I always love stories that switch to the perspective of other characters for a chapter or two. I feel it adds a whole new dimension to the story, which is why I tried to do it here. I didn't realize it would be so difficult though...

Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 6 - The Engagement

Kaede’s Perspective

So it ended up that my father was able to arrange an engagement between Jin and I.

I begged my father so much that I think he was concerned about me. But because of his close relationship with the King, everything went smoothly.

However, the time following that would be trialing for me.

The first time I met Jin after the engagement, his reaction was less than favourable.

“Oh, so it was you that forced this engagement. Fine. Mari, handle the proceeding matters”

He was completely disinterested and even a little bit angry.

I could feel my heart breaking slightly and I held it over my clothing.

But I have to endure. This outcome was to be expected. After all, I one-sidedly forced this.

A beautiful black haired girl in a maid outfit stepped forward as Jin left the room.

“Well then, if I can turn your attention to the proceeding document. This simply ratifies the marriage agreement, please take it to your house to review”

She went into a business talk immediately, leaving me somewhat dissatisfied.

“Mari! Do you remember me?”

I smiled and a scowl was returned.

“I do. I also remember that you promised to play with my master again as soon as you could. He was looking forward to it…8 years ago”

“I…I truly did return! Truly! I searched near the garden and in surrounding rooms, but I could never find either of you!”

I was a bit frantic, I had fallen in love with Jin, who was one of my important first friends, but Mari was also important to me too…

It would probably sound silly if I told her that though…We’ve only met once before…

Mari’s expression softens slightly.

“Still, I don’t appreciate you one-sidedly forcing this engagement onto him”

“Yes, I admit this was my selfishness. I just wanted to try and help him. He seems so very different to the boy from back then…”

Mari turns sullen.

“Yes, through his experiences, the noble world has changed his personality much. I’m not sure if that boy from before still exists…”

“No!”

I surprise myself when I yelled that. Mari too, physically jumped.

“I…I don’t believe he could change so much…He just appears lonely to me…If I could become close to him…then maybe…we have to try! Right?”

I struggled to get out what I was trying to say. My face had gotten hot and I was flustered. I was basically declaring my love for him in front of Mari and my own maid, Pricilla.

Mari’s expression turned soft and she smiled. She looked more like the beautiful young girl that I had befriended all those years ago.

Pricilla on the other hand, looks concerned.

“I would very much appreciate that, Kaede. I haven’t seen Jin smile for so many years now. Although I haven’t seen him cry either. He appears to have shut his emotions down, so to speak”

“I…I see…”

“I too feel that he is lonely, although as his maid, I am unfit to help him in that capacity. I have a pretty good feel for people’s intentions and I trust you Kaede. Please help my master”

She bowed, looking rather serious.

“Of course. For his nature to change so drastically, it can be called nothing but a tragedy. This is the man that I’ve fallen in love with and I will do everything in my power to help him. To return his smile!”

I plant a hand on Mari’s shoulder.

That’s right. I had that kind of resolution.

Over the next two years, I met with him continuously, whenever I could.

Mari, also helped arrange places where we could be together, to coincidentally bump into each other or meet at official royal events.

I knew I loved him, every time I saw him my heart would gush forth like it was ready to explode.

But this wasn’t about me. It was about him.

Over the course of these two years, he tried to say as little as possible and tried his best to keep his distance.

I did my best to appeal to him, to joke around, to smile and laugh. To try and get him to have fun.

But he barely registered any of it.

I’d cry a lot during this period. It was hard. To love someone so much and have it be completely disregarded.

But this was my resolution, I promised Mari…I promised myself.

My maid Pricilla was very kind to me during this trying time. She would constantly give me a shoulder to cry on, to comfort me and help me cheer up.

At the beginning, she would criticize Jin. But it invoked such an angry response in me, she must have decided not to badmouth him in front of me anymore.

Honestly it was irrational of me to be angry at Pricilla who was only trying to help. But I didn’t feel like Jin was a bad person. He was just misunderstanding my intentions towards him.

However, something very strange happened the day Jin and I were supposed to attend our first day at the Royal Academy.

I was nervous to see him as I hadn’t seen him for about a month. Apparently he was training, but I think that maybe he was just avoiding me...

I hid behind Pricilla and approached the carriage where Jin and Mari were waiting. I took the seat next to him and calmed myself.

Jin looked his normal calm and composed self…

I’m not sure what I expected…

I’m just setting myself up for disappointment…

“Good Morning Jin-Sama”

“Good Morning”

Hah. His normal non-committal response.

It appears our carriage ride is destined to be painfully quiet once again…

No, you resolved to do this, make conversation Kaede! Eventually he’ll open up!

…

Hopefully…

“How was your morning so far?”

“Fine”

I feel my heart break a little every time he disregards me like that…Maybe I need a new strategy…

“I spoke with my father before I left”

…

...

…

Jin……shared for the first time! Wow! This is huge! He’s never done that before!

What’s more, it’s news of his father! As far as I know, Jin and his father don’t speak to each other.

Mari confirms that they don’t have a relationship. So, something happened and perhaps Jin is beginning to open up?!

Calm down Kaede, think. You need to continue the conversation.

“Is that so? What did you speak about?”

I smile and ask.

Oh, no, he’s not responding.

Was that personal?

Was I not supposed to ask?

Oh no, was that a stupid question?!

I’m so sorry Jin, please forgive me!

“We promised to have dinner together this evening”

Oh I see! For one reason or another, they’ve begun to repair their relationship!

This is excellent! This could really help Jin…

Wait…

“Um, but as you know, students are required to stay in the dormitories. We won’t be able to visit home until the first semester expires”

…

Oh no. I can see it on his face, Jin is panicking.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen him display emotion past when he was 5.

….and it’s fear. Pure fear, that Jin and his father will never have a relationship.

I need to reassure him here…

I put my hand on his shoulder.

“It will be alright Jin-Sama. I’m sure his majesty will understand, have Mari send a notice that you’ll be unable to attend dinner with him because you have to stay in the dormitories and promise to have dinner with him as soon as you’re able”

I smile at him, to try and reassure him.

He looks visibly relieved and instructs Mari to take care of it.

Jin seems much better today, more human. I should continue the conversation.

“Jin-Sama…”

“You can just call me Jin”

…

...

...

What did he just say?

“We’re engaged after all, right Kaede?”

WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?!

OH NO! I need to respnd! Human words! Human words Kaede!

“K…Kaede…”

NOOOOOOOO!

Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed. I’m so happy, but I can’t look at him.

I think I’m mumbling to myself now.

Oh god, I need to get the words out. Speak! Speak Kaede!

“Are you alright Kaede? Your face is red”

He puts his hand on my forehead…

Oh my god what is he doing.

Don’t stop doing it, but what are you doing Jin?

WAIT! He asked me if I was alright?! He’s concerned about me?!

ME?!

I’m so happy.

I’m so happy I could cry.

No good, no good Kaede. Stay strong.

Ah, I can’t look at him though, I’m too embarrassed.

“I….I’m fine……Jin…hehe”

WAS THAT A SENTENCE?!

I bet he thinks I’m an idiot now…

Ohhh, but he hasn’t removed his hand yet. That feels nice, Jin.

I feel like I’m smiling stupidly and giggling to myself right now…