my voice… Besides which, she now had a hold of my hand, and there was a glowing in my heart and mind…
