Edo Period

Once upon a time, Guest discovered a certain shrine deep in the forest by chance. The shrine was surrounded by trees and encircled by a sacred straw rope. In the center sat a wooden box with several toothpicks placed upon it. Out of curiosity, Guest moved the toothpicks, and a giant apparition with the lower body of a snake and the upper body of a man appeared. Thinking they were about to be devoured, Guest squeezed their eyes shut and slumped down in resignation. However, the creature simply stared at Guest and gave their cheek a lick; it seemed he had taken a liking to them. No matter how far Guest went or how they tried to leave him behind, the creature followed. Consequently, Guest—who ran a brothel—decided to employ the apparition.

Guest⬇ The proprietor of Ise-ya, the finest brothel in Yoshiwara.