Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon - Volume 1 - Chapter 11

Chapter 11 - First date (2)

They've arrived at their destination.

Kiyoka had brought them to a large gofuku28 store. From the signboard and the atmosphere of the store itself, one could tell it was probably a long-time establishment.

In addition to kimonos, obis and fabrics, they also offered a complete collection of accessories which included, sandals, tabi, drawstring bags and hairpins.

It was the first time Miyo entered a gofuku store. And she was almost overwhelmed by the imposing air around it.

"So big..."

"This is "Suzushimaya" , a store the Kudou family often patronises. It seems that sometimes, they also make the Emporer's clothes."

"T-That’s amazing..."

Miyo was so nervous she could only go along with Kiyoka's explanation, unable to magniloquently articulate herself. Suddenly, she couldn't help but feel a wave of worry about her appearance and the way she carried herself wash over her.

Although she didn't plan on dressing too strangely, her appearance was probably too shabby to enter such a top-notch store like such. The fact was, the colour and pattern of kimono that Miyo was wearing today didn't suit her very well. Her father likely got it half-heartedly... While kimonos are not cheap, the kimono was definitely not of good quality.

"Irassaimase, Kudou-sama."

"We'll be in your care today."

A well-mannered, middle-aged lady who looked like the mistress of the store came out and bowed gracefully at them.

"We have selected a few items that match your requirement when you contacted us before. Please come this way."

"Ah ah."

It was probably kimonos for Kiyoko. Miyo was slightly at a loss as she wondered if she should follow him. As she stood rooted to the ground, a store clerk approached her with a smile.

"Why don't you have a look inside the store, Ojou-sama?"

That might be good.

"Danna-sama, I'd like to take a look around the store while waiting for you..."

Miyo asked Kiyoka with her heart in her mouth.

"Do as you wish. Tell me if you find anything you like. We can get it before leaving."

After saying that, Kiyoka headed to the back of the store.

(...I wouldn't dare request for Danna-sama to buy something for someone like me.)

All the items in the shop were high-end products, which made it really hard for her to calm down. Though, whether it's expensive or cheap, making someone else buy them for her made Miyo feel very uncomfortable. There's no way she could do that.

"Haa..."

Miyo decided to take a look around the store, despite feeling sorely out of place.

★ ★ ★

After entering a Japanese-styled room at the back of the store, Kiyoka sat opposite the mistress of "Suzushimaya" , Keiko.

The space between them, no, the entire room was lined with many gorgeous fabrics designed for ladies.

"Fufufu, the time has finally come for Kudou's Bocchan."

Kiyoka had known Keiko ever since he was a child. As this was a store they'd definitely patronise for kimonos, she knew a lot about the Kudou family as well.

For example, the Kiyoka of the past didn't even have a lover. Much less his marriage prospects.

It's a story that would give one headache.

"That's not the case..."

"Oh, you don't have to be shy. Isn't this the first time, the monk-like Bocchan has brought a woman?"

That was indeed so.

The reason for coming down today was because of Yurie's report.

"Miyo-sama was repairing her old clothes by herself--"

To think that she would borrow the sewing tools to repair her torn kimono.

At the time, Yurie really wanted to stop her, but Miyo didn't seem to want for her to find out. So she could only watch on.

Kiyoka, himself, was concerned about the clothes Miyo usually wore.

Her clothes were similar to or even worse than that of poor farmers from rural areas. Although the design and colour were different every day, they were all similarly tattered. It really pained their heart to see her that way.

Up till now, he has had prior experience of marriage candidates demanding that he gave them gifts and he's never fulfilled their wishes. Yet, he made the exception to bring Miyo to this store to get her some kimonos.

There really wasn't any deeper meaning behind his actions.

"I-Is there anything that would suit her?"

From the bottom of her heart, Keiko found Kiyoka's abrupt and obvious change of topic hilarious.

"Fufu, well I suppose... that Ojou-sama would look good in a light colour like this."

Hmm, Kiyoka nodded his head.

As Keiko said, light-coloured kimonos were better, especially considering the current season.

Sky blue, baby green, and even mauve might be good.

As he contemplated while listening to Keiko's advice, a piece of fabric suddenly caught his eye.

"...What about that?"

"Oh, that's a great item too. But if we start tailoring now, it may be out of season by the time it's ready."

It was a beautiful sakura-coloured cloth. Although the colour was light, for some reason it seemed really bright and eye-catching.

(This colour would look good... on her.)

Subconsciously, he tried to imagine—then he hurriedly cut it short.

(What on earth was I doing?)

There's no special meaning. None at all.

It must be uncomfortable for Miyo, to be casually fantasised by someone without permission. Or rather, he was terrible for imagining. He's not even a kid anymore, to do such a thing...

"Make one with this."

"Aiya, are you sure?"

In the end, Kiyoka, handed the cloth to Keiko.

"Yes. Even if it takes a while, she can always wear it next spring... How many pieces can you make me with this fabric? You don't have to worry about the cost."

"Understood."

Kiyoka also chose some colour that he thought were good out of Keiko's recommendations.

"Please also choose suitable designs for the obis. Can I leave that to you?"

"Yes, just leave it to me... Ah, right!"

Clapping her hands together, Keiko took out a palm-sized box from the side.

"Would you like to bring this back today?"

After checking the contents of the box and confirming that it was the item he had requested for in advance, Kiyoka nodded.

"Ah ah, thank you. I will get it. Please add it to the bill for the kimonos."

"Understood... Kudou-sama."

"Yes?"

After carefully putting the box away, he looked at Keiko who seemed like she had something important to say. He wondered what she was about to say with those shining eyes.

"Please listen well. Never let that Ojou-sama go!"

"Huh?"

"That lady can be said to be a diamond in the rough. Whether it's her hair, skin or face, they all have immense potential. As long as she's properly polished, she will definitely grow to be a beauty that's just as beautiful as you."

As expected of the owner of a gofuku store, Keiko was very well-versed and particular in this area.

Though Kiyoka had never once thought that Miyo was not pretty.

"The items purchased today are only the beginning. From now on, we'll need to polish her with Bocchan's love and wealth. That way..."

"That way?"

"A beautiful lady who enjoys the delight of shopping will be born! And then we look forward to your continued patronage of our store."

..Ah, those were her true intentions.

"Haa, really... It's not something like love."

Kiyoka sighed as he watched a woman, who's about his mother's age, eyes shine with the enthusiasm of a young girl.

Perhaps it might sound a little crazy, but he didn't hate the idea.

"Then, I'll be in your care in the future as well."

Though unbeknownst to him, Kiyoka had absolutely no intention of letting Miyo go.

Back in the store, Kiyoka noticed that Miyo's eyes were fixated on something. Following her line of sight—it was that sakura-coloured cloth.

Apparently, something similar was also on display.

(But that look...)

It was a lonely look. Like she was watching something she could never obtain.

"...Okaa-sama."

Miyo said in a small voice that couldn't be heard unless you really listened.

It seemed like Miyo hadn't realised that Kiyoka had returned.

After a moment's hesitation, Kiyoka called out to her.

"Are you interested in that?"

"..! D-Danna-sama! Ah n-no, it's not like I want to buy it."

"..."

"A kimono my mother left behind was of a similar colour... ah no, even though it's not around anymore. I just felt nostalgic, that's all."

"Is that so?"

Kiyoka was really bothered by the whereabouts of her mother's keepsakes.

Anyway, it didn't look like she hated it so he couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

"Did anything else catch your eye?"

"N-No, it's fine now."

Miyo wouldn't ask for anything for herself and would often refused his offers. It's precisely so that Kiyoka didn't tell her the reason for visiting the store today. It was easy to imagine that face of death as she apologises if he were to tell her the truth.

Thus, he knew he had made the right decision not to tell her.

"Then, let's go."

"Yes."

"We look forward to your next visit."

They left "Suzushimaya" as Keiko and her staff bowed deeply to send them off.