chapter 2

Chapter2: encounter 

As soon as Nori stepped inside, the courtesans gasped in delight, whispering about how he was more beautiful than any oiran they had ever seen. Their fingers brushed against his face, combing through his silky black hair, and tracing the curve of his jaw.

"You're far too beautiful to be outside without protection," one murmured.

"You should be treasured," another cooed, stroking his cheek.

Before he could react, they stripped away his cloak and dressed him in a lavish, multi-layered kimono. The silk slid against his skin, cool and unfamiliar. They dusted white powder over his delicate features, stained his lips a deep crimson, and lined his large brown eyes with kohl. Gold pins and fresh blossoms were woven into his long hair, making him look ethereal—like a living doll.

When he finally gazed into the mirror, he barely recognized himself.

"You belong in a place like this," one of the courtesans whispered in his ear.

"Men would pay fortunes just to look at you," another teased.

A madam, older and more experienced, touched his chin with a knowing smile. "With training, you could be the most desired treasure in the empire."

His face burned, confusion flickering in his wide eyes. Before he could process their words, the room stilled.

The door slid open.

A tall figure entered, his presence dark and imposing. The moment Ryusoke's gaze landed on Nori—transformed into something otherworldly—his expression twisted. Shock, anger, something else lurked beneath the surface.

Without a word, he strode forward, seized Nori's wrist, and yanked him away from the courtesans.

"What are you doing?" His voice was dangerously low.

The courtesans tittered. "He hasn't even been presented properly yet."

Ryusoke ignored them, his fingers tightening around Nori's wrist.

"Who told you to dress him like this?"

The room was thick with tension. Nori's breath hitched.

Before Ryusoke could press further, the head oiran entered with a serene smile. "There is no need for anger, General," she said smoothly. "The boy will be allowed to serve you, should you wish it."

Her words cooled his fury. His grip on Nori loosened, but his expression remained unreadable.

"Serve me?"

The head oiran nodded. "He will be yours to command, as you see fit."

The weight of those words settled in the air, sending a shiver down Nori's spine.

Trembling, he suddenly blurted, "I am the fourth son of the Yuki family! My father—he will be furious when he learns of this!"

A chilling silence followed. Then, Ryusoke's lips curled into a slow, icy smile.

"The head of the Yuki household?" he mused, amusement flickering in his eyes. "That man has been at my throat for years."

His grip tightened, his gaze darkening.

"Perhaps this is the perfect way to get back at him."

Turning to the attendants, he ordered, "Send him to my estate. Inform his family immediately."

Nori's breath caught. His blood ran cold.

"No!" He dropped to his knees, clutching Ryusoke's robes. "Please—please don't tell my father! He'll be furious! He'll—"

Ryusoke exhaled sharply and pried Nori's hands away with ease.

"You have no say in this," he murmured. "Your father will know. And soon enough, you will understand what it means to belong to me."

Nori was in a Dilemma,how was he supposed to explain to his father that he was only trying to explore.

Now he was caught by not just anybody but the general himself.

Biting his lip,he was shaking with fear.

It's not like nobody knows who this man standing here is.This is the general of the "tiger army". 

The army of over 2 million soldiers that are only loyal to him,would kill for him,and would die for him.

This was the man that struck great fear into peoples hearts when mentioned.

Internally he screamed."what was he going to do now",nori thought.

Should he try to run again but his not the fastest at home nor is he the best in agility like his brothers so how can he escape from this giant of a man.

While he was thinking all this,he didn't notice the general walking over to grab his arm.nori yelped at the sudden force that pulled him forward.

Then the general pulled him toward the carriage outside and they began to move.

He glanced around the carriage it wasn't that grand but it showed the power of the person who owns the carriage.

Nori thought "even his family didn't have such a grand carriage". Well that's a given seeing as they were only an aristocratic family in name but the money they earned wasn't much.

These days the military was gaining more power and nobles were becoming second class citizens if not for the emperor still on the throne most of them would have lost power.

Not that it matters his family wasn't that powerful.

His family were already planning to find him a partner to marry to protect him since they don't think he can take care of himself 

His family believes he is too weak to live alone so they need to find him a guardian and marrying him off was the best option.

There was also a powerful marquis family willing to marry such a beautiful boy.

Seeing as why his family wants him to remain as pure as possible.

In this world it isn't uncommon to marry a man in this era.And male wife's were welcomed so his family wasn't worried.