The Epitaph
Genji: ...Nanjo-sama, how are you feeling?
Nanjo: ...Ah, Genji-san. Oh, it's just that there is no place for me to be anymore.
With a bitter laugh, Nanjo turned to face the door to the parlor.
...It seemed that because of that motion, Genji understood what Nanjo wanted to say.
For the most part, Genji also understood the family's situation.
...It must have made him want to frown, knowing that right now in the lounge, the master he served was being discussed so disrespectfully.
But it would have been very difficult to gather that from his indifferent expression.
Nanjo: ...But... I don't understand. ...Why did Kinzo-sana have something so provocative written, I wonder.
Nanjo looked at the portrait of Beatrice. ...No, he actually directed his gaze beneath the portrait, at the plate with the epitaph.
Genji: ...I don't presume to understand the Master's thoughts. However, I have realized that those thoughts are very deep.
Nanjo: Since long ago, when Kinzo-san played chess, he would always prepare his moves according to some far-reaching judgement. Yes, sometimes even to make moves I couldn't understand. ...For an average person like me, it was impossible to see through to whatever it was he was planning...
Genji: Sometimes I wonder whether this is not some kind of will from the Master. ...Would he entrust his assets and inheritance to whoever could solve this riddle?
Nanjo: ...Then maybe he hoped to force the four siblings to work together and solve the riddle before some outsider like myself solved it. It might be something like that. Kinzo-san might rudely abuse his children, but he may also hope that the siblings repair their relationship.
Genji: ......
If, as Nanjo said, this epitaph had been written to repair the relationship between the siblings, that would be extremely pleasant.
...However, both Nanjo and Genji realized that at least that much was definitely impossible.
As those who held the longest relationship with Kinzo, even though they were more trusted than his blood relatives, they could not guess at Kinzo's true motive...
Genji: ...The Master is always saying that it doesn't matter whether they're a member of the family as long as they habe the qualification of solving the riddle. ...What about you, Doctor Nanjo?
Nanjo: No, no... It's a little too hard to understand for this senile old man. ...Actually, I wrote the epitaph down on my notebook at one point in time. Night after night, I would try to solve it before going to sleep... but, hahaha, it really is hard. It looks like there might be some free time to relax and consider it before someone comes to get us. What do you say, Genji-san?
Genji: ...I am nothing more than furniture that serves the Master. Gold and assets are useless to me.
Nanjo: My, my, you are a humble person. ...That's probably why Kinzo-san trusts you so much.
Genji: If so, I am honored...
As Nanjo lightly laughed in response, he once again looked at the epitaph.
Nanjo: ...My beloved hometown, the sweetfish river running through it. You who seek the Golden Land, follow its path downstream and seek the key...
That which is written on the epitaph of the portrait of my most beloved witch Beatrice is as follows:
My beloved hometown, the sweetfish river running through it. You who seek the Golden Land, follow its path downstream and seek the key.
If you follow the river downstream, you will find a village. In the village, look for the shore the two will tell you of. There sleeps the key to the Golden Land.
He who lays hand upon the key shall travel under the rules below.
At the first twilight, you shall lift up as sacrifice the six chosed by the key.
At the secong twilight, those who remain shall tear apart the two who are close.
At the third twilight, those who remain shall praise my honorable name on high.
At the fourth twilight, gouge the heand and kill.
At the fifth twilight, gouge the chest and kill.
At the sixth twilight, gouge the stomach and kill.
At the seventh twilight, gouge the knee and kill.
At the eighth twilight, gouge the leg and kill.
At the ninth twilight, the witch shall be revived and none shall be left alive.
At the tenth twilight, the journey shall end and you should reach the village of gold.
The witch will praise the wise, and should bestow four treasures.
One shall be, all the gold from the Golden Land.
One shall be, the resurrection of the souls of all the dead.
One shall be, even the resurrection of the lost love.
One shall be, to put the witch to sleep for all time.
Sleep peacefully, my most beloved witch, Beatrice.
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