Sealed Love 封印の愛 "Fūin no Ai" ( a chaemura au)

第2章

Morning light crept through the delicate
shojiscreens, casting a soft, ethereal glow.  Eunchae's eyes fluttered open, her gaze adjusting to the gentle radiance.

Eighteen winters had passed, and with each year, her awareness of her responsibilities grew.

As she sat up, her thoughts turned to her
father. His hair, once raven-black, now silvered at the temples. Time etched lines on his face, whispers of weariness. The weight of ruling their domain rested squarely on his shoulders.

Eunchae's maid, Emiko, entered with a quiet bow.

"Lady Eunchae, your father awaits you in the garden."

  Eunchae's maid, Emiko, entered with a quiet bow. "Lady Eunchae, your father awaits you in the garden."

Eunchae nodded, her heart stirring with a mix of emotions.

What did her father wish to discuss?

Eunchae's thoughts lingered on her father, a man who had devoted himself to her since birth. She was his sole heir, born of a love that had left an indelible mark. Her mother's passing during childbirth had shattered her father's world.

The memories of his sorrow still lingered, etched on his face like the lines of time. His advisors had urged him to remarry, to secure alliances and ensure the future of their domain. Yet, he refused, his heart forever bound to Eunchae's mother.

Oh to be loved like her mother.

Eunchae joined her father in the garden,
Eunchae stepped into the serene garden
her father's face transforming as he beheld her. Despite the lingering sorrow in his eyes, a warm smile spread, chasing away the shadows. His gaze, filled with love and adoration, enveloped her.

"Lady Eunchae," he said, his voice infused with gentle affection.

"You brighten this morning."

Eunchae's heart swelled, witnessing her
father's unwavering devotion. She bowed respectfully, her eyes meeting his.

Eunchae settled onto a marble stool, her
gaze drawn to the delicate wagashi on the table. Crafted from the finest ingredients, these Japanese sweets were a delight for the senses. Her father, noticing her interest, smiled and picked up one shaped like a rabbit. He placed it gently in her palm.

Eunchae's face lit up with a warm smile. The intricate rabbit wagashi seemed to hop onto her hand, its delicate features a testament to the artisan's skill.

She raised the wagashi to her lips, and the soft, sweet paste dissolved effortlessly as she took a bite. The subtle flavors of cherry blossom and green tea danced on her tongue.

Her father watched, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oishi -no?"

"Father, these are from Sakuraya, aren't they?" Eunchae asked, recognizing the renowned confectionery.

The Shogun's smile lingered as he gazed
at Eunchae, her delight in the wagashi a
reminder of her enduring innocence. Eighteen  winters old, yet sweets still brought her such joy. His heart swelled with love and concern.

In the shadows, worries crept. Whispers of the Imperial Court's rebellion revived, threatening the fragile peace. His days were numbered; he knew it. But he wouldn't burden Eunchae with fear.

Instead, he drew upon his reservoir of calm, forged through years of ruling. Contingency plans were in place, strategically woven to safeguard their domain and his beloved daughter.

The Shogun's mind drifted to the promise he made to Eunchae's mother on her deathbed: to safeguard their daughter with his every breath. Their only child, Eunchae's well-being
weighed heavily on his heart.