Ever since Jane met Haruto for the first time, she hasn't seen him again.

Today marks about three days.

Roza Beni often comes to visit her. At the manor, they usually chat about Japanese traditions, customs, weapons, and other things.

Especially about Haruto, but every time Jane asked, Roza would be evasive.

Sometimes Jane wants to grab Roza and throw her down.

Jane and Roza have become close, like sisters. Sometimes Roza takes her to their clan.

Beni is not their clan name; they call themselves the Beni clan in honor of their grandfather Beni.

Their clan name is known to be Takahana.

Roza Beni Takahana.

Roza is a skilled archer. She can eat a lot and is also very strong. Even Jane, who is trained in combat, cannot fully draw Roza's bow.

Once, she went hunting with Roza. Jane had a rifle, and Roza had her bow.

Roza showed her how to shoot a wild boar with her bow from behind a tree.

Roza drew her bow all the way back and patiently waited for the target. The vibrating sound of the arrow Roza released made even Jane, who was nearby, shiver.

The wild boar's neck was pierced straight through. From that moment on, Jane no longer thought of Roza as a gentle girl.

On the fourth day, Haruto was at the manor.

Jane was happy because she would get to spend time with Haruto. She had breakfast with him. The lord had left for Mongolia on a diplomatic mission.

"Jane, shall we go shopping today? For the things you need."

Jane liked Haruto's idea.

Haruto wore a spring-like Montsuki paired with a smoky gray Hakama. He wore a spring-like Haori over it.

His hair was styled as usual, slightly tied back, with some front strands left loose.

Jane wore a white shirt tucked into black riding pants and tall combat boots. Her hair was tied back with a black ribbon.

"Jane, you look beautiful."

Haruto said in a soft, gentle voice.

Jane looked at him and gave a shy smile.

"He's very handsome too, isn't he?"

As Jane and Haruto reached the doorway, they encountered Roza getting off her horse.

Roza stared at Haruto and said,

"Going shopping? I'll come along."

A servant must have seen Roza, as they came to take the reins of her horse.

Roza handed over the horse. The three of them walked towards the market.

Although Jane had only been here for a short time, every time she came to the market with Roza, the market people remembered her as Lady Murakami.

Now that she was walking alongside Haruto, the curious gazes of the market vendors were everywhere.

Roza, on the other hand, was busy going in and out of various snack shops.

When they reached a jade craftsman, Haruto was choosing things that would suit Jane.

"Jane's hair is so dark, so white or gray would probably look good on you."

"Whatever you like, Haruto. I like both colors."

Roza, looking uninterested, picked up and put down jade hairpins.

"Roza Beni!!"

A deep voice from behind Jane and Haruto called out to Roza. The usually bustling Roza next to Haruto froze like a statue as soon as she heard that voice. Jane even thought Roza's whole body was trembling.

Roza prepared to run away.

"Where do you think you're going, Beni!!"

The tone was commanding but Jane thought it sounded warm.

Jane had never seen Roza look so scared before.

So there was someone Roza was afraid of.

Roza stopped in her tracks but kept her back to the girl.

As the girl got closer to her, Roza tightly grabbed the sleeve of Haruto's jacket, moved closer to him, and whispered,

"I'm going. You explain things."

Roza ran off like the wind.

The girl was left with a displeased expression. Jane felt sorry for her. The girl, who had beautifully styled hair, heart-shaped lips, dark eyes, and wore a light purple Kimono, was beautiful.

"Please give her more time, Sister Jisu."

Haruto's words made Jisu look at him with angry eyes.

"She was the one who was wrong, Yuri. I've already forgiven her, haven't I? Why is she still running away?"

Jane heard the name Yuri from Jisu's lips.

Haruto's face fell slightly.

"Sister Jisu, I'm Haruto, not Yuri."

Jisu seemed to see Jane then. She smiled at Jane.

"I'm sorry, Haruto. I lost my temper. I'll be going now."

As Jisu left, Haruto took Jane's hand. Jane's heart fluttered. Her heartbeats became irregular.

"Are you confused, Jane?"

"It's alright, Haruto."

"Haru!"

The name slipped from his lips. He continued to look at Jane with a dazed expression.

"Call me Haru, Jane. I was worried it might be too long to say."

Jane took his arm with her other hand.

She leaned closer and said in a soft voice,

"Can I call you Darling?"

Darling smiled, revealing his teeth. Darling's smile was as warm as spring.

Roza was right. Darling is like spring.

"Yes, Jane. I like it."

Jane lowered her head shyly. Darling rubbed the back of his neck.

"Who was that just now, Darling?"

Jane was curious. If she was lucky, she might get some leverage over Roza.

"That's Jisu Rina Kenji, the daughter of General Kenji Rintarou."

"Why did Roza run away, Darling?"

Jane leaned on Darling's arm as they walked.

"That girl... she's been messing around without Jisu knowing."

Jane looked at Darling, confused.

Darling looked at Jane's expression. A shadow crossed his eyes.

"Is Jane very traditional?"

"What do you mean, Darling?"

"I mean, is Jane someone who can't accept things that go against nature? Especially sexual orientation."

Jane understood what Darling was saying. Jane was not prejudiced. Darling probably thought Jane would be disgusted by his friend.

"Jane is not prejudiced, Darling. Jane understands those kinds of things."

"Really?"

Darling's face brightened up again. Jane was happy because Darling was happy.

"Roza and Jisu have been childhood sweethearts. Roza became promiscuous when she grew up. Jisu was patient."

"Roza is so unfaithful."

Darling smiled at Jane's words.

"Darling isn't like that, is he?"

Darling didn't answer, he just smiled. Jane felt like sulking, but she was also worried that Darling would be upset.

"I am yours, Jane. Only Jane owns me, as long as Jane doesn't let go."

Darling said softly. Darling's tone suggested that he thought Jane might leave him someday.

"Jane will never leave Darling."

Darling looked intently into Jane's eyes.

"Darling believes you, Jane."

Darling spoke in his usual soft, gentle voice.