Thaw

Episode 5: Farewell at Victoria Station and the Vow

In April 1930, after a long and agonizing struggle, the London Naval Treaty was officially signed.

The world breathed a collective sigh of relief, inheriting a temporary peace. But for Kazuya, the signing of the treaty was merely the prologue to a far more dangerous war. Back in Japan, a mad political tempest was gathering strength, with hardliners screaming that the government had violated the Emperor's supreme command by signing the treaty against the Navy's wishes. The future waiting for him across the sea was perilous.

By early May, the platform at London's Victoria Station was swallowed by the clamor of travelers and the thick, white steam of departing trains.

To return to Japan as quickly as possible—cutting a month-long sea voyage down to a mere two weeks—Kazuya was set to travel overland via France, Berlin, and Moscow, connecting directly to the Trans-Siberian Railway. The massive continental boat train sat idling, its iron belly rumbling softly.

Standing beside the passenger car, Shizuko fought to suppress her grief, desperately trying to maintain her usual brave, quiet smile. Yet, her eyes remained glassy with unshed tears.

Kazuya reached into the pocket of his tailored coat and quietly pulled out a small box. Inside lay the silver Onoto pen he had bought on that brilliant February Sunday in Bond Street, its delicate silver overlay gleaming under the station lights.

He took the pen and placed it gently into Shizuko’s delicate palm, closing her fingers around it.

"I want you to keep this pen," Kazuya said, wrapping both of his hands around hers as he looked deeply into her eyes. "I will use its twin to write to you, without fail. Even if the military censors intercept my words, no matter what storms tear through the capital, I will make sure my voice reaches you. And when the time comes, I will return to bring you home. ...Will you wait for me until then?"

Clutching the silver-engraved pen tightly against her chest, as if trying to feel both the cool metal and the lingering warmth of Kazuya's hands, Shizuko nodded. A lone tear finally spilled down her cheek, but she met Kazuya’s gaze with a radiant, unwavering smile.

"Yes. I will wait for you. For as many years as it takes, wherever I must. ...Even if the whole country brands you a traitor, I will not be afraid. I will always be prouder of the path of peace you chose than anyone else in the world."

The train's whistle blew, a high, mournful cry that pierced the air. The pistons churned, and a massive cloud of white steam erupted along the platform, billowing outward and swallowing the two of them in a blinding shroud, forcing them apart.

Kazuya pulled Shizuko into his arms one last time, holding her body close against the rush of steam.

"Shizuko. ...I love you. We will live through this and see each other again. I swear it."

"Please, return to me safely," Shizuko whispered against Kazuya's chest, her words a sacred prayer. "...My one and only hero."

Their hands parted, and Kazuya leaped onto the steps of the moving carriage.

As the platform receded into the distance, through the fading veil of white smoke, Kazuya could see Shizuko. She stood there, holding the silver pen high in the air, waving to Kazuya until the train vanished into the horizon.

An era of darkness and the thunder of marching boots awaited them in Japan. Yet, the absolute trust and love forged between them in the London fog remained a brilliant, unquenchable light, capable of piercing through any darkness the future might hold.

📖Reversechapter：https://note.com/ttukumoo/n/n85e99b7ce3b7
🌐OriginalJapanese：https://note.com/juicy_laelia8513/n/nc3329ae84a

"Thank you so much for reading to the very end!"💗