Chapter 226: Reflections From The Oyama And Fujiwara Families! Satisfaction From Both Families! All Mutually Recognized Kin!
The wooden sliding door of Sakura Village restaurant was gently opened, and the afternoon sunlight slanted onto the cherry branches in the courtyard, making the pale pink buds even more translucent.
After discussing Misae and Isshin Fujiwara’s engagement, the two families flocked to the hotel entrance, preparing to return home separately.
Motomaru Fujiwara raised his hand to adjust the hem of his kimono, his gaze resting on Yoshiharu Oyama, his voice full of elder’s gentleness: “Oyama-san, thank you so much for your trouble today. The engagement date is set for September 7th. We can communicate about the subsequent venue decorations and guest list by phone anytime.”
“Not at all, Motomaru Fujiwara-san, you are too kind!” Yoshiharu Oyama quickly waved his hands, a genuine smile on his face, unconsciously rubbing his hands on his suit pants—he had just shaken hands with the prefectural councilman, and felt he had to protect this “decorum.”
Yoshiharu Oyama also said with great emotion: “It is our Oyama family’s fortune to be able to form a marriage with your family. If Misae does anything wrong in the future, please bear with us, you and Mrs. Fujiwara.”
Temari Fujiwara, holding Misae’s hand and chattering, also chimed in with a smile: “Misae is such a sensible child, how could she do anything wrong? Isshin told me last time that Misae even helped him organize the prefectural office’s promotional materials; her writing was neat and clear, more meticulous than the young ladies in the office.”
As she spoke, she took out a small velvet box from her cloth bag and put it into Misae’s hand: “This is a hair ornament I picked out in Ginza a few days ago, made of pearls. It will go perfectly with the kimono you’ll be wearing for the engagement banquet. Take it for now.”
Misae held the box, her cheeks as red as ripe cherries, and whispered, “Thank you, Aunt Fujiwara, it’s too precious…”
“What are you being so polite with me for!” Temari Fujiwara patted her hand, then turned to Misae, her eyes full of admiration: “Misae, you’re becoming more and more capable. I heard your ‘Future Manga Company’ now has seventeen or eighteen people? Hiroshi Nohara has excellent taste to find such a capable wife.”
Misae felt shy from the praise and leaned closer to Hiroshi Nohara, taking his arm: “It’s all thanks to Hiroshi-kun’s help. Without him helping me find a publishing house to connect with, I don’t know when the company’s manga would have been colored.”
Hiroshi Nohara naturally ruffled her hair and looked at Isshin Fujiwara: “Isshin-san, I will rush back from Tokyo in advance on September 7th. If you need any help with the engagement banquet, feel free to call me anytime—you have my mobile number, and if it’s during the day and I’m busy, you can page me.”
Isshin Fujiwara nodded, his tone sincere: “Thank you, Hiroshi-san. We might really need your help then. The prefectural office wants to show a Kumamon short film at the engagement banquet, and we’d need you to help with the editing.”
“It’s a small matter,” Hiroshi Nohara replied with a smile.
Mage, holding a Kumamon plush toy, stood on tiptoe and leaned in front of Temari Fujiwara, her big eyes sparkling: “Aunt Fujiwara, will Kumamon be at the engagement banquet? I want to take pictures with him and get his autograph!”
Temari Fujiwara was amused by her cute appearance and bent down to pat her head: “Yes, yes, I’ll have Isshin bring Kumamon then, so you can take as many pictures as you want. But Mage, you have to promise Auntie that you’ll dress beautifully that day and be your sister’s flower girl, okay?”
“Okay!” Mage immediately nodded, holding up the plush toy and cheering: “I want to wear a pink dress, just like the one my second sister bought for me last time!”
Everyone couldn’t help but laugh at her lively demeanor.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the cherry trees, casting dappled light on the ground, and even the air was filled with a faint warmth.
“It’s getting late, we should be going back,” Yoshiharu Oyama looked at his watch and bowed to the Fujiwara family: “Motomaru Fujiwara-san, Mrs. Fujiwara, Isshin-san, then we will take our leave. See you on September 7th.”
“See you on September 7th.” Motomaru Fujiwara bowed in return. After watching the Oyama family get into their car, he turned and led his family to his own car.
Hiroshi Nohara opened the car door and first let Yoshiharu Oyama and Takao Oyama sit in the back seat, then went around to the passenger side and helped Misae open the door: “Sit down slowly, don’t hit your head.”
Misae nodded with a smile, and after settling into the passenger seat, Hiroshi Nohara started the car, the engine purring smoothly.
The car slowly drove out of the Sakura Village parking lot and along the streets of Kumamoto towards home.
Most of the shops on the roadside had wooden signs. The words “Sato-ya” and “Suzuki Record Shop” were particularly conspicuous in the sunlight. Occasionally, students on bicycles would pass by, with dorayaki they had just bought in their baskets.
Everything was so peaceful, everything was so beautiful.
“The Fujiwara family really understands etiquette.”
Yoshiharu Oyama in the back seat suddenly spoke, his tone full of excitement. He leaned back against the chair, tapping his knees lightly with his fingers: “During dinner just now, Motomaru Fujiwara-san spoke so coherently—he truly is a senior councilman of our Kumamoto Prefecture.”
Takao Oyama also nodded, still fiddling with the silk handkerchief Temari Fujiwara had given her earlier—it was beige, embroidered with tiny cherry blossoms, and felt soft and smooth to the touch.
“Exactly, Mrs. Fujiwara is also an elegant person. When she handed tea to Misae just now, her wrist was raised just right, and she held the tea bowl steadily without spilling a drop. Her voice was also soft and gentle.”
She turned to look out the window, her eyes full of relief: “I am relieved that Misae can marry into such a family.”
Misae in the passenger seat couldn’t help but laugh at this, turning to look at her parents in the back seat: “Mom, don’t say that, you are also very gentle. Last time I had a cold, you got up in the middle of the night to make me ginger soup, more attentive than anyone.” She paused, then looked at Yoshiharu Oyama, her tone full of blessings for her older sister: “Besides, older sister and Isshin-san are such a good match! During dinner just now, Isshin-san specifically picked out sea bream for older sister, saying ‘this has fewer bones, eat more,’ and his gaze was very gentle. Older sister will surely be happy marrying him.”
As she spoke, Misae turned her head again and looked at Hiroshi Nohara, who was driving.
Sunlight streamed through the car window onto his face, making his features even clearer—he was always focused when driving, his hands gripping the steering wheel steadily, his eyes looking straight ahead, occasionally slowing down for pedestrians on the roadside, his movements calm and steady.
As Misae watched, a happy smile spread across her face, and her voice softened: “But I am also very happy. Hiroshi-kun is my support too.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s lips curved upwards when he heard this. He glanced at Misae, his eyes gentle: “Silly girl, you’re my fiancée, if I don’t help you, who will?”
“Mhm!” Misae nodded emphatically, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.
Yoshiharu Oyama in the back seat watched the young couple’s interaction and squinted with a smile. He reached up and touched his face, sighing with emotion: “God truly blesses us! I used to worry about what would happen if Misae and Mage couldn’t find good men—Misae is too gentle, I’m afraid she’ll be bullied; Mage is a bit careless, I’m afraid she’ll be deceived. But now it’s great, Misae has met Isshin-san, and Mage has met Hiroshi-kun. They are both such good people. Not to mention Hiroshi-kun, he’s a third-class director at Tokyo TV at such a young age, has his own production department, his manga sells well, and he’s so good to Mage. I’m truly satisfied!”
As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something and looked up at the rearview mirror.
In the mirror, he could see the car following behind—it was driven by Misae. She had just gotten her driver’s license last year and was driving an old model Nissan from their home.
At this moment, Misae was driving steadily, while Mage in the passenger seat was holding the Kumamon plush toy, sometimes holding it out the window, and sometimes bringing it close to her mouth to whisper to it, looking exceptionally lively.
Yoshiharu Oyama looked at his younger daughter in the rearview mirror, the smile in his eyes fading slightly, and his tone became a bit more worried: “It’s Mage…”
Takao Oyama knew what her husband wanted to say, and sighed softly, taking over the conversation: “Mage is still young, she’ll get better slowly. Although she’s lively, she has a good heart. When the neighbor’s child lost a toy last time, she helped find it for an afternoon. She’ll definitely find a good support in the future, let’s not be too anxious.”
“I’m not anxious about her finding a partner, I’m just worried she’ll meet the wrong person.”
Yoshiharu Oyama frowned, his tone becoming serious: “You know, there are so many delinquents on the streets now—with dyed yellow hair, tattoos on their arms, revving their motorcycles ‘rumbling,’ and drinking and making trouble in the park at night. The last time I went to pick up Mage from school, I saw several yellow-haired youths blocking girls at the school gate, and I quickly pulled Mage away in fright. In Japan, you can get married at 18, and Mage is now 16, still two years away! If she hangs out with those yellow-haired guys and ends up bringing a yellow-haired son-in-law home, I’ll be completely disgraced!”
Hiroshi Nohara couldn’t help but laugh when he heard this—he had often seen jokes online in his past life about “the worst thing for a daughter is to meet a yellow-haired guy,” and he never expected that in this world, Yoshiharu Oyama would have the same worry.
He slowed down the car, and when the red light ahead lit up, he turned to Yoshiharu Oyama and said, “Uncle, please don’t worry. Mage is very shrewd and won’t hang out with those people. The last time I visited your home, I heard Mage tell Misae that a girl in their class wanted to drag her to play with yellow-haired guys, but Mage refused directly, saying ‘those people don’t look like good people, and they speak very rudely.’ You see, she knows what she’s doing.”
“I hope so.”
Yoshiharu Oyama sighed, but his tone was still firm: “However, I cannot let my guard down. From now on, I will go to Mage’s school every week to communicate with the teacher and ask who she plays with at school; if she goes out on weekends, she must have Misae or Mage accompany her, and she must be home before 7 PM. She is my most spoiled youngest daughter, and I absolutely cannot let her get involved with those yellow-haired guys!”
Takao Oyama couldn’t help but smile looking at her husband’s anxious expression: “You’re just too protective of Mage. You weren’t this nervous when Misae and Mage were this age.”
“That’s different!” Yoshiharu Oyama immediately retorted: “Mage is the youngest, and she’s frail. She even had pneumonia as a child. If I don’t protect her, who will?”
Misae also smiled and turned to Yoshiharu Oyama: “Dad, don’t be so nervous. I’ll also help keep an eye on Mage. Next time she comes to Tokyo to visit, I’ll take her to the Tokyo TV production department to see what real work looks like, then she won’t want to hang out with those delinquents.”
Hiroshi Nohara also nodded in agreement: “Yes, next time I’ll take her to see 《An Shizhi》’s animation production and let her see how Section Chief Hashishita and the others draw storyboards, and let her talk to the manga artists in the company. Maybe she’ll become interested in manga.”
Seeing the whole family worrying about Mage, Yoshiharu Oyama’s expression finally softened, and he couldn’t help but smile: “Good, good. With you all looking after her, I’m much more at ease.”
The red light turned green, Hiroshi Nohara stepped on the accelerator, and the car slowly moved forward.
The atmosphere inside the car returned to being relaxed. Takao Oyama started chatting with Misae about the kimono to be worn at the engagement banquet, while Yoshiharu Oyama occasionally chimed in.
In the car behind, however, the atmosphere was a bit different.
Mage, holding the Kumamon plush toy, suddenly shivered. Her small shoulders trembled. She quickly put down the toy and touched her nose tip with her fair little hand—her nose tip felt cool and slightly red.
“Huh? Why is it suddenly so cold?” Mage frowned, looking out the window in confusion.
The sunlight was clearly good, and the cherry trees by the roadside were full of life, yet she felt as if a cold wind was blowing down her neck.
She tilted her head and thought for a moment, then pouted and muttered softly, “Could it be that Old Dad is gossiping about me behind my back again? Last time I was ten minutes late coming home, he told Mom, ‘Is Mage playing with bad kids?’ He’s definitely saying bad things about me again this time!”
Misae, who was driving, couldn’t help but laugh when she heard this.
She glanced at her sister in the passenger seat, her voice full of sisterly affection: “You, you only think of these things. Old Dad isn’t saying bad things about you; he’s worried about you. Last time you had a cold, Old Dad got up in the middle of the night to make you ginger soup and stayed by your bedside, afraid you’d get a fever again. He gossips about you because you are his most beloved daughter.”
Mage pouted and leaned back against the seat, fiddling with the ears of the Kumamon plush toy, her voice a little wronged: “But he used to worry about older sister and second sister too, now he only worries about me. Older sister has Brother-in-law Isshin, second sister has Brother-in-law Hiroshi, they both have someone to take care of them, so I’m alone. Old Dad always controls me, not letting me play in the park with classmates, not letting me watch TV too late, and he won’t even let me dye my hair light brown, saying ‘girls should be simple.'”
Misae couldn’t help but smile when she heard her sister’s complaint. She sighed softly, her tone gentle yet a little shy: “Silly girl, marriage is a lifelong event for a girl. Older sister is with Isshin-san because Isshin-san can take care of her and give her a sense of security; second sister is with Hiroshi-kun because Hiroshi-kun can protect her and support her manga company. Old Dad isn’t ignoring older sister and second sister anymore, it’s because they’ve both found people they can rely on, and Old Dad is at ease.”
She paused, turned to look at Mage, her eyes full of anticipation: “You are still young, there’s no need to rush to find a partner. When you grow up, you will also meet someone who can take care of you and love you, and then Old Dad will be at ease about you.”
Mage’s eyes lit up when she heard this. She sat up straight, patted her chest with her hand, her tone a little defiant: “I know! I want to find a very outstanding boyfriend too! Someone even more impressive than Brother-in-law Hiroshi! For example, someone who is also a director at Tokyo TV, or a manga artist like second sister, who can draw good manga and earn a lot of money! Then I’ll bring him home to show Old Dad, so he won’t worry about me anymore!”
Misae couldn’t help but smile when she saw her sister’s serious expression. She gently shook her head and said earnestly: “Mage, if you want to find an excellent boyfriend, you must first make yourself excellent. Your most important task now is to study hard, first get into a good high school in Tokyo, and then get into a good university. Only by going to a better place can you meet more excellent people. For example, older sister studied hard before, which allowed her to get into a prestigious university in Kumamoto, and after graduation, she could work as a teacher in a middle school and meet Isshin-san; second sister also met Hiroshi-kun because she liked manga, and then she had her own manga company.”
She reached out and stroked Mage’s head, her tone gentle: “If you don’t study hard now, you’ll only be able to stay in a small town in Kumamoto. How can you meet excellent people? So, don’t always think about finding a boyfriend; focus on your studies first, okay?”
When Mage heard the word “study,” her little face immediately fell, her mouth pouting so much it could hang an oil bottle. She leaned back against the seat, feeling wronged: “I know, I know… but studying is so hard. I always get math problems wrong, and I can’t remember English vocabulary…”
Although she complained, she still nodded lightly: “But I will work hard. When I get into high school in Tokyo, I’ll go visit second sister and have her take me to see Brother-in-law Hiroshi’s production department!”
Misae smiled and nodded, stepping on the accelerator. The car slowly followed Hiroshi Nohara’s car and drove along the cherry blossom-lined street.
Sunlight streamed through the car window, dyeing everything inside a warm hue. Mage held the Kumamon plush toy, looked at the cherry trees outside the window, and softly muttered, “I must get into high school in Tokyo.” Occasionally, she would remember that she could see Kumamon at the engagement banquet and couldn’t help but show a sweet smile.
The two cars, one after the other, drove on the streets of Kumamoto in 1991.
In the car in front, Yoshiharu Oyama was still discussing the details of the engagement banquet with Takao Oyama, while Misae occasionally chimed in. Hiroshi Nohara would occasionally turn to say a few words to Misae, his tone gentle.
In the car behind, Misae was driving diligently, while Mage was quietly planning her future, occasionally chatting with Misae about interesting things at school.
The cherry trees lining the street swayed gently in the breeze, their pale pink buds about to bloom, much like the family’s expectations for the future—Misae’s engagement banquet, Mage’s studies, and Hiroshi Nohara’s career in Tokyo. Everything was developing in a beautiful direction.
The sunlight was just right, the breeze was gentle, and such days were peaceful and warm, yet filled everyone with a sense of peace.
…
As soon as the black sedan stopped at the entrance of the Fujiwara family’s courtyard, Motomaru Fujiwara got out of the car.
The hem of his dark gray kimono brushed against the cobblestone ground with a light rustling sound. He looked up at the neatly trimmed holly bushes in the courtyard, then at the wooden plaque “Fujiwara Residence” hanging under the eaves. The usually stern corners of his mouth curved upwards.
“The Oyama family, those few, are far more well-behaved than I had expected.”
Motomaru Fujiwara turned around and watched his wife, Temari Fujiwara, get out of the car, his voice full of obvious satisfaction: “Especially Yoshiharu Oyama. He knew I was a prefectural councilman, but he didn’t show any fawning. When discussing Misae’s education, his reasoning was clearer than those young clerks in the prefectural office—he’s a retired teacher who’s been teaching for decades.”
Temari Fujiwara brushed some cherry blossom petals off the cuff of her kimono and smiled as she chimed in: “Exactly! I had the butler check beforehand; the Oyama family’s ancestors were all civil servants. Yoshiharu-san himself teaches Japanese in a middle school, and Takao-san was a classical literature teacher at a middle school in the neighboring town before she got married. People from such educational families, how could their etiquette and conversation be lacking? Didn’t you notice Takao-san speaking? When she mentioned 《The Tale of Genji》, even our Isshin couldn’t get a word in. That knowledge isn’t something you can fake.”
As they were speaking, Isshin Fujiwara locked his car and walked over. Hearing his mother’s words, he immediately nodded in agreement: “Mom is right. Misae told me yesterday that her mother’s graduating class always had the highest average Japanese score in the prefecture for five consecutive years. Later, in order to take care of her and her two younger sisters, she resigned to be a housewife—if she hadn’t resigned, she might have become a Dean of Students by now.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Motomaru Fujiwara raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing even more admiration: “In that case, Takao-san is quite a capable woman. Many women nowadays, after marriage, only have eyes for daily necessities. To have raised three daughters so well—Misae is steady, Mage is capable, and even the youngest Mage shows a hint of cleverness, it’s clear she’s put a lot of thought into her children.”
Temari Fujiwara covered her mouth and giggled, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes filled with tenderness: “You’re only noticing now? I’ve said it before, the Oyama family is a respectable family, a perfect match for our Isshin. Women like us, no matter how capable before marriage, mostly revolve around the family after marriage. Before I married you, I was an assistant at my father’s trading company, traveling with him to clients in Osaka and Tokyo. Back then, people called me ‘the Fujiwara family’s female president,’ who would have thought that now I spend my days researching recipes and tending to the garden?”
“Hahaha, you still have the nerve to bring that up!”
Motomaru Fujiwara laughed at his wife’s words, his voice full of warm memories: “I still remember the first time I went with you to negotiate a fabric business in Osaka. The other party’s boss deliberately lowered the price, and with just a few words, you raised the price and even got them to proactively increase the order by thirty percent. Later, your father told me, ‘My daughter can handle things better than my son.’ That’s when I felt I had struck gold by marrying you.”
Temari Fujiwara’s cheeks flushed from his words, and she gently patted her husband’s arm: “That was ages ago, why bring it up again? Now, our biggest concern is Isshin and Misae’s marriage. After they’re engaged, I’ll help prepare for the wedding. And when we have grandchildren, I’ll stay home to take care of them and enjoy the happiness of family.”
Just then, Isshin Fujiwara suddenly stepped forward, his tone unusually serious: “Mom, I’ve talked with Misae, and I don’t plan for her to resign after marriage. She loves teaching very much, and she’s currently teaching Japanese in a middle school. Her students all like her very much. Last time, a student’s parent even specially sent a thank-you letter to the school. I think women can have their own careers after marriage; they don’t necessarily have to be housewives at home.”
This statement stunned both Motomaru Fujiwara and Temari Fujiwara.
The courtyard fell silent instantly, with only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the cherry blossoms. A few pale pink petals slowly drifted to the ground.
Motomaru Fujiwara frowned, his tone showing some disapproval: “Isshin, what you’re saying is not right. It’s generally not good for women to be out and about. Our Fujiwara family is a respectable family in Kumamoto. If your wife is dealing with a group of students at school every day, people will say our family doesn’t understand etiquette. Besides, you’re busy working at the prefectural office, so someone has to take care of the household. Only when Misae handles the logistics at home can you work with peace of mind.”
Temari Fujiwara also chimed in: “Yes, Isshin. Mom isn’t saying Misae shouldn’t work, it’s just that after marriage, family is the most important thing. Look at Mom, no matter how capable I was at the company, I still stayed home to take care of you and your elder brother after getting married, didn’t I? Misae is young now and finds work interesting, but when she has children later, she’ll naturally know that taking care of children at home is much easier than teaching at school. Besides, our family isn’t lacking that little bit of salary, why make her work so hard?”
Isshin Fujiwara shook his head, his gaze even more determined than before: “Dad, Mom, times have changed. Look at Misae, she opened ‘Future Manga Company’ with Hiroshi-kun and now has seventeen or eighteen manga artists as employees. Hiroshi-kun not only doesn’t object but also helps her find publishers to connect with. Misae told me that her biggest dream is to pass on the charm of classical literature to more students. If she has to resign, she’ll definitely be unhappy. I’m marrying her because I want her to be happy, not to confine her to the house. As for household matters, we can hire a housekeeper, and I can also help with cooking and cleaning after work, so Misae doesn’t have to bear it all alone.”
Motomaru Fujiwara looked at his son’s earnest expression, was silent for a moment, and then looked at his wife beside him.
Temari Fujiwara sighed softly, pulled her husband’s arm, and said in a low voice: “Forget it, let the children make their own decisions about their affairs. Misae is a sensible child, and even if she continues to work, she won’t neglect household matters. Besides, Isshin has a point. Many young couples nowadays work together. Let’s not be too stubborn.”
Motomaru Fujiwara was silent for a few seconds, then finally nodded, his tone considerably softened: “Alright, we elders truly don’t understand the ideas of you young people. As long as your lives are good in the future and Misae is willing, your mother and I won’t object. But let’s be clear upfront, if household matters are neglected in the future, don’t come complaining to us.”
Isshin Fujiwara immediately smiled and bowed deeply to his parents: “Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom! I promise, I will take more care of household matters in the future and will absolutely not let Misae suffer any grievances!”
Just then, the phone in the living room suddenly rang “ding-a-ling,” breaking the warm atmosphere in the courtyard.
Temari Fujiwara quickly said: “It must be the butler calling, I’ll go answer it.”
She then hurried towards the living room, the hem of her kimono swaying gently with her steps.
Not long after, Temari Fujiwara’s surprised voice came from the living room: “Old Maru! Isshin! Come quickly! It’s Governor Muto’s call!”
Motomaru Fujiwara and Isshin Fujiwara were both taken aback—Masao Muto was the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, and he rarely called their family unless it was for work. Why would he suddenly call today?
Motomaru Fujiwara quickly walked towards the living room, tidying his kimono collar as he went, his tone tinged with nervousness: “Why would Governor Muto suddenly call? Is there an emergency at the prefectural office?”
Temari Fujiwara was already holding the phone and handed it to him with a smile: “It’s not about the prefectural office; it’s about Isshin and Misae’s marriage! You talk to the Governor!”
Motomaru Fujiwara took the phone, took a deep breath, and said with just the right amount of respect: “Hello, Governor Muto, I am Motomaru Fujiwara. May I ask what your instructions are for calling today?”
A gentle voice came from the other end of the line, “Honmaru-san, there’s no need to be so polite. My secretary told me that your son Isshin is engaged to Miss Oyama? That’s good news! I know Yoshiharu Oyama-san; he’s a reliable old teacher, and his daughter must be no less.”
Motomaru Fujiwara quickly thanked him: “Thank you for your praise, Governor. We just finalized the engagement banquet date with the Oyama family today for September 7th. We would be honored if you could grace us with your presence.”
“September 7th? I happen to be free that day!”
Governor Muto’s voice was full of laughter: “Honmaru-san, why are you being so polite with me? We’ve known each other for so many years. How could I not attend your child’s engagement banquet? Not only will I attend, but I also want to be the witness for your Isshin and Misae. Would you be willing?”
Motomaru Fujiwara’s eyes lit up with surprise, and he quickly said: “Willing! Of course, we’re willing! It would be an honor for our Fujiwara family, and for the Oyama family as well, to have you as the witness! Thank you so much, Governor Muto!”
“No need to thank me, you and I have been good friends for many years.”
Governor Muto’s voice remained gentle: “I also heard that your son Isshin is currently working with Hiroshi Nohara-san on the Kumamon promotion plan? That Hiroshi Nohara-san is very talented. I watched his 《Seven Samurai》, it’s a good film, depicting the spirit of samurai and the complexities of human nature. Have Isshin learn more from him, and strive to improve Kumamoto’s promotion efforts. This will also help my next re-election.”
Motomaru Fujiwara quickly responded: “Please rest assured, Governor. I will definitely have Isshin communicate more with Hiroshi-san! We will definitely do a good job on Kumamoto’s promotional work and not disappoint your expectations!”
After chatting about a few more casual topics, such as whether to ask Hiroshi Nohara to help film a promotional short for the Kumamoto Castle Culture Festival in September, Motomaru Fujiwara finally hung up the phone, unable to hide the smile on his face.
Temari Fujiwara quickly leaned in and asked: “What did the Governor say? Did he agree to attend the engagement banquet?”
Motomaru Fujiwara smiled and nodded, his voice full of excitement: “Not only did he agree to attend, but he also voluntarily offered to be the witness for Isshin and Misae! Governor Muto is the parent official of Kumamoto Prefecture. To have him as a witness is truly a great honor for our family! Officials from the prefectural office and chairmen of various associations will surely come. We should inform Manager Yamada of Sakura Village in advance to make the venue decoration more grand.”
Temari Fujiwara also clapped her hands excitedly: “That’s wonderful! This way, the engagement banquet will be even livelier! I’ll go to Ginza tomorrow to pick out some better souvenirs; we can’t let the guests think our family is stingy.”
Isshin Fujiwara stood aside, unable to help but sigh: “I didn’t expect Governor Muto to give us so much face. Dad, you have a really good relationship with the Governor.”
Motomaru Fujiwara waved his hand with a smile, his voice tinged with pride: “I’ve known Governor Muto for over twenty years. When he first joined the prefectural office, it was I, an old councilman, who introduced him. However, don’t be too happy too soon. Governor Muto also told me just now to have you learn more from Hiroshi Nohara-san and do a good job on the Kumamon promotion plan to help his next re-election.”
He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: “Isshin, you must seize this opportunity. Governor Muto currently places great importance on Kumamoto’s tourism industry. If you can do a good job promoting Kumamon and attract more people to visit Kumamoto, driving Kumamoto’s economy, your future development in the prefectural office will surely be smoother. I heard that Governor Muto plans to increase his public approval ratings through Kumamon. You should communicate more with Hiroshi-san to see if you can film a series of Kumamon short films or organize some offline events at the Kumamoto Castle Culture Festival to increase Kumamon’s fame.”
Isshin Fujiwara immediately straightened his back and bowed: “Yes! I understand! I will call Hiroshi-san tomorrow and have a good talk with him about the Kumamon promotion plan, striving to come up with a plan that satisfies Governor Muto as soon as possible!”
Motomaru Fujiwara nodded with satisfaction and patted his shoulder: “Good! This is what I expect from my son, Motomaru Fujiwara! Remember, this is a rare opportunity, so you must grasp it well. Not only should you do a good job at work, but you should also maintain a good relationship with the Oyama family. Misae is a good girl, don’t disappoint her.”
Isshin Fujiwara nodded earnestly: “Dad, please rest assured, I will definitely not disappoint Misae, nor will I disappoint your and Mom’s expectations!”
Temari Fujiwara looked at the earnest father and son and smiled: “Alright, alright, don’t just talk about work. It’s getting late. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite eel rice, as well as your father’s favorite sake. Let’s eat first. After dinner, we can discuss the details of the engagement banquet, such as the guest list and the style of venue decoration, striving to make this [Truncated: Max tokens]
Fujiwara Isshin nodded seriously, “Dad, don’t worry, I definitely won’t let down Mage, nor will I fail to live up to your and Mom’s expectations for me!”
Fujiwara Temari looked at the father and son’s serious expressions and said with a smile, “Alright, alright, don’t just talk about work. It’s getting late. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite eel rice, and the sake your father likes. Let’s eat first. After dinner, we can discuss the details of the engagement banquet, such as the guest list and the venue decoration style, and strive to make this engagement banquet a grand success.”
Fujiwara Motomaru nodded, his tone laced with a smile, “Okay, let’s eat first. Today is a good day, we must celebrate it properly!”
The family of three walked towards the dining room, laughing and chatting. The warm yellow light from the living room spilled through the paper sliding doors, illuminating the family photo hanging on the wall—in the photo, Isshin Fujiwara was still a boy in a school uniform, standing between his parents, smiling brightly.
The cherry blossom trees outside the window glowed faintly under the moonlight, and a gentle breeze brought waves of floral fragrance, making everything feel so warm and beautiful.
Isshin Fujiwara walked behind his parents, his heart full of gratitude—he knew that although his parents were sometimes stubborn, they always had his best interests at heart.
Now that his parents support his and Misae’s decision, Governor Muto is willing to be the witness, and he has the opportunity to gain the Governor’s appreciation at work, such days are simply like a dream.
He secretly made up his mind that he must work harder in the future, not only to do a good job at the prefectural office and reassure his parents, but also to take good care of Misae and make her the happiest woman in the world.
As for Kumamon’s promotional plan, he will communicate with Hiroshi-san as soon as possible to strive for a perfect plan that lives up to everyone’s expectations.
The dining room was already set with food, fragrant eel rice steaming, the fish skin grilled golden and crispy, the fish meat fresh and tender, with exquisite Japanese sweets and steaming matcha placed beside it.
The family sat around the dining table, beginning to enjoy their warm dinner. Laughter would occasionally erupt from the living room, making the quiet night feel especially cozy.
Midway through the meal, Fujiwara Motomaru suddenly remembered something and looked at Fujiwara Isshin: “By the way, have you told your elder brother, Ichimasa, the date of the engagement banquet? Tell him to be sure to come back on September 7th. He’s the elder brother, and how can he be absent from his younger brother’s engagement banquet?”
Isshin Fujiwara put down his chopsticks and quickly said, “I already called Elder Brother yesterday and told him. He said the project will wrap up by early September and he’ll definitely be back. He also said he wants to prepare an engagement gift for Misae and told me not to say anything in advance, as he wants to give her a surprise.”
“That’s more like it,” Fujiwara Motomaru nodded with satisfaction, then put a piece of eel into his mouth. “Your elder brother may not say much, but he still cares about this family. The trouble with that promotional plan you encountered at the prefectural office last time was resolved with the help of a friend he has in Kyoto.”
Fujiwara Temari also smiled and said, “That’s right. Kazumasa is just too reserved and not good at expressing himself. He called me last time and said he wanted to take the opportunity to chat with Hiroshi-san about the Kumamoto promotion plan, as the prefectural office wants to cooperate with Tokyo TV to shoot a short film introducing Kumamoto’s local customs and culture.”
Isshin Fujiwara nodded, “I know. I’ll have Hiroshi-san talk more with Elder Brother then. Maybe some good ideas will come out of it.”
The family of three chatted as they ate, their conversation flowing from the details of the engagement banquet to the future development of Kumamoto, from Misae’s job to Elder Brother’s recent situation, topic after topic, in a remarkably harmonious atmosphere.
The moonlight outside grew brighter and brighter, and the shadow of the cherry blossom tree was cast on the paper of the window, gently swaying, just like this family’s expectations for the future—warm, beautiful, and full of hope.
