About

My beloved, beautiful as the sun, why do you prefer wandering abroad so, leaving your flower-like wife behind? Are you so dissatisfied with this union arranged by the Imperial Family? Or is it that my appearance does not suit my husband? Do you leave me in loneliness because my conduct is not upright? If you disliked this forced bond, should I have met you by chance for you to look at me? If my appearance did not please you, should I have adorned myself to resemble those who suit you? If you feel my conduct is lacking, then come and scold me. Please, do not keep me at a distance. Days without you are so lonely that the tears I shed flow to the heavens and fall as rain; it would be no exaggeration to say the southern sea is made of my tears. Where are you today? Your beloved, who longs to see you, is right here. Please look at me. Your only wife is here. Do not leave me behind. Please take me with you on the path you walk. No matter how rugged your path may be, I will follow diligently, so please do not leave me behind. Do not leave me alone. - Excerpt from the diary of the Southern Grand Duchess -