Chapter Twenty-three: Game of Shogi, part two

On that fateful night, amidst the hushed chants of Buddhist mantras in the courtyard of Yoshiwara's residence, an eerie tension filled the air. The solemn incantations were a desperate plea to ward off evil spirits that threatened to infiltrate the house. Yokai invasions had become an unsettlingly frequent occurrence over the past few days, leaving everyone on edge.

Some of the guests who had traveled from distant lands had chosen to remain within the safety of the residence. Fearful of the dangers that lurked on the roads under the cover of night, they opted to stay under Lord Yoshiwara's roof. The mansion's grounds were swarming with guards, their presence a testament to the gravity of the situation. Lord Yoshiwara had enlisted an army of protectors, determined to shield his guests from the encroaching darkness.

Inside a secluded room adjacent to Lord Yoshiwara's chambers, Confucian scrolls adorned the walls, their Chinese characters serving as symbols of divine protection against the malevolent spirits that prowled the night. Within this chamber, the echoing chants of prayers reached even the far corners of the room, where Lord Yoshiwara stood in contemplation.

Before him lay the wounded figure of the eccentric monk who had earlier clashed with the Nameless Knight. The monk's battered body had been meticulously cleaned, and his injuries had been attended to by a skilled physician. Thanks to the diligent care he had received, the monk now rested peacefully on a futon, his turbulent battle with the Nameless Knight a distant memory.

Draped in a comfortable robe, Lord Yoshiwara's gaze was fixated on the slumbering monk. His weathered face, a reflection of his advanced years, bore a stark contrast to the tranquility that graced the monk's features. Yet, beneath the composed exterior of the elderly Lord, a storm of emotions raged.

After many years of estrangement, this was the unexpected reunion with his son. A mixture of anger, astonishment, and disappointment swirled within Lord Yoshiwara's heart. He couldn't contain his displeasure any longer. "After all these years, is this the welcome I receive? What manner of absurdity is this?" He seethed with frustration. "You remain as headstrong as ever, don't you, Hatake?"

The name 'Hatake' hung heavily in the air, carrying with it a weighty revelation. Hatake, the eccentric monk, was none other than Lord Yoshiwara's youngest son. In the hushed secrecy of the room, the truth was unveiled, and it hung like a ghostly specter between father and son.

Lord Yoshiwara couldn't help but lament his son's circumstances. He recollected the chaotic battle that had unfolded in the garden, where Hatake had clashed with the enigmatic Nameless Knight. It was a battle that had left an indelible mark on Lord Yoshiwara's memory, one that gnawed at his soul. Though Hatake had acquitted himself admirably in the duel, he had ultimately been declared the loser.

Despite the mixed emotions welling within him, Lord Yoshiwara was quick to make assumptions about the situation. He had no inkling of what had truly transpired between his son and the Nameless Knight, the events that had led them to this inevitable clash.

Determined and resolute, Lord Yoshiwara vowed silently that he would make the Nameless Knight pay on behalf of his son. The truth may have been shrouded in mystery, but everything was clear in his mind. His son's honor had been besmirched, and that was a debt that would be settled, come what may.

On the other scenario...

An unexpected knock on the other side of the wooden door interrupted Miko from sliding underneath her futon. It was a peculiar occurrence in the late hours of the night, and as the visitor's presence graced her room, it caught Miko in profound surprise.

Flickering flames cast wavering shadows on the walls of the room as the visitor entered. It was none other than Lady Fuyuko, Lord Yoshiwara's second wife. Miko was taken aback by the sight. Lady Fuyuko was so young, perhaps around the same age as Miko, a fact that further added to the enigma of this late-night visit.

Questions began to swirl in Miko's mind as she pondered the reason behind this unexpected intrusion. Why would Lady Fuyuko, the mistress of this grand estate, visit her at such an hour? While she might have been startled by the unannounced visit, Miko knew better than to show disdain. It would be disrespectful to the hospitality extended by Lord Yoshiwara.

Respecting the customs of the house, Miko prostrated herself on the tatami floor, her white sleeping robe modest and unsightly. However, she didn't mind. Offending Lady Fuyuko was the last thing she wanted to do.

Lady Fuyuko was indeed a peculiar woman, and these late-night visits were just one example of her unpredictable nature. Miko couldn't help but wonder about the end game behind this unusual encounter. Why had Lady Fuyuko chosen this particular moment to meet her?

With grace and elegance, Lady Fuyuko took a seat on a cushion, her dark eyes studying Miko's reaction. "You are the shrine maiden, Miko, correct?"

Miko nodded, her voice soft. "Yes, that is correct, Lady Fuyuko. How may I be of service to you at this hour?"

Lady Fuyuko leaned forward slightly, her expression filled with curiosity. "I have heard much about you, Miko. Lord Yoshiwara speaks highly of your dedication and intelligence."

Miko offered a humble smile. "I am honored by your kind words, Lady Fuyuko. I have to serve Lord Yoshiwara to the best of my abilities."

The conversation hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken questions. It was clear that Lady Fuyuko had something on her mind, and Miko's inquisitive nature couldn't help but wonder about the purpose of this late-night rendezvous.

As if sensing Miko's curiosity, Lady Fuyuko finally spoke, her voice carrying a note of intrigue. "Miko, I must admit that there is a matter of great interest to me. One that involves a certain guest in this household."

Miko's heart quickened. "A guest, Lady Fuyuko? How may I assist you in this matter?"

Lady Fuyuko's gaze never wavered. "I am referring to the Nameless Knight, the enigmatic figure who has recently graced our home. I have heard whispers of his deeds, and it is said that he possesses a rare and captivating charm."

Miko nodded, her mind racing to understand Lady Fuyuko's true intentions. "The Nameless Knight is indeed a remarkable individual, Lady Fuyuko."

A secretive smile played on Lady Fuyuko's lips. "I am delighted to hear you say so, Miko. You see, there is more to my interest in this knight than mere curiosity. I have a desire, a profound desire, to know him better."

Miko couldn't help but be taken aback by the confession. "Lady Fuyuko, if I may ask, what is it that intrigues you about the Nameless Knight? Is there a specific reason for your interest in him?"

Lady Fuyuko's eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam. "Ah, Miko, the heart is a fickle thing, and desires can be elusive. I simply wish to engage in conversation with him, to explore the depths of his character."

Miko couldn't help but feel a subtle tension in the room. Lady Fuyuko's true intentions remained veiled, and Miko's intuition told her that there was more to this late-night meeting than met the eye.

They continued to talk, their conversation dancing around the central topic of the Nameless Knight. Lady Fuyuko maintained an air of elegance and restraint, carefully concealing her true desires. However, Miko couldn't shake the feeling that Lady Fuyuko's intentions were not entirely innocent.

As the conversation reached its conclusion, Lady Fuyuko rose from her cushion, her voice tinged with an almost hypnotic quality. "Thank you for your company, Miko. It has been a pleasure to converse with you."

Miko bowed respectfully. "The pleasure is mine, Lady Fuyuko. If there is anything more I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to let me know."

With a final enigmatic smile, Lady Fuyuko took her leave, disappearing into the night like a wisp of smoke. Miko was left alone, her thoughts in turmoil. It was clear that Lady Fuyuko's interest in the Nameless Knight was far from ordinary, and Miko couldn't shake off the suspicion that seduction might be her ultimate goal.