“Not certain, but it seemed likely, given the facts. If it won’t pain you too much, allow me to tell you what I learned.”
Soga nodded and Akitada told the story of his investigation. When he was done, Soga said, “Yes, it all seems to fit. My poor child! She left the nunnery when a rumor reached her that Masakane had escaped. She hoped he would send for her but dared not tell anyone about it. Alas, the rumor was false, but she never knew. She never knew.” He shook his head, then rose and walked to the door.
Akitada struggled to his feet. “I’m very sorry, Excellency,” he said again.
Soga turned. His face was wet with tears. “Forgive me,” he said. “I should have thanked you properly. I think you will keep her secret. My poor child’s death would rake up the old scandal, and I don’t want her memory to become court gossip again.”
Akitada bowed. “You have my word, Excellency.”
Soga still hesitated. “I’m glad the unfortunate matter of your return from Kyushu was settled. I understand your former position was given to someone else?”
Akitada hesitated. “Yes, your Excellency, but I gave my word without any condition.”
“I understand, but I wish to be of some service to you. It would help me deal with my loss.”
For a moment, Akitada’s mind rebelled against trading his silence for Kobe’s reinstatement, then he said, “I was told that Superintendent Kobe was unjustly removed from his position on the word of a junior official in the Ministry of Justice. If your Excellency would look into this matter, I think not only I but the people of the city would be grateful.”
Soga came back and sat down again. “Tell me about this.”
After the Senior Secretary had left, Akitada sat for a long time, thinking about the strong young woman whose love had defied an emperor and her family’s wishes, yes, even convention and danger to be with Masakane. It sickened him that she should have died at the hands of a pathetic weakling who knew nothing of love or loyalty.
Akitada finally rose with a sigh and walked outside where crimson maple leaves covered the moss as if the tree had bled to death.
A squirrel came to stir them up and paused to stare at him. For a moment, man and animal became motionless in time. Then the shouts of children playing broke their trance. The squirrel fled, and life went on.