In a vast, rectangular tatami room, folding screens painted with white divine birds ready to take flight surrounded the space. Black beams hung yellow silk tassels, giving the room a solemn elegance.
At the head of the room sat a distinguished lady in a pale blue kimono.
If one knew that Yuki Miki was a descendant of Empress Teimei Yuki Setsuko, the resemblance in appearance would be obvious. The lady before them needed no introduction—just by looking at her face, one could tell she shared blood with Yuki Setsuko.
Behind the lady, a massive Yuki family crest—the Wisteria of the Yuki—was displayed proudly.
"Miki, your trip abroad was supposed to last a month. Why are you back today?"
Sitting upright, Miki replied, "I heard Mother is hosting a tea ceremony today, so I hurried back."
Her mother smiled quietly, scrutinizing her daughter without a word.
Feigning curiosity, Miki glanced at her attire and asked, "What is it, Mother?"
Her mother chuckled. "That child's surname is Watanabe?"
"You could also take the Yuki name, but of course, Mother's consent is required," Miki said without embarrassment.
"That boy is the only son in his family. Judging from his photos, he's handsome and academically excellent. His parents may not want him to change his surname to join our family," her mother said gently, explaining in a calm, measured tone.
Miki didn't argue. "When he comes later, Mother, you can ask him whether he's willing."
Her mother smiled warmly. "A man's pride must be respected; discipline should be appropriate."
After that, she didn't press the issue and instead asked about Miki's experiences abroad, then moved on to the tea ceremony: the guests attending, the antique tea utensils being used, and where the tea leaves were sourced from.
Miki listened with mild interest.
She wasn't really concerned with the tea ceremony, and she certainly wouldn't use those highly prized tea utensils. She disliked others touching her things, and she didn't like using what others had used.
The tea set she was using now was brand new, deliberately chosen to match the vintage style of the room.
After chatting for a while, Miki glanced toward the door, about ten meters away.
Her mother noticed. She put down her teacup. "What is it?"
Miki ignored her and instructed Shizuru, the guard at the door: "Check if he's drowned. If not, give him a hand."
"Yes, Miss."
Her mother laughed at Shizuru's retreating figure. "Still not tamed, I see."
"The process takes time. This is more fun."
Her mother shook her head helplessly. "Just don't let anything happen."
Not long after, Shizuru returned with a reluctant Watanabe Tetsu in tow.
Her mother looked up as he entered.
Tetsu had changed into a formal black kimono with hakama, a white underlayer visible only at the collar, the outer black haori flowing like a robe.
Still carrying the laziness of someone just awakened, his handsome face looked unwilling, exuding the charm unique to beautiful young men.
Miki watched her mother's expression, noting the faint satisfaction in her gaze, and smirked proudly.
But as she turned to Tetsu, her expression darkened.
Tetsu, woken by Shizuru's words, "Miss asked me to see if you drowned," had barely recovered when he was helped into the kimono.
The tatami room was so large, he didn't even know where to sit. Helplessly, he sat next to Miki, imitating her upright posture.
Miki glanced at him and extended her hand: "This is my mother."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Watanabe Tetsu, Miki's boyfriend," he bowed respectfully.
"Hello, Watanabe-kun," her mother replied gently.
Suddenly, Miki stood. "Mother, you chat with him. I'll go change clothes."
"Mm."
After Miki left, her mother smiled at Tetsu's awkwardness. "Miki troubles you, doesn't she?"
"N-no, it's nothing. Miki is very kind."
"I know her temperament. You must have suffered a bit." Her mother's gaze was gentle, like that of a parent watching over a child.
"Miki is a little spoiled, but she's fundamentally good. That's what I like about her."
Her mother laughed. "That's good. I'll let you handle her more in the future. If she throws a tantrum, you can come to me anytime—I'll teach her a lesson for you."
"Tsk, it's the other way around."
What a wonderful mother. Clearly, Miki's capriciousness wasn't the result of the Yuki household's discipline—it was her own nature.
Afterward, Tetsu shared some stories from the countryside, even recounted his test results. Her mother occasionally asked detailed questions, and they conversed pleasantly.
Soon, servants announced the arrival of guests for the tea ceremony.
One by one, elegantly dressed women in kimonos entered the room, some accompanied by their daughters. All wore luxurious attire.
After greeting them, Miki's mother formally introduced Tetsu to each guest. He bowed to everyone.
Among them was even Rin Seino's mother—a beautiful woman whose face constantly carried a trace of worry, resembling her daughter.
Once all guests arrived, Miki, freshly changed, appeared like a princess in the spotlight.
She wore a new kimono, a rich red trailing to the floor, with an orange-red embroidered obi, black-stitched wisteria on the sleeves, and blooming mandarin flowers along the hem.
Even with such a stunning kimono, it did not overshadow her—only accentuated Miki's beauty.
Her hair was pinned neatly, adorned with a kanzashi, her delicate, radiant face gazing ahead.
In the room full of colorful kimonos, Tetsu was nearly overwhelmed. He could barely tell one person from another.
But the moment Miki entered, all other colors seemed to fade—she alone shone vividly.
Though usually the center of attention, commanding with her words, this display of elegance and poise was a first.
Miki sat beside Tetsu, who noticed small chrysanthemum designs near her chest.
As he observed, Miki's mother whispered something to her. Miki then gave him a satisfied smile that made him shiver—a devilish grin signaling he was in for it.
While Tetsu wondered what he had done wrong this time, the tea ceremony began.
Servants entered in succession, bringing sweets and tea boxes.
Her mother smiled: "Miki, please serve the tea."
"Yes," Miki replied, standing and moving to the hearth at the room's center to start preparing tea.
Out of curiosity, Tetsu watched intently.
Her movements were precise yet unhurried. Every utensil—the kettle, small tea scoops, ladle—was returned neatly after use. It was clear she had mastered every step.
Even without understanding the details, Tetsu could sense her grace and elegance from the posture of her chest to her knees.
Outside, night had fallen. The dim room light reflected softly on her hair, vibrant kimono, and delicate hands.
Around her, it seemed as though flowers bloomed and butterflies danced.
It was difficult to reconcile this serene elegance with the ruthless, commanding girl who had once smiled while ordering death.
Once the tea was served, Tetsu sipped it.
He didn't understand much, and honestly, it didn't taste as good as barley tea.
"Watanabe-kun, how is the tea Miki made?" her mother asked.
"Hmm… like early summer," he said. Being early June, it suited the season perfectly. In spring, he imagined it would taste like fresh, tender leaves.
Tetsu glanced at Rin Seino's mother across the room, worried she might detect any fibs.
"Have you studied the way of tea, Watanabe-kun?" Miki's mother continued.
"No, but it tastes good."
Her mother nodded gently and engaged with other guests.
When the second person began tea preparation, Tetsu could no longer endure the formal sitting.
He whispered to Miki, "My legs are numb. Can I change position?"
Sitting upright was torturous, almost like a punishment. He had endured so far thanks to his training, strong will, and fear of displeasing Miki. Now, he just wanted to cross his legs or stand briefly.
Miki smiled at his pained expression and stood, signaling him to follow.
Tetsu exhaled in relief, pushed off the tatami, and stood, trailing behind her down the corridor.
"Exhausting… when will this tea ceremony end?" he muttered.
Miki walked silently, and Tetsu had to carefully avoid stepping on her trailing kimono.
"What did my mother say to you?" Miki suddenly asked.
"Uh? Oh, she said you're a bit temperamental and asked me to take care of you. I said I like that about you."
"And?"
"She said if you bullied me, I could come to her anytime and she'd teach you a lesson. Of course, I wouldn't do that."
"What did you tell my mother?" she asked again, seemingly repeating the question.
"I told her about digging potatoes, fishing, and soaking watermelons in the river."
"Anything else?"
"Quizzes."
Miki stopped, turned, and smirked coldly. "So you only tell the truth when I get angry, huh?"
"…Uh-oh. So I was ratted out!"
"I admit it. I'm honest," Tetsu raised his hand, "I said you're a little spoiled, but…"
He stopped. Miki's face was terrifyingly dark. If she weren't wearing a kimono, he was sure she would have kicked him already.
"I'll have someone send you back," she said, turning to return to the tea room.
Tetsu froze, shocked. Nothing?
He quickly recovered. Whatever—at least he could go back.
He hurried to Miki's bedroom to change.
Once there, a servant informed him the clothes had been disposed of.
"Disposed of?"
"Yes," the servant nodded. "Miss instructed it after her bath."
Ah, her bath—of course, she had returned earlier to change into the kimono.
"Thank you for your trouble."
"No need, Master."
Tetsu, scowling, headed back to the tea room. He wasn't going to return yet!
Meanwhile, Miki, back in the tea room, looked displeased.
Her mother noticed. "What is it? Did you quarrel with Watanabe-kun?"
"Mother," Miki lifted her head, "why didn't you tell me what he said to me?"
"This boy is too honest. He tells you everything," her mother said, laughing like a young girl.
Miki scoffed. "Honest?"
"Where is he? You didn't send him away, right?"
"He said his legs were numb. I let someone send him back first."
"Numb legs? How rude. Next time, bring him here. I'll train him properly—if he can't sit upright long, how will he manage, hmm?"
"What is it, Mother?"
"Didn't you say he couldn't endure it?" her mother observed as Tetsu reentered the room.
Unlike before, he now looked determined, as if the room were a forge of fire and blades.
Starting in the countryside, struggling with sitting upright and rules was normal. But choosing to return rather than flee showed he could learn on his own—no special training needed.
Miki watched him, curious.
When Tetsu sat beside her, she asked, "Why didn't you leave?"
"No clothes."
Miki paused, suddenly remembering she had casually discarded his clothes during her bath, and burst out laughing.
To Tetsu, it was a mischievous, teasing smile.
He exhaled sharply through his nose.
"Angry?" Miki asked lightly.
"…."
"Come, my Watanabe-kun, have some tea." Miki lifted her cup to him.
Tetsu sipped.
"How is it?"
"Terrible."
"Hmm." Her mother coughed lightly, silently apologizing to Rin Seino's mother as if saying, "My child made a mistake."
Huh?
Tetsu looked at Rin's mother, who signaled it was fine, then turned to Miki.
Miki, in her vibrant kimono, leaned weakly against him, laughing softly: "Watanabe-kun, how rude! You can't say that about Rin's mother's tea."
"I—"
Miki tapped his nose. "Careful, Rin might get angry. She's very close to her mother."
"…I didn't."
After the tea ceremony, a servant brought Tetsu fresh clothes.
"By the way," Miki said, pointing to the kimono he had changed out of, "take this home too. I specially ordered it for you. Keep it as carefully as the socks I gave you."
"So I could've worn this home earlier?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you say so earlier!"
"Are you ordering me?"
"No. I mean… we should communicate properly."