Hakuouki: Beautiful Scars

2: A Fallen Dream

As we arrive to the back door of Shimabara's kitchen, I help the three little companions down from the wooden wagon filled with vegetables. The rider comes down from the vehicle and aids to carry out the ingredients from his wagon. All of us — including the mischievous kids — bring in the baskets of fresh raw food inside the kitchen. It was the first room you entered through the back door, convenient for food wagons to drop off materials. Once everything was inside, I bowed and thanked to the wagoner for the assistance. He nods politely and reigns the horse to leave, trotting away.

The kitchen was now livelier with the presence of a few expert chefs and servants like me. Sounds of knives slamming the cutting boards and chatter amongst the workers filled the room. As I had predicted, Mitsu spins me by the shoulders. With wide eyes, she pulls me in and hisses quietly, "You met Harada Sanosuke?!"

Somehow she always manages to find information quickly, just like her given nickname - Nezumi - a mouse. In this case, it was most likely that the kids spilled it to her. She really was into gossips within Shimabara. I on the other hand, could care less. I do have to admit though. Her information can be useful at times.

"So what if I did? Its not that big of a deal," I say dryly, walking deeper into the kitchen. I pull out a ribbon from my belt and tie my sleeves up. I turn to the three children, "Ashitaka, Yuuto, Rika, go and help out in the main hall." The children nod and walk out in innocent chatter. Rika goes out to the back door once more and releases Mamoru outside.

Mitsu walks up to me and continue enthusiastically, "You know that isn't true! Harada-sama is one of the favorites among the geishas. Anyone who is put to entertain him do it willingly." I take out a large basin from the storage and head out to the well. Mitsu grabs another and follows me.

She continues, "Especially Tsubame-sama. She may be a common geisha, but she is slowly gaining her rank. After all, she is quite ambitious." We place the basin on the rim of the well, and I roll the bucket down for water.

"Yes, yes, I know all that. But it's really not that important. He's only a customer here," I stated plainly.

Mitsu scoffs, "Only a customer? Are you kidding? He's like a celebrity here! Not only that, he's also handsome!" Mitsu clutches her hands together, being the hopeless romantic she is. "Don't you understand how lucky you are to even encounter him?! Let alone, talk to him?!"

I reel the bucket back up, "Lucky? I don't think so. If he comes to Shimabara, then he's probably like the rest." I pull the bucket in and pour the water in my basin.

"Mooouu~ Chiyo! You shouldn't say that. I hear that he's a very courteous person."

"What you hear is different from the truth, Mitsu. Once a man walks into the red-light district, all chivalry is dead. It doesn't matter whether he's drunk or not, it's no crime to touch a woman in this place." I fetch for more water and repeat the process.

My dear friend smiles heartily, fanning at me, "I know, I know! But when a man loves, its the most beautiful thing ever!" She leans in closer to me and whispers, "Like Yukiji-sama and Takanabe-sama." I sigh defeated in reply.

Yes, beautiful — but tragic in our world.

Takanabe Jiro was the nephew of the Emperor. He was noted to be noble, head-strong, and chivalrous. I've heard that he was also an excellent swordsman too, although I have no interest in that whatsoever.