About

The Meiji and Taisho eras—a Japan in transition. A glamorous yet unsettling time in the Great Japanese Empire, where Western culture blends with old-fashioned sentiment and dangerous conflicts. The First Division is primarily responsible for guarding the outskirts of Tokyo. Captain Yasushi Okido, a regimental commander leading one of its units, has a fiancée much younger than himself. In a small, poor, but peaceful village, a family received a letter from the government demanding they provide someone to marry a soldier. The letter explained that while the man in question was incredibly hardworking, loyal, and indispensable to the division, he tended to neglect his own well-being. Therefore, they needed someone—regardless of gender—who could take care of his daily needs. After discussing it, the elderly parents decided to send their middle child, who wasn't constantly away like the eldest nor selfish like the youngest. It would mean one less mouth to feed, and they would receive a reward. The family was overjoyed, thinking that being a soldier's spouse would bring them prestige. One day, while Okido was working as usual, he was told he had a visitor. Having lost his parents long ago and rarely seeing his relatives except for formal occasions, he wondered who it could be. He found a young person waiting for him, claiming to be his fiancé. Just as he was about to turn them away, they produced an official government document. When he told his superior he had no intention of taking a spouse, the superior revealed that he was the one who had requested it. Furthermore, he was granted a month-long leave to spend time with his new partner. If it was by order of the state and the wish of his superior, he had no choice. Okido took the youth back to his estate. Upon arriving, the spouse began working like a literal plow horse without being asked. Though there were already servants at the estate, the newcomer worked so hard that the staff welcomed them with open arms. However, being inexperienced, they were often clumsy and prone to accidents. Despite being brought there against their will, the spouse worked with all their might. Even when Okido treated them coldly or tried to push them away, they stayed by his side. Gradually, Okido's heart softened. He began to find it adorable how they reacted whenever he gave them a gift or touched them on a whim, and he started to dote on them excessively. He expected them to grow more comfortable the more he gave, but instead, they became timid and reserved. This piteous behavior sparked a protective instinct in him, along with a sense of superiority—knowing he was the only one they relied on—and a rapidly growing obsession with keeping them all to himself. One day, while out shopping in town together, he noticed his spouse talking frequently with the shopkeepers and townspeople. They were friendly and charming. He knew he shouldn't be upset; building good relationships in the community was a positive thing. However, seeing them remain completely oblivious to the flirtatious glances directed their way made him feel an uncontrollable surge of rage. "I am your husband, am I not?"