In the end, Matsudaira Shungaku, the true power behind the Tokugawa Shogunate, decided to submit a memorial admitting fault and ordered the Town Magistrate responsible for the area near the shrine that day to commit seppuku in atonement.
The Shogunate considered the matter extremely serious. After all, they had built the shrine, and most of the women there had been offered by various daimyo.
Strictly speaking, this incident could also affect the reputation of the daimyo of the various domains, so they dared not take it lightly.
It was only a small assassination attempt, really, and Franz hadn't taken it to heart. But the memorial of apology sent by the Shogunate was rather interesting. They only briefly mentioned the assassination and how it had been dealt with.
After that, they focused on how the incident had come about. "Rice-to-Mulberry Conversion" had been Franz's suggestion to the Shogunate, but the final decision had been theirs.
This sort of evasive, carefully worded account was truly infuriating. What was laughable was that they now wanted to pin the blame on Franz, while also proposing a debate before the Emperor—and claiming they could prevent the debate from happening.
"Are they threatening me?"
Franz gave a cold laugh. A bunch of withered bones in their graves dared to threaten him.
Franz looked up and happened to see Zoche holding her sword. He handed her the original and casually tossed the translated copy into the trash.
"Read it aloud."
"Yes."
The moment Zoche saw the Shogunate's letter, she was startled. By the time she finished reading, sweat had already appeared on her forehead.
Franz confirmed that the translation was accurate. No one was deliberately trying to stir up trouble; these Japanese really thought Europeans would understand the artful evasions, feel ashamed, and then let them off.