Reina of Hanneau (English)

FORMAL MARRIAGE MEETING

Reina walks back and forth by the entrance of their home in Haran. It is Mitsuei's turn to come to their house and formally ask for her hand in marriage. She's growing antsy, and the fact that other neighbors are gossiping about it only further exacerbates her discomfort.

News circulated quickly, and Haran is so small that neighbors finally caught wind of her marriage to Hanneau's once-divorced owner. It was too appalling that everyone went to confirm the authenticity of the spreading rumor. 

Some appear to be joyful, while others seem to be skeptical. Reina didn't hear their babbling since they kept their distance from her. She is too preoccupied to even listen to what those people had to say.

It's just before lunchtime, and she's expecting Mitsuei any minute now. Her anxiety grew over time. She knows for a fact that he will come, but she cannot help but worry about what will happen. 

And then, as if on cue, she hears the horse galloping and the sound of tires slamming against the ground's pebbles. She can hear the gasps of those around her as they finally confirm that the rumors are genuine.

Mitsuei exists in the carriage with his head held high. He looks around and didn’t bother to acknowledge the swarming people in their surroundings. 

“You should have waited inside. The sun is too bright, it might burn your skin.”

Mitsuei mutters as he takes light steps towards Reina with an umbrella. Though filled with worries, Reina can't deny that he looks gallant in his attire. He is wearing a haori and hakama, which is different from the tsumugi that he casually wears every day. Rather than being awkward, he carries the dress elegantly. 

Following behind him is Kayomi, spreading her smiles to the people gossiping and witnessing the event. Just like her father, she looks extremely sophisticated in her cherry blossom patterned kimono. 

“Reina!” Kayomi leaps into Reina as soon as she gets a sight of her. “Or should I start calling you mother?”

“Go-- Good morning,” Reina greets awkwardly forcing a smile on her face. 

Reina takes a glance around and discovers Mitsuei has brought a Hanneau delegation with him. Aside from his carriage, a second one stands behind it, with Kiyoko and another Hanneau woman on board. Two guys on top of a horse appear to be escorting the delegation behind it. It was a lavish effort.

She had expected a modest and pleasant gathering, but it turned out to be grandiose.

“Let’s go inside. Your skin will get burnt if we stay here a bit longer,” Mitsuei appeals grabbing Reina by the hand to lead her inside the house. 

The whispering in the background intensifies as everybody witnesses Mitsuei’s behavior around Reina. She can hear gasps and whistles around her. After all, he is a man feared by some with his aura and looks.

But none of them matters to her. Her heart can’t stop racing since the moment she woke up this morning. She hardly even had any sleep last night. Up til now, she’s worried about how things will turn out from here.

Maya welcomes them by the entrance with the usual pleasantries and urges them to follow her to the lounge where they will be having lunch. Mitsuei gestures Kiyoko and the other female staff, Rio to bring the set of meals they have prepared on their side. The other men also follow them bringing in the gifts intended for the soon-to-be bride and her family.

Miki giggles excitedly as she jumps on Kayomi, continually bugging her to join her somewhere in the garden so they could play. 

The hallway of the house is empty when they came in, though he can overhear faint noises coming from the room at the end of the hall. It is the same room as last time. He can also feel the fresh wind coming from the room. Perhaps they have left the door to the garden open. 

A few seconds went by and they all find themselves standing in front of the sunroom with all eyes directed towards them. The women of the house are all bright with smiles and a welcoming gaze. Meanwhile, Haru and Ryouta are stern with their stoned faces.

Mitsuei and Kayomi settle on their designated seats while Reina is sitting across them. The room has been quiet for a moment while the Sou family continues to bring their gifts inside the room. 

“Allow me to praise your mental strength. You have such nerves of coming back here and causing a ruckus on our front door.”

Ryouta sarcastically smirks at the man bowing before him. And just like the first time he came to their house, he is still unfazed even if he is being purposely rude. Being his senior in the army doesn’t seem to have an intimidating effect on Sou Mitsuei. What a fearless man.

“Thank you for receiving us kindly.” Mitsuei straightens his back and stares at Ryouta with firm determination. “I, myself, isn’t expecting people to know about Reina and I’s engagement. Sadly, I have no control over their actions nor did I invite any of them to witness our marriage meeting.”

“This isn’t a marriage meeting! I have not permitted such a thing.”

Ryouta clenches his fists and is about to launch another verbal attack when he suddenly feels warm hands touching his. He turns his head and he sees his wife Helen smiling while shaking her head gently. She grips his hand as if telling him to hold his tongue. 

As much as possible, Helen wants to settle this meeting in peace. She hates having to argue every time. Moreover, no one will understand the other if all they do is yell and verbally fight each other.

Negotiations are frequently handled with both or one side yelling at the other in Helen's years as a diplomat. It not only prolongs the process but also makes matters worse. That is something she does not want to happen in her family.

“I apologize for my family’s clamor. And from before, too,” Helen gives a slight bow with her eyes full of remorse.

“Helen!” Ryouta opposes with great force. 

“Ryou! Of all people, I expect you to understand that nothing good comes out of fighting one another. Is this how you wish your daughter to marry? I always see you as a sympathetic man. Different from everyone hence I choose to marry you and venture into a land I barely know. But then you barely give your child a chance to speak and defend herself. Tell me now, was I wrong to believe you?”

Ryouta became motionless and his eyes wide in surprise due to his wife’s sudden outburst. He only stares back at Helen as she continues pouring out her emotions. 

“Or would you rather have your daughter run away instead? Perhaps marry another man of your choice but then she isn’t happy? Mister Mitsuei is here to formally ask for our daughter, respecting our opinion as parents. Isn’t that enough for you to give him and his little girl the same amount of respect? I’m so disappointed in you all.”

Helen is left panting after she finishes her speech. Meanwhile, Ryouta grits his teeth clearly overpowered by his wife’s conviction. Haru, who is also sitting nearby is caught by surprise. Their mother is the kind that hardly yells or gets angry. So seeing her exploding right now is a rare occasion. 

Helen looks around the room before directing her gaze to Mitsuei who seems unvexed by the situation. “Now that we got that clear, I have a few questions for you Mister Mitsuei. May I?”

“Of course, I’ll be glad to oblige.”

Helen nods with a smile. “Our Reina is not exactly well-received by the community, especially in Moulen. Compared to our oldest son, Reina looks almost foreign. Especially her eyes that scare others. Even when she attended school, she was often teased for being different, and as you know, there are still people who don’t accept us, foreigners, here in the country. I want to make it clear if you are part of that faction or not.”

Mitsuei stares at Reina from across the room. Her head is held so low that she refuses to meet anyone’s gaze. She seems to be far different from her mother who never shies away from speaking her mind. The past couple of months have already shown him the reason why they are protective of her.

“Pardon my sarcasm, but I will not be here if I were part of that population. Furthermore, her qualities whether physical or not. Different or similar. Those things make her what she is. And she isn’t different, but rather, she’s special.”

Reina can’t believe the words she heard from Mitsuei. She instantly raises her head and she is met with eyes that she has never seen before. Her heart swells in delight. It is the first time someone ever called her special. 

Growing different than anyone, she has this notion that she is lower than everyone else. Despite her parents' efforts to rear her in a good environment, some things are just out of their control. She has been accused of various things, like being a dishonor to the country or maybe a witch because of her blue eyes and straight nose. 

“I have protected a ruler who barely knows and cares for me. Rest assured that I will protect her and our family to the best of my abilities,” Mitsuei adds with a wistful smile on his face. 

Reina cannot deny that his comments have an impact on her, whether or not she has feelings for him. Her heart's rapid beating slows down, and all she feels now is peace. Her heart has become so serene that she can almost cry with joy.

Ryouta has been quiet for a long time now slams his hand to the table. He appears to have endured lots of things on his mind. 

"I have protected her for years, and I'm not giving her away to any man."