Mysterious Husband [Vol 1-7] ✓

[Vol 2] Chapter 38

The next day, my elder sister, Chinami and her husband, Mr Dateko arrived as we all went to receive him from our entrance. A large carriage stood before the entrance door as the chauffeur opened its door.

A tall, fine man with a good build came out as he helped Chinami to hop down from the carriage. From his face, we could see he was raised with a good disciplined environment. He was handsome and the last time I had seen him was when Chinami got married to him. 

They came after a year. 

Chinami had worn a fine yukata with floral embroideries and she looked pretty as always. She stood beside him, her head slumping down and eyes painted with dry colors.

"Mr Dateko, please come inside. I have heard of your promotion for the samurai head." My father said with a proud face, "Let us celebrate this today."

"No, Mr Inoue. I wouldn't want to celebrate it as I still have to go further. Celebrating it means I'd be feeling relieved just by a simple promotion." Mr Dateko said as my father's face turned more prouder than before.

He nodded. "That is true."

My father introduced him to Arashi as Arashi gave him a curt nod and he returned it. There was pride swelling in Mr Dateko's features but he didn't look down upon anyone or brag about his position. 

I gave them a deep bow as my eyes followed my older sister. She was donned in an expensive yukata and her face and lips were painted as well. Where she should have been giving a smug look, she didn't do such a thing. She was giving a smile but her eyes had a sad cloud around it. I looked between her and her husband as Hayami came rushing and embraced her. 

"Older sister! You know, it has been quite a long since I've seen you." Hayami said excitedly.

Chinami gave her a faint smile and said, "It certainly had been quite a long time."

We all entered the main hall as the first lady ordered the maid to give them water and some snacks. They might have come in a carriage, they looked tired. Especially Chinami. I had never seen her so distant as she would indulge in a conversation the moment she would come around her little sister and other people. Or, she would belittle me. 

"Mr Yuan. I have heard quite a lot about you." Mr Dateko said to Arashi which caught my attention as well.

Arashi smiled. "It would be my honor to be recognized by Mr Dateko, himself."

"Oh, no. You are flattering me, Mr Yuan. My superior said how excellent your medicines work." 

They started to talk when Mr Bushida entered the gossip. Mr Dateko was superior by post and by age than Mr Bushida that was why he was talking with him with so much respect. I felt a little rage as Arashi was older than both of them yet Hayami's husband wouldn't show him any respect. 

But it wasn't the same with Chinami's husband as he was showering him with pleasantries.

While the maid brought snacks and water, both the first lady and the third lady went away, probably to prepare food as I followed them. Only the maids and they wouldn't manage it. While departing, I saw Hayami went to elder sister and dragged her away to their room.

We all made a feast for the whole house when father's companions came. My father informed us they would be staying until lunch so we had to prepare more food. They were all busy playing Shogi as we heard laughter and teasing from the main hall.

As soon as we finished making lunch, I went to my room and heard Chinami and Hayami talking with each other. I had never found interest in their conversation but what Cinami said with a quivering voice made my feet freeze.