Chapter Text
It was already past midnight, yet Haruaki still couldn’t bring himself to fall asleep. Normally, insomnia wasn’t something that troubled him where usually his body would have automatically fallen asleep immediately when the time already hits 10 o’clock—but tonight is different. Tonight is different because of a letter.
A letter that his grandfather Abe Renji sent him.
A letter telling him that he has to marry her…Princess Ayame, the crown princess.
As he sat down on his bed, he reached the letter as he was reading it again.
Dear Haruaki,
Hello, my grandson.
It has been some time since we last spoke, either in person or by phone. My duties in the Abe Clan have kept me busy, just as your teaching keeps you occupied.
Before I explain the purpose of this letter, I must confess something to you. I tried to stop this from happening, Haruaki, but no matter what we did, we could not change their decision.
As you know, our family—the Abe Clan—has long been devoted to the Gods and to the Imperial Family. Since childhood, you have understood that, as members of the Abe Clan, we are obligated to fulfill whatever role the Imperial Family assigns to us. If they require us to serve them personally in the palace, we must comply. If even one member disobeys, the entire family would face consequences.
We tried to ask for an alternative way to serve, but we could not change their minds. In the end, we had no choice but to agree to what they wanted.
I hope you can forgive us, Haruaki. You have been chosen to enter into an arranged marriage with Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Ayame.
This duty has been placed upon you because of the power and influence you hold within yōkai society. We, the elders, have already spoken with the Emperor regarding your role as a teacher, knowing how important it is to you. They understand that you cannot simply leave your work.
Fortunately, they have allowed you to continue your job. All they ask is that someone from a strong and influential family stand beside the Princess during important events. You will be required to remain by her side in these situations.
Regarding the Emperor, they said that the Princess will hold the power of the crown, while you will still have the ability to address matters you consider important. They also expressed their hope that you and the Princess will have children, though at least two years after the marriage.
Haruaki, I know how deeply you value your freedom—the desire to live life on your own terms and to find love without interference. We have always respected your choices, as well as those of every member of our clan. Yet, for your sake and for the sake of all the members of the Abe Clan, the elders believe this is the best path for you, even if it is not the path you would have chosen for yourself.
We only wanted to protect you and our family from the consequences of breaking this engagement. That is why, for our family’s sake—and yours as well—I want you to do whatever is necessary. If you find a way to escape this marriage, or to have the agreement voided, as long as our family’s reputation remains unharmed, follow the path you believe is best. We will support you, whatever you decide.
All we ask is that you remain careful. They already know much about you, and they will continue to observe your actions closely.
Until we meet again, I hope this letter will not disrupt your daily life. If anything happens, do not hesitate to inform us immediately.
Sincerely yours,
Abe Renji
P.S. The Imperial envoys will arrive on August 14, 2019.
Haruaki lowered the letter onto his lap, his hands trembling slightly despite the calm expression on his face. The paper was thick, the ink precise, but the weight behind each word pressed heavily on his chest.
Marrying the Crown Princess huh?
He leaned back in his chair and exhaled sharply, staring up at the ceiling as though the answer might be written there. Out of all the troubles he had prepared himself for—grading papers, being ready for anything his students may bring, and everything that involves his students—but this? This was not one of them.
No one prepared him for this.
“An arranged marriage…” he muttered, the words bitter on his tongue.
He had always known his family carried expectations, but he thought, foolishly, that they had let him slip free from that web. Teaching at Hyakki Academy had been his sanctuary, his own chosen path, despite being dragged here in the first place but it’s still his own choice to stay here. Now even that seemed fragile, as if the life he built could be stripped away in an instant.
The mention of August 14 lingered in his mind like a countdown. It was just less than a month.
He stood and paced around the small dorm, his thoughts racing. The Crown Princess Ayame—he had only ever heard her name spoken with reverence, like a distant star untouchable by ordinary hands. To be told he was to marry her, not out of love but because of clan politics and power—it was absurd.
Yet, his grandfather Renji’s words echoed in his mind: “If you see something fit to get away from this marriage…do whatever you must do.”
A wry smile tugged at his lips. “So even grandfather doesn’t want this.”
That single line gave him a sliver of hope. If he could find a way—something clever, something that didn’t tarnish the Abe clan’s reputation—maybe he could shatter the engagement without being crushed beneath its consequences.
His thoughts drifted to his friends at the academy. To Izuna’s sharp grin, to Rintarou’s unshakable presence. To his students, whose trust he had earned and whose futures he quietly protected. If any of them knew what he was being dragged into, they would—He stopped pacing.
His eyes narrowed.
No…Perhaps he would need them to know.
Or maybe not…
Because no matter how carefully they planned, it would only bring chaos to the Abe family’s life. A small sacrifice—his sacrifice—was something Haruaki would choose, rather than watching the entire clan suffer.
It was already the next morning, and Haruaki had nearly overslept. Luckily, Rintarou had knocked on his door just in time to wake him. Now, the two sat with the rest of the faculty in an unusual assembly. Confusion rippled across the room—morning meetings only ever happened on Fridays, yet today was Wednesday.
At the front, Principal Ashiya’s expression was unusually grave. “I understand you’re all wondering about this sudden meeting,” he began, his voice carrying over the hushed murmurs.
He lifted a folded envelope for all to see. “This letter is not from just anyone—it comes directly from the Royal Family.”
The room stirred in shock.
“The Royal Family?” Izuna blurted out. “Why would they send a letter to a school for yōkai?”
Ashiya raised a hand to quiet them, exhaling slowly. “I will explain, Hatanaka-sensei. Please, everyone, remain calm.” He waited until silence returned, the air thick with unease.
“According to this letter,” he continued, voice steady, “the Crown Princess herself will be visiting Hyakki Academy.”
“What do you mean by visiting, Principal? No offense to you Abe-sensei but ever since after Abe no Seimei died during the Heian period, the Royal Family has never dared to get involved themselves with us yōkai—so, why now?” Awayama-sensei challenged.
Ashiya’s gaze hardened, flicking briefly toward Haruaki before returning to the faculty. “That is true. But the situation is different this time. The Royal Family has a specific reason to turn their eyes on us.” He paused, then added with weight to his voice, “Because the man the Princess is set to marry…is here with us.”
“WHAT?” The teachers said shocked in unison.
“Who could that be?” Rintarou asked, turning his head to where Haruaki was sitting, only to notice the strange look on his friend’s face. “Haruaki…what’s wrong?”
Haruaki stared blankly at the table before turning to him. “…It’s me.”
Izuna leaned forward, eyes wide. “What do you mean?”
“It’s me who they wanted,” Haruaki admitted quietly, lowering his gaze. “They want me to marry the Crown Princess.”
Rintarou shot to his feet, as the shock drew on his face noticeably which everyone noticed immediately. “What?! Since when did you court her?”
“I didn’t court anyone, Miki-sensei,” Haruaki said firmly. “Neither did I choose to accept this marriage.”
“Then why the hell did you and your family agree to this?” Rintarou demanded, his voice trembling between anger and disbelief.
Haruaki clenched his fists under the table. “I didn’t agree,” he muttered. “I only found out last night. My grandfather…my family has arranged everything without telling me.”
The room erupted in whispers, teachers exchanging uneasy glances.
Izuna’s brows furrowed. “Arranged? As in decided on your behalf?”
“Yes,” Haruaki answered bitterly. “The letter wasn’t just a notice—it was an announcement. As if I’ve already accepted.”
Rintarou suddenly slammed his hand against the table, the sound echoing like a thunderclap that made everyone jump from their seats. “That’s absurd! They can’t just claim you like that!” He exclaimed as his voice burned with anger, louder than he meant. “You’re not some kind of trophy to be passed around!”
Ashiya’s eyes narrowed at the scene he was seeing. “Miki-sensei, keep your composure. This involves the Royal Family. Any reckless words or behavior will do us no good.”
But no matter what Ashiya was telling his oni employee, Rintarou wasn’t listening to him—his gaze was locked on Haruaki, as his chest was heavier than usual. “Do you even want this marriage?!” he asked, his voice filled with desperation, aching for the answer he already feared.
Haruaki looked down. “…Of course not.”
“Then that’s all that matters!” Rintarou snapped, his voice rougher than before, though in his heart he was relieved. His hands trembled slightly as he clenched them into fists. “Why should you have to suffer just because some princess decided you’d look good at her side?”
The other faculty exchanged wary looks, quietly recognizing what Rintarou himself didn’t—his anger wasn’t just outrage.
It was jealousy. Jealousy that neither of them really recognized.
“Rintarou…” Haruaki murmured, startled by his friend’s sudden outburst. “Even though we’re not that close nor have we ever met occasionally, I know that she was also a victim of this arrangement. Mi—No..Rin…I know that she doesn’t want and never will have the desire to force someone to marry her.”
Without even realizing it, Rintarou’s jaw tightened as his chest started to burn with hatred and jealousy that he wasn’t aware of, not understanding why he was feeling this way. All he knew was that the thought of Haruaki standing beside another—smiling and laughing with her—was unbearable, as if it were stabbing his heart.
“Doesn’t want to happen, huh? Then screw it, Haruaki. She has the power to refuse this marriage—and what is she doing? Agreeing to this fucking thing. That is not fair.” His voice dropped into a low growl. “You belong here…with us. Not with those arrogant nobles.”
For a heartbeat, his gaze softened when it met Haruaki’s, but he quickly looked away.
The silence pressed in thickly. Even Ashiya himself, who supposedly breaks the tension, hesitated to interrupt his employees’ outburst as he studied Rintarou with a frown.
Izuna finally spoke, cautiously gathering the courage to speak up. “Miki-sensei…are you sure this is only about fairness?” Then, leaning slightly, he added in a whisper, “Not to mention, you’re also having noble blood yourself.”
Rintarou suddenly froze from the sudden realization; his throat went dry. “…What else would it be about?” he snapped back, a little too quickly.
Haruaki blinked, confused by his friend’s tone, then spoke, asking what was on his mind, oblivious to what his friend’s reaction meant. “…I don’t understand why you’re so worked up about this, Rintarou.”
Rintarou’s head whipped toward him, his heart skipping. “Why? Because you’re my friend!” he blurted, too fast, too forceful. “Because you don’t deserve to be shackled to some stranger you don’t even care about!”
Haruaki gave him a small, tired smile. “I appreciate that. Truly, I do.” Gently, he placed a hand over Rintarou’s clenched fist in reassurance. “But I’ll handle this. Trust me, okay?”
Rintarou stiffened at the touch, ears burning hot. Haruaki pulled his hand back casually, as if nothing had happened—completely oblivious to the storm he had just stirred in Rintarou’s chest.
Across the table, Sakai leaned toward Awayama, whispering behind their sleeves. “Do you see that? He’s practically foaming at the mouth. If that’s not jealousy, I don’t know what is.”
Awayama’s brow arched. “So Miki-sensei’s got that kind of attachment, hm?”
Ashiya cleared his throat sharply, silencing their murmurs. “Enough gossiping.” Still, his eyes lingered knowingly on Rintarou before returning to the group. “Whatever your…personal feelings, Miki-sensei, this situation must be treated with care. The Royal Family is not to be underestimated for what they could do.”
Rintarou ground his teeth, swallowing down the words he wanted to spit out. Then, in a sudden thought, he realized what his boss meant.
Personal feelings
Was it that obvious? He couldn’t even admit it to himself, but every second this conversation went on, the thought of Haruaki in royal robes, standing beside a smiling princess, made something twist violently in his chest.
Meanwhile, Haruaki sat there in silence, utterly lost in thought—completely unaware of the storm raging just across the table from him.