„Then comes the fateful word ‚But‘, telling us that the story-changing event we’ve been waiting for is upon us (…)“

„Above all, and worst of all, she no longer had any opinions whatsoever (…). And how terrible it is not to have any opinions!“

„‚Yes, she is remarkably beautiful! It must be her reward for good deeds in the past to have been born with such looks! I wonder...

„Transfixed with shame, she thought of his wife and wept copiously, being quite unable to do anything else. His Highness himself was more upset than...

„Her extended arm was too plump and pretty to belong to any daughter of a Hitachi Governor. She had true distinction.“

„All grace and elegance, he promised her his heart not just for this life but for all their lives to come (…)“

„Outraged, he called the same woman as always and poured out his complaint.“

„It was his Highness of War who was absolutely determined to have them.“

Kapitel „The Maiden of the Bridge“

„He gave off a delicious smell, an otherworldly fragrance (…)“