Chapter 5
Usagi reached her room, still completely overwhelmed by Kenji's offer. The advantages were clear. It would be a life without financial worries. Shingo could go back to school and get a degree, and Chibiusa too. None of them would have to freeze outside or chew on the last edges of an old, hard piece of bread. They would all have a roof over their heads and warm food in their stomachs.
But the other side weighed heavily. Was she really ready to give up her identity? Was she ready to marry a completely unknown man about whom she knew nothing? Would she even fit into this world of wealth? And the question that bothered her the most: Would Shingo and Chibiusa be able to manage on their own? All these questions tormented her, and she couldn't find an answer on her own.
Usagi decided to go to Shingo. His room was across from hers. She knocked on the door and entered. Shingo sat on the bed, staring out the window. When he noticed his sister, he smiled weakly. "Hey, Usa. How was your talk with your father?" Usagi sat beside him and sighed. "It was... complicated, Shingo. He made us an offer that I could never have imagined. But it means I have to give up my identity and start a completely new life, without you." Shingo frowned. "What offer? And what do you mean by giving up your identity?"
Usagi told him about Kenji's proposal, the arranged marriage, and the possibility of inheriting the Tsukino Empire. She also explained that Chibiusa and he would have to go to a boarding school at the other end of Tokyo.
Shingo listened attentively, his expression becoming thoughtful. "That sounds... overwhelming and like a once-in-a-lifetime chance, Usa. But what do you think about it? Do you want to do it?"
Usagi sighed again and rested her head on Shingo's shoulder. "I just don't know, Shingo. It's a decision that would change our whole lives. I want the best for you and Chibiusa; I don't know if we could survive another winter out there, just think about the last one, it was damn close for Chibiusa. If I go along with it, at least you'll be secure. But I'm afraid of what this new world holds for us."
Shingo smiled gently, his eyes full of understanding. "Usa, you've always done the best for us," he said softly. "Whatever you decide, we'll stand behind your decision. If you want to decline, that's okay. We've managed without your father's money so far. But if you want to do it, then do it. We'll be fine; trust me, I'll take care of Chibiusa, just like you've done so far."
He hugged his sister tightly once more, and then she returned to her room. As she withdrew and went into her room, she felt the emptiness that filled her heart. It was strange for Usagi to have a room just for herself. Every night, Chibiusa usually lay in her arms, and even Shingo's snoring was missed.
Should she really take this step and marry a completely stranger? She weighed her decisions repeatedly but ended up with the same result each time. Anything was better than ending up on the streets again. Her thoughts revolved around the last winter and her worries when Chibiusa was sick. They couldn't even see a doctor, and she had almost lost her sister. She couldn't take that risk again, even though she hadn't forgotten her mother's warning. She had to provide a better life for her siblings, and if this was the only way, she had to take it.
The only thing she would miss from her old life was her siblings and her new friendship with that nice man she had met two days ago – Seiya. The only one who had been kind to her for two years, and she couldn't even say goodbye. She thought of his mischievous grin and how he had winked at her. "Darling," he had called her, and she would keep that memory in her heart. Now she had to look forward.
Usagi startled several times in the night, her heart pounding in her chest, and at last, Chibiusa stood by her bed. Without saying a word, Usagi lifted her blanket, and Chibiusa slipped under it. She wrapped her arms around her sister, and immediately everything felt familiar again. It was difficult to abandon ingrained habits, and in recent years, they had always slept arm in arm. Even a comfortable bed couldn't replace this deep bond.
The next morning, the two were abruptly awakened by a woman who pulled back the curtains. Usagi blinked sleepily; it wasn't a dream after all. She was indeed in the main estate of the Tsukino family, and before her stood a woman with elaborately styled, long green hair.
"Good morning, Mrs. Tsukino. My name is Tellu, and starting today, I'll be your stylist. From hair to outfit to makeup, you can rely on me. Shall we begin? You're expected for breakfast in half an hour."
Chibiusa sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Usa, what's going on? Why is she calling you Mrs. Tsukino?" she asked, confused.
Usagi kissed her sister's forehead. "We'll talk about it later in peace. Would you let me be alone with this woman and start getting ready yourself?" Chibiusa yawned and nodded as she got out of bed.
Usagi followed Tellu into another room, resembling a small beauty salon. There was a vanity table with various makeup products, a large dressing room with an array of elegant dresses, and a cozy sitting area. Tellu started by combing and styling Usagi's long blonde hair. Her fingers moved skillfully through the hair as she spoke with Usagi. "Mrs. Tsukino, you have beautiful hair." Her words were filled with admiration and brought a gentle smile to Usagi's lips. Usagi smiled faintly, still in a dream-like state. "Thank you, Tellu. Everything is so surreal for me. I still can't believe I'm here... But can you just call me by my first name, please?"
Tellu smiled understandingly. "Of course, Serena. That's completely fine. Life sometimes takes unexpected turns. But you're here now and have the opportunity to discover a completely new side of yourself. It doesn't have to be necessarily bad."
After styling Usagi's hair, Tellu proceeded to apply her makeup. She ensured it looked subtle and natural, emphasizing Usagi's innate beauty. Throughout the process, the two women talked about various topics. Tellu shared stories about her work as a stylist and mentioned that she originally worked for Usagi's sister.
"Tell me something about her," Usagi requested. "I'd like to know what she was like since I never had the chance to meet her." Tellu smiled back at her, starting with a gentle melancholy in her eyes as she spoke about Minako. "Minako looked almost like you; you could easily pass as twins. Her appearance was breathtaking. She had long, shiny blonde hair that shimmered like liquid gold in the sunlight, just like yours. Her smile was infectious, and her eyes radiated with joy."
Usagi could vividly imagine the beautiful appearance of her sister as Tellu continued. "She was always cheerful and upbeat, but at the same time, she had admirable determination and clear goals in mind. Minako was a fighter, both in her personal life and in her charity projects." Tellu sighed and continued, "She just didn't deserve this. The world lost a precious person when she left us."
Usagi gradually realized that Tellu knew more about Minako than she had revealed before. She cautiously probed further. "Did she really agree to this marriage voluntarily?"
Thoughtfully, Tellu nodded. "Yes, she thought about it for a long time, over months. But if she had decided against the marriage, after Kenji's death, she would have had only two options: either she would have had to assert herself in a world where men believe they possess power, or she would have had to flee. Through the marriage, she could ensure her own safety and focus on her charity projects with full attention."
Usagi was pensive at Tellu's words. Minako, too, had feared for her safety. Doubts and uncertainty began to gnaw at her, and she started to question her decision.
"By the way, do you know anything about the man she... I mean, I might marry?" Usagi finally asked, her voice soft and hesitant. Tellu chuckled slightly. "His name is Mr. Kou. I've seen him and his brothers a few times. The father of the three is a regular guest in this house. He seems like a nice man, but unfortunately, I can't tell you more. But enough chit-chat; we need a dress."
The green-haired stylist sifted through various clothing racks and returned with a selection of diverse dresses, matching shoes, and perfectly coordinated handbags. Her adept choices reflected Usagi's newfound elegance.
Finally, the transformation was complete, and Usagi looked at herself in the mirror. She could hardly believe how different she looked. Her hair shone in silky blond, her makeup highlighted her natural beauty, and the elegant dress she wore perfectly matched her new appearance. Usagi left the room and stepped into the hallway, where she encountered Chibiusa and Shingo, already waiting for her. "Usa, you look... different," Shingo remarked, curiously examining his sister. Usagi shyly looked down at herself. "Yes, I still feel like I'm in a disguise, but Tellu really made an effort to find something I feel somewhat comfortable in." Chibiusa seemed uninterested; she beamed and was obviously hungry. "When's breakfast? I'm really hungry!" Usagi smiled reassuringly and took Chibiusa's hand. "Alright, Chibiusa. I think you know the way best."
The three siblings entered the dining room, once again greeted by a lavishly set table. There was a wide array of dishes, and the aroma of fresh pastries and coffee filled the room. As they took their seats at the table, Usagi reconsidered everything once more, but it didn't change her decision. She simply saw no other way to provide her siblings with a better life.
"Shingo, I've decided to accept Kenji's offer. It's the best chance for us to have a secure future. We won't have to live on the streets, hungry and cold. You and Chibiusa can get a proper education and learn a trade or even go to college." Shingo looked at her thoughtfully, obviously surprised by her decision. "Are you sure, Usa? This will be a big change, not just for us." Usagi nodded determinedly. "Yes, I'm sure. We have the chance here for a better life, and I want you and Chibiusa to get a good education." Chibiusa sat quietly, listening attentively. "This means we won't have to live on the street anymore, and I can go to school?" Usagi nodded and smiled at her little sister. "Yes, Chibiusa, you'll be able to go to school, and Shingo will be able to finish his studies. But this school will be far from here, and I have to stay here. Look at me. Promise me you'll be a good and diligent girl." "Usa... but you belong with us. Why do you have to stay here?" Chibiusa's voice sounded soft and uncertain.
Usagi took Chibiusa's hand and smiled sadly. "Chibiusa, I'll always belong to you, no matter where I am. But sometimes, we have to make difficult decisions, and for you to go to that school, I have to stay here and get married... and you'll be good and listen to Shingo, right?" she explained calmly. Chibiusa sniffled and finally nodded, though it was hard for her. "Promise, Usa. But I'll miss you. Will you at least come to visit us?" Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at her sister. Usagi hugged Chibiusa gently and comfortingly. "Of course, I'll visit you, as soon and as often as possible. You're my family, and I love you very much." Shingo placed his hand on Chibiusa's shoulder and smiled encouragingly.
After they finished their breakfast together, Usagi rose from her seat at the table. She turned to one of the nearby staff members and requested to be taken to Kenji. The staff member politely led her through the impressive estate to Kenji's office.
Kenji's office was an impressive space furnished with dark wood furniture. A large mahogany desk stood in the middle of the room, covered with a variety of documents and stacks of files. Artful paintings adorned the walls, and shelves full of books reached up to the ceiling. A panoramic view of the expansive garden completed the picture. Kenji Tsukino sat in a comfortable leather chair behind his desk. He wore a tailored suit and exuded a calm, authoritative demeanor. As Usagi entered the room, he rose politely and offered her a chair opposite his desk.
"Usagi, take a seat. Have you thought about my offer?" he asked calmly, sitting back down. Usagi also took a seat and nodded. "Yes, I have. It wasn't an easy decision, but I've chosen to accept the offer. I'll go through with it."
Kenji's mouth twitched slightly, and he felt a sense of relief. "Usagi, or I should say Serena now... I'm very pleased with your decision. But there's still a lot of work ahead of us. This afternoon, a Kou family doctor will come to perform a paternity test. This is to prove that you're my biological daughter. Meanwhile, you need to familiarize yourself with some things. Mimete and Tellu will explain everything to you. Tomorrow will be your first meeting with your fiancé. Nothing big, just a gathering of 30-40 people, but nothing must go wrong. We'll set the date for the official engagement ceremony tomorrow together with the Kous." Kenji explained his plans without giving Usagi a chance to speak. Finally, he paused, and Usagi tried to process all the information.
"But what about my siblings?" she asked softly. "They will leave us this afternoon, so you won't be further distracted. You need to focus now," replied Kenji coolly, pulling out a stack of papers. "This should help you get acquainted." Kenji Tsukino pondered for a moment and seemed lost in thought. Finally, he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Serena, but we've already lost a lot of time. It's crucial that you immerse yourself in your new position as quickly as possible. Chibiusa and Shingo will be well taken care of and in safe hands. This is the best for them, for now."
Usagi lowered her head and sighed heavily. While she had expected her siblings to leave sooner or later, she hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. She thought they would have had some more time together to prepare for the impending changes and say their goodbyes. The reality that she would have to part with her siblings today hit her deeply.
How would Chibiusa and Shingo react when Usagi shared this news with them? Especially for Chibiusa, it would likely feel like her world was collapsing. She was still so young and had already been through a lot in her short life. With a heavy heart, Usagi left Kenji's office to find her siblings. She knew she had to share the news with them and wanted to be the one to tell them.