Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 20.

Clearly, the gods have decided that my period of grace and favour is over... My dreams brought me nothing but the sickening realisation that my monthly cycle is late. I had been so preoccupied with being on the road and then my arrival here that I had not even thought about that... Given that it is usually as reliable as the turn of the seasons, it seems more than likely that I am with child... Of course, my natural inclination is to begin planning but I really must have it confirmed before I do anything drastic. Perhaps Haru will do me one last favour and find me someone discreet...

I discovered when she brought a tray of breakfast in earlier, that at Kaede's behest, it is Haru who has been waiting upon me.  She says she is well, that Kaede does not know of our relationship and that she has been given the lightest of duties until she recovers from the trauma of her stay with the bandits. I am glad about that; I hated to think that she was suffering further on my account. She will return shortly to dress me and then I will ask for her help a final time... Once I am dressed, I will take tea with Kaede ...