“Cultural Clashes, Castella, and a Talking Sword”
"Master Kogyū, everything's ready!"
"Thanks, Kana. Appreciate the help setting up."
"Oh, not at all! Happy to assist however I can!"
Every year, the second-floor parlor of Gogyū’s residence was transformed for the Dutch New Year celebration. Unlike the solemn, serene atmosphere of a traditional Japanese New Year, this one had an air of refined Western elegance.
“Whoa, look at all this fancy food again this year!”
“Indeed... quite the feast.”
Peeking into the parlor, Tasuke and Kanikichi lit up like kids at a festival.
"All right! Time to dig in—let’s eat, eat, eat!"
“Could you at least try to act like a grown-up...?”
"Hey, I’ve been coming here every year. I’m practically family."
Whether it’s admirable or alarming, Tasuke treats every place and person the same—with zero filter. It’s... something.
"Geez, Tasuke! Mind your manners!"
"Huh? You’re already here? I thought I’d beat you to the good stuff."
Omitsu, seated with a teacup in hand, had arrived early—no surprise—and was helping prepare before being promptly treated to sweets and tea. The teacup she was using looked absurdly expensive.
"Wait, you already started eating!? That’s not fair!"
"Don’t lump me in with you! I was offered a treat while waiting! And you don’t even like sweets, remember?"
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"I hate sugar balls. Castella’s a different story!"
Meanwhile, the room itself was a marvel—elegant European furniture, a round dining table lit by colorful lamps, western delicacies like roast beef and fluffy bread, cakes, brandy, even real coffee. Unthinkable for the time outside of Nagasaki.
"You’re embarrassing me every single year—please act your age!"
"Complain all you want, but if you don't move fast, I’ll eat yours too!"
Frankly, it’s astonishing this man is even allowed indoors.
"All right, time to—"
Just as Tasuke reached for a dish—
"Hey you! Knock it off!"
A voice rang out behind him, sharp as a whip.
"You haven’t even let Master Gogyū sit down yet—have some decency!"
For once, Tasuke froze.
"Uh… who are you?"
“Oh, right. This is your first time meeting Kana.”
Gogyū stepped forward calmly.
“She’s one of my students.”
“...I can’t believe someone like you is an acquaintance of Master Gogyū.”
“Geez, thanks for the warm welcome.”
“Now, now. Kana, mind your manners too. Introduce yourself.”
With a pout and visible reluctance, she bowed.
“…Morisugi Kana. Nice to meet you.”
Tasuke, still standing, chugged from a ridiculously fine wine glass he definitely didn’t have permission to touch.
"Yeah, yeah, I’m Tasuke. Cheers, kiddo."
"And I am… a talking sword. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Kanikichi's voice was awkward, as if even he was embarrassed by his own name.
Kana blinked. "Wait… are you an Awakened?"
"Yep! Me and sharp things go way back!"
“…You dare put yourself on the same level as Master Gogyū? How offensive."
“Hey! Don’t drag him into this!”
"And you didn’t even give your blade a proper name—how disrespectful—"
"Ahem! I do have a name, actually..."
“Yeah, tell her what it is.”
"Ugh… I’d rather not."
The name "Kanikichi" was apparently a sore spot.
“Hey, I brought booze for you later. Don’t get salty now.”
“La-la-la-la-la, I can’t hear you—la-la—”
“You’re so annoying!”
Suddenly—
“...Kanikichi!?” Kana burst into laughter. “That’s your name!? Oh no—HAHAHA!”
"See? This is exactly why I didn't want to say it!"
“Maybe it’s time for a rebranding, buddy.”
“Ugh, whatever...”
Of course, while all this chaos unfolded, Tasuke had already piled his plate and started eating.
It’s a miracle he hasn’t been banned from this house yet.
By the way, only close acquaintances were invited to the Dutch New Year on the first day. From the second day onward, Gogyū opened his doors to more guests—clearly a man who knew how to host with flair.
To be continued…
Unlike the usual Japanese New Year rituals, this was a celebration shaped by Dejima’s peculiar blend of East and West.
