Yatagarasu Series
Volume 1:
Ravens Shouldn't
Wear Kimono
Author: Chisato Abe
Part 1: Spring
Section 1
The plum blossoms were already in bloom, their delicate scent carried on a gentle breeze. The head of the Azumaya family was walking indoors and paused to look out a window. The plum trees grew beyond the garden’s pine trees. He saw white blossoms peeking out from behind the thick green pine needles.
As he admired the scenery—the plum blossoms were blooming before his very eyes—his concentration was broken by the sound of a koto.1 The musical performance matched the stunning sight of the garden, evoking the essence of spring.
he head of the Azumaya family resumed walking, following the music to the end of a hallway. The koto player was his daughter. She sat behind a curtain that he cast aside the moment her song ended. “What wonderful music,” he said.
She blushed and turned to face him quickly, surprised by his sudden appearance here. “Um… thank you, father.”
He grinned down at her, and then came closer. “Where is everyone?” he asked. “Surely some of your friends should be around. Did you send them somewhere?”
“Everyone went out to pick mugwort.2 They should be back soon, I think.”
“I see.” He wasn’t about to leave his daughter alone without attendants or friends, so he pulled out a stool from the corner of the room and sat across from her. “What song were you playing? Is it something you composed?” he asked.
“You were listening to that? How embarrassing.” She laughed: a light and easy sound. He knew that her simple dismissal of such a lovely song would cause many of the Imperial Palace’s dedicated musicians to go pale and stumble over their own words.
Her name was Futaba, a duchess of the Azumaya family. She had the light-colored hair and eyes that were typical of the family, along with an undeniable gift for music. Her smile was a study in artless art: she had been trained since childhood to be a duchess and acted that way at all times.
“It’s a good thing you don’t take after me,” the head of the Azumaya family said jovially to Futaba. “You’re talented and beautiful, just like your mother.”
Futaba covered her widening smile with her sleeve. “You shouldn’t disparage yourself quite so much, father. I have heard that I resemble you from many people.”
“I wonder where those people got that idea, then. Do they have eyes?”
Futaba laughed. “Those same people tell me that I’m too graceful for them to look at directly. As if watching graceful movements were like staring directly into the sun.” She shook her head derisively.
Futaba’s father chuckled, laughing with her, but he stopped when he heard a noise coming from downstairs. He guessed that Ugoki and his daughter’s friends and maids had returned home from mugwort-picking.
Ugoki and the other women seemed surprised to find the head of the Azumaya family in residence. He served as a high-ranking official in the imperial government. It was rare for him to return home from the Imperial Palace for any reason. There were no festivals or events going on at the moment, so the women had no easy excuse to reference for why he was here.
The lady-in-waiting Ugoki was under special pressure since she was a personal attendant who had served the Azumaya family for many years. She had turned forty this year, but was still very beautiful. She served Futaba’s younger sister, the second duchess.
The head of the Azumaya family worried a bit about Ugoki, who had been absent from a New Year’s party some time before. Having him appear suddenly, with no warning or word given, could be a shock if she was still feeling unwell. He found her preparing herself in the garden, plum blossoms falling all around her and sweet koto music echoing through the air. He tried to speak lightly and casually to find out more about Ugoki’s current state of mind.
“Oh, yes, that party,” Ugoki said, shaking her head. “I was so looking forward to the New Year’s party, too, so it was a great shame. I wasn’t seriously unwell that day, so please do not trouble yourself. I had a bit of a stomachache, but it passed quickly. I’m quite well now.”
“Very well,” the head of the Azumaya family said. “You take care of yourself, Ugoki, please. You know we have many reasons to be especially concerned for your health.”
Ugoki gave him a curt nod. She wasn’t someone who wasted words on trivialities or things she couldn’t change. He knew she was pleased that his daughters got along well with him, but she was also thinking about her future duties.
When the head of the Azumaya family summoned Ugoki to the second duchess’ chambers, she arrived almost immediately.
“I am here, mistress,” Ugoki said as she entered the second duchess’s receiving room. “How may I serve?”
“You are in charge of his household’s affairs, are you not?” the head of the Azumaya family asked. “Have you heard any news about Futaba?”
“You mean Duchess Futaba?” Ugoki asked. As the eldest daughter, Futaba was entitled to great respect and a suite of rooms in the oldest and grandest building of the estate. “I have heard that she was suffering from minor health complications recently.”
The head of the Azumaya family sat down in a grand chair in the corner of the room. He frowned severely at Ugoki’s words. “That’s right,” he said. “It seems that she caught smallpox at the New Year’s party this year.”
The second duchess and Ugoki exchanged glances.
“What? Is that true?” the second duchess asked.
“I have heard that Duchess Futaba was supposed to go to the imperial court soon,” Ugoki said.
Futaba was supposed to go to court to serve as an attendant to the imperial family. In truth, this position had no real duties attached to it. Futaba was a duchess of the Azumaya family, after all; no one expected her to work. She was expected to show up and present herself before the Crown Prince and Emperor-to-be, who might choose her as a wife. This system of courtship was very old, and was called the Rite of Ascension. Futaba would be staying in Sakura Palace along with three other duchesses who’d been selected as candidates to become the next Empress.
If Futaba caught the Crown Prince’s eye, she’d be able to enter the imperial court proper, and from there, her rise to power would be swift.
There was a chance that she wouldn’t be chosen, of course, but no one voiced that idea aloud.
The head of the Azumaya family shrugged. The Azumaya family was already powerful. It would be nice to have more political standing, but to him, gaining more power wasn’t an absolute imperative.
“Fortunately, Futaba’s life is in no danger,” the head of the Azumaya family said. “But there is still damage to her skin that has not healed. If she goes to the palace, that damage will certainly be discovered. She would be deemed unsuitable to be the Crown Prince’s bride.”
“That is true,” Ugoki said.
“And so, second duchess, you will go in Futaba’s place.”
The second duchess blinked. She was briefly stunned by the casual tone of this remark. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“What I said. You will go to Sakura Palace instead of Futaba.”
“I would go to the palace?” the second duchess asked.
“Of course. Who else? We shall have to pack many beautiful dresses for you.”
“Indeed we will,” Ugoki said. She wrung her hands briefly. She appeared just as stunned as the second duchess was at this development.
The second duchess was over the moon, but she still noticed Ugoki’s agitation. “Is something wrong?” the second duchess asked the maid.
“Now is not the time to be thinking about dresses, second duchess,” Ugoki said.
“Why not?”
“We are going to Sakura Palace! To the Imperial Palace!”
“…Yes?” The second duchess’ brow furrowed. Dresses were one consideration, but she was thinking about how many years it had been since she’d traveled. She’d been cooped up here for far too long.
“Don’t you realize the significance of that? You could be chosen to be the next Empress!” Ugoki said.
The Rite of Ascension had its roots in the nation of Yamauchi’s founding. Four families, each named for a different compass direction that matched their territorial holdings, were said to be descendants of the Golden Raven’s four children. The Golden Raven had shaped this land so that it would be peaceful and prosperous. The imperial family were said to be direct descendants of the Golden Raven himself. The Azumaya family governed the eastern part of Yamauchi. This was reflected in the family’s name. 3
Knowledge of Yamauchi’s history and the greater significance of the Rite of Ascension were necessary for any duchess selected to go to Sakura Palace. The second duchess had not received a thorough education in history or other subjects. She was gifted in music and had focused her talents there.
Ugoki gazed at the second duchess with vaguely pitying eyes. This was a wonderful opportunity for her, but her life was about to become very difficult. The arts, etiquette and knowledge that Futaba had spent her whole life acquiring would have to be transferred to the second duchess as quickly as possible.
The second duchess bit her lower lip. “I’m not as skilled or as educated as Futaba. I doubt I will be selected to be Empress. But I can still serve the imperial family in smaller ways,” she said.
The head of the Azumaya family nodded and smiled fondly at her. “That is a good attitude to have. Be pleasant, smile, and serve as best you can. Don’t worry too much about pleasing the Crown Prince. The other families will try to overshadow you anyway. It would be best not to make waves. You’ll be able to come home before too long.”
“Lord, how could you say such a thing?” Ugoki asked.
“I don’t believe I’ve said anything offensive or untrue.”
“But don’t you want the second duchess to succeed? What if she does become the Empress? You need to encourage her to do her very best!”
The second duchess smiled as she watched her father squirm at Ugoki’s scolding. “Don’t be too harsh with father, Ugoki,” the second duchess said. “He doesn’t want to put pressure on me because he wants me to be happy.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Ugoki said with a slight frown.
“Everything will be fine, father,” the second duchess said. “I’m sure I’ll be home soon. But I’ve never been to court before. I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like, if only for a little while.”
“As you should,” her father said. “This will be an excellent learning experience. You’ll also get to meet more duchesses and noblewomen who are close to your age. I believe that Princess Fujinami is almost exactly your age. I hope that you’ll become friends.”
“I hope so, too.”
Ugoki frowned slightly. Unlike the second duchess, she had been to court before. She knew a lot of court gossip and secrets—information that could help or hinder the second duchess in making friends. But it would be inappropriate to discuss gossip at the moment, so she held her tongue.
Ugoki put herself at the second duchess’ shoulder and sighed inwardly. The second duchess was grinning from ear to ear.
From that moment on, the second duchess’ days were full of lessons, dress fittings, and tests of etiquette. Fortunately she and Futaba were nearly the same size, so almost all of the dresses and belongings set aside for Futaba’s departure could be repurposed for her. If only it were so easy for her to acquire the knowledge her sister had been learning since birth. Her maids and attendants also required specialized training so that they wouldn’t embarrass themselves at court.
The second duchess prepared as much as she possibly could. When the day for her departure came, she was incredibly nervous, but also determined. Ugoki dressed her for the day, muttering both criticisms and praise under her breath. “At least you have always been well-mannered,” she said as she tied the second duchess’ sash. “I taught you court manners since infancy. I didn’t know if you would ever be summoned to court, but I wanted you to be ready if you ever were.”
Ugoki smiled to herself. If she hadn’t taken the initiative to teach the second duchess court manners, the second duchess’ preparations would have been even more difficult. No one could learn such specialized etiquette in a week or two.
After the second duchess was dressed, her hair was styled and secured in place by a delicate tiara and a golden hairpin. Ugoki draped a delicate pink shawl over the second duchess’ shoulders to complete the look.
Ugoki inspected the second duchess, making small adjustments to her clothing and accessories until she could find no fault. She sighed in admiration. “You look truly lovely,” she said. “The Crown Prince will certainly choose you as his bride.”
Ugoki praised her endlessly, making the second duchess blush with embarrassment. She quickly changed the subject.
“How long will it take to get to the capital?”
“It will only take half a day,” Ugoki replied. “The journey might be a bit strenuous since you are not used to travel, but the palace is not far from here.”
“I’ll sure I’ll be fine,” the second duchess said with a slight smile.
The second duchess followed Ugoki through a maze of hallways. She stopped and gasped when she saw a carriage being brought out of the stables. The carriage was exquisitely made and featured the crest of the Azumaya family prominently on its doors.
The creature harnessed to the axle was something the second duchess had never seen before. At first glance, it looked like a bird, albeit a very large one. Its feathers and beak gleamed black. Its large round eyes darted about curiously. She expected it to have two legs, but it had three.
“Ugoki, what is that?” She shrank back a little. The bird didn’t seem hostile, but its beak looked very sharp.
“That is a horse,” Ugoki said.4
“A horse? That’s what a horse is?”
“Oh, duchess, is this your first time seeing a horse?” Ugoki asked.
A middle-aged man held the great bird’s bridle. The man smiled warmly at the duchess.
“This is my first time riding in a carriage,” the second duchess said. “Will we really fly? I’ve seen them in picture scrolls before, but the carriages were always pulled by four-legged beasts, not birds like this,” she said. She was genuinely curious about the strange bird.
“Ah, those were divine horses,” the man replied. “But they went extinct hundreds of years ago. These birds are what we call horses now.”
“They don’t bite, do they?” she asked.
“There are some with a wild temperament, but this one is very gentle. When I heard that the second duchess would be traveling, I selected our finest steed just for you,” he said.
Ugoki gave the man a wry grin. “This is the stable master. " Another smile. “You must be delighted that the second duchess is taking such an interest in horses.”
“Very much so,” the stable master said with a nod. He smiled at the second duchess. “It is a great honor to escort the second duchess to our main hall. Such honors are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. All of the staff are excited and happy for you, second duchess.”
The second duchess opened her mouth to respond, but Ugoki shook her head at her. “Come now,” she said. “We must go.” She beckoned the second duchess toward an interior courtyard.
Servants lined up in a row outside the doors to the main hall. “Second duchess, we sincerely congratulate you for being invited to the Imperial Palace,” they said, bowing in unison.
The second duchess was touched. All of these men and women had taken such good care of her over the course of her life. She saw a range of expressions on their faces. Some seemed lonely or regretful, while others were flushed with disbelief or excitement.
“Thank you, everyone. Um…” The second duchess found herself at a loss for words.
She hadn’t really thought of her summons to the palace as something to be celebrated. Her father seemed to think it was mostly a matter of routine and court manners. She’d be coming back here soon. Seeing everyone so happy for her made her feel glad, but also somewhat guilty.
“Thank you. I mean it. Be well.” The second duchess smiled. “I think I’ll be back soon anyway,.”
The maids immediately protested, asking her not to say such things.
A shadow passed over the second duchess’ face.
A manservant spoke up. “Duchess, you know we will always welcome your return, no matter when it may be.”
“Kasuke…”
Kasuke was one of her younger servants. He had always been exceptionally kind to her.
“Please take care of yourself,” Kasuke said, his voice trembling slightly.
The second duchess responded with a soft smile. “I’m so happy to hear you say that.” She waved her hand, and then said, “I’m off.”
The servants stood up straight and cheered for her.
“Have a safe journey, duchess!”
“Congratulations on your first audience at court!”
Ugoki hurried the second duchess along. “Come on now, it’s time to go.”
The second duchess was awash with excitement. She climbed into the carriage, feeling like she was walking on air. Curious about how exactly it would fly, she peeked outside and saw two more large birds hitched to the carriage on two sides. These two birds would support the carriage from the back while the first one would lead the way in front.
The driver sat outside the carriage on a raised seat. He called out a short command. The crows flapped their huge wings, causing a small dust cloud to form on the ground.
The wind swept the second duchess’ hair away from her face. Color rose to her cheeks as the birds beat their wings faster and faster. Before too long, the birds were flying and the carriage left the ground. The duchess grabbed the handholds inside the carriage so that she wouldn’t fall over. After the carriage was stable in the air, she pushed the window open wider to take in the view.
The second duchess’ home was visible in the middle distance. She saw a woman looking up at her from behind a tall marble pillar. The woman’s nightgown fluttered behind the pillar.
Their eyes met.
The second duchess covered her mouth in surprise. That was Futaba! Futaba had come out of the house to see her off.
Ugoki slammed the window shut. “We’re well on our way, duchess. Please sit quietly.”
The second duchess blinked in surprise, but she complied. She didn’t mention that she’d seen Futaba. Her heart beat faster—but not from excitement. A shiver went up her spine. She felt like someone had just poured cold water over her.
The second duchess was here in Futaba’s place. Her beautiful crimson clothes were scented with incense and dyed in a special style. Futaba’s servants would have seen her off if she were here. Futaba would be just as nervous as she was right now. Her elder sister had been raised for the purpose of entering the Imperial Palace… but that had not come to pass. The second duchess couldn’t imagine how Futaba felt about that.
“I’m sorry,” she said out the window. If only she alone had attended the New Years’ party… but they’d both gone. Futaba hadn’t wanted to go. She’d wanted to rest. If she’d rested, she might not have caught smallpox, and then Futaba would be sitting in this carriage.
The carriage glided smoothly through the air. The second duchess’ home passed behind a high cliff that the horses took a running leap from, making them and the carriage fly even higher. By the time the carriage stabilized in the air again, the second duchess couldn’t see Futaba or the servants she’d left behind anymore.
Translator's Notes
1 The koto (箏 or 琴) is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. Koto are roughly 180 centimeters (6 feet) in length, and made from Paulownia wood. The most common type uses 13 strings strung over movable bridges used for tuning, different pieces possibly requiring different tuning. Seventeen-string koto are also common, and act as a bass instrument in ensembles. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand. ↩
2 Mugwort is a perennial herb with a long history of use in both traditional medicine and culinary practices. It’s also known by other names like common wormwood, or simply wormwood. While primarily known for its medicinal properties, mugwort has also been used in beer-making, as a potherb, and as a tea additive.↩
3 東家: Azumaya literally means “eastern family” or “eastern house.” ↩
4 This is a terrible joke, somewhat well-known to the Japanese and students alike. The kanji for uma, “horse,” (馬) is a close look-alike to tori, “bird” (鳥).↩
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