My Happy Marriage (わたしの幸せな結婚)

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...