The room smelled faintly of incense and fresh camellia oil.

A small army of attendants moved around you in practiced silence, their footsteps barely audible against the tatami mats.

Layers of luxurious silk were carefully wrapped and tied into place, each embroidered with the Zenin clan crest in painstaking detail. The weight of the ceremonial kimono settled heavily across your shoulders.

Gold hairpins disappeared into carefully styled hair one by one, delicate ornaments chiming softly whenever you shifted.

Outside the room, servants hurried through the halls carrying gifts, decorations, and ceremonial offerings. Distant voices echoed throughout the estate.

The marriage contract had already been signed. The elders had made their decision months ago.

By sunset, the arranged union between two powerful families would be complete.

Somewhere else within the sprawling estate, Naoya Zenin was undoubtedly preparing with that same insufferable confidence, convinced today would unfold exactly as he expected.

The attendants stepped back one after another, silently admiring their work.