It was nothing but a routine. That is how a certain Saburuko saw each rising sun and moon for the lost moments of her life. And this specific entertainer of the arts, displayed herself upon the balcony, draped with such fine robes of silk while her hair often compared to that golden threads, hanged like a curtain around her, delivering a silhouette both enticing and mysterious. Her eyes sparkling in amber hues gazed at the people passing by the okiya, and all of them could not help but gaze at her presence. Some pray for their deity to be granted protection from her heretic existence. It was but a normal reaction for someone like her. Yet, one thing was clear. Those eyes of hers endears people to her, as if she has a secret needed to be unfold.
The truth, she was being embroiled in the grassy fields of envy. People would think she was but acting or simply a show of humility. That was not the case as it lays deep within her deepest intentions. She was jealous of how they find mundane things to be relatively worth dying for. She has none of that. There was no difference in her motives or her aspirations. All that made sense to her from the beginning was to strive for her continued existence. Until now, that has not changed and for all the things she had done, there was not even an inkling inside of her to regret or to feel what they call guilt. She had already accepted the act and what would come after it. It is a job, do her part, get paid, then live for another day. That was enough, yes for her.
"Noa-sama." Hearing the name, she raised her body to a straight form as she was leaning at a nearby wooden pillar as she watched the little events on streets beyond the confinements of her room. "I am coming in." That would be her minarai It meant that she has to prepare for this day. She pulled away from the spring air blowing through her opened balcony windows as she closed them, retreating to her world covered in the blissful plays of sweet lies. That indeed reminded her, the Madame had spoke of a job that would require all of the skills which are possessed by the Saburuko of 7 Pleasures. The client would be coming in today and would choose among five of them which included her. She has no complaints and whatever the choice will be. It will simply meant that she would be hired or not.
Just like so, Noa prepared herself with the help of her minarai and was soon escorted to the ochaya where the other four Saburuko were already present. She greeted them with her gentle and cheerful self, a personality they all seemed to be fond of. After a while, the Madame arrived instructing the five of them about the basic sensibilities of the contract. It seemed to be a trip, not the usual ones where they operate within their quaint town. There was also the mention of the client's name, Lady Kobayashi. Her fellow Saburuko seemed to pale at that name and did express their apprehensions. She did not have any and listened as to how the Madame shot down all debilitating queries.
Once, they were all settled. They came in a group of three, Lady Kobayashi's representatives. One of a clear affluent background and pedigree befitting of who Noa had identified as the Lady's famed ward, Kohaku Kana. Her beauty was indeed enchanting, in a different manner. Second, a boy judging by the attire yet has a face of softness like that of a girl, Kagami Kousuka. Three, a sunset-colored man appearing to be of Chinese descent, Atago Sora. The said group indeed comprised of striking personalities on different accords. And by will, she had been hired to be a part of it. She of course accepted it without any resistance. People might say, it was a smooth interaction which also related as they departed for their next location.
Kagami as he is started conversation. That was a chatter seemed welcome by the Lady Kohaku. She obliged as well in an exchange of words aout simple casual and light-hearted matters. A smile, a soft laughter, and the elegant prose of manners awere used by her. She showed enjoyment and then again, she is an experienced conversationalist. Though what could earn her sparkle of interest was a bit of a crack in the atmosphere that Kagami wanted to employ around them. This was not of course influenced by outside factors, more like be the said person's disposition. Yet, it was not her business and was not something vital for her job's parameters. Her course of action, ignore it.
But the one she is now, it would not be an option. They seemed to have met with people that have a degree of familiar relationship with the Lady Kohaku. As the dialogues continued, Noa clarified that they would be working together with these people. That was of course was not a wonderful idea for some people who voiced out opinions. There were clear words of disagreement heard in those statements. Her eyes then glanced at Atago as the Lady Kohaku praised his strength which seemed to a confirmed factor from Kagami. That was an interesting detail to be seen in action, that however is not now.
Next, Noa lifted her attention towards the new individuals she was meeting. There was this man she knew to be a Samurai who has yet to be absent of a Master. He must be a vassal of Lady Kobayashi which explains the Lady Kohaku's familiarity. Then, there was also another one. It was a man with a complexion and features not reminiscent of the predominant populace of this country. From that, she was assured that this person also has foreign blood within, just like her. Last, but not the least, a man hiding his appearance. She has nothing against such things. After all, anonymity would serve one well, moreover for her line of work. Yet, it does go without saying, that these three individuals were more peculiar than the people she had met earlier.
For now, she must let her thoughts be still and introduce herself. That was but a common show of courtesy and manners. Furthermore, she is also a Saburuko and will act as one. She is after all working on the clock. "Good day, I am Hara Noa. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her voice pilfered with a harmony resembling that of divine lullaby. She then followed that with a preordained bow and an elegant and innocent smile. Everything she had done was inevitably laced with grace and a sophistication despite how trivial her actions could be or is. indeed, she is worthy for her reputation as one of the best Saburuko of Edo.