Mornings make you wonder about things, just like nights make you crave things.
"I wonder, Takumi," I said, finishing my morning meal, "what possesses people to assign such great value to a woman's virginity? It feels like they make a religion out of it, no less powerful than Shinto. For a samurai, trained in the ways of the battle, life and death, it is bound to feel a little excessive."
Takumi's eyes twinkled. "Another way of looking at it would be: what if virginity was as important to a woman as the sword to a samurai. Then it would indeed seem very important, wouldn't it, master?"
I raised an eyebrow. "How can you compare the two?"
He bowed. "To most, a woman's virginity is her most prized possession, a treasure of immeasurable worth. It can define her place in society, her future, her family's honor. In that sense, they are comparable."
I shrugged. "I don't know… It all feels like an overreaction to me."
"You could think of it that way, master" Takumi said. "And you wouldn't be wrong. However, most people around us would vehemently disagree. It's a symbol, which they treat very seriously. Take the recent case in Joetsu City that you no doubt recollect."
I shook my head. "I don't recollect most things that happened before this summer," I said, being completely honest, although I'm sure Takumi thought I was being metaphorical.
"A marriage was arranged between two families, both of noble standing," he explained. "Only on the night of their wedding, the groom discovered that the young woman... well, that she had not kept her virginity."
Takumi was a long-winded storyteller.
"And?"
"The man was enraged. He felt dishonored, not just by his bride, but also by her family. He demanded a duel with the woman's father, who—I must point out—was just as outraged. The woman's family offered sizeable compensation. But that was not enough. The groom insisted on the duel, determined to restore his honor. They fought one morning, outside of town, and the father of the young woman was killed."
I clicked my tongue. I didn't expect Takumi to start the morning with such a mood killer. "Very well, Takumi, I understand your argument," I said. "But in the future, please keep in mind that I'd rather have my Chief Philosopher bring uplifting thoughts, not dread."
He bowed. "Certainly, Master. So it shall be, as you command."
"Thank you," I sighed. "What's on the agenda this fine morning, anyway?"
"The manager begs to have a private word with you, master."
I scrunched my nose. "More papers to sign?"
Takumi cocked his head. "I'm not sure, your lordship. He said it was private…"
"Fine," I said. "Send him in."
Matsuo didn't look like his usual self. He fiddled with his hands, his face was etched with uncertainty, eyes lowered, a nervous glance flickering up occasionally.
"Please, Matsuo-dono," I said. "Come in. Have a seat."
He bowed deeply and approached me in an unsteady gait.
"Master," he said in a low voice. "I'm sorry to bother you with my problems, but I don't know who else to turn to. Please forgive me!" He bowed again, almost frantically.
"Of course, my dear Matsuo," I said, waving my hand. "Take your time. I'm here to listen and help, if I can."
"Oh, master," he groaned. "Your gracious words are a balm for my soul."
He straightened and sighed. "As you know I've been married for several years. My wife and I.. we are very happy together. But," he looked up with unease. "But we have been unable to conceive a child. I'm overcome by the worry of not having a successor… I am the last man carrying my family name… If I were to die childless—I can't bear such a thought!" Tears welled up in his eyes.
I wasn't sure what to say, but as he was telling his story to me, I felt obligated to respond.
"I'm sure not all is lost, my dear Matsuo," I said, trying to cheer him up. "Double down on healthy lifestyle and prayers."
He sobbed. "I feel like we've done everything we could. We visited the best doctors. We've spent countless times at the shrine. But to no avail!"
He collapsed onto the mat, wrapping his arms around my ankles. "Master, I beg of you, please help me. You're the only one who can help!"
I stared speechless for a few moments. "Me?" I finally managed to exclaim. "How can I help, Matsuo-dono?"
He kissed the hem of my kimono. "I witnessed both of your wives conceiving within a short period of time," he muttered. "My wife and I.. are pleading for your help… Please help us conceive!"
His low voice stifled into sobs, while I processed his words. I thought I misheard him.
"Did I hear you correctly?" I uttered.
"Yes," he whispered, raising his gaze. "Master, please help my wife conceive. This is the one and only time I'll beg you for a favor in this life. I promise!"
"But how?"
"I'll pray to you as a god every day," he carried on, clutching my kimono. "Both my wife and I will. You have shown so much kindness to us. Please, for everything that is sacred, honor my humble request, your lordship. I beg of you!"
I couldn't bear to see my estate manager sobbing like a little boy.
"Alright, alright," I said, touching his shoulder. "Calm yourself, Matsuo."
His eyes lit up. "Did you say 'alright', master? Would you do me the honor of granting my request?"
Once again, I couldn't bring myself to say no, but the details still boggled my mind.
"If it's possible, I'll do my best," I said. "But how can it be done?"
A smile grew on his face, as he spoke quickly but in a hushed voice. "I've thought of everything, master. It can be done, if you're agreeable. No one will ever find out, and I'll treat the child as a godsend, my treasure."
"What about your wife?" I asked.
He nodded. "And so will she. She's as eager to bear a child." He moved closer. "No one in the household is going to know, master. There are several tents by the hills that farmhands use when they work up there. You and I can inspect the tents without raising any suspicions."
I had no doubt in his planning skills. "Alright," I said. "When would you like me to inspect them?"
"What about the day after tomorrow?"
"Fine."
Matsuo bowed again, kissing my feet. "You're indeed an incarnation of generosity itself, master. I don't know how to thank you. My life is yours for the taking…"