To see the previous installments, click on the following links: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12
The silence in the room was broken by a startled look on the faces of those present. Rodrigo held Aoi upright, supporting her weak body with his hands. There was a brief exchange of glances between the two; a silent and deep understanding in adversity. They couldn't say anything to each other, but they didn't need to....
Gently, Rodrigo helped Aoi regain her balance and step forward, placing her in front of the tablets. Aoi bowed slightly to the judge and spoke in a firm voice:
“I am an artisan, not a believer. These hands have only created what I have been asked to create. If I am to be judged, let it be for my work, not for a faith I do not profess. Shinto is my religion. I worship the kami (神), spirits that reside in nature, in objects and in ancestors.”
The room was silenced by her words. Aoi stepped forward and stepped lightly on the edge of the religious objects, pretending to comply with the order without causing any visible damage to the images.
The judge narrowed his eyes, evaluated each moment and each of the artisan's words and, remaining silent for a moment, ordered Rodrigo Tanaka to step on the Christian images.
To be continued
Header Image:
Shinto and Sacred kami trees. Source: Internet
Excellent job!
I love the picture you used! It fits your story perfectly!!
In the same way that I look for a Japanese term or expression in each chapter, I try to find an image that represents the moment. It's very difficult because they have to be period images and sometimes it's not easy but I try, Yumi @yumiyumayume .
Thank you very much for your encouragement, Uly ( @CocoPop ) .
I'll pay much more attention when I see the images on your posts!
Rodrigo seems to have been treated better than Aoi. Is that because he is considered higher class?