Chapter 15
It was time; the day of her engagement had arrived. Usagi woke up early in the morning and still couldn't believe that it was really happening. She had already showered and stared out of the window at the still dark sky when Tellu burst into her room.
"Oh, how lovely, you're already awake. Then we can start right away. We have no time to lose. Are you as excited as I am?" chirped the green-haired stylist enthusiastically.
Usagi heard the words, but her thoughts were still permeated by the events of the past days and the separation from her family and Seiya. She was absent-minded and nodded only after a while before following Tellu to the dressing room.
There, she took a seat on the chair in front of the large mirror and briefly examined the bruise on her cheek, the result of Kenji's blow from the previous day. The violet discoloration was unmistakable. Tellu ran her finger gently over it, and Usagi felt a slight pain.
"That's no problem, believe me, my makeup will make it look like nothing ever happened," Tellu said with a wink and immediately began her work.
Her hair was transformed into an elaborate updo, and Tellu applied subtle but stunning makeup. Layer by layer, she created a flawless appearance. Then she helped Usagi into the engagement dress.
When Tellu finished her work, Usagi could barely recognize herself in the mirror. She truly looked stunning, almost like a princess. Nevertheless, she felt like she was in a golden cage.
Mimete entered the room as Usagi was about to slip into her shoes. "Serena, you look breathtaking! Everything is ready downstairs. Taiki has already arrived, and some guests have gathered. Are you ready?"
Usagi looked down at herself once again. There was no turning back, she already knew that. So, she had no choice but to nod.
Mimete led her to the stairs, and Usagi held her breath for a moment as she stood at the top, letting her gaze sweep through the reception hall. Kenji and Kakashi were engrossed in a discussion and didn't even notice Usagi descending the stairs. Seiya stood with Yaten and Haruka near the door. Seiya's gaze was fixed on her, and she couldn't take her eyes off him either.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and the thought of Seiya filled her with a mixture of longing and excitement. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.
Taiki was already at the foot of the stairs, waiting for her. Only when she stood directly in front of Taiki did she manage to tear her attention away from Seiya. Her feelings were a hopeless mess at this moment, and she didn't know how to navigate this emotional rollercoaster. She reminded herself that she had to pull herself together now.
Taiki gave her a gentle peck on the cheek in greeting. "You look amazing."
"Thank you, so do you," she replied. "Are you nervous too?"
Taiki put his arm around her. "I think it's quite normal." As he did so, he nudged her a bit closer to Seiya, and her heart started pounding wildly again. She would have liked to throw herself back into his protective arms, like the night they had spent together. But that was impossible because all eyes were on her.
Politely, she greeted Haruka first, then Yaten. When it was Seiya's turn, and their hands met, that wonderful, unique tingling in her stomach returned. His charming smile greeted her, which only faded when he discreetly received a nudge from Haruka's elbow.
"And Serena, already nervous?" Yaten asked, seeming uninterested.
"Yeah, a bit," she replied while still keeping her gaze on Seiya.
"Oh, it'll be fine. You just have to sign two pieces of paper; you'll manage that," Haruka replied casually. But Usagi knew it wasn't just about the signatures. These documents would seal her fate even more, further distancing her from Seiya and binding her more closely to Taiki.
"Of course, she'll manage that," Taiki said, placing his hand on Usagi's hip.
Her feelings fluctuated between confusion, fear, and longing. At this moment, she wished she could turn back time and change the decisions that had brought her here. But that was impossible, and she knew it because Kenji had Chibiusa and Shingo.
Seiya's reaction to Taiki's touch was barely noticeable, but both Usagi and Haruka noticed how his jaw tensed. Haruka acted quickly, waved over a waiter, and distributed champagne glasses to distract Yaten and Taiki.
"The registrar has arrived. Would everyone please gather for the first official part in the small salon," suddenly announced Mimete's voice through the entrance area.
Usagi's nervousness continued to escalate, but she tried not to show any of it externally. As usual, she hooked her arm into Taiki's and let him lead her. It took a great deal of effort for her not to turn around to look at Seiya, but somehow, she managed. She couldn't afford any more mistakes; Kenji would certainly not tolerate another misstep. His outburst after her nocturnal escapade had been enough.
The small salon was splendidly arranged. A large bouquet of flowers in the colors blue and white, the colors of Tsukino, adorned the table at the front. The chairs for the guests were arranged on the left and right, with a small aisle in the middle. Here, too, there were white and blue decorations. Only two chairs were in front of the table, to which Taiki led her.
In front of them stood a middle-aged man who was adjusting his glasses. Usagi concluded that he must be the notary. The reading and signing of this marriage contract were the most crucial points of the day. Everyone would soon find out what Kenji and Kakashi had negotiated, and then there would definitely be no turning back, neither for Usagi nor for Taiki.
"Well, when everyone has arrived, we can begin. First, I welcome you, Mrs. Tsukino, and Mr. Kou, to the reading and signing of your marriage contract," the man began. Taiki placed his hand on Usagi's, but he didn't look at her. His head remained straight ahead, and the notary continued.
"This contract regulates the terms and agreements between Serena Tsukino and Taiki Kou regarding their intended marriage. Please listen attentively as I read out the individual clauses of this contract. If there are any uncertainties after the reading, please ask your questions.
Serena Tsukino commits to entering the marriage as a virgin.
If no pregnancy occurs after one year, medical diagnostics will be performed on both sides to facilitate one.
The family businesses of the Tsukino and Kou families will be merged from the date of marriage and will henceforth be considered as one company. The voting rights are 40% for Kakashi Kou, 40% for Kenji Tsukino, and 20% for Taiki Kou.
The firstborn child, regardless of gender, automatically becomes the main heir. All subsequent children will be provided with the compulsory share.
Serena Tsukino will receive a dowry, consisting of 30 luxurious properties in Japan. A detailed description of these properties is attached in Annex 1. The management of these properties is also the responsibility of the husband.
Serena Tsukino is entitled to a monthly budget that she can manage freely. In addition, she has a separate budget for charitable purposes. The exact amounts can be found in Annex 2.
Taiki Kou undertakes to continue the business in the interest of the family should Kenji Tsukino and/or Kakashi Kou no longer be able to do so. The voting rights of this person then transfer to him.
In case of adultery, all possessions will be transferred to the deceived spouse as compensation, and divorce is possible in this case without a separation year."
Usagi swallowed hard, and her grip on Taiki's hand intensified. She was given a year to get pregnant. Even that had been put in writing by their fathers. The other points faded into the background and were of less significance to her. No matter how she turned it, there was no way out for her, not as long as Kenji had Chibiusa and Shingo in his power.
"So, if there are no more questions, and all uncertainties have been clarified, may I have your signatures here and here," the notary ended, handing a pen to Usagi. Her hand trembled with excitement, and she carefully read the text again. She wanted to stall for time, although these few minutes would hardly bring her anything.
"I don't care!" suddenly yelled a male voice in the corridor, drawing attention to itself. Seconds later, the door swung open forcefully, and an angry man made his way in. Short black hair, blue eyes with a certain coolness, a black suit, and a fiery red tie. Although she had never seen him before, Usagi recognized him immediately. Mamoru Chiba, he was undoubtedly an impressive figure that radiated authority and power at first glance.
Kenji jumped up and stood in Mamoru's way, right next to him stood Kakashi. The two men stood shoulder to shoulder, forming a protective wall between Mamoru Chiba and their children, who were about to sign the contract.
"Mamoru, you're already back. We thought you'd be busy in America for a while. Rei said you wouldn't be back until after New Year's," Kenji said coolly. Everyone could tell by his tone that Mamoru was not welcome.
Mamoru snorted. "And here I thought you intentionally forgot to invite me. What is this, Tsukino? Where does this woman, claiming to be your daughter, suddenly come from? I want answers! You can't forge such a powerful alliance behind my back. You know the rules."
Kenji's gaze flickered to Kakashi, who acknowledged this with a brief nod. Then he turned to the notary. "We request a brief interruption. It won't take long."
The two men flanked Mamoru Chiba and led him out of the hall. They could be heard discussing animatedly, but only fragments of what it was about were understood. Tensions in the hall were palpable, and Usagi felt as if she were trapped in an opaque web of intrigues from which there was no escape. Her future remained uncertain, and Mamoru Chiba's presence raised further questions she had to answer.
All eyes were on the wide-open door. Everyone tried to catch something, but the men kept moving further away, so their words faded away. It didn't take long until Mamoru Chiba rushed past the door again. "There will be consequences! Count on it! This marriage is not concluded yet!" he shouted as he headed towards the exit.
A shiver ran through Usagi, and suddenly, she could understand why Yaten suspected him of murder. This man frightened her, even though she hadn't exchanged a single word with him yet. Kenji and Kakashi returned and closed the door behind them. "We can proceed," Kakashi said tersely, and the men resumed their seats.
Usagi was still in shock from this sudden interruption. She could hardly focus on the essentials in the here and now and absentmindedly signed the contract. Then she wordlessly handed the pen to Taiki.
After that, the registrar took over, and this part was much less spectacular. They only had to confirm that they intended to enter this marriage of their own free will. Usagi also silently signed the declaration of intent to marry that the registrar presented to them. The only thing she registered was the date of their wedding. Her eyes rested on the date that would change her life. December 1st was noted there. So, in two weeks, she would get married, and nothing could prevent that anymore.
Taiki had also signed everything by now. The two exchanged a brief look, and then Taiki nodded to her. They slowly got up, bid farewell to the registrar and the notary. Usagi left the talking to Taiki, and then Taiki gently took her hand before they made their way to the dining room.
Seiya tensed, his hands clenched into fists, as he watched Taiki touch Usagi. Haruka reacted instantly and pushed him aside.
"Calm down," she hissed.
"I am calm," Seiya grumbled, but his eyes sparkled with pent-up anger.
"No, you're not... What's going on?" Haruka replied dryly.
"I don't know, I suddenly felt this rage when Taiki..." he trailed off.
"Are you jealous? You knew she would marry him. Get your feelings under control."
Seiya's teeth ground with frustration. "No, I'm not jealous. I just suddenly felt the need to hit him."
"Darling, that's jealousy... and you urgently need to get it under control. If Yaten..." Haruka's gaze suddenly swept panic-stricken across the room. "Damn. Where's Yaten? I haven't seen him since Chiba was here. You?"
Seiya shrugged. "He said he needed to use the restroom during the interruption. I haven't seen him since." Seiya's eyes widened as he realized what Haruka was getting at. "You don't mean...? That idiot! We need to find him, and fast!" he exclaimed, and the two of them ran off.
Suddenly, Haruka stopped. "We can't both disappear now. Taiki will definitely get suspicious if both of his brothers suddenly vanish. You go to the meal; I'll take care of Yaten." Even though Seiya hesitated, he saw that Haruka was probably right. He pondered the situation for a moment and nodded eventually. "Just make sure he doesn't do anything reckless."