Chapter 24 - 27 Summary

Chapter Twenty-four follows the character of Taku as he talks with Hiroshi, the senior retainer of Maruyama. Hiroshi has been Taku's friend since they were children, and now that Shigeko is about to assume the control of the province of Maruyama, Hiroshi is going to act as the head of the province to oversee the transition of duties. Taku is astounded at his feelings for his servant Sada since he has never really been deeply in love or lust with anyone - not even his wife. His friend Hiroshi chides him for taking another woman when he is married, even though the practice is accepted in the Three Countries, and Taku replies that his wife doesn't mind and accepts the fact that Taku will have other lovers. This time, however, is different, because Taku feels a deep obsession developing for Sada...