[Saemon's Will] [Yukiko's Love Letter] [The Third Man]
This letter sent to my old friend, Sousuke Isaka, will serve as Sakuradani Saemon's will.
First, let me explain the circumstances that led me to write this letter.
There is a brazen person who is aiming for the Sakuradani family's property. They're the Hokuwakai, a gang that uses the entertainment district as a base in Tohoku. They seem to have heard about a plot to build a ski resort somewhere. They must have thought it would raise the land price. They begin to aim for the forested area of Sengatake Village.
Several decades ago, Yoshiharu Sakuradani had opposed the plan and had been at odds with Taisuke Isaka, the village chief of Sengatake Village. After Yoshiharu's death, the Isaka family hadn't learned their lesson, and was trying to push forward with the plan to build a ski resort.
As an adopted son-in-law of the Sakuradani family, I objected to my father-in-law's will. My wife Yukiko also supported me.
In the first place, it is impossible to develop a ski resort. Sengatake Village has poor transportation and there is no way it can compete with other tourist destinations. I didn't think it would bring in any customers.
Isn't the real purpose to steal the Sengatake village land from the Sakuradani family?
Hokuwakai's extortion and harassment began around February 1970. The first was threats against guests and employees. Despite contacting the police many times, the situation did not improve. I have to protect Sakuradani-kan. But first, I evacuated my daughter Hinami to a safe place.
I informed the girls' boarding school in Tokyo about the situation and asked them to take care of Hinami. I hear that Hokuwakai has influence throughout the Kanto region. A kind teacher at the girls' high school suggested that Hinami study abroad in Germany.
It was painful to send my daughter to a foreign country. However, if I could protect my daughter, I agreed to let Hinami study abroad.
Unable to bear the harassment of Hokuwakai, some of the employees working at the inn quit. I couldn't hold them back just because of the reason. But I will keep fighting. I am determined to protect Sakuradani Inn with my wife.
At first, I thought the Isaka family and the Hokuwakai were colluding. But lately, I've started to feel like that's not the case.
Sousuke and I have known each other for a long time, and were best friends when we were young. Our relationship breaks off due to a rift, but I know Sousuke's heart very well. Even if something were to happen to me and I was eliminated by the Hokuwakai, I'm sure Sousuke would protect my wife, Yukiko, and my daughter, Hinami.
I did some research and found out that the Isaka family is just being used for convenience. The village chief, Taisuke Isaka, disagreed with my father-in-law, Yoshiharu. However, I believe that his desire for the development of Sengatake Village is genuine.
It is unknown who the informant connected to Kitawakai is. It seems they haven't figured out where Hinami is evacuating to yet, but their methods are getting more and more extreme. They're the kind of people who kill people without a care in the world. I can't let go of my hunting rifle for self-defense.
If I die or go missing, my wife and daughter, Sousuke Isaka... I want to entrust my family and Sakuradani-kan to you, my former best friend.
You probably hate me for kicking you out of Sengatake Village. I understand very well. However, after I die, will you please forget your grudge against me?
It's a request from the next generation. I want you to return to Sengatake Village and protect Yukiko. If Hinami ever comes back to Japan, please protect her. If you agree to this request, I will gift the entire Sakuradani-kan to Sousuke Isaka.
◆ ◆ ◆
"――That's what is written. I feel that the handwriting on this letter is similar to the handwriting written by Father. If this letter is the real thing... Please tell me, Sousuke-san. Are you...?"
Hinami urged Sousuke, who looked like he wanted to say something.
"Yeah, the baby in Yukiko’s womb is my child. I received the letter and returned to Sengatake Village, intending to remarry Yukiko in time with Hinami’s return."
Sousuke insisted that he was the one who impregnated Yukiko.
"Someone who didn’t like that attacked Yukiko in the open-air bath. Isn’t that right? Hey! Koshiro! Spit it out! You’re the one who led the Hokuwakai! If you’re a man, why don’t you confess your sins with dignity!"
"Uu...! Just when I was wondering what you'd say, you lined up lies...!! You're the swindler who fabricated the Master's will! It was the Isaka family who silenced the proprietress! The letter that claims to be a will! It's truly incontrovertible evidence!!"
"You think it's a fabrication? In that case, just look into it! This is a real will written by Saemon. He entrusted his family and Sakuradani-kan to me, an old friend. It's true that Saemon and I didn't get along. But... Saemon has been suspicious of you for a long time!"
"No! Wrong, wrong! You were the one the Master suspected! You’re trying to frame me and steal the Sakuradani family’s property! Now that it’s come to this, I’ll tell you the truth here, too! It’s my child in the proprietress’s belly! Don’t steal people’s children without permission!"
Koshiro stood up and pushed Sousuke away in anger.
"Huh? What did you say...? Y-you...?"
Koshiro looked embarrassed and was trembling. The obese man's declaration astounds everyone gathered.
"Huh? Koshiro-san... What did you just say?"
It is possible that Yukiko is pregnant with Sousuke's child. Yukiko and Sousuke are childhood friends who grew up in Sengatake Village. He had a good relationship with her husband, Saemon, until he and Sousuke's relationship broke off. Sousuke's appearance isn't bad. He has a handsome face.
Koshiro is the exact opposite. A middle-aged man who looks like a bald pig. The people of Sengatake Village could never imagine that such an ugly man and beautiful Yukiko would have a relationship.
"Koshiro-san...? Um... what are you...?"
Shocking declarations were released in quick succession. The second man claims to have impregnated her mother. Hinami didn't know what was true.
"Hinami Ojousama...!! I'm sorry! Really, I'm sorry!! There's something I haven't been able to say for a long time. You won't believe it, but I was the one with whom the proprietress was having an affair. We've had a relationship since she was still conscious. The child in the proprietress' belly is not Sousuke's child. It's mine...!"
Sousuke, who was on his butt, got up with the help of his father.
"Ha! Hahahahahaha! That's ridiculous...! Who do you think would believe such a transparent lie!!"
Sousuke's expression regained composure. He is taken aback at first, but thinks Koshiro is telling a blatant lie. By believing this, he seems to have calmed down his agitation.
"What!? I didn't lie! The proprietress is pregnant with my child!"
"You're a liar! How can that be! Yukiko! There's no way she would choose an ugly pig like you to have an affair with! Take a good look in the mirror before you say it! You're such a fool! Don't do that! I have Saemon's will. It's proper physical evidence. Compared to that, you're just letting things come out of your mouth!"
"I have physical evidence! It's a love letter written to me by the proprietress, Yukiko-san. After her husband passed away, Yukiko-san and I became husband and wife. We registered our marriage last year. It has been officially accepted. You can find out by checking with the government office!"
"That's so stupid...! It's impossible...!!"
"Both of you, please stop arguing, Koshiro-san. Give me that letter. I'll be happy to clarify the contents. If it's a letter written by Mother."
"Of course. It may be painful for Hinami Ojousama, but what is written in this letter is the real truth."
Koshiro hands Hinami a piece of paper.
It was a love letter that expressed Yukiko's bitter feelings.
◆ ◆ ◆
――To Koshiro-sama.
Today, September 25, 1975, I submitted the marriage registration that I had kept to the government office. Koshiro-sama has now become the adopted son-in-law of the Sakuradani family, and according to the family register, you are my husband.
The Isaka family of Sengatake Village, who are aiming for the Sakuradani family's land, will probably not approve of our marriage and will get in the way. Therefore, they should not know about my remarriage yet.
I need to make arrangements for Koshiro-sama to be recognized as the new head of the Sakuradani family.
I have dismissed the annoying employees and am preparing to welcome Koshiro-sama. I plan on kicking out all the troublesome employees who are in the way of meddling with Saemon, who was burned to death at the Oni Tengu Shrine last summer.
The only person I love is you, Koshiro-sama... I'll never forget the lovely days when I secretly met with Koshiro-sama, hidden from Saemon's eyes.
Saemon's death at Oni Tengu Shrine was a result of karmic retribution. After all, he was also a dirty man who just wanted the Sakuradani family's property. But Koshiro-sama is different. A kind gentleman who genuinely responds to my feelings. I don't care about appearance.
A baby was born in my womb. Of course, it is a child conceived by Koshiro-sama's seed. If I give birth to a child again, the people of Sengatake Village will have no choice but to approve. Together with Koshiro-sama, I want to protect Sakuradani-kan from the Isaka family thieves.
Once you have finished your work at Yamatoku Mujin Bank, please visit the detached room as usual. I'm looking forward to a lustful night where I can make love to Koshiro-sama.
◆ ◆ ◆
"I can't believe it. Mother was unfaithful...? But... the letters on the letter... look very similar to Mother's handwriting."
"I'm really sorry for showing you something like this. Yukiko-san and I have loved each other for a long time. I can't let the Isaka family steal the Sakuradani family's property... They are the ones who colluded with the Hokuwakai. They are extremely evil people who are trying to control Sengatake Village.''
"...But, Koshiro-san, this letter is strange after all. Even though Mother loved Father that much... I can't imagine that she was having an affair with Koshiro-san."
"...I understand the feeling of wanting to think that way. People have two sides. I didn't want to hurt Hinami Ojousama. That's why I've kept it a secret until now."
Hinami can't believe her eyes. However, the letter that Koshiro had hidden in the pocket of his suit bears a striking resemblance to her mother's handwriting.
If what was written is true, Yukiko and Koshiro's remarriage was concluded a year ago. It turns out that the fat middle-aged man in front of her is Hinami's father-in-law.
"In front of Hinami Ojousama, we acted like we were on good terms. I didn't want the public to know about our slutty relationship. However, Saemon-san sometimes raised his hands with the proprietress...... While I was comforting her, we ended up forming such an illicit relationship between a man and a woman. But I want to at least take responsibility."
"Your responsibility? How could you have fabricated a letter full of lies like this! Saemon is not the kind of scum who would abuse a woman, even his own wife! Even Yukiko betrayed Saemon it is not an ugly man like you. She wouldn't dare to have a relationship with a beast! I've known both Yukiko and Saemon since I was little! Hinami! You shouldn't be fooled by such a charlatan!"
"How many times do I have to say it before you'll understand! I'm not lying!! Just check the family register at the government office and you'll understand! On September 25, 1975, I was registered with Yukiko-san and became Koshiro Sakuradani. That's why I've managed all of the Sakuradani family's assets. Hinami Ojousama is my daughter...! I have no choice but to protect the Sakuradani family from lowlifes like you!!"
"Wait! Both of you! Please stop. Violence is not allowed...!!"
Two men argue that each other impregnated Yukiko. A young police officer from Sengatake Village intervenes between Sousuke and Koshiro, stopping them from fighting.
"You guys, won't you stop! I'll say it just one more time! Stop it! Get away. Stay away from each other. If you do it any longer, I'll pull this out, you know?"
There is a revolver on the waist belt. He glares at both of them and warns them in a quiet voice.
The policeman is a quiet, slender, handsome man. He has been stationed in Sengatake Village for the past year, and is doing his job smoothly. However, he doesn't seem to be good with people and avoids interacting with the villagers.
"Sorry, officer! I couldn't help myself...! I'm against violence too!"
"Hey! An outsider policeman...! You should do your job and grab that swindler over there!"
The reason why there is an outsider present at this discussion is because Reiko, the village doctor, requested that there might be a big commotion.
(Sousuke-san and Koshiro-san. One of them is the man who got Mother pregnant... But is it true what these two are saying...? Even if one of them is the father of the unborn child, would Mother agree...? I don't think so.)
The truth is unknown, but there was only one man who impregnated Yukiko. One of them is lying. However, the situation became even more complicated.
"When I realize how noisy it is downstairs, it turns out to be a farce... It's an unbearable skit of a poor actor that I can't bear to watch. It's not even funny. It's extremely unpleasant."
The person who entered the [Great Chrysanthemum Hall] was Motonobu, a self-proclaimed novelist.
"Did you hear the yelling upstairs? I'm sorry for causing such a commotion. But would you please refrain from saying anything when you're an outsider?"
"...The female doctor at the clinic? I believe you are called Misaki Reiko?"
"Yes. That's right. You're Motonobu-san, a guest, right? This may sound rude, but we're having an important discussion related to the future of Sengatake Village. I don't want you to step in just out of curiosity."
Reiko asked Motonobu to leave the room instead of Koshiro, who was supposed to be the moderator for the discussion.
"Unfortunately. That's not an option. I'm actually involved myself."
"Huh? You're involved...? What does that mean?"
"It's exactly as it is. I am Motonobu Matsudaira. I am the one who impregnated Yukiko Sakuradani. Those two people are lying. Don't let them fool you."
Hinami's confusion reached its peak.
A third man appears, claiming to have impregnated her mother.
"Huh? Are you saying that you also had a physical relationship with Mother? What do you mean?"
"It was about six months ago. Someone approached me because they felt lonely. It was Yukiko who invited me. I have no interest in the Sakuradani family's property. That's why I had no intention of participating in the discussion at first. But, it's true that my child will be taken away from me.''
"...Um ...Motonobu-san? Is there any evidence of that? For example, something tangible, like a letter or a photograph..."
Hinami asked with a suspicious look on her face.
"There ain't a thing left. I didn't want anyone to know. There are no witnesses."
Since he has been staying at the Sakuradani-kan for about six months, he is able to impregnate Yukiko. However, unlike Sousuke and Koshiro, Motonobu did not provide any physical evidence.
"Motonobu-san? Are you asking me to believe that?"
"Yeah, believe me. These guys are liars."
Although he was only insisting on one side, his words had a strange persuasive power. Sousuke and Koshiro become suspicious of Motonobu, who appears without any context.
The people around him were visibly shaken, unable to understand the sudden change.
(What on earth... what does this mean...? Three men who claim to have impregnated Mother appear at once...!?)
Yukiko, the only one who knows the truth, remains asleep and she does not know when she will wake up.
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[Introduction of characters]
▼ Yukiko Sakuradani
The young proprietress of Sakuradani-kan, a long-established hot spring inn.
She lost her husband and became a widow. She is raped by someone from Sengatake Village and she becomes pregnant.
▼ Saemon Sakuradani (deceased)
Yukiko's late husband. Burn to death in a fire. He has a severed relationship with Sousuke.
▼ Hinami Sakuradani
Yukiko and Saemon's only daughter. She left Sengatake Village and entered a girls' school in Tokyo. Until recently, she was studying abroad.
She reunites with her mother for the first time in two years and is told that she is pregnant.
▼ Sousuke Isaka
The prodigal son of the Isaka family, who monopolizes the position of village chief in Sengatake Village.
He was an old friend of Yukiko and Saemon, but they had a rift over a certain incident and their relationship became strained.
He takes out [Saemon's will] and claims that he got Yukiko pregnant.
▼ Koshiro Himura
A bank employee at Yamatoku Mujin Bank. An obese, ugly middle-aged man.
Although he is the exclusive representative of the Sakuradani family, he was despised by Saemon when he was alive.
He brings out [Yukiko's love letter] and claims that he got her pregnant.
▼ Motonobu Matsudaira
Self-proclaimed novelist. A guest staying at Sakuradani-kan for a long time.
He claims that Yukiko approached him and they had a physical relationship.
▼ Misaki Reiko
A female doctor who works at a clinic in Sengatake Village. She diagnoses that Yukiko is pregnant.
▼ Ran
An apprentice who works at Sakuradani-kan. She is a twelve-year-old girl, but she does not go to school.
▼ Yoshiharu Sakuradani (deceased)
Yukiko's father. He doted on his granddaughter, Hinami. He trusted Koshiro and valued him.
He and the Isaka family are bitter enemies. He opposed the plan of a ski resort.
▼ Taisuke Isaka
The village chief of Sengatake Village. His son is Sousuke.
He has been at odds with the Sakuradani family for several decades over a plan to build a ski resort.
He has a grudge against the Sakuradani family, the large landowners who are hindering the development of the village.
[Records of Sengatake Village]
▽ 1974
One day in April: Hinami enters a girls' school in Tokyo and leaves Sengatake Village.
July 7th: Saemon was burned to death in a fire.
Late August: Yukiko's emotions become disturbed and she begins to kick out the old employees.
▽ 1975
A certain day in September: Yukiko becomes pregnant by the rape demon's seed.
September 25th: Yukiko and Koshiro's marriage registration is submitted(?)
▽ (1976)
February 24th: Hinami returns home and is told that her mother, Yukiko, is pregnant.
February 25th: Influential people from Sengatake Village gather for discussion.
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