At Home, at Night

As Makio appeared in his room, he immediately sensed Yoshio was already home. He cursed under his breath and reluctantly left to meet him. Walking through the dark corridor, his steps quickened, but he paused in front of the door when he heard a voice.

“Come in, Makio. I’ve been waiting.”

“Master.” He hurriedly closed the door behind him and stepped inside. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Yoshio said calmly. “Sit down. Let’s exchange information.”

“Of course. Would you like to begin?” Makio asked hesitantly, glancing up. Yoshio noticed the uncertainty immediately.

“If you insist,” Yoshio replied. “I met with the old librarian, and he told me an intriguing story. Apparently, there was a family with special powers passed down through the eldest daughters. The ability made their husbands healthier, luckier, and more successful. The exact origin of this power remains a mystery, but it always affected the husband, without fail. So much so that even the Emperor sought it. When the last daughter refused to marry him and tried to deceive him, he killed her and her lover. According to the librarian, this power was visible, which might explain why it draws men in the way it did back then.”

Makio nodded. “I see… But why would this power reappear now if the last person with it died so long ago? Could it be that she had a child before she was killed?”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking as well,” Yoshio agreed. “Perhaps she managed to hide the child, keeping the bloodline intact. It happened about 850 years ago. Tomorrow, I’ll head to the university library to research more about those dynasties.”

“Weren’t you alive back then? Didn’t you know about this?”

“I was, but as you know, I don’t have many memories from that time. I was still human then.” Yoshio shifted lazily, finding a more comfortable position. “Now, tell me about the fox.”

Makio rubbed the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. “He got away before I could ask anything meaningful. I must have said something that scared him. I thought I was persuasive, but I guess not. I’ve failed, Master…” He hesitated before continuing, “But I do know who he is, and I’ve thought of several ways to find him again.”

Yoshio, ever patient, showed no frustration. “Go on.”

“He’s the son of the Hideki family,” Makio revealed, watching Yoshio’s reaction closely. Yoshio’s brow raised in surprise, and he mumbled, “Interesting.”

Makio continued, “He was cast out about forty years ago, though I’m not sure why. It seems his father was furious over something. His sister is the only one who still keeps in contact with him.”

“Hm, that’s unusual for the Hideki patriarch. He’s typically calm and measured, not prone to anger… though he is conservative,” Yoshio muttered, lost in thought.

Makio pressed on. “The fox works as a stylist and maybe as a model too. I have his name and could try searching for him online. Also… we, uh, worked together today, so there’s a chance his manager might call me again…”

His tone grew almost childlike, as if seeking approval. Yoshio, amused by his innocence, smiled faintly.

“Makio, it’s fine. I’m glad you’ve found a way to keep tabs on him—and something to occupy yourself with.”

Makio looked up with gratitude. “Thank you, Master. I’ll remember your encouragement. If I can’t find him online, I’ll wait for the manager to call me again. But… what if he tells her he doesn’t want to work with me anymore?”

“Let’s not worry about that just yet,” Yoshio replied reassuringly. “We still have time to explore other leads. I trust you’ll manage.”

“Thank you, Master. I’ll do my best.”

"Okay then, I shall sleep. See you tomorrow. You need a rest too." He gestured to Makio that he could leave, still sitting next to the table. Makio almost bowed and left.

Left alone, Yoshio reviewed the day’s discoveries in his mind, trying to devise the best course of action. He’d need to do some research on this mysterious fox as well. Perhaps tomorrow would be a productive day. Fatigue from his long journey settled in, and he finally lay down on his futon, falling asleep almost instantly.

Makio entered his room, closing the door, breathing out. He was glad that it all worked out this time, and that Yoshio did not get mad or something like that. Exhausted, he collapsed onto his bed, head sinking into the pillow. He reached for his phone, thinking he should search for Koga online, but within moments, sleep overtook him. His phone slipped from his hand and landed softly on the carpet.