Chapter 23 Apology_3

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Thus, despite its continued prosperity, Yoshiwara has indeed become increasingly desolate, frequented only by tourists and retired, unsuccessful old men. What a stark contrast to its flourishing past.

After the surgery and buying some bullets, Li Pan, with just over 200 yuan left for food, took the subway straight to Izumoya. Guided by a robotic geisha, he boldly walked into the elegant private room where Yaziko Akiyama, dressed lavishly, had been waiting for him.

True to her heritage as a Yamato Nadeshiko and the pride of a noble house, today she wore a formal visiting kimono suitable for social occasions—also known as Eastern formal wear. The entire outfit was in an elegant white with a complete painting of plum blossoms embroidered onto the attire. The silver threads weaved in patterns of papayas, a crest granted to the Akiyama family by the Takamanohara, clearly indicated her self-identification with the lineage of the Oda Clan's retainers.