Yakken Izumi sighed softly, a touch of helplessness in his expression. "Arisu, you may stand up now. You're the proud young lady of the Sakayanagi family—how could you kneel over something like this?"
"Marrying Kotomi isn't 'something like this,'" Arisu replied resolutely.
"That's true—it's not a small matter," Yakken said gently. "Which is why it deserves to be discussed carefully. Come, sit back down."
After a brief silence, Arisu slowly straightened herself and sat again.
"You're still young," Yakken continued calmly. "Even though your thinking is far more mature than that of most people your age, there are still things that you inevitably see too simply.
"Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary, I believe young people should have the courage that comes with youth. Being thoughtful is good—but it's equally important to have the spirit to dream and to act.
"You're perfectly aware that both you and Kotomi are girls, and that being together would mean facing countless obstacles from family and society. Yet, instead of giving in to fear, you chose to be honest about your feelings. You spoke with your grandfather first, and now you've come here yourself to propose.
"If I'm not mistaken," he said with a faint smile, "after you leave Yamanashi, you're planning to head to Kumamoto next, aren't you?"
"Yes," Arisu answered without hesitation. "I took a short leave from school. I wanted to spend a few days visiting my grandparents—both sides. Even if I weren't here to propose, I still wanted to see you. It's been so long since our last meeting, and seeing you both today makes me very happy."
"Hahaha, what a sweet talker you are," Yakken laughed heartily.
The truth was, if Kotomi were to marry someday, Yakken sincerely hoped it would be to Arisu Sakayanagi. The benefits and stability such an alliance would bring were undeniable—but that wasn't what truly mattered to him.
What mattered was the sincerity he could feel in Arisu's words.
Letting Kotomi marry someone who truly loved her—and whom she loved in return—was more important than any business arrangement. As a grandfather, all he wanted was for his granddaughters to live happy lives.
Having spent a lifetime weathering storms and dealing with countless people, Yakken had long since honed a keen intuition for reading others. A family head who couldn't judge character would never be able to lead a great house to stability and prosperity.
He could tell, without a doubt, that Arisu's feelings for Kotomi ran deep and true. The only reason he hadn't given his approval yet was because…
"Arisu," he asked, "let me ask you something. Are you and Kotomi currently in a relationship?"
"Not yet."
"So, you like her—but because of her memory loss, she doesn't know that you love her?"
"Yes," Arisu admitted. "It would've been easier to just tell her everything she forgot. But after thinking about it, I chose not to."
"Why not?" Yakken asked, his tone curious but his expression carrying a faint trace of approval. Clearly, he already liked Arisu's answer—but he wanted to hear her reasoning.
And Arisu didn't disappoint.
"Kotomi lost part of her memory because of the trauma and fear she suffered during the fire. Her brain, in self-defense, sealed those memories away. My memories were among those she lost.
"Watching her—someone who once was so close to me—look at me now without any recollection of our past… it hurts. I'd be lying if I said it didn't. But even so, I decided not to tell her the truth outright.
"Because if I told her the truth, and she remembered that fire, it might trigger her brain's defense mechanism again, possibly worsening her amnesia. Even if she didn't lose more memories, she would still recall the terror and pain of being burned alive."
Arisu's voice softened, yet her conviction remained firm.
"If forgetting me allows her to forget that fire completely, then that's something to be thankful for. Even if it means she's forgotten everything about me—at least she no longer has to live with that fear and pain."
"That's why you never told her about her memory loss?" Yakken asked.
"Anything that could hurt Kotomi—even the slightest possibility—I'll never do it," Arisu said quietly but with absolute certainty.
"I see," Yakken nodded slowly, taking a sip of tea before continuing.
"You and Kotomi aren't dating right now, and she hasn't remembered your past together. So tell me—why come to propose now? Arisu, let me ask bluntly: does Kotomi love you as a partner? Does she want to marry you? Or are you planning to marry her first and fall in love later?"
Arisu shook her head. "At the moment, she probably doesn't have any thoughts about marriage. I didn't tell her about this proposal either."
"Hahaha… Arisu, relationships and marriage are matters between two people," Yakken said, chuckling softly. "No matter how much you love Kotomi, if you want to marry her, she has to agree first. To be honest, if you'd come here with her today, we'd already be discussing when to hold the engagement and where to host the ceremony."
"I admit I was a bit impulsive this time," Arisu confessed. "Calling this a proposal might be an exaggeration. I only wanted to receive approval—from Kotomi's grandparents and great-grandparents."
"Approval?" Yakken repeated, curious.
"Yes," Arisu said earnestly. "Kotomi… she's started dating someone at school. Maybe it's jealousy, but every time I see them walking together so closely, my heart aches with envy. I want her to be happy—truly happy—but before everything becomes final, I want to be the one who can give her that happiness.
"So I've decided—I'll pursue her again from the beginning. And I wanted to tell our elders first, to remove any obstacles I might face later. At least now, my parents and Kotomi's family will know… that I love Kotomi Izumi."
"...What?"
Yakken's hand trembled slightly, and the teacup nearly slipped, spilling a few drops. Kotomi… already has a girlfriend?!
His heart felt like a storm of conflicting emotions.
Meanwhile, Harumari Izumi sat beside him with a nostalgic smile on her face, already picturing little Kotomi someday walking down the aisle in a wedding dress.
She remembered how, even as a child, Kotomi had exuded the gentle aura of an older sister—and how her beauty had been striking even back then.
But for all her poise, she'd also been adorably clueless.
Whenever a child who liked her mustered the courage to offer flowers, Kotomi's first reaction wasn't to accept or thank them. Instead, she would tilt her head and ask innocently:
"What's this? Is it something to eat?"
The shy child would stammer, "N-no, you can't eat it… K-Kotomi, I… I like—"
"You can't eat it? Then I don't want it." And off she'd go, toddling away on short legs.
Leaving behind one heartbroken child who would burst into tears, tasting their first experience of rejection.
Even as a child, Kotomi had never lacked admirers. Adults often joked during tea time, "If only little Kotomi could marry into our family, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
And every time, her younger sister Aimi would throw her arms around her and shout:
"When I grow up, I'm going to make Kotomi my bride! None of you are allowed to take her!"
Her outburst always drew laughter from the adults.
Harumari had even said back then with a chuckle, "Well then, Aimi, you'd better work hard. Marry Kotomi quickly, or Grandma might not live long enough to attend your wedding."
So many memories from those years remained vivid in Harumari's heart—so many adorable moments that, even now, made her think with warmth and amusement: Ah, my granddaughters really are too precious.
Her beloved granddaughter Kotomi had started high school.
And now—she was in love.
Her partner… was a girl!
For some reason, upon learning that Kotomi Izumi had fallen in love during high school, and that her lover was another girl, Yakken Izumi felt a strange mixture of emotions—an inexplicable sense of loss, yet also an odd relief.
Even with his usual open-mindedness, hearing that his granddaughter liked girls left him momentarily speechless.
Not out of anger—just surprise, and a little disbelief.
Kotomi… likes girls? he thought to himself repeatedly, trying to process it.
But as he reflected further, he realized—perhaps it wasn't all that surprising. Since childhood, little Kotomi had always possessed a charm that drew girls to her. Back when she lived in Yamanashi, every time she went to the park, she would inevitably attract a circle of younger girls and older sisters around her.
No matter where she went, as long as she was among girls, Kotomi was always the center of attention—the cherished favorite of everyone.
Still, there had always been something amusing about her preferences. Even surrounded by cute little girls and pretty young women, Kotomi's gaze would often wander toward the mature mothers nearby, the ones holding children in their arms…
Arisu Sakayanagi noticed Yakken Izumi had gone silent for quite a while and worried he might be upset. She carefully broke the silence.
"Grandfather Izumi, please don't be angry about Kotomi dating. She's a high schooler now—it's only natural she'd start having those kinds of feelings."
As she spoke, Arisu felt a pang of frustration. Kotomi dating Megumi Kato made her blood boil. She hated Megumi to the point of wishing she could tear her apart piece by piece.
But for now, she had to defend Kotomi—and even help smooth over the topic of her relationship with Megumi. To make things worse, Kotomi wasn't even here, so Arisu's efforts would go completely unnoticed!
Thankfully, including herself, there were only three people in the room. If word of this ever spread beyond these walls, it wouldn't just shock the entire Izumi household—it would send ripples through Japan's upper class.
Of course, not because they'd condemn Kotomi.
After all, families wealthy and powerful enough to exist in that world weren't stupid.
Instead, they'd seize the opportunity—rushing to introduce their own daughters to Kotomi before she and her girlfriend became too official.
Among the young ladies of noble lineage, quite a few still nursed unspoken crushes on Kotomi Izumi.
It was no exaggeration to say: Once you meet Kotomi, your fate is sealed.
No wonder Arisu was so desperate—determined to propose before anyone else could.
Because it wasn't just Megumi Kato. Many of those who had even briefly met Kotomi had fallen in love with her at first sight.
"To love Kotomi," Arisu thought grimly, "is to challenge every rival head-on."
Yakken Izumi finally exhaled softly, shaking his head.
"I'm not angry that Kotomi's dating—or that her partner is a girl. It's just… hard to accept that the little girl who only yesterday was playing with dolls has suddenly grown up into a beautiful young woman—and already has a girlfriend. It's a lot to take in."
He drained the last sip of tea from his cup. Harumari, ever composed, refilled it quietly.
"Arisu," Yakken said after a pause, "have you met Kotomi's girlfriend?"
"Yes, a few times," Arisu answered honestly—though in her mind, she added bitterly: And we've fought a few times too…
"What's her name?"
"Megumi Kato. But besides her, there are… quite a few other girls around Kotomi who act a little too close."
"Quite a few others?" Yakken's lips twitched, torn between disbelief and helpessness. "That innocent little Kotomi?"
It seemed that, come New Year's, he'd have to find time to sit his granddaughter down for a long, serious talk.
"Ah, well," he said after a moment, sighing softly. "Maybe she's just friendly with them. Why don't you tell me more about this Megumi Kato girl? Just describe what kind of person she is."
Arisu hesitated briefly, then began to recount everything she knew about Kotomi and Megumi—without exaggeration or slander, just simple facts.
Yakken listened with a calm, unreadable expression, while Harumari was far more captivated. When Arisu mentioned that Kotomi and Megumi had kissed at the aquarium, Harumari couldn't help but exclaim softly, "Oh my~!"
"That's everything I know about Kotomi and Megumi Kato," Arisu said after finishing her account.
She noticed that Harumari Izumi had quietly refilled her cup. Arisu nodded gratefully and took a sip—it was hot.
Throughout her explanation, Arisu had tried her best to maintain a calm tone. But the more she spoke, the more irritated she became. She could hardly stop herself from wanting to throw that scalding tea right in Megumi Kato's face.
How dare you steal my woman!
After listening carefully, Yakken Izumi finally understood the situation.
Facing a rival like Megumi—who had taken the first step—and knowing that Kotomi was surrounded by so many other girls with ambiguous feelings toward her, it was no wonder Arisu was anxious.
Just as I thought, Yakken mused inwardly. The Sakayanagi temperament never changes. They always prepare thoroughly in the shadows, then strike swiftly and decisively when the time comes.
"After visiting the Izumi and Hishinaga families, you plan to return to school and begin pursuing Kotomi again, correct?" Yakken asked.
"Yes," Arisu replied firmly.
"When you were describing Kotomi and Megumi's relationship earlier, I could tell that you were… quite upset about it," Yakken said, his voice calm but piercing. "I wouldn't be surprised if, just a few minutes ago, you were debating whether to throw that tea in Megumi's face."
Harumari let out a soft laugh. "Arisu dear, no matter what, we mustn't waste food—or tea."
"Even so," Yakken continued, "you didn't twist any details or speak ill of Megumi just now. If you had exaggerated or slandered her, even a little, I might have believed you—and taken action to separate Kotomi and Megumi.
"Why? Two simple reasons. First, I've never met this Megumi Kato, but you're someone the Izumi family has watched grow up. Naturally, I'd trust your word.
"Second, from a practical standpoint, an alliance between the Izumi and Sakayanagi families would bring immense mutual benefit. That's why, when your grandfather visited me, neither of us spoke about it openly. If you and Kotomi were to marry, it would mark the union of two of Japan's greatest families.
"Such a marriage would reshape the balance of power—opening countless opportunities for both sides. Your grandfather and I, as heads of our respective houses, must handle each step with great care.
"The potential advantages of such a union may not matter to us personally, but they cannot be ignored. From both a personal and a familial perspective, your grandfather and I sincerely hope that you and Kotomi will end up together."
Yakken paused for a moment, then added with a faint chuckle:
"To be honest, when your grandfather offered to give up a $100 billion business deal to show his sincerity in proposing this alliance, I was astonished. With his personality, he would never willingly relinquish a deal so close to completion—especially one that large.
"But he still handed it to us. He didn't need to say anything—the message was clear. His gesture spoke louder than words.
"With such sincerity, and with both families understanding how much this union could mean, you could have easily swayed me. Just a few exaggerated words about Megumi Kato—painting her as the obstacle between the Izumi and Sakayanagi alliance—and I would've intervened to ensure they broke up."
Arisu shook her head firmly.
"What you say is true, Grandfather Izumi. That would be the easiest way to drive Megumi Kato away. Her father is merely a section chief in the Tokyo Central Bank's financing division. For either the Izumi or Sakayanagi families, it wouldn't even require the direct involvement of the family head. Just a single order passed down the chain would be enough to destroy the Kato family.
"But I refuse to use such means.
"I love Kotomi Izumi. Every time I see her with Megumi Kato, I feel such rage I could kill her on the spot—but…"
"But in the end," Arisu continued, her voice steady yet burning with emotion, "no matter how jealous I am, I can't let jealousy cloud my judgment. I'll win Kotomi back through my own strength—fairly and honorably. Even if she's lost all memory of me, so what? I have the confidence to make her fall in love with me all over again!
"Kotomi and I are both girls. I know the road ahead will be filled with doubts, misunderstanding, and even scorn. But I want to do everything I can to give her a wedding where everyone attends with smiles and blessings in their hearts.
"The reason I want to secure an engagement in advance isn't to force her into anything—it's to ensure that when Kotomi and I are finally together, our families can bless and recognize our love."
Yakken Izumi regarded her silently for a long moment before asking one final question.
"You've never thought about using the engagement to pressure Kotomi into marrying you?"
"Why would I?" Arisu replied immediately. "This isn't the old days. A piece of paper—an engagement—doesn't hold real power anymore. If Kotomi truly doesn't love me, she can tear it up the moment she finds out about it.
"Once I've finished my visit with the Hishinaga family, I'll return to Chiba and pursue Kotomi properly—to make her fall for me again. Who knows? Maybe by then, before I can even propose to her, she'll be the one to propose to me."
Arisu's gaze never wavered—bright, determined, and unwaveringly sincere. Every word she spoke came from her heart.
By the time she finished, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Arisu Sakayanagi wasn't the type to smile often. But whenever she thought of Kotomi Izumi… she couldn't help but smile.
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