He nodded, even as Masami and he knew that it would barely make a dent in his finances. All that was left was to wait for the doctor to come. “Well, it seems you did part with money after all. Guess I win that bet.”

“What bet?”

“Last night, Shinrou and I bet whether you would choose to simply leave him alone or you will give some of it away.” He nodded, knowing that it was common for them to do so. Even as he was uncomfortable being treated as such. Even as it lapsed into silence between each other since neither Masami nor Kazuho knew better than to speak of anything important.

He was a child, but he was still capable of thought and this was something that he knew was far better to be simply left to when they reached home. “Why didn’t you want to do it?” He figured that since he was here, it was best to ask him the question why. It was indeed something that didn’t seem to have any sense behind it.

“I’m not exactly from this city.”

“Like from the countryside?”

“Do I look like I’m from the countryside? She doesn’t count since she made herself to be seen that way.” If he had heard anything from his mother regarding them.

“No, you seem even more refined than some of the merchants I have met.” Well, considering that some of them came from the countryside. “But how far are you from?”

“I’m not even from this country. Like those cargo ships which often leave for sea, I came from an entirely different place. And I have my reasons why I do not want be found. And the shogunate would the moment they learn I’m a foreign merchant.”

“There are plenty of those.” Which made this didn’t have much merit as to why he felt the need to cover his own identity.

“Well, it’s complicated.” Even as Masami rolled her own eyes at his explanation.

“You can tell if we are betting whether he is going to part with his money or not, that he probably has deep pockets.”

“So, if you’re a merchant what kind of merchant are you? I hope to grow up to be one one of these days.” The boy was excited, even as he was talking to a man whom he stole from. Even if Kazuho had forgiven the transgression, on the account that it would have been too troublesome.

“I don’t exactly sell stuff, but I often fund the capital to those are interested in opening their own venture.” Which had baffled the boy immensely, clear that he hasn’t been taught economics.

“Think of it this way, the money I gave you is something of a loan to begin your business. What I do is when you make a profit, I take a portion of it. And as long as I continue to invest in you, it means that I hold a share.” Masami was almost laughing at the suggestion of it.

“Maybe you should decide to say you’re a teacher. You do have the ability to persuade everyone to think of it.” Even as he folded his own arms, though he had gave an explanation on how he earned income.

He nodded, grasping the concept. “So, are you suggesting that I should take the cash you have and maybe invest in something.”

“It’s an analogy.” Though he had given them it to tide them over however they wanted. “You’re working aren’t you?”

“I help with delivering food, although it often brings me to more dangerous streets. And kaa-chan is always asking me on where I’m heading.” And why he wasn’t here, though he happened to stumble onto this because he worked with Houya inn. Even as he had spilled a lot. “No one wanted to take me in with the exception of Junri-san and Hajime-san.”

“You can ask them on how this can be done. I don’t really go deep into the main workings of a business.” Even as he felt that the conversation itself had headed into somewhere weird. Somewhere where he had not intended to leave at all.

“By the way, why did you say two names?” He had been curious. Although the boy could guess that he has walked into Houya inn before.

“Because the inn is run by a pair of siblings. The elder sister is the main chef and works with everything while the younger brother brews the alcohol after they’re finished and serves during the opening. They often have someone who comes and brings in a lot of money, and Junri-san would bring him to her office where they store all the accounts.”

So, something like an investor as it was. “Where do you exactly deliver to?”

“To the Geisha houses, nobody pays me any attention because I’m a boy and I’m still a child. It’s easier for me to walk among the crowds.” Which was almost convenient for him, since Shinrou had intended to contact Ayakazu.

“Have you heard of anyone named Ayakazu?” It was a name that Shinrou said was recognizable.

“It’s the proprietress of Tohana.” Which was exactly what he needed at this point. Just as Masami gave him a look, knowing that it was good news to them. They could use this to their advantage.

Just as Shinrou had came in with the doctor in tow, even as he was dangling the cash in front of the man. “You’re patient is in there, the boy will show you the way. No pay, no money.” Even as he entered inside. Kazuho didn’t feel good about being interrupted with this, but he knew that he could bring it up later on. And using cash as an incentive. This errand was important to him.

Even as all he had was checkbook paper. But it could still be well utilized, and still remembering the crumpled piece of paper. “Why are you looking at that with such eyes?”

“I learned something from him, he runs deliveries to Ayakazu directly.” In which he froze for a moment, knowing just how useful it was at this point.

“And he can help us deliver a message. We can just pay him even more to do that.” And would also be free for them to choose the timing on when they were arriving.

Even as he handed the man some ink and brush, which he always kept on hand. Shinrou knew that this was more for his own hands than anyone else’s. Since she was his contact first. He had written something on it, to whatever he decided was enough of a message. Even as his logo remained at the top, which was a shield with six circles.

Once he was done and the words on it dried, the doctor had came out. “I explained to him all he needed to know.” In which Shinrou handed over the full lump sum to be paid. Even as the boy followed out. And gave a deep bow to them as a sign of respect.

“There is something that you can do if you’re grateful. Would you mind ensuring that this reached Ayakazu’s hands?” Even as he took out extra cash to cover it. “Don’t let anyone else find it, regardless of the cost. When can you do it by?”

“Tonight.”

He nodded just as he took it even as he was almost refusing to take it. But he had insisted, knowing that this was important to him.

“So, in a way, we settled how we were intending to contact Ayakazu,” Masami said as they left.

“What date did you write on there?”

“Two days later.” He nodded, knowing that it was a reasonable time frame for such expectations. Just as they were leaving, he knew that he was making a step towards finding her.

ahead of them.