4

It was a cool, auspicious evening.

Many converged on both sides of the street wearing curious faces while discussing spiritedly amongst themselves. From afar, a melody could be heard.

This music and the chant that accompanied it could only belong to one individual- the most captivating Oiran (high-ranking courtesan) Ichika Hasegawa.

Formerly Aoi Yamamoto, she was adopted at age 11 by the proprietress of the brothel she worked for. The latter assigned her a new name and so she jettisoned her former name.

When she was still a Kamuro (Oiran attendant) a translucent peach-coloured face veil frequently obscured half of her face. This routine persisted even when she became a Shinzo (a rank next to Oiran)

Now she had made her debut and become an Oiran a month heretofore. That day, she was seated on a golden palanquin with 20 Kamuro walking ahead, sprinkling petals in sync from golden baskets. She was then paraded around the chosen streets of Kyoto. It was filled to the brim by spectators.

That day, a black diaphanous veil concealed her face; only her eyes and forehead could be seen. She did not wear many layers of kimonos nor were the kimonos of bright colour. Though they couldn't see her actual look, they all knew she was a beauty.

Today, it's rumoured that for the first time in history, Ichika Hasegawa was going to let the world see her face as she made her way to her first client.

No one knew who was the client in question, however, one thing was certain; he was super fortuitous and all men present envied him

The people continued waiting and they were not disappointed. The Oiran procession was slowly arriving.

They soon saw 7 men playing music on flutes, drums and shamisen. Behind them were ten dancers wearing fox masks and special matching dance costumes; 5 were men and the other 5 were women.

At a considerable distance from them were 2 middle-aged watchmen carrying black metal canes with 7 red rings fastened on top. The rings shook as the watchmen hit the ground with the metal canes, rhyming with the music and giving one an ethereal feeling.

Behind them were 4 people; 2 men and 2 women carrying beautiful white paper lanterns with the Oiran's name penned on them in black ink.

Soon, two little girls with black hair that was adorned with red flowery ornaments and attired in beautiful red furisode kimonos were seen. One was carrying a black box whose handle was wrapped in red cloth, forming a beautiful bow. The other hugged herself while holding a golden fan that stuck out of crossed hands.

One wore an expressionless face while the latter wore a smiling face as they moved slowly and in rhythm with the others ahead of them in sync. The two girls only gazed ahead like the crowd gazing at them did not exist.

After them, the people waited for a little while before the long-awaited female made her grand entrance. Everyone cheered and clapped as they finally saw her.

She was garbed in several layers of bold-coloured kimono and wore a beautiful hairdo that consisted of several stunning ornaments (kanzashi).

Her black furisode uchikake (outer coat) had petals that were embroidered in rich gold and red thread. Her ornate purple manaita obi was tied at the front and stopped just below her knees.

She had on black-coloured, 20cm Koma-geta shoes that had two bells each. Her exposed small delicate feet made many wish they were this lucky man waiting for her in the hotel. But there was a problem- a veil still concealed her face.

However, wind suddenly blew and the veil flew off. A young man was able to catch it and was so pleased to keep it in his pouch. Still, he knew that once she'd left, he must make a run or else this treasure would be snatched away from him.

But the paramount thing was no longer hidden; Ichika Hasegawa's face was finally seen by everyone! They always knew she was pulchritudinous but her looks rendered them wonderstruck.

Her face had left the capital's number one beauty- the daughter of the prime minister, Himari Yoshida, in the dust. She was practically glowing from head to toe!

Subconsciously, many were moved to kneel. Ichika turned to glance at a few of them and then returned her gaze to the view ahead.

"Oh my, she's looked at me!"

"Liar. She smiled at me!"

"Sheesh! You ugly thing. I'm the one she winked at!"

"Shut it, you two. She blew a kiss at me!"

"Old man, your eyes aren't working well. Go home and drink porridge, and then sleep."

"Forever, if I might add,"

Ichika continued her sophisticated walk, adopting a serious look. Her delicate left hand was placed on a white hanky that was on the right shoulder of a man who served as her support while she did her parade.

Behind her was a man carrying a huge, white umbrella with red spirals at the front with golden fringes at the edges. He had an expressionless face; the same as the man whom Ichika used as support.

Behind her were 4 Shinzo dressed in different beautiful clothes, all wearing smiling faces.

The ones who knelt earlier quickly rose and began to clap.

"She's better than I imagined!"

"Who could have imagined such a face?"

"It's like the god created her with extra care."

"But it's a pity, she's not the daughter of an aristocrat."

"I know. But she won't lose to any noble lady. Her face alone is a 200% pass before you talk of her skills and knowledge. She is Madam Okada's personally groomed adopted successor, alright!"

"I begrudge the lucky man!"

"Bah! You can only envy. What else can you do?"

"Like you aren't in the same boat as I am."

Many discussed heatedly among themselves.

The Oiran procession continued into one more street while she received applause and cheers as she did a new, refined walk.

No other Oiran had ever done this style of walk before. It was fresh and ethereal to the eye. It was also simple and looked easy to imitate.

But no one needed a soothsayer to tell them they were hard moves. The walk of an Oiran is mastered after a long time of intensive training.

Finally, after 10 more minutes, the procession stopped and the 2 Kamuro stepped out of the line along with the Oiran and 4 Shinzo. The man holding the metal ring also left the line and held the ring horizontally.

The others who were still in line bowed their heads at the drop-dead-gorgeous female and resumed the music and chanting. They turned around and started heading back.

"My dear people, thank you for accompanying this lowly girl to her destination. My client's identity will remain a riddle until tomorrow. Have a good night's rest, everyone." Ichika said with her soft angelic voice and slightly bowed her head before turning around to walk into the luxurious hotel where her client was.

***

Her client turned out to be the owner of the Golden Wreath auction hall. Its prestige was known far and wide. The owner was in his fifties but looked like a 30-year-old.

Her attendants (Kamuro) held her hand as she walked without scraping her Geta on the ground. She then took them off and reclined on the cushion next to her client. Her attendants took her shoes outside the room.

"Dear, I'm so sorry," she said with a pouty face.

"Ichika my dear, what are you apologising for?" her client wanted to hold her but she shifted a bit, still looking guilty.

"I kept you waiting for so long. You must have been famished and maybe your patience ran out."

"Oh, that's what made you worried? I'm more than gratified to see your face. You are more beautiful than I imagined."

"Oh, so you don't blame me?" Ichika's face brightened a bit.

"Why would I do so?" her client coaxed.

"Well then, Ichika will thank you for your benevolence."

One of the attendants carried the black box to her and knelt. One of the Shinzo handed her a pipe and she filled it skillfully with tobacco in the box and then handed it gently to her client. He accepted it and then smoked it.

Ichika's servants clapped. She then took the pipe from her client and also smoked it.

"An indirect kiss, honey," she said with a wink.

Her client clapped and blew a kiss at her. Ichika made the move of catching the kiss with her left hand.

"Not so fast, Asahi-san." she chided coquettishly. She poured wine into a small bowl and offered it to him.

"Have a drink, my dear," she said with a smile.

Her client took the bowl and drank half. She took it back and finished the wine.

"Another indirect kiss." she pointed out.

"Oh, I really like you more now." her client laughed.

"Hehe, there are many things you will learn about me tonight. There's still time. Let me amaze you, Asahi-san." her voice had become seductive as her servants helped her stand up. She suddenly slipped and almost fell but her servants quickly caught her.

"Are you okay?" they asked in concern. In this process, Mr Asahi got to see her fair feet. Her toenails were painted red and looked so inviting. Her flawless legs could also be seen up to her knees. This made Mr Asahi gulp.

Ichika was soon stabilised by her servants. She wore a shy look.

"Asahi-san, I didn't mean to. I... I..."

Her client quickly rose and walked to comfort her.

"Don't you worry. I'm satisfied with the 'show' just now," he said with a big smile.

"Really?" Ichika's face brightened again and her eyes widened.

Mr Asahi nodded energetically.

"Thank you, honey." she planted a kiss on his right cheek and then blew air on it before retreating. Her servants stood in front of her.

Asahi smelt her fragrance in the short moment she approached him. Ah, he really couldn't wait to bed her. His cock was already prepared for action.

"Asahi, let me make you super satisfied," she said and two Shinzo started playing music on a flute and shamisen. The 2 Kamuro retreated to the sides while Ichika suddenly took out a white fan with Asahi's name printed on it. She winked at him before starting to do her mesmerizing dance in rhythm with the song. She danced around him then knelt before him, leaning closer to whisper in his ear: "How hard are you, my dear Asahi? I will make it mightier than thunder. A night of love-making while you rotate your alluring hips in between my legs. The way I'll scream and moan your name; how highly are you anticipating that?"

She then rose as he swallowed his saliva. His eyes were filled with lust. Every single move of this beauty before him made him want to stop her right now and tear off those annoying clothes. How dare they hide her precious naked body from his sight? He could already picture himself banging her with no mercy while she pleaded for leniency. How good that would be!

She danced towards him again and blew him another kiss.

"That's it!" he decided in his heart and rose from his seat. Then he suddenly walked to her and carried her bridal style.

"Asahi-san, are you that impatient?"

"I am patient. I'll be even more patient while rocking that fruit you're hiding from me. I'll make sure you are satisfied, Ichika honey."

"Oh dear, I've never seen someone so eager and romantic as you Asahi," she said seductively as he took her into the inner room and placed her on the bed. He took off his upper robes to reveal his 8 packs.

"Ah," she covered her eyes but secretly peeked.

"You dare to peek. Of course, I dare to satisfy you, Ichika." he covered the curtains and her shy laughter could be heard.

Seconds later, the curtains were opened. The man looked frightened.

Just now, he wanted to take off her clothes and enjoy the full view of her naked self.

But she suddenly got encircled by a bright light and vanished from his grip. The Oiran that he'd spent so much money to get had disappeared right under his nose!

"Damn it!" he cussed as he marched out of the room. Outside, he saw the servants, on their knees.

"Where is she?" Asahi asked in rage.

"My mistress? Sir..."

"I don't need explanations. I want her back right now."

"But..."

"If I do away with you lot, would Madam Okada dare to complain?"

None of the servants said a word in reply. They were confused as they moped at each other.

"You guys have turned me into a joke." he spat.

What nonsense! He'd spent over 2 billion yen before he could finally become the lucky one to bed her and take away her innocence. But he did not fulfil his purpose and instead she vanished. Vanished into thin air just like that! Who can take it?

These people and their madam must give a reasonable explanation!

Before he could say another word of complaint, his eyes suddenly widened as he stopped walking. Blood trickled from his mouth and he suddenly fell to the floor, lifeless.

The females were frightened and they immediately ran out screaming.

...

The rumor spread that the client who had paid for Ichika's services was dead and the Oiran herself was nowhere to be found. After several cases were levelled up against the brothel, Madam Okada had to let go of the girls and disappeared.

The freed girls, some returned home and others unwilling to go back to the house where they were sold from moved to other faraway places to try start a new life.

The owner of the most popular auction house who died of wine poisoning was actually a prince from another kingdom.

But different from what was expected there was no war. Instead, all brothels in the nation were destroyed.

A/n: Guys, I hope you liked it.