SHIGEKO'S DOSSIER : Precious is the unofficial queen of Teardrop Island and the Licensed District. While Shosuro Hyobu may reign over the political world of Ryoko Owari, and Shosuro Jocho controls the military, in matters of gossip, fashion and (most important)social favor, the influence of Precious is second to no one. This raises the question of what sort of woman she is; the answer is that I cannot say. She is always traditional, compliant, friendly, respectful - and impenetrable.There isa sense of danger in every conversation with Precious, because it is absolutely impossible to know if she means what she says, or if she is simply saying what you want to hear. (She never says anything that anyone would not want to hear; it's one of her many talents.) The only words one can apply to her with certainty are "beautiful" and "influential". Every other impression could be a false one deliberately given. It is impossible to know the heart behind the face.
"MEMOIRS OF AN OPIUM EATER": Nineteenth Year in the Reign
of Hantei XXXVIII, Fifteenth Day, Month of the Dog
I was at the Morning Star this evening when Precious was
singing. I found myself looking around at the men in the
audience - each had a rapt expression. Some looked as if they
were in actual pain, while others gazed with longing and parted. After her song, Precious came by my table and introduced
herself. I complimented her on her singing, and she looked away
modestly.
"It must be very flattering to see so many admiring stares," I
said. "They call you the Queen of the Nightless City"
She smiled, but as she looked in my eyes, I thought I saw
sadness."Perhaps," she replied. "But I am not even a citizen of the
world of sunlight:'