Some say she is Honjowara -sama 's mistress. If so, she is a type which Machiko has never encountered. She is as likely to appear in the middle of the night as in the middle of the day, and is as likely to stay through the night and the day that follows as for only an hour, or the span of a mere few minutes. She has appeared as frequently at the Chairman's estate as here at Nagato Tower, and various of the other locations where Honjowara -sama spends his time. Machiko has seen her gaze upon the Chairman with pleasure and even affection, but never in a manner that might be deemed indiscreet, even by a jealous wife.