Notes:
This fic is a translation from Spanish to English
English is not my original language, but I hope you like this story
Sorry if there are any mistakes...
03. Arranged marriage
[𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖞𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖆𝖓 𝖔𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓...]
"Have I heard correctly?" Yoshinobu couldn't believe those words said by that Zenin "Are you proposing an arranged marriage?" It was even difficult for him to swallow saliva
Utahime, who was next to him serving them tea, couldn't believe what she had just heard either, her amber eyes widened like saucers and her breathing stopped for an instant.
Even the tea almost spilled from that wooden glass that he was serving for listening to that important conversation
"Those girls are doomed..." the miko thought and a great sadness invaded her chest.
That blond continued with a wide and mischievous smile as he enjoyed seeing the astonished expressions of both priests.
"That's right, my lord... I want my cousins to get married as soon as possible, above all, I want the eldest twin to have her nuptials if possible with Noritoshi Kamo, maybe that will soften her bad character" Naoya commented, analyzing the face of that old man before taking a sip of his tea
There was a slight minute silence in that room
That conversation was somewhat tense and more than that it was not an easy topic to deal with and less with that family with a very bad reputation.
Yoshinobu stroked his long white beard "But don't you think your cousins are still too young to get married? They still haven't reached the age of majority, it's only been five months since they barely turned 17 olds" commented that old man receiving his cup of tea from the hand of the miko
"On the contrary, my lord!" Naoya waved his hands. "Women who marry young have a better chance of satisfying their husbands and enjoying their marriage better." Naoya smiled arrogantly, as if he knew what he was talking about.
"And don't even mention the children, young women engender faster since they are more fertile and have healthier children" Naoya argue without taking his eyes off Yoshinobu
That old man analyzed the words of that young man while putting a hand to his mouth
Instead, Utahime was dying of anger at how that blond was expressing himself.
Even her nails dug into the circular wooden board she was holding.
The subtle behavior of that woman amused Naoya, who also did not take his eyes off that miko
"Even so, I consider it very hasty to arrange a marriage just like that, what have the parents of the twins said about this issue?" Yoshinobu questioned crossing his arms.
Naoya snorted slightly—"Her mother is delighted with the idea, she fully supports me" his smile went from ear to ear "What happiness for an older woman like her to see her daughters married and what better with someone who enjoys an excellent social position here in Kyoto" he gently moved his face
"And her father, my uncle, gave me the authorization to find them a good husband and more than he could never have a son who could precede him in the military, so seeing his daughters married to someone of high rank saves his reputation as man" commented the zenin smiling
Yoshinobu took a deep breath, completely filling his old lungs as he analyzed those words one by one.
It seemed that he was not going to be able to refuse to help that clan so that these two girls would marry soon.
Instead, Utahime was clenching both her jaw and the wooden tablet she was still holding in her hands.
She looked with contempt at that man who did not stop looking at her with desire from head to toe.
There was even a moment where Naoya looked her directly in the eyes, giving her a smile while licking him lips.
Yoshinobu sighed a little and continued with her interrogation "Well, if the parents of both are not against their daughters getting married even when they are minors, then I can't refuse to help that union take place..."
Those words made the corners of Naoya's mouth expand into a triumphant smile.
"However..." Yoshinobu kept talking and that turned off the blonde's spirits "Answer me with the truth since we are in a sacred place 'young man'" He point his index finger at him
"Then why did you come instead of your father Naobito to talk to me about this? The current leader is supposed to come personally to talk about this topic with me... besides, Naoya, isn't the next leader of your venerable clan supposed to be your nephew Megumi?" asked that old man seriously since he was very suspicious all that
Naoya grimaced at hearing those questions.
"My father could not come since he has other equally important matters to discuss with his allies" Naoya answer with an asymmetrical smile.
Then a big sigh came out of his chest, he tried to control his anger at hearing Megumi's name.
That man leaned a little over his seat to look at that old man
"And about my 'nephew'"he quoted with his fingers because he hated talking about that boy
"As you know, he is still too young to take the position of leader..." —He hit the tea table with his index finger— "A 16-year-old brat couldn't carry this great responsibility and for that very reason, my father asked me. granted the benefit of being able to make some important decisions from now on" — he said trying to sound calm, although deep down Naoya's ego was hurt
return to its upright position
"Besides, ME" he emphasized that word as his right hand placed it on his chest as a sign of telling the truth
"As the legitimate and next leader of the Zenin clan, I also have the responsibility of looking after the interests and well-being of my family and that also involves the married life of my cousins" he said trying to make his words sound convincing.
"Interests, huh?" questioned the old man
"That's right, sir" replied Naoya nodding his head.
"And for those same 'interests' is it why you are trying to ally yourself with the Kamo clan, boy? What has the leader of that clan said about this arranged marriage?" Yoshinobu asked resting his hands on his knees.
Naoya was already fed up with that old man's questions.
"The current leader of the Kamos also agrees that this marriage be carried out between his son and one of my two cousins" he drank some of his tea
"Especially because yesterday, the young Noritoshi has just reached the age of majority and his father is interested in his eldest son soon taking the leadership of the clan, besides that the poor man is in very delicate health and only has as his last wish before leaving that world, to see even his first grandson being born" Naoya replied moving his hand from one side to the other.
Neither Yoshinobu nor Utahime stopped paying attention to the words of this subject, whom you only had to believe half of.
"Also, both clans share common points of view and between us, we want to join forces and family in order to have more control over Kyoto" Naoya take a little more of his tea to ease his throat from so much hypocrisy
"Common points of view? Are they doing this in order to have an advantage over the Gojo family?" Yoshinobu asked stroking his beard.
That exhausted the patience of Naoya, who hit the tea table with force.
Both Utahime and Yoshinobu jumped at the noise.
The tea that was on that table was completely spilled from the teapot and wooden glasses
Naoya seeing his behavior, decided to improvise and pretend that he had not lost his temper.
"I'm sorry... there was a big fly on the table." He faked a big smile and little by little he moved his hand from there.
He look straight into Yoshinobu's eyes.
"My lord... I'll just ask you please not to mention that detestable clan in my presence, we don't want to have problems between us because of them, right?" Naoya recovered his arrogant posture while his hands rested on that table
"Of course... it was my fault, sorry for my imprudence in naming them" Yoshinobu apologized sitting up straight.
"Apology accepted..." Naoya said looking at the old man seriously.
Utahime went over to that table to clean up that mess with some hand towels.
She tried not to meet Naoya's eyes, who tried in a slight movement of his hand, to caress her hand with his little finger
The miko just cleaned that mess in a hurry and in circles, all she wanted was to get away from that table quickly since she felt how Naoya's eyes stripped her mercilessly
She looked with disgust at that man who sometimes harassed her inside and outside that sanctuary and now she hated him even more for wanting to ruin the lives of those two young women, whom she had known since they were babies.
Those seconds felt eternal in the presence of this horrible man, who was looking at her with great care.
"I see that you have housewife skills... I like that in a woman" Naoya released with a big smile.
"Excuse me?" came from Utahime's confused lips.
Naoya turned her attention to Yoshinobu.
"So my lord... also the reason for my visit, besides discussing this issue of a marriage between both clans... is to formally invite you to the presentation party for my cousins that will take place this Friday" Naoya smiled looking back at utahime
"I would be delighted if you two accompany me to this celebration...above all, it would be a compliment and a privilege for a temple maiden as beautiful as you to be my companion that day." Naoya's hand tried to caress her again. utahime hand
But she finished cleaning and quickly withdrew her hands from that table.
"I'm sorry my lord... but I must decline your offer for this occasion since that day I must help in the purification of the temple" She tried to sound courteous
Naoya wouldn't stop looking at her.
"Clear" "purification" he released with a bit of contempt as he addressed Yoshinobu
"By the way, my lord... Is there a possibility that I marry this maiden who happens to be your granddaughter?" His goal was Utahime
"What?!" the miko yelled in surprise.
Naoya continued speaking "Since if I am the next leader of the zenin clan, I suppose that a maiden like her would make a great wife, you can tell that she has everything to be the perfect wife" he commented with a big smile
Utahime's blood went to the ground and her hands wanted to loosen up because of that.
But her hatred towards him prevented her from fainting, so she held tight to that wooden board, trying not to lose her composure... she wanted to hit him... she wanted to kill him for such audacity
Yoshinobu also looked surprised at that proposal "As you know... The mikos cannot be married before the age of 30, my lord, and my granddaughter still has one year and seven months left so that she can choose if she wants to continue in celibacy or if she wants to start a family..." He answer trying not to lose his temper
"I understand, well, I suppose that in another year I'll be here trying to fix our marriage" Naoya saide out looking at Utahime "Our liaison might benefit both sides"
"Could be..." Yoshinobu answered trying not to contradict this Zenin
Utahime couldn't take it anymore, she got up from there "If you'll excuse me... I'll go get more tea"
She picked up the kettle and those sodden rags, put them on the circular wooden table and hurried out of there.
Utahime ran to the kitchen that was in the room farthest from where that terrible deal was taking place.
Her heart was beating too fast... the poor miko wanted to cry and scream
But there was no time for tantrums, he had to get that information to someone special.
She put the kettle on the fire and carefully wiped away a few tears, cursing at the cruel fate that was preparing for her and those two girls by those arranged marriages.
A very peculiar whistle that only she knew, sounded at that moment through the old wood, that made her come out of her anger
Utahime wiped her tears... she carefully approached the exit door they had in that kitchen
She looked everywhere to make sure no one was watching her.
Utahime opened that door with great concern
And there he was, his informant and incidentally his lover... there was Gojo Satoru
"Utahime, are you crying?" Satoru asked sarcastically.
She twisted her mouth while she continued to dry her tears with her sleeves "It's good that you're here idiot... I have terrible news for you..."
Utahime occasionally served as an "informant" for the Gojo clan within that sanctuary, which Satoru frequented often just to be close to her.
"Oh! So an arranged marriage huh? So that's why that lapdog came here?" Gojo commented analyzing what Utahime had just told him.
"So you're having a party on Friday? I suppose it would be a good idea to interrupt said party and cause a big ruckus to make it clear to them who is in charge of this city" Said the albino with happiness
"SATORU, WE MUST DO SOMETHING!, THIS CAN'T STAY LIKE THIS!" Utahime begged almost on the verge of despair.
Gojo nodded yes.
"You're right, I guess it's time for us to speed up the marriage between Yuta and Rika too." Satoru looked at Utahime with a big smile.
"That girl's family also has a lot of political power here in Kyoto and they would be great allies to defeat those stupid Zenin clan and maybe soon the Kamo clan" Gojo commented without further ado.
"NO IDIOT! That will not solve anything, on the contrary!" Utahime lightly hit Gojo's chest with her fists
"If you do that, you would also be doomed to unhappiness for that boy!" Utahime said placing a hand on her forehead and the other on her hip.
"I don't know why I gave you this information if you're not going to take it seriously! This arranged marriage issue is very worrying" She sighed sadly as she turned around to check the water
Gojo raised her sunglasses to her head, he wouldn't leave Utahime in that state, so he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to the him
Satoru delicately passed isr hands to her waist and him face was centimeters from her lips... their foreheads came together slightly while bitter tears came from Utahime's eyes.
"Utahime... Don't tell me you're jealous that they're getting married before you?" Satoru tease looking into her eyes.
Utahime shook her head. "It's not that idiot..." she said in a low and very sad voice trying not to break her voice.
"I don't care about getting married anymore... I don't even know if I reach that age... what matters to me now are those two girls... I don't want that fate for them, it would only condemn them to unhappiness." She look at him eyes as her warm breath collided on his lips.
"Don't say that" Gojo's hands traveled from her waist to her cheeks "You must survive for that day... you must resist until that day as we had promised" he stole a kiss
"My promise to you is still valid Utahime... the day you turn 30, I'll come to marry you to get you out of here... I'll take you out of here as my wife" Gojo said before they both joined in a passionate kiss
Those two had been lovers for a long time hidden from everyone... their love had arisen since they were children.
That love arose when the Gojo clan took Satoru to some meetings in that sanctuary
That boy fell deeply in love with that little miko apprentice and vice versa... a love that only divided them religion and the stupid rule of chastity until they were 30 years old
They separated to breathe again
"And don't worry about them... there must be a way you can save them" Gojo replied wiping a few tears from her cheeks before lowering his hands back to her hips.
"Satoru... I'm scared... I have a feeling that something bad will happen soon between the two families..." Utahime said closing her eyes and leaning her forehead against that albino's chest.
"Calm down... everything will be fine, I promise" Satoru answered kissing her lips again.
Nor was their love free of problems between those two clans
Unfortunately Satoru wasn't the only one who set his sights and his heart on her from a young age...
Some footsteps warned them that someone was approaching the kitchen...
"Don't you think you're taking too long with that tea? Utahime!" Naoya said leaning against the frame of that kitchen
Utahime turned to look at him with a wooden cup in her hands and a grimace on her lips.
"I'm sorry... it's just that the water is going to start to boil" she said trying to look calm.
"Tsk! I just hope that when I marry you, you won't be so slow in the kitchen" Naoya commented taking a few steps towards her.
Utahime raised an eyebrow at those words "Marry you? Puff please... Who would want to marry someone as nefarious as you? I'd rather die than marry you" she answered seriously
Those words made Naoya too annoyed, who approached her very quickly that not even the poor thing had time to react.
Utahime was cornered against the wall, Naoya held her cheeks tightly while leaving the marks of his fingers due to the pressure.
"Please... don't do anything to me... don't hurt me" Utahime begged in a small voice while her hands tried to push him away, but it was useless.
That subject was taller and stronger than her, he had her at his mercy
Naoya's left hand began to circle on her stomach as he continued to hold her chin with his right hand.
"Please... don't do anything to me... please don't touch me..." Utahime kept pleading with tears in her eyes.
Naoya loved to see the women he hurt and possessed ask for mercy.
"You're so cute when you ask for mercy ...little bitch." His lips moved closer to Utahime's.
"NO PLEASE! LET GO! YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME LIKE THAT!"Utahime begged, breaking into tears as he felt his disgusting hands play with the ribbon of her red hakama
"I wonder...if you'll still be pure...or, have you already given yourself over to stupid Satoru?" Huh, you fucking bitch?!" he snapped angrily as her body pressed against hers, crashing his hips into hers and his lips trailing over her right ear.
"I do not know what are you talking about! Let go of me or I'll scream for help!" Utahime commented annoyed by that comment while her eyes did not stop crying
She kept struggling with it to get free
Naoya brought his face close enough to hers for her to feel his breath fall on her neck.
"Of course you know what I'm talking about!...you and Satoru have always had something to do with each other, do you think I would never notice? I've been watching them all the time... since we were kids, you always preferred him instead of me... Always, damn it!" Naoya said as her hands caressed her roughly
"STOP! Let go of me!" Utahime shouted as Naoya pulled her closer to his lustful body
The poor miko could feel the hard bulge in his pants, she was too afraid to feel it hard against her belly... she knew she was in danger that her chastity could be taken by force by that man
Naoya's right hand held Utahime's neck without caring that he was hurting her and his left hand wrapped around her waist so she wouldn't escape.
Utahime break into tears as she glared at him.
"But... from now on, things will be different, my love" he commented as he jerked her hair back so that she raised her face and looked into his eyes "Because from today I'm warning you Utahime... That, in a few months, you will be mine and not that white-haired idiot's"
"And if I refuse?" asked Utahime looking at him with hatred.
Naoya just smiled showing all his teeth—"You rest assured that your precious temple will suffer and incidentally, I will kill your "beloved" Satoru... so" —he brought his lips closer to her —"Things will be very different from now until your next birthday my Utahime... Because rest assured that our marriage is already arranged and maybe you'll be mine before the end of the year"— he said lowering his lips to her neck, planting several wet kisses on her
Utahime tried to free herself from Naoya, but it was useless.
Bitter tears ran down her cheeks as he touched her over her clothes and her amber eyes looked desperately at where Gojo was hiding.
"Help!" Utahime begged but Naoya silenced her with a very abrupt kiss on the mouth.
Gojo was dying of wrath inside that warehouse where he was hiding
He couldn't see that anymore and when he was ready to get out of there to take a knife and finally kill Naoya's bastard
That kettle began to ring
"The water is ready, dear" Naoya said roughly letting go of her.
Utahime with her hand wiped her lips touched by that imbecile
She wanted to vomit from the disgust she felt...she felt dirty at that moment
"And please my "love"... also take a sandwich to the tea room, the conversation with your grandfather is going to extend a little while we close some agreements" Naoya said casually as he approached the exit of that kitchen
Utahime was crying bitterly as that man kept talking
"Oh and by the way! Don't ever walk three steps ahead of me again unless I say I want to see your butt! Understood?" Naoya released with a big smile since she had annoyed him that she walked in front of him when she had just arrived at the sanctuary
"So hurry up with the snack and also bring some sake, because the marriage of my cousins and ours is one step away from being successfully closed and we must celebrate this" Naoya left there
Utahime broke down in tears as Gojo hurried out of where he was hiding.
"I'm going to kill him!" Satoru growl with his hands balled into fists.
He was going to go after him, but Utahime stopped him, hugging him tightly so he wouldn't take another step.
"NO! If my grandfather sees you here he will kill you... Don't you remember what he told you before entering the sanctuary? You are disobeying their agreement that the two of you CANNOT be in this sanctuary at the same time" Utahime commented wiping away her tears.
Gojo knew that it could be a bad idea to come out of nowhere like that... he was forbidden to be in that sanctuary at the same time as some zenin
Their fight to the death could wait a little longer...
Gojo hugged Utahime tightly as she began to cry over what had happened.
"I swear I'll kill him one day... for now, We must give him the upper hand and get into his stupid party" Gojo replied very annoyed as he took out his cell phone for a moment while hugging Utahime.
"Dammit! Yuta! Where the hell are you?" He cursed in a growl because his cousin did not answer his calls or messages
He wanted to know if at least he wasn't in trouble or if he wasn't close to some zenin
What Satoru did not know, is that his cousin had met fate...
He was with his beloved, but in the strangest way that could happen
"Are you following me?" asked Maki ready to hit Yuta, who was lying on the ground
"It's not what it seems! Let me explain!" Yuta yelled as he looked at that girl from the ground. "Please!"
Those two tragic lovers were going to have their first talk in an unusual way.
[...]
"What's your name?" Maki asked staring at him.
"If I tell you my last name, I could get in trouble... but for you, I'd be willing to take the risk" Yuta answered looking at her fixedly.
Those looks were charged with hypnotism, as if they had found their soul mate for the first time.
Their hands were about to meet...
To be continue...
Notes:
I hope you liked it, as I said this chapter was going to have something of Gojo x Utahime and Naoya will get into this by the way
I hope you are liking this adaptation, which as I said will be a bit different
I will only say that Maki will be a slightly different Juliet, I want to try to keep her strong character but little by little she is sweet for Yuta
I'll still keep him as a pilot, as I'm still undecided if he stays or goes
We read soon