Inside the family Chise.
Demba and Kanga, seated across from the elder Hawukase by the hearth, bowed deeply while remaining seated.
“I am Demba, having come from Mito at the command of my lord. I carry a letter addressed to you from my lord. I would like you to read it.”
Hawukase nodded with a “Hmm.”
With the simultaneous defeat of the bear and the Samaykachi, there was a moment of excitement around the fort. Guided by Ikurui, the two were formally invited into the house.
Demba put his hand to the collar of his sailor suit, tearing the seam. He widened the collar and took out a letter, double-wrapped in oiled paper. After smoothing out the wrinkles, he handed it to Ikurui.
Ikurui unwrapped the oiled paper and handed the letter to Hawukase. He opened the sealed letter and spread out the paper.
“Where did you come from before you arrived in Mito?” asked a low voice, scanning the letter.
“Africa, though I doubt you’ve heard of it. It’s a far, faraway land to the west.”
“Black people, huh? I’ve heard of them, but you truly are as black as night. Did you, like others, drift to this country?”
Demba shook his head. “We were captured by white men and sold.”
“Ah,” he muttered, devoid of any emotion.
“Were you captured in a war?”
“Well, you could say that. We weren’t exactly fighting, though.”
“Slaves, then,” he muttered. “Do you have anything else to say to me?”
He looked up from the letter.
“Our lord does not wish for unnecessary battles. Spilling blood benefits no one. He asked me to convey this message.”
There was a pause before Hawukase’s lips twisted into a faint smile.
“Don’t misunderstand me. We didn’t abstain from Shakushain’s war out of fear of the Wajin. Ishikari has its own reasons. If we are disrespected, we are prepared to take appropriate measures.”
His narrow eyes glinted slightly, a piercing gaze.
But Demba and Kanga’s faces remained unmoved. Hawukase’s eyes softened for a moment.
“Have you never resented your circumstances? Being sold? Don’t you hate those who put you in this situation?”
He spoke provocatively. Demba shook his head.
“Hating someone won’t change anything. Wherever I am, I am myself. Nothing more, nothing less. Cursing my fate won’t fill my stomach.”
Hawukase’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, then he laughed.
“You speak candidly now. You are an interesting man. I like that you don’t flinch in front of me. I can tell you’ve been through a lot. So, I’m curious about your lord’s intentions.”
He paused.
“With your courage, you could survive anywhere. Why did you choose to serve your lord?”
Demba’s expression remained unchanged. He glanced away for a moment.
“Our lord spent money to acquire us. But he said he didn’t buy us with money. Humans should not be bought and sold. That’s what he said. The white men didn’t treat us as humans because of our black skin. Our lord does not do such things.”
“Hmm. And?”
“He said, ‘First, be human.’ We decided to trust those words. He then told us to speak with you, from the perspective of outsiders.”
Hawukase stroked his thick beard, deep in thought.
“So, you’ve met me. What do you think?”
“Nothing in particular. We have no ulterior motives. We have no intention to invade or control you. Our lord feels the same. All we ask is for you to trust that. That’s all.”
He spoke emotionlessly. Hawukase burst into laughter.
“A bold request indeed. You ask me to trust you and your unseen lord?”
He waved the letter.
“Do you know what this says? It states, ‘If the bearer of this letter is deemed untrustworthy, their fate is of no concern to us.’ Your lord essentially tells me to do as I please with you. Even so, you claim your lord has no hidden motives?”
Demba’s face remained stoic.
“Of course. We are bound to fulfill our orders, even at the cost of our lives. If you find us untrustworthy and decide to kill us, so be it. But know that it would be an act of hostility against our lord. We will not die without a fight. We will kill you as well.”
His tone was indifferent. Ikurui, who had been standing by, kneeled and gripped the hilt of his sword.
Hawukase raised a hand to stop Ikurui and grinned.
“Do you know where you are? This is the far north, beyond your lord’s reach. You are alone here. You have no allies.”
Demba’s expression did not change.
“It doesn’t matter where we are. We are warriors of the Mahi tribe. We always fight alone in the wilderness. When we must fight, we do so regardless of the odds.”
Hawukase stared intently at Demba’s face.
Deep eye sockets. Black pupils like the abyss.
There was no emotion in them.
Life itself was a battle. The Ainu were the same.
Long winters. Snow. Mountains. Hunger. Conflicts. Bears.
Life was a fight for survival.
“Excuse me,” came a voice from behind Ikurui. Irika and Emariya appeared, kneeling and bowing deeply.
“We are Irika and Emariya from Ebetsu Yubeotsu. We apologize for our rudeness. We were eavesdropping outside.”
Hawukase’s eyes widened slightly.
“No matter. Speak if you have something to say.”
“Yes,” replied Irika, looking directly at Hawukase.
“We guided these two here. Several times, we were nearly killed by Samaykachi’s schemes, and each time they saved us. It’s understandable that you find it hard to trust these strangers.”
She paused.
“But they came here risking their lives. They saved us and fought to meet you. Please, consider their sincerity and believe their words.”
They bowed deeply.
There was a moment of silence.
Hawukase spoke.
“Irika, from Kotanpa. Do you know the name Evgen?”
“Yes?” Irika looked up.
“Your eyes and hair reminded me. Do you know him?”
She looked puzzled.
“Evgeniy Svertokov is our father.”
Hawukase’s eyes widened.
“I see. You are Evgen’s daughters.”
After a pause, he laughed heartily.
“I remember now. You were just little girls. Your father—what has become of him?”
“He passed away from illness some time ago,” Irika replied, still puzzled.
Hawukase’s gaze dropped.
“I see… He’s gone. A thin man, he was.”
“Did you know my father?” Irika asked.
Hawukase nodded.
“Years ago, when I frequently patrolled the river mouth, I was struck by a sudden illness. That man gave me medicine, claiming it was ‘king’s medicine.’ It saved my life. His name was Evgen. I wanted to reward him, but he refused. A strange man. But I never forgot his kindness. I regret not repaying him.”
“So, that’s what happened,” Irika said, looking down.
Hawukase slowly raised his head.
“Demba, was it? I will trust your story.”
“Really?” Irika’s face brightened.
He glanced at her and nodded.
“If Evgen’s daughter trusts you, I cannot refuse. But that’s not the only reason. We all live in our own hells. I will trust your resolve to endure it.”
His sharp eyes pierced into Demba’s.
Something passed between them.
Demba nodded slightly. Hawukase slowly nodded back.
Demba, Kanga, and the sisters bowed deeply in unison.