Nozomi, who sat alongside Mizuki in the car, felt a surge of irritation upon noticing the multitude of love marks that adorned her entire body, remnants of intimate moments shared. Deep down, all she truly desired was to express gratitude towards Mizuki for the unwavering support extended over the past year. However, aware that Mizuki and Chika shared a close friendship, a tinge of uncertainty crept in, leading Nozomi to contemplate leveraging this intricate dynamic to her advantage, further complicating the situation with a sense of unforeseen complexity.
During their childhood, Nozomi and Chika had the opportunity to meet at a high-profile party that was exclusive to elite individuals. It was at this event where Nozomi first encountered Chika, finding herself immediately drawn to her magnetic presence. Despite belonging to rival companies, Nozomi was eager to establish a friendship with Chika. She made multiple attempts to engage with Chika in conversation, expressing her genuine interest in building a relationship with her. However, Chika seemed uninterested and continuously brushed off Nozomi's efforts to connect. This rejection left Nozomi feeling dejected, especially when she noticed others mocking her for her persistent yet fruitless attempts. The situation was made even more humiliating as their competitors began spreading rumors and making fun of Nozomi's awkward behavior in front of everyone present at the party.
Nozomi's father, who was visibly startled by the unfolding scene, couldn't suppress his sense of discomfort. In an impulsive reaction, he decided to confront Nozomi about the situation and, after a brief exchange, they made their way back home. Once inside, they descended to the basement, a place where an assortment of disciplinary tools was stashed. Among them was a diminutive whip that seemed almost whimsical in design, hinting at its previous use on younger individuals. With a cloud of suppressed anger hovering over him, Nozomi's father directed his frustrations towards her, emphasizing his earlier warning about avoiding any contact with Chika – a member of their rival family .
He beat Nozomi until she was on the verge of collapsing, his merciless actions reflecting the fury burning within him. With a venomous whisper, he condemned her to a lifetime of this punishment, leaving her crumpled on the ground as he departed. Nozomi's world shattered the moment her father's shadow vanished, the weight of her suffering pressing her against the cold basement floor for what seemed like an eternity. The servants, instructed to maintain their distance during her penance, couldn't help but ache for the beloved Nozomi, their hearts heavy with the injustice of her situation. She had always treated them with kindness, earning their admiration and friendship, but now, as she lay alone in her despair, their loyalty conflicted with their duty.
Nozomi, deeply immersed in a flood of memories from the past, started to regain consciousness as she approached the expansive family house, which exuded an air of opulence and grandeur. Eagerly, she made her way to her room, cradling the limp form of Mizuki in her arms, a picture of serenity amidst the chaos. Gently, she placed Mizuki on the soft bed, ensuring her comfort and well-being. In a calm and composed voice, Nozomi instructed her faithful servants to fetch a basin of warm water.
Then she instructed them to leave the room .
As Nozomi slowly began to unwind her stiffened body, a sense of unease crept over her delicate features. She gingerly washed herself under the soothing warmth of the water, a mix of apprehension and regret evident in her expression. Initially hesitant about utilizing her companion, a deep affection stirred within her as time passed, the initial guilt giving way to a profound bond.
Just as she pondered this newfound sentiment, a servant's polite knock interrupted her reverie, prompting her to heed her father's summons. With a calm acknowledgment, she entrusted Mizuki's care to her loyal attendant before venturing to her father's quarters. A sudden motion caught her off guard as a pen hurtled towards her, grazing her forehead near the hairline, a silent reprimand for her unauthorized use of her father's seal to ascertain Mizuki's whereabouts. Nozomi's heart sank as she braced herself for the looming confrontation, knowing full well the repercussions of her actions.
Her father, consumed by an overwhelming rage, approached his daughter slowly and with deliberate steps. As he reached her side, he delivered a stinging and forceful slap before demanding the seal from her trembling hands. The seal, previously belonging to Nozomi, now held a heavy weight of consequences as her father instructed her to make her way to the basement room. Nozomi understood all too well the intention behind this directive—to endure a punishment for her perceived transgressions.
Reluctantly, she descended into the dimly lit basement where her father awaited, the sound of a whip cracking against the ground signaling the impending ordeal. With a heaviness in her chest, Nozomi knelt down, silently preparing herself for the inevitable strike. In a cruel display of power, her father lashed out with the whip, each blow landing with a sharp and searing intensity. Through gritted teeth and clenched fists, Nozomi fought to contain her sound of pain, a testament to her inner strength amidst the physical torment.
After a while, her backside was covered in blood, the crimson streams of which flowed freely downward. Subsequently, her father abandoned her, leaving her to fend for herself. Nozomi, though grievously wounded, mustered the strength to rise and navigate the excruciating pain permeating her entire body. Despite her preparedness for the inevitable outcome, the agony she experienced was profound. It was at this crucial moment that her loyal personal servant, named fumi, appeared and rushed to her side, offering unwavering support. Interestingly, not only was fumi dedicated to Nozomi as her servant, but she also shared a familial bond with her, having served as her grandmother's nanny. Their relationship was more intricate than mere servitude, as they had been childhood companions as well. Fumi gently reprimanded Nozomi, warning her of the looming wrath of the powerful master whose seal she had dared to wield. Curiosity piqued, she questioned Nozomi's motives behind the daring act, while showing unwavering loyalty and concern for her well-being.
Nozomi remained silent . They reached a different room where a servant girl gently guided Nozomi to the sofa, slowly starting the treatment. Nozomi, accustomed to this routine, didn't utter a sound while Noa attended to her. Once the treatment was complete, Nozomi made her way to her personal room where Mizuki was resting.
Standing before Mizuki, who lay peacefully asleep, Nozomi observed her with a sense of both tenderness and caution. It was a rare sight to see Mizuki so serene, unlike her usual restless state. Nozomi hesitated to disturb her, afraid that any touch might disrupt her peaceful slumber. She gazed at Mizuki for a while, feeling her own fatigue catch up with her until eventually drifting off into sleep from sheer exhaustion.