I don't own any of this, just the plot.

Hope you guys like it, but if you don't, oh well, I'll remove it. The plot develops in...some other time and place. For some reason I don't feel like giving explanations.

Hope is a good thing

It was beautiful indeed-crystal blue skies spread over the green fields, deep violet rivers crawled around the grounds, going round black woods and securing small parks. Birds sang from some unknown destination, filling the air with vividness and cheerfulness. Mountains caressed the horizon, but the jewel of the valley was the castle.

A big, beautiful castle. Nanao's breath was cut in half when she saw it.

"Oh, how beautiful!" she sighed in awe, leaning over the window of the carriage.

"Indeed." Her father smiled. He checked his clothes, probably for the tenth time that day. Indeed, he was trying to look his best for the engagement.

His only daughter, Nanao Ise leaned back in her seat, but seemed really impatient. Frequently, she made remarks on how slow were the horses or that the carriage must be broken. He was happy-a little women would be that impatient to go to a place, where they would be engaged to a man they don't even know.

Nanao was impatient indeed. Her father had made the match with the help of a family friend, yes, without her consent, but still…did she have a choice?

The carriage pulled over in front of the castle gates, where the housekeeper waited for them. The master of the castle was waiting for them inside. Nanao carefully fixed her best gown, and her father dusted off his jacket, before they were led in. It was as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. Nanao's head spun as everything was like in a kaleidoscope-a blast of colors and forms. She didn't even notice when she found herself before her future father-in-law.

She regained her senses in time and bowed in front of him. She didn't dare lift her eyes, feeling a dozen gazes fixed on her. Nano hoped they were approving and that she didn't look too plain.

Her ears picked up some words. Her father spoke anxiously, probably looking at the master of the castle. The former didn't say much, he just hummed under his nose. Nanao didn't get introduced to her future husband, something that surprised her a lot, given that he was the reason she was brought along.

It turned up that the engagement was just signing some document. Her father took care for the paperwork in fifteen minutes and just like that, she, Nanao Ise, was engaged to the only son of the master of the castle, Shunsui Kyoraku. After all that was done, her father was led out of the castle, but she was to stay until the day of the wedding. Then she and her…husband were to go in their own grounds…and live, happily ever after.

But Nanao started doubting that seriously after her first minutes in the castle. The master only told her a few words of greetings, and then she was left to the housekeeper, a small old woman with a wary face. She lead her through some hallways until they reached her quarters-an apartment in the Western Tower.

"There." The lady said, as some maids started unpacking Nanao's luggage. "Does that suit you? Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's wonderful." Nanao smiled, but her face was worried "Um….shouldn't I…greet my fiancé now?"

"Oh…" the old woman frowned "Didn't you…oh, yes. Indeed. The young master was indisposed today, he spend the whole morning in his bedroom. You should meet him when he's better."

"I see." Nanao sighed. This was turning out rather bad.

"Well, now…" the woman smiled "You're here and you must be tired. Should I get you some dinner?"

"No, I'll wait until I am summoned." Nanao smiled "I am sure my betrothed will want me down soon."

"Oh…" the woman looked sad "My dear, I believe you don't quite understand the rules here. Never mind, let me explain. The master has his….exigencies, and wants everybody to follow them strictly. You can't go down unless you are summoned and that will happen very rarely. You can go anywhere in the castle except for the family rooms and the grand hall. The part of the yard under your window is at your disposal, if you like gardening, and you can go to the library when you choose. If you need anything just ring the bell and somebody will come to see you. I will bring you your meals when you like."

"But….shouldn't I at least meet my fiancé? I mean…we can interact before the wedding, can't we?"

"Of course….but our master is…well, a bit odd. He rarely goes out and when he does, he's usually in a very bad mood. You shouldn't worry though, it's nothing much."

Nanao was left in her room, speechless. Her eyes were fixed on the door where the housekeeper had left, and then slowly proceeded in her quarters. She examined the cupboards, the wardrobe, the shelves and desk. Finally she looked out the window, scanning the landscape for something. The carriage was gone out of site and she was left to wonder.

Nanao Ise couldn't afford romance. She was plain, wore glasses and was pretty far from the idea of a perfect wife. Her parents were poor aristocrats and her chances of a good marriage were very, very small. When her father arranged the marriage between her and this…unknown man, she didn't allow herself to cry or express ingratitude, because she deserved nothing and what she had was too much.

Still, she couldn't help and wonder what did she get herself into. She couldn't forget about her home so easily. Nanao could imagine the small home, the humble furniture, the smell of fresh bred from the kitchen and ripe fruits from the garden. Maybe right now her mother was setting the table and put crockery for her by mistake. Did she cry? Or did she smile at her own foolishness?

Her father was, of course, very happy with the marriage, but her mother? Did she share his feelings? Did the 20 years of marriage erase her own romantic ideals or there was still a trace of them left? Whatever it was, Nanao hoped she would wish her happiness.

A small light of hope flickered-maybe not all was lost. Nanao hadn't met her husband-to-be yet, but there was no evidence he was a bad man. Maybe he would be gentle and caring and respectful and their marriage would be a perfect, wonderful, and flawless experience. She had never been married before, how could she be sure it was bad. Many arranged marriages turned out to be successful, and the people lived a long, happy life, with children, grandchildren, maybe even more children.

Nanao smiled at the thought-after all, she shouldn't act foolish just because most men in this world were pigs-maybe she would hit the jackpot and get herself a real, grown-up man.

She thought it would be a good idea to take a stroll in the garden. She'd have time to get some fresh air and come back to her quarters to change, in case they summon her for dinner.

Nanao walked out and took the narrow stairs, meant to be used by the servants, to go down to the yard. She felt uncomfortable between those walls, cramped with luxury and richness. For some reason, she had the distinct feeling it would never be a place she would call home.

The sun was still shining mercilessly over her head, but there was a fresh breeze that chased away the torturing heat. Nanao inhaled the fresh scent of flowers and soil, as she strolled between the trees, near the castle walls. There were flower-beds, filled with all sorts of plants. She remembered how much her mother loved roses-they had several bushes near the fences. Sometimes children would try to steal some, but they had really bad thorns. Nanao's mother always got deep scratches on her hands for picking any of them, and so did Nanao herself, but it was always worth-just to get a smile on her mother's face was enough to make her happy too.

Nanao had to admit she was also very fond of roses herself, but never had enough time to admire them in peace-there was always something to be done, and she spent most of her evenings in reading. Which reminded her to look for the library here.

As she knelt next to the bushes to smell the sweet scent of blooming roses she heard somebody murmur something under his breath. She looked up and saw a man with wide shoulders, dressed in a flamboyant pink and red coat lie in some flower beds nearby. A huge straw hat covered his face, but she was sure that he could see her through the slits in the stitches. Nanao couldn't see his eyes clearly, but she got the impression that they were deep brown, and somehow….smiling.

"Say, girl, come here." He said in a calm voice and she obeyed, not knowing why. He looked so messy, he must be a servant, but surely no gardener. No gardener would lie in his own work.

His index finger popped the hat backwards so he could see her better as she stood nearby, careful not to stomp on the flowers. His face was not exactly handsome, it was tanned and a little unshaven, but it was not by all means repulsive. His countenance was pleasant, and right now crowned with a wide, ear to ear grin.

He watched with amusement as she tried to keep her skirts clean, and not step in the flower beds in the same time. She staggered, and grabbed the nearest thing to keep herself from falling. Unfortunately it was a rose bush, and the thorns cut deep into her palm.

Nanao bit her lip and swallowed the pain until she regained her equilibrium. Then she looked at her hand angrily. This man better have some serious business with her, to get her hurt like that, because if not, she'd definitely make sure he gets chased out of here. Here eyes fixed on him, lying undisturbed in the mud, grinning at her.

"Now that was impressive, most of them would just scream."

"Most of who?" asked Nanao in an indifferent, but polite tone. She never boasted and addressed the servants in her house like somebody inferior to her.

"Most of the rich women. That means you're not spoiled…I wonder what are you then."

"What do you need to talk about?" Nanao wasn't pleased with the tone of his voice. She didn't like the looks of that grin either.

"Oh, nothing, I just saw a pretty young girl stroll around with no apparent business and I thought that either you're lost, or you're looking for your paramour." He winked at her "If the first, I can direct you, if the second, then this guy is probably me…and even if not, I can still help you."

"It's neither, I'm perfectly aware where I am and I'm not waiting for anyone." Nanao used all her patience and self-respect to keep her cheeks from flushing. "And before you ask I'm not looking for a paramour, I'm engaged."

"That doesn't meant that you're not necessarily looking for one. Even marriage doesn't mean you're absolutely unopened for new opportunities. Besides, you need help in any case."

"Excuse me?"

He swiftly got up on his feet to face her. Nanao realized he was a lot taller than her, with broad shoulders and big, strong arms. She was nothing compared to him-before she could react he took he hand in his and turned it so he could see the palm.

"That's a nasty little cut you've got here." He said bending forward and kissing it "I'll have to do something about it."

Nanao regained her spirits and pulled away from him, divided between the wish to scream and the wish to slap him. At last, she chose neither and said in a cold tone.

"I'll do pretty well without that, thank you." Then she turned and walked away without even bothering to turn back. Her pace was steady, not giving out her anger or eagerness to run away. She heard him lay back down in his flower-bed, indifferent of her in every way.

So much the better! The insolence, who did he think he was? Id she got the chance, she would definitely give him a piece of her mind.

Just then she heard steps and hid behind a tree, afraid that someone might see her red cheeks and think something happened. It was the lord of the castle in all his glory. He wore big rubber boots and was heading right to the spot where that man lay. Nanao, in the shades of the tree saw him walk straight to the place where he was, and noticed he was not the least bit surprised to find the insolent man where she had left him. As if her future father in law knew he was there and was looking especially for him.

She listened to their conversation.

"There you are! I thought I told you to stop coming here after you get too drunk!"

"It's the perfect place." Nanao was shocked to hear such language from a servant to their master and a little suspicion rose in her breast. "Nobody will find me here, and it helps get rid of the hangover."

"Idiot! Are you that stupid? It's the day of your own engagement and you lie in the mud like a pig!"

"Big deal! I doubt my fiancée misses me-she's probably busy examining the castle to know it's worth."

"Actually, my spy says she went into the garden. But you know her, she keeps away from trees so yes, she's probably inside. Did you happen to see her? A small creature with black hair. I think she wore a white gown when I saw her last."

"No way! I thought she was too frank to be too ordinary. Yeah, I saw her."

"And?"

"Seems pretty modest, actually."

"Do you like her? Don't tell me you scared her away with one of your usual acts!"

"She didn't seem scared. She didn't seem like anything at all. She's as cold as ice and as indifferent as a statue."

"Did that ever matter?"

"Stop criticizing me, old man! She's too plain to tempt me-she doesn't even have enough to amuse me by teasing her. Congrads, you found a creature that lacks the basic sensibility. Why are you punishing me like that?"

"If you had objections, you should've been to the engagement. Not you'll have to deal with it, Shunsui!"

A/N-So how do you find it? Hurried? Stupid? Do tell.