Collected Item No. 1879

• 
  
  
  close

  Credits

  Title: Collected Item No. 1879 - “Latticed Window”
  Author: ©︎shirasutaro-
  Year created: 2023

  close
  
  

Latticed WindowCollected Item Memorandum Catalog #1879

Collected on December of the 25th Year of Taishō. Discovered by a research officer in front of the Imperial Engine. Destruction and removal were both unattainable, and when an attempt was made to install a hard glass pane between it and the Imperial Engine, the pane suddenly sublimated into a thin fume, and vanished. Since no damage to the Imperial Engine has been confirmed, and the Emperor Himself cannot be affected, it shall be placed under constant surveillance of five or more research officers.

The “Latticed Window” is, as indicated, a British-styled latticed window that floats about three feet away from the Imperial Engine. Approximately one foot tall and six inches wide. It does not adhere to any wall, and the pane reflects scenes of the Imperial Capital, changing at a frequency of roughly 30 minutes.
The scenery corresponds to the real Imperial Capital, and the Gyouseiya Department Store (For more information, please refer to the attached page) can be seen. The sceneries selected tend to be places where many people gather.

The “Latticed Window” appeared on the 27 of December of Taishō 25, immediately after British engineer Hank Stuart died of poisoning following an audience with the Imperial Engine. The body was instantly moved outside, with a following investigation finding no abnormalities. This was Mr. Stuart’s second time meeting the Emperor, with the person in charge confirming that Mr. Stuart was deeply moved the first time he met face to face with the Emperor.

Attached document

Letter found inside Mr. Stuart’s residence. Document likely to be related to the “Latticed Window”.

---

　Please allow me to begin one’s letter with an account of one’s own life. I don’t possess the necessary words to express these thoughts to you. It’s regrettable, of course, as I am a foreigner.

　As it was for Mrs. Bishop, I was one who yearned for the Orient.
　Having been afflicted with illness since childhood, I traversed to a foreign country only after recovering the ability to move like any other person. I longed for those strange characters— I, of course, did not speak the language of this beautiful country back then— and I, relying on my father’s thing connections, who had once said “I once travelled to this country of the East in order to teach Western technology”, somehow managed to travel to Japan as an engineer.

　It was shortly after this that you were tragically gunned down in Toranomon.
　I shall never forget it. At the time, I was visiting an American shop in order to see what kind of western furniture had been imported into Japan, blending into the seamless crowd when I learnt of your imperial tour.
　There was a ‘pan!’ sound, like a ship’s sails being unfurled. I recognize a familiar cane gun from one’s home country sticking out from besides me, and as I quickly grabbed the arm, when I heard shrieks coming from the automated carriage.

　A dignitary from this country had been shot. As I came to absorb this, I realized the atmosphere surrounding me had changed completely.
　The somber anxiety that threatened to engulf the people strangely alleviated, the blue sky, the trees, and even the road looking bright and prosperous. I remember that not only I nor the people around, but even that Nanba fellow, whose arm I had grabbed, were left with their mouths open, gaze blank.

　Soon after, the police arrived and asked me for a couple of questions about one’s name and affiliation, then, after a few words of gratitude and a promise to talk to me again, dragged the criminal away.

　The Taishō saw an age of great development.
　Advertisements for automata and prosthetics that far surpassed western technology were plastered all over, and the construction of buildings that surpassed every cloud continued every day.
　Even I, a foreigner, felt blessed by this. When I told others that I was ready to spend the rest of my days living in this resplendent empire, many welcomed me, and I was able to join many circles of craftsmen.

　It was my deep love and respect for you that made me decide to spend the rest of my days in this country.
　I have been told that this wonderful prosperity is thanks to you being connected through cables, your dreams becoming reality. Furthermore, I even got to know you before you closed your eyes.
　I am aware that you were sick in bed since your first days, and that you wished with all your heart to become able to travel westward, overseas. Despite your many terrible ailments, you took the seat of the emperor, and worked hard to maintain the peace for the people— Rather, you are still working hard at it.

　I did not know how to be able to stop the tears rolling down one’s face.　
　If that bullet hadn’t hit you, I am sure a most bright future awaited you.
　The phlegmatic sickness withdrew from your body, and the sharp gaze that descends from your wide eyelids represents a future where you live your life to the fullest.

　What an interesting cause and effect. After this, as an engineer who supported the Empire, or perhaps as a foreigner who was the first to be able to capture the criminal, I managed to have the chance to have an audience with you, and I departed for the Imperial Capital of Tokyo. Thus were my thoughts.
　Even after the tragedy of being gunned down, the Emperor cannot sleep under the damp soil. Such an inconvenience. I wanted to at least pray for your happiness in the next world, so I stood before you and…

　…. Ahhh! Ahhhhhh!!

　What a joyous sight, your blessed slumbering visage.
　What a joyous sight, the chord that extended far past your hair.
　Oh what a joyous sight, for your ill-gnawed body to still be at the throne for the sake of your people!!

　You were strong enough to blow away all that stale pessimism.
　When I came to realize this, although belatedly, I prayed.

　— O Please, allow me to graciously become one of your eyes.
　The prosperity of this country you have constituted, the the smiles of all the subjects that live within, the peace and eventfulness that blesses Japan, the radiance of the Great Sun! Oh please, please, if I was able to show it all to you, I would do so with a smile upon one’s face.

　As a humble engineer, I had some input regarding the technology of the Empire. And each and every time I was told to adopt prostheses, but in the end, I remained of flesh, five fingers in each hand.
　This was the most important of decisions, for if I decided to adopt prostheses, I would never again meet you within one’s dreams.

　Your majesty.

　I shall undoubtedly protect you. I shall increasingly long for you.
　My romance, it is only for you.

Note added on January, Taisho 26. An incident took place in which dozens of members of the Summer Bird Thought League attempted to storm the Imperial Palace and destroy the Imperial Engine. Security officers rushed to the scene as soon as the incident was confirmed, when suddenly, all intruders turned into thin smoke and vanished. Based on precedent, the above event appears to be related to the “Latticed Window”. The supervising officer’s testimony confirms there was no change on the “Latticed Window” when the incident took place, with the imperial family playing tennis at the dazzling Akasaka Imperial Residence displayed through it.

(Report by Nigitama Naritada)