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Kyoto. The ancient estate of the Shinomiya family—one of the prestigious noble families that branched off from the Fujiwara clan centuries ago. Surnames like Kujō, Shigen, and Ichijō were all remnants of the once-glorious Fujiwara lineage. Although during the shogunate era, the Shinomiya family was not among the five regent houses (go-sekke), it was merely a branch of those influential families.
However, with the advent of modern times, the Shinomiya family seized the opportunities brought by the industrial revolution. In this capitalist society, they rose to prominence through their vast financial resources, becoming one of the most powerful zaibatsu (financial cliques).
Yet, East Asian societies, deeply influenced by Confucian thought, harbored an inexplicable obsession with political power. Japan, in particular, was a society shaped by external pressures—a castrated nation under the thumb of the United States, its overlord. When needed, these zaibatsu served as mere tools for America to bleed dry, disposable at will.
During Japan's economic peak, several major zaibatsu attempted to break free from American dominance by expanding overseas and acquiring assets in the U.S. But with a simple document from the Americans, these zaibatsu who sought to escape control through immense capital and economic power were dealt a crushing blow. From then on, they became docile.
Though outwardly obedient, the tradition of "submission above, defiance below" persisted among Japan's elite. They quietly searched for opportunities to break free from their shackles.
The Shinomiya estate occupied a small hill in Kyoto. While not the largest or most luxurious estate in Kyoto, it reflected the family's modest standing during the shogunate era when they weren't as prominent.
Shinomiya Kaguya, the eldest daughter of the current head of the Shinomiya family, sat kneeling in the grand hall of the old mansion. She wore an elegant kimono embroidered with patterns of bamboo and chrysanthemums, listening silently to her elder brothers' instructions.
Kaguya's jet-black hair cascaded down her back, framing her face. Her crimson eyes, intoxicating like fine wine, were cold and detached. She resembled a porcelain doll—beautiful yet lifeless, exuding an aura of icy elegance.
Across from Kaguya sat her eldest brother, Shinomiya Kōgen. Dressed in a traditional kimono with a haori draped over his shoulders, his bald head gleamed under the light. At nearly forty years old, he carried an air of authority and sharpness.
By Kōgen's side knelt another figure—Shinomiya Seiryū, Kaguya's second brother. He followed Kōgen's every word without question, like a loyal shadow.
"Kaguya," Kōgen began in a condescending tone, "your father and I have arranged a marriage for you. Do you have any objections?"
His words were framed as a question, but in reality, they were a declaration of fact.
Kōgen had been groomed since childhood to prioritize the interests and strategic goals of the Shinomiya family. Though not a prodigy, he had honed his skills and amassed considerable influence thanks to the family's vast resources. As the current head of the family grew frail and stepped back into the shadows, Kōgen, as the eldest son, gradually took over the reins of power.
In Kōgen's eyes, his younger brothers posed no threat. Seiryū was a mere yes-man, incapable of challenging him. Their third brother, Shinomiya Un'ei, though ambitious, lacked experience due to his youth and wouldn't receive support from the family elders. As for Kaguya…
Kaguya held a slightly higher place in Kōgen's mind—not because she was valuable, but because she was female. In a world where power and inheritance were male-dominated, Kaguya had no claim to the family's leadership. Instead, as the eldest daughter, she was the perfect tool for political alliances—just like princesses of old, destined to be married off for the family's benefit.
Tools, after all, were meant to be controlled.
Kneeling on the tatami mat, Kaguya kept her hands folded neatly on her lap, her head slightly bowed. Her voice was devoid of emotion as she replied, "I have no objections, Brother."
Kōgen nodded approvingly. "Good. You understand your role, Kaguya. Remember, as the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family, your purpose is to sacrifice yourself for the expansion of our clan. The Shinomiya family has provided you with the finest upbringing, and now it's time for you to contribute."
Kōgen was satisfied with Kaguya's response. Like her siblings, Kaguya had been raised under the family's strict education system, instilled with the belief that personal interests must always yield to the greater good of the clan. Of course, Kōgen didn't fully trust her—he knew better than to rely solely on obedience. Necessary measures would still be taken to ensure compliance.
Kaguya remained silent, her head bowed, seemingly indifferent to her impending marriage. She appeared as nothing more than a marionette, awaiting her strings to be pulled.
"The person you are to marry is Fujiwara Tōru, the eldest son of the Fujiwara family."
"The Fujiwara family? I thought this generation of Fujiwaras had no male heirs?"
For the first time, Kaguya's icy expression faltered, revealing a hint of surprise. She recognized the name.
Kōgen's face remained impassive. "Fujiwara Tōru is the illegitimate son of Fujiwara Yoshitaka, the current chairman of Japan's National Security Council. Before marrying, Yoshitaka fathered Tōru but paid little attention to him at the time. However, it turned out that Yoshitaka's wife was barren, leaving him without legitimate heirs even now."
"Last year, Fujiwara Tōru attended Shuchiin Academy as a senior. I personally handled his enrollment. At the time, you were still in middle school, so you likely don't know much about him. The Fujiwara patriarch is quite pleased with Tōru—it's almost certain he'll become the next head of the Fujiwara family, supported by their extensive political resources."
"In fact, long before you were born, the Shinomiya and Fujiwara families had agreed that the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family would marry the eldest son of the Fujiwara family. However, since the Fujiwara family had no male heirs until now, the arrangement was put aside."
"But now that the Fujiwara family has a son, the Shinomiya family must honor the agreement."
Although the Shinomiya family possessed significant wealth, they paled in comparison to the Fujiwara family's political influence. For the Shinomiyas, marriage was the best way to gain access to the Fujiwaras' political resources.
Centuries ago, the Fujiwara family was the main branch of the Shinomiya lineage. This union aligned perfectly with the interests of the aristocracy—an exchange of benefits.
Who would have thought that this generation of Fujiwaras would produce only daughters, leaving them without a male heir? Just as Kōgen had begun searching for other potential suitors for Kaguya, Tōru's emergence filled him with delight—and even exceeded his expectations.
The Fujiwara family was already the ideal match for an alliance. And this particular Fujiwara heir also happened to hold the position of CIA director's aide—an opportunity that made Kōgen giddy with excitement. He felt as though fortune had finally smiled upon the Shinomiya family.
Despite the Shinomiya family's vast global enterprises, they were still treated as mere puppets by the American mega-conglomerates. When needed, they were used and discarded; when not, they were kept fed and alive.
The Shinomiya family had long sought to establish ties with America's upper echelons—and now, here was their chance.
Thinking of this, Kōgen's expression hardened. He addressed Kaguya sternly, "Remember, Kaguya, you are a daughter of the Shinomiya family. You must embody the virtues of a traditional Japanese woman—gentle, obedient, and submissive. You will obey your husband's household in all matters. Do you understand?"
Kōgen was a staunch patriarch, utterly intolerant of disobedience from women.
Kaguya inwardly scoffed. Truly a relic of the Showa era's feudal mindset. But outwardly, she maintained her submissive demeanor.
Though Kaguya was a modern individual, shaped by contemporary society and currently in her rebellious teenage years, she naturally harbored some resistance to such archaic traditions. Yet, deep down, she understood that rebellion was futile. Years of indoctrination had ingrained in her the belief that this was her fate as Shinomiya Kaguya.
Kōgen's expression softened slightly. "You may leave now. Rest tonight, and tomorrow you'll return to Shuchiin Academy. I'll arrange a meeting between you and your fiancé."
"Yes," Kaguya replied softly. She bowed deeply, then rose gracefully and exited the room with measured steps.
Not long after Kaguya left, Kōgen called out, "Come in."
The sliding door opened, and a young girl entered. She wore a tailored women's blazer, her golden hair tied into a single ponytail. She knelt respectfully on the tatami mat.
"Hayasaka Ai, you've done well so far. I expect you to continue excelling."
"Keep a close eye on Kaguya. Ensure she doesn't do anything inappropriate, especially regarding interactions with men. She's at an age where curiosity about the opposite sex peaks, making her vulnerable to deception."
"Though Fujiwara Tōru has lived in America for most of his life and may think differently from us, I can't take any risks. Do you understand?"
Kōgen's voice was slow but commanding.
"I will obey your orders, Master Kōgen."
Ai responded dutifully, her face expressionless.
Still unsatisfied, Kōgen added a veiled threat. "Your parents still work for the Shinomiya family. Hayasaka House owes a massive debt… If you remain loyal, that debt will be forgiven, and you'll enjoy prosperity. But if you betray us…" His voice trailed off menacingly.
Ai's heart tightened involuntarily, her fists clenching briefly before relaxing again. She bowed deeply, reaffirming her loyalty.
"Go now. Stay by Kaguya's side. Despite her elite upbringing, she remains naive and requires your guidance."
After Ai departed, Shinomiya Seiryū, who had been lounging idly, spoke up. "Big Brother, aren't you placing too much importance on Kaguya?"
Kōgen sneered. "It's not Kaguya herself I value. She's merely a pawn, a tool. Through her, I intend to control Fujiwara Tōru."
"Control? Not cooperation?"
"At first, it may appear to be cooperation. But mere cooperation yields too little benefit. If we can control Tōru, we effectively control the Fujiwara family—and everything they possess becomes ours."
Kōgen's ambitions shone brightly in his eyes.
"Furthermore, we can leverage his identity to expand the Shinomiya family's influence into America, using him as our white glove."
Seiryū hesitated. "But controlling someone like him won't be easy. He's a top graduate of Tokyo University…"
"So what if he's a Tokyo University graduate? How many of their top graduates work for us like dogs? Tōru is just a young man—impulsive and immature. Controlling him will be simple."
"Have you seen his résumé? His private life in America was chaotic. Despite excelling academically, his behavior reveals a frivolous nature."
"The adult world isn't something children can comprehend. As long as we exploit his weaknesses…"
"As long as he complies, the Shinomiya family will assist him."
Kōgen's tone dripped with disdain, his confidence unwavering. He envisioned the Shinomiya family flourishing further under his leadership.
Seiryū acquiesced. "As expected of Big Brother. Everything is meticulously calculated."
"Seiryū, as long as you obey me, wealth, power, and even women will be yours."
"Haven't I always listened to you, Big Brother?"
On the other side, Kaguya met with her third brother, Shinomiya Un'ei.
Even her third brother, nearing thirty, had a generational gap with her. Compared to her eldest and second brothers, Kaguya shared a slightly warmer relationship with Un'ei. In many ways, he had been the one to raise her, teaching her the ways of the Shinomiya family.
"Kaguya, have you seen Big Brother and the others? Did they arrange a marriage for you?"
"Yes."
Un'ei questioned her intently, and Kaguya answered truthfully, her face cold.
"Good, Kaguya. This is our opportunity. Your fiancé, Fujiwara Tōru, has the backing of the Fujiwara family and connections in America. If we use him wisely, we might reclaim what rightfully belongs to us—even if it means splitting power with Big Brother, it's worth it."
"Kaguya, I've always treated you well. You'll support me, won't you? Big Brother only wants to use you, but I truly care about you."
Though Kaguya had been raised under the Shinomiya family's strict control, making her somewhat naive, she wasn't foolish.
You care about me? Hah. You're all just using me as a tool.
Internally, Kaguya mocked him, but outwardly, she replied, "I'll support you, Third Brother."
"Good, very good."
Un'ei paced thoughtfully.
"I should inform Hayasaka Ai to teach Kaguya some necessary knowledge—like the intricacies of relationships between men and women."
Though Ai was technically Kōgen's subordinate, Un'ei pretended ignorance, allowing him to manipulate her for his own purposes.
Kaguya silently observed Un'ei, lost in thought. She was well aware that everyone in the Shinomiya family viewed her as a tool—a pawn to be sacrificed for the family's benefit.
But Kaguya didn't want to resist. She lacked the strength to rebel, and years of conditioning had convinced her that this was her destiny as Shinomiya Kaguya.
All she could do was obey.
Her body, her marriage, her soul—all were merely bargaining chips in the game of power.