AN:Welcome to the Regency era of Great Britain. The year is 1817 and now is the marriage market season. Lady Rin Kaneko, daughter of a Duke and Duchess, navigates through the season in efforts to prove to her parents that marriage should be much more than a title, joining two nobles together for security. But what happens when she is faced with one of the most ruthless and haughty womanizers in London? A Duke's son, Marquess Sesshōmaru Gushiken of Wingside, one who is presently an unsuitable match due to his reputation in a Victorian society, wishes to marry this season. Can she forever avoid all of the improper advances of an experienced romancer?
Here in this (fictional timeline) the Japanese became allies with the English during the 14th century. There are no supernatural abilities, (However) the Gushiken family have a known bloodline of incredible strength and swordsmanship. Their ancestors had also created diplomatic and trade relations with and taught the English the use of the Katana for military and civilian usage. Thousands of Japanese families moved to England throughout the centuries.
Gods! Why did it have to be me? Of all the pesky little swimmers from the imperial sack of my fathers testicles did it have to be me? The one and only daughter out of four children of the astute line of the Kanekos did it have to be me. For Christs' sake! The last thing. The very last thing I could ever want was to be married off from my family for financial or social stability. Seeking some sort of affection in the union of marriage between two strangers is something that my parents frown upon. It's a rarity, or so I've heard. And according to them, it should be the very last thing on my mind.
How they've constantly ignored my qualms regarding marriage, leaving the place I've forever called home, was beyond baffling. My mother would often try to placate me about it with the promised benefits of marital bliss. She thought me naive.
Thankfully, in the quiet places of our bed chambers, away from prying eyes and ears, (because heavens does this society crave a good word of gossip), my dear friends Kagome and Sango, well mostly Sango, and I share, as many of the Mamas of nobility would render as quite indecent, rather titillating details of married life. Viscountess Sango Sasaki, wife of Viscount Miroku Saski of Northfield, and Lady Kagome Fukumoto and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. Being some of the only Japanese royalty in England, our parents thought it best to keep us together. Sango Sasaki and Kagome Fukumoto are but a year older than me. At seventeen, according to my mother, it is now due time for me to be presented at court.
In efforts to be found by another of appropriate title and nobility. My father thought it urgent, for whatever reason, that I am to be married during this season. However my eldest and younger brothers, Daisuke Kaneko and Akira Kaneko, are allowed to chose whenever they please. They would hear nothing of my constant complaints of such things. According to my father, 'It is the duty and order of this family.'
Ba! Of all the countless stories I've heard of woman begrudgingly trapped in a loveless marriage, fulfilling the duty according to rank, in efforts to be financially and by name, sustained, it sickens me to the core. Little do they know, I will follow my heart. That is my right. It is my choice.
My father, Duke Aoi Kaneko, and mother, Duchess Chieko Kaneko of Ashbourne, have gained much respect from the nobles. The Queen herself even favors my mother. And according to her, everyone at court is utterly enthralled to see the betrothal of Lady Rin Kaneko of Ashbourne. Everyone at court is beyond excited... except for me.