"You're probably already thrilled about this great opportunity, aren't you?" Rukongai, Junrinan District. Kyōraku Callum regarded the unusua
"You're probably already thrilled about this great opportunity, aren't you?"
Rukongai, Junrinan District. Kyōraku Callum regarded the unusual building before him, a sense of foreboding washing over him.
"Did I agree too hastily?" The simple house still showed signs of recent construction; the building materials seemed barely dry. Behind it stood a massive chimney sealed with Kidō inscriptions.
On either side of the house were huge stone arm sculptures, their arms curving up to the roof, supporting a wide banner. The banner bore Shiba Kaien's name.
Since Shiba Kaien was still the head of the family, Kyōraku Callum didn't question it. The banner was likely related to the current family head. It was too late to change his mind anyway. Besides, Kyōraku Callum scowled at the person beside him.
"Hey, you stupid old man, why did you come along?"
Kyōraku Shunsui placed a hand on his forehead, feigning a distant gaze towards the Shiba family estate. Without turning, he said,
"As your only elder, I naturally had to come. A marriage between noble families isn't something to be taken lightly!"
Kyōraku Callum facepalmed. Could he really say that? This whole thing had been decided in a few sentences. Did they have any shame at all?
Kyōraku Callum sighed and strode towards the Shiba house.
At the Shiba residence, as Kyōraku Callum neared the unusual building, he heard a hearty laugh from within.
"Hahaha! Of course, I haven't forgotten! Speaking of which, that Kyōraku Callum fellow should be arriving today, right?"
The moment the words finished, the door burst open, and a striking woman emerged. Her long black hair was bound with a dark headband, a bright smile on her refined face. A dark sky was tattooed on her long left arm. All signs pointed to her identity: Shiba Kūkaku.
"Excuse me," Kyōraku Callum said. "Are you...?"
Shiba Kūkaku's face showed surprise. "Such a familiar face… I've never seen you before!" She began circling Kyōraku Callum, studying him from all angles.
After a moment, she clapped her hands together, a look of realization dawning on her face. "You're my fiancé, Kyōraku Callum, aren't you?!"
Kyōraku Callum was stunned. He knew Shiba Kūkaku was boisterous and warm, but not this much! Shiba Isshin had asked Kyōraku Shunsui for a photo of Kyōraku Callum when he left the Kyōraku residence.
However, since Kyōraku Callum disliked photos, only a childhood picture existed, explaining why Kūkaku only recognized him vaguely.
"Ha! I didn't expect you to be so much better-looking than you were as a child," Shiba Kūkaku said, grabbing Kyōraku Callum's arm and pulling him towards the house.
"Captain Kyōraku, come on in!" She only remembered Kyōraku Shunsui was with them halfway through. Her straightforward personality was certainly interesting. Perhaps it was a case of "beauty is truth"?
The Shiba residence differed from other noble houses, lacking opulent decorations, instead embracing a minimalist aesthetic. Aside from the Shiba family crest, there were almost no decorative items.
"Brother!" Shiba Kūkaku called out before reaching the main house. "Captain Kyōraku and Kyōraku Callum have arrived!"
Shiba Kaien hurried out. "Captain Kyōraku, Kyōraku Callum." His sunny smile suggested he'd moved past his grief.
"Kaien-kun," Kyōraku Callum replied, using the honorific. Respect was mutual.
"Isshin?" Kyōraku Shunsui asked.
Shiba Kaien smiled apologetically. "He went to the izakaya to get some Rukongai sake, anticipating your arrival." Unlike other noble families, the Shibas seemed devoid of any airs.
The four sat around a vermilion table. Shiba Kaien chatted with Kyōraku Shunsui, discussing amusing incidents from their divisions and noble secrets. Kyōraku Callum and Shiba Kūkaku stared at each other. While Kūkaku's gaze occasionally drifted downwards, she didn't seem to mind.
Soon, Shiba Isshin returned, carrying a bottle of the monthly special Rukongai sake—less rare than Kuchiki's special sake, but still a luxury in Rukongai.
"Kyōraku, I wasn't lying, was I?" Shiba Isshin sat beside Kyōraku Callum, nudging him playfully.
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