#hinganshi

Hideyuki was talking a stroll around Tsurui, stopping occasionally at villager's house to see how his people live. When he arrived home, he found stacks of red envelopes. Raising his brows he sighs and opens them one by one.

Shaking his head, he wrote rejection reply one by one. When he's done, he gives them to Takeshi to be sent.

"My lord, what about that one?" the old retainer points at one envelope fallen on the side of the desk.

Hide sighs and chuckles "Let's meet this one then" he picks up the envelope and opens it. Inside is a letter of introduction written by a Nakodo

Fujiwara-Sama,

The daughter of Lord Sozen Kiyohara has become available for an omiai.

Please consider and contact me to arrange the first meeting and contact promptly as the candidate is eager to match swiftly.

Attached is her painting and rirekisho (resume).

Kiyohara no Miyuki

Age: 25

Health: Recently cured of lifelong illness, not inherited

Education: Highly educated by private tutors

Family: Kiyohara family, Daimyo of Fukushima

"Kiyohara? isn’t Sozen-Sama was Chichi-Ue rival when they were younger?" he looks intrigued, pondering for a moment before writing a reply

"Fujiwara No Hideyuki agrees to an Omiai meeting with lady Kiyohara. When the winter sun is at the highest peak of the sky, three days from now in House of Sparrows"

Three days later, The House of Sparrows

The meeting room is quiet and tranquil, only the faint sound of Shishi-Odoshi can be heard. Hideyuki had waited an hour after the appointed time. He sighs “Typical, probably did not actually wish to attend this Omiai”

He was about to leave when the sliding door opening can be heard. A Raen woman matching the depiction of the painting steps in. A black cat in tow.

Miyuki Kiyohara pulls back the paper door and enters the room. She turns and bows to him.

"Lord Fujiwara."

Her voice is smooth like velvet and her speaking is as expected of a noblewoman.

"I thank you for inviting me."

The black cat sits properly next to Miyuki as if also bowing.

After the tea ceremony, he hands over the paper containing his birth date, hour, and the auspice that govern the hour. Miyuki performed the same thing.

The Nakodo study and match the two papers. The Omiai will not continue if their birthday is not a good match.

Nodding in confirmation, Hideyuki starts to introduce himself formally

After both converses, they reach the conclusion that both really do not look forward to being tied in a loveless marriage. Moreso with Miyuki.

The Raen lord decides to leave first, so to spare Miyuki’s father shame had he known it was her daughter that requested for Hideyuki to reject her. While his unmarried status continues to become the gossip of Hinganshi, another rejection will not undermine his reputation further.

A voice stopped him when he was about to leave, Miyuki catching her breath and voiced her request. She seems to be keen to become a friend instead.

"I...could?" he replies with uncertainty

"But your father might think that we are tricking him if we meet again..? also what will the other nobles say about it. While I do not care for my reputation, I do care about yours" he smiles faintly

"In secret, perhaps...? Please understand, Lord Fujiwara. I have never had a friend beside Yozora before. I would like a chance to get to know someone like myself. Someone who understands." The Raen replies with a tinge of pleading in her tone

Hideyuki ponders for sometimes "How about this.... I usually would relax at Rakusui garden after my work for the day is done. I will be there at the hour of rooster. You can simply take your afternoon stroll and happen to see me there" he nods

"I do not mind to become your friend"

With few last words of courtesy exchanged, the Raen Daimyo step out into the snowy Hinganshi...