Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 16. Postscript.

 I am feeling much better now that I have had a few sticks' sleep. Haru returned a little while ago with some food for me. She also took me to the bath house and stood watch so that I could bathe in peace. How wonderful that water felt... I did not feel that I could luxuriate in it as I would have wished; it would not have been fair to Haru and while I genuinely do not think Kaede would mind my presence here, I am not ready for news of my whereabouts to reach Pale Twilight; I believe Mother would have me dragged back by my hair if she discovered where I am. 

Silent Thunder is extremely busy with the visitors; I am curious to know what Kaede makes of Rani but unless Haru can be persuaded to help me further, I doubt I shall find out. I have also resigned myself to not finding out the true nature of Kaede's relationship with Sasanuma. I had the idea to dress myself as a servant of the House so that I could snoop but Haru pointed out that if anyone asked me where I was supposed to be or assigned me a task, it would be less than a fraction of a stick before it became obvious that I was neither a servant nor of the House. She is right, of course; I must also be mindful of my promise to her and be on my way as quickly as possible but oh, how I wish I could spend a few more days here...