Archive of Our Own

"You're an idiot, Eijun."

"Shh!" He waved an arm, and the motion sent tiny ripples skipping across the surface of the water. "You'll scare the fish away!"

"What fish? You've been at this for hours now." The murky river rendered Wakana's expression a dark blur where she leaned over the rail of the bridge to look down. Eijun didn't need to see the details to know what face she was making though; brows snapped low over the hardness of her eyes, thin mouth set in a frown. Paired with the short hair her judgment became all the more severe. He still wasn't used to that. The first thing he'd done upon seeing her again was demand to know what rotten maggoty bastard had broken her heart, and where was the best place to dump a body.

Wakana had laughed and told him there was a great deal he'd have to learn about Asagao, starting with how in this day and age a woman could cut her hair in the name of fashion, not mourning. How foreigners were a common sight, their jumbled language a common sound. How to wear the uncomfortably tight Esteren clothes. How to serve the lavish Esteren food.

How to get fired though, Eijun had learned that all on his own. Followed by how other places took one look at his bruised face, his lack of recommendation, education, and skill, and more often than not politely turned him away. Still, he'd taken a few odd jobs here and there, mostly one-off tasks involving manual labor, so he was managing just fine, really, but…

Above him, Wakana let out a sigh. "You know I can just bring leftovers back after work."

"I don't want anything from that place."

"Don't be pig-headed, starving yourself isn't going to accomplish anything. This isn't about pride anymore, it's blatant stupidity, Eijun."

He finally took his eyes away from the water that came up to just above his knees, but he didn't quite want to meet Wakana's gaze yet. The river trailed sluggishly along the periphery of the city, settling in stagnant pools where depth remained and leaving the upper banks dry and cracked. Not as bad as back home, but still worrying when he looked out across the withered fields beyond the urban outskirts. At first it had been a mystery to him how Asagao could thrive as it did with all these people to feed, but at the restaurant so many items had been imported.

Eijun rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, warm from the sun beating down on it all afternoon. "Okay, fine, whatever," he muttered.

"And you should at least try going to Seidou."

His head whipped around to glare at her. Wakana glared right back, long sleeves of her yukata pushed up where her arms were crossed. The same old stalemate since the first time she'd mentioned Seidou to him—after he'd gotten over the mortification of what she'd seen and overheard—growing increasingly angry the more she pushed the matter.

"I'm definitely not going! Not there."

"You stubborn…!" Her hands slammed down on the wooden railing, making it creak. "You aren't normally this prejudiced, so what's your problem? It's not like you have to train as a courtesan, there are all kinds of people needed to manage the household. They have servants and bodyguards. Most importantly, you have a recommendation from one of Yugao's best, and you are an idiot to not use it."

"That wasn't—!" The heat of the burn spreading across his face made the sun pale in comparison. "That guy was just messing with me from beginning to end!"

"Kazuya-san may indeed have that kind of personality, but he's serious about his work at least. He wouldn't have offered if he didn't mean it."

Eijun covered his ears, less to block out Wakana and more to try and forget the sound of that voice turning him all around with suggestions and insults and elusive drops of truth sprinkled in a sea of doubt. "I don't care, I'm not going!"

The bridge shook and scattered loose a cloud of dust from the incensed stomp of Wakana's foot, releasing her pent-up anger and signaling the end of the argument. She always purged before moving on. Eijun lowered his hands, still sullen. The matter still hanging heavy in his gut.

"I have to get ready for work," Wakana declared. "I'll see you this evening—oh, and by the way…" She peered down at him with the previous irritation swept clean off her face, leaving only her usual firmness behind. "I spoke with the landlady. She agreed to let me cover half of your rent this time, but you need to pay her by tomorrow, late fee included. Remember to do that!"

"Huh? Wait—you don't have to—" He splashed through the water, the mud at the bottom of the riverbed pulling at his feet, and by the time he reached the dried-out bank she was already well on her way. "Damnit, Wakana!"

She half turned, lifting a hand to the side of her mouth to yell, "Then hurry up and pay me back soon, you freeloading moron!"

Eijun groaned and sank to the ground in defeat, head in his hands. "Damnit…"

He'd come all this way and nothing had changed. Only, instead of burdening his family, he'd switched to depending on Wakana. It had been such a stroke of fortune when her letter came and offered him a job in the city. His parents had all but shoved him out the door with the happiest of farewells.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," his mother had said, smiling, her eyes shining bright and wet but refusing to waste even the drop of a tear.

"Asagao will take some getting used to," said his father with a wistful expression. "I'm sure it's changed even more by now. You'll do well there, though, I know it."

Grandpa had slapped him heartily on the back. "Remember to thank Wakana-chan properly! She's doing you a great favor, so don't squander it!"

Those had turned out to be prophetic words.

Eijun stretched overtop the dry, yellowed grass, and stared up at the pale blue of the sky. Aside from the constant low buzz of summer there was no sound, not even from the slightest breath of wind. The usual noise of the city didn't reach here. It was almost like being back home—but if he returned now, things surely wouldn't be this peaceful. Not with such miserable failure weighing on his shoulders.

Don't be stupid, he thought, and heard it in Wakana's sharp tone. There are other options! There's still…

There was always still Seidou.

Eijun covered his eyes, growling. His refusal wasn't out of prejudice, really; the concept was strange to him but not… not bad. It was a job, he got that. People seemed to think very highly of the courtesans in Yugao. They were famous. He didn't quite understand why or how since Kazuya would spring to mind and how the hell was someone like that so popular? He was attractive but his company was terrible. He could kiss (oh, he could kiss), but as a person he was insufferable, scheming, and underhanded. He'd sweep you off your feet and then drop you in the dirt while having a good laugh at your expense. It would be pathetic of Eijun to go to Seidou because of someone like that.

That was the crux of the issue. Him and his stupid pride. He didn't want that bastard's help.

But he didn't want to be a burden on anyone either.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place. His heart was soft, though, so he knew which side would cave first. He could swallow his pride if he must. He could go to Seidou and most likely make a fool of himself before they too turned him away, because what part of him was suitable for that kind of work? Eijun wasn't the sort of person invited to fancy dinners. He wasn't a witty conversationalist. He had no knowledge or skill in any of the arts. He wasn't particularly handsome, and needless to say, he couldn't claim to be good in bed.

Rather, Eijun was the sort who started fistfights with customers and got himself fired on his first day of work. Nothing could be more opposite of what a courtesan should be. Kazuya had to have been making fun of him with that offer. There was no way he meant it. He probably didn't expect anything from Eijun.

Maybe I'll show up then just to see the look on that guy's face.

The thought lifted Eijun's spirits somewhat.

He laid out by the river until the sky began to darken, turning pink and orange and deep, plum purple as the sun sank towards the earth. The line of the horizon was strangely flat to him; he was used to seeing the sun get eaten up by a more rugged landscape, throwing long shadows across the valley where his village nestled. Here on the coast the plains were awash with a fading golden glow.

In time the moon rose, round-faced, like the pale flowers that would be opening now at the entrance to Yugao. Eijun had been there one time, just to see. When he'd asked for directions many people had laughed and told him he was too young to know (which was ridiculous, he was already 14, old enough to travel and work and yes, fumble around awkward and clumsy with one of the other boys once or twice back home, he wasn't a child). Yugao was unmistakable though, the whole district walled and private, less ostentatious than he would have thought for an entertainment hub but he hadn't gone as far as to venture inside.

Eijun kicked his feet into the air and on the downward drop he sprung upright, arms lifted, chest expanding with a deep inhale to let out an invigorating shout. "Osha!"

Fine. He'd do it. He'd go there tonight. At least he'd be doing something. And if he got laughed out of the place, who cared? It wasn't like he was losing anything.

He could do this.

"Um, excuse me…"

The voice was soft, but unexpectedly near, and Eijun came close to tumbling headfirst into what was left of the river. He caught himself with his foot extended in an awkward lunge, and something pulled on his sleeve. Slowly, he looked over his shoulder.

A slight figure stood at the top of the bank, holding onto him. Their eyes met—or rather, Eijun's eyes met with a long, pale fringe—and the other person let go of his sleeve with abashed haste.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." Even in the dim evening light Eijun could make out splotches of color brushed over round cheeks. Short and slender, wearing a simple cotton yukata, it was impossible to tell the person's gender.

Eijun straightened up and self-consciously patted some of the dirt from his clothes. "No harm done! I wasn't paying attention anyway. Did you need something?"

"Ah… I was just wondering, is this the city of Asagao?"

"Sure is."

A relieved smile broke out upon the person's face, and they swayed a little. "Thank goodness… I can't believe I made it…"

"How long were you on the road? O-oi!" Without warning, the person's legs folded under them. Eijun managed to catch them mid-drop, and there was hardly any weight to the body he held up. "Are you okay?! Can you—shit." A flush remained on what he could now see was a pale, sweating face, and feverish warmth bled through the thin cotton.

"…sorry…" a small voice eked out, still conscious. "…I'm terribly sorry, you don't have to…"

"It's fine," Eijun assured, looping an unresisting arm around his neck and holding onto a thin waist—he was mostly sure the person was a boy, all flat and bony like that. "Can you walk? Or should I just carry you?"

"I-I'm fine…"

"I'm taking you to a doctor." There was no room for argument. To prove it, Eijun crooked an arm under the boy's legs and hefted him up before he could protest. It was disturbingly easy—Eijun was sure he'd lifted heavier burdens helping out on the farm. He started across the bridge towards the interlocking streets of the city.

"Thank you very much," mumbled the boy, clinging weakly to him. "I'm in your debt."

"It's nothing special."

"Still. I'll pay you back."

"Okay, okay. Save your strength before you pass out!"

Morning greeted Eijun with a dash of sun in his face and a crick in his neck from where he'd been propped up against the wall. His futon, which took up most of the space in the three-tatami room, was occupied.

The boy's name turned out to be Haruichi, and after an examination the Esteren-trained doctor had declared that he was mainly suffering from dehydration and malnutrition which had caused a mild illness to flare up. He'd prescribed lots of water in small quantities, food, and rest. No need for any of the fancy foreign medicines, which had been a relief to Eijun, who just barely managed to afford the visit as it was. One of the traditional apothecaries would have been cheaper, but not knowing what was wrong and how serious it was, he'd turned to what was supposed to be the best. He was growing accustomed to Asagao, slowly but surely.

After the visit, since Haruichi had nowhere else to go, Eijun had simply taken him to his room rented above a hairdresser's that Wakana knew. Wakana herself had stopped by late in the night to bring the restaurant leftovers as promised, and then stayed with Haruichi while Eijun went out to refill a bucket of water from the well.

"You idiot," she'd said, quietly and not without affection, after Haruichi had fallen asleep. "Kihara-sensei is the most expensive doctor in the city."

He hadn't needed to explain himself to her. They'd grown up together, she'd seen him do much stupider things for lesser reasons. So she'd only rested her hand overtop his, briefly, before saying goodnight.

Eijun squinted and edged out of the patch of sunlight that streamed through the open window. It must be late in the morning already, his body sluggish to respond after the busy evening and long sleep. He let his head fall back to thud against the wall and pounded it lightly, over and over, as if that would help rattle an idea loose somewhere in his brain, but he still came up empty.

Well. Not completely empty. But now if Seidou didn't take him he really had no other alternatives.

Instead of looking down into a yawning pit of despair though, he stared straight ahead, ignoring the abyss at his feet. He'd learn how to walk on air if he had to. I'll do it, he thought, fist clenching at his side. No matter what I'll get them to accept me. And then I'll show that tanuki bastard.

"Eijun-kun?"

Eijun snapped to attention. "Harucchi! How are you feeling?"

Haruichi was sitting up, but his face was still warmly red. It only got redder as Eijun pressed forward to feel his forehead, and a glimpse of peach-colored eyes peeked through the curtain of his fringe. "Ah, I'm fine now…"

Eijun frowned. "I think you still have a fever."

A shy smile was next to reveal itself, followed by a pleasant laugh. "I'm sure it will go away soon. Thank you very much for caring for me, I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"No trouble at all," Eijun said, and meant it. Helping a sick person didn't count as trouble.

"I'll definitely repay you somehow…"

A sharp rapping came from the door, and the familiar, smoke-raspy tone of the landlady passed through. "Sawamura, I've already received Wakana-chan's half of the payment. Do you have the rest prepared?"

The blood drained from Eijun's face. Wakana didn’t tell her! But of course she hadn't, this was Eijun's own mess to deal with. A cowardly part of him considered making excuses with Haruichi's presence as proof…

His hand, as if possessed by the spirit of his grandpa, slapped himself across the face.

"E-Eijun-kun?"

"Sorry, Harucchi, there's something I need to do. Excuse me for a moment." Cheek throbbing, he turned to the door and opened it, immediately lowering his head. "About the money—I'm sorry but I can't pay it anymore!"

"Eh?" said Haruichi from behind him.

"What?" said the landlady, pipe drooping in her lax fingers while smoke escaped from the slash of her mouth.

"I can't pay the rent. Not even a little. I am extremely sorry about this, it's entirely my fault. I'll prepare to leave immediately—"

"You! Get out! Now!"

It was another hot day in Asagao with the sun blazing overhead, the streets less crowded than usual as people sought respite in the shade of storefronts and alleys. Inside one of the smaller, cheaper eateries, the waitress brought them their food and then promptly retired to an empty table where she plucked a battered uchiwa from her obi and proceeded to fan herself briskly.

Eijun split his chopsticks and poised them over his plate of chilled soba. "Thanks for lunch, Harucchi! Itadakimasu!"

"It's the least I can do." Haruichi ducked his head over his own food. "I'm sorry this is all I can afford after everything you've done for me."

"Forget about it," Eijun said around a mouthful of noodles. He chewed and swallowed. "I was done with that place anyway. I have something else lined up."

The brightness that dawned on Haruichi's face was like a miniature sunrise. "Is that so? That's wonderful, congratulations! Asagao really is a place full of opportunity as they say."

Whatever shadowy corners might still be lurking in Eijun's mind were banished by the light of that smile. He grinned back with a trace of warmth tingling along his cheeks. "Thanks! What about you? You came all this way for a reason, right?"

The smile fell from Haruichi's face suddenly and devastation hit Eijun like a rockslide. He was about to babble an apology when, apple-cheeked, Haruichi mumbled, "…Yes. I came here for a reason." His hands folded around a cup of tea and brought it up to take a measured sip before continuing. "Actually, may I trouble you a bit more with a simple request?"

Eijun's reply was immediate. "Sure! Go ahead." He slurped more noodles, eyes never leaving his companion.

The blush deepened on Haruichi's face, but he maintained his composure otherwise. "Could you direct me to Yugao? You don't have to accompany—Eijun-kun?!"

He coughed around the soba in his throat, fist thumping against his chest until he could breathe again, and accepted the offered cup of tea to wash the rest of the food down. Wheezing, Eijun dragged a hand over his mouth. He stared at Haruichi across the table. "You—uh—why do you want to go there? I mean, never mind, it's none of my business!"

Haruichi slowly sank back down into his seat, and then seemed to curl in some more, smaller than ever. "Ah… I suppose it was inappropriate to bring up. I'm sorry."

"No, no, no! It's not—I overreacted! I, er…" He gulped what remained of his tea and slammed the cup down with enough force to make the table rattle. "I can show you the way!"

"Really?" A flicker of hope returned to Haruichi's face. "I'm extremely grateful to you."

"It's nothing. Really. I…" His gaze slid sideways, landing somewhere on the dusty floor. "Actually… I… have business there myself." It was the first time he'd acknowledged it out loud, made the words real for someone else's ears and now there was no taking them back. There was no need to take them back. Eijun breathed deeply, pulling in air and letting it settle before pushing it steadily back out.

"You also…?" Hair brushed the curve of a cheek as Haruichi tilted his head, and his tone was thoughtful while he mused aloud, "It's too early for Yugao to be open for business, so you mean…"

"Yes." Eijun cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. "I kinda… know someone, so…" He made a face at the admission. Relying on that guy was the last thing he wanted to do. But Eijun could just use him. Kazuya had made the offer first, regardless of whether he meant it or not, so if he didn't want it to be snapped up then too bad.

"Then we're the same!"

"Huh?"

Haruichi was radiant with his cheerfulness. "I know someone, too! What house?"

"S-Seidou…"

"Oh, what are the chances?" Haruichi's hands cupped over his mouth, muffling his laughter. "It's exactly the same."

"…Please don't tell me that tanuki bastard got to you too…"

"Eh, who?"

"Never mind." It must not be Kazuya. One encounter was enough to leave a very specific impression. Eijun was glad; Haruichi was way too much of a decent person to have to deal with that guy's trickery.

"I wonder if this will make us rivals…?" His tone was contemplative, all the acute embarrassment from before now a thing of the past.

"Rivals?" Eijun repeated, trying to catch up to Haruichi's line of the thought, not even sure when or why it had taken off without him.

Haruichi nodded. "Seidou is very prestigious. They won't train just anyone since it's both costly and time-consuming. At least, that's what I've heard." He smiled sheepishly, finger scratching at his cheek. "I owe you a lot, Eijun-kun, but if that's how things turn out, I don't intend to lose. I came here to bet everything on this."

Whatever protest Eijun might have had broke apart with a clean shatter, leaving the way perfectly clear. He grinned widely. "So did I. No regrets then, Harucchi. I won't lose either!"

"May the best candidate win. Though it would be preferable if we could both be accepted." Haruichi beamed. "I really am thankful you'll be coming with me."

Eijun hadn't been aware of any lingering hesitation on his part until he heard those words, and his heart lifted. The feeling was mutual. So mutual, in fact, it only seemed right to stand up and declare, "Let's go right now!"

"Eh? Now? But they won't even be open yet!"

"So we'll be the early bird that gets stoned!"

"That—wait, you're getting your proverbs mixed up."

"Who cares? Let's go!"

The flowers at Yugao's north entrance were tightly shut in the light of day, and the famed Kagetsu Road that ran through the heart of the district was empty of all but the occasional servant and errand-runner. Buildings loomed quiet if not outright closed on either side. There were large bathhouses, refined teahouses, an array of restaurants, and theaters that advertised both traditional and Esteren-adapted plays. Overall though, there was less foreign influence than Eijun had imagined. Unlit paper lanterns hung from the storefronts with signage in the language he was familiar with—which he could mostly read. Literacy hadn't been the highest priority back at the farm but he'd learned a little, mostly at Wakana's insistence.

He was sure he knew enough to find his way around, but soon the south gate came into sight and they had yet to come across a single courtesan house. Eijun stopped in his tracks. "What the hell? Where is it?!"

"It appears that the houses aren't on the main road," Haruichi said, sounding equally puzzled. "Even though they're by far the greatest attraction of the district…"

"Are they really that great? What if it's all just an elaborate lie?" Like some front to look good in front of the foreigners. That seemed to be common in Asagao. Eijun scuffed one of his sandals in the dirt and glared across the street at one of the posters featuring an actor in Esteren clothes and hair.

"No, I doubt that. We'll just have to search around a bit more... Oh! Eijun-kun, look here!"

Around a corner was a tidy lane where a long stone wall began. It extended for quite a ways until a gate could be reached, which was shut tight for now, but rising above the wall an immense three-story building could be seen. It was painted in bright, almost gaudy colors, with gold gilding along its eaves and pillars. The sign engraved across the gate read: Kinren.

Eijun's jaw dropped. "Is that—is all of that…?"

"I believe so. It seems the courtesan houses take up too much space to fit on the main road with everything else, and this way they each can have their privacy."

"It's like a castle!"

Haruichi laughed behind his hand. "I don't think it's quite that big, but it's very impressive. Yugao isn't the most famous pleasure district in the country for nothing. Let's find Seidou!"

Now that they knew what to look for they searched every alley—more for the fun of it than to quickly find their goal, sightseeing the rest of the houses from the road. Shiranami was the tallest with elaborate pagoda roofing, and Benifuji frothed with clusters of pink flowers. They must have explored the entire east side of the district before finally locating Seidou.

The outer wall was draped in leafy tendrils that boasted a wealth of Asagao's famous blue morning glories, lining the road to the gate. Behind it was a two-story building, making up for its lack of height with a vast sprawl of width, and in terms of area it was easily one of the biggest houses they'd seen. The upper galleys were empty, doors shut, and sunlight sparkled off of glass wind bells waiting for a breeze.

Haruichi was the one to knock first, twice and lightly. "Excuse me…"

Eijun waited for maybe two and a half seconds before following up with a fist banging on the wooden door until it opened, and a boy barely older than him appeared, puffing slightly out of breath.

"I'm sorry, we weren't expecting…" He trailed off as he looked down at Eijun, the courtesy sloughing off his expression to leave behind a grumpy frown and wrinkled brow. "What do you want? We're obviously closed, and you don't look old enough to be here anyway."

"What the hell kind of greeting is that?"

"We're, ah, looking to work here actually," Haruichi piped up. "Would it be possible for us to meet with the manager?"

The guy did a double-take at Haruichi, uncertainty pinching his face. "Well…"

"It's fine, Kanemaru, you may show them in."

The door opened a little wider as Kanemaru half-turned. "Rei-san," he said, bowing to the woman standing there.

She was dressed traditionally in a dark blue yukata, but her hair was pulled up in an Esteren style Eijun had seen a lot of at his former landlady's. A pair of glasses glinted on the bridge of her nose. "Welcome," she said. "I'm Takashima Rei, manager of this household. I'll be glad to speak with you two inside."

Seidou was by far the nicest place Eijun had ever set foot inside, and he was absurdly conscious of the layers of dust and dirt and sweat sticking to him as he followed Kanemaru across the polished floors. Here on the ground level many doors were wide open to let in light and offer views of the gardens that lay beyond. The room that he and Haruichi were told to wait in opened out into a small courtyard with a pond that flashed occasionally with brightly colored scales.

"Are you nervous, Eijun-kun?" Haruichi sat on one of the cushions in front of a low table, composed save for the tightness of his fingers folded in his lap.

"Nope," Eijun said, never mind the jittery energy that kept him on his feet and moving around. The pound of his heartbeat echoed in his ears. He stretched his arms out with his fingers laced together and alternated between rolling his neck and shoulders. Nearing the edge of the walkway he crouched down, balancing on his toes to peer into the pond. The carp were a mix of white and red and black, with one gaudy-looking gold fellow, and all of them were happily fat. They nibbled at the fingertips he dipped into the water.

"Ah… maybe you should come sit down. I think this might be an interview of sorts."

Eijun's head jerked up, eyes flying wide. "Interview?!" He twisted his upper body around, wobbling just a little in his precarious position to gape at Haruichi.

"Well, probably."

He was completely not ready for that. Last time Wakana had forced him to practice for the restaurant job until he'd memorized all the right things to say. There was no tutor or taskmaster to drill the words into him this time. But if it was going to happen regardless… "I am totally ready!" Raising both hands he slapped them to each cheek hard enough to sting. "Oshaaa!"

Haruichi shushed him frantically. "Eijun-kun! Most of the house is probably still sleeping!"

"No need to worry," said Takashima as she entered, bearing a tray laden with tea and a small plate of daifuku. "The western pavilion is for entertaining guests, which is usually empty during the day. If anyone is still asleep—and I doubt anyone in this household is quite that lazy—they will be in the eastern pavilion." She knelt gracefully at the table and Eijun had no choice but to cease his fidgeting and sit down too, accepting the chilled barley tea with abundant thanks. He hadn't realized his throat was parched until the cool drink soothed it.

Once they had a moment to settle Takashima began, "Please tell me a bit about yourselves, first of all. We are always looking for promising new additions to our household here at Seidou, though not everyone is a good fit for this environment. I assume you are both seeking to enter training as courtesans."

"Yes!" Eijun said, with Haruichi echoing him, and before he could think on it he plowed on ahead. "Sawamura Eijun from Kisei Province! 14 years old! I have been living in Asagao since the beginning of the month and am currently in need of work. I'm good at physical labor and I have… erm… some experience serving customers. Artistic abilities: none! Education: I can read (more or less). Um, sex: …I… know a little?"

The expression on Takashima's face didn't change; she continued to smile politely and gave nothing away. "Thank you, Sawamura-kun. And next?"

Haruichi's head ducked, shoulders tensing. "Kominato…" His voice started out barely audible, but then he raised his face, mouth set firmly, and spoke up: "Kominato Haruichi. Also 14 years old, from Keitei Province. I arrived in the city yesterday evening. I can read and write, and I've had some practice with calligraphy. I also know a little fortune-telling. I, ah… am inexperienced in sexual matters." He colored slightly, but added with no less conviction, "I am confident I can learn anything that is required of me."

Eijun, for one, was impressed. Nice, Harucchi!

"Thank you, Kominato-kun." Takashima regarded them both for a moment, pleasantly enigmatic. She could have been a courtesan herself if she hadn't been a manager (or maybe she could? Eijun had no idea how these things actually worked). After a while she finally said, "All right. Since you're both new to the city I'll tell you about Seidou and what we do here, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. This will be a candid conversation—I believe we're off to a good start, but you should be aware that we are very upfront about our business. As a government-sanctioned establishment with high standing it is imperative to us that we be honest with our workers and clients alike. We ask for the same openness from you in return—and if we go ahead with training either of you, we will make sure to verify what you've told me. Is that agreeable?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Good." She tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear and calmly sipped her tea before continuing. "You seem to be aware of the basics already. Yes, courtesans are all trained in various arts and skills, and a fundamental education is required, which we are also willing to teach. Here at Seidou we believe in fostering an individual's growth, so while there is a set regimen to the training it can be flexible to suit your talents and needs."

"That's what I've heard," Haruichi said. "Seidou is known for its variety. Rather than teaching everyone the same skill set, Seidou courtesans specialize."

"Indeed, that's true. Though, of course, all members of our household meet a baseline standard and are expected to perform well no matter the situation. Training in the arts will include music, dance, and calligraphy. You will become familiar with the classics, and also must keep up to date with modern literature, poetry, and theater. Learning the Esteren language and customs is in vogue."

This was already beginning to sound impossible to Eijun. He couldn't imagine himself doing well with any of that. He blurted out, "What about the sex?"

Takashima lifted an eyebrow at him, which made him gulp. But instead of frowning, her smile deepened. "Yes, that is also part of a courtesan's duties. The main part, you might say, since on an average night that's the primary work a courtesan does. A courtesan is expected to cater to whatever the client desires—but, here at Seidou, and in Yugao in general, they are allowed to decline any request. Doing so may affect one's reputation, however, which may lead to other repercussions. But the bottom line is: you won't be forced to do something you don't want."

That part wasn't too bad then. That was maybe doable. Not that having sex with strangers was what Eijun thought he'd do for a living, but he wasn't terribly averse to the idea. All that other stuff—the book learning and music and whatnot—that stressed him out. How the hell was he going to learn any of that? He knew he was uncultured and dumb and had no patience for studying. But physical activity, that he could do. He didn't think his body was too bad, he was healthy, and he was… curious, about some things.

"So…" There was a kernel of a thought stuck in Eijun's mind. He dug around for it. "Is there training for that, too?"

Takashima nodded and adjusted her glasses. "Yes. I'm glad you asked. What I said before about the flexibility of the training schedule applies even more here. Essentially, there is no set training for this part. You'll learn at your own pace. Some pick it up quickly, and for others it may take several months which is perfectly fine. The only rule is that everything you learn during the training period stays in house."

Eijun found something while searching but he wasn't sure it was what he meant to find. "You mean…?"

"Well, don't give anything away for free, so to speak. The veteran courtesans always instruct the apprentices. Everything you learn will be from them."

His face hadn't gone even the slightest bit red throughout the discussion so far, but heat blazed across his skin now. He'd almost forgotten Kazuya was the reason he was here. I didn't come for you, though! Eijun mentally screamed at the smirking face in his memory, at the ashy taste of smoke he suddenly recalled in his mouth. It should have been disgusting between the smoke and the alcohol and the blood—and it had been bad at first, nothing but angry teeth and force, but then Kazuya had gone and changed that, turned it into a real kiss, and Eijun didn't have anything to compare it to but he was sure that had been a lover's kiss. The kind of kiss courtesans gave all the time. The kind he was going to learn. Possibly from Kazuya.

"Sawamura-kun, is something wrong?"

He was holding his head in his hands, jerking upright at the sound of Takashima's voice. "Huh? What? No, everything's fine! I just—when does training begin? I mean, because Harucchi and I are still underage. I heard that's a problem." Did this mean he was going to have to put up with Kazuya calling him a kid all the time? Why did I come to Seidou? I could have tried the pagoda place instead!

Takashima gave no outward sign of what she thought about Eijun's lapse. Placid, she answered, "It's not a problem, 14 is acceptable for an apprentice to begin their training and many debut on their 15th birthday—provided they are ready of course."

"I have a question," Haruichi said. "Seidou sounds like a very accommodating and generous place—and I don't mean to doubt anything you say—but what happens if an apprentice never debuts? Training is expensive, isn't it?"

"That's correct, all apprentices accumulate a debt. The longer the training period, the more they owe the house. Often it is paid back gradually once they become full-fledged courtesans. In the case where an apprentice does not complete their training… well, first of all, upon signing the contract with the house you will agree to a maximum number of years to train. For a 14-year-old that's usually three years. At the expiration of that time period, you will have to either leave the house, sign a new contract under new terms, or if a position is open you may remain here in a different role. Most apprentices complete their training in one or two years.

Additionally, you may choose to quit your training at any time. You will still owe the house for the training you received, plus a termination fee. In this scenario, you will not be allowed to sign a new contract or remain at Seidou."

Haruichi nodded his understanding, but the talk of debt made Eijun nervous. During hard times a family might sell a child or two to pay off a debt or make a little extra to see the rest of them through a bad year. Or if there were no children, anyone would do. There were collectors who took such people and put them work, usually the roughest of labor, and sometimes they were shipped overseas never to be heard from again. According to rumor, anyway. There had been lots of that kind of fearful talk in his hometown before he left.

"Um, then… how long does it usually take to pay off the debt?" He took his worries in both hands and shoved them aside. They were in his way.

"On average, a moderately successful courtesan will be able to pay off their debt and buy back their name after several years. Some manage in five. Others may take longer. Keep in mind, after reaching a certain age a courtesan's popularity tends to decline."

Several years seemed like a long time. On the other hand, it was also several years of guaranteed work.

"I see," said Haruichi. "So most are able to leave the house while still young enough to start a new path in life, and equipped with an education they wouldn't have received otherwise."

Takashima's smile was pleased. "Yes, that's right."

"What about, uh…" Eijun was sure this was a stupid question, but there was no helping it. "What did you mean, that thing about buying back your name?"

"Another good point to raise. While apprentices are free to quit at any time, once they debut as a full-fledged courtesan they belong to the house and must abandon their previous life—in name at least. You won't be required to cut ties with your family, but surrendering your family name is a formality observed here in Yugao whenever someone officially joins a household, as that household becomes your new family. Names can be bought back upon retirement, although some choose not to."

That did explain why Kazuya only went by his given name. Eijun had assumed it was some kind of Esteren trend when even Wakana had spoken as if they were familiar. "Got it," he said.

"Any other questions or concerns?" Takashima looked between the two of them. "You don't need to decide right away. It's demanding work and requires commitment, so if you're unsure I would encourage you take a few days to think about it."

"There's no need to wait," Eijun said, ignoring the mounting discomfort of the seiza position to straighten his back and meet the woman's eyes. There was still no telling what she was thinking behind that cool gaze, but she hadn't thrown him out yet. He really did have a chance here. "I'll do it!"

"Me too," Haruichi added after smiling a little in Eijun's direction. "I'm ready to sign the contract now."

"Very well," Takashima said. "If you're resolved, we'll go ahead with the paperwork. Though I do have one question I'd like to ask the two of you first. What made you choose Seidou?"

Eijun opened his mouth but left it hanging; he really didn't want to rely on Kazuya to the very end. His jaw snapped shut, holding the name back, swallowing it down like a secret to be kept. He glanced over at Haruichi—didn't he also know someone here?

But Haruichi was looking tight-lipped as well.

Taking a deep breath, Eijun said, "I guess it didn't have to be Seidou. Actually, I didn't even want to come here at first. But… I thought I would try. And I won't take back my decision since I've made up my mind! It doesn't sound bad now that you've explained everything—oh, and thank you very much for that."

"Yes, thank you," Haruichi said. "As for me, I'd always heard good things about Seidou… but most importantly, I believe Seidou is the best place for me to prove myself."

"I'm pleased to be of service," Takashima said, eyes twinkling. "And those are excellent reasons. Thank you for coming to Seidou. If you'll excuse me, I'll bring the paperwork which we can go over in detail before you sign."

"You look to be in high spirits, Rei-chan."

The whisper of her footsteps came to a silent halt. Rei turned her head to where Kazuya stepped into view, dressed down as most of the boys were during the day in cotton yukata, hair still mussed from sleep, lazily waving the heat away from himself with a painted folding fan which had been a gift from a client if she remembered correctly. There was a clumsy attempt at poetry inscribed on the side, and Kazuya had laughed himself to tears over that in private, but he was never ungrateful or dismissive of such tokens. She arched a brow at his appearance in the deserted western pavilion. "Are you going to pretend you don't know why, you eavesdropper?"

He grinned unrepentantly at her. "So you liked them both, huh?"

"They're interesting. Ryousuke-kun's brother shows a lot of promise… I only wonder what Ryousuke-kun himself will think. He did mention to me beforehand that his brother was planning to come here, but he didn't seem very pleased about it."

Kazuya laughed—quietly, as they were still near the room where the other two waited. "That explains a lot. I thought something was up, but he's never said a word about his family. Not to me, anyway."

"Surely you didn't expect otherwise." Even if Ryousuke in particular wasn't the private type, most courtesans preferred to distance themselves from their previous lives. There was an unspoken agreement not to pry. The past was the past, their current household was the present. Kazuya himself was exemplary of that.

He fluttered the fan. "Naturally. I was just curious. And so?" His smile took on a keen edge. "What else?"

Rei was well-versed in modulating her expressions, so the corner of her lip did not give away any telltale curve. "You're unusually concerned with this one."

"Well, I kind of made a promise and it would reflect poorly on me if I didn't keep it." Kazuya smirked outright. There he went again with the leading half-truths that made him so good with the customers while the rest of the household vacillated between admiration and frustration. The resentment never took root to poison the environment though, which Rei suspected was due to carefulness on Kazuya's part. He delighted in pushing others, sometimes all the way up to the edge, but never off. He preferred to then stand back and watch to see what they did next.

"Hmph," she said, but allowed his evasiveness to slide. Regardless of how he did it, he always did any job well, and this time he'd found her someone very interesting indeed. "I agree with your judgment. 'If he comes looking for me, send him away. But if he's ready to work, give him a chance.' After speaking with him, I actually get the feeling you didn't leave the greatest of impressions."

She was watching carefully and caught the miniscule pause before he laughed it off. "What, should I have charmed him more? Infatuation is fine in clients, but it's no good in courtesans. You know that too, Rei-chan."

Rei let out an unladylike snort. After all this time, it turned out the infallible Kazuya's blind spot was himself. She might have been tempted to sign Sawamura on just to see more of that. Fortunately, that wasn't the only reason she had to welcome him into Seidou. "Anyway, Sawamura-kun seems very willing to learn, though I imagine he'll be highly specialized in the end."

"So the finer skills are a lost cause, huh?"

"I didn't say that." Here she let her smile curl, noting the way Kazuya's attention caught on it as effectively as any fish on a hook, waiting to be reeled in. It was good to know she still had some ability, even this far into her retirement from courtesan's work.

Kazuya may not have been immune, but he wasn't ignorant either, answering her with a knowing smile. "Very coy, Rei-chan. Are you going to let me in on the secret?"

"Hmm, no, I think I'll let you figure it out for yourself." It wouldn't take long, Kazuya was observant. He'd notice like she had from watching silently before entering the room that Sawamura's potential was all in his body. He was fit enough, but that wasn't the key. What had caught Rei's eye was his sense of balance and the flexibility of his joints and limbs, the hint of an underlying grace buried under adolescent growing pains and unrestrained energy. If that could be brought out, nurtured, and focused, he'd do fine. They'd structure his training around dance, Nori to teach traditional, Kazuya for the foreign styles. Although, considering what she now knew, perhaps it would be wise to limit Kazuya's involvement. His point about infatuation was a valid one.

Rei studied him from beneath lowered lashes, taking in the rare occurrence of a frown marking his features. Thinking, no doubt, of what she could have meant. His gaze strayed just a little down the hall to where the two boys waited.

She let the concern go. He knows how to handle himself, and if it becomes a problem we'll deal with it when it happens.

More importantly, she was worried about the workload that would be placed on the instructors. Seidou was always full, but only a handful of the experienced boys had any inclination towards teaching—they were usually the most hard-working ones, and also the most popular. Asking them to take on two apprentices in addition to their usual duties was a bit much.

…There was always a chance one of the retirees would be willing to come back temporarily to help out…

"Kazuya-kun."

"Hmm?"

Rei hesitated, but went ahead: "If I asked, do you think Chris-kun would agree to help train Sawamura-kun?"

She could see the gears turning in Kazuya's head as he considered the option. He kept in contact with Chris more than she did, so he knew best what Chris might say, whether the offer would be appreciated or not. Eventually, he replied, "I don't think he'd say no at least."

"I wouldn't want him to feel obligated. He bought his name back and moved on."

"If you can call that 'moving on.' Hm. Actually, it might be good for him. If you don't ask him, I will."

Rei leveled a stern look on Kazuya. "Don't you meddle unnecessarily if he's not ready."

"I won't, I won't. I honestly think teaching again will do him good. Well. Either a lot of good or a lot of bad, depending on Sawamura, but that's a chance we'll just have to take with that kid." Kazuya was grinning as if the thought didn't bother him at all. Many people came into this world willing to gamble everything and risk losing it all, and while the business wasn't a game, there were those who embraced it like one.

And Kazuya-kun does get bored when a game gets too easy… no wonder he's so focused on Sawamura-kun. Rei sighed. "All right, I'll talk to Chris and we'll hope for the best. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get going before they wonder what's taking so long."

"Sure. I'll wander by and entertain them for a bit in the meantime." The look on his face was nothing short of gleeful as he turned and walked down the hall to do just that, fan waving cheerfully.

"Entertain yourself, you mean." But Rei had no objections. Kazuya probably wouldn't scare them off, though there was no telling how far he might wind Sawamura up, for better or worse. Shaking her head, Rei continued on her way. She hadn't gotten this far without being willing to take risks herself.