From the outside, the Tsukiyuki family castle possessed an air of antique elegance from a bygone era. But once you stepped inside, you could see many modern facilities. It was clear the Tsukiyuki Clan hadn’t simply abandoned modern convenience; rather, it was a clan that pursued an ostentatious, classical aesthetic.
“Gao-kun, our main family’s private grounds are practically closed to the public.” Tsukiyuki Rio held Gao Sijin’s hand, as if afraid he might get lost.
If they really did get separated, it would likely be quite troublesome. The castle’s interior was vast, and its corridors stretched in every direction, making you feel like you were navigating a maze.
“Don’t let Grandfather’s stern appearance fool you; he’s actually quite a gentle person.”
“I don’t think a man capable of leading an entire clan can be all that gentle.”
“Anyone who obstructs the Tsukiyuki Clan will be eliminated. The gentleness I’m referring to is Grandfather’s willingness to be gentle with you.”
Rather than being treated gently, Gao Sijin would have much preferred the old man simply kick him out and, ideally, even pay for his plane ticket home.
But given the current situation, Gao Sijin’s hopes seemed foolish. He and Tsukiyuki Rio arrived at the Main Keep. As a structure that symbolized authority in the feudal era, it offered an unobstructed, commanding view of the lands surrounding the castle.
He had to admit, the scenery below was quite beautiful. If he were part of the ruling class, would he perhaps actually start viewing himself as a god, looking down with contempt on the obscure, toiling masses?
“Do you feel like an ancient castle lord right now?”
“It’s nothing special.”
Gao Sijin replied flatly.
What he was actually imagining was the sight of himself taking a Leap of Faith off the high tower. Surely every bone in his body would shatter, and he’d die amidst agonized groans.
To die for freedom—could that truly be called freedom?
Gao Sijin felt he had to at least outlive his Auntie. He didn’t want to make her suffer the pain of losing a family member again. Therefore, he absolutely could not entertain suicidal thoughts.
“The breeze feels great.”
“That’s because it’s winter now.”
“Rio, Qingxue, you don’t need to worry about me jumping from here. I’m a coward. Just thinking about my own death terrifies me.”
In his heart, he’d tried to escape countless times, but the opportunity had never presented itself. Perhaps if one day his despair reached its absolute limit, that most extreme course of action wouldn’t be off the table. He could even hear the Shinigami whispering: If you are in pain, I will save you.
“Let’s go.”
Gao Sijin didn’t dare to stand at this height any longer. If he remained at the highest point of the Main Keep, there was no guaranteeing he wouldn’t keep entertaining these wild thoughts.
The clan’s main castle housed the members of the Tsukiyuki Clan. However, as Gao Sijin had anticipated, most of those clansmen put on a facade of friendliness, yet their eyes were inevitably filled with contempt. That condescending air, bred into their very bones, made Gao Sijin want to punch them square in the nose.
But their etiquette was impeccable, leaving no room for reproach. Within this country, overflowing with rules large and small, this stifling atmosphere was everywhere.
Gao Sijin was well aware that most of the Tsukiyuki family members were in awe of the girl beside him. He was nothing more than a fox borrowing the tiger’s might.
Gao Sijin was introduced to several of Tsukiyuki Rio’s uncles and aunts. They all worked in businesses under the Tsukiyuki Group, and their fields covered a vast range. It felt as if this clan had already imperceptibly seized the nation’s very lifelines. If the Tsukiyuki Clan were to suddenly vanish one day, the country—while perhaps not facing an unprecedented disaster—would absolutely be severely crippled.
“Hello, Uncle. Hello, Auntie.”
The moment Tsukiyuki Rio addressed a couple as “Father” and “Mother,” Gao Sijin immediately focused his gaze on them.
“Young Lady Tsukiyuki’s father is Lord Kazo, and her mother is Tsukiyuki Senju.”
After hearing Yu Qingxue’s translation, Gao Sijin nodded and stepped forward.
Tsukiyuki Rio’s mother was a gentle, noble beauty. Her eyes seemed so considerate, yet they carried a trace of tender affection. Beneath one eye was a pretty beauty mark. She wore a very tailored and capable women’s pantsuit. She was a peerless beauty.
She welcomed Gao Sijin’s arrival.
Unlike gentleness, Gao Sijin would have rather heard someone tell him to get lost. Yet Tsukiyuki Senju, as Rio’s mother, said gently:
“As long as he is the one Rio loves, the clan will not interfere excessively. Political marriages are a relic of the last century. I advocate for Rio’s freedom to love.”
This was what Yu Qingxue translated verbatim.
Freedom to love?
Quit joking. The only one with any real freedom here is Tsukiyuki Rio.
Lord Kazo, on the other hand, gave Gao Sijin a sliver of hope. He glanced at Gao Sijin with disdain before turning his head away. Those were the eyes of an arrogant man who disdains the wise and looks down on the virtuous.
Though being the target of such a look was quite unpleasant, it was precisely that kind of look that was most likely to give Gao Sijin his freedom back.
Gao Sijin extended his hand toward Lord Kazo, but that man, who exuded an elite aura from every pore, refused to shake his hand.
Good heavens, that’s perfect.
In the current situation, Gao Sijin felt that the colder Lord Kazo was toward him, the greater his chances of regaining his freedom.
He was so elated he almost wanted to affectionately call the man the Living Bodhisattva Lord Kazo. Whatever works, just please refuse to let Tsukiyuki Rio marry me, and then let me leave J-Country and go home.
“Dear?”
Tsukiyuki Senju looked at her husband with a beaming smile. Lord Kazo flinched, and only then did he extend his hand and shake Gao Sijin’s.
Gao Sijin’s hopes immediately deflated again. So this man was henpecked.
Although there were no actual chains binding him, every second he spent at Tsukiyuki Rio’s side felt like being bound tightly.
“The Tsukiyuki Clan welcomes your addition.”
He didn’t need Yu Qingxue to translate this line; Gao Sijin understood it perfectly.
“Ah, well, isn’t that just wonderful. Does that mean I can become a noble just like all of you? Does it mean I’ll have access to limitless wealth?” For that illusory, distant hope of freedom, Gao Sijin decided to make one last-ditch effort. “I absolutely love money. I was only with Rio for the money. For money, I even abandoned my lover back in my country, just so I could join your clan.”
Yu Qingxue froze for a moment, unsure whether she should continue translating. But Tsukiyuki Rio looked at her with a smile, indicating she should absolutely translate everything.
After hearing what Gao Sijin had just said, the Tsukiyuki couple was somewhat surprised.
“Even so, the Tsukiyuki Clan is still willing to accept you. Though you possess such a despicable side, if Rio has fallen for you, there’s nothing to be done about it.” Tsukiyuki Senju stepped forward and, like a true mother, gently stroked Gao Sijin’s head.
“I said I’m only in it for the money!” Gao Sijin practically roared. “Even knowing that, you still want to accept a scumbag like me?”
“To be able to face your own despicable side head-on—what a truly admirable man. Please, you absolutely must marry into the Tsukiyuki Clan.”
As Tsukiyuki Senju smiled kindly, Gao Sijin’s heart sank completely to the bottom.
