FULL STORY SUMMARY

Rated M for mature. Reader discretion advised.

Following her mother's passing, the young Himari Maeda and her father become involved with the ruthless Kato family. Himari endures ongoing mistreatment from the family, but everything takes a turn when she unknowingly falls for Muzan Kibutsuji, The Progenitor of Demons.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

Hello! This is my first ever FanFiction and first piece of work I'm sharing with the world. I hope you all enjoy!

THANKS FOR READING

CHAPTER VOCABULARY

* ichiju sansai: one soup three dishes meal.

MEDIA DICTIONARY

* Thoughts

* "Dialogue."

* 'Telepathic dialogue.'

* "Past conversation."

* {Sound}

* [Movement]

HIMARI

"Hurry up with that sponge, girl! Don't forget to repackage the leftovers, too!"

Himari knelt on the floor, scrubbing vigorously. The aged hardwood floor was riddled with splinters that grazed her skin, leaving behind blisters and scars. The cloudy grey water splashed onto her wounds, making the ordeal even more unpleasant.

"By the way, your father, I, and the girls are heading to a soirée. This should give you more than enough time to complete cleaning the entire manor."

Himari, engrossed in her work, continued to scrub the hardwood floor fervently, not even bothering to look up at the imposing figure of the large woman who stood in front of her.

"Ahem."

Himari abruptly ceased her cleaning spree and looked up at the noblewoman. "... Y-yes, Madam Soaku?"

"Did you hear what I just said, you incompetent oaf? I said, we're going to a soirée!"

"Yes, Madam Soaku," Himari replied. "Forgive me."

"Good. You better have. Well, get to it!"

The noblewoman who became Himari's stepmother was Soaku Kato. Approximately eight years ago, Himari's mother passed away unexpectedly, which was a deeply traumatic experience for both her and her father, Hakujaku Maeda. Not even a year after her mother's death, her father decided to marry into a wealthy and prestigious family with numerous connections to influential figures- the Kato family.

A few weeks ago, Himari and her father moved to reside in one of the Kato family estates, an elegant family residence in an affluent neighborhood. The relocation happened swiftly; Soaku urged them to live with them right away to become better acquainted. Several weeks after the move, Soaku and Hakujaku started organizing the wedding. The wedding was a highly anticipated gathering that filled Himari with dread. The young girl wanted nothing to do with the Kato family. She despised how they amassed their wealth through exploiting the poor, shady dealings, and political machinations.

Himari disliked Soaku and her two daughters, Sara and Yui. Having grown up as an only child, Himari had longed for a sibling, especially a sister. When she learned about her soon-to-be stepsisters, she anticipated a warm relationship. However, upon meeting them, she experienced exclusion and neglect. They subjected her to torment and bullying each day. Himari implored her father to reconsider and go back to their hometown, but Hakujaku remained resolute. Knowing her father's unyielding nature, Himari's pleas were disregarded and ignored. Upon their arrival, Soaku immediately assigned Himari the task of meticulously cleaning every corner of the property. Meanwhile, her daughters took pleasure in tormenting Himari and intentionally creating more messes.

Himari Maeda began to hate her life even more.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

It was past twelve o'clock, and Himari had finally finished her chores. The manor was immaculate: the wooden floors had been scrubbed and polished, the cabinets dusted, expensive furniture deodorized, and the clothes sorted and stored. "Ah, finally…"

After finishing her task, Himari treated herself to a cup of chamomile tea. She then kicked back and propped her weary feet up on an ottoman, enjoying a well-deserved break.

It's really late, and I am so very tired...

Soon, the young woman peacefully fell asleep.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Himari was roused from her slumber by the jingling of keys. The front door opened, and in walked her father, his soon-to-be wife, and her stepsisters. Despite the weary look in their eyes, they all wore smiles on their faces. They were all carrying bags, indicating that they had gone shopping.

"That was so fun, mother!" Sara exclaimed.

Grinning smugly, Soaku said, "Well, it was your father's idea." The noblewoman nudged Hakujaku sides, causing him to look at her adoringly.

"Yes, thank you, Father!" Yui batted her eyelashes, trying to look angelic.

"It was my pleasure, girls," Hakujaku said with a contented sigh. Although Hakujaku was only in his early forties, the loss of his wife had taken a toll on him, causing him to age a bit faster. Crow's feet and dark bags had formed around his eyes, but he remained a handsome man, nevertheless.

"Himari, carry my things upstairs," Soaku instructed, her voice dripping with false sweetness. She angrily dropped her expensive handbags onto the floor.

"Take mine upstairs as well," Sara sneered with a mischievous grin, dropping her bags to the floor.

"Take mine, too!" Yui exclaimed, following suit and dropping her bags.

Himari cast a quick glance at her father, who averted his gaze in embarrassment and shame.

Such a great father you are.

Humiliated, Himari collected as many bags as she could and climbed the stairs, her body aching and throbbing with pain. After stowing the bags in their designated rooms, she descended to the basement and entered the "room" she referred to as her bedroom. The small area used to serve as a small laundry space, but it underwent remodeling along with the manor. It was intended to just be a free space, but since Soaku refused to give Himari an actual bedroom, she was forced to live in there. The room was empty except for a cheap futon and a small table lamp that sat on the floor.

Himari wrapped herself in the thin blankets and wept until she fell asleep.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Every morning, a bell with a pull string located upstairs would ring in the basement. It was Himari's signal to wake up and make breakfast for the family.

Himari groggily rose from the flattened futon, splashed water on her face, showered, got dressed, and hurried into the kitchen.

"We want a salmon dish this morning. Make it quick!" Yui ordered.

Himari swiftly prepared the ichiju sansai without breaking a sweat, as her unwavering routine as a maid for the Kato family had strengthened her endurance.

"Ah, look at how fast she goes! What a well-equipped maid we have!" Soaku jested, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Suddenly, Hakujaku entered the room, his footsteps echoing down the staircase. He looked sleepy as he made his way in.

Himari averted her gaze to avoid making eye contact with her father.

I don't even want to look at him, not after last night!

After arranging the table, Himaru took a small slice of salmon for herself. She ate standing up, while the rest of the family sat at the dining table and enjoyed their meal enthusiastically. Saoku, with her large body, slouched and wobbled as she devoured a bowl of rice, bearing a resemblance to a pig.

"Himari—" Soaku spoke with her mouth full, her jowls flapping, "Go to the market today. I have a list for you." She pulled a paper from between her sweaty breasts, which made Himari grimace.

"Soaku," mumbled Himari with her mouth full, her jowls flapping, "Go to the market today. I have a list for you." She retrieved a paper from the crevice between her perspiring bosom, causing Himari to grimace.

The paper was covered in indecipherable scrawls, a result of both the illegible handwriting and smudged ink. Himari could just about discern most of the words.

"We're going to a neighboring town today, so you'll have plenty of time," Soaku continued. "I also want you to tend to the garden."

"Madam Soaku, didn't you hire a gardener for that last week?" Himari asked.

"Yes, I did, but he didn't meet my expectations! Do not question me, girl!" Soaku gently rested one of her pudgy hands upon Hakujaku's shoulder, prompting him to look at her affectionately.

The noblewoman was being dishonest. In reality, what occurred last week was her attempt to engage in inappropriate activities with the farmer. However, the farmer declined her advances, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

After finishing their breakfast, the family proceeded to begin their day and left the manor, leaving Himari alone.

As the family exited, Hakujaku paused at the door and glanced back at his daughter. Himari hesitated, then turned away with a look of anger.

"Himari, I'm truly sorry," he sighed. "Please, I hope you can forgive me..."

"I don't want your apologies," Himari spat. It pained her to be so confrontational and hostile with her father, but he deserved it. His ambitions and pride had taken precedence over his responsibilities as a father. He allowed a family he barely knew to mistreat and abuse his daughter like a slave. "Please leave quickly now; your family is expecting you," she urged. The word 'family' dripped with bitterness and animosity as she spoke.

Sadly nodding his head, Hakujaku turned away and left.

Now alone, Himari slammed the door and slid onto the floor, trembling. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, she broke down in tears.