Chapter 34 – The Spider’s Thread

034 “The Spider’s Thread”

That January, an incident occurred that elevated Doctor Kouryuu’s fame even further.

At the time, Prime Minister Katou Takaaki had developed pneumonia after his cold worsened, but thanks to the penicillin that Ootori Pharmaceuticals had aggressively provided to the Imperial University, he managed to recover without issue.

Around the same time, figures like Prince Chichibu Yasuhito and Marquess Tokugawa of Owari—people whose names alone give off an ominous premonition—made renewed favorable comments about the new drug developed by the Ootori family.

Multiple people had already been making efforts to spread word of Ootori’s new drug, and needless to say, the person behind all of this was none other than “that” Nishida Mitsugi.
Apparently, even Japan’s most radical revolutionary can be useful once in a while.

And this event wasn’t just picked up by the minor Ootori Newspaper—it was widely reported by major newspapers as well.
In the era of Taisho democracy, newspapers were already wielding significant influence, so the effect was enormous.

What’s more, it came to light that over the past two years, Ootori Pharmaceuticals—or rather, the groundbreaking work of the previously unknown research physician Ootori Kouryuu—had been intentionally ignored by both the Imperial University (Tokyo Imperial University) and the Japanese medical community.

The matter became even more explosive when it was revealed that Doctor Kouryuu, along with Shibasaburou Kitasato and others, had actively translated their papers and sent them overseas.
The resulting recognition from some foreign doctors and medical professionals, who highly praised the research, finally reached Japan—causing a domestic uproar.

“What are you doing here, anyway?”

“Hm? If you can’t tell just by looking, asking won’t help. Mm, this is good!”

Once again, Doctor Kouryuu is munching away at my snacks.

Though even without asking, I already know the reason.

Because reporters and press people are staking out the Kou family, Ootori Hospital, and Ootori University, he escaped to the main Ootori family estate.
With the spacious grounds and strict access, this place is perfect for laying low.\

Still, even though I understand, I can’t help wanting to say something.
After all, he’s eating my shortcake.

“Instead of hiding out here, why not go out and stand in front of the crowd that gathered at the Imperial University? They’re all on your side, Doctor Kouryuu.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. They’ll just use me as a toy. And nothing’s scarier than a mob. You’d better remember that.”

“I know. But if you gave the word, couldn’t you even physically destroy the university?”

“You… that’s going a bit too far, don’t you think? …Honestly, kids are terrifying when they show no mercy.”

We’re not really serious, but I have to admit—this sort of exchange suits us, like two villains.

And the words coming out of my mouth don’t feel like the usual me.
More accurately, the me from my past life would never say anything like this.

It feels like Reiko Ootori—the true owner of this body—is the one making me say it.

Feeling that way, I decided to say something for the sake of my mental well-being.

“Why not? The Ootori family has been called all sorts of things—factionalist, Choshu clique, aristocrats, upstarts, zaibatsu, money-grubbers—so for once, isn’t it fine to be the one doing the talking?”

At those words, Doctor Kouryuu lets out a dry chuckle and shrugs his shoulders, as if to say, “It’s hopeless.”
Still, it’s not a bad reaction.

“You may be right. On top of that, people call me things like riding coattails, freeloader, useless mouth to feed, resume fraud, quack doctor, know-it-all, arrogant—and so on. But those of the Ootori family should treat that level of jealousy-fueled nonsense like a gentle breeze and let it pass.”

(So they said that much about him…)

I couldn’t help but cast a sympathetic glance, which earned me a sour look.

“Hey now, if you don’t laugh that off, I’ll have no dignity left. And consider this a heartfelt warning to you, future head of a zaibatsu.”

“Yees, I got it.”

“Don’t pretend to be a little girl to dodge it. Well, you still have more than ten years before you make your public debut. By then, forge your heart into steel, and gather close aides who will protect you in both body and soul. From what I’ve seen, members of the Ootori family are terrible at finding and cultivating their own retainers. Like me, for instance… What? Why the wide eyes?”

“Ah, no, I’m just a little surprised at how clearly you’re able to see all of that.”

“That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate adults. Also, being able to see and being able to do may seem close, but they’re as far apart as being separated by a raging river.

And one more thing—find a mentor who can guide and teach you while you’re still young. Especially since you don’t have your parents. A person can never grow up entirely on their own. No matter how much of a genius or prodigy someone is, if they walk the path alone, something will always be missing.

Not that I figured all this out until I started being fussed over like this.”

(He’s unusually talkative today. Maybe this whole situation has made him think about something?)

While I was thinking that, the words that came out of my mouth were something else.

“Doctor Kouryuu, won’t you be my guide?”

“Me? Absolutely not. I’m the failed example from the very thing I was just talking about. Besides, it’s customary for the Sou family and the Kou family not to become too closely involved. I do think it’d be nice to improve the air between us a little, though.”

“I see. Then I’ll look elsewhere.”

“Do that. Just in time—one of those potential guides is arriving now.”

Because Doctor Kouryuu is tall, it seems he can see out the window even while sitting.
And sure enough, a voice echoes in from the front hall.

(A guide…? Someone from the Ootori family?… Oh—it’s my onii-sama.)

“That’s right. The one you call ‘Onii-sama,’ Ryuuya. There’s no other warrior like him in this land of Japan. Handsome and well-spoken, sturdy and strong in character, sharp-witted and skilled both in literature and martial arts, pure and incorruptible, yet brave and daring. He’s also got the guts to do whatever it takes when the situation demands it. His personal virtues are also impeccable, and his character leaves no room for criticism. On top of that, he’s gained such military achievements that even the government has taken notice. And he considers you as his own daughter, cherishing you as a treasure of the family.”

He continues to heap praises on my older brother.
While all of it is true, what I wanted to say is something else.

“I think your words are a little exaggerated, but for someone who understands others so well and can analyze themselves, why… until now…”

“Don’t say it. It’s not about logic. It’s because my soul demands that I am who I am. And when I first heard your words, I felt fate calling to me. That’s why I approached you and asked so many questions. So, if anyone is to fall into hell, it should be me. You, on the other hand, will lead the Ootori family and open your own future. And when you remember, just lift me up from the depths of hell with a thread from paradise.”

(Ah, has The Spider’s Thread already been published?)

I remembered Doctor Kouryuu jokingly referencing Ryuunosuke Akutagawa’s story at the end of his words, but to me, it felt like a little escape from reality.

I never imagined I would be told something like this.
Most likely, what he wants to say is that, since my intellect seems to be overly mature for my age, he’s telling me to behave more appropriately for a child.

“Alright. I’ll try to accumulate as many good deeds as I can so that I can help you, Doctor Kouryuu. But, since you help so many people as a result, I don’t think it’s quite the same as The Spider’s Thread.”

“That may be true. But, such arrogance often leads to failure.”

(Yeah, I totally get that. It’s the classic death flag, right?)

“That’s true. But, we are the villains in this world, and arrogance is fundamental to villains.”

“Heh, that may be the case.”

“Hey… what are you two doing?”

At that moment, Ryuuya-onii-san, who had entered the room, tilted his head in confusion, seeing both of us wearing the typical villainous smiles we each had in mind.

As for the aftermath of the commotion surrounding the Imperial University, it ended with the resignation and apology of the university’s dean of medicine, followed by a press conference where he pledged to work on spreading the new drug.

As a result, the name “Ootori,” and particularly the previously hidden genius of “Ootori Kouryuu,” came to public attention.

However, Doctor Kouryuu, who dislikes the Imperial University, and his mentor, Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato, both raised a toast in celebration of their shared success.

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Katou Takaaki (加藤 高明)
A Japanese diplomat and politician.
He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and as a member of the House of Peers.

The 24th Prime Minister of Japan.

He passed away on January 28, 1926, just six days after succumbing to pneumonia.

Born in 1860, he would likely have lived longer had it not been for the pneumonia.Penicillin (Note)
In World War II, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer was responsible for supplying the majority of penicillin.

The Spider’s Thread (蜘蛛の糸)

A short children’s story by Ryunosuke Akutagawa.
It was Akutagawa’s first piece of children’s literature, published in 1918.

Though it is considered children’s literature, there’s no harm in adults reading it as well.