One of my subordinates, Wakaba, was a very shrewd and cautious woman. Excellent at managing money and accounts.
She thought carefully before asking me, "You want to recruit women—is it to save expenses?"
I said, "No. I have money! Not like I can't afford it. Why save money! Whatever wages Edo gives, my household will match! Absolutely can't let others look down on me!"
Wakaba hesitated to speak. Seemed to want to remind me—in Raiwan, this small city, Edo's worker wages were already quite high.
I don't care. I crossed my arms, acting unreasonable.
Anyway, I'm an old lady who'd saved money for nearly a thousand years. So much money with nowhere to spend it. I just love the feeling of throwing money around. Let me throw it.
My other subordinate, Kyoko, was clever and capable. Always eloquent. Quickly grasped my meaning.
"My lord, if women are to work at the shop, must obtain their fathers' and husbands' consent first," Kyoko's mind turned quickly. "Only poor families would agree to let women come out to work. Those hardworking, kind families are one thing. But if my lord's order goes out, I fear those helpless women will also come seeking work."
Right, right. I know. Those poor families where fathers and husbands don't support the household. Rely entirely on women struggling to hold on. Also steal the money women work hard to earn—eating, drinking, whoring, gambling.
I nodded approvingly at Kyoko. "Correct. I want exactly such women."
They come work at my shop. Money can be stored with me. Take it when needed.
If their relatives come causing trouble, wouldn't I have reason to hit people!
Actually, could also look around for demons nearby. But Raiwan was probably too remote. I'd stayed in the city so long without detecting demon auras.
Then could only pick some bad people as my toys.
Kyoko had a great awakening. "Yes, I understand my lord's meaning."
That's right. Know that the person in this world least afraid of trouble is me. Let trouble come more!
After understanding my meaning, they didn't immediately post notices recruiting. Just quietly searched around the city. Selected some particularly destitute women—whose husbands or fathers were unreliable—to work.
Because they were truly pitiful, almost couldn't maintain their livelihoods. Wakaba was hard-mouthed but soft-hearted. Came to discuss with me whether we could finish work quickly, open for business earlier.
To make workers rush, could only add money or recruit more people.
I agreed. Kyoko went to discuss with Keizo again. Asked him to introduce more reliable people to work.
Because she'd received my hint, Kyoko specially said, "Heard Master Keizo's disciple is also a capable young man. Why not also come work together? Wages absolutely won't shortchange you."
Keizo was somewhat tempted. But still declined with a bitter smile. "My daughter's health can't be left unattended."
Kyoko said, "What's difficult about that? The shop's hiring all women. They're also about to come learn to work. You place your daughter with us. We have so many women. Convenient to get along. Everyone lends a hand—can look after her well."
Keizo was immediately tempted. The next day, indeed brought his daughter and disciple.
Koyuki was carried over on Hakuji's back. Wore thick clothes. Lay on Hakuji's back, softly coughing.
Hakuji froze when seeing me. Keizo asked what was wrong. He said he'd seen me before.
Such a keen child. I merely looked at him seriously once on the street. He actually remembered me.
However, Hakuji couldn't think of anything about himself worth my scheming. Didn't suspect me.
To further lower his vigilance, after Koyuki was settled lying down in the room, I proactively pointed at the six criminal tattoo marks on his arm.
"What's this about?"
Hakuji instinctively pulled his hand back. Wanted to hide it behind him. But was grabbed by Keizo. Wouldn't let him hide it.
"This child was ignorant before. Once did some wrong things," Keizo said bluntly. "But now, he's turned over a new leaf! I can guarantee with my life—he absolutely won't do wrong again!"
Hakuji's whole body shook. Stared blankly at Keizo.
He had a very good master.
I nodded. "Good. Then give him a chance."
After that, Hakuji worked very hard. Like proving Keizo's words weren't wrong. A half-grown child—working could match two adults.
Koyuki stayed at the residence I bought. Not far from the shop.
Those workers were all busy learning what they should do. Actually, the most idle person with most time to care for her was me.
The first day she came, this child slept groggily. Muttered wanting water.
I fetched a bowl of warm water. Helped her sit up. Let her lean in my arms. Used a small spoon to feed her half a bowl of water. Then lay down to sleep again.
At midday rest, Keizo brought Hakuji to see Koyuki. Seeing me, suddenly very flustered. "Miss Tachibana? You—why are you caring for my daughter?"
Because I was the most idle person in the shop.
Kyoko said I was the one who told others to bring sick daughters and still come work. Then since I also had nothing to do, naturally should shoulder responsibility. Help people care for their children well.
I felt she spoke very reasonably. Most importantly, everyone looked like they had things to do. Just me sitting idly doing nothing. I indeed felt embarrassed.
Haven't cared for others in so long. At first, I was a bit rusty. But quickly found back the feel from when I was a maid.
Keizo awkwardly rubbed his hands. "Oh my... truly troubling you. My daughter didn't cause problems?"
This child was indeed quite well-behaved. Compared to that dog Young Master from many years ago, much easier to care for.
I told him not to mind too much. Anyway, I originally had nothing to do. He placed his daughter with me—also helped me pass time.
Keizo didn't object further. However, I heard Hakuji privately tell him, "This Miss Tachibana is sometimes really strange. Her way of speaking sounds like an old person."
"Ahem! Hakuji, don't talk nonsense!"
Tsk. This kid was too sharp.
However, he also couldn't find evidence. Observed for several days. Couldn't see I had malice. Still gradually relaxed.
Koyuki actually wasn't sick. Just her health was too poor. Even slightly catching wind easily caused fever and collapse.
When writing to Tamayo, I mentioned this girl. Tamayo quickly replied. Attached several recuperation prescriptions. Suggested she could try.
If no improvement for a while, next time she came to see me, could examine Koyuki more carefully.
I showed those prescriptions to Keizo. Asked if he was willing to let Koyuki try. He very happily agreed.
By the time my confectionery shop opened for business, Koyuki had drunk medicine several times. Indeed, her health slightly improved.
They were all very happy. Even I, seeing this, couldn't help but hesitate.
Anyway, I had plenty of time. Since so—why not, why not just wait for them to happily live out this lifetime, then start my plan.
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