The Kudou family was especially distinguished, even among other noble clans with the Gift. Pretty much all Gifted families had made a name for themselves many generations ago, becoming firmly established in the nobility, but the Kudous outranked the majority of them. In addition to a court rank, they’d also been granted vast tracts of land. Miyo had heard that with so much land in so many different parts of the country, they could make as much money as they liked simply by leasing it out.
The current head of the family was Kiyoka Kudou, twenty-seven years old. He’d passed the elite military induction exam after graduating from university, and he now served as major with a unit of his own. Based on his youth, influence, and extraordinary wealth, Miyo reckoned he enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.
Early in the day after her father’s pronouncement, Miyo left home dressed in elegant clothes that hung awkwardly on her thin frame. Clutching a modest bundle containing her belongings, she set off for the Kudou residence. A few tram rides—a novelty for her—later, she thought she’d arrived near the address she’d been given but found herself on the outskirts of the city, with nothing resembling a luxurious estate in sight.
Does the head of the Kudou family really live around here? she wondered.
While it was only a stone’s throw from the city, the landscape was mostly forests, plantations, and fields, dotted with just a few houses. It occurred to her that it must get pitch-black here at night, unlike in the city. No one had been sent out to meet her, and there hadn’t been a matchmaker or go-between involved in the marriage talks. The Saimori servant who accompanied her to the city’s outskirts had turned back and left her to walk the country path alone.
After a while, she arrived at a house in the woods, which could’ve been mistaken for a hermitage if it were but a little smaller. Though she could scarcely believe this unassuming domicile was the right place, the automobile parked outside was a clear indication of the owner’s wealth. Cars imported from overseas were far beyond the financial means of ordinary people. This had to be where Kiyoka Kudou lived.
“Hello…”
Her hesitant knock was answered immediately.
“Just a moment… May I have your name?”
A kind-looking petite old lady stuck her head out the door. Judging from her attire, she must have been a servant.
“My name is Miyo Saimori. I’ve been asked to come here to see Mr. Kiyoka Kudou regarding a marriage proposal…”
“Ah yes, Miss Saimori. We’ve been expecting you.”
Based on Kiyoka’s reputation, Miyo had imagined his servants to be cold and emotionless, closer to dolls than people. This smiling old lady’s friendly demeanor and tone momentarily threw her.
“Please come on inside. I’ll show you to the study where the young master is.”
Upon receiving this invitation, Miyo crossed the threshold of the house. Compared with her family home, this place was rather cramped. She guessed it had been built recently, seeing how pristine its wooden exterior was. The inside also seemed more comfortable than she’d initially assumed.
As they walked down a short wood-floored corridor, the woman introduced herself as Yurie. She was indeed a servant and had been employed at this house ever since she’d served as Kiyoka’s nursemaid.
“I know there are many nasty rumors about the young master circling around, but he’s actually a good-natured person. You needn’t be so afraid, really.”
Yurie spoke to her in a reassuring tone, mistaking Miyo’s silence for fear. But Miyo wasn’t feeling chatty for other reasons—she’d learned not to speak unless absolutely necessary, so silence had become a habit. Whenever she’d dared to speak at her own home, they would punish her for being brazen, for talking back.
“Thank you, that’s heartening to hear.”
She didn’t really think so, since it made no difference to her whether he proved to be nice or not. What did matter, however, was that the moment she was rejected, she would be left to die on the streets. Maybe she should have made peace with that thought. Death might be painful, but there’d be no more suffering afterward. She’d be free.
Yurie opened the door to Kiyoka’s study for her. Miyo entered, knelt on the floor, and bowed deeply.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Miyo Saimori.”
“…”
Engrossed in something at his desk, Kiyoka Kudou did not turn to look at her. Miyo had been trained to remain silent and motionless without explicit permission or order to do otherwise, so she held the bow, awaiting his response.
“How much longer do you intend to prostrate yourself?” he finally asked in a low voice.
Thank goodness, she thought with some relief. He did hear me. Simply acknowledging her existence was an act of kindness in her eyes. She lifted her head for a moment before bowing down again.
“Please forgive me…”
“I wasn’t asking for an apology,” he said with a sigh.
She finally sat up straight. Illuminated by the gentle spring sunshine coming through the window, Kiyoka looked so stunning that she had to avert her gaze.
He’s beautiful.
Miyo had thought she knew what that word meant. Both her stepmother and half sister were very attractive, and the Tatsuishi family, Kouji included, had also been blessed with above-average looks. But Kiyoka was in a league of his own. He had masculine dignity and feminine grace; his exquisite features were fine and delicate. Anyone, be they young or old, male or female, would agree that he was not only handsome but radiant.
“Are you the latest bridal candidate?”
She nodded in affirmation. He grimaced.
“Then I have this to say to you. You must obey my every order. If I tell you to get out, get out. If I tell you to die, die. I don’t want to hear any complaints or objections,” he barked before turning his back on her again.
Miyo stared in disbelief. She came here prepared for humiliation and verbal abuse. Was this really all he wanted?
“Understood.”
“Hmm?”
“Is there anything else…?”
“…”
“In that case, if you’ll please excuse me…”
He turned toward her with an odd expression on his face. It didn’t seem as if he had anything further to say, so she left the room.