Excerpts from the book:
One moon has passed since Ageha's death. The eleventh moon has arrived and the autumn cold has begun, signifying the imminent arrival of winter. However, the city of Edo continued to bustle with life. In Yoshiwara, too, there were no fewer visitors.
As for the 'Peony', the gloomy atmosphere still reigned there. Despite how sad it may sound, the deaths of courtesans in Yoshiwara were common. Ageha was buried modestly, but according to all the rules. However, it seemed that her soul could not rest in peace. For in 'Peony', strange things have been constantly happening lately. For example, objects suddenly appeared out of place. At night, from Ageha's room, which was still empty, sounds similar to a woman's crying were heard.
Madame Kagero, being a superstitious person, called a priest who performed a purification ritual. And she paid him additionally to pray for the repose of Ageha's soul. For a while, this actually helped. The strange sounds stopped, the objects remained in their places. But soon everything started all over again.
Satsuki met Shotaro and Ōi in her dream, in her room. And without leaving 'Peony' she told them about what was happening. The dragon, without thinking twice, answered:
"It is obvious! There's a ghost in 'Peony'!"
"Can't Ageha rest in peace?" the oiran became worried.
"Most likely," Shotaro confirmed. "But this can only mean one thing: that she did not die of a heart attack, she did not die a natural death. In other words, someone killed her."
"Is it really Mr. Minamisawa?" Satsuki was scared.
After all, the man began to visit 'Peony' again — he returned to Ms. Suigetsu. "So our kôshi is also in danger?" flashed through the oiran's head.
But Ōi unexpectedly stood up for the owner of the oil shop:
"I don't think he's involved in this matter. I already told you earlier that I met with him after the incident. He looked genuinely sad and full of bitterness."
"But then who?" Satsuki was perplexed. "Who could harm Ageha?"
"Has Tōmei visited anyone else besides her?" the artist asked.
"Yes, he visited Ms. Suigetsu in the past, and now he visits her again," the oiran answered, not yet understanding what her friend meant.
"Could she have poisoned Ms. Ageha out of jealousy?" Ōi put forward her assumption.
"No, I'm sure of it!" Satsuki exclaimed. "Even though she has a difficult character, she would not dare to kill! I can't even imagine it!"