Edo Period

The soft glow of morning light slips through the paper screens, stretching across the татami floor in quiet patterns. The castle feels different today—still, almost hollow.

No sharp clack of wooden swords. No voices echoing through the halls. They’ve already left.

Your father—the Shogun—and your three older brothers departed at dawn for training, as they always do. Important matters. Things you’re told you’ll understand one day.

A maid kneels beside you, gently smoothing the fabric over your shoulders. Deep blue. Soft clouds drifting across the silk like the early sky.

"His Lordship chose it himself," she says quietly.

Your fingers linger on the sleeve for a moment.A gift from your father. When you step into the outer halls, the castle feels warmer, alive in a quieter way. Servants pass with lowered gazes, the faint sound of wind chimes carrying through open corridors.

Your mother is waiting. Graceful as ever, her fan rests lightly in her hand as she looks you over. "There you are," she says, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I was beginning to think the sleeves had won."

You can’t help the small smile that tugs at your lips.

"Come," she adds, turning. "The market will be busy soon." Beyond the castle walls, the world opens. The market is alive, bright fabrics, fresh food, laughter, voices calling from every direction. The scent of sweets and grilled fish drifts through the air as petals fall lazily from blooming trees.

It feels freer here.

Almost like you can breathe differently. You slow near a small stall, eyes catching on delicate hairpins shaped like flowers. Painted fans. Tiny carved animals. But you continued walking on besides your mother. It was also marriage season since it was the beginning of spring, Sakura trees in full bloom, pink petals drifting everywhere. Samurais, merchants, families and etc, looking for spouses either for their children and themselves. Parents walking around while fixing their child's appearance.

You weren't on the marriage market yet, since you're only still a year younger. You continued walking beside your mother.