8. Closing Remarks

The readings are over.

So, everyone, how was it? Did you have a good time?

The stew is just all gone, too. We’ll just finish off with the rice gruel.

Oh dear, what on earth is the matter? Why are you all so silent? I can’t really tell because it’s so dark…but are all of you trembling? I can hear the glasses clinking.

What? You mean the story I just read?

Yes. I most certainly did receive it from Itsumi. It is her authentic work.

That’s right, Itsumi knew everything. She saw through your filthy scheme—your devious, foolish, thoughtless conspiracy.

You stupid girls. You should have just accepted your roles as Itsumi’s pets. She would’ve taken care of you if you had stayed quiet and submissive, you know.

True, you were always afraid. She had the power to turn your lives upside-down with a single word. If she’d spilled your secrets, your lives would be over—which is why you have lived in fear all this time. But I suppose that’s what you call a deal. And Itsumi had an excellent one. She had an irresistible charm and was a natural at manipulation.

Yes, Itsumi was a natural femme fatale. She majestically wielded your secrets with unabashed determination to remain the center of attention. You should have made a show of your weaknesses, pretended to rely on her, hid yourselves in her bosom, and just stayed her loyal sidekicks. If you had done that, you would have been safe…

Now, now. Why are you all crying? What is so frightening? Ahh, the lily-of-the-valley. The pitch-black salon. The mystery stew. Yes, no one would raise any questions if the stew tasted or smelled funny. Which is exactly why Itsumi made today her day of vengeance. Yes, that’s right…I threw in the lilies.

Uh-uh, there’s no use rushing to the door like that. It’s been locked from the outside. And the windows, too, of course. It’s true. You cannot escape from Itsumi’s revenge. This salon is the stage. You are the actors. Itsumi is the director. The actors can’t leave the stage until the director calls, “Curtain!” Hm? You’re beginning to sweat? Your eyes are itchy? Your stomach hurts? You can’t stop shaking? You’re nauseous?

Well, you can’t blame me. Yes, as Itsumi’s story said, I am the mastermind of this plan. When I heard she wanted revenge, I carefully predicted everything that could happen and devised a detailed plan. I wanted to find a way to scare you while making Itsumi and Mr. Hojo happy at the same time. But weren’t you the fools who started all this in the first place?

Stop screaming. It’s very unbecoming of you to scream like that when no one can hear you. I mean, we are the proud high-school girls from St. Mary’s Academy, are we not?

Why don’t you all sip on a cocktail and take it easy for a while? Take a good listen to what I have to say.

Come on, calm down and think about it: Why did I read Itsumi’s story for her?

Itsumi said she’d be here tonight, but she didn’t show. Did she abandon her plans for revenge? No. That’s not it at all. Itsumi is a spiteful girl. She really did come to the salon today. She had fistfuls of flowers to put in tonight’s stew.

After Itsumi and I finished preparing for tonight’s meeting, she read me the story I have just finished reading to you, while I had some tea.

Her eyes gleamed, and her voice trembled with delight. “What do you think?” Itsumi asked me at the end.

“That was the best,” I answered truthfully. I thought her story was incredible. It was a stunning revenge encased in a flowery fragrance. Has vengeance ever been so ladylike? I was happy to help her.

“This plan was all thanks to you,” Itsumi even went as far to say.

Alluring, clever Itsumi. She manipulated anyone and anything she liked to satisfy her desires. She was cold-hearted, cruel, drastic, tenacious, powerful, and narcissistic—but that was her appeal. It was what made her exciting.

She’s been that way since elementary school. She was the polar opposite of me and, while I admired her for that, I made sure to never get too close to her. I was a frail little girl who people made fun of every time I was absent for being sick.

On one occasion, I was out sick for a week, which was not unusual for me then, and I was dreading the ridicule I would face from the girls when I went back to school. But when I got back, all of my bullies had been expelled. The holy chalice that decorated the church, the Sisters’ rosaries, the students’ valuables, and several other items had been stolen. They were all found in my bullies’ shoes cubbies and lockers. I was still in utter shock when Itsumi turned to me with a soft smile and lightly bowed her head. That was when I knew: she had planned it all.

I don’t know why she did that for me. She had everything that I lacked and I was smitten with her. I imagine she felt the same about me, too. We were completely inseparable. Then, I decided to be her antithetical partner in crime.

I was the Phantom who lurked in the shadows, making sure my Christine became a star. I was the Watson who shone the light on Holmes’ logic. I was the Melanie Hamilton who supported Scarlett O’Hara in secret. These characters would do anything it took to see their partner shine. They were opposites dependent on one another—indeed, two who were always one. Their life had meaning because their partner shone bright.

This is why I have made all of Itsumi’s wishes come true. I risked my body and soul to protect my shining and radiant Itsumi.

Itsumi’s beauty smoldered over when she fell into that forbidden love with Mr. Hojo. Her exterior was cold, and yet passion burned within—I felt proud and satisfied as I stood close and watched her develop an erotic luster from her fiery love.

Hence why I might have been angrier than even Itsumi when I learned of your betrayal. I didn’t interfere with your plans; I only thought of how to trap you. A mystery stew meeting with a fake death, secret elopement, and tragic revenge—I worked out all these details for her. All for my precious Itsumi. I did it to protect my creation, my Itsumi Shiraishi.

My chest trembled with giddiness thinking it would all happen tonight.

“After the meeting ends, I won’t ever come back,” Itsumi stated.

“Yes, I know…I’ll miss you, but it’s the only way,” I replied.

“I like living in the country. You should come over sometime.”

“Sounds good.”

“From now on, I’ll live watching only him. We’ll have a beautiful baby, many beautiful babies, and I’ll be the best mom I can be. That’s my only dream.” Itsumi laughed softly. And then the expression of an ordinary mother flashed across her face. It was only there for a moment, but I hadn’t missed it.

Itsumi sipped on her Earl Grey tea as she went on happily about her new future with Mr. Hojo, the calm life they would have together, and their simple everyday joys. Her once-hostile eyes had mellowed out, and her harsh mouth had become soft.

I never thought Itsumi’s expressions could be so mundane. I was mortified. My efforts to ensure her success with Mr. Hojo had ironically robbed her of her irresistible allure. I had been trying to intensify the flames of her taboo love, but she had ended up finding stability instead.

I panicked. I didn’t put in all that work for Itsumi to become like this. I couldn’t take it back, it was too late—I could only stand there looking dumbfounded as she cheerfully yammered on.

But then a thought floated through my mind. It echoed in my head. Almost as if someone had whispered it to me.

I would be a better lead than Itsumi.

Was it the whisper of an angel? Or was it the devil sent to tempt me? Regardless, I was entirely entranced by that thought.

If Christina, Holmes, or Scarlet lost their splendor, then the Phantom, Watson, and Melanie would naturally step up as the lead and continue the story.

The lead had switched.

From Itsumi to me.

Yes—at that moment, the salon, Itsumi’s stage of revenge, changed into the stage for a new main character, for an entirely new play.

The lead changing was no small matter. The play required a new climax. For a new star to be born, the old needed to make a spectacular exit. And an audience is also necessary to witness the swap. I immediately started planning on what I should do. Then, I had the idea to use Itsumi’s little tool of revenge against her.

That’s right. I didn’t put the lily-of-the-valley leaves into tonight’s stew.

I put them in Itsumi’s Earl Grey tea.

If Itsumi disappeared, as she herself wrote, her family would simply believe that she ran off to elope, and Mr. Hojo wouldn’t look for her because he would think that her family took her back. Itsumi left this world in her loveliest state, by my hand. She slowly collapsed under the bright chandelier, and lay among the lilies that had fallen on the floor…A fantastically decadent aesthetic. You could say that Itsumi Shiraishi was my ultimate work of art.

So, everyone, please be aware that today is page one of Sayuri Sumikawa’s story. I want all of you to add intrigue to my narrative. But be careful of what you say, because now I am the one who holds your secrets. And what you have dined upon tonight—what I have given you is evidence of a new sin that can never be wiped clean.

As Christ gives His holy body and holy blood to His disciples and followers, He lives for all eternity. In the same way, you have all become one with Itsumi, and you will never forget her beauty for the rest of your life. I think it must have been your duty to betray her, since I could have never accomplished this without all of you. Already you have become the house for Itsumi’s beautiful, noble, proud, and pure soul.

Well, I suppose it’s time to turn on the chandelier. I’ll bring out that palate-cleansing dessert I mentioned earlier. This morning I baked the “Arms of Venus” for all of you. Who—ah, Shiyo, won’t you cut these up for me? Oh gracious, why are you all shaking so much? You’re all as pale as ghosts. Oh, Akane. It looks like you took the watch from the pot. It’s the same exclusive Chanel watch from last year. Itsumi adored it and wore it every day. I’m glad that it’s now yours.

You know, I feel really comfortable being the lead. Everyone, let’s raise a toast in my honor.

This year’s readings were spectacular. Itsumi may no longer be with us, but we will make sure to make full use of the salon and library she left us. This will be our greatest testament to her memory.

The storm outside hasn’t lightened up in the least. Please watch your step while you make your way home. Thank you very much for participating.

This year’s meeting is now officially over.

Well then, everyone, please take care.