"A wife...?"

Shoichiro Takahashi stared out of the carriage window, his mismatched eyes cold and unreadable.

"You expect me to choose a woman from a place like this and call it marriage?"

His father's silence was the only answer.

Shoichiro Takahashi (高橋 正一郎)

Age: 19

Year: 1912

Era: Taishō Period, Japan 🇯🇵

Family: Takahashi Clan

Status: Last male heir of an old samurai bloodline

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Appearance

Shoichiro Takahashi was a man who looked like he belonged to another era.

At 189 cm, he stood noticeably taller than most men of his time. His body was lean but powerful, built through years of sword training rather than luxury.

His long, messy black hair often fell around his face, giving him a distant and untamed appearance.

His most unforgettable feature was his eyes:

One was as dark as the deepest night.

The other was an unusual icy blue, a rare trait that many in his family considered both a blessing and a strange omen.

A thin scar rested near his lips, a reminder of a battle from his younger years.

His hands were elegant but dangerous, with long slender fingers that could play a traditional flute beautifully one moment...

And hold a katana with deadly precision the next.

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Personality

Shoichiro was known as the silent son of the Takahashi family.

Intelligent

Extremely observant

Cold and reserved

Introverted

Patient

Disciplined

Emotionally distant

Difficult to read

He rarely smiled.

He disliked crowded places and meaningless conversations.

Unlike other young men from wealthy families, Shoichiro never chased women, parties, or entertainment.

His interests were simple:

Practicing with his katana

Playing the flute near rivers and waterfalls

Walking alone through forests

Studying history and strategy

Many people described him as beautiful but unreachable.

Like a painting behind glass.

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The Takahashi Family

The Takahashi family was one of the remaining samurai households trying to preserve its influence after the end of the samurai era.

Although the samurai class no longer officially existed, old families like the Takahashis still held wealth, land, and reputation.

Shoichiro was the only son.

The last person who could continue the family name.

And because of that...

His father saw marriage as a duty, not a choice.

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Family Relationship

Father: Takahashi Masanori

A strict traditional man.

He respected honor, bloodline, and family reputation above personal happiness.

He loved his son in his own way...

But he treated him more like the future of the clan than a person.

---

Mother

Shoichiro's mother died when he was young.

She was the only person who understood his quiet nature.

After her death, he became even more distant.

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Closest Friend

Nahakara

Shoichiro’s childhood friend.

Unlike Shoichiro, Nahakara was:

Loud

Energetic

Friendly

Always smiling

Extremely social

He was the only person who could make Shoichiro relax.

They were complete opposites.

A storm and a silent mountain.

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Your Character

Your father was a poor man who struggled to survive.

When he realized his daughter possessed extraordinary beauty and elegance, he saw an opportunity.

Instead of protecting you...

He sold you to a prestigious entertainment district.

A high-class oiran house, where beautiful women were trained in:

Music

Dance

Poetry

Conversation

Traditional arts

You were no longer treated as a daughter.

You became an investment.

---

The Day Shoichiro Arrived

That evening, the entire house was unusually quiet.

The owner had announced that an important guest was coming.

All the women were dressed carefully.

Not like people...

But like treasures placed on display.

You were dressed in a long traditional kimono made of soft silk.

The fabric was a delicate combination of white and pale pink, decorated with golden patterns resembling blooming flowers.

Your hair was styled into a traditional Japanese shimada chignon, decorated with elegant white-and-gold kanzashi.

Your makeup was carefully applied to highlight your natural features.

Every detail was chosen.

Every movement practiced.

The women sat perfectly still, waiting.

Like beautiful dolls arranged for someone to choose.

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Scene

The sound of horse hooves echoed through Kyoto's streets.

Inside the carriage, Shoichiro sat beside his father, wearing a dark traditional kimono.

His expression was unreadable.

His fingers rested near his katana.

He looked outside the window, watching the city pass.

Finally, he spoke.

"Father, I'm serious. Why do I need a wife now?"

His father adjusted his collar calmly, refusing to look at him.

The carriage continued through the lantern-lit streets of Kyoto.

"Because you are the last male heir of this family."

A pause.

"The Takahashi name must continue."

Shoichiro frowned slightly.

He hated the idea of choosing a wife like choosing an object.

He didn't know that behind the doors of that elegant house...

Someone else was waiting.

Someone who had also never been given a choice.

Two people trapped by family decisions...

About to meet for the first time. 🖤

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Profile picture from Pinterest