The Burden of Truth 2

Manami had devoted herself to the rigorous process of getting prepared for her geisha duties that day, immersing herself in the precise rituals that went along with it. As she put on her kimono, the delicate symphony of silk and craftsmanship came to life, each layer expertly arranged with unswerving attention to detail. Her form was wrapped by a cascade of deep blue silk adorned with beautiful flower embroidery that whispered of refinement and grace. A matching obi was meticulously tied around Manami's waist by Kana, a master of her trade, emphasizing the graceful lines of her silhouette.

With the kimono flawlessly fitted, Manami settled herself in front of the mirror, set to undergo the next phase of her transformation. As she relied on brushes and palettes to create intricate pieces of art, Kana's hands moved with a captivating combination of grace and swiftness. She delicately applied a light base to Manami's complexion, enhancing her natural features with artful strokes of color, a subtle enhancement of her innate beauty.

The focus then turned to Manami's black hair, which was waiting for Kana's artistic touch. Kana sculpted a stunning updo that exuded both regality and charm with her nimble fingers as she started to create an amazing weave of delicate twists and braids. Every pin and accessory was chosen with the careful consideration of a curator putting together a prized exhibit. Each strand was meticulously arranged and fastened. The finishing touch was added with small ornaments, such as a single hairpin here and a tiny bloom nestled there, which served as fine accents to finish the image of grace and refinement.

Manami felt an immense amount of gratitude for Kana's talents as the transformation had taken place before her eyes in the mirror, recognizing that without her skilled assistance, achieving the polished allure expected of a geisha would have remained an unattainable aspiration. When Kana finally completed her work, a wave of poise and confidence washed over Manami, steeling her resolve to confront the mysteries that awaited her in the evening's embrace.

Suddenly, the peace of the moment was disturbed by a quiet knock on the door. Manami's eyes turned away from her reflection and toward the entrance, where she calmly called out, "Come on in."

A young maiko from the same establishment entered the room, her presence carrying a palpable air of hesitation. "Excuse me, Manami-san," she said softly.

Manami's gaze shifted from the mirror to the geisha who had just entered her room. She sensed an air of hesitancy about the girl and asked, "Yes?" with a slight furrow in her brow.

The maiko took a deep breath, her voice soft as she delivered her message. "I apologize for the intrusion, Manami-san, but Okaasan has requested your presence in her room."

The sudden summoning caused Manami's heart to skip a beat, sending a wave of unease through her. She managed to respond with a serene facade while yet retaining some composure in her voice despite the internal turmoil. She said, "Thank you for telling me," as she tried to figure out the meaning behind Okaasan's request.

The weight of what was occurring fell on Manami and Kana as the young maiko bowed and left the room, leaving them alone once more. Sensing her friend's unease, Kana offered a gentle reassurance, her voice laced with genuine concern. "I am certain everything will be fine, Manami-san," she said, her smile imbued with a comforting warmth.

Manami nodded, her attempt to find solace in Kana's words echoing in the depths of her being. "Yes, you are right, Kana-san. I am probably allowing my thoughts to wander astray," she replied, the conviction in her voice an armor against the encroaching uncertainties.

Manami nodded, trying to take comfort in Kana's words as they resonated within her. "Yes, Kana-san, you are right." The conviction in her voice served as an armor against the growing uncertainties as she said, "I am probably letting my mind go wayward again."

Kana smiled gently at Manami, sensing her unease. "Of course, you are. You always do your best, and Okaasan must need you for something important," Kana said, trying to boost Manami's confidence.

A feeble smile adorned Manami's lips, her gratitude for Kana's unwavering presence shimmering within her gaze. "Thank you, Kana-san. I hope you're right," she murmured softly before turning her attention back to the mirror, resolute in her determination to complete her preparations.

Manami made her way to Okaasan's chamber with a feeling of foreboding leading each of her steps, the enigmatic nature of the summons enveloping her thoughts in an array of doubt. Was it to address the consequences that followed from General Yamamoto's downfall, or did it have to do with something else entirely? Despite her internal turmoil, Manami maintained an air of calmness on the outside, with her movements deliberate and her spirit ready for the disclosures that lay ahead. Upon arriving at the door, she drew a deep breath and knocked the door gently to ask permission to enter, her knuckles brushing against the polished wood.

The voice of Okaasan resonated from within the chamber, carrying an air of authority. "Come in."

As Manami pushed the door open and stepped inside Okaasan's space, she took one final, calming breath. She approached her mentor with unflinching respect and a voice resonating with respect, saying, "Good afternoon, Okaasan."

"Good afternoon, Manami-san. Please, have a seat," Okaasan gestured gracefully for Manami to take a seat upon a cushion thoughtfully arranged on the floor.

Manami's heart began to beat a little bit faster than normal when she sat down. She couldn't help but have a sense of dread about the meeting.

"I called you here because I wanted to talk to you about something important," Okaasan began, her gaze steady and focused.

Manami nodded carefully as she fixed her gaze on Okaasan's face in anticipation of the words that she would soon given.

"It's about the recent events surrounding General Yamamoto's downfall," with a calm and solemn tone, Okaasan continued.

Manami's heart leaped within her chest, the weight of uncertainty bearing down upon her. Would she be held accountable for her involvement?

"Given the grave nature of this matter, I hope you understand the potential impact it may have on our okiya," Okaasan said. "Therefore, in the days yet to come, we need to take more precaution in order to avoid attracting the authorities' unwanted attention. Did you follow what I said?"

A profound sense of relief washed over Manami, realizing that Okaasan's intentions were not to cast blame upon her. She felt a renewed surge of gratitude for the trust Okaasan placed in her.

"I understand, Okaasan," Manami responded with a resolute tone in her voice "I promise to keep my vigilance and proceed with the utmost caution to protect the safety and good name of our okiya."

Okaasan nodded approvingly, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. "I have faith in your abilities, Manami-san," she affirmed. "You have always carried yourself with grace and propriety. I trust that you will continue to do so."

Manami bowed deeply, gratitude and determination intertwining within her. "Thank you, Okaasan. I will do my best," she declared resolutely.

With that, Okaasan dismissed her, and Manami left the room, feeling a little lighter than before.