"I came to Toke Castle about half a year ago."
"I came from Edo, you know. I crossed rivers, forded streams, climbed over mountains, and only barely managed to make it here."
"And then—you've seen it too, right? Coming here was absolutely the right choice! That tower is even bigger than the place where the Shogun lives!"
The beautiful geisha, who also looked somewhat familiar, stared excitedly at Toke Castle's main keep.
"All I can say is, as expected of Toke Castle in Shimosa, the Shogun's domain. After all, this place is ruled by Lord Matsudaira, a blood relative of the Shogun—but even knowing that, it's still astonishing!"
"T-T-Tamamo?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka's eyes widened.
That appearance, those fox ears—could she be Tamamo-no-Mae, summoned into this era!?
"Hm? You know of me?"
The fox-eared geisha tilted her head, a hint of curiosity appearing in her gaze as she looked at Fujimaru Ritsuka.
"Well, calling me Tamamo-no-Mae is a little too grand. If you don't mind, please call me Tama instead~"
"Don't misunderstand, though. I'm merely a pitiful geisha making a humble living performing in the castle town of Toke Castle, which is praised as the 'Second Edo.'"
"W-Wow, she's so pretty."
O-Nui stared wide-eyed at Tama, her eyes sparkling.
Girls naturally liked pretty things, and wanted to become prettier themselves.
"Oh my, how adorable!"
The moment Tama saw the cute O-Nui, she could not resist reaching out and rubbing O-Nui's cheeks.
"So adorable! Children really are all such adorable little people!"
"Here, have some candy. One for you, and one for the child on your back too."
Tama took two candies from her sleeve and, smiling sweetly, placed them in O-Nui's hands.
"Wow! Thank you, Lady Geisha!"
O-Nui was overjoyed.
Today was truly wonderful. The samurai lady had introduced her to sparrow