THE DARK SIRE: ACCOLADES (Special Edition Issue, March 2021) | Page 62

He smiled down at me and laughed , “ Why my sweet little Aya , being a geisha is not a life for you . What would my business partners think of a man who allows his daughter to enter into such a life ?” he asked me .
I stopped for a moment , seriously considering his question . “ They would say , that with a daughter as beautiful as yours , there is no better life for her . She will surely put all other geisha to shame .”
My father must have found this very amusing , for he laughed greatly at my sentiment . The sound came rolling out of his chest in the most melodious of ways . After a few moments to gather his wits , he took my hand and we continued onward , stopping at a cart selling inari zushi near the bridge that would lead us back across the river .
My father was a well-known businessman dealing in Arita Porcelain , which he personally procured and brought into Edo himself , twice a month , from the small town in Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū . Because of my father ’ s dedication to procuring only the finest pieces , he was quite wealthy and highly respected . Even the Emperor himself had purchases obtained from my father ’ s business . In this , we had always lived a luxuriant lifestyle .
I glanced at the sun , “ Father , shall we return home now ?” I asked . “ I have my calligraphy lesson soon .” We strolled across the bridge enjoying the delicious inari zushi , so warm and tasty .
“ You ’ re quite right Aya . I must also meet with Yamashitasan about a small business matter ,” he said , reaching down and wiping crumbs from my chin . “ You must be careful not to get dirty before your lesson or Ueda-san will be upset at being made to wait while you wash .”
I smiled up at my father , knowing that he was only teasing .
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