-Martyr before Maiden-
Chapter 1:
China Bell
Early morning was the worst time, in Yumemi's overrated world of regal splendour.
True, it was the one time of day the maids and stylists do not fill their needs to cram her into that confined closet room to wipe away all of her impurities with liquid creams and brushes crusted with gold; but the atmosphere was always so breached and invasive at this early time, and Yumemi often found herself having to pinch herself - to make sure she hadn't been suffocated by the everlasting thick tension. She wished sometimes that it was just a simple night terror.
Her father, reading the paper (he got one of the first additions daily - the front cover having some 'hostile' female going rogue a year ago being spotted), loomed quietly at the head of the table; pristine and gleaming white marble, with the matching seats. High quality brand, of course. Yumemi took note of his bodily changes; it became bigger with the unlocked and unlimited access of rich and plentiful meats and exotic fruits shipped from far of continents and strange lands. The colours vibrant, the harshness clear to sting youthful eyes.
Not hers, however. She shielded herself from such... unessential trivialities. She wanted to adorn in the other cultures, learn their way of life - not steal from them! However, the society she lived within saw things from a different perspective. One Yumemi seethed with rage against.
She could scoff at her father's shameful greed, at his hunger and desire for even more riches and climb up the social hierarchy but she kept her opinions quietly to herself. Girls should not speak up (or think, but fortunately they were powerless to remove that aspect), unless permitted. That was the most held up of all the age-old rules of the Hidaka... 'family'. That word alone caused Yumemi to be sceptical.
"Yumemi Hidaka," the surly, hoarse voice smashed through the silence of the massive, open space, causing jade orbs to glance slowly, but surely upwards, "you are very well aware that of the fact that there is going to be a very important gathering in our banquet hall tonight, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you will put on those satin gloves, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you will not venture off on your own, even if left to your own devices, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you will be on your most polite behaviour, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"And above all else, Yumemi; you shall not be the one to initiate any kind or form of conversation with any of the visiting representatives from the other world - unless you are permitted to do so, correct?"
"Yes... sir."
"Good. Now, eat."
Pearly whites clenched tightly in disdain, Yumemi picked up the silverware, taking precaution not to scrape the fine china. She may have been bitter and spaced-out that early morn, but she wasn't heartless. Her father's ears were sensitive, and she didn't want to cause the maids of her home any extra trouble, just because she was feeling a little ill of mind.
That contrasted with her personal morals as a human being. Not a maiden, mind you – but her own heart, the standards that she tried to live by, despite how crushing her responsibilities of reputation upholding for her namesake could be.
Maturity and manners were her mistresses. She could contain them, present them how she pleased, and nobody would know of their mistreatment and punishments behind closed wooden doors. That was her own realm of fantasy. That was her privacy, and she adorned in it as best she could. It was the one element she could control.
"Do not pick at your food, Yumemi."
Lashes touching bottom lids, she stifled a groan, and looked out at the gardens. Twisting, lush grape vines weaved around the white crossed fencing, and a spiked hedge maze bordering the entire household. Almost like the Egyptian pyramids – getting through traps and dead ends, before finally reaching the treasures and gold awaiting the founder.
She herself, being the prize.
Yumemi Hidaka was almost the tender age of sixteen, and yet – had not yet found an eligible suitor willing to put up with her strange quirks and odd appearance and her damaged, broken reputation. Because of this, her Mother grew worried by day, her father became angrier every hour. She was displeasing them, dishonouring them for her lack of appeal to the public eye. She had creams galore, but her presentation of her voice was appalling to their ears.
'No surprise there, then.'
Gently putting down her fork on her plate, Yumemi brushed her pale lips with the small napkin (delicately), ushering out a small, "thank-you," as the maid with the big brown eyes and happy domineer gathered her plate and cutlery together, and left the room. That maid did not walk like the norm in the walls of society – she floated a little to high off the ground with each step, with pointed toes. The strange thing was, every step contained more happiness than the other.
She twirled the dull (fake) brown strands of long hair through delicate, manicured fingers. Removing herself from the table, Yumemi gave a slow and hesitant walk past her father. Fear. Her steps were hostile and rebellious – heavy-footed, dragging, and sluggish. His brows furrowed together: dark, menacing, threatening.
"Do not make a scene tonight."
Yumemi gave a small, wistful sigh, and bowed before exiting the dining hall. Her thin back pressed against the hallway wall. She sunk into her knees, her floral-designed dress creased and folded over. Yumemi didn't know the difference between the two.
If only.
'Ring!'
Yumemi allowed her ears to hear the chime of the silver bells in the churchyard, beyond her luxurious manor house. She loved the church, ever since she was a child. She found it to a place of blissful solace, of comfort, of soothing voices and choirs with a song stronger than any courthouse. But most of all – it was the podium of a resting ground. The blades of grass that stood up next to graves, the entwining ivy on the tribute stones, the arched doorways – everything could be perfection, but chose to have flaws. It had the freedom to do as it pleased.
If she ever was to die at a young age, she would want to be lain down in a bed of roses, with clear, pure waters surrounding and encasing her ivory skin; garbed in a white, plain dress. All in that church ground, the ones she used to skip and laugh and be happy in. Long, long ago. Back when she could still whisper all of her dreams,all of her fantasies, and all of her desires for the future. Back when she was allowed.
The maiden of green eyes and strongly presented morals did not allow herself to be captured by her realm of childish dreams for a second longer. Standing up and correcting the folds in her dress quick as she could, she plastered on a quaint, polite smile. The one she had learned to train from the eve of childhood, until it was practically perfect in every way.
Arched back, delicate hands, pursed lips. The key components in her prideful stride, as she went about her daily 'business'.
Doe-like eyes watched her from a far off door, thin brows creased with anxiety, lips far too pale.
"General...!"
Blue orbs widened rapidly, composure suddenly stiffening and turning disproportional. Standing at attention for his arriving superior, he barely resisted the urge to bite his lip in worry – and also desperately trying to keep his clammy hands at bay. Boy, was he in trouble now.
"Sir!" He saluted, clean pressed uniform glinting with medals.
The older officer was a steadily built man – short and slightly withered, and his wispy hair had dyed grey with age - but held the aura of a beast – this was someone you did not want to anger. He could only glare, the younger general's teeth clenched. He shook his head in disappointment for the younger man, thick, silvery brows furrowed. "General, I think you know why I am here, do you not?" His voice was low – steely.
"Sir, I cannot fathom the reasoning." Teasing. Typical.
"Rui. This is the eighth maiden you have dismissed – just on first appearances! For two years, you keep up this façade of a great officer, yet you have not yet wed! What was wrong this time? Was she not up to your standards? Was she not beautiful, or of the correct class?" A lecture, a lesson never learned or taken in. Rui shrugged absent-mindedly.
"Sir, she was beautiful, and of a high nobility, I do agree. In book, she was a perfect match. However, her eyes did notbe fall on me, but my large and generous pay cheque that I get at the end of every month."
The older officer groaned. "Last time was almost the same reason."
"Then my reasoning shall stand."
"Rui! Do you understand that we need to keep up you're status? You are a high-ranking officer and closest advisory to Lord Munto." He stated firmly, Rui clenching his fist.
"I am aware-"
"-and so for the sake of not shaming ourselves in front of the other world tonight, I have arranged for you to meet a human female – good family. Proud family, with high recommendation."
If Rui was a fish, his mouth would never cease to bob. "What- human? Isn't that a little too risky?"
He only gave the younger boy a knowing look, "well, you're not satisfied here. You're young, Rui. But you let time slip through your fingers, you'll end up becoming nothing but a text in history books, as the war veteran who saved thousands, but never managed to save himself."
"Like-?"
"Shut your trap, introvert." Back-handing his head, Rui flinched in slight pain. "I expect you not to show any resistance or futility tonight, do you understand? This girl has an already shaky reputation as it is – it is for the benefits of both sides that we arrange this meeting." He concurred. Rui raised a brow.
"Is she aware of this?"
"I believe not, Rui. Apparently she, too, is a little rebellious for her own good. According to her father, anyway. Match made in our world already, if you learn to articulate yourself better." Chuckling grimly at the memory, the short hairs of his moustache tickled his nose.
He paid that small amount of concern for the girl no heed, but took note of another fact. "Hm. I see you have no cigar today?"
Older general shook his head. "I do not wish to flaunt my spare cost of tobacco in front of so many guests – there would be a vain uprising of jealousy, and we most certainly do not need that kind of drama. No, nothing like that kind of drama. Of course, that will be for a later date." He explained, Rui folded his arms and smirking coyly.
"Well well, just take a look at you, Sir," he began, "being all humble and modest. I would have never thought you would have it in you to be so humane towards others and their well-beings, Sir."
"I told you to shut your trap, Rui. That mouth of yours is going to get you into deep trouble one day, and that shall be the day I won't be around to pull you out again." Rui gave an affirmative nod, eyes still playing on both ends of the field.
"I am aware."
"Good. Now, I shall be on my way. Do not cause a scene tonight, Rui. Promise me that, I beg you. This cannot go wrong. For the sake of the future." He forewarned. His words mirrored that of the old king, before Munto was crowned. Rui could only roll his blue eyes at the sentiment, the older officer beginning to take his leave from Rui's quarters. However, one last question played on his lips, taking his body hostage.
"Hold on for a second there, Ormond." A scowl at the mention of his name, "... I have to ask; what is this girl's name, anyway? No harm in knowing that, right?"
Ormond halted his movement, looking inquisitively at the younger general. They were met with a brief impasse of time for a few moments, before he ushered out,
"Hidaka. Yumemi Hidaka."
