"Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode 12

"Cocytus. A river in the underworld of Greek mythology. A frozen hell that spares no traitors."

Izumi had a difficult delivery.

When she went into labor during the day, Syunka was by her side.

Izumi’s husband couldn’t come right away due to work, so Syunka rode with her in the ambulance and stayed with her at the hospital.

She spent the night with Izumi’s family, who rushed to the hospital, barely getting any sleep, which left dark circles under her eyes.

At dawn, they finally heard the newborn’s cry.

It was a healthy baby girl—Izumi was exhausted, but she was recovering well afterward.

Once things calmed down, Syunka finally began to walk around her hometown.

She headed to the ballet school she attended as a child.

“Miss”

“Syunka! It’s been a while!”

Her teacher was still as gentle as ever, with bright hair and graceful gestures.

With the elegance unique to ballet dancers, she resembled a fairy tale fairy.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“You too, Miss. Oh, I brought you a souvenir from Italy.”

“Oh, I’m delighted. Did something good happen?”

With a smile, she poked Syunka’s cheek. Perhaps, to her, Syunka still seemed like an elementary school student.

“My friend gave birth safely.”

“Really? That’s wonderful.”

They talked for a while, and just before leaving, Syunka said to her:

“Um… I’m thinking of starting ballet again.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! You always worked hard and were expressive. I’m so happy you’re going to dance ballet again.”

“Yes, but it might just be as a hobby.”

“That’s fine, that’s fine. Whether it’s a hobby or anything else, as long as you and the audience enjoy it, that’s enough. Oh, by the way. Since it’s such a great opportunity, why don’t you join the Soirée… or what you call the Sera? Would you like to participate?”

Sera—a night performance.

“It’s being held in October. Even though it’s called Sera, it’s open for free. If you start practicing now… you have three months and a bit. You’ll surely make it.”

“Where will it be?”

“In Tokyo. We’ve been invited, and everyone’s looking forward to it.”

Syunka hesitated for a moment, but she genuinely wanted to say, “I want to participate.”

Ballet was not about performing to show off but to entertain the audience.

It felt like returning to her roots.

“…I’ll participate. Thank you, Miss.”

“I’m so happy! You can choose any piece you like, but please send me a video. I’d like to see it. What do you want to perform?”

Syunka touched her chin with her fingers and thought.

Then she said,

“Beatrice.”

Returning to Tokyo, her work resumed with witnessing the conclusion of the exhibition. Ayaka wanted to talk to Shunka about something, but the timing was off, and they ended up going their separate ways. A message from Ayaka arrived on Shunka’s computer as she was headed to Osaka.

“Do you know which Beatrice you won at the auction?”

Since the identification number and title had been changed, it seemed to have gotten lost somewhere. Given that there are many similar pieces, it's understandable that they got mixed up. Shunka sent an image from the catalog, mentioning that it was the painting she used during the proposal, but wondered if that was clear enough.

Ayaka replied, “That means it's in Nagoya, right? Got it, thanks. I’ll need to loan it for a while, so even if someone wants to buy it, don’t sell it.”

Shunka wondered what was going on, but orders were orders. On the final day, buyers would visit, and sales contracts would become more active. With many large clients gathering in Tokyo, Shunka was determined. Contracts were signed with several people, and the clients who held the exhibition seemed satisfied.

Paradiso was the only piece that Shunka insisted not be sold, so she declined any offers. It was something that needed to be given to the right place someday, not something to be traded for money.

Among the guests was a woman who caught Shunka's attention. Her black hair was cut in a clean line at her forehead and shoulder blades, and her cool eyes were emerald green. Her makeup was unique and artistic, harmonizing perfectly with her black suit and deeply slit tight skirt. Her chest was boldly exposed, as if she wore nothing underneath, with a long necklace drawing attention to the area. She wore thin stiletto heels, and a silver anklet shimmered subtly.

Ayaka was often referred to as a "walking work of art," but this woman was no less stunning. Her looks and style were model-worthy. Clutching a crocodile handbag, she walked straight toward Shunka. Her walk was commanding and captivating, with a mysterious and flamboyant beauty, like a dahlia, and a sensuous allure. Her perfume, a sweet blend of roses, jasmine, musk, and a hint of spice, lingered in the air as she moved.

"Buongiorno," she said with a voice that had an enchanting resonance, making even someone of the same sex feel a flutter.

"...Buongiorno," Shunka replied, recognizing her as a customer from Italy and continuing in Italian.

"You look even more beautiful up close," the woman said.

"Thank you. I'm not really young enough to be called a girl anymore..."

"Beauty isn't defined by age. In fact, there are things that only become apparent as one grows older."

"...Yes, I believe so too."

"I'd like to talk for a bit. There are some pieces I want to buy."

"Let me show you around."

The beautiful woman, who introduced herself as Livia, began inspecting the exhibits one by one. She seemed particularly taken with the Beatrice paintings, requesting explanations for several pieces. Shunka obliged.

When she stopped in front of one painting, it was the Beatrice that held special meaning for Shunka.

"...This is wonderful. It's genuine gold leaf, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's not fake or just gold-colored paint, but the real thing."

"I've never seen anything like it before. Where has it been hidden?"

"It was discovered about 60 years ago in a private collection by an estate organizer. It hadn't been publicized, and the artist's name remains unknown..."

"It's quite a rarity."

Livia stared at it intensely, not like an art connoisseur, but like a snake about to strike a frog.

"Is this a copy?"

"Yes, it's not the original."

"The original must be even more impressive."

"Indeed... the three-dimensional quality of the gold leaf is different. The expression changes with the shadows. We tried to reproduce it in the copy as best as we could..."

"It's wonderful. I'd like to place it in my office. How much? Honestly, price is no object. I'll pay whatever it takes."

Before recalling Ayaka's words, Shunka wanted to say no. Livia looked at the painting as if it were prey. Shunka wasn't sure how accurate her intuition was, but she didn't like it. Fortunately, Ayaka had also said, "Don't sell it."

"...I'm sorry, but there's already a previous customer interested."

Livia's eyes turned to Shunka. She really was like a snake. Beautiful, but something was off.

"I see."

Livia's cold voice echoed.

Nathan was in the grand hall of Rocca di Luce. There was a marble table, and on top of it was that laptop.

“It seems the police have figured out where the password is…” Augusto’s voice was icy.

“What?”

Nathan responded as calmly as possible. In this room were only a few executives—those Augusto particularly favored, his aides, and bodyguards. The number was too small for the grand hall, which only made the room feel even colder.

Vittorio stood silently behind him.

“The people watching the gallery noticed. They said the police are asking us to tell them where we sold the paintings.”

“We need to act quickly,” one of the executives spoke up. Augusto's stern gaze fell on him, causing the executive to fall silent.

“That’s right. But we can’t leave the country,” Nathan said, and Augusto nodded.

“Yeah. We’re being watched.”

“Let’s move whoever we can.”

“Even the low-level guys not on any blacklist…”

“If we contact the Japanese Yakuza…”

“That’s a good idea. Contact the Yakuza and have them get the password? That’s as good as letting them have leverage over us,” Augusto snorted.

“What about Livia?”

Nathan mentioned her name, and Augusto turned his whole body to face him, showing interest.

“Livia can move. She can go to Japan. If we give her part of the rights to the casino bar and allow her to expand her business… In the long run, both she, Augusto, you, and we can all profit.”

“…That’s true. It’s a good plan,”

Augusto placed a smartphone on the marble. It belonged to Shunka.

“Nathan, I’ll forgive your lie for the sake of that plan. It seems you’ve had quite a sweet time, but we’ll consider it an advance on your vacation,” Augusto pointed to the smartphone, displaying part of the messages between Shunka and Nathan.

Nathan's heart froze for a moment, but he nodded without showing it on his face.

When Augusto was alone, he crossed his legs and looked at the laptop. Nathan left Rocca di Luce without a change in his expression.

Had he already moved on from Shunka Aono? The guy had quite the poker face. He wasn’t easily shaken by any bluff.

Livia was already in motion. Reports had come in that she had been seen at the airport. Augusto didn’t know when, but she had probably already made contact with the target.

“A double agent, huh?” He spoke to a figure hiding in the shadows of the pillar.

“Who is your master? Who gave you the means to profit and the power to survive? Think carefully about it.”

After hearing Augusto’s words, the shadow disappeared.

“Damn it, every one of them…” Augusto glanced at the laptop.

（—If only I could destroy it, all the evidence would be gone.）

But so would the trust in his business. Rebuilding it would take a long time and a lot of effort.

Augusto reached for the landline phone.

“I don’t care if Shunka Aono is dead or alive. I’ll pay whatever it takes; just steal the painting before Livia does.”

After giving the order, he stood up. Running a hand through his hair, damp with sweat, he loosened his tie and exhaled.

At that moment, Augusto was feeling anxious.

He had made a mistake. A small one, one anyone might make.

He had forgotten to lock the shelf where he stored the laptop.

Nathan entered a café under the Crane Gello organization and contacted Leonardo. Disguised, he walked in and sat two seats away from him.

Nathan wrote on a memo and showed it to him.
『Livia has left the country, right?』
Leonardo also wrote on a memo and showed his reply.
『That’s right. But thanks to your information, we’ve got a mark on her.』
『The mark might not be enough. Not just the painting, but Shunka Aono’s life is in danger.』
『What happened?』
『Augusto found out that the Italian police have realized where the password is. You never know what a cornered man will do. Why is the police taking such obvious actions?』
『Sorry. I kept quiet. As an excuse, there’s someone who was too hasty for success. We can’t overlook prostitution, either.』
Nathan let out a big breath, holding his forehead.
『Vittorio’s family is protected. This place hasn’t been found out, so rest assured.』
『We need to hurry and seize the laptop. Also, contact a man named ”Arata Shindo”. Livia and probably an assassin will be sent to get Shunka Aono and the painting. Make sure to protect them.』
『An assassin?』
『Do you think Augusto trusts anyone? Even Livia is just a bargaining partner. He’ll try to act before her. There are only so many means he can take.』
『...I see. Got it.』

Nathan stood up and left the café. He had no choice but to trust Leonardo and Shindo. He still couldn’t return to Japan.

Now, he could almost read Augusto’s mind like an open book. Maybe they were alike from the start, he and Augusto. He felt a kind of sympathy for him, akin to pity. He was disgusted with himself for feeling that way.
—Know your origin. The answer is always within you.
Suddenly, the voice and words of a familiar person echoed in his mind.

“Man was not born to become a beast... trust your conscience...”
As he remembered his words, the past flashed in his mind.
—All difficulties can be overcome with patience. Time flies by, but neither I nor you will disappear from the memory of time.

A trembling hand, wet with blood, grabbed Nathan’s hand.
“Listen, what’s important to me is to protect what must be protected with this body and life. So don’t worry about it. Go further ahead. The answer is always within you. It will never be lost or taken away. As long as you have it, you won’t lose your way on any path.”

That was a heinous act targeting Nathan. But he was there by misfortune.
“I was lucky. It’s better for a young man like you to survive than an old man like me. Right? I’ve come to know love. But you haven’t yet. So this is for the best.”
Why did he have to face such a fate? Nathan had been injured and was in the hospital at that time, so he took Nathan’s place. As a result, he lost his life. When Nathan rushed over after getting the message, he found him stabbed in the abdomen with a knife.

Holding him up, with hands wet with blood grasping Nathan’s hands and not letting go, he left those words and breathed his last.

That suddenly came back to him.

The unending regret. The guilt. Though he said it was for the best, Nathan couldn’t see it that way.

Turning back, he saw the sunset sinking into the sea. Amidst the brightness, there was warmth in the sunset.

“...I’m not like Augusto...”

That mutter vanished into the shadow cast by the sunset.

After the exhibition ended, they began the process of sorting the works among owners, clients, and new buyers. Ayaka has seemed busy lately because a major client has requested her to direct a new exhibition. Despite that, she looks quite sleepy.

“Um... you look tired. How about taking a break?”

“Ah... yeah, no, I’m fine. I should be able to relax soon.”

“By the way, has Beatrice’s painting been lent out already?”

“Not yet... Honestly, having so many pieces to display is a problem...”

“Well...”

“There are so many similar ones, and I don’t have enough time to check everything. Plus, they’re busy over there too, so time is limited... But probably soon...”

Ayaka let out a yawn. Shunka felt it coming on, too, but she kept her mouth closed to resist it.

“Please take a little rest. You’ve been working too hard lately.”

“Do you think so...? Well, I’ll take you up on that offer for a bit...”

Saying that, Ayaka lay down on the office sofa.

There are indeed many of Beatrice’s paintings, but Shunka can identify them right away. All she has to do is open the package that arrived from Nagoya and check its contents. Although it’s difficult to open due to the careful and sturdy packaging, Shunka knows the size of the painting. She picked out the one she thought was it and began unwrapping each one.

On the ninth painting, she finally saw Beatrice’s eyes, adorned with gold leaf.
(It’s been a while, Beatrice...)

Her eyes, full of light, are gentle yet strong. They’re like sparks.

Flipping it over, she checked the unusual mark. As expected, it looked like a series of incomprehensible characters written with a ballpoint pen.

This part remains a mystery...

That night, after finishing her work, Shunka was walking alone. She was considering whether to stop by the supermarket for some ingredients or go to a deli to buy a bento when she felt something cold pressed against her back.

“!”

Her waist seemed to lose all warmth, and her body began to tremble. She thought she should run, but the fear of not knowing what might happen if she did made her feet freeze in place.

But she clearly remembered the scent: sweet flowers and the sensual aroma of spices.

“…Hi, miss. Do you remember me?”

The Italian language, the seductive tone of the voice—of course, she couldn’t forget.

“…Lady Livia.”

“Yes, that’s right. You see, I really want that painting. Do you know why?”

“…Because you like it?”

“Heh. That’s true enough. It’s a straightforward motive. But it’s not really about the painting.”

The cold object moved from her waist up her spine. She felt the pointed tip through her suit. Was it a knife? Her blood ran cold, and her heart ached as she forgot how to breathe.

“That painting holds everything about a certain man. I want to control him so badly. I want to make him my toy.”

The cold object slid further, tickling the nape of Shunka’s neck.

“If you cooperate, I won’t take your life. He might be merciless, but I’m still kind-hearted towards girls. It’s in your best interest to entrust yourself to me. Oh, and speaking of which, if things are going to be like this, I’ll have to make you mine too. It would be troublesome if you went to the police... But it’s just as well. Japanese people have such beautiful skin and look young, so there are many clients who prefer them. Japanese women are really popular worldwide, aren’t they? Even neighboring countries seem to like them.”

Livia’s arm extended, touching Shunka’s inner thigh.

“It’s a shame you’re not a virgin. But that’s okay; you have a good figure. I’ll train you so that you can start earning quickly. You’ll live a rich life beyond what you can imagine now. Besides, you have quite a beautiful face, good education, and language skills. With your background, you might even find a secure life as someone’s mistress.”

Her fingertips brushed against Shunka’s underwear. Livia continued.

“You’ll quickly forget that arrogant man named Nathan. I’ll teach you things that feel even better. Understand? It’s the only and best job to control men. Now, hand over the painting. Just that will secure your life and a wealthy future. And if you still can’t forget, I’ll introduce Nathan to you as a client eventually. By then, you’ll be able to control a man. He’ll be yours. It’s not a bad deal, is it? You’ll get life, money, and a man—all for just one painting!”

Shunka wanted to collapse right there, but she couldn’t even do that. Her trembling legs felt as if they weren’t her own.

Yet she managed to squeeze out her voice.

“…I refuse.”

“What did you say?”

Why does she know Nathan? But more than that, she was angry at the insult to her relationship with him.

“I refuse.”

Her voice was clearer this time.

Livia bit her ear as she spoke.

“Don’t you care about your life? You’re such a fool.”

Shunka could say no more, only shaking her head. Tears were welling up.

“No…”

“Then…”

A sharp popping sound echoed, and Livia groaned. The knife flew away.

Freed, Shunka collapsed onto the ground. Her heels came off, and her body was too weak to stand.

“Damn it, Augusto noticed…”

“Stay right there, Livia. And you, ‘Rabbit.’”

Something aimed at Livia now targeted Shunka.

A man in a suit appeared from the front.

“Just as Livia said, Augusto is merciless. If you value your life, hand over the painting quickly. Afterwards, you might be better off under Livia’s care.”

“Hey… don’t interfere.”

“Shut up, Livia. Consoling each other is pointless. It’s a matter of life and death. It’s simple, right? But handing over the painting is the minimum condition.”

What is going on? Shunka couldn’t even voice her doubts when a rustling sound came from the bushes of a nearby house.

“We’re here to protect Ms. Aono!”

As he said this, he threw something up into the air—everyone’s eyes went up, and he charged at the man in the suit.

“Mr.Takanashi”

“Understood.”

A whistle blew, and police officers appeared from somewhere, restraining the suited man with a spear.

“This guy had a crossbow!” The man who had appeared earlier grabbed the crossbow.

Through her overflowing tears, Shunka saw Livia disappearing somewhere, police officers chasing her, and the hand extended in front of her in rapid succession.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

The voice of the man who had come down was surprisingly gentle.

In a room within the police station... presumably the best room, the reception area, Shunka was guided.

A plush leather sofa and a small yet solid desk. The concrete walls, looking sturdy, were adorned with the Rising Sun flag.

The coffee offered to her. Shunka, unable to savor the aroma, stirred it repeatedly with a spoon, without any real purpose.

“We’ve rescued Ms. Shunka Aono. ...Yes, it took some time... No, it couldn't be helped. Please don’t say it now!”

The one who raised his voice was the man who had first appeared. Wearing a floral shirt and jeans, he looked nothing like a police officer but was a sergeant named Shin Shindo.

“Damn it... What’s the point of being useless? I’m sorry, Ms. Aono. I really wanted to get here sooner, but...”

“Um...”

“First, the one who attacked you was Livia. Her real name is Caterina. She’s a former model turned prostitute and now a high-ranking member of the Crane Gello.”

“Crane Gello...”

The name finally made the situation clearer. The town where she was staying. The mafia that controlled it.

“And the man with the crossbow was an assassin hired by Crane Gello. He’s not Italian but still a foreigner, one of the few remaining in Japan.”

“...Why me...”

“There was a painting you bid on at the auction, right? One of them contained something dangerous.”

“Dangerous?”

“Yes. There’s a laptop packed with information on Crane Gello, and a password needed to open it was hidden in that painting. That’s why you were targeted.”

“...I see...”

Shunka was at a loss for words, but at the same time, it made sense. She tried to suppress her nausea by placing her hand over her mouth. Her fingers trembled as if she could not control them.

“Um... It’s a bit out of place to ask now, but I want to check the painting quickly. Do you have any leads on Beatrice?”

“Fourteen digits?”

“You know about it!”

Shindo’s face and voice brightened instantly. Now that he mentioned it, Shunka felt she had seen his face before.

“...Yes. I thought it was an odd number... It was a ballpoint pen in an oil painting...”

“That’s amazing. Can you secure the painting right away?”

“If I tell Ms. Ohara... I’ll recognize the painting.”

“Great, great. We can move forward with the resolution now. Hooray, with this, Senior Ando can finally return!”

Shindo was getting excited, but Shunka was still not quite settled. Even though she had just escaped a life-threatening situation, she couldn’t easily feel happy.

As she felt abandoned while watching Shindo cheerfully write the report, the door opened and the man who had extended his hand earlier came in.

“Shindo, you’re a bit too overjoyed alone. Ms. Aono, I’m truly sorry for frightening you. I wanted to protect you sooner, but it was difficult... Have you calmed down?”

“A little...”

“That’s good. I’m Eitaro Takahashi.”

With his gentle smile and voice, Takahashi’s presence brought Shunka a sense of relief.

“The details will be explained by Shindo...”

“Yes... Um, so the painting I bought...”

“That’s right. It had a curse on it, which is why you were targeted.”

“How do you know?”

“Because we have an informant.”

Takahashi said it calmly.

“He went to Italy for an investigation into arms smuggling by Japanese nationals. He infiltrated Crane Gello, gained the trust of the boss, Augusto, but the investigation didn’t progress, and three years passed. Then you appeared before him.”

Three years... It was a significant number. Shunka looked up.

— Why Italy?
— Work. Because I could speak English, I had many overseas assignments.
— Did you go anywhere else?
— Not that much. I went to America and England... a few times briefly. It’s been three years since I went to Italy.
— Three years? Your family must be worried.
— Well, they’re used to it since we’ve been apart for a long time.

Could it be... Shunka looked at Takahashi, who showed her a photograph.

With sharp eyes, a masculine face, slightly tanned skin, and brown hair. He seemed like a lone wolf but also suited for a uniform.

The contrast of his appearance gave off a subtle charm. He had an exotic look, with an Asian feel in his Western features.

And those amber eyes that had watched Shunka repeatedly.

The younger version of him in a police uniform was depicted in the photo, and tears soon blurred her vision.

“That informant is Nathan Blackmore. His real name is Nate Ando. He’s a sergeant in our department.”

“Ando... Nate...Nate...”

Shunka spoke his name with trembling lips.

She knew his real name. The truth he had conveyed. The real him.

Warmth spread through her chest, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Her whole body trembled with joy.

— Nate. Call me Nate.
— Nate...
— Yeah... Thank you.

Nathan softened his eyes and smiled at Shunka, his cheeks relaxing.

It was as if she finally saw his true smile. That was his genuine smile.

"To be continued"→"Cocytus -Ballerina Under the Moonlight" Episode 13