The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

XXII: Visitors in the Manor

Morning winter in January 1894 had never been this cold in Hiroto's life before. Even though he had his mind at a pace that he could live life well, he failed in maintaining that so-called motivation that his mother always reminded him of. Since Ayako's departure more than a year ago, Hiroto had no peace in mind. He concerned her and Yui's safety as they hid under different names and in other places. Because of this, he wondered about his Japanese education, which he still continued to learn despite the tutor's absence.

Right now, he was taking a break from learning his father's language as he prioritized learning politics and foreign aspects of it. Hiroto was inside his bedroom, lazily sitting on the tall chair reading at British law textbook for his university. It seemed to be uninteresting to him because of how many times he read this for three years. His eyes wanted to shut so bad as the small texts strained him.

Mom is right. Hiroto thought and sighed. He picked up a pair of round glasses and faced a large round mirror pinned on the wall beside him. While wearing it carefully, he took a look at the growing facial hair around his chin and above his upper lip. Despite the supposedly boring period this week, he wore a vested tuxedo minus the jacket part. It was because Heather told him to do so as they had visitors this afternoon.

Speaking of visitors, he heard a knock from the door and twisting of the doorknob to open. He quickly faced it and saw his mother in her green dress.

"Hiro, the visitors are here. You are the only one waiting in the public halls," Heather told him.

"Sure, mom. I will follow," Hiroto replied, giving his mother a deep smile. He stood up from his seat and picked up his suit jacket from his bed.

Then, he went downstairs and traveled through the roofed bridge to go to the manor's public entrance. As he used other stairs again—this time bigger—he saw his mother and grandmother waiting for the visitors. Once he reached the foot of the stairs, his grandmother Cesira responded.

"You look so handsome, Hiroto. That look is wise since we have a special guest for today." Cesira smirked at him. She wore a dress as if there was a grand party, glowering at the young man.

Cesira commented, "indeed, I have to wear this because our guests are very foreign! Although we expected your father to arrive here because they said they're a group of Japanese. What special in this person is he has a rank higher than anyone except the emperor."

Higher than anyone... Hiroto looked at the opened large door and watched a grand carriage recently stopped to drop someone. When the coach of the carriage went down and opened the door, he saw two unfamiliar figures. He didn't know their names, but he knew they were both from Japan until his mother whispered them to him.

"You have to show your greatest respect! The Ambassador of Japan is here to assist the most high-profile person ever." Heather grinned as her eyes watched on the man who had neat mullet hair. "He's the Imperial Prince, although I don't understand why he doesn't wear a stash."

The mention of the Imperial Prince gave Hiroto goosebumps. He remembered Yui's story about Takahito's desire to take away Aya's freedom through marriage. Despite the fear that ran through his veins right now, he had to keep his eyes level.

Along with others in the manor, they watched Takahito go down with Ambassador Kinoe Nagasaki behind him. The staff directed them inside, where the trio bowed to them appropriately.

"Welcome to the Steinfeld manor, your Majesty! I truly appreciate your presence here," Cesira welcomed the Prince.

"I am glad that you consider this place as your venue for your meeting," Heather added. Her statement made Hiroto want to glare at her.