Ishikawa Goemon - 'The Man Who Wants to be Spoiled'

"The Man Who Wants to be Spoiled"

“Um… miss, do you have some time after this?”

A college student called out to her 5 minutes before closing. It was the busiest time of the day, with the entrance of Jigoku Yashiki crowded with returning customers.

“I’m sorry, but I have to clean up,” she retorted with a gregarious smile. She wasn’t good at lying or acting, but thanks to this work in the hospitality industry, both during her life and after her death, she possessed a perfect sales smile.

“I’ll wait. I have time.”

The reason I know he’s a student is because there was a student discount. I remember seeing his student ID card several times at this reception. I don’t remember him being with a woman until now, and it doesn’t look like he’s flirting to pick up girls for one night stands. I don’t know if he’s seriously in love with her though.

“No… it will be late.”

Her smile is a little awkward. She’s definitely tough on frivolous people who are going to hell, but she can’t come out strongly if she’s shown sincerity. That was, of course, a good thing about her, but it can easily backfire in situations like this.

I think it was about time I send out a ‘rescue boat’ for her.

“Mister! Would you like to go to dinner with us?”

There are times in the world when misfortunes overlap. Two high school girls suddenly stood in front of me.

“We’ve been looking at you and always thought you were cool. You’re almost done for the day right?”

I was at a loss as to how to respond. To be honest, I wanted to answer gracefully with “My lover is right there” but when I imagine what happened after that, I feel like it’s better to deceive them.

After the escaped prisoners incident, she became famous as a “respectable daughter of Enma” and has many fans. But she herself seems not to want to stand out and just be a normal person.

“I’m sorry, dear customer.”

When I was thinking what to say next, she stood in between me and the high school girls.

“Solicitation of employees is prohibited.”

The moment I saw that resolute, slightly embarrassed face, my smile was filled with love.

“We’re not soliciting him, we’re asking him out on a date. Miss Prison Guard, you are above him right? Can you order this man to go on a date with us?”

Not knowing is scary. As expected, she has a face like a Noh mask, and behind her is a flustered male college student. He’s a good guy, so go be happy… with anyone but her.

“Dear customers, I have something to tell you.”

I took one step forward.

“We are married.”

When I hugged her tightly and kissed her on the cheek, cheers went off not only from the male student and high school girls, but also from the other customers.

“Kya!! I see!”

“I see, so you can get married in hell too!”

“You two look great together!”

Amidst the blessings from the customers, she turns bright red and is at a loss for words.

[Announcement] “At this time, Asakusa Jigoku Yashiki will be closed. Thank you very much for coming. We look forward to your next visit.”

“Let’s run!”

In the midst of the resounding broadcast, I took her hand and started running.

“Wait… Wait, Goemon! Just now… Hah…”

“Let’s talk in a quiet place.”

At the end of our sprint, we reached the other side of the amusement park. Here, the building is in the shade and people can’t see us.

“Goemon, just now…”

“I apologize for what I said in public without your consent. But I don’t want to deny the fact itself.”

With her cheeks blushing, she swallowed her words.

“I couldn’t help but feel happy that you made me jealous.”

“?!”

She is speechless once again.

“I thought it’s nice to make you jealous. Come to think of it, the past you also made me jealous before…”

“Kya!”

With a short cry, she clung to the wall behind her.

“Mean, meanie… Why are you saying that again?”

“I was also jealous of that student, so this is both a win and a loss.”

“Of him earlier? Didn’t look like that at all.”

“I’m sorry for being a man who doesn’t show such feelings on his face.”

I gently caress her back.

“... Oh right, even at that time you calmly said things like “I’m in love with that man from the bottom of my heart”.”

She did say that. But rather than deceiving me, it’s closer to say that I was jealous of Daigoro.

I want to be the man she loves, but I don’t want that either. Such a contradicting obsession.

“You didn’t like the “We are married” declaration?”

After a short moment, she shook her head.

“Is a wedding dress or a traditional white kimono better?”

She silently shook her head again.

“Forgive me.”

Then she let out a small sigh and said, “Goemon, do you think I will forgive you if you… say that?”

It was a bit of a surprise reaction. That’s because I didn’t have any such intentions at all, and was just trying to apologize honestly.

“Does that mean my apology isn’t sincere?”

“It’s not like that…”

In the distance, I could feel the lights going out. The broadcast in the park was finally cut off. I wondered if I had accidentally hurt her.

“I hate to put it this way, but… I think you have the makings of a womanizer. Like thinking you’ll be forgiven if you apologize like that.”

Beaten by love. That pouting face was so cute that I almost lost my composure.

“The womanizer part is a bit too much. You’re the only one who makes me have this sweet expression. I don’t have to ask other women to forgive me.” I whispered as I caught her chin when she tried to turn her face away, and kissed her.

“Are you angry?”

“.... This part of you is like a womanizer.”

“Then should I be sent to be executed?”

“No!”

Her arms wrap around my neck. When we put our lips together, she spoke through the gap, “Saying that we’re married… I was happy but just as embarrassed.”

It is unreasonable for me to be whispered to at a time like this. This woman is too cruel, I want to take her away right now.

“Will this spread the word that you’re a married woman on the internet? I hope no one will try to flirt with you anymore.”

“I wonder about that.”

I feel bad for the nice young man, but she belongs to me. She’s mine and mine only.

“I love you.”

Somewhere else the lights went out. We can’t stay up all night here, so we should head to the changing room early. Still, I can’t let her go, I haven’t finished kissing.

While I murmured in my heart that it was unbearable, I entwined my tongue even deeper with hers.

Donate ❤