Matsunosuke nodded in understanding. “Yes, my grandfather often joked that my father was the key to bringing foreign money into the kabuki world. And he wanted Kisuke to try harder too... I see, so that’s why he gave him a frog.”
Kiyotaka smiled. “As for your mouse, let’s go back to Daikoku first. There are various theories, but in Japan, it is firmly believed that Daikoku is the same deity as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. Regardless of whether that is actually true, it is highly likely that your grandfather considered them the same. In mythology, it is said that Okuninushi-no-Mikoto was aided by a mouse.”
“Not a white rabbit?” Aoi asked.
“This came after the rabbit. Okuninushi-no-Mikoto found himself in yet another predicament, and this time, it was a mouse that saved him. That is why the guardian statues at Otoyo Shrine, which is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, are mice rather than dogs. Now, going back to the netsuke, kabuki was once widely beloved by commoners. It may be impossible to go back to those days, but just as there are people who continue to cherish netsuke, I get the sense that your grandfather wants you to strive to keep kabuki relevant as well.”
Matsunosuke looked down at the wooden mouse and recalled that netsuke symbolized chicness. He trembled as if his grandfather’s message had reached him: “Always remain a chic actor. I entrust the future of kabuki to the Ichikata family.”
“Grandfather wants me to help my father and support the Ichikata family,” he murmured, a faint quiver in his voice. He pressed his hand to his forehead as if to hide his eyes.
Seeing that, Aoi and Yilin began to tear up too. Matsunosuke now understood his grandfather’s wish.
“Thank you so much,” Matsunosuke said with a bright expression—a complete change from when he’d arrived. “I will tell my father and brother too. I’m sure it’ll be eye-opening news for them.”
“Are you sure?” Kiyotaka tilted his head. “I imagine your father understood the intent.”
“No, he was definitely saying, ‘Why’d he leave me a netsuke of all things?’ And Kisuke told me to ask you about it the next time I went to Kyoto for a show.” Matsunosuke shrugged.
Aoi and Yilin gave strained smiles.
“Well, it’s a good thing I did ask you,” he continued. “How much do I owe you?”
Kiyotaka shook his head. “I don’t charge appraisal fees.”
“That wouldn’t sit right with me,” Matsunosuke said with an apologetic look.
“In that case...” Kiyotaka raised his index finger. “If your family ever considers selling any antiques in the future, please give us a call.”
Aoi giggled at the odd intensity of his words.
“Of course,” said Matsunosuke. “We’d be happy to.”
“Wonderful.” Kiyotaka smiled. “I look forward to it.”
Matsunosuke thanked them again, then turned to face Yilin. “Excuse me...”
Not expecting to be addressed, Yilin flinched. “Yes?”
“I’ll be performing at Minamiza Theater until the end of next month. If you’re interested, please come watch. I, um, think it would be a good way to learn about Japanese culture. I don’t have tickets on me right now, but if you contact me, I can send them to you.” He handed Yilin a business card with a QR code on it.
“Thank you,” she said, hesitantly accepting the card.
Matsunosuke breathed a sigh of relief, then noticed Kiyotaka’s and Aoi’s stares. “Oh, you two are welcome too, of course. I’ll arrange good seats for you. Thank you again.” He quickly placed his business card on the counter and scurried out of the store.
Once he was out of sight, Kiyotaka and Aoi chuckled.
“His face was bright red,” said Aoi.
“A serious man asking a lady out on a date is quite a nice sight,” said Kiyotaka.
“Totally.”
“What?” Yilin replied in disbelief. “It’s not a date. He just wants me to experience Japanese culture.”
“But he kept glancing at you, and whenever your eyes were about to meet, he immediately averted his gaze,” said Aoi.
“He must admire glamorous women like you,” said Kiyotaka.
“Huh?” Yilin’s eyes widened. “But even if he feels that way, I...” She clammed up. Saying she was in love with Ensho would only make things awkward. “Anyway, you really are impressive, Kiyotaka. I can’t believe you were able to delve so deeply into his grandfather’s thoughts.”
“Me too,” said Aoi. “I didn’t think it would go beyond ‘stay chic.’”
Kiyotaka gave a knowing smile. “Those were my wishes.”
“Yours?” Yilin and Aoi asked in unison.
“Indeed.” He grinned. “Remember, at the beginning, I said, ‘This is purely my own speculation.’ Thus, my conclusions contained my personal desires. I thought it would be nice if his grandfather had entrusted those netsuke to them with those hopes in mind, and if it would motivate them to strive to expand the kabuki world. After all, I’m not a psychic, so I don’t know what he was actually thinking.”
Yilin gaped in astonishment. However, she couldn’t deny that he had prefaced his explanation with “This is purely my own speculation.”
“That’s our Holmes.” Aoi giggled. “I feel the same way, though. So maybe his grandfather really did intend it that way. I mean...”
“You mean?” Yilin prompted her.
“Holmes truly has a way of reading people’s hearts.”
Yilin felt a chill run down her spine. She realized, though, that Kiyotaka’s words had been filled with compassion. They resonated with one’s heart, inspiring them to do their best. Is this an appraiser’s chic move?
“Oh, right,” Aoi continued, “Holmes, you seemed a bit disappointed when Matsunosuke said his grandfather sold off his collection.”
“Ah, you noticed? Yes, I wish we could have purchased his antiques. It’s truly a shame.”
“Of course I noticed. It looks like his family will contact Kura next time, though, so that’s good.”
Their peaceful conversation soothed Yilin’s heart. Her time at Kura had only just begun. Little did she know her work here would eventually lead to an extremely unexpected revelation: the secret of her birth.