Tale of the Six Kitsune: Preface

Stories about memory always cling to the instant something is gained, then lost. This book is not wholly new; it is a rewrite of the famous Chronicles of the Six Kitsune by Urakusai.

Preface

Stories about memory always cling to the instant something is gained, then lost.

As for why this humble work was begun at all, it is nothing so grand.

That night I was drinking at my leisure in Uyou-tei when I happened upon a friend long parted—before I knew it, she was already seated at a quiet table to the side.

"My, who has rare good spirits today, yet drinks alone in such solitude?"

Hearing her ask thus, I answered offhand:

"Fine wine is always held for the right price. One must endure the wait alone."

"Such a tired line... You still have no wit at all."

Now editor-in-chief, she held a small cup, the look of one whose wine-mood was about to rise.

"Why not earn yourself some drinking money? You are idle either way."

"As for tonight's wine, I will settle the bill."

She said so again with a smile—likely the third time already.

"You are back."

I saw the night wind carry a few Sacred Sakura petals into her cup, shattering the little moon there. A sense of déjà vu washed over me, and somehow I shamefully let those four words slip out.

"You are drunk."

Displeasure crossed her face; her tone carried a majesty that would not be moved.

But soon she set down her cup and sighed:

"When she left, I had not yet been born."

And I, then, was only a boy.

"The stories she once told—perhaps only you can retell them now."

And so, laughable as it is, I fell for it, and must take up the brush once more for Yae Publishing House.

Old readers, please do not be angry; this is not me lightly breaking my promise to rest the pen.

After all, I must prepare early for fine brew about to drop in price—and more than that, I cannot owe the good wine the editor-in-chief treated me to that night.