Chapter Text
The Gojo Clan was an influential family in all of Japan. Though not proper royalty, they might as well be considering their massive importance. They handled political manners, were closely favored in the eyes of Emperor Tengen, and was home to the most beloved people in the country. And just a few years ago, the clan elders accepted an abandoned boy named Yuta Okkotsu.
Ah, yes. Yuta Okkotsu. Though originally a dirty child who lived off the streets, his time in the Gojo Clan allowed him to flourish into a proper gentleman. One might even mistaken him as a blood-born prince. He became charismatic and kind, although he wasn't afraid to show intimidation when needed. This change in behavior made him admired among so many girls around his age, which also meant it was time for him to choose a bride.
Too bad he wasn't happy about this decision.
"You want me to choose a bride?!" Yuta shouted amongst the servants hard at work.
"Hey, don't yell at me," Satoru, a fellow Gojo Clan member, defended. "The elders made that call. Don't shoot the messenger."
"I don't think I'm ready to have a bride," Yuta protested. "Ever since Rika died, I haven't felt any real connection with other girls. No way I could find someone like that again."
"They thought so too," Satoru revealed, referring to the elders. "Why do you think they're planning a big ball and invited every eligible beauty in the country?"
Yuta sighed in defeat. He was well aware of this up and coming ball, but the circumstances for why such a gathering was planned at the last minute. It seemed choosing a bride around age 17 was tradition among those in the Gojo Clan. After all, Satoru was of a similar age when he married Riko, a girl plucked from the Time Vessel Association after lengthy negotiations. But unlike Yuta, Satoru was willing to cooperate. He didn't mind the sudden arrangement and he was still content to this very day.
Yuta, on the other hand, still felt this ball was a little too excessive. Especially if he failed to find a bride. What would the elders do to him if that happened? Continue to push him towards woman after woman? And if so, was he doomed to never find a match within the clan?
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to sneak away in secret...
Soon the night of the grand ball came. Yuta, being the center of attention, was dressed in a dark blue kimono with a light blue haori, a white coat cord, a black obi belt, and tan geta sandals with white tabi socks. This was the traditional Gojo Clan attire for men, which painted a huge target on his back for tonight.
Countless women flocked towards Yuta. He lost track of who he spoke due since they all looked alike. Robes made of the finest silk, hair tied up and decorated with elaborate headpieces, faces caked with layers of makeup... They were dressed up in hopes of becoming his bride.
But these women were nothing like Rika. She was a fine young lady who always dressed casually. When they were kids, the two had agreed to marry once they grew up. Yuta agreed on a whim, not knowing Rika would grow up into a beautiful maiden. He fell madly in love with her and looked forward to marrying her, only for her to succumb to a sudden illness last year. And as much as he begged for her to not die, she faded from his life. He vowed to never love other women since then, his heart closed off from heartbreak.
Time passed as the ball carried on. Then without warning, one of the servants rushed in. She hurried towards the elders overseeing the festivities, but Yuta could hear her words loud and clear.
"A mystery princess has arrived."
Those five words echoed in his head. Who could this princess be? Why did she arrive so late? What was it that made her so mysterious? Yuta's curiosity overtook his sense of reason and he hurried outside to greet this supposed princess. But what he saw blew his mind away.
A gorgeous woman just stepped outside a horse-drawn carriage. Her kimono was made of gold cloth with a silver obi belt and crystal sandals with diamond-dusted socks. Her dark green hair was tied up in a low bun with a simple white jeweled flower securing it in place. She had long eyelashes framing amber eyes and her lips were dark red, her face free from the usual white powder women often used.
Yuta immediately forgot his initial vow the moment he saw this lovely princess, but now was not the time to get tongue-tied. He cleared his throat and walked towards the carriage, holding out his hand.
"Welcome," Yuta greeted, trying to remember his etiquette lessons. "May I escort you inside?"
The princess looked at his hand before smiling. "Sure," she replied. She accepted the kind gesture and stepped out of the carriage.
Yuta proudly escorted the princess into the clan's grand house. As soon as she set foot in the ballroom, all eyes were on her and there were soon gradual hushed whispers speaking of her. He could feel her hand squeeze his own, like she was nervous for unexplained reasons. Even the elders looked impressed, although Satoru had to step outside with Riko, who appeared a little distressed.
The ball's mood greatly changed from that moment on. The princess was incredibly kind towards everyone and her behavior was very dignified. Yuta ended up dancing with her and even sat next to her for dinner. But as time passed, he started to notice there was something amiss about her. Upon closer inspection, her kimono appeared to have actual gold, silver, and diamond dust woven into the fabric. Even her crystal sandals were abnormal, as they never broke with every step. This was no doubt the work of fairies.
There was also how the princess behaved. If that little hand squeeze from earlier was any indication, she seemed a little apprehensive about interacting with royalty. It was almost like she was expecting some kind of punishment. And the things she confided in him...
"It's been a long time since I went out."
"I spent months working on a kimono in secret."
And when it was close to midnight, her behavior turned to fear.
"I need to get home right away. If I stay out any longer..."
Then without warning, she was gone. The beautiful princess had slipped away from Yuta's grasp, leaving only a crystal sandal behind. He stared out into the darkness as he watched her carriage fade from his sight. He thought back towards everything she said and did that night. Her fairy clothing, her tense behavior towards the other guests... And then it hit him.
Two of the attendees were Ogi Zenin and his nephew.
This princess had the same shade of green hair as him.
It all made sense.
Yuta picked up the crystal sandal. "I know who you are, Ms. Zenin," he thought. "I don't know what's been going on in your clan, but I'll find you and I will save you from your family."