The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

XXIV: Unanswered

Few months passed, and spring just arrived. Hiroto never had this energy before because he would meet the lady who roamed his mind for ages. Since this was a very private trip, he wanted to ensure that his mother would not know, so he took a walk to the town nearby.

Hiroto wore as simple as possible on this occasion. Unlike the usual attire that he wore every university day, he didn't wear a suit jacket. White closed neck collared long-sleeved shirt topped with a brown vest and brown pants—the attire was ordinary. He was more comfortable with this since today was near summer.

While Hiroto walked through the dusty path, he saw a man running towards him. He didn't give him a notice until that man called his name.

"Hiroto!"

Hiroto's eyes widened, and stopped in his tracks. He watched a middle-aged Japanese approach and confront him.

"Where are you off to?" Kinoe asked him.

"I'm off to see Ms. Yamaguchi," Hiroto replied with a smile, "but it is a very private matter, so I don't want to use my family carriage for this one."

"I see... wait, you'll see Aya?" Kinoe raised his voice and gestured Hiroto to join him. "Come with me. I have something to give to her."

"Really?" Hiroto followed Kinoe to his house nearby. It was a two-floored ordinary house. A patio, a few large window panes, small door, pointed roofs—like a short version of a bricked castle. Above was a small balcony with a telescope placed, which made Hiroto wonder about Kinoe's hobbies and other things he did during free time.

"Come inside. Be my guest," Kinoe invited him while he opened the wooden door and entered. Hiroto went inside and looked around the place—the interiors were homely with dark colors surrounding him. When he went to the living room, a mahogany sofa and chair were placed under the carpet. Hiroto sat down on the chair and watched Kinoe go to the kitchen to pick up something.

But why the kitchen? Did Kinoe pick a particular food for Aya? Hiroto watched him scavenging the containers for something. Waiting for him to find that gift would be lifeless of him, so he decided to look around, especially the drawers and shelves containing relics and pictures. Some of them were Japanese and British souvenirs. The Japanese ones questioned the younger as they were both too heavy to carry and from the other side of the world. He believed they might be the ungiven gifts to the Royal Family.

Hiroto analyzed the things in this place carefully, mostly the pictures. There were around three pictures—one was a copy of his official photo as an ambassador, and the other was a picture of him with sakura wallpaper wearing a uniform. Based on his knowledge, it was a uniform of a count. He seemed to be a classy man, Hiroto, though. He was much youthful in the pictures than today, wherein his facial hair was much more prevalent than before.

The third picture raised Hiroto's eyebrows because its front was faced down. It wasn't placed on the frame, so it seemed to be a new addition. There was a mix of Japanese and English written, with Astor's surname only written in Latin characters. He took the photo film and tried to use his retained Japanese skills to understand what it said. He furrowed when he noticed a pair of kanji not getting along with the sentence. Thus he assumed it as a name.

"Astor, if you are in Japan, please find **. This picture will help you find her."

Hiroto turned the photo film and saw Kinoe's youthful face again, but this time, there was an additional person—a woman was carrying a child. That woman was an epitome of beauty—round eyes, black hair, and clear skin. His eyes were fixed on the figure and analyzed the clothes she wore—it was a dark kimono with a floral design.