Slow Burn [JJK FANFIC AU]

Prologue

Notes: Emma Kochou is not an oc nor another character. It's the reader/mc's default name because i find y/n l/n, (your name), (first name), (last name), (name), too inconvenient to type. That's why i still use h/c, e/c codes for the reader's sake and preferences.

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"No! I don't want to get married!" Lady Kochou's patience for her daughter is barely hanging on the thin line of ice.

Emma Kochou, the fourth eldest daughter out of her six daughters was about to be sold off to the Gojo clan as a bargaining chip to climb up to a higher level to the society.

Emma is still young—barely ten years old, but her destiny was already decided the moment she came to this world. Her life was bound to be tied to the heir of the Gojo clan to deepen their relationship and form alliance.

Of course, young Emma isn't so stupid to follow instructions and obey her parents. She may be young but she's not that stupid. She's intelligent enough to oppose her parents, vocalize her displeasures and pleasures. She's also bold enough to make an eye contact with her father and grand father who were feared by many.

Apparently, three years after Emma was born, she had already immersed herself into different kinds of books to indulge herself and understand how the world works, she learned how to read and write. When she's eight years old, her mindset was different from a normal child. So different that even her mother feared her own daughter. Emma's knowledge capacity is terrifying that she can even counter a powerful answer regarding politics and philosophy.

She can read through lies and read emotions. No one can make a lie infront of her.

"Emma, you know how important this opportunity for our family right?" Mrs. Kochou tried her best to sound firm. She wants Emma to know that she still holds authority, and that she can't oppose her regardless of her retaliations.

Emma who was now nine years old looked at her mother with confusion. Its not that she cannot read the situation. She's just confused as to why would they sacrifice their own flesh and blood as a bargaining chip just to improve their status and upgrade? Isn't there another way to climb in greater heights?

Emma knew that opportunities requires risk and sacrifices, but if her happiness was put on the line, she'd rather let it pass and find another way. There's a lot of ways to do it.

"Why? Why are you selling me off?" Unshed tears started to pour out her eyes. Young Emma can feel hatred and betrayal surge within her, tugging on her heart strings.

Her mother was taken aback. She sighed and looked away. If only she can make another way. But, she's not even the real authoritarian of the household.

It was her husband's order. It turned out that the Gojo clan and Kochou clan already made a deal without her knowledge.

She gulped the lump on her throat and looked at Emma's eyes.

"If only... I have the power to change everything, I would." Young Emma shut her mouth. But her heart and mind were screaming. "This is your father's order, Emma. As much as I want to oppose, I can't." She tried her best to make her daughter understand.

In their household, the head is powerful—of course it was given. They have the authority that cannot be opposed.

"Your older sisters willingly complied to his wishes because they don't want to anger him. They don't want your father to disown them." She took young Emma's small pair of hands and cupped them, allowing her warmth to spread throughout her body.

"Being tied with the Gojo clan not only mean we can have a good reputation and status in the society, it can also give you a better life, Emma." Her hold became firm. "Also, Gojo-san's son is a very talented young boy. I know that he will take good care of you. He can protect you and provide you a comfortable life."