Later that night, Katsumi was called back downstairs. She offered to make dinner and with secret help from Miyru, she made a dinner fit for three. The three of them sat at the dinner table, eating in silence. Her father took a sip of his wine before setting it down and clearing his throat.
"This is very good, Katsumi." He stated.
Sayune gave a nod. "Better then the meal we were served last night."
Katsumi smiled brightly. "Why thank you." She said as her smile fell. "R-Raiden loved my cooking as well..." She whispered.
The parents shared a glance before nodding. "Katsumi, we lied to you."
Katsumi lifted her head. "About what?"
"Raiden did not get paid... he still wishes to marry you. We decided to tell you otherwise to ensure this was not an act." Sayune explained.
Katsumi's eyes widened. "R-Really?"
"You will marry him and will make us grandchildren." Ronikio stated.
Katsumi nodded and smiled brightly. "Of course. We need a child to succeed this family's business."
The parents actually smiled at her before going back to eating. It was taking all Katsumi had to keep her food down, she felt like she was going to be sick all over again.
After dinner ended she returned to her room after helping clean up and threw up her dinner. She had a quick shower before laying down in bed and wrote down in her journal.
'This nice act is making me sick, and seeing them smile made it all that much worse... all I want is to leave now...
The thought of marrying Raiden makes me have butterflies... but it also makes me upset... I do not wish to marry him and force him to remain with him. I want him to be with me because he loves me enough to. I know I love him... and that will never change.'
She wrote. She re-read the writing before setting her book back in it's hiding place and turning off the light.
Katsumi had gotten up early and ensured to look after her parents. After she had done so, she lost her breakfast in the toilet before she went and sat in the livingroom to read a book. Her eyes constantly drifted to the clock. The sooner Raiden showed up to save her the better.
Ronikio watched Katsumi from a distance and glanced at his wife. "The change is unbelievable."
"So is her love to that man." Sayune nodded.
"I can't believe I'm saying this... but... I'm glad she loves him. Maybe then she won't let us down." Ronikio stated.
Sayune nodded. "I never thought we'd see this day..."
Ronikio nodded. "He should be here any minute now."
Almost twenty minutes later, a knock came to the door. One of the maids opened it before quickly finding Ronikio and Sayune. She bowed quickly and said, "Raiden-san is here and wishes to speak with you, Rataka-sama."
Ronikio gave a nod. "Thank you." He said and moved out to where Raiden was waiting and held out his hand. "Raiden."
"Ronikio." Raiden replied and took his hand for a firm shake. "Results?" He asked with a smirk.
Ronikio gave a nod. "Sayune and I are very impressed... she's a completely different woman... you did extraordinary with Katsumi."
"I told you I would. Now, do I have permission to see her?" He asked and peered in past Ronikio.
Ronikio gave a nod. "She's in the livingroom." He said and turned. "Katsumi!"
Katsumi set down her book and moved out to where her father was. Her face brightened when she saw Raiden. She stepped closer to hug him.
Raiden's chin raised slightly and he indicated with his hand to stop immediately.
Katsumi stopped and bowed slightly.
Ronikio watched closely.
"I will be looking forward to being bond to you through marriage." He stated and held out his hand to her.
Katsumi glanced at him for a moment before giving him her hand with a blush. "As am I." She whispered.
Raiden smirked slightly and brought her hand up to kiss the back of it gently. When he dropped his hand, he turned back to Ronikio and bowed his head. "You receive an obedient daughter, and I an obedient wife. "If it is no problem to you, I would wish to have the wedding as soon as possible."
Ronikio nodded. "The sooner the better." He chuckled and looked over the two. "How does Wednesday sound?"
Raiden's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that soon. He was thinking three weeks would be pushing it for her parents, although they always had been trying to get rid of her. Raiden bowed in agreement. "Perfect. In a week it is. I request one last thing. With Miyru as Katsumi's personal maid, I request that she will take Katsumi for a week to prepare her for the wedding. I will provide the funds for the wedding along with the funds for preparation." He stated.
Ronikio waved Raiden off. "You've looked after her for the last month. Miyru may go with you and I will provide you with the money you need. Just give me a price."
Raiden shook his head. "There is no need for that, I have enough funds to carry it all through." Raiden said while holding his hand up.
Ronikio shook his head. "Please... let me pay for something.
Raiden pursed his lips. "You can provided for Katsumi's half of the marriage. Her dress, jewellery, and anything that will be used to...make...to make her look like a bride." He stumbled over his words.
Katsumi glanced at Raiden before looking to her father with a smile.
Ronikio gave a nod. "Very well." He said and pulled out his wallet and handed the yen to Raiden. "I'll let you hold onto it. I believe Miyru can aid her in choosing her dress and other accessories."
Raiden nodded. "Very well. Katsumi, fetch me a favourite drink of mine and go pack the things you will need for the next week." He said and looked down at Katsumi.
Katsumi smiled gently and gave a nod. "Of course." She said and scurried off. She just wanted to get the hell out of the mansion, she felt like she may be sick yet again.
At that time Miyru passed by and Ronikio quickly stopped her. "Miyru!"
Miyru gasped and nearly dropped the tray of food in her hands. "S-Sir?"
"Katsumi is returning with Raiden for the week. You are to go with them and help Katsumi prepare for the wedding." Ronikio stated.
Miyru took a glance at Raiden with widened eyes.
Raiden tried to hide his smirk and sheepishly looked away as he ran his hand through his hair. When she just continued to stare at him, he shrugged.
"Miyru?" Ronikio hissed.
Miyru shook her head and smiled gently. "I take it as we're leaving right away?"
Ronikio gave a nod. "Go help Katsumi pack and then pack your own stuff for the week. And be quick about it."
Miyru gave a quick bow, being careful not to drop the tray. As she turned she smiled gently at Raiden before hurrying off with the tray.
Katsumi returned with the drink Raiden wanted and handed it to him with a smile before running off again.
"Are you excited?" Ronikio asked with a slight smirk.
Raiden shrugged. "I'm sure you know how it is." He said and raised a brow. "She's an obedient woman and that's hard to come by now-a-days with their desires to become a shinobi." Raiden shook his head in disgust. "I've taught Katsumi and she's grown to like me. If I would ask her to lay down in a puddle to let me walk over her, she'd do it, not simply for obedience but for the sake of pleasing me." He said and shrugged. "The week before we came back, she vowed that to me. To please me by whatever it takes."
Ronikio nodded. "I believe you showing up was the best thing for all of us. I'm so pleased with what you've done with her. I hope she is the wife you've always wanted."
"And the thing is too, with her desire to marry me, she will always desire to be the best wife she can to me." He said and shrugged. "So not only am I happy, but she will be as well."
Ronikio gave a nod. "Great." He smirked.
After almost twenty minutes, Miyru and Katsumi came down the stairs with a suitcase each. Katsumi looked a little queasy but was trying to keep her happy composure.
"We're ready to go, Raiden." Katsumi giggled.
"I can take your bag, Miss. Rataka." Miyru said gently.
Raiden nodded to Miyru and stepped aside, allowing Miyru past but stopping Katsumi with his hand. He leaned forward and brought his mouth to her ear. "You look a little too eager to be with me." He whispered and chuckled lightly. "Help Miyru and come say goodbye to your father." He added quietly.
Katsumi gave a nod. She helped Miyru with the bags before returning inside to her father and mother, bowing in front of them.
"Again I'm sorry for being such a bad child. I'm glad you've given me a second chance." She looked up and smiled gently. "I will make you proud of me."
Ronikio shared a glance with Sayune before he placed his hand on Katsumi's shoulder. "We hope so." He said and gave a slight smile; it make Katsumi cringe inwardly.
Katsumi nodded and lifted her head. "I will see you two in a week." She said and smiled.
"At the wedding." Sayune replied and smiled. "Your father will be ready to go to walk you down the aisle." He said and placed her hand gently against Ronikio's back. "Now that you no longer shame us, we'll be able to hold our heads up with pride."
Katsumi tried not to grit her teeth as she smiled. "I'm so happy then." She whispered and stepped back.
"Be good for Raiden." Ronikio smirked.
Katsumi nodded. "Of course." She said and waved before heading outside where Miyru and Raiden were waiting.
"Get me out of here." Katsumi hissed as she walked passed them. "I think I'm gonna be sick again."
Raiden chuckled and waved at Ronikio and Sayune before following behind Katsumi. "You seem a little agitated." He whispered after leaning forward so his mouth was near her ear.
"I haven't kept a meal down since you left me here yesterday." She muttered.
"Maybe I should take you to another ramen shop." He whispered and placed his hands gently on her shoulders.
Katsumi shook her head and closed her eyes. "Please no food..."
"Then how about this?" He asked and turned her face to his to press his lips to hers. "And you won't be getting another until next week as your punishment for not bowing to me at first but trying to give me a hug instead." He said and smirked.
Katsumi blushed faintly and gave a nod.
"So why am I with you two?" Miyru asked as she smiled at the pair.
"Basically to make sure I don't defile Katsumi before the wedding." He said simply. "Her father hates inappropriate things so suggesting a third party ups my points with him." He explained and shrugged.
Miyru gave a nod. "So... what happens after the wedding?" She asked.
"What do you mean, what happens after the wedding?" He asked with confusion. "Ronikio will be a hundred times shocked when he figures out his little nightmare is the one he allowed to marry his daughter. And once we're married, he cannot do a thing about it since he's literally given his daughter to me. He cannot take her back unless I allow it."
Katsumi bit her lip as she looked at the ground. She knew what Miyru was doing; she was asking Raiden the things she couldn't.
"So... does that mean you plan on... keeping her?" Miyru smirked.
"So long as she's safe from that idiot." Raiden murmured and rolled his eyes. "That man may be rich but he's the biggest loser in the world."
Katsumi sighed. "That's not what she means." She groaned. "She's asking this for me... remember the other week... you know where I almost jumped... you said you wouldn't divorce me... I'm saying you can." She murmured.
"Well I know I can." He said and raised a brow. "I wouldn't need permission for that."
Katsumi rolled her eyes. "Nevermind."
Miyru frowned slightly and sighed quietly.
"What?" Raiden asked and held his hands up in confusion. "What's the point of all this divorce-not divorce crap?" He asked.
Katsumi sighed and stopped walking, turning to face him. "Do you have any idea how much your marrying me against your will is killing me?"
"If I spent a month to set this all up, who says it's against my will?" He asked and crossed his arms.
"Because I asked you a month ago a what if question... I asked what you would think if I wanted to marry you, and all you said was that you didn't know." She stated and frowned.
"Are we not marrying?" He asked and looked at her expectantly. "You're marrying me."
"To save me from my father... not because you love me that much." She whispered and looked down.
"That much? Tell me, Katsumi. I don't ever recall verbalizing my feelings much - how would you know whether or not I loved you and or how much I love you?" He asked and shrugged. "Don't put words in my mouth. I absolutely hate when people do that. It's all I grew up with."
She lowered her head further and turned around. "S-Sorry." She whispered and started to walk ahead.
Raiden quickly grabbed her wrist and turned her to look at him. "Don't turn away on me." He said and clenched his jaw.
Katsumi gave a nod. "Sorry... again."
Raiden stared at her for a moment before lowering his head. "Look, are you wanting to marry me or not?" He asked. "You can either go back to your parents or you can go ahead with the regular plan and be prepared for a life with myself."
Katsumi gave a nod. "I've always wanted to marry you." She whispered and looked away. "It's how I felt growing up and still do now."
"Then act as if you're ecstatic to be the bride of Raiden Charumbira." He said and looked at her expectantly.
Katsumi looked up at him and quickly wrapped her arms around his torso, pressing her face into his chest. Miyru smiled gently and shifted the bags in her hands.
Raiden's eyes closed softly and after a moment, his hand went to the back of her head to hold her closer. "Good." He said and breathed in deeply. "No let's continue on." He said and turned her around. Before she could do anything, Raiden grabbed Katsumi and pulled her back beside him, pulling her to his side with his arm around her shoulders.
Katsumi looked up at Raiden and closed her eyes. "Thank you." She whispered.
Miyru smiled gently and followed after.
