Night (夜, Yoru?) is the third chapter of Volume 5 of the My Happy Marriage novel.
Summary[]
In a meeting with government officials, Takaihito is facing backlash for stationing outsiders in the palace without permission. Among the officials, a faction headed by the Minister of the Navy raises objections. They criticise Takakura, who leads a faction that supports the prince's decision, for meddling in politics, and express concerns about turning the palace into a personal domain. However, no one could refute the fact that the prince's plan places less burden on the finances. When asked about the negligence of intelligence management, the Minister of Communications expresses his commitment to investigating and developing countermeasures. Despite breaking convention, Takaihito apologizes to the ministers and explains that Divine Revelation showed him dire futures, including one where he's killed and the empire falls to the Gifted Communion. He believes the best strategy is to keep both Miyo and himself close to Kiyoka, the only one capable of challenging Usui, and stands firm in his decision.
Miyo attends a "women's night" gathering in Hazuki's room, along with Yurie, Takaihito, now calling himself "Takako", and Kaoruko, who joins through a mirror technique. They share drinks and the conversation turns to the topic of love. Kaoruko emotionally expresses her unrequited affection for Kiyoka, which deeply affects Miyo, who feels insecure about being unable to express her own feelings for him. After Kaoruko falls asleep due to alcohol, Miyo questions the wisdom of drinking, fearing that they might be unable to respond in an emergency while intoxicated. Takaihito reassures her that Usui won't attack this night, based on the fact it isn't snowing. The conversation then shifts to Miyo's relationship with Kiyoka, with Hazuki playfully inquiring about their physical intimacy. After Takaihito and Kaoruko depart, Hazuki advises Miyo to confess her romantic feelings to Kiyoka. Miyo is afraid that acknowledging her feelings as romantic and confessing them will change her relationship with Kiyoka for the worst. Hazuki shares her own regrets about missing a similar opportunity and emphasizes that Kiyoka is hurting because of Miyo's hesitation. Miyo tearfully expresses that she needs time, and both Hazuki and Yurie provide support and understanding.
On the fifth day of their stay, Miyo watches as Kiyoka leaves for work after dinner. She's overcome with a sense of foreboding, fearing for his well-being given the constant threat from the Gifted Communion and the public criticism aimed at his unit. Arata tries to comfort her by mentioning Kiyoka's strength and how one's Gift can be influenced by the strength of their mind, even though he hasn't experienced it himself. A car suddenly approaches and two men in suits, who claim to be lost, exit the car. Arata recognizes them as Hasebe, the Minister of Education, and his secretary. When Arata doubts their intentions, Hasebe belittles them, demanding proof of their Gifts. Arata refuses and an argument ensues, but is interrupted when Takakura, the Minister of the Imperial Household and unit members led by Godou arrive. The secretary insincerely apologizes to the two and whispers to Arata not to forget his responsibilities. After the troublemakers leave, Yoshito informs Miyo that Kiyoka is arriving and Takakura promises to prevent such thing from happening again. Miyo notices Arata's passive aggressiveness, prompting her to inquire about his concerns. Arata confides that he senses a forthcoming change in their relationship. He believes Miyo has grown stronger, and he's anxious about not always being able to protect her as he does now. Miyo doesn't fully grasp Arata's feelings but is left with a sense of uncertainty.
After Kiyoka rushes to Miyo, he repeatedly asks about her well-being. Hazuki and Yurie also express their concerns and encourage them to get some rest. Following a bath, Miyo returns to her room with Kiyoka, only to find her single bed replaced by a larger one meant for two. Both Arata and Yurie are mysteriously absent. Kiyoka suspects that it was Takaihito's doing and advises Miyo to go along with it. The two dispute over who will take the bed before finally agreeing to sleep in it together. However, Miyo's too nervous to sleep, so Kiyoka proposes that they take turns asking each other questions. When Miyo asks him if he ever found his work hard before, Kiyoka admits that his job isn't grueling, but he sometimes feels regret when colleagues are injured or killed. Miyo confesses she initially felt uneasy when she took her sister's place for their engagement but those feelings faded, and Kiyoka reveals that he hasn't experienced the feeling of love, because he was always unwilling to face others earnestly, something Miyo believes is to protect himself. When turning the question back on her, Miyo falls silent, and Kiyoka presses her on whether she doesn't want to answer because she doesn't trust him, but Miyo denies this. Kiyoka then expresses a desire for a deeper bond between them. He wonders if this is a selfish idea, but Miyo reassures him that it isn't.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Takaihito
- Takakura
- Minister of the Navy
- Prime Minister
- Hasebe
- Minister of the Imperial Household
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Minister of Communications
- Miyo Saimori
- Hazuki Kudou
- Yurie
- Kaoruko Jinnouchi
- Kiyoka Kudou
- Arata Usuba
- Secretary of Education
- Yoshito Godou
Mentioned characters[]
Chapter Notes[]
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