Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 157

 "Oh, how beautiful you are!"

 The place was the Oumi family residence facing Azuki Street in the old city of the capital. In a room of the mansion addressed to the Joraku (visiting capital) unit of the Onitsuki family, the youthful old woman expressed pure admiration. Standing in her line of sight was a young girl who had carefully applied makeup.

 "Um... thank you very much?"

 The girl, Hotoya Tamaki, murmured with a complexly mixed expression of confusion, embarrassment, and joy. Advisor Onitsuki Kochou spared no effort for her. She meticulously studied and arranged everything, from her lapis lazuli-colored eyes, short blue-tinged hair, moderately sun-kissed healthy skin, and feminine yet slender and well-muscled limbs, to adorn her as beautifully as possible.

 The clothes, tailored to match her hair and eyes, was based on shades of indigo and white. The fabric pattern combined the motifs of medicinal balls and nadeshiko flowers, while the obi depicted flowing water. Of course, it was made of high-quality silk crepe fabric, woven together by artisans recommended by the young lady of Nanban. It is a masterpiece that combines beauty and elegance.

 She adorned her hair with a hairpin, which was also a gift. The blue color matched her, and the design resembling a spider lily was a symbol of admonition. It was a testament to her determination and resolve.

 Adding a touch of red, she lightly sprinkled white powder to avoid appearing vulgar. She refrained from using tooth blackening or nail polish, as those were outdated customs, even during her own childhood, which was becoming increasingly desolate. But she did not expect this modern girl to prefer such traditions. It should not be a problem even during the main event. She had heard that Daijin (a court official who serves near the emperor) was lenient towards his daughters and granddaughters, allowing some deviation from tradition. He should understand.

 "Truly, truly elegant... With this, you can pass as a noble princess, I think?"

 Amounting to a hundred or two hundred ryō is not enough. With the good original material, one cannot doubt that Tamaki is of noble lineage. Who would notice that she is the youngest daughter of a country lord?

 "P-please don't praise me too much... I, uh, get embarrassed."

 Due to the excessively high clothing and extravagant decorations, Tamaki blushes and feels overwhelmed. She must not be accustomed to dressing up like this. Kochou found it pitiful.

 Kochou thought it was a tragedy caused by being raised in the countryside. Such a lovely girl... what on earth was her hometown, her family doing? Kochou felt very angry about the wrong things that their did.

 "Hehe. It's only natural to speak the truth, isn't it? Since we have the opportunity to meet Daijin-sama. It would be good to get used to it from this occasion. I will give you all those clothes and decorations, okay?"

 "Eh!? That's too much!"

 At Kochou's words declaring that she would give the clothes and decorations as light that looked like gold nuggets, Tamaki's face, which had been red, turned pale in an instant.

 "Such, such extravagant attire... truly!?"

 "Please do not hesitate. In the capital, there are numerous opportunities to meet nobility. It is impolite to present oneself in shabby attire. Instead, this ensemble alone may be insufficient, wouldn't you agree?"

 Wearing the same attire every time will invite ridicule. At the very least, another one or two sets... To ensure thoroughness, perhaps ten sets would be necessary. Skillful combinations should spare her any embarrassment. She is Kochou's pride. She cannot allow such a thing.