A Wonderful Dinner

"I am occasionally thrown Hebrew code words, but I did not expect to hear Ladino. I nearly let out a voice," Pereira says with a laugh while savoring the roasted chicken, richly seasoned with nutmeg and turmeric-based spices. The two are enjoying their evening meal in Pereira's private dining room. The dishes make abundant use of the spices that Raquel brought as a gift. None of the dishes are ones she has tasted in India. They are also somewhat different from Portuguese cuisine. The local food appears to be skillfully fused with the culinary cultures of India and Portugal. There is no doubt that the cook's skills are exceptional.

"Yes. I had heard that you, Lord Pereira, play an important role among the Sephardim of Macao. I am from Portugal, but my ancestors took root in Spain for generations before the Great Expulsion of 1492. I thought that you, Lord Pereira, would surely understand Ladino."

"That caution of yours has likely brought you this far. You are correct. Even in this Macao, there is no peace for us. The influence of the Inquisition of Goa grows stronger by the day. Those people reward informants. They seize the property of those who are reported. According to a recent edict from the Inquisition of Goa, half of the accused Converso's property is taken by the Inquisition for operating expenses, and the remaining half is given to the accuser. There are even those who sell out their comrades for money."

"That too is aimed at dividing us. We must be careful."

"Indeed. We must be careful. By the way, you seem to trust me, but are you certain that is wise?"

Pereira asks Raquel with a slightly mischievous expression.

"It has been nearly a hundred years since our ancestors were expelled from Spain. I do not believe that those who abandoned our faith and converted to Christianity could understand Ladino. Moreover, Lord Pereira is wealthy above all else. There would be no point in reporting a wandering poor doctor like myself for small change."

Pereira nods with satisfaction at Raquel's words.

"Indeed. I am blessed with commercial talent. There are probably not many merchants in this Macao who conduct more trade than I do. Portuguese merchants are not without their suspicions of me. However, they understand well that it is more profitable to maintain long-term business relationships with me than to sell me out for temporary gain. Their god is not Deus. It is money. Such people are far more reassuring. Of course, I also make sure to lavish plenty of flattery on the diocesan officials of Macao."

Pereira says this with a laugh while wiping his mouth. There is no gloominess in his words. The pride of a man who accepts his fate and lives shrewdly permeates his manner.

"Cinnamon and honey nut confection. Naturally, no cow's milk is used, and olive oil is used as well. Please eat without concern."

Before the dessert brought to the two who have finished their meal, Pereira adds his explanation. Raquel nods lightly and brings the dessert to her mouth. The aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of honey spread through her mouth. The permeating sweetness gently soothes the tension and fatigue of travel. Raquel momentarily forgets words and immerses herself in that sensual pleasure. After taking a breath, she brings up what she had intended to ask about.

Firando

"Lord Pereira. As you know, we have fled from Goa. A female doctor, a pirate-like navigator, a child apprentice sailor. A few other hands besides. We stand out. It is only a matter of time before the Inquisition of Goa learns of our whereabouts. We need just a few days for ship repairs and loading cargo. Once we have that time, we will depart immediately before causing you trouble. We intend to go to Firando in the unknown Orient, in Japan. Do you know anything about Firando, Lord Pereira? I would like to gather even the smallest bit of information."

Pereira brings to his mouth the warm red wine served with dessert, adding a little clove, nutmeg, and honey. This is the Spanish way of drinking called vino caliente.

"This is a hot land, but I heard your words that it is better to warm the body. I tried drinking it for the first time in a while. It is quite good."

"Yes. This is a very good way to drink. It warms the internal organs, improves blood circulation, and helps drive the sources of illness from the body."

"Indeed. I shall indulge in this from time to time. Now, about Firando."

Pereira pauses briefly.

"Let me tell you first. We people of the old world call that place Firando. However, that is not the correct local pronunciation."

Pereira cuts off his words, puts the last morsel of nut confection in his mouth, and chews it reluctantly. Then he continues.

"HIRADO. It is Hirado. Locally, Firando surely will not be understood."

"Hirado, you say. I see. Indeed, it has the quality of words I have never heard before. Not bad. Now then, do you know anything about this Hirado, Lord Pereira?"

"Indeed. I have never personally ventured to Hirado. However, I have obtained information about that place equivalent to that of Portuguese merchants. Well, I am also what you might call a legitimate Portuguese merchant. I too have traded with Hirado many times, albeit indirectly. I shall tell you everything I know about that place within my knowledge."

"I am grateful. Information in unknown voyages is treasure. I deeply appreciate this."

"Hirado is a port town at the western edge of Japan. The first person from the old world to reach that country was the Jesuit Xavier. He too stayed in Hirado for a time and conducted missionary work, I hear. That was about thirty years ago. From there, Christians have advanced their evangelization, and I hear a church was built in Hirado as well. The conversion of Japanese progresses daily, and I hear there are a thousand Christians there."

"Why did the Portuguese focus on Hirado? Is it because the port is good?"

"Indeed. I hear that Hirado is indeed a natural good port. Navigation seems somewhat difficult, however. But it was not the Portuguese who first took notice of it. Hirado has had trade with China since ancient times. After all, it is close. Hirado apparently means something like 'flat gate.' It is the door of Japan opened to the continent. When the Mongols invaded Japan in the past, Hirado also became a battlefield, and I hear the Japanese side repelled them. In recent years, since China prohibited trade other than tributary trade, merchants from both Japan and China have become semi-piratical and continue clandestine trade."

"I see. Hirado, the gate opening to the world. A good name. However, gates do not always welcome only good things; sometimes they invite troublesome things as well. So Portuguese merchants knocked on that gate with the guidance of Chinese merchants and deepened their trade relationships?"

"Exactly, Raquel. There was a Chinese pirate, a big shot named Wang Zhi. He died about ten years ago. I did considerable business with him too. He conducted clandestine trade based at a Chinese port called Shuangyu Harbor. From the officials' perspective he was a pirate, but from our perspective he was a fine merchant. His dealings were honest and bold. You could say he was the commander of Chinese merchant fleets. However, this Wang Zhi came to be pursued by Ming officials, was driven out of Shuangyu Harbor, and sought help in Japan. The lord of Hirado, who had business dealings with Wang Zhi, treated him hospitably and sheltered him. The king of Hirado probably placed deep trust in Wang Zhi."

"I see. So through this Wang Zhi, the lord of Hirado began trade with Portugal?"

"Indeed. The lord of Hirado is apparently of a bloodline that branches from the great king of Japan, continuing from ancient times. He seems to have long governed the Hirado area. Trade with Portugal would have different attractions from trade with China. The king of Hirado permitted trade with Portuguese merchants and also recognized Christian missionary work."

"And so churches were built, and conversion to Christianity progresses daily. Does this mean it is only a matter of time before Japan comes under Portuguese control? Like the ancient empires of Nueva España that were destroyed by Spain. If Japan becomes Portuguese territory, I am quite anxious about whether there would be room for us Sephardim to survive there. Well, when that time comes, we will simply have to flee somewhere else."

Pereira shakes his head slightly at Raquel's words, gazes into the void for a moment, and eventually meets Raquel's eyes in response.

"However, it seems that may not happen so quickly. There is an interesting story. When Xavier reached Japan, the country was already apparently in a state of intense civil war. Well, civil wars occur in any country. What surprised me when I heard it was that Portuguese merchants who followed Xavier and reached Japan with Wang Zhi's help sold firearms to those who governed the western regions of Japan. However, this was a different lord from the king of Hirado. At an outrageous price, just a few guns."

"Taking advantage of ignorance to set exorbitant prices is common at the beginning of trade. The buyers do not know the fair price."

Raquel also takes a sip of vino caliente and responds to Pereira's story.

"However, according to what I heard from Wang Zhi's subordinates, before the Portuguese merchants realized it, what had been only a few guns had apparently become hundreds, then thousands in number in a flash, and were being used in civil war. Lady Raquel, do you understand what this means?"

"Surely they did not replicate them?"

"Exactly. Apparently Japan had iron-working techniques transmitted from the continent in ancient times. Through making swords and such with those techniques, the technology probably matured as well. Using those techniques, they mass-produced firearms in just a few years."

"That is surprising. I have never heard such stories from other countries. So those who possessed that firearm technology won the civil war and became new rulers?"

"I do not know that much. From what I hear, firearms have already spread throughout Japan and are being used in every battle. We too wanted to sell firearms rather than spices and silk to Japan and investigated. However, I hear that firearms made by the Japanese already surpass our guns in performance. So our firearms do not sell very well. However, they apparently cannot obtain gunpowder and ammunition materials very well in that land. So now, Portuguese and Chinese alike are desperately searching for saltpeter and lead."

"I see. That is indeed surprising. However, if firearms are widespread, the civil war must be quite intense."

As Raquel murmurs this, that scene at the port vividly resurfaces in her mind.

"Speaking of civil war, Lord Pereira. I observed the land from my ship for some time at Macao's port. At that time, I saw people who were clearly different in appearance from the Javanese of this Macao, and probably also from the Chinese, being led away by Portuguese merchants. They clearly appeared to be slaves. I believe those were Japanese. Is there a Japanese slave trade in this Macao?"

Pereira drains the small amount of vino caliente remaining at the bottom of his silver cup. After pausing slightly, he speaks as if chewing his words.

"What you probably saw were undoubtedly Japanese slaves. I hear the civil war in that land has been extremely intense for several decades. The victors seize the territories of the defeated and sell the captured to Portuguese merchants. Or perhaps there are parents who sell their children due to financial hardship. It is a story heard everywhere."

Pereira's face clouds over. This is the first such expression she has seen.

"Where do they go?"

Raquel finds herself asking what any merchant would understand without asking. She cannot find any other way to continue the conversation.

"India, or Portugal, or Nueva España. In any case, harsh lives await them. Even at the ends of the earth, what humans do does not seem to change much."

Pereira's expression as he speaks these words is heavily downcast. Raquel also responds while somehow exuding an air of resignation.

"Where the gospel reaches, there are slaves. However, because there are sellers, there are buyers. Such is the principle."

Pereira makes no further response to Raquel's words.

As if to dispel the heavy atmosphere, Raquel changes the subject.

"By the way, what kind of teachings are the Jesuit missionaries battling against in that land? Indigenous beliefs, or perhaps witchcraft and prayer rituals. In uncivilized lands, such things are usually believed, as a rule."

"Indeed. That too is important for you. However, unfortunately, I do not know the details on that point either. First, there is no doubt that continental teachings transmitted to Japan about a thousand years ago are deeply rooted. It is Buddhism, born in India. It spread to Japan via China. Throughout Japan there are temples of this Buddhism everywhere, and I hear their monks wield strong power. In Buddhism, they worship Buddha statues shaped like people. Well, it is idol worship."

"I see. So should I understand that land is effectively a vassal state of China? Even if not a vassal state, the influence is quite strong?"

"Raquel, I honestly do not understand that point well either. However, it is probably not so. I hear that country has both the continental Buddhism that took root and ancient beliefs that have been passed down. What this great king from ancient times, from whom the lord of Hirado draws his blood, actually represents is not clear either. To be honest, I do not understand well what form that country takes. I do not want much involvement with the Jesuit crowd, so I have not actively gathered information. The trade merchants I deal with, both Chinese and Portuguese, are only interested in money. They investigate their trading partners well, but when I ask about the form of that country, I only get vague responses. With Wang Zhi dead, my Japan information network has also weakened."

"That cannot be helped. However, to possess such knowledge within such limitations. On the contrary, I am impressed by your capabilities, Lord Pereira."

Pereira returns a light smile, seemingly not entirely displeased.

"Lady Raquel, I too am extremely intrigued by that land. Once you arrive, while ensuring your safety, I would like you to broaden your observations. And I would like you to inform me by letter as well. That would be the greatest gift for me. However..."

Pereira again cuts off his words here, and his expression suddenly becomes serious. He looks directly at Raquel and asks. The intoxication from the vino caliente has already dissipated from his expression.

"Lady Raquel, how do you intend to enter Hirado? If you make the slightest mistake, you will immediately be reported to the Jesuits and handed over to inquisitors. Although Japan has no Inquisition, if you are captured, officials will immediately rush from Macao. You will be sent straight back to Goa. From there, directly to the stake."

Raquel looks down at the table. He is absolutely right.

"Yes. Actually, I am ashamed to say that due to lack of information, I cannot come up with a good plan. It is pathetic. Initially, I thought to resupply at Hainan Island and find an entry route after gathering information there. I considered that Macao had a high possibility of being caught in the Inquisition network. If I had better understood your capabilities, Lord Pereira, I would have aimed for Macao from the beginning..."

Raquel rarely makes such emotional revelations. That is weakness, and in this escape it leads directly to death. Not only that. It would also endanger the lives of comrades who trust Raquel and share their fate with her. While Raquel is surprised by her own words that slipped out, she tries to maintain her composure. However, Pereira shows no sign of noticing Raquel's condition. He is already absorbed in his own idea that has occurred to him.

"Indeed. It cannot be helped. However, nothing good comes from reckless bravery. I have an idea."

Raquel silently waits for the next words.

"Travel together with Chinese merchants. Chinese officials call the traders who do business with Japan wokou. Now, Chinese wokou who fled after the destruction of Shuangyu Harbor also frequently stay in this Macao. Although Macao is already controlled by Portugal, here we support each other. Trade cannot be established without procurement from Chinese merchants. I still have dealings with Wang Zhi's former subordinates. The juniors will listen to some unreasonable requests."

Raquel understands everything.

"You suggest taking the same strategy as the Portuguese merchants who once relied on Wang Zhi. Indeed, that may be the only method. Of course, that would require relying on your power, Lord Pereira."

"Good. I will give them a letter and request that they connect you to the lord of Hirado. Of course, since they are merchants, I would like you to give them some gifts."

"That is of course. If we can enter Hirado, I will give half of my ship's cargo to them. I will consider how to use the remainder in Hirado."

"A good judgment. Then you should be able to go to Hirado. If you are lucky, you might even be granted an audience with the lord. The fact that you are both a doctor and a pirate is very good. The lord of Hirado will surely show interest. There is no king who is not concerned with his own body, life, and money."

Pereira says this with a slightly mischievous laugh.

"Lord Pereira. We are supposed to be trading merchants. Not pirates. Indeed, from what I have just heard, I would become a Sephardic wokou."

Pereira laughs loudly as if he had been waiting for this.

"That was it! You are not a pirate but a doctor and Portuguese trading merchant. However, that valiant appearance is indeed that of a female wokou!"

At those words and laughter, Raquel's smile also bursts forth. After a brief pause, Raquel continues.

"Lord Pereira. Your kindness to our party is beyond what we can ever repay. However, I have one concern. I surmise that routes are already open between Hirado and Portugal, with daily trade. Would our party's visit by relying on Wang Zhi's connections not arouse suspicion from the lord of Hirado?"

"That is precisely why it is good that you are a doctor. Knowledge of various spices, medicinal herbs, and their prescriptions should be valued in that land where civil war is intense. You should petition to open a Portuguese-style medical clinic under the protection of the lord of Hirado. It would be far more dangerous for you to go to lands other than Hirado as merely a Portuguese merchant, mingling among Christians."

"Lord Pereira, you are absolutely correct about everything. I want to realize meeting the lord in Hirado and obtaining permission to open a modest medical clinic. I will never forget this debt. If we successfully land in Japan, I will certainly send you a letter, Lord Pereira. If we can eventually extend our reach to trade, all the interests of our merchant fleet will belong to you, Lord Pereira. Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful dinner tonight. I am deeply grateful. I will impose upon your hospitality for these few days. If I can be of service, please command me as you wish."

Saying this, Raquel stands up from her chair.

"A ti bendicho seas. (May you be blessed.)"

"I a ti tamién. (And you as well.)"

The two exchange light greetings in Ladino, and Raquel leaves the dining room. The warm, humid wind blowing in through the window gently envelops Pereira's face as he sees her off. It is a wind with a strong smell of tide, but that too has become part of Pereira's life. In that tidal scent and the lingering aroma of vino caliente, Pereira vaguely confronts memories of the past.

I feel I have met this female doctor Raquel somewhere before. However, no matter how much I turn my thoughts, I cannot recall where that was, or when it happened. The essential matters remain sunk in the deep, dark depths of memory, never surfacing.