The petals fell like rain dampening my cheeks.
I was crying alone amid the raining petals.
The warm sunlight of spring,
the summer sunshine through the trees,
the sunbeams through the autumn clouds,
the morning light reflecting on snow…
None of those would shine on me.
I didn't even know what happiness was.
After all, any gleam of hope always disappeared right before my eyes.
I had lived my life always thinking
that my existence was not necessary in this world…
Until that day when I met that man.
EPISODE 1 THE MEETING
This is awful!
That green tea is too bitter to drink!
I'm so sorry.
Go remake it right now!
Miyo, don't just sit there bowing. Hurry up.
Yes, ma'am.
Excuse me.
I can't believe she can't even make green tea properly.
She should be ashamed as a member of the Saimori family.
Unlike you, Kaya, she's a clumsy girl. Just like that mother of hers.
Kanoko. Are you trying to blame me?
Well, she's your daughter, Shinichi.
Spare me already. You know it was a long time ago.
Good morning, Mr. Tatsuishi. What brings you here today?
I need to have a little talk with Shinichi.
This is for your servants to eat.
Oh, thank you for always being kind.
It's my pleasure. I'll be going, then.
Mr. Tatsuishi was just here. I wonder if it was about a marriage offer?
The sisters are both getting to that age.
Ms. Miyo is 19 years old already.
But considering their father's attitude, it might be for Ms. Kaya and not her.
That's enough chatter, you two. Those who can't do laundry don't get fed!
-We're sorry, ma'am. -We're sorry, ma'am.
Will someone please come to the living room?
Hey, Mrs. Saimori is calling!
-We'll be right there! -We'll be right there!
Marriage… offer?
You're sweeping the garden today too? How diligent of you.
Koji.
My father came to have a head-of-family meeting with your father.
I came as an attendant to him.
It's nice of you to come all the way.
Actually, that was my excuse. I just wanted to talk to you, Miyo.
Miyo, let me see your hand.
Milk…?
Milk caramel. It's a candy that's sweet and delicious.
When I tried it for the first time, I was completely blown away.
I'm glad you liked it.
My older brother loves all things new and popular and he bought them.
It's very good.
If you want, I'll bring you more.
If I can make you smile, then it's worth the price.
Thank you as always.
I wish we could spend time like this forever.
Miyo,
I want to help you.
I feel like you're always saving me, Koji.
I'm just a plain guy, but I want to give you strength.
I'll do anything for you, for you to keep smiling.
Hope you don't mind.
Father, is it okay to buy a new kimono to wear to Girls' School?
Ah, the new semester is starting, is it?
In that case, why don't you go buy a few new ones?
Wow! Really?
Thank you, Father!
Oh, Shinichi. You always spoil Kaya.
This kimono is getting tattered.
Miyo.
Yes?
What do you usually do during the day?
I clean around the house.
I see.
Make sure you are here during the day, the day after tomorrow.
Understood?
Yes, sir.
He told me to be here, although I'm treated as a servant.
It was an unnecessary request.
I never go outside the boundaries of this house anyway.
Mother?
Have either of you seen my mother?
I think Mrs. Saimori is in the annex.
Are you about to go out?
Yes. I'm getting a new kimono made for the new semester.
But more importantly,
Big Sister, shouldn't you wash your face?
You look terrible.
What?
Ms. Miyo, you have soot on your face…
Don't you dare greet our guests looking like that, all right?
You're already the embarrassment of the Saimori family.
I am sorry.
Miyo…
Koji.
Good morning. It's rare to see you wearing Western clothes.
You look very good in them.
Um, why did you come here today?
Well, there's kind of an important matter to discuss with your father.
With my father?
Here.
I brought some sweets. Please share them with everyone.
Thank you.
Well then, I'll be seeing you later.
Koji…
Why does it have to be this way?
Ms. Miyo.
Mr. Saimori is calling for you.
What?
You're wanted in the parlor immediately.
Yes, ma'am.
You must be here during the day, the day after tomorrow.
Understood?
I shouldn't get my hopes up.
It must be something bad.
A marriage offer from Koji…
I know I shouldn't hope for
something like that, but…
I'm here. It's Miyo.
Come in.
Pardon me.
Why do you look dazed?
Come into the room quickly.
This meeting is about nothing other than the future of our family.
First, the arranged marriage with the Tatsuishi family.
I've decided to let Koji marry into the Saimori family and take over.
The one who will become his bride and preserve the Saimori family…
is Kaya.
I was prepared for this.
Being treated like a servant as I am, I knew there was no way I could marry.
I knew that it would never be that easy for me
to have my existence tolerated and to spend peaceful days living here.
Miyo, I decided you should marry and leave.
You're marrying into the Kudo family.
Kiyoka Kudo will be your husband.
K-Kudo?
That's great!
You get to be married to that famous Kiyoka Kudo.
That's too good for someone like you with no redeeming qualities.
I'll look forward to seeing how many days you'll last being his wife.
Gather your belongings right away. You're going to the Kudos' house tomorrow.
Uh, Father--
That is all.
If you understood, get ready quickly. Take extra care to be courteous.
Excuse me.
So, Koji. About the schedule for the engagement ceremony…
It doesn't seem like it'll stop raining.
I went to the trouble of hanging out the laundry…
Miyo…
Wait, what?
Why me?
As I said, I'm ordering you to become the husband of Kaya Saimori.
Why all of a sudden?
Didn't you say you wanted to help Miyo?
Don't worry. I asked Saimori for Miyo to be Kazushi's wife.
By doing so, she can leave that house.
Don't you think that would set her down the happiest path?
What about Miyo's feelings? And of all people, Kaya and me?
It's already been arranged.
You must follow this decision for the sake of the prosperity of this family.
Do you understand?
My mother's cherry tree.
Whenever I was feeling down, coming here gave me peace of mind.
I guess I won't be able to come here anymore.
Thank you for always being here. Goodbye, Mother.
Miyo.
Koji.
I'm sorry.
I'm ashamed of my cowardice.
In the end, I couldn't do anything.
It's not for you to apologize, Koji.
It's just bad luck.
No, it's not just bad luck…
It's all right. I might find happiness with whom I marry.
I don't blame anyone.
So…
you don't resent me for this?
Resent? I've forgotten that feeling a long time ago.
I wanted to help you.
I wanted to be able to laugh with you in a normal way like we used to.
Because I--
Koji?
Kaya.
What are you talking about?
N… Nothing.
Oh, okay.
Koji.
Thank you for all of your kindness until now.
Ms. Miyo, may I come in for a minute?
Yes, please.
I have a message from your father. He said to wear this kimono
when you depart tomorrow.
My father said to?
Listen closely, Ms. Miyo.
Kiyoka Kudo is rumored to be a cold and merciless man.
Every fiancée has run away from him.
Please be careful.
Thank you for your concern.
Your belongings…
That's all you have?
Most of what my mother left me has been thrown away.
This is all I have.
It must have been hard for you.
Here, this is for you to eat on your way.
Thank you for your help.
Take care of yourself, Ms. Miyo.
I don't think a fancy kimono like this would ever suit me.
I guess I've finally lost my fond memories as well as a house to call home.
Does the head of the Kudo family really live in a place like this?
Is this the house?
It's plainer than I imagined.
KUDO
Hello?
Just a second, please.
Who might you be?
Nice to meet you. My name is Miyo Saimori.
I'm here because of the marriage arrangement with Mr. Kiyoka Kudo.
Oh, Ms. Saimori. We have been waiting for you.
I work as a servant of the Kudo family. My name is Yurie.
I'm glad to make your acquaintance.
I've heard a lot about you. Please come in.
Thank you.
The Young Master is in the study now.
If you would follow me, I'll show you the way there.
I am very pleased to meet you.
My name is Miyo Saimori.
I hope you treat me kindly here.
How long do you intend to bow that way?
I'm sorry.
I wasn't asking for an apology.
Please, you can raise your head now.
Y-Yes.
Meeting this man on this day
was like a flower coming out of the snow.
My life that had been shut off
started to move forward again.
I'm Kiyoka Kudo, the head of the Kudo family.
What a beautiful man.
Subtitle translation by: Ikuko Ohno