Shuzenji Temple.
(Shuzenji is the name of the larger area, not the temple. This temple is called Shuzenji Temple.)
The temple stood on the north bank of the Katsura River. Beyond its old-fashioned gate, stone steps led all the way to the main hall.
By late December, most of the maple leaves on the grounds had fallen. Dark eaves showed between ancient trees, and faint white steam still rose from the hot-spring purification basin.
The girls each went to explore whatever caught their interest.
Kitagawa Kai stayed with Shiina Hiyori on one side of the temple.
An information board stood there. Alongside an account of Minamoto no Yoriie's life, it explained what had inspired Okamoto Kido to write The Tale of Shuzenji.
"This is the story you were reading in the car, right, Hiyori?"
"Mm. I got through most of it."
Shiina Hiyori pointed to a picture of a mask on the board.
"The Yasha King in the story was a master mask-maker. Minamoto no Yoriie commissioned a mask from him, and that was how he met his eldest daughter, Katsura."
"As they spent time together, the two gradually fell in love. Katsura decided to follow Yoriie and later became his consort, taking the name Wakasa no Tsubone."
"But no matter how the Yasha King altered the mask he was making for Yoriie, it always bore the look of death. He believed it was an ill omen and kept refusing to hand it over."
"Katsura presented the mask to Yoriie anyway. He was delighted with it and even praised the Yasha King's skill."
Kitagawa Kai glanced at the mask on the board. "Uh, that thing looks pretty frightening. Yoriie was actually pleased with it?"
"Perhaps he thought it looked imposing enough." Shiina Hiyori didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.