Volume 4, Chapter 9: Portrait (1/2)

Afterward, Jinshi decided to leave after eating dinner.

Of course, as the pharmacy was cramped, she prepared a guest room that wasnt being used.

It goes without saying that Maomao served him the leftover simmered grasshopper. Of course, she wasnt planning to force him to eat it. She wasnt taking it seriously, just as a slight prank.

She was meaning to immediately take it down when Jinshi shows even a little displeasure. The madam was also glaring at her like she wanted to say something too.

However.

Though he faltered for an instant, Jinshi put the grasshopper that Maomao had presented jokingly into his mouth.

Maomaos own face reflexively contorted.

She watched Jinshi chew the grasshopper with furrowed brows, and felt like she was looking at something she shouldnt be seeing. Everyone around her seemed to be the same. All in all, they had expressions like lightning had crashed down behind their backs.

Gaoshuns hands were trembling.

The kamuro, who carried in the dinner, was on the verge of tears, looking as though her favourite doll had been besmirched with mud.

Chouu, who came to pick at the dinner, became stiff faced. This is no good, he said, shaking his head.

Even the madams face had stiffened.

Jinshi ignored all those faces. He chewed and swallowed. His expression was still ghastly but he looked at Maomao as if he wanted to say something.

Congee.

Ah, yes.

She presented him the bowl of congee, but Jinshi made no movements of taking it. He alternated his gaze between the congee and Maomao.

(You want me to cool it down?)

What does he want to say? Maomao picked up the soupspoon. Was he not pleased with the ingredients? She scooped the congee and studied it. When she did so, Jinshi came forward to chomp on it.

Youre not a baby.

She scooped the congee with the soupspoon once again, and he closed in again. Since it was going to spill, she brought it to his mouth.

He snapped up the congee.

Maomao narrowed her eyes as she picked up the grasshopper with a pair of chopsticks this time. Though Jinshi scrunched up his face again, he ate it.

Eek, she heard Gaoshuns scream.

When she thought there was a thud, the kamuro was cowering on the floor with tears rolling down her cheeks. Chouu was soothing her.

Was it really that much of shocking scene? Maomao thought. It might be a strong stimulus for children.

Freckles, Im taking her out for a bit. Also, niichan, hold responsibility for what you did.

Jinshi chewed and swallowed the grasshopper with all his might. It didnt look delicious no matter what. However, he ate it.

Chouu left with the crying kamuro.

(I did something bad huh.)

As Jinshi had his looks, they tried not to display his face for as much as possible even in the Rokushoukan. As the courtesans wont do their work, the madam wouldnt want them to see him.

And so, the kamuro who carried in the meals was a girl whose mouth doesnt work. She seemed to be a girl who got sold off after getting abused by her parents; her throat was crushed so she cannot speak. She had a considerably timid personality, but she worked steadily to return home.

Chouu, who had the character of the boss of the children, often protected this timid kamuro someway or other. Because shes a follower, he insisted, but how about that?

Jinshi who finished swallowing the grasshopper looked at Maomao again.

(Okay okay.)

Maomao brought the spoon to Jinshis mouth again.

Oi, Freckles.

Chouu, who finished looking after the kamuro after Jinshi left, showed up. For some reason, he was holding onto a brush and paper.

What is with that paper?

Yeah, the gran gave it to me.

The stingy hag gave it to you?

Its the madam that is always called thrifty. She wouldnt think that the crone would readily give out high-class items like paper.

But she gave it to me, so it should be fine. That aside, sit there.

Why.

As for Maomao, as it was late from dinner, she wanted to quickly go back to clean up the pharmacy. And yet the brat was here speaking of wilfulness.

Just as she was going to chase him out for being a bother, she heard a hoarse voice from behind him.

Come on, listen to Chouu. Sleep here today. Wouldnt it be rough to build a fire after going back? Ill also prepare sleepwear.

Gran, what is it? Did you become strange after seeing something weird?

In response to the kind crone, her tongue unintentionally slipped. The crone dropped a fist with a speed that was unthinkable for the crone. This sh*tty hag, though older, was taller than Maomao, so her thrown off power was to the point of making her want to squirm in reflex.

Its fine. I laid out the futon in the previous room. Take a bath before you sleep. It should still be warm.

(How suspicious.)

While thinking that, since she was at it, she entered the room. As Chouu spread out the paper, the madam also diligently prepared the ink.

(Too suspicious.)

For some reason, Pairin-neechan and Joga-neechan were also around as curious onlookers. It seemed they were grinding tea today. The other courtesans had customers.

Gran, is it alright to not watch the incense stick?

I left it to Ukyou. Hell do it adequately.

Despite having work, why is she gathered here, when she wondered that, Chouu who finished preparing the brush looked at Maomao.

What?

Freckles, tell me what man is your type.

Haah?

What was he on about? Its stupid, so she picked up the sleepwear in the basket and prepared for her bath. However, the madam tugged her sleeves and stopped her.

Come on, be serious.