Alice-Miranda in Japan 9 (12 page)

 

Kiko couldn't stop thinking about the children she'd met on her way to the market. That pendant around the little girl's neck had to be hers. The girl couldn't know that it had been stolen and Kiko couldn't alert anyone to the fact either. But one way or another she had to get it back.

When she'd returned from the store, Obaasan had been busy on the telephone in the kitchen. A little while later the doorbell rang and Kiko was sent to let in an old woman who had arrived in a taxi. She had grey hair and brown eyes, and carried only a small suitcase. Obaasan guided her away upstairs before Kiko could learn the woman's name or how long she was planning to stay.

Now Kiko was doing some more washing in the basement laundry. Obaasan's shrill voice screamed her name, so Kiko raced upstairs.

‘What is it?' she panted.

Obaasan was standing in the kitchen leaning against the sink and clenching her fists. ‘We have another one.'

‘Another one?' Kiko asked cautiously.

‘He told me he was planning to go soon, but I didn't think he meant today.'

Kiko gasped. She hoped Obaasan didn't mean the Ojiisan at the end of the hallway.

‘Who is it?' Kiko asked.

‘The grumpy old curmudgeon who sat at the end of the table. But you know, I liked him. He made me laugh and he didn't smell so bad either.' Obaasan sighed. ‘He could have waited until tomorrow. One a month is enough for me and now we have two in a day.'

‘Does his family know?' asked Kiko.

Obaasan shook her head. ‘He has no family. That's why he came here and I looked after him so well.'

‘You are a good friend,' the child said quietly.

‘Do you think so?'

Kiko wondered if she was going to have to pack away the man's things and clean the room, just as she had earlier.

Obaasan looked at the clock on the wall.

‘Yoshi, go and make tea for Ojiisan in the room at the end of the hall,' Obaasan instructed. ‘I will make some phone calls.'

The child did as she was told. She much preferred to make tea over cleaning another dead person's room.

A few minutes later she carried the tea tray carefully upstairs and knocked at the door. She called out but there was no answer. Kiko put the tray down and slid open the door, then took the tray to the table. As usual, he was in the chair facing the window, but now his eyes were closed. Kiko's heart thumped. She'd heard once that bad things happened in threes.

‘Ojiisan,' she whispered. ‘Would you like me to pour your tea?'

He didn't move. Kiko leaned in closer.

‘Ojiisan,' she said a little louder.

He snorted and sat upright. Kiko leapt into the air.

‘What? What is it?' he demanded.

‘Sorry, Ojiisan. I just had to check.'

‘Check what? That I was breathing?' He peered at the girl.

Kiko didn't reply.

‘You can let that silly old woman know that there is life in me yet.'

Kiko nodded. She picked up the teapot and began to pour exactly the same way she had done the day before.

The old man studied her. ‘Why does Obaasan think you are a boy?'

Kiko froze. ‘I am a boy,' she whispered.

‘Then I am a teenager,' the old man replied, raising his fuzzy eyebrows.

Kiko's head spun and she reached out to steady herself.

‘Don't worry. I won't tell the old witch. You must have your reasons. We all have our reasons for being here and it is none of her worry as long as you do your work.'

Kiko exhaled. ‘How did you know?' she asked.

‘You have slender hands. They remind me of my daughter,' he said. ‘And you don't pour tea like any boy I have ever seen.'

Kiko inspected her fingers. It was true – they were long. She had taught herself to play the
koto
and had begged her aunt for lessons, but they were not forthcoming. Hatsuko did not like music.

‘Is your daughter close by?' Kiko asked.

The man closed his eyes and brushed away a tear. His lip trembled. ‘My daughter is gone.'

‘I'm sorry. It is none of my business,' Kiko said, and quickly poured some more tea.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the man in light. He sipped his tea and sat in silence.

Kiko retreated and turned to walk back along the hall. For the second time that day, one of the old people was being carried downstairs, never to return.

 

‘Who is that man, Daddy?' Alice-Miranda asked, tugging at her father's sleeve as the group followed Kenzo and his minders.

‘I'll introduce you in a minute, darling.'

They were directed across the giant foyer and into a smaller room, where a long table laden with colourful food took centre stage.

Once they were inside with the doors shut, Kenzo walked over and shook Hugh's hand. Then, to everyone's surprise, the two men embraced.

‘How long has it been?' Kenzo stepped backwards and looked at Hugh with a huge grin.

‘I can't recall. Probably the end of university, I should think. Excuse my ignorance, but can I assume that you're now the Grand Chamberlain?' Hugh asked.

‘Yes, who would have thought it? I never imagined I'd be working with the Emperor, but here I am.'

‘Well done, old chap. I can't believe I hadn't caught up on that news.' Hugh shook his head, then realised that the rest of the group was looking at them in puzzlement.

‘I'd like you all to meet Kenzo Aoki. We spent years together at boarding school and then studied some of the same subjects at university. Kenzo is now the Grand Chamberlain of the Imperial family.'

Kenzo smiled and bowed.

‘Allow me to introduce everyone. This is my daughter, Alice-Miranda, and her friends Millie and Jacinta and Jacinta's mother, Ambrosia Headlington-Bear,' said Hugh, gesturing to each in turn.

‘It is a pleasure to meet you all,' Kenzo bowed again. He looked at the chrysanthemum hanging around Alice-Miranda's neck. ‘What a pretty pendant. I think the young princess has one just like it.'

‘
Arigatou
, Mr Kenzo,' said Alice-Miranda. ‘Daddy bought it for me yesterday in the market.'

‘And this is my brother-in-law, Lawrence Ridley, and his son, Lucas.'

‘Did you say Lawrence Ridley?' Kenzo asked as he shook hands with the man.

‘Yes, that's right,' Lawrence replied, smiling his dazzling smile.

‘He's famous,' Jacinta piped up.

Kenzo grinned. ‘You are the movie star?'

‘Absolutely,' Jacinta replied, her eyes dreamy.

‘Darling, I do think Lawrence can speak for himself,' Ambrosia chided.

Jacinta wrinkled her nose at her mother.

‘I don't know about the star bit but I do get to spend my days pretending to be someone else, and having way too much fun in the process,' Lawrence explained.

‘I know someone who would be thrilled to meet you,' Kenzo said.

‘Everyone's thrilled to meet him. I was so excited I thought I was going to faint the first time and then I kept saying lots of silly things because, well, look at him,' Jacinta babbled.

The rest of the group stared at her.

‘Seriously, do you know what a stalker you sound like right now?' Millie asked, grinning.

Jacinta blushed. ‘Sorry, I didn't mean to sound weird.'

Lucas rolled his eyes. ‘You're crazy,' he grinned.

‘Girls, why don't we get something to eat?' Ambrosia suggested. She was worried about what her daughter might come out with next.

‘Yes, please go ahead,' said Kenzo. ‘There is much to try.'

‘I'm starving,' Millie groaned.

‘I hope it's normal food,' Jacinta whispered.

‘Of course it will be normal,' Alice-Miranda said. ‘For Japan, that is.'

Jacinta shuddered. ‘That's exactly what I'm afraid of.'

Millie took Alice-Miranda's hand and the girls walked towards the buffet table.

‘Are you in Tokyo for long?' Kenzo asked Hugh.

‘We arrived on Sunday evening and we're staying in the city for the week, and then planning a bit of mountain sightseeing after that. Cecelia and her sister are working, and Ambrosia is too for most of the time, so Lawrie and I get to play with the kids.'

Kenzo tapped his forefinger to his lip. ‘Very interesting.'

‘What are you thinking, old chap?'

Kenzo lowered his voice. ‘I don't know if you're aware that the Emperor has not been at all well in recent years. But one of the things that gives him great joy is watching films. He has especially enjoyed movies starring Mr Ridley.'

‘I'm sure Lawrence would be happy to write him a note or sign something and have it sent over,' Hugh replied.

‘I was thinking more than that. Perhaps you would like to bring the family for a meal at the Imperial Palace?' Kenzo suggested. ‘I'm afraid at such short notice it would be very informal.'

‘Oh, Kenzo, that sounds fabulous but I wouldn't want you to go to any trouble,' Hugh replied. ‘I was reading something recently about the extraordinary bureaucracy one has to negotiate to arrange anything for the royal family, so please don't fuss on our account.'

‘It will be no bother. This could be just the thing we need. And besides, the Emperor's sister is quite besotted with Mr Ridley so it would elevate me in her eyes too.' Kenzo raised his eyebrows.

‘Oh, I see, you old charmer.' Hugh smiled. ‘So, you and the princess?'

‘That torch has been alight for many years now but my hopes fade with each passing year,' Kenzo replied. ‘Your visit might even bring the young princess out too.'

‘It sounds like you've got some battles over there,' Hugh said.

His friend nodded. ‘Some days I think my life would be a lot less complicated if I had taken a job in a bank.'

‘I'm sure it's not as bad as all that,' said Hugh. ‘Besides, you live in a palace, and how many staff do you have?'

‘At last count I believe it was . . . twelve hundred.' Kenzo shook his head, as if shocked by the number himself.

‘Twelve hundred!' Hugh exclaimed. ‘And how many members of the family live in the palace these days?'

‘Now I will be truly embarrassed.' Kenzo cast his eyes downwards. ‘There are exactly three.'

‘Well, if you've got that many people looking after you, then the answer is yes, we'd love to come to dinner,' said Hugh.

‘What about tomorrow evening?' Kenzo asked.

‘Don't you have to consult your diary?' Hugh asked.

‘I'm quite sure that the Emperor has no plans or engagements and his sister barely does either. They have become little more than figureheads in this country,' Kenzo explained. ‘At least the parliament has seen fit to change the laws, so the young princess will one day become the Empress. We had been very worried that the line was about to come to an end.'

‘Oh, I read something about that recently. Of course, it was a terrible tragedy losing her mother like that. And it doesn't sound like the Emperor is likely to remarry?' Hugh replied.

‘No. But at least we can look forward to a brighter future for the Imperial family,' Kenzo said.

The door opened and Dolly Oliver entered, followed by Nobu Taguchi from the Ministry.

‘Mrs Oliver!' Alice-Miranda ran to greet the woman. ‘Your speech was wonderful – but are you feeling all right?'

The old woman nodded. ‘Yes, dear. It was just a little warm up there on the stage. But what are you all doing in here?'

‘Daddy and Mr Kenzo were friends at school and university. He invited us to have afternoon tea.'

Nobu steered Dolly towards Kenzo, leaving Alice-Miranda to return to her friends, who were still surveying the flawlessly arranged cakes.

Nobu bowed to Kenzo and turned back to Dolly. ‘I'd like to introduce the Grand Chamberlain of Japan, Kenzo Aoki.'

Dolly and Kenzo bowed at one another.

‘It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Oliver, and congratulations on your incredible invention,' said Kenzo.

‘Thank you very much,' she replied.

‘Hello there, Dolly.' Hugh leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Well done. But I am a little intrigued about something.'

Dolly intercepted the question. ‘Yes, Mr Hugh, I'm sure you are, and I will tell you all about it later.'

Hugh's eyes widened but he gave a discreet nod. ‘All right then. Shall I get you some tea?'

Alice-Miranda, Millie and Jacinta enjoyed some of the interesting cakes and tarts on the table while the adults drank tea and talked.

‘What's this?' Millie picked up a long stick with several coloured balls nestled along its length.

One of Kenzo's minders was standing beside the table sneaking the odd treat too. He winked at her and said,
‘Dango.'

‘I'll give it a go,' Millie said and winked back. She plucked the first pink ball from the end and nibbled. ‘It's not too bad. Kind of doughy – like it hasn't been cooked.'

She swallowed the ball and moved onto the green one. As she placed it in her mouth, Millie's face turned a similar shade.

She chewed slowly. Everyone was watching her.

Millie swallowed the food with a huge gulp and mumbled, ‘Mmm, delicious.'

The minder grinned. ‘She is not a fan of the green tea flavour.'

‘No, it's not her favourite,' Jacinta whispered back.

Over Jacinta's shoulder, Alice-Miranda noticed that Mrs Oliver was sitting on her own with a cup of tea. She scurried over, eager to ask a question.

‘Oh hello, dear,' the old woman said. ‘How's the food?'

‘Delicious, but not quite the same as your afternoon teas.' Alice-Miranda plonked herself in the chair beside her. ‘I've been wondering . . .'

‘Yes?' Dolly met the child's gaze and raised her eyebrows. ‘You've been wondering when I learned Japanese as well as a native speaker?'

Alice-Miranda nodded. ‘Yes, exactly.'

‘I was planning to tell you and your parents once it was just right,' Dolly began to explain.

‘Have you been learning for a long time?' Alice-Miranda asked.

Dolly shook her head.

‘That's amazing. I've been learning French for a few years now and I'm still hopeless and my Japanese is just a few words really,' the child babbled. ‘Although being here has really helped.'

Dolly set the teacup down on a side table and picked up her handbag from the floor. ‘Alice-Miranda, you must promise not to tell anyone about this. Not even your father. I'd like to tell him myself.'

‘Of course,' she replied. ‘What is it?'

‘I've been working on something new.' Dolly opened her handbag and pulled out a small pill case.

‘What's that?'

‘I've stumbled upon something quite extraordinary,' the old woman said with a grin. ‘And I think it could be even more exciting than JAW once I get the formula right.'

Dolly opened the lid and revealed three small compartments, each containing several pills.

Alice-Miranda looked closely. She studied the pictures on each one, then looked back at Mrs Oliver. ‘Are they what I think they are?'

Dolly nodded. ‘Would you like to speak French or Spanish or Japanese today?' She raised her eyebrows playfully.

Alice-Miranda's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. ‘No, it's not possible.'

Dolly nodded. ‘Yes, it is. I proved it and that's why Nobu talked about my having perfect Japanese.'

‘That explains everything,' Alice-Miranda gasped. ‘Except why you didn't want to answer any questions this afternoon.'

‘I'm afraid I took a pill yesterday morning and it was working like a charm. I was fluent and I could switch back to English when I needed to. It was all going splendidly and then suddenly when I tried to speak English all that came out was Japanese. It was as if my head was completely scrambled. The effects took hours to wear off and I thought I was going to have to hide in my room for the rest of the conference.'

Alice-Miranda grinned as she imagined Dolly speaking fluent Japanese.

‘It wasn't funny at all, I can tell you. I thought I was going to be speaking Japanese for the rest of my days. I don't think Shilly would appreciate that at all.'

‘Are you going to try another pill while you're here?' Alice-Miranda asked.

‘No, dear. They're going to stay safely away until I get home and run some more tests.' She tucked the pill case deep into her bag.

‘How does it work?' Alice-Miranda asked.

‘It's very complicated and I'm not entirely sure. I'd always thought it would be a wonderful thing to invent, but when I started fiddling around, I never imagined that it would work.'

‘It sounds like something a computer could do, not a pill,' Alice-Miranda said.

Dolly nodded. ‘I agree. I was as shocked as you are when I started speaking fluent Japanese down in the laboratory.'

‘It sounds like great fun to me,' Alice-Miranda said. ‘But don't worry, I promise not to tell.'

Over in the corner, Kenzo checked his watch. ‘I'm afraid I must be going,' he told Hugh. ‘Could you write down where you are staying? I will send a limousine for you and your family tomorrow evening at six o'clock. I assume there will be ten of you.'

Hugh thought about it for a moment. ‘Yes, Cee and I, Lawrence and Cha, Ambrosia, Dolly, Lucas and the three girls.' He pulled a business card from his wallet and scribbled the address on the back. ‘I'm looking forward to it. Are there any protocols we need to be aware of?'