Chapter 222: The Old Shop

Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture in Japan, is the fourth largest city in the country, following Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. Situated in the central-western region of Honshu and bordering Ise Bay, Nagoya is known as “Chūkyō” due to its location between the capital, Tokyo, and the ancient city of Kyoto. Covering an area of 376 square kilometers and housing a population of approximately 2.1 million, the city is renowned for Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, a symbol and major attraction of the city.

This year, the Japan Youth Writers’ Exchange Conference is being held in Nagoya, specifically at the Nagoya City Science Museum. Writers from various prefectures across Japan, in addition to those from the Nagoya region, are participating in this event.

On the second morning, Lei Yin and Naoko joined the other young writers on a bus provided to take them to the conference venue.

The primary activity of the Youth Writers’ Exchange Conference was an on-site book signing and sale. The large venue was filled with tables labeled with the names of participating writers, and next to each table were stacks of books authored by those writers.

Before the event began, staff members directed each writer to their respective tables to prepare for the signing session.

At 9:00 AM, thousands of readers orderly entered the venue and began searching for their favorite authors according to the venue’s layout. The influx of readers quickly filled the entire venue.

Naoko, feeling that she was merely an amateur writer contributing essays or casual pieces to magazine columns and with no published books, was reluctant to be seen by the attendees. She requested the event staff to cancel her assigned table.

After some persistence, the forty-something president of the Youth Writers’ Association finally agreed to her request.

Relieved, Naoko mingled with the crowd, happily holding onto her lover’s arm as they wandered around the venue.

Amid the bustling crowd, Lei Yin said, “Let’s sneak out. It’s too noisy here.”

Naoko hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be bad? There’s an authors’ dinner after the book signing. Skipping everything might not be the best idea.”

“Relax,” Lei Yin reassured her. “There are so many writers here that no one will notice if one or two are missing. Didn’t you say you wanted to take me to your grandmother’s place? Now’s the perfect chance.”

Naoko’s eyes lit up with excitement, and she immediately agreed.

After leaving the venue, Naoko laughed and said, “This is so much fun—it feels like we’re skipping school.”

Lei Yin, charmed by her radiant smile, couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her cheek. “Weren’t you the one worried about leaving just now?” he teased.

Clinging to his arm, Naoko pouted playfully, “You’re so annoying. You’re the one who talked me into it.”

Lei Yin chuckled. “We can’t show up empty-handed. Let’s go buy some gifts to bring along.”

“Okay.” Naoko was delighted by her lover’s thoughtfulness.

The two went to a nearby mall, bought some gifts, and then set off on their way.

Naoko’s grandmother’s antique shop was located in the historic Shikemichi district of Nagoya.

This old district, with its roots tracing back to the 18th century merchant era, is home to ancient warehouses, temples, and craft shops. The area exudes a rich atmosphere of traditional Japanese folk culture and is a must-visit destination for many tourists in Nagoya.

When they arrived at the shop, Lei Yin took a moment to observe it. It was a typical traditional Japanese storefront, spacious in size. Behind the shop was the residential area. The building, mostly constructed from wood, had a classical and elegant charm. According to Naoko, the antique shop had a history of over sixty years and was the cherished creation of her late grandfather.

Excited as a child, Naoko eagerly pulled Lei Yin into the shop.

Inside, they saw a middle-aged woman carefully dusting items on a shelf. Naoko immediately called out, “Auntie Kusako!”

Hearing a voice behind her, the woman immediately turned around. Upon seeing Naoko, her face lit up with joy. “Naoko, you’re back!”

Naoko smiled and asked, “How have you been?”

Ikakura Kusako walked over, holding Naoko’s hand as she looked her over. “I’m doing well. And you?”

“I’m doing great. Is Grandma here?”

“The madam is in the inner room. And this gentleman is…?” Ikakura Kusako asked curiously, glancing at Lei Yin.

“He’s my f-fiancé,” Naoko said, her face turning crimson as she introduced him.

“What?!” Ikakura Kusako’s expression was one of surprise—she hadn’t heard anything about Naoko having a fiancé.

Blushing deeply, Naoko stole a shy glance at Lei Yin and softly said, “Lei, this is Ikakura Kusako, who helps my grandma manage the shop.” In her excitement, she inadvertently revealed her fiancé’s real name.

Lei Yin smiled and said to Ikakura Kusako, “Hello, my name is Gennai Masashi. I’m Naoko’s fiancé.”

Ikakura Kusako quickly regained her composure and replied, “Hello, I’m Ikakura Kusako. Pleased to meet you.”

Eager to see her grandmother, Naoko turned to her and said, “Auntie Kusako, we’ll head in to see Grandma first. Oh, and I almost forgot—this is a gift for you.” She took a box from Lei Yin’s hands and handed it over.

“You didn’t have to. Just having you back is enough,” Ikakura Kusako said warmly.

“It’s just a small token,” Naoko said with a smile. “We’ll head in now.” With that, she pulled Lei Yin along with her into the house.

Watching Naoko’s excited expression, Ikakura Kusako couldn’t help but feel sentimental. The little girl she had once known had grown into a beautiful young woman with a fiancé.

From elementary school through high school, Naoko had always studied in Nagoya. Ikakura Kusako had watched her grow from a sweet, well-behaved child into the elegant woman she was now. Like Naoko’s grandmother, Kusako had always worried about her frail health. She silently hoped that Naoko’s fiancé would take good care of her.

The inner house was a traditional Japanese-style residence, similar in design to Takeda’s family home. A garden filled with flowers and greenery surrounded a row of wooden-floored rooms with sliding paper doors.

Naoko stopped in front of the largest room and softly called, “Grandma, it’s Naoko. Are you inside?”

On her third call, the paper sliding door opened, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair and a kind expression. She gazed lovingly at her granddaughter for a moment before smiling and saying, “Naoko, you’re back.”

Naoko’s eyes reddened with emotion as she bowed deeply and said, “Grandma, I’m home.”

“Come in and have a seat,” the old woman said warmly, her gaze briefly shifting to Lei Yin, who stood by Naoko’s side.

The room’s furnishings were simple—a low wooden table sat at its center, a few potted plants were arranged near the light-filled windowsill, and a few minimalist paintings adorned the walls. A small television sat on a nearby cabinet, its volume turned low. Despite its simplicity, the room exuded a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

After entering, Naoko walked over to the cabinet, opened the top drawer, and took out a teapot, teacups, and a canister of tea leaves. She then went to the adjacent tea room to prepare tea.

Before long, Naoko returned with the tea. She poured the first cup and placed it in front of her grandmother, then poured cups for Lei Yin and herself.

After pouring the tea, Naoko knelt behind her grandmother and gently massaged her shoulders with her hands. As she worked, she said, “Grandma, a few days ago, some of my articles were published in a magazine, and the Japan Young Writers Association invited me to Nagoya to attend the annual Young Writers Exchange. Since I had some free time today, I decided to come see you. How have you been feeling lately?”

“I’m doing well. How are your father and mother?”

Naoko replied, “Father’s still busy with work, but both he and Mother are in good health. So are my older and younger brothers.”

“And how is your health?”

“I’m fine, Grandma. Please don’t worry about me.”

The old woman nodded in satisfaction. “That puts my mind at ease. Naoko, why don’t you introduce this young man to me?”

Naoko immediately blushed and avoided looking in Lei Yin’s direction. Leaning close to her grandmother’s ear, she whispered, “Grandma, he’s the one I’ve been waiting for all this time.”

Hearing her granddaughter’s answer, the old woman silently gazed at Lei Yin for a long moment. Then she suddenly said to him, “Please take good care of Naoko from now on.”

Lei Yin replied in a steady voice, “I will. Please don’t worry.”

“Grandma… thank you!” Naoko’s face lit up with joy. She had been worried about how her grandmother would feel about Lei Yin, but now she was finally at ease.

The old woman didn’t ask Lei Yin detailed questions about his profession, family, or background. Instead, she chatted casually with them about everyday matters. Naoko, in her high spirits, occasionally acted like a little girl, playfully leaning on her grandmother. Lei Yin sat to the side, smiling gently.

After some time had passed, a loud argument suddenly erupted from the shop outside.

Hearing the commotion, the old woman frowned slightly.

“Grandma, shall we go see what’s happening outside?” Naoko asked her.

The old woman nodded and stood up.

When the three of them entered the shop, they saw a man in his thirties arguing heatedly with Ikakura Kusako.

The man, agitated, shouted, “You’re lying! I know that item must be here. Bring it out now!”

“Excuse me, sir, but we really don’t have anything like what you’re describing,” Ikakura Kusako replied.

“That’s impossible! I know you’ve hidden it somewhere!”

“Sir, please be reasonable. How can we give you something that doesn’t exist?”

The man flew into a rage and slammed his hand on the counter. “Call your boss! I want to ask them myself!”

Clearly frustrated, Ikakura Kusako said, “You came here last time, and I explained very clearly then that we don’t have it, but you didn’t believe me. How many times do I need to repeat myself for you to understand?”

“You’re lying! Damn it, call your boss out here now!” the man yelled, pounding the counter again.

“I am the owner here. What can I do for you?” the old woman said as she walked over to the man.

“You’re the owner? Is your last name Fugo?” the man asked, staring intently at her.

“Yes, it is. And you are?”

At that moment, Ikakura Kusako stepped closer to the old woman and whispered something in her ear.

After listening, the old woman carefully studied the man before speaking. “Sir, could you tell me why you believe we have the item you’re looking for?”

The man’s expression became complex, as though he were struggling with a difficult decision. After a moment, he gave the old woman a deep look and said, “I’m sorry for bothering you.” With that, he turned and left the antique shop.

Unexpectedly, the man left so easily, leaving Ikakura Kusako feeling slightly surprised.

“Grandma, what was that man looking for?” Naoko asked the elderly woman.

Shifting her gaze slowly away from the man’s departing figure, the grandmother replied, “He was looking for the blade that we have enshrined.”

“The blade? Are you referring to the one enshrined in the small room on the eastern side?” Naoko asked in surprise.

“Yes. Come with me, both of you,” the grandmother said before turning and walking deeper into the house.

The grandmother led them to a locked room in the eastern corner that resembled a storage room.

“Naoko, do you remember this room?” she suddenly asked.

“Of course, I remember. Aside from that one time, you warned me never to approach this room, let alone go inside,” Naoko replied.

Without saying anything further, the grandmother pulled out a key and unlocked the door.

Once the door was open, she said, “Follow me inside.”

The room was dimly lit. The only light came from the doorway and a single small window, leaving much of the space in shadow. Due to the room being sealed for so long, a faint musty smell lingered in the air.

The grandmother walked over to the wall on the left and fumbled for a moment. After a soft “click,” a fluorescent light overhead flickered on.

“Good, the light still works,” she said as she returned to the center of the room.

Now, Lei Yin could clearly see a table in the middle of the room. On it sat a metal stand holding a long wooden box. Judging by the texture and color of the box, it had clearly been there for a considerable amount of time.

The box’s lid was bound with several magatama beads and sprigs of mugwort. Most strikingly, the box was covered in paper talismans, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

The grandmother turned to her granddaughter and said, “Naoko, when you were younger, I didn’t tell you much about this. But now that you’re an adult, there are some things I need to explain. Do you remember this box?”

Naoko replied, “I do. The box contains a long blade. I remember it clearly because when I was in first grade, the original box became moldy and broke. At the time, you gave me a new wooden box and asked me to transfer the blade from the damaged box to the new one.”

“Do you know why I asked you to replace the box instead of doing it myself or asking someone else?”

“I don’t know. At the time, I didn’t think much about it.”

“I’ll tell you now. It’s because only innocent children can handle that blade safely. For anyone else, it would be extremely dangerous.”

“Dangerous? I don’t quite understand what you mean,” Naoko said, feeling that the word seemed too extreme.

The grandmother explained slowly, “That blade doesn’t belong to our family. It was left in our care by a good friend of your grandfather’s. He said that no one must ever touch this blade because it is a cursed blade.”

“A cursed blade?” Naoko felt as if she were listening to a ghost story.

“You might not believe it, but it is indeed a cursed blade. According to your grandfather’s friend, everyone who has ever possessed this blade has met a gruesome end. Moreover, every time it reappears in the world, it brings about horrifying bloodshed. I didn’t believe it at first, but after witnessing some strange incidents, I started to believe.”

“What strange incidents?” Naoko unconsciously tightened her grip on Lei Yin’s arm.

“This blade wasn’t originally kept here; it was stored in a western side room. One day, your grandfather noticed a cleaning worker staring at the blade with an odd expression for no apparent reason. At first, he thought he was imagining it, but over time, the man’s behavior grew increasingly bizarre. Other workers even reported seeing him talking to himself when he thought no one was around.

“Thinking the man was mentally unstable, your grandfather fired him. However, one night, the man sneaked back into the house, seemingly trying to steal something. He was caught by other workers and kept shouting, ‘Give me that blade, give it to me!’ When the police took him away, we thought the ordeal was over. But at the station, he suddenly went mad and bit off a policeman’s ear. The doctors later diagnosed him with severe schizophrenia and committed him to a psychiatric hospital.

“Your grandfather suspected it might have something to do with the blade and decided to move it to this storage room.”

The grandmother paused before continuing. “Several years later, after your grandfather passed away, another strange incident occurred. A new handyman, who had been working here for two months, started exhibiting similar behaviors to that first man. He talked to himself often, and people noticed him lingering around this room. Fearing something might happen, I dismissed him, just as your grandfather did.

“The next night, I had a few workers stationed outside to keep watch, and sure enough, that handyman returned and tried to break the lock on this room. He was caught and handed over to the police.”

“Did he also go mad and attack people like the last man?” Naoko asked cautiously.

“No, but he did commit suicide in the holding cell at the police station.”

Hearing this, Naoko felt a chill run down her spine. She huddled closer into Lei Yin’s arms.

The grandmother continued, “After these incidents, I realized something was deeply unusual about the blade. I inspected the box and found it had rotted away due to mold. I don’t know if that was the cause, but to be safe, I followed your grandfather’s friend’s instructions. Since only innocent children can handle the blade, I asked you, as a child, to transfer it to a new box. I was terrified something might happen to you and watched anxiously the entire time. When you safely completed the task, I immediately brought in a monk from the nearby temple to seal the box. He applied protective talismans and tied magatama beads and mugwort to it. I can’t say for sure if it worked, but ever since then, nothing strange has happened.

“If this blade didn’t belong to your grandfather’s friend, I would have thrown it away long ago,” the grandmother said with a sigh.

After hearing the story, Naoko glanced fearfully at the box. She hadn’t imagined that the blade she’d personally handled as a child could be so cursed. A shiver ran through her.

Suddenly, she thought of something. “Grandma, this blade has been here for so long. How did that man know about it?”

The grandmother replied, “I don’t know. But the reason I called you here is to tell you this: if anything ever happens to me, I want you to bury the blade under the sacred tree at the nearby temple. We’ve safeguarded it for so many years; that’s enough. I don’t want this blade to harm you or anyone else.”

Naoko immediately tensed up. “Grandma, don’t scare me like that. You can’t let anything happen to you.”

The grandmother smiled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m not saying anything will happen to me soon. I’m just saying that when my time comes, you’ll need to handle this matter. Just remember, whatever you do, don’t open the box.”

Naoko let out a sigh of relief. “I understand, Grandma.”

At that moment, Lei Yin, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke. “May I take a look at the blade?”