Sense of Duty

By WE Kelton

Rose hides from her personal anxieties in her career as a professor of Japanese History. In her chosen field she is a woman of confidence, intelligence, and strength. Outside the classroom, she has worked hard to ensure her insecurities no longer paralyze her and make her mute. She agreed to teach at Adachi Traditional University, in Tokyo, at the behest of her cousin. Since stepping foot in Tokyo, one fear has overshadowed all the others, Kenji Girikoryu – her first love, the man who broke her heart and destroyed her confidence outside the classroom.

By age seven Miki knew it was her duty to her grandfather to follow in his revered footsteps, and become the Adachi Regional Archivist. Everyday since, was filled with that singular purpose. Attending the most exclusive private university in Tokyo is a professional necessity, not a personal choice. Despite their lack of wealth, her grandfather uses his connections to see her enrolled. She never dreamed that she’d be blackmailed, model, or drive a street race on behalf of a yakuza heir – all before midterms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pandora's Press
• Release date: Feb 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781937916138

WE Kelton

You would think a person with an advanced degree in a science discipline would have more sense than to be a fiction writer. Alas, I apparently skipped that session of course work and ran full bore at the Science Fiction and Fantasy wall. If you heard a teeth rattling sound a while back, pay it no mind - it was just me trying to knock sense back into my own head. Apparently all it did was knock a couple more story lines loose. Go figure.

Book preview

Sense of Duty

by

WE Kelton

Copyright 2016

Pandora’s Press

Digital Edition

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Chapter 1: Future Friends

Kaito watched the blond woman wade around in the lotus pool, as he waited for his cousin to finish with the registrar. It wasn’t unheard of for foreigners to attend Adachi Traditional University, it just hadn’t happened since they started elementary school. Even more interesting, the woman was blatantly foreign; there wasn’t a single oriental feature that could be attributed to her. Needless to say he wasn’t the only one watching the unusual sight.

Rose? called out a woman’s voice. Kaito turned and watched as the approaching young brown haired woman scowled.

Miki stared at her American cousin What are you doing? When the woman in the water didn’t acknowledge her, she sat on the stone edge of the pond and waited. While she was waiting, she removed the schedule the registrar printed for her, from her bag and read it over. The only class in her chosen major was Introduction to Library Science, Professor A. Tanaka. She sighed as she looked over the other classes, and resigned herself to learning more about subjects she had no vested interest in.

Sayaka was walking through one of the more isolated gardens on the university campus, when she spotted a familiar head of dark blond hair, and a familiar face. She called out, Kaito! as she waved her hand enthusiastically. Her long time friend Kaito Yuukoryu was a martial artist. His family taught judo and traditional Japanese archery.

Kaito glanced away from the odd sight of a foreigner standing in the pond. He couldn’t help but smile and wave back at Saya. He walked over to her as he asked, It’s official then? The very short, brown haired and eyed woman had been his and Ryuu’s friend since middle school.

Sayaka smiled proudly as she tied back her hair. She’d let it grow over the past couple of years. It is, she admitted. I thought you and Ryuu were going to transfer to Tokyo University.

We were, Kaito replied as he sat on the edge of the stone bench next to her. We changed our minds, due to a visiting professor, he clarified.

Sayaka stared at him with an arched brow.

Kaito blushed before he confessed, It didn’t help that Ryuu was embarrassed to go to Tokyo University, we both were.

Too much fawning over your combined skills? Sayaka asked, quickly understanding what would make her friends uncomfortable.

Kaito stared at the familiar girl for a moment then smiled as he replied, Something like that.

Something? she asked as she watched his face carefully.

He nodded, not really wanting to go into details about his and Ryuunoske’s negotiations with their families. By the end of this term they’d become engaged to women their parents picked out. They would be wed after he and Ryuu graduated, at the end of next term.

Would that something happen to be related to you and Ryuu getting engaged?

Kaito nodded his head.

So it’s finally time, she said. What are you studying this term? Sayaka asked.

History, Kaito replied.

Sayaka crossed her arms as she said, Isn’t that taking things a little too far?

Kaito blushed as he was forced to face her knowing gaze. He replied, It doesn’t matter what I study, you know that.

I like to think that you are using this, she poked him in the forehead, For more than just making your cousin happy.

Kaito pouted.

Please, she replied with a wave of her hand. I am immune to that little boy pout of yours.

Kaito laughed before he threw his arms around Sayaka and hugged her, surprising both of them.

Ryuunoske is going to be horribly jealous! he exclaimed.

Why would I be jealous? Ryuunoske asked.

Sayaka blushed brightly as she stared up at the handsome kendoku. He was on average much taller than everyone around him. He had dark black hair, hooded silver eyes and his skin was darker than his cousin’s. She’d been in love with him since middle school, and the years had done nothing to fade her attachment. As of today I am officially enrolled in the law school, she replied.

Ryuunoske glanced at his smiling cousin, then back at Sayaka and his lips tilted into a partial smile. Congratulations Saya, you worked hard you deserve the opportunity.

Sayaka blushed a little harder before she replied, Thank you Ryuu. You are both finishing this year?

Ryuunoske nodded.

Then we’ll get to share another year of being students together, she replied as she glanced between the cousins. I’m glad, she said softly. You always challenge me to do my best.

Their attention was capture by the pair at the pond. The blond yelped as her foot slipped. She caught herself on the edge of the stone bench that circled the lotus pond. Miki? she asked as she realized someone was near her.

What were you doing? Miki asked.

The lotus blossoms are ill, the blond replied as she twisted her long hair up into a bun. There’s an s.occilistus infestation in the water. I was afraid that they’d be dead by the time the term started up.

Miki restrained from sighing by shaking her head.

Are you finished with your registration? Rose asked as she stared at her cousin. They were only five years apart in age, but Rose had been smart for so long that she was enrolled in university classes by the time she was nine. She could read and write in Japanese by the time she was eleven and at age thirteen discovered Japanese history.

She had a head for names and dates, so complicated genealogical histories came easily to her. She published her first literature review when she was sixteen, started teaching introductory college courses at age seventeen, and earned her PhD in Japanese History by the time she was twenty. Whereas Miki was just enrolling in her first classes at university, it made Rose feel old.

I am, Miki confirmed. Let’s go, grandfather has made plans for us this evening. She unknowingly dropped her schedule on the stone near the base of the pond, as she hefted her bag over her shoulder. She would have glared at the people staring but she caught sight of a pair of twins walking toward them. She licked her lips absently as she figured out that one was male and the other was female.

Rose nodded as she extracted herself from the pond, without slipping. She shook her feet and slid into her shoes, before she lifted her bag and nestled the cross body strap between her breasts. Her breasts weren’t huge, but she was larger than the majority of Japanese women she’d encountered. Ready, she said to her cousin with a hesitant smile.

Do you think she’s a botany student? Hayake asked from beside her twin as they watched the blonde and brunette leave the lotus garden pond.

Hibiki glanced to the side. His eyes grazed over the anglo woman, but fixated on the shorter brunette. Haya, look, he nodded. Her proportions are perfect for mother’s designs, he stated as they stopped and watched the pair. He lifted his phone and took a quick picture of her profile and then of one of her from the back. He moved quickly and retrieved the paper she’d left unknowingly on the stone. Miki Shoko, he read, before he folded the paper and hid it away.

He sent their mother a text of the girl’s profile and the rear shot, before he nodded to his twin. Registration is that way, Kanon is waiting for us, he said as he nodded toward the building up and to their right. While they were entering the administration building, Hibiki received a text back from his mother. He read: Find her, she needs to model for our fall show! He hid his phone back in his pocket as they spotted their older sister, he’d had a feeling that she’d want the girl to be one of her models.

*

Grandfather! Miki called out as she and Rose entered the apartment.

Miki, the grey haired and kimono bedecked man greeted. You were successful?

Miki groaned. The only course available to first term freshman is the Introduction to Library Sciences, Professor A. Tanaka, she replied. The rest of my scheduled is filled with general education classes, she complained.

So long as you begin, the older man replied. Rose? he asked.

My schedule looks simple enough, she admitted. Unlike Miki, Mr. Shinji Watanabe knew she was teaching at the university. He had made the arrangements on behalf of the university board of directors. They wanted her badly enough that they found her an apartment, waved Miki’s tuition for the term, and were paying her a handsome salary. Miki said we have plans tonight?

We do, he replied. I have arranged for us to have dinner with an old friend, who shares your love of Feudal History.

Miki sighed. Grandfather, classes start next week certainly Cousin Rose could be given that long before she is forced to focus on her studies.

I do not mind, Rose stated softly. I would be pleased to meet your friend.

He nodded.

It is a western restaurant, he stated. You and Miki will need time to go shopping for dresses appropriate to wear to a Shibuya restaurant.

Miki stared at her grandfather in surprise. Grandfather? We don’t have the money to spare for a dress like that.

I do, Rose replied. I would be glad to buy you a designer dress and associated necessities. As thanks, she added as she watched her younger cousin. You and Cousin Shinji did not have to offer me a place to stay until my apartment was ready to be moved into, she reminded the girl. Since you will not allow me to pay rent, it is the least I can do.

I accept, Shinji replied for his granddaughter, chuckling when she glared at him impertinently.

Where should we go? Rose asked her cousin.

Two hours later they were in Shibuya, walking through the crowded streets glancing in windows. Miki was determined not to find anything, but Rose was not allowing her to refuse to try on any of the dresses. She was pulled into a seventh boutique and released by her cousin.

May I help you? an older woman, with dark brown eyes asked as she approached Miki.

No thank you, Miki replied politely.

She needs a dress for dinner at some expensive restaurant in the area! Rose called out as she looked through the gown near where she was.

I, Miki started to say.

I have just the thing, the woman replied as she caught Miki’s arm and pulled her to the back of the boutique. It’s from the fall line, she admitted as she looked the young woman over. It will be perfect for you, she stated as she lifted the dark scarlet dress out of the garment bag. She herded the girl to a dressing room and hung the dress. Try it on, she demanded.

Rose glanced over at the intense sales associate, before she returned her attention to the dresses nearest her.

This one, the older woman stated, as she removed a dusky black gown with a slight train. She pulled the blonde woman toward the dressing rooms, and hung the black gown in the room next to the girls. While both women changed, she hunted through her boutique and decided upon accessories.

Miki pulled the curtain back and headed for the mirrored platform she’d seen.

Kaede watched the girl with a critical eye and smiled, It is perfect on you my dear, she cooed as she approached. Shoes, she lifted the ones in her hand and allowed the girl to find the size that fit her. This dress was designed for you, she stated as she stepped away from the brown haired young woman. It is perfect.

Rose left the confines of her dressing room and walked toward the mirror. She stepped up onto the platform.

Michi! Kaede bellowed.

Yes ma’am? the assistant replied as she suddenly appeared.

Make a note, the ruching around the bust is not fluid enough to accommodate a western bust, she stated as she looked Rose over. She stepped up onto the platform and made several adjustments to the dress, that included removing the permanent tie under the bust that caused an empire waist. She thread a black satin ribbon through the exterior seam. After the tie, she adjusted the gathered material that made the dress modest and emphasized the blonde’s bust. Now, she stated with a determined nod of her head.

Rose looked at herself in the mirror and blushed.

Kaede smiled at the woman’s response. Excellent. Thank you for your assistance with that design. Now I know why it has not been selling as it should. She glanced at her assistant as she said, You may discount the dresses, as though they were from three seasons ago, so long as they purchase the accessories I have chosen for them.

Yes ma’am, Michi replied with a bow as Kaede Airyugi left the Airyugi House boutique. A half hour later, Miki and Rose left carrying bags containing their dresses as well as a full compliment of accessories.

I can’t believe that was the discounted price, Miki sighed as she stared at her bags.

True, but they are perfect, Rose said softly as they carried their bags and walked toward the nearest station, to start their journey home.

Kaede texted her son the photo she’d taken of the young woman in the red dress, just to confirm that it was the same woman that he had spotted on campus. The feature design of her fall show fell perfectly over the young woman’s body. She pulled a pencil and her sketch pad out of her bag as she rode in the back of her town car. She had only been at the boutique by chance this afternoon, because she needed to address the matter of the ruched gown. Now that she knew why the design was failing to sell, it was an easy fix.

While she was sketching her son’s text came through: Same girl. She replied: Now we must have her for the fall show, do everything necessary to ensure that happens.

*

Miki glanced at the clock and blanched, Rose! Grandfather! she called out. It’s 6:25!

Coming! Rose called out as she turned off her bedroom light and headed for the living room. She stopped and stared at Miki. You look beautiful, she told her younger cousin with a smile. Noting her lack of jewelry she called out, Stay right there! and dashed back into her room. She unwrapped her second most valuable possession and returned to Miki. This will do, she said as she held up an antique garnet necklace.

Miki stared at the lacey metal and stonework. What? she asked.

It’s a replica of a necklace given to Queen Victoria, by the Japanese Ambassador, Rose replied as she fastened the necklace. It cost me five months salary, but has given me much more joy than the money ever could have. She directed Miki to the mirror as she handed her the garnet tear drop earrings she’d had made to go with it. Now that is perfect, Rose sighed as she stared at her cousin with pleasure twinkling in her green eyes.

You should be wearing this! Miki replied as she stared at the necklace.

Rose laughed as she spun her cousin around and said, Not with this dress, as she held out her arms. It’s completely the wrong style for that piece. I’m not giving it to you, she teased Miki. You are just borrowing it for this evening.

Miki smiled back. Her smile turned curious as she stared at the ivory and pearl pendant that Rose was wearing. What’s that? she asked as she pointed at the pendant.

My great grandmother’s wedding necklace, Rose replied with a smile as she turned to gaze at the curious piece in the mirror. It was a black pearl necklace with an ivory pendant carved in the shape of a rose. Her fingers caressed the pendant and familiar pearls. It had taken her mother twenty years to find black pearls of the same quality to have mounted as earrings. This was her most prized possession and she finally had a dress that did the jewelry justice.

She was wearing a dusty black gown, with a slight train and a slit up to mid thigh on her left. The dress enhanced her long legs and full bust, making her look ultra feminine. Her hair was up in a messy bun, with haphazard curls dangling against her bare shoulders and over her chest.

The door chime rung.

Coming! Miki called out as she made her away across the main room. She opened the door to find herself facing a chauffer. What? she asked.

My friend sent a car, Shinji stated as he looked his granddaughter and cousin over. You both look beautiful, he stated before he left the apartment.

Miki ushered Rose out and locked the apartment behind them with a sigh. She shook her head as they were settled into an expensive looking car. Miki glanced at Rose every once in a while as they were driven through Tokyo traffic. When they reached Satsumi Tower she sighed and stared at the imposing building. The chauffer opened the door for them and said, Have a pleasant evening. Miki refrained from glaring at the driver and walked beside her grandfather.

Chapter 2: Old and New

Rose and her cousins rode up to the roof top in the restaurant’s private elevator and emerged from gleaming metal, into gleaming class and crystal. The glass roof of the restaurant reflected the light given by the dozen crystal chandeliers and caused the thirty table restaurant to shimmer and glow. They were intercepted by a tuxedo wearing host.

Your party name? he asked politely.

Shinji stepped forward as he said, Norikoryu.

Rose looked to her cousin with a surprised expression.

There you are you old rascal, Mrs. Norikoryu stated as she approached with a tall grey haired and silver eyed woman as her escort.

Rose stared at the familiar woman. Emiko? she asked, as she felt bursts of fear pulse through her. I don’t understand, she said in English as her hands started to shake.

Emiko Girikoryu watched the young professor and approached her slowly. Rose had social anxieties that could choke a pig, but she worked diligently to control them. Rosie, she said soothingly as she pulled the younger woman into a hug. I am sorry to surprise you my dear, she admitted. Mother would not be dissuaded.

Emiko ignored the curious glances she was receiving from the others as she waited for Rose’s body to release at least a small portion of her tension. I would like to introduce you, ready?

Rose nodded.

Mother, Emiko said as she released Rose. I present Dr. Rose Langston, PhD.

Rose faced the woman as she said, It is a great honor to meet you.

Yuri smiled as she replied, You as well Professor Langston. Shinji, introduce us.

Shinji bowed, Yuri, thank you for the invitation. Mrs. Norikoryu, my granddaughter Miki Shoko.

Yuri glanced at Miki and smiled as she said, Miss Shoko, at last we are able to meet.

Miki bowed to the older women.

Madam, the returned host greeted. We are blessed with your return.

For today at least, Yuri replied. She followed the host and smiled as she said, Emiko, I would have Professor Langston sit beside me. I have waited this long to speak with her, and plan to do so at length.

Yes mother, Emiko replied with a wink to Rose.

Professor? Miki asked as she looked between the older women who were seated on either side of her cousin. What do you mean? Miki demanded. Aren’t you studying feudal history?

Rose glanced to the side as she nibbled on her lip and said, Not exactly. I agreed to teach feudal history as well as three other classes in exchange for being allowed to study botany with Professor Ichiban. Rose blushed intensely. She continued to nibble on her lip as she looked to her cousin and asked, Are you upset with me?

Miki shook her head as she said, No I’m not upset. Why couldn’t you just tell me?

I didn’t want you to treat me different, Rose replied. People always treat me different, she said quietly.

Oh I’m going to treat you different, Miki replied.

Rose looked down at the glittering table setting.

Miki stated factually. I am going to use your status as a visiting professor mercilessly, for access to the restricted areas of the library, the faculty offices and the gardens. If this place is anything like my high school, those are going to be the only quiet places to study.

Rose looked up at her cousin and stared at her in surprise.

As a matter of fact, I’m going to insist that you cook or provide dinner at least four nights a week and take me someplace interesting during our breaks, she added with a grin.

Rose whispered, Thank you! with all her heart.

Miki was handed a menu and allowed that to distract her from the surprise of Rose being a professor. After a few minutes she set the menu on her plate and asked, What should I order?

Everything here is wonderful, especially the deserts. They have the most incredible pastries in Japan, especially the Napoleons, Emiko replied with a bold wink to the young woman.

Napoleons? Rose asked as her menu closed. Do they make them properly, with custard and cream as well as raspberry and chocolate? I’ve noticed an odd trend to make them with either, it is most distressing, she asked.

You have to request the authentic ones in advance, Mrs. Norikoryu stated absently.

Oh, Rose replied as she studied the menu. She closed it and set it on her plate as she looked to Mrs. Yuri Norikoryu and said, What are your recommendations ma’am?

Yuri asked, You are familiar with this kind of food?

Of course, Rose replied. My cousin Mia is a restaurant reviewer for a magazine syndicate. When the others looked at her blankly she said, She hates to eat alone.

If you will humor an old woman, Yuri said as she nodded to the waiter. Now that our meal is settled, tell me Professor how did you come to the conclusion that Ryuku Kendo is the one most practiced in Japan today?

Rose and Mrs. Norikoryu discussed Rose’s research until diner came, and thru dinner as well. They hardly noticed the others until a Napoleon was set before Rose. The sight of the pastry stopped Rose mid sentence. She blinked in surprise and turned away from Mrs. Norikoryu to glance at the others.

H-how? she asked quietly.

Emiko smiled at Rose. Your love of the desert is well known at our house, she teased. Once mother told me this was where we were dining, I called ahead. My way of apologizing, she smiled at the blonde.

Rose returned Emiko’s smile with a slighter one of her own, acknowledging Emiko’s efforts to put her at ease.

Apologizing? Mrs. Norikoryu asked. What did you do that requires an apology?

Rosie doesn’t like surprises, Emiko replied.

Yuri Norikoryu stared at her daughter for an extended moment. Is that all?

It’s enough mother, Emiko replied. Enjoy your desert Rose.

Thank you, Rose replied quietly.

As Rose enjoyed her Napoleon, Mrs. Norikoryu turned her attention to Miss Shoko. Your grandfather says you are determined to follow in his footsteps to become the prefecture archivist. Why Adachi Traditional University and not Tokyo University?

Miki set her fork down and looked up from her strawberry and chocolate trifle. Tokyo University has the most prestigious library science program in the country, she confirmed. Adachi Traditional University is best suited to my needs, not only because of the archive advanced degree. Adachi Prefect contains twenty-one lineage families that span over five hundred years of national history. It is the perfect microcosm of history and modern life. Adachi Traditional is representative of that microcosm.

Mrs. Norikoryu set her tea cup down as she listened. She nodded her head to the girl before she said, Shinji, I believe you have understated your granddaughter’s drive to become prefect archivist. She sounds even more condescending than you during one of our monthly meetings.

Miki blushed as she stared at her trifle.

Emiko chuckled. Mother, do not tease the girl so.

Mrs. Norikoryu ignored her daughter. Professor Langston. I would like to continue our discussion another time. Would you be adverse to visiting me at the family estate?

Rose blinked in surprise.

You and Miss Shoko will stay as my guests for your winter break, I insist, she stated with an imperious tone.

Mrs. Norikoryu I, she started to say.

I will not accept an answer other than yes, Yuri replied as she pushed away from the table. Come Emiko it is time to return home.

Yes mother, Emiko said as she stood.

Thank you for diner Mrs. Norikoryu, Miki said with a deep bow.

My pleasure Miss Shoko, when you come to the estate this winter you will address me as Grandmother Norikoryu, she stated as she inclined her head to the girl. Despite her youth, Miki Shoko was going to be a force to be reckoned with as soon as she was properly trained. She would gladly support her when it came time for a new regional archivist. She faced Shinji as she said, Rascal, I expect to see you at the meeting.

Shinji inclined his head, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief.

Yuri waited until Emiko was settled in the back of the car with her before she asked, Is everything ready for Professor Rose?

Yes Mother, Emiko replied as she relaxed into the back seat. Alice was able to find exactly the apartment that Rosie needs to be comfortable in Tokyo. It is situated near enough the university, so that she will be able to walk to the campus. The building is small enough and exclusive enough that the other families will have trouble finding it.

How did you arrange that? Yuri asked.

Alice arranged the purchase of it, under Ally’s name and there is a mail drop address registered with the university, Emiko replied. After meeting her yourself what are your thoughts?

She will do well for Ryuunoske, Yuri replied. He graduates this year, and unless I am mistaken Professor Rose does not seem the type to fall head over heels. I would venture to guess that we will need to tread quietly. I will dissuade Higashi from making contracts on his son’s behalf, until after he and Kaito have graduated.

Emiko nodded, and kept her thoughts to herself.

I am pleased that you have returned Emiko, Yuri stated as she looked toward her daughter. I had not realized that there were so many men at the estate until you Alice and Alexandra arrived. Are you certain about allowing Alexandra to live off the estate?

I am, Emiko confirmed. Miss Shoko is a sensible young woman, they’ll do well together and Ally will learn to appreciate her heritage and the advantages she has.

When will you present Alice and Alexandra to Kenji? Yuri asked.

"The formal return of the Girikoryu second branch will occur the