~I wanted to be like you,I wanted everything. So I tried to be like you, And I got swept away~
And now for the plot to finallu start picking up...
Going to town, ''Luxury is the enemy'', the sign written in not that smooth letters comes into view the foremost.
Mitsunobu, reclining against the show window of the meeting place, let out a sigh.
Continuing to increase since several years before, the words that continue to coerce the hearts of people. It's the phrase that is trying to constrict the souls of the people from the core.
Thanks to that, day by day the town is losing color. The goods decorating the show windows would dissapear bit by bit, the women that are walking as well, growing hazy are a plain color. The vivid design of clothes that would be seen from time to time, would seem to stand out in a a bad way instead, lacking sex appeal it's boring for the eyes.
Inside that--
[Mitsunobu-sama, had I made you wait?]
[No, not at all]
This person, is the same as ever. Graceful light brown overcoat and a clear blue dress like the sky. Shoes with heels.
Even after bathing oneself in the gazes of the women walking in town filled with resentment and envy, she magnificently showed me a brilliant smile.
[It's been a long time, hasn't it]
[I'm sorry that I couldn't keep you company, thanks to being occupied lately]
[I understand the situation very well. It's this state of affairs after all]
As we'd walk while lined up, the figures shown in the window turned to be like only that part would be like a kinema..
[Are you usually, (dressed up) in a outfit like that?]
[As if. If I did something like that, it would only cause trouble. I am holding back properly, just as the notice said]
[Oh my. Well then, why today is such a...?]
[Mitsunobu-sama, dislikes plainly dressed women right?]
In place of answering, shrugging my shoulders, I laughed. It's certain that I thought she was a feast for ones eyes, when Hinako appeared.
Lately, the stores that would serve delicious food had decreased in number as well. Obtaining good ingredoents had become difficult, the capeable cooks as well have decreased in number because of being taken by soldiers. Even so, if theres one store that remained just scraping along at this place, I could almost forget it's times of war.
Hinako, quietly nods to Mitsunobu's request.
[You're saying, you wish to delay the marriage for a little longer aren't you]
[Yes. It's this (time of) crisis. A cheerful topic (like that) wouldn't really suit it]
[Very well]
When will I be taken by the soldiers? When will I lose my life?
Thoughts like that would shadow everyone, it's an age where there are a lot of people who'd forcefully hasten the wedding. That Hinako would nod to it so easily, I feel relieved.
[In place of that...is not really approptiate but, I, have a request]
[A request? What is it? Please tell me no matter what it is]
[Could I receive permission, to head to work?]
It was a surprising request. Similar to some time ago, being face to face I'm taken over by dumbfoundedness.
[That is...just what kind of job?]
[Just what I will do, is not really sure for now. However, I was invited to teach at a private school by a friend. Would I help out at charity work by another? I've already heard various even as just suggestions.].
[I see]
[Of course, I don't know for how long I'll continue. However, would you be against it?]
In this age, that a woman like Hinako would become a teacher--No, maybe it's because it's now, that it may be a good thing.
[Wouldn't it be all right? If one stayed locked up in the house, Hinako-san too would probably feel stiffled. It's not something to seek permission from me for]
To Mitsunobu who had nodded, for some reason it seemed like Hinako was smiling wryly.
[What's the matter?
[No...I just thought 'I'm glad that my partner is a person like Mitsunobu-sama']
[Oh? Why so?]
[Since in this world, there are also many men who dislike that their wives or fiancee's head outside].
After doing a pleasant chat, I feel like my heart was constricting. I didn't even feel what the meal tasted like.
[You're making a face like that again]
As I'd sink into the chair in the living room, I was easily found by Teruaki.
[...Teruaki, huh]
[Where you not meeting with Hinako-san today as well?]
[...I guess]
Hinako, since then started teaching at the private school meant for girls, that was managed by the mother of her friend. Though she said it was just 2-3 hours per week she's just looking after Foreign Languages and Piano, however, even so she seemed increasingly more lively than before.
[However, nii-san, which year do you think it is after the engagement?]
[...Even I know, that I've made her wait for too long]
Bit by bit, continuing the delay by giving some reason, several years.
As much as that it's gradually approaching the limit, I've known since long ago. The relatives from that side as well, are also starting to stress it.
--The tidal time is near.
[Though I do think she's a well raised person. Shouldn't nii-san just think of it more lightly?]
['Lightly', as in what do you mean?]
[It means 'marry her'. If it's her, even if her husband had a male mistress--]
[Teruaki!]
Mitsunobu would spring up, and glare at Teruaki. Teruaki continued without even twitching.
[Wouldn't it be that she wouldn't care much? Among the numerous men infatuated with womanizing, there's no way a child would come from it either It's not that bad is it?]
Mitsunobu bites his lip. Strength would gather in the hand grasping the armrest, the joints shined white.
[Of course, if it becomes similar to the case of someplaces count with the newspapers bustling thanks to his hobby of sodomy escalating, even I won't stay quiet. However, nii-san wouldn't seem like a that much of an extraordinary person like that]
[Here I thought, what where you thinking by not reporting that to father...]
[Though I can't really understand it since I don't have those preferances, one way another it seems like nii-san seriously loves that gentleman. Even if one retrained a person like that, I don't think the words would reach their ears so...]
At this point, I have no choice but to laugh. As I'd place myself on the chain once more, Teruaki tilted his head. Reclining against the wall, with a puzzled look he crosses his arms.
[What's the matter? Though I have no intention of having said something strange. Though it is a little immoral, if one replaced the other person with a woman, isn't it something that happens pretty often?]
[...I wonder.]
[It is pretty common. Though we are seeked out to be a model for the people, inside we are no more than a mere human. If it's misconduct of only that degree, as long as it doesn't become newspaper headlines, it's not that much of an issue. Isn't it clearly seen even by the cases of the past?]
It's as Teruaki says, stuff like one established an additional woman and such, topics of that degree are scattered around quickly. My father, Terunobu, is playing around left and right too and mother too seems to consent to that. Though I don't know what she really thinks of it inside.
Since it seems that it's going as far as that male prostitutes aimed at nobles exist in this world, even being of that inclination, may not be that much of an unusual story.
...However.
[Teruaki]
[Yes]
[You...think that you wouldn't care, even if a person would become a victim for your own sake?]
For example, during the days I was a student. While holding a relationship with Tsuchida, stuff like trying to feast on Kaname, I could do countless times. Of course, somewhere inside my head, I realized that there was no way the thing with Kaname would become serious so therefore it was built on just messing around, is what I think now at this point.
--Hinako is different. A woman, picked out and prepared for my sake, Her existence is too heavy to lightly let it slide.
However, to Mitsunobu's question, Teruaki answered while snorting.
[Nii-san is being quite naiive. Since when had you become a person like that, I wonder?]
[What?]
To the inappropriate tone, as he'd slightly look back offended, Teruaki who'd usually wear a composed expression, with a unusually piercing gaze was glaring at Mitsunobu.
[...Nii-san doesn't know anything]
[About what?]
[I, during the time nii-san wasn't in the house because of being hospitalizes, was raised while being told that I'm the heir. I was instructed to protect the house no matter what happens. The first priority is this house, to 'kill myself' if it's for it's sake]
「…………」
[That is the education I received, and also my own way of thought. However, what about nii-san?]
[I--]
For me, the most precious thing is...
TBC - the call
Going to town, ''Luxury is the enemy'', the sign written in not that smooth letters comes into view the foremost.
Mitsunobu, reclining against the show window of the meeting place, let out a sigh.
Continuing to increase since several years before, the words that continue to coerce the hearts of people. It's the phrase that is trying to constrict the souls of the people from the core.
Thanks to that, day by day the town is losing color. The goods decorating the show windows would dissapear bit by bit, the women that are walking as well, growing hazy are a plain color. The vivid design of clothes that would be seen from time to time, would seem to stand out in a a bad way instead, lacking sex appeal it's boring for the eyes.
Inside that--
[Mitsunobu-sama, had I made you wait?]
[No, not at all]
This person, is the same as ever. Graceful light brown overcoat and a clear blue dress like the sky. Shoes with heels.
Even after bathing oneself in the gazes of the women walking in town filled with resentment and envy, she magnificently showed me a brilliant smile.
[It's been a long time, hasn't it]
[I'm sorry that I couldn't keep you company, thanks to being occupied lately]
[I understand the situation very well. It's this state of affairs after all]
As we'd walk while lined up, the figures shown in the window turned to be like only that part would be like a kinema..
[Are you usually, (dressed up) in a outfit like that?]
[As if. If I did something like that, it would only cause trouble. I am holding back properly, just as the notice said]
[Oh my. Well then, why today is such a...?]
[Mitsunobu-sama, dislikes plainly dressed women right?]
In place of answering, shrugging my shoulders, I laughed. It's certain that I thought she was a feast for ones eyes, when Hinako appeared.
Lately, the stores that would serve delicious food had decreased in number as well. Obtaining good ingredoents had become difficult, the capeable cooks as well have decreased in number because of being taken by soldiers. Even so, if theres one store that remained just scraping along at this place, I could almost forget it's times of war.
Hinako, quietly nods to Mitsunobu's request.
[You're saying, you wish to delay the marriage for a little longer aren't you]
[Yes. It's this (time of) crisis. A cheerful topic (like that) wouldn't really suit it]
[Very well]
When will I be taken by the soldiers? When will I lose my life?
Thoughts like that would shadow everyone, it's an age where there are a lot of people who'd forcefully hasten the wedding. That Hinako would nod to it so easily, I feel relieved.
[In place of that...is not really approptiate but, I, have a request]
[A request? What is it? Please tell me no matter what it is]
[Could I receive permission, to head to work?]
It was a surprising request. Similar to some time ago, being face to face I'm taken over by dumbfoundedness.
[That is...just what kind of job?]
[Just what I will do, is not really sure for now. However, I was invited to teach at a private school by a friend. Would I help out at charity work by another? I've already heard various even as just suggestions.].
[I see]
[Of course, I don't know for how long I'll continue. However, would you be against it?]
In this age, that a woman like Hinako would become a teacher--No, maybe it's because it's now, that it may be a good thing.
[Wouldn't it be all right? If one stayed locked up in the house, Hinako-san too would probably feel stiffled. It's not something to seek permission from me for]
To Mitsunobu who had nodded, for some reason it seemed like Hinako was smiling wryly.
[What's the matter?
[No...I just thought 'I'm glad that my partner is a person like Mitsunobu-sama']
[Oh? Why so?]
[Since in this world, there are also many men who dislike that their wives or fiancee's head outside].
After doing a pleasant chat, I feel like my heart was constricting. I didn't even feel what the meal tasted like.
[You're making a face like that again]
As I'd sink into the chair in the living room, I was easily found by Teruaki.
[...Teruaki, huh]
[Where you not meeting with Hinako-san today as well?]
[...I guess]
Hinako, since then started teaching at the private school meant for girls, that was managed by the mother of her friend. Though she said it was just 2-3 hours per week she's just looking after Foreign Languages and Piano, however, even so she seemed increasingly more lively than before.
[However, nii-san, which year do you think it is after the engagement?]
[...Even I know, that I've made her wait for too long]
Bit by bit, continuing the delay by giving some reason, several years.
As much as that it's gradually approaching the limit, I've known since long ago. The relatives from that side as well, are also starting to stress it.
--The tidal time is near.
[Though I do think she's a well raised person. Shouldn't nii-san just think of it more lightly?]
['Lightly', as in what do you mean?]
[It means 'marry her'. If it's her, even if her husband had a male mistress--]
[Teruaki!]
Mitsunobu would spring up, and glare at Teruaki. Teruaki continued without even twitching.
[Wouldn't it be that she wouldn't care much? Among the numerous men infatuated with womanizing, there's no way a child would come from it either It's not that bad is it?]
Mitsunobu bites his lip. Strength would gather in the hand grasping the armrest, the joints shined white.
[Of course, if it becomes similar to the case of someplaces count with the newspapers bustling thanks to his hobby of sodomy escalating, even I won't stay quiet. However, nii-san wouldn't seem like a that much of an extraordinary person like that]
[Here I thought, what where you thinking by not reporting that to father...]
[Though I can't really understand it since I don't have those preferances, one way another it seems like nii-san seriously loves that gentleman. Even if one retrained a person like that, I don't think the words would reach their ears so...]
At this point, I have no choice but to laugh. As I'd place myself on the chain once more, Teruaki tilted his head. Reclining against the wall, with a puzzled look he crosses his arms.
[What's the matter? Though I have no intention of having said something strange. Though it is a little immoral, if one replaced the other person with a woman, isn't it something that happens pretty often?]
[...I wonder.]
[It is pretty common. Though we are seeked out to be a model for the people, inside we are no more than a mere human. If it's misconduct of only that degree, as long as it doesn't become newspaper headlines, it's not that much of an issue. Isn't it clearly seen even by the cases of the past?]
It's as Teruaki says, stuff like one established an additional woman and such, topics of that degree are scattered around quickly. My father, Terunobu, is playing around left and right too and mother too seems to consent to that. Though I don't know what she really thinks of it inside.
Since it seems that it's going as far as that male prostitutes aimed at nobles exist in this world, even being of that inclination, may not be that much of an unusual story.
...However.
[Teruaki]
[Yes]
[You...think that you wouldn't care, even if a person would become a victim for your own sake?]
For example, during the days I was a student. While holding a relationship with Tsuchida, stuff like trying to feast on Kaname, I could do countless times. Of course, somewhere inside my head, I realized that there was no way the thing with Kaname would become serious so therefore it was built on just messing around, is what I think now at this point.
--Hinako is different. A woman, picked out and prepared for my sake, Her existence is too heavy to lightly let it slide.
However, to Mitsunobu's question, Teruaki answered while snorting.
[Nii-san is being quite naiive. Since when had you become a person like that, I wonder?]
[What?]
To the inappropriate tone, as he'd slightly look back offended, Teruaki who'd usually wear a composed expression, with a unusually piercing gaze was glaring at Mitsunobu.
[...Nii-san doesn't know anything]
[About what?]
[I, during the time nii-san wasn't in the house because of being hospitalizes, was raised while being told that I'm the heir. I was instructed to protect the house no matter what happens. The first priority is this house, to 'kill myself' if it's for it's sake]
「…………」
[That is the education I received, and also my own way of thought. However, what about nii-san?]
[I--]
For me, the most precious thing is...
TBC - the call