Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic - Chapter 32
“Oh, it’s the guys from the industrial waste companies. I guess it’s almost time for the renewal.”
“I was just about to call Dr. Tengo.”
“It’s fine. He just came from a house call in Yokohama yesterday, so I’ll handle it.”
The suit army groaned at his words.
Well, that was unexpected.
The last boss was upgraded from the head doctor to the chairman after all.
“Should I make some tea?”
Why are you looking at me like that?”
Are you thinking of doing something bad?
“We don’t need it, but you should attend, Azuki-chan.”
“Eh? You want me to attend?”
“You wanted to know everything about the clinic, right?”
“Even if you say so…”
“It’s fine if you just sit beside me. So what about it?”
“Haaah… Alright, if you don’t mind then.”
Oh well, I did give up doing the audit anyway.
I don’t really get it, but it should be alright if I just listen in.
“Alright everyone, please head into the examination room.”
“Everyone!?”
The sales representatives were also clearly surprised.
Some of the suit guys at the back had resigned looks on their faces too.
“Um… Mr. Chairman. We only dropped by to say hello and make inquiries. Would it be alright if we just left our business cards and brochures with you?”
“Alright. Good work, everyone.”
They apologetically handed over the materials which were in paper bindings and clear files and left. I wonder why they easily gave up like that? Was there a pecking order in this?
Or were the other members at the back just tagging along like they’re participating in a city marathon or something?
Anyway, I guess I’ll just guide the remaining salespeople to the examination room.
“Please head inside.”
In the end, only 3 sales representatives entered the examination room.
All the other salespeople left after handing over their materials and business cards.
Oh, someone left a message for Dr. Tengo at the back of this card. They must have really wanted to talk to him.
“Azuki-chan, we’re beginning.”
“Yes, yes.”
Beginning what? I don’t really get why I need to sit in with them.
“I’ll be the one listening to you guys today, so from whom should we start?”
While sitting at the examination desk, Chairman Takeru looked like a big shot. I mean, he sort of is, but I quite like the fact that he usually doesn’t look like one.
“Well then—”
The 3 representatives glanced at each other and exchanged unspoken signals.
There’s definitely some sort of pecking order between them.
“—I shall start first.”
It was the extraordinary-looking OL who was sitting on one of the patient seats.
She had semi-long black hair and looked like a very capable, sexy salesperson.
Why does it feel like I’m looking at a veteran when I look at her business-like smile?
Is this something that comes with their line of work?
“I am from Single Wheel Cleaners, a company which specializes in the handling and disposal of medical infectious waste.”
“Long time no see, Ms. Sekiwa.”
“It’s been so long, Mr. Chairman.”
“This is Nanakida, our office manager who just started this spring.”
“Wh– eh!? I’m just a medical receptionist though!”
“Aren’t you already in charge of doing all the office-related tasks alone?”
“I’m not in charge at all! Rather, aren’t you the one in charge!?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m promoting you in half a year anyway.”
“No, no, being an office manager is a huge responsibility!”
“Azuki-chan here is our office manager. Azuki-chan, this is Ms. Sekiwa who is a katawaguruma.” [1]
You really don’t listen to what people say, don’t you?
But what kind of ayakashi is a katawaguruma?
I guess it’s rude to look it up in front of our guests.
“Oh, right. It’s fine to look at the book, right, Ms. Sekiwa?”
“Of course, please feel free to do so. Rather, may I ask about… her?”
Uwah, that smile is so obvious.
I can already tell what Ms. Sekiwa wants to know.
I’m neither a half nor a quarter though.
[An Illustrated Guide to Ayakashi by Region]
Ka, ka, katawaguruma.
A beautiful woman who rides in a single, flaming ox-cart wheel!?
They run through the night at break-neck speed!?
It’s quite scary, but it kind of sounds amazing too.
They’re like a cool speed queen!
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Manager Nanakida. Our company disposes of medical infectious waste by burning it in 1200-degree celsius flames all at once.”
1200 degrees!?
Is Ms. Sekiwa the one burning it?
“We are proud of the fact that we have partnered with the snow-type ayakashi and are confident in our environmentally friendly treatment process that produces no toxic substances due to rapid cooling after combustion.”
“….Snow-type?”
“Yes, like the yuki onna or the yuki otoko.” [2][3]
So they burn it all at once and then freeze it immediately after?
I don’t really understand, but it sounds cool.
“The high-pressure steam generated in this process is used for in-house power generation, and we have succeeded in reducing the total cost of the process, albeit slightly.”
Translator’s Notes:
[1] Katawaguruma
The katawaguruma is a tormented, naked woman riding a single, flaming ox-cart wheel. These yokai roll along the roads of ancient Japan, occasionally stopping in towns to hunt for impure souls to drag back to their hellish masters. Source
[2] Yuki Onna
Also known as snow women, the yuki onna prey on travelers lost in the heavy snowstorms that blanket the Japanese Alps in winter. They have an otherworldly beauty, with long black hair and dark, piercing eyes. Their skin is ageless and as white as snow, but their bodies are as cold as ice. A mere touch is enough to give a human a deep, unshakable chill. They feed on life force, sucking it from human’s mouths with an icy breath that freezes their victims solid. Source
[3] Yuki Otoko
Also known as “yeti” or “bigfoot”, they are described as human-like animals said to live in snowy mountains such as the Himalayas. Source
