Chapter 37

“I sorry I brought you. And…she’s upset that Takeo is going into the monastery. We will not be staying.”

“I’m so sorry, Joō-sama. Would it help if I just went back home?”

“No. I will not send you away as if I were embarrassed by you. Let’s see what my father has to say. He should be home later tonight.”

Takeo turned to us. “I’m sorry, Yuriko. I think I know what father is going to say. He’s going to accuse you of pretending to live as an Onna-bugeisha, of being too American, and living in the past. And you know what? You are an Onna-bugeisha, and I’m proud of you.” He bowed to her.

“Arigato, Takeo.” She bowed in return. “You are a good brother.” Then, after a moment’s thought, she turned back to me. “All right, in the meantime, you and I are going to go shopping and you can help me pick some things to add to the catalog.”

She called for a car and driver and we were taken to an industrial district where merchandise was laid out in several buildings. All the things were beautiful