During the dinner all participants from both the Hohengoldlinden and the Kirishima's were talking comfortably with each other.
Nothing more than the usual light exchange. For anything more casual the situation wasn't yet ready for it. Everyone was still more or less observing the members of the other family.
The formal handover and the official introduction were completed and technically the marriage was set, however one mistake on either side could cause an uproar big enough to cancel the arrangement at the last minute. Surely, no one wanted to allow themselves to be the cause of such a social disaster.
Benedikt had Yumiko sitting next to him on his right. She was the only one sitting with the Hohengoldlinden at the large, beautifully decorated table.
Usually, she should've sat opposite of him, though given the situation it was more sensible to have her beside him.
Benedikt could feel the piercing sharply observing eyes from her family opposite of him. They rightfully watched his every move with Argus eyes.
It was his obligation to give them no reason to worry or doubt his capabilities.
They were nearing the end of the dinner and mostly both parents led the conversation.
Benedikt had noticed how easily Yumiko was eating the different dishes. Without anyone having to explain to her, she had always chosen the correct cutlery for each dish. He had carefully watched her gently feeling the different cutlery in front of her, probably memorising the order in which they were placed.
"I hope the food is to your taste." Benedikt turned his head towards her and she looked up.
She smiled softly. "It is excellent, the alleman cuisine is indeed exquisite."
Benedikt knew that they both had to keep up their roles as a couple that just now met each other. He couldn't expect the same easy casual exchange like before in the garden.
"I'm delighted to hear that. We should soon arrange for a day with only dishes from Yashima." The blonde Archduke spoke a little louder, making his suggestion explicit to all participants at the table.
"That's a wonderful proposal!" His mother spoke happily about his idea. "I hope that will be possible. Do not worry, we shall arrange for all necessary ingredients."
"Indeed, that's a great suggestion. I will organise everything. We still have a lot of ingredients from our journey on the ship." Koshaku Kirishima Akiko spoke up as well, visibly liking the idea. "We shall have you enjoy the delightful dishes from Yashima as a return to your efforts as well."
"Splendid! I would be more than excited to taste the flavours you grew up with. However, you don't have to feel like giving anything back to us! We are a family now after all." Archduke Richard laughed and the mood at the table felt lighter.
"I'd like to taste the dish that you favour the most," Benedikt now spoke towards Yumiko again with a smile on his lips.
She chuckled. "That might bore you, Archduke. It is a simple dish, possibly not worth presenting to you at the beginning."
"Do not mind that. I want to know what you preferred ever since you were young. The dish that would always cheer you up." Within Benedikt a thought sparked. Maybe he would be able to learn how to prepare that specific dish for the highly possible times in which she would feel down.
Yumiko shyly smiled, trying to hide a bigger grin. "It's called Ochazuke, steamed rice topped with green tea. I prefer it with grilled salmon as well."
Benedikt tried to visualise the Ochazuke and nodded. That should be possible even for him to make. He'd ask her mother or her maid later about the specific recipe.
"That seems truly like a comforting dish. Thank you for telling me."
"What do you enjoy the most, Archduke?" She asked him and he was impressed that she was able to match the height of his face, looking at him directly.
Although her eyes were closed he felt like she was really looking at him. There was something about the way she carried herself, even though she was blind, it never seemed like it would hinder her at the slightest bit.
"It's a secret from my parents," Benedikt slightly bent down towards her, whispering in her ear. "I like the potato soup with fresh bread from our cook the most. I would always get some after a good scolding from my parents while hiding away in the kitchen with the employees."
Benedikt sat upright again, smiling by the thought of this fond memory.
The kitchen was a place where he felt comfortable, having the employees hustling around, the warmth from the cooking fire and oven, as well as the different smells coming from the several pots and pans.
The head chef Martha would scold him as well, since it was usually his own fault for being scolded, eventually she'd give him a bowl of hot potato soup and a slice of warm bread.
He ate it all, tears streaming down his face silently.
In the end his brother Leopold came looking for him and waited for him to finish the simple dish, telling him comforting words.
Benedikt saw Yumiko's lip curl to a grin as she nodded.
This much casual conversation should be allowed.
The dinner ended without any problems. The Kirishimas went back to their quarters to rest early and plenty after such an eventful day. It wasn't expected from them to lounge afterwards within the beautiful saloon. In the Hohengoldlinden estate the smoking rooms for after finishing the dinner weren't divided by gender and were instead carefully arranged open spaces for everyone to enjoy a relaxed winding down.
The families parted ways outside the dining hall.
Benedikt felt relieved and so appeared everyone else. So far the marriage had no obstacles and it went all smoothly. Even more than ever anticipated.
His family members sat down in the comfortable saloon, each being handed a glass of wine.
"That was a fantastic first dinner, wasn't it?" His father spoke up first and let himself sink deep into the couch.
"I'm sure that everything went well for the first day," His mother agreed and sat down beside Benedikt. "She is lovely and I think that you managed everything accordingly."
Yes, she was lovely indeed and he anticipated the times where all the formalities were behind them to get to know her without everyone else being a part of it.
"We will be fine." Benedikt smiled at his mother and she nodded.
"We should have a toast to that." Leopold raised his glass and everyone joined him. "To a successful first day and further to come!"
The Hohengoldlindens cheered to that and the evening ended with light hearted, casual conversation about different things.
Benedikt was thankful for the change of topic as he would have disliked it if they continued to talk about his marriage.
Now that everything is almost sealed and the official marriage ceremony only a few weeks ahead, Benedikt wanted to not talk about that all the time.
He was glad that the nervousness had subsided, however the worries weren't erased completely.
In the meantime all meals were reserved to take with the Kirishimas, any other meetings weren't necessary, as it was more important for them to adjust to the foreign country. They had agreed upon that beforehand, although spontaneous plans were possible.
The only other grand events were showing them around the duchy, which was scheduled in two days and the rehearsal of the marriage ceremony.
Benedikt still had to attend his regular duties around the duchy, as well as his other family members and maybe for the first time he was glad that his own schedule was somewhat packed with various work related things. He pushed back a lot of his work and Hagen had already warned him since it would collide with the Kirishima's arrival.
Keeping his mind occupied with work might help him with the worries regarding his marriage.
"Is this your way of avoiding the inevitable?" Hagen looked at Benedikt from the other side of the desk where all the different stacks of paper and documents were piling.
Benedikt didn't look up, but briefly glanced towards his brunette aid from underneath his curls.
"I'm not avoiding anything. I'm obviously working very hard to finish all the work here."
"You've been here since before breakfast without a single break." Hagen's doubtful tone was clear. "Usually, you wouldn't work so relentlessly like that. Even during the busiest periods you would allow yourself a breather."
"Well, work has accumulated and I have to finish it as soon as possible" Benedikt still didn't look up.
Hagen now moved closer and sat down in front of him, pushing a pile of files to the side to look at his blonde friend who was frantically working through the various documents.
"Your Royal Highness," Hagen now spoke calmly. "The first meeting went well, didn't it? There is nothing to be worried about."
Benedikt sighed, looked up and sat upright in his chair. "Hagen, there is still so much that could go wrong."
"Avoiding any meetings isn't the solution to it either."
"I'm just trying to finish my work."
Hagen raised an eyebrow. "What is it really?"
Benedikt began fidgeting with the pen in his hands. "Nothing really."
Hagen now crossed his arms looking at the Archduke.
Benedikt sighed again, it was his best friend that talked to him now and he didn't want to let the opportunity of freely talking to him slip away, but forming his thoughts into words was difficult.
"I'm not saying that you aren't allowed any worries or doubts. I'm just saying that I know you so well, that there is objectively speaking no reason to have those worries. Haven't you perfected this whole royal high society scheme?" Hagen now softly smiled and the Archduke knew that he could trust his friend's words. Hagen knew everything about him, without doubt all of his flaws, likes and dislikes. Even his controversial view on the society that they lived in.
"I'm just worried about showing her any of my weak sides." Benedikt spoke in a quiet, timid voice, very unlike him, avoiding his friend's gaze.
"Pardon? I couldn't hear you?" Hagen looked at him in confusion.
"I'm afraid of showing her an embarrassing side of me," Benedikt now spoke up, gesturing with his arms. "I feel like my worries are spilling out of me and I'm not sure if I can conceal them in front of her or her entire family." He now stood up from his chair, agitated.
"They are really nice, kind and so polite. I feel like any little thing that I do could upset them. At the same time, I just want to be myself in front of her, but there are all of these eyes on me and if I overstep any boundaries, it will be the end." The blonde Archduke stood in front of the large window, viewing the garden underneath him and the ocean on the horizon.
"She is lovely. So elegant and sophisticated. I want to get to know her freely, but there are still so many formalities. What if my impatience gets the best of me? I feel like a child, unable to contain my curiosity."
"Oh." Hagen was visibly taken aback and took a moment to reply to what just spilled out of the Archduke.
Benedikt turned around and smiled, a crooked smile and worry in his eyes. "There is no other option than succeeding, I know. But my inner turmoil is indeed conflicting."
His friend now stood up and went to his friend, holding his shoulder.
"To be honest, I don't think that you have to be afraid of any of your thoughts and worries. For once you just sound like a normal guy before his marriage. And if you are really so impatient, just arrange for a meeting with her. Her maid and I will accompany you. You could show her Kleingoldlinden, this way she can get to know you regardless of any strict formalities. Sooner or later you have to show her the island anyways, why shouldn't it be today?"
"Wouldn't that be too brazen? They just arrived yesterday. Arranging for such a private meeting already, might come off rude." Benedikt liked the idea, but wasn't so sure about the real possibility of it. He would have liked to speak with Yumiko again, like in the small garden before the dinner yesterday.
"Speak with your parents and they should be able to arrange for it." Hagen smiled at him.
"What about my work?" Benedikt glanced over to the desk.
Hagen snorted. "Don't act like it's so important, I would have done it in some way or another anyways."
Benedikt grinned and patted Hagen on his shoulder. "You are the best, truly the only best friend a clumsy Archduke like me needs."
"This is the first time I have ever seen you so clumsy and indecisive, I can't help but want to free you from this." Hagen walked over to the desk and began sorting the files. "Now go and arrange for a formal invitation to your future wife."
Yumiko was sitting beside the window and enjoyed the warm sunlight on her skin when someone knocked at her door.
"Come in." She sat upright and turned towards the door.
"It's me." Her mother spoke as she opened the wooden door.
"I have a special something for you." Her mother came over to her. "Give me your hands."
Yumiko held her hands high, not knowing what exactly her mother meant.
A letter was placed on her open palms. With her fingertips she followed along the paper and opened the envelope. To her surprise the content of the letter itself was written in braille.
She felt the different, familiar bumps, reading them with a smile on her face.
I have arranged for everything necessary, please await me in an hour. - Benedikt
There was nothing else written in it.
"Do you know anything about it?" Yumiko continued to trace the sentence on the paper.
"He came to us while we were having tea with his parents and asked for a meeting with you." Her mother's tone was calm and she seemed to smile. "He formally asked about showing you Kleingoldlinden."
"Who else is coming?"
"No one. He wanted to show you the island in private."
Yumiko's heart fluttered in excitement. Kleingoldlinden was the island they would live on after the marriage, the place that they would call home in the near future.
"Though, of course Takane-san and his aide Hagen will join you."
"And you are fine with it?" Yumiko's tone was now hopeful.
Her mother gently touched her cheeks. "Certainly, he was very serious about it and it's only his right as your fiance to ask for such a thing."
Yumiko began smiling brightly and she hugged her mother. Agreeing to such a request wasn't a natural thing, but a sign of respect and trust towards the Archduke.
"I have asked Takane-san to get you ready for it. She will come in a bit." Her mother patted her daughter's head softly.
Yumiko already began wondering when they will meet again. To do it so soon was something she didn't anticipate and she felt happy about his courage.
However, the letter written in braille was what made her feel the happiest. He made an effort to send her a message that she was capable of reading without anyone's help.
He even wrote it in yashimin.
She didn't know that he had learned braille, yashimin braille nonetheless.
His consideration towards her was unbelievably kind and she felt like drowning in it.
"I think he will be a really good husband to you." Her mother's tone was now more serious. "I have the feeling that you will be in good hands."
It was the first time her mother spoke so explicitly about the current situation. Yumiko knew that her mother worried about her in a different way than her father or brother did. Though, hearing her thoughts about the marriage now gave her strength.
Surely, everyone wanted the best for her and what will be ahead of her with the arrangement, but no one wanted to be too optimistic.
It was a difficult time, a fragile balance between expectations, hopes, worries and doubts.
Everyone was on edge in their own kind of way, trying to figure out what the marriage would exactly mean for both families.
"I think so too." Yumiko hugged her tighter. Due to their first secret meeting, Yumiko already had a rather positive view on things. It was now about her family to also get a more definite optimistic opinion on that regard.
Seeing how Archduke Benedikt put the effort in meeting her needs and circumstances, while considering the overall situation, already showed how much he was willing to do for them to be more than just arranged partners. Yumiko liked that a lot.
"The invitation was quite sudden, wasn't it, Ojou-sama?" Takane-san was nervously walking around in the room while Yumiko was sitting on a chair.
She helped Yumiko get into proper attire for a walk outside, without it being too formal.
It was supposed to be a walk around their future home, so they decided on a yashiman style dress that matched the western standard. Though the fabrics and the overall cut were still vastly different it somewhat equaled a formal western dress for such events.
Yumiko enjoyed the more airy dress that allowed her to take larger steps.
"Usually, such an invitation would be seen as brazen." Takane-san didn't slow down in her steps and Yumiko listened to her frantic walk. "But I guess the usual can't be applied here."
Knock knock.
Takane-san stopped immediately and Yumiko began to smile.
Yumiko heard how Takane-san straightened her dress and walked towards the door.
She opened it for a little bit to peek outside. "Yes, this is the room of Koshaku Kirishima Yumiko, how can I help you?" It was her serious voice.
"Greetings, this is Archduke Benedikt von Hohengoldlinden. I'm here for the appointment that I have arranged with Princess Yumiko." His voice was loud and clear, sounding confident yet friendly.
"Yes, very well. We will join you in a bit." Takane-san closed the door and hurriedly approached Yumiko. "He is here!" She whispered in a panicked voice. Yumiko grinned at her maids' change of tone. She sounded so serious and cold just a few moments ago and now she resembled an excited child.
"We shall go." Yumiko stood up from the chair and felt Takane-san's hand guiding her towards the door. "Don't be nervous, think of it as a regular meeting."
Takane sighed. "This is a new regular that I have to get used to."
Yumiko laughed softly and the door was opened.
It was silently and unanimously agreed upon that Benedikt took over to lead Yumiko instead of her maid.
For her it felt like the most natural thing to change the guiding hands upon meeting the Archduke. In her naive and romantic mind it was like destiny. Like he was the one who had her arm firmly, yet gently in his grip. Making sure that she could walk beside him comfortably.
"I'm glad you were willing to accept my rather spontaneous proposal." He spoke in a carefully friendly tone.
"Naturally, your proposal was rather courageous and it shall be me who is glad."
"Then we should agree that both of us are glad about this opportunity." Yumiko could hear his smile as he spoke and she liked it that the way he spoke would openly reflect his expression and emotions. It wasn't difficult for her to understand him.
"Yes, indeed." She chuckled as well.
They couldn't speak all too friendly and casual with each other since their chaperones were with them, but she could tell that they walked in a respectful distance behind them.
"We will take a carriage to the port first and board my ship to sail over to Kleingoldlinden."
"The weather seems wonderful for such a journey." Yumiko looked up and felt the warm sun. The air was filled with a distinct scent of flowers and faintly the ocean.
"Yes, sailing over to Kleingoldlinden shall be pleasant." His voice sounded excited.
They boarded the carriage sitting next to each other. It was really unconventional, since couples were supposed to be facing each other, however the Archduke didn't seem to be too fixated on that custom and chose to break from this tradition quite easily.
Yumiko's arm still rested interlocked with his arm as they were sitting, gently rocking by the moving horse carriage.
It was the first time for her to be so close to someone from the opposite gender, who wasn't part of her family and she could feel her heart beating inside her chest.
She wanted to contain the excitement, but it washed over her and she enjoyed this new feeling.
Her intuition told her that he had been looking at her ever since they sat down. She tried to politely ignore that, but couldn't help to wonder what he was thinking while looking at her so intensely.
"Your dress is beautiful. Or rather, I think that you looked beautiful in everything that I have seen so far." Benedikt spoke carefully but his tone was genuine.
Yumiko felt the heat rushing to her cheeks, she couldn't hold back the smile.
"I feel honoured for such a generous compliment, Archduke." Her response felt too formal, but she didn't know exactly how to respond to his statement.
"I should be the one to be honoured." His grin was undeniable.
"Unfortunately, I can't return this compliment." Yumiko looked down at her lap, trying to hide her embarrassment.
He chuckled.
"I'm not that much of a beauty like you are, so there is nothing that you are missing out."
"I was told the people from Allemania are tall and have light coloured hair, isn't that true?"
"Well, that is true, however those attributes aren't necessarily an indicator of beauty."
"What about you? What do you look like, Archduke Benedikt?" Yumiko looked up again, facing her fiance beside her.
"Well, I am indeed tall. At least taller than you are and I do have light coloured hair. It's a blonde colour and my eyes are blue." Yumiko could hear him thinking about it.
"Though, I'm not quite sure if that helps you to imagine me."
Yumiko smiled. "What is the colour blue?"
It was a daring question, since it was difficult to describe colours to a blind person who had never seen any colour. However, so far Yumiko would simply accept such descriptions, without being able to really put this information into any use. But now it felt like she might be able to ask the Archduke for a more helpful description, she wanted to understand what he saw and how he perceived the world around him.
"Pardon, I know this is a rather uncomfortable question, please don't feel troubled to answer."
She could feel his other hand gently touching her arm. "No, I like the question. I was just thinking about it and I would like to show it to you." His voice sounded friendly and encouraging. "Please wait for a little and I will answer your question."
He softly patted her arm, as if he was apologising for making her wait.
Yumiko smiled shyly and looked at her lap again. He gave her a feeling of comfort and she could tell that he genuinely wanted to get to know her, despite the obvious difficulty that he had to face.
During the formal handover he said that there wasn't any circumstance about her that had to be overcome and she was surprised about his clear and firm statement.
Right now, it seemed like he really didn't see her blindness as anything bothersome. He has been nothing but considerate towards her, as if it was the most normal thing.
Yumiko was used to being treated special all her life. Everyone around her wanted her to just live comfortably, being overly protective and careful.
The Archduke's approach on the other hand was refreshing, allowing her to embrace her inability to see as something that isn't a hindrance.
They boarded the ship and while the two men prepared the small ship to sail Takane-san stayed beside her. "Are you alright, Ojou-sama?"
"Yes, everything is fine. What about you?"
"Oh, you shouldn't worry about me. There is nothing I could complain about."
"Is that so? Did you talk with Hagen-san?"
"Yes, we had some light conversation, somewhat exchanging information about the two of you."
"How so?"
Takane-san laughed a little. "Hagen-san told me a little bit about the Archduke when he was younger. Apparently, he was quite an energetic child."
Yumiko smiled at the thought of it. It would align with what he had told her during the first dinner.
"He said that being by the Archduke's side ever since they were little is making him feel proud. Especially now as his wedding is approaching."
Some melancholy swung in her voice now. "I feel the same way about you, Ojou-sama, if I may say so myself. There is nothing greater than marriage for a young lady."
"I'm thankful that you are beside me for all my important moments, Takane-san."
"No, it is the greatest honour in my humble life as part of the Kirishima clan."
"Please hold on tight, we are sailing off now!" Archduke Benedikt's voice interrupted the heartfelt moment and both women laughed by surprise.
Despite the sound of the waves and the wind, Yumiko could hear the Archduke's steps approaching them.
"Please hold onto the railing, the start might be a little rough, but it will be calmer as soon as we are further from the shore."
The small ship departed from the port of Hohengoldlinden, carried by the wind and the skilled hands from both the Archduke and his aid.
After a while Archduke Benedikt joined Yumiko and Takane-san excused herself to give them some privacy.
The ship moved calmly through the water.
"You are really skilled with sailing, Archduke."
He laughed. "It is somewhat necessary as a large naval powerhouse, however I really enjoy being on the ocean regardless of any of my duties. The ocean is seemingly endless and if you sail far enough into this vastness, then suddenly everything seems so unimportant. The ocean's mightiness and mercy are what will decide your fate. Nature alone is what counts."
He spoke in a genuine tone and she liked his view on it. Certainly, it could have been considered rather controversial, but he wasn't wrong.
"But what I wanted to tell you is the answer to your question of what the colour blue is." His voice now shifted to a more excited tone.
Yumiko's curiosity perked up.
"May I take your hand?"
She nodded and he took it gently.
He raised her arm up towards the sky. "Can you feel it? The wind, fresher, colder and stronger than on land? The warmth of the sun and the rocking feeling on the water? The air that is filled with the distinct saltiness and freshness that no river can replicate? This feeling of unhindered freedom stretching in front of you? For me, that is all the colour blue."
Yumiko couldn't help but laugh, she let everything he said sink into her, enjoying and feeling what he described. It was the first time someone had explained a colour to her in such an intricate way.
"Blue is such a wonderful colour."
The Archduke joined her laughter. "Yes, indeed it is."
"So there is freedom inside your eyes?" Yumiko turned to him and smiled brightly.
Benedikt chuckled. "I guess so, I'm not sure what they really reflect. But I also haven't really viewed it this way."
"It must be freedom, just by listening to you makes it obvious what's within you."
The Archduke still held onto her hand and she could feel him gently squeezing.
"Thank you. It feels like you are the one showing me a new way of seeing the world around me."
Yumiko shook her head. "Maybe it's just us seeing the world together now."
She could hear him smile as he replied. "I'm looking forward to it." Her heart fluttered happily and she wanted to hold onto this excitement as it filled her with warmth and comfort.