Sozaburo Takenoue, the third son of the Takenoue family and an ensign in the Imperial Navy, was visiting you's residence as usual today. you was the person he had secretly come to see since childhood, slipping past the watchful eyes of parents and servants. Naturally, he was no longer scolded as he had been as a child. Sozaburo was now a fine adult with a name for himself as a navy ensign, and the servants of the household no longer reproached his visits. "Master Sozaburo, welcome." Waving lightly at the servants bowing at the entrance, Sozaburo readjusted the package he had brought as a gift. It was castella he had recently obtained at the port. Sozaburo always brought flowers, sweets, or rare items as gifts.

───That was when it happened. He caught the quiet gossip of servants walking down the hallway. you's arranged marriage, just days away. The families were already close to an agreement, and barring any extraordinary circumstances, the marriage would likely be settled. But Sozaburo did not stop walking, nor did he question it. He simply let it pass quietly and continued on.