The Wings of Dreams

but—”
    Her father was identified as the owner of the kijuu and Shushou as the courier. She couldn’t have Rikou’s name on the document and risk him later showing up to claim Hakuto, though she didn’t believe Rikou was the kind of person who would do such a thing. Had her father’s name been written using the characters by which he was commonly known, there was no telling where in the Sou business empire it might come to light. Using his formal given name, though, that was much less of a concern.
    In any case, Shushou still couldn’t imagine how a traveler like Rikou had managed to secure an official seal.
    “Where are you from?” she asked him.
    “A long ways away.”
    “How long a ways?”
    “Sou. Do you know where Sou is?”
    “Sure. It’s a kingdom in the south. Pretty famous, isn’t it?”
    The Kingdom of Sou was known for its long-lived dynasty and its wealth. Rikou definitely did not hail from around here.
    The Ministry of Fall not only prosecuted lawbreakers, but notarized contracts and other important documents, and publically certified that official papers were authentic and in proper order. Shushou had learned this at the prefectural academy. Now she had to wonder how trustworthy a document bearing the seal of the Ministry of Fall really was.
    Considering the nature of the thing, she couldn’t imagine that a government clerk would stamp any odd piece of paper presented to him. At the very least, the bearer would have to establish his bona fides. Because Rikou was a traveler, that would mean his passport. On top of that, the document didn’t even have Rikou’s name on it.
    “What?” he asked.
    “Oh, I was just wondering how you got the seal of the Ministry of Fall on that certificate.”
    “Ah.” Rikou smiled. “That is because I am a much better teller of tall tales than you, young lady.”
    “And have you been telling them to me?”
    “Not to you, ” Rikou said with a broad smile. He took up the reins of the suugu. “A little of touch of this and a little touch of that. There’s a way to getting these things done, you know.”
    Shushou reached into the pocket of her kimono. “How much?”
    “How much what?” Rikou blinked.
    “That what it came down to, didn’t it? I’ll cover whatever it cost you. How much did the clerk take you for?”
    “Where would a nice girl like you learn something like that?”
    “I’m the daughter of a merchant. It comes with the territory.”
    Rikou laughed and patted Shushou on the arm. “I’m afraid you didn’t catch my drift.”
    “But—”
    Rikou crouched down in front of her. “The shops will all be opening pretty soon, right?”
    “Yes. That’s true.”
    “And all the merchants and shopkeepers are going to show up with any paperwork they need to get done. First thing in the morning, the Ministry of Fall will be swamped.”
    “Oh. I suppose so.”
    “Amidst the confusion, a man comes running in with the story of an unfortunate lass who’d lost her father a few towns over.”
    “You mean, me?”
    “That’d be you. The dead man worked for his brother. He was delivering a kijuu with his daughter. Alas, they were attacked by highwaymen along the way, and he died protecting his dear daughter. The tough-minded girl managed to get away. Having a strong sense of responsibility, rather than mourn his passing, she felt compelled to complete the job her father had undertaken. She continued on the journey, her sad tears freezing on her cheeks in this frigid winter weather. Unfortunately, the burden of the kijuu now prevents her from securing lodgings—”
    “Um—” said Shushou, tugging at his sleeve.
    Caught up in his own story, Rikou continued: “What a brave young woman! Don’t you think? Such are the times we live in. Regardless of who was working for whom, they were, first and foremost, brothers. What a cruel man this uncle of hers must be!”
    “That’s what you said?”
    “The clerk knows when the shops are going to open. So he’ll want to take care of any business before him as soon as possible. And here is this man going on and on, burdening him with the sad tale of an unfortunate girl.”
    “And trying his patience.”
    Rikou laughed heartily. “There are times when the best recourse is to tell the biggest whale of a lie you can imagine.”
    “This is all very instructive.” Shushou shrugged and looked up at him. “Do you mind my asking why you’re doing all this for me?”
    Rikou stood and again took hold