Fateful Shift

The before-tax season had arrived, and Father had accumulated Taro's military earnings. We had finally gathered enough to spare Hana from her obligation to serve the Lord. However, our joy was short-lived.

Hana's obsession with Akio Daimyo blossomed soon after encountering him at the market. Their meeting had left a memorable mark on her heart, which grew stronger daily. The simple act of selling the surplus harvest had transformed her life in many ways she couldn't have foreseen.

Initially, Hana had been just another face in the bustling market crowd. Her mind focused on the task. She had approached the marketplace with a sense of duty, intent on assisting her family by selling their excess produce. But destiny had other plans for her that day.

Amidst the noise and commotion of the market, a wild, untrained horse had suddenly gone on a rampage. Panic and chaos ensued as people scattered, desperately seeking safety. Hana, however, found herself frozen in fear, unable to react as the feral beast charged in her direction.

And then, as if a guardian angel had descended from the heavens, a figure emerged from the crowd. Akio Daimyo, tall and imposing, fearlessly stepped forward to confront the rampaging horse. With confidence and authority, he managed to calm the creature, guiding it away from the terrified onlookers.

In that heart-stopping moment, as she watched Akio Daimyo's courage and strength on display, Hana's world shifted on its axis. Her fear transformed into admiration and admiration into fascination. His commanding presence and unwavering bravery entranced her. It was as if a hero from one of her cherished stories had sprung to life before her eyes.

After the incident, Akio Daimyo approached Hana with a warmth that melted her heart. He was gracious and thankful for her presence, even though he had rescued her from harm. His eyes held a deep, mysterious allure, and his voice resonated in her ears like a sweet melody as he spoke words of gratitude. She could feel her cheeks flush as she stammered a reply, her gratitude mingled with the beginnings of an affection she could hardly comprehend.

The days that followed were marked by Hana's preoccupation with thoughts of Akio Daimyo. She retraced their chance encounter in her mind, replaying each moment as if it were a treasured memory. She fantasized about his solid arms and how he had effortlessly tamed the wild horse. Her heart raced at the thought of his enigmatic gaze, and she longed to hear his voice again.

As time passed, her feelings became deeper—a passionate infatuation that consumed her every thought. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the magnetic pull that had taken hold of her heart.

During this period, Akio Daimyo, fully aware of his effect on Hana, decided to make his move. He presented her with dowry gifts, which honored her and solidified his interest in her as a potential wife. In her eyes, this act was the culmination of their destined connection. It filled her with a sense of purpose and belonging she had never experienced before.

Though the rational part of her mind recognized the complexities of Akio Daimyo's existing relationships with one principal wife and four concubines, her infatuated heart refused to acknowledge these inconvenient truths. She was now a willing participant in a love story that had captured her heart and refused to let go. The world had faded into the background, and all that remained was her unwavering devotion to Akio Daimyo, the hero of her fairy tale.

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Before accepting the dowry gifts, Father and Mother had decided to engage Hana in a series of heartfelt conversations, holding them within the comforting walls of our home. As the rest of us carried on with our daily tasks, they delved into the complexities of her burgeoning relationship.

"Hana," Mother's voice was laced with a depth of concern etched across her face as she probed gently, "are you absolutely, unequivocally certain about your decision to marry him?" She had valid reservations about Hana marrying a man with such a complex marital arrangement, not to mention a retinue of personal servants. Her fears stemmed from the belief that Hana might unwittingly find herself trapped in a loveless marriage, forced to compete with the other women for Akio Daimyo's affection.

Hana's response was unwavering and relentless, as she declared with determined conviction, "Okaasan, I've made up my mind. He saved my life, and he asked for nothing in return except my safety. I believe the rumors have falsely accused him. I'm in love, Okaasan, and nothing else truly matters." Her eyes radiated with the unmistakable enthusiasm of love, revealing the depths of her emotions.

The exchange of knowing glances between Father and Mother acknowledged the depth of Hana's entanglement in the throes of infatuation. She seemed unable to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, or even up from down when it came to matters of the heart. Realizing that their attempts at dissuasion would be in vain, they chose to respect her unwavering resolve. Without further ado, they conveyed their acceptance of the dowry gifts to Akio Daimyo, arranging for the auspicious wedding dates.

Akio Daimyo, recognizing our family's significant role as future in-laws, responded with a unique gesture. He granted our family exemption from taxation for several years, a tangible sign of our impending union.

The news of Hana's impending marriage to Akio Daimyo spread like wildfire throughout the town. While Hana's joy and delight were palpable, she began to take her newfound status to heart, perhaps to an excessive degree. Her sense of superiority led her to stride through town with an air of grandeur, at times exploiting her newfound power. It became clear that those who dared to challenge the ladies who married Akio Daimyo did so at their peril.

Consequently, the townspeople's attitudes towards us shifted dramatically. From adults to children, an atmosphere of unease prevailed. Even the kids, who had once been our playmates, now gave our family a wide berth. The townsfolk's apprehension seemed to stem from the belief that our family had somehow contracted a mysterious and contagious ailment best avoided at all costs.

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Father and I continued our diligent training sessions leading up to Taro's impending graduation ceremony. While we maintained our commitment to our practice, the frequency of our sessions inevitably diminished. It was clear that the events surrounding Taro's graduation and Hana's wedding required Mother and Father's undivided attention. The weight of these two significant occasions hung over our family like an intricate tapestry woven with anticipation and responsibility.

Taro's graduation loomed just a few days away, a momentous occasion to honor his remarkable achievements and acknowledge his hard-earned position within the military ranks. The event marked a turning point in his life, signifying a pivotal moment for our family. The Hashimoto Clan had every reason to swell with pride. Yet, we were equally conscious of the challenges and responsibilities ahead.

Hana's wedding, on the other hand, was scheduled for a few months down the road. This time frame allowed for ample preparations, both those filled with joy and the more daunting tasks that loomed ahead. During these momentous occasions, I sincerely hoped that my brother, Taro, who had devoted himself wholeheartedly to his military training, would still find the time to grasp the complex dynamics of our family's situation. The upcoming events promised to test the strength of our familial bonds and resilience. As the story of our family continued to unfold, it was bound to be punctuated with unexpected twists and turns, further underscoring our unity in the face of uncertainty.

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The roosters' cry signaled the arrival of morning as the sun cast its gentle rays upon our humble village. It was another day in the life of the Hashimoto Clan, and my sister, Yuko, and I ventured to the farm to collect fresh vegetables for our family's daily needs. We overheard snippets of conversations among the village folk as we returned home.

"Did you hear the news? Hashimoto Taro achieved 5th rank!"

"No way, it must be some trick. I heard Hashimoto Zinan must have cheated and used his old connections to pull some strings."

"It's not about Taro; it's Hashimoto Hana. She's Aiko Daimyo's favorite concubine at the moment. He must have used his influence to get her there."

"The Hashimoto family always manages to get their way, don't they?"

"Shh, quiet down; here come the 2nd and 4th daughters."

The villagers' hushed whispers and gossip filled the air, but Yuko advised me to pay no heed to their words. She readjusted the basket on her back, her chin held high, and her demeanor radiating pride. We wouldn't allow the judgments of the villagers to diminish our family's standing or the strength of our bonds.

"Tsk... They only talk because they're jealous of Oniisan. Hmp!" I helped Yuko adjust the basket, then grabbed a couple of forest traps from the farm. Today, we'd be feasting on wild rabbit meat for breakfast, and the mere thought of it made my mouth water. Imagining the dishes our mother would prepare sent anticipation down my spine.

"Oh, Harumi, don't forget, we'll see Oniisan tonight. They've pushed the graduation date ahead," Yuko mentioned.

"What? Why? Already?" I asked with an eager tone, my manners momentarily forgotten in my excitement, only to be reminded by Yuko's stern glare.

"Father will tell us when we get home," Yuko replied, resuming her measured gait while readjusting the basket on her back.

Upon our return, Yuko and I brought the food to Mother, and Yuko assisted her in preparing the meal. Meanwhile, I went to wash the vegetables. With practice efficiency, I cleaned and cut them as instructed. I then returned to Father after handing over the neatly prepared vegetables.

"Father, I heard the news," I said casually, masking my inner excitement. It had been a while since we'd received news or letters from Taro. I couldn't help but wonder how he was faring. Furthermore, he hadn't taken the word of Hana's wedding well. It was only then that I learned about the postponed graduation date.

"Later, you and I will attend the military graduation ceremony," Father stated in his usual stoic manner, leaving no room for further discussion.