A Diamond So Rare.
That day, that random Friday morning, was going to determine Himawari Itadori’s entire worth and future. That evening, she would attend a party with her mother and father. She was dolled up in the prettiest and most expensive Kimono her parents could afford. Aiko, her maid, did her make-up, making sure to give her a natural look. After all, Himawari was beautiful with a bare face, but as Aiko said, “makeup can make any woman look even better, miss!”. Her black hair was curled, so that it shaped her face, and then she was escorted from the house and brought to a mansion in the mountains. The party was full of eligible young women, all wanting to marry the man of the hour – Satoru Gojo. Although, he would not be attending. Just his parents.
Himawari had heard the name Satoru Gojo a few times while she was in town. Other maids and women in general spoke of him highly - even the men admired him and wished to be like him. Himawari, the oldest child and only daughter of Lord Jin Itadori, was by far the most eligible lady in the room. She began to understand that as soon as she entered the ballroom, linking arms with her father. Her mother, Kaori, linked his other arm, smiling warmly at the other women, who scowled in response.
“Keep smiling, Sunflower,” her mother told her through her smile, “ignore the glares.”
Himawari obeyed, knowing better than to defy her parents.
They approached one of the servants, who asked Jin for their names.
“Lord Jin Itadori. I’m here with my wife, Lady Kaori, and my daughter, Lady Himawari.”
“R-right!” the servant nodded, clearing his throat before he took the microphone beside him and announced:
“Lord and Lady Jin Itadori – and their beautiful daughter, Lady Himawari Itadori.”
The entire room fell silent as the family stepped into the ballroom properly. Himawari could feel the burning eyes of every young maiden in the room. She ignored the intense and overwhelming feeling, allowing her father and mother to guide her towards the family of Satoru Gojo, who were seemingly impressed by the silence the Itadori’s had caused. They were smirking, with a gleam in their eyes.
Stopping before them, Jin released his daughter from his hold. Taking a small, unnoticeable breath among the silence, Himawari bowed to Lord and Lady Gojo. Lady Hanako Gojo, a fascinating-looking woman with hair as white as pure snow, and gleaming green eyes, swirled what was left of her drink in her glass, then threw it back in one go. Lord Arata Gojo didn’t remove his eyes from Himawari for one second.
“You may stand,” Hanako said softly, though when she lifted her head, Himawari noticed she was still smirking. It appeared she ruled the Gojo roost. She spoke, and Lord Gojo listened.
She took a thin finger, lifting Himawari’s chin so that she was looking into the young woman’s eyes - a glistening blue. She got those eyes from her paternal grandmother. She turned Himawari’s face - from left to right. Himawari could feel her purple nails, practically claws, against her pale, porcelain skin, as they sunk into her flesh a bit. Not on purpose, though.
“Beautiful face,” Hanako said quietly, “very beautiful face. Those eyes are promising. Blue eyed women have a higher chance of being successful creating a six eyes heir.”
She stepped back, her eyes falling down Himawari’s body, making comments as she did: “nice breasts. Not too big, not too small. Cinched waist. Nice hips, good for carrying babies.”
Himawari’s cheeks were a dark red. But she continued on.
“Not too pale, so not sickly. Do you receive regular menstrual bleeding?”
Himawari nodded in response, “Yes, my lady. I receive them every month, every twenty-eight days.”
“Heh. Excellent. Well spoken, too.”
She circled around Himawari, who had never felt more uncomfortable in her life.
“I have heard many things about you, Himawari Itadori,” she said, stopping to observe Himawari’s backside, “perfect size. I have heard that you are kind. Gentle. Mannerly. These are all qualities I look for in my son’s future bride, yes. But there’s more to a woman than her personality, you see. Looks are just as important. A six eyes heir is the ultimate outcome, of course. . . but what use is a six-eyes heir if they are,” she shuddered, “ugly?”
It was a hypothetical question, one Himawari dared not reply to.
“I had heard you were incredibly beautiful. I am glad to see my expectations have been met.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Himawari said quietly.
“Would you say. . . you are obedient?”
“I would say so, yes,” Himawari nodded, “My goal is to serve my husband and see to it that his goals are met.”
Lady Hanako’s eyes glimmered with excitement.
“Ah, good. I must ask, Himawari-chan. How many children do you wish to give birth to?”
This was a question Himawari had been prepared for.
“I am willing to birth as many children as is necessary to achieve Lord Gojo’s goal, my lady.”
Another gleam of excitement in her eyes. Himawari knew she was performing well. The other mothers were mumbling, cursing at their daughters for not being beautiful or smart enough. The room was full of women saying, “why can’t you be like her?”
Himawari felt awful, but she knew what she had to do.
“Ms. Itadori, you seem like a pure gem.”
That comment came from Lord Gojo, who had been silent until then. He stepped forward, placing his wine glass down on the nearby drinks table.
“Thank you kindly, my lord,” she responded. He stopped in front of her, then glanced at his wife, who gave him a small nod.
“Ms. Itadori. You are a diamond so rare. Your beauty, your personality, your manners. We would be honoured if you would meet our son at our home. He will surely accept you as his fiancee. What do you say?”
“I would be honoured, my lord.”
She could hear her mother giggle in the background, showing her satisfaction.
“Thank you very much, ms. Itadori. We look forward to greeting you.”
To Himawari’s utter surprise, he then turned to a nearby servant.
“This party has reached its conclusion. We have found our diamond. Send the rest home.”
The servant nodded, “yes, my lord.”
Himawari watched with widened eyes as Lord Gojo left the party, escaping upstairs to his study.
Lady Gojo took her hands in her own, giving her a happy smile. Her smirk had vanished.
“Himawari-chan. I also look forward to inviting you to our actual home.”
She looked around, “this home would be yours to share with Satoru if you two decide to wed. I do hope you will consider him as your husband. He is a good man, despite his. . .sarcastic nature.”
Was that a warning? Himawari nodded, smiling in return.
“I look forward to meeting Lord Gojo in person.”
“Such a sweetheart!” Lady Gojo giggled, pinching her slightly plump cheeks, “I shall leave you now. Do expect an invite from us soon. Just a formality.”
She looked over Himawari’s shoulders, “what a lady you both have raised. You must be so proud.”
“We most certainly are!” Jin exclaimed contently.
With that, her hands were released, and Lady Gojo vanished from the room, disappearing into what she presumed was the drawing room.
The itadori’s left alongside everyone else. Himawari let out a deep sigh of relief as she returned to the car, sitting inside. Her parents grinned widely at her, letting her know they were ever so proud. Her father patted her on the back.
“You have done well, young lady,” he told her, his tone so happy.
“Yes!” her mother smiled, giving her a small hug, “very well.”
If that were true. . . then why did Himawari feel so uneasy?
