The familiar weight of arms around her body was the first thing that Yumiko recognised as she woke up from her slumber.
Benedikt held her from behind in a loving embrace, sleeping deeply as his breathing was still rhythmic. His scent and the smell of the unfamiliar room were mixing.
Yumiko didn't know what time it was, but she knew that the sun must have risen already. She turned around within Benedikt's arms which caused him to wake up.
"You should sleep more," he muttered drowsily and patted her head in an habituated motion. She smiled, stretched her upper body and kissed him on his chin.
"What time is it?"
Benedikt fought through the sleepy spell cloudying his head, oriented himself and reached for his watch on the night stand without letting go of Yumiko in his arms. She silently grinned.
"Enough time to sleep a bit more," he sighed and snuggled onto Yumiko again. "It is barely six in the morning."
Yumiko laughed. "We have to wake up, Takane-san and Hagen-san will soon come."
Benedikt let out a deep groan, turning on his back while placing Yumiko on top of him.
"Fine, let's wake up and start this day," he held her face gently and kissed her on the lips.
Yumiko laid on him, her hands on his bare chest. She could feel his heart beating underneath her palms. A strong pounding, healthy and lively.
She slowly moved her hands upwards, taking in every detail of the body below her. The warmth of his skin, the gentle movement from his breathing and the dents where his collarbone was.
By now it was all very familiar to her. Benedikt had become so accustomed to her, that she was assured to recognise him in a sea of people just by touching his hand.
The unrestrained intimacy that they shared was something that she enjoyed very much. The affinity towards him was calming and she never expected to have this attachment for someone.
Although, there were times where she half-heartedly wished that he would hold back for at least a little bit, when the moments were less appropriate. At the same time she adored him for his frankness. It felt so sincere and free. Truly unbothered by the rules and customs.
Yumiko also felt encouraged by his unconfined way of expressing his emotions. It gave her a feeling of freedom as well. He had insisted on not following the customary traditions upon their marriage. On their island, within their own four walls of the Kleingoldlinden estate reigned their own rules and customs. It was their own personal safe haven.
Nevertheless, she also sensed some embarrassment when Benedikt was particularly nonchalant in front of everyone. Though, so far here in Sachson, he was well behaved and withheld perfectly.
She grinned. Her husband was capable of many things and it was her privilege to know all sides of him, in their full entirety and potential.
"Is the thought of waking up so amusing or is it something else that makes you smile like that?" Benedikt smiled as he spoke. "I hope it is the latter. And I hope it is me."
Yumiko cupped his face with her hands, inching forward and kissed his lips.
He laughed softly into her kiss and returned it with more intensity.
For a while they both indulged in the passionate heat arising within them.
Yumiko gasped for air, freeing herself rather unwillingly from the embrace. She laid down with her head on his chest, gaining composure. Benedikt softly stroked her back with his fingers sending shivers down her spine, his heart was racing just like hers.
She cleared her throat and looked up at him again. "Yes, you made me smile like that."
Benedikt laughed out loud, making them both shake. "I thought you wanted us to wake up and get ready? I must have assumed wrong." He wrapped his arms around her and swung carefully around so that Yumiko laid below him. Benedikt supported his weight with his arms beside her head. She chuckled.
"Dearest, you thought correctly. Let us go, so that the others don't have to wait for us," Yumiko raised her hands and caressed his cheek.
He turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. "Very well." Benedikt didn't try to hide his unwillingness, but he was surprisingly obedient. Usually, they would banter back and forth for quite a while, until he would eventually give in. By that time, Takane-san and Hagen-san would already be waiting, ready to attend to them for their morning routines.
Yumiko gave him a bright smile, purposefully to ease his heart. To remedy the disappointment of another loss in the early hours of the day.
"We shall avoid having anyone waiting for us," he spoke with a reluctant tone while also smiling. Benedikt slowly bent downwards, kissed her forehead and helped Yumiko up.
"Let us start the second day of this party with a positive mindset," she kissed his cheek.
"Certainly," he chuckled upon her attempt to lift his mood. "Another day of silencing all doubts."
"What awful weather!" Princess Eleonore proclaimed disappointedly. "It seemed just fine a few moments ago."
The earthy smell mixed with the raindrops falling from the sky and splashed relentlessly against the glass windows. The women were sitting in Augusta's lounge room, unable to proceed with what was planned for the day.
Princess Eleonore was standing by a slightly opened window and sighed.
"Well, there is nothing anyone could do about that. We shan't be hindered on enjoying the hospitality and capabilities of Elector Augusta," Linda spoke calmly, she too was standing by the windows.
"Certainly, I shall have the servants prepare our tea here." Augusta rushed over to the employees by the door.
Isabella was sitting beside Yumiko, patting her hand that she held. "The summers here in Allemania can be quite unpredictable," Isabella didn't whisper, but her voice was more dampened as usual, trying to maintain the conversation between them two.
Yumiko grinned slightly, her friend made no secret of the fact that she wasn't interested in the other women taking part in that simple tittle-tattle.
"I was told that these sudden bursts of rain could be expected after a warm day like yesterday," Yumiko spoke in a regular volume without trying to attract all the attention. She didn't want to appear as if she and Isabella were conspiring something so openly in front of the others.
"Oh, yes indeed. Your dear husband must have told you everything you need to know beforehand already, hm?" Isabella sounded a bit annoyed, but in an unserious way. "He makes it almost impossible for me to tell you anything about our Empire. How can I ever boast with my knowledge in front of you if he keeps that up?" She complained in a playful manner, nudging Yumiko's side with her elbow.
From a different corner Yumiko could make out the indignant chuckle of one of the attendees. Without a doubt it was Henriette.
"Oh my, dearest Baroness Isabella, is there really so much knowledge to offer to the Princess? Certainly, she must have learned everything there is to know before coming to our Empire. As far as she had already explained."
"Rest assured. I am certain that there are still so many things for me to learn about the subtleties of a culture," Yumiko squeezed Isabella's hand and looked up at Henriette with a smile.
"I highly doubt that, if I may say so. Your Royal Highness Princess Yumiko, I can't seem to find any aspect about you that needs to be adjusted. In my eyes, you fit perfectly well into our culture." It was Duchess Adelheid's charming voice that partook in the conversation now.
"I must agree!" Princess Eleonore approached them and sat down on a nearby couch. "If anything, Princess Yumiko stands out precisely because of her immaculate mannerism. She might trumps all of us, I feel almost ashamed."
"Indeed, I have noticed that as well. It might be us who should learn the way the people in Yashima are adapting and internalising knowledge. It is fascinating to follow your every movement, Princess Yumiko. And I mean that in a good way." Marquess Maria, who stood somewhere in front of Yumiko, laughed.
Yumiko could feel the heat rising up in her cheeks. The compliments all came out so naturally and earnestly that she was genuinely flustered. With a fluent gesture of her hand, she hid her bright smile. "Oh my, your generous kindness leaves me with no words. What can I possibly say?" Yumiko faced down onto her lap, trying to find the right words.
Isabella beside her laughed.
"Genuine effort shall be praised accordingly," she nudged Yumiko again and squeezed her hand. "Seeing you getting all flustered sure is endearing."
The other women joined her laughter.
"You shan't praise me so generously. I have yet to learn so much. Though, I deeply appreciate your kind words. They mean a lot to me." Yumiko looked around, trying to give the impression of addressing everyone around her.
A small voice within her wished to be able to see how these kind women looked like.
"I apologise for ruining this pleasant conversation, but it seems like the tea has been served." Henriette suddenly spoke up, indifferent almost like a pout.
"My dear guests, please gather in the adjacent room where we shall continue on," Augusta announced while Yumiko could hear doors opening and the faint smell of fragrant tea and biscuits entered the lounge room.
By now these scents had become very familiar to her. They would declare to her in such a gentle, yet pleasant manner that it was time for one of the most enjoyable pastimes of the day.
Yumiko and Isabella stood up together and walked over to the other room.
They took a seat beside each other and Linda sat on the other side of Yumiko.
From the outside one could hear the constant rainfall, from time to time even a thunder in the distance. It wasn't until Yumiko had stayed in Allemania for a longer time that she had noticed that the rain here just sounded the same as in Yashima and even the smell was hardly any different. Minor details as the surfaces that the raindrops would fall onto were probably only something that she had noted. The forces of nature would never bend to any scale of whatever humans would be capable of creating. Yumiko enjoyed that thought. In the grand scheme of things the trivial things like how a lady would put a cup to her lips or her posture while sitting still wouldn't actually matter. Being liked or disliked by the other ladies from her social circle too wouldn't be of essence. It was all a construction within the human mind, something that was so important and crucial that it determined one's worth within their peers.
And although Yumiko also enjoyed these subtle games and conspiracies, it was all just a means to an end to represent and carry out her pride and dignity.
"I hope you are content with the new arrangements due to the unexpected change of weather. I would have loved to show you the full scale of what I had prepared for outside in the garden." Augusta sounded apologetic. It must have caused quite a distress for her having to plan this gathering with such prestigious guests.
"Worry not, Augusta, it is still very lovely, we will enjoy the arrangements regardless of the weather," Archduchess Linda tried to cheer her up and Yumiko nodded in agreement. To her it didn't change much anyways.
The others also voiced their encouragement towards Elector Augusta.
"We shall indulge further into pleasant conversations to take our minds off from that change." Henriette brought up.
"What do you have in mind, Baroness?" Marquess Maria asked her curiously.
"Oh, nothing specifically," Henriette replied while apparently stirring in her tea cup. She sat opposite of Yumiko. "Maybe the Princess could tell us more about her country, Yashima. Wouldn't we all be curious about that?"
A murmur of surprised agreement filled the room.
"It would be my pleasure," Yumiko spoke up with enthusiasm. "Please do not hesitate to ask me about anything that burdens your hearts."
This was her expertise. She didn't know with what intentions Henriette brought up this exact topic, however this was easily something that she triumphed at.
"If I may start, I would really like to know what the fine ladies in Yashima do when coming together like this." It was Duchess Adelheid who had the courage to ask first.
"There is actually not much of a difference. These kinds of reception rooms have been established in most of the noble houses for the women to spend their time. Other than that the most obvious difference must be the tea and the little treats that go along with it." Yumiko took her cup and raised it with a cheering gesture. "In Yashima one could have a specific room dedicated to the ceremonial preparation of certain teas. It is a highly valued procedure with certain rules for both the hosts and the guests. One could then enjoy a meal that is specifically made for the tea ceremony."
Yumiko took a sip of her cup. "Other than that women would indulge in learning the art of flower arrangements and calligraphy. Pleasant conversations might be a part of a noblewoman's pastimes across the borders. "
"That is so interesting," Adelheid sounded intrigued by Yumiko's answer.
"How would you, Princess Yumiko, partake in such activities? If I may ask so frankly." Henriette asked with a puzzled tone.
Yumiko suppressed a grin. So that was her intention.
"I'm not too sure if we should ask about these kinds of details from the Princess." Isabella tried to intervene before Yumiko could answer. Though subtle, she could make out the frustration that her friend felt towards Henriette.
Yumiko turned to Isabella and smiled at her in a reassuring way.
"I understand her curiosity, worry not. When faced with the unknown one would have the tendency to pry." Yumiko faced forward, knowing that everyone was awaiting her reply to the question. "I dedicated myself to mastering several instruments, learning the art of expressing yourself through poetry and embroidery. I might not be able to indulge in the same way my peers could, however that wouldn't diminish any bit of the delight and appreciation that these fine crafts would mean. As mentioned before, I do find much enjoyment in all things just in a different way."
"Isn't that exquisite!" Princess Eleonore called out in excitement. "Baroness, by now you should know that there are so many versatile ways of living as a noblewoman. You shouldn't close off your mind from other possibilities." She snickered a bit at the end to play down her scolding.
"Is it not a matter-of-course to question that? Princess Yumiko is telling us about the way of living as a noblewoman in her country, but she herself can't even partake in most of the qualities necessary to be included? How does this make any sense, if she in actuality has no proper knowledge about the things that define a fine lady even from where she came from? I simply want to know what qualifies her in Yashima to be considered a noblewoman. It is by no means solely the birth right, but also certain distinctions that define the position." Henriette protested Eleonore's comment.
"One should practise modesty as a defining quality of nobility. It is also a way to express sophistication and proper refinement as a lady." Archduchess Linda now spoke up and drank from her cup. "It might be viewed as unsightly and petty to practise ignorance, indulging oneself in arrogance. One shouldn't assume that the world revolves solely around them."
Yumiko was surprised by the harsh and direct criticism that her sister-in-law expressed towards the Baroness. Usually the woman with the highest status wouldn't voice any personal opinions in order to let the conversations flow naturally without influencing the other attendees.
So far, Linda was able to not let her personal sentiments take over, but it must have reached her limits of tolerance.
Silence took over in the room.
Upon hearing such a brusque condemnation Henriette must have trouble finding the correct response. In a way it was very satisfying to have someone finally rebuke the crude Baroness in this explicit manner. However, it also put Yumiko in a difficult position.
On one hand the high society could take such a comment as a final measure to reprimand Baroness Henriette's behaviour and attitude towards Yumiko, being seen as her being ignorant and showing a despicable attribute of her character. On the other hand, it could be viewed as Yumiko being so outlandish to the point that the established Baroness Henriette was forced to bring out these improper comments.
That the Archduchess was Yumiko's sister-in-law didn't make it any easier as well. One would see it as a forced reaction in order for the Archduchess to save the dignity of her family name or a necessity as she felt obligated to intervene.
It was a complicated situation and relied heavily on how the other attendees interpreted the peculiar matter at hand. It would depend on them how they would retell the occurrences during this gathering here in Sachson.
"My, my, you must have felt so comfortable Baroness Henriette here with all the elaborate arrangements that Elector Augusta had made that you slipped up." Duchess Adelheid broke the silence first in a calm manner. "It is certainly necessary to practise the balance between humbleness and curiosity. Wanting to learn about the differences and novelties isn't wrong per se, but an admiring pursuit of expanding one's knowledge. It shall be exercised in a proper manner however, isn't that so Baroness Henriette?"
"Yes, yes indeed, Duchess Adelheid." Henriette agreed sheepishly.
"A diversity of cultures and experiences makes it quite lively, as it seems." Augusta finally joined the exchange, ending the awkward break.
As the host of this arrangement she is required to lead the conversations, keeping uncomfortable or precarious topics away from creating these kinds of situations. However, Yumiko wasn't so sure as to why the Elector had kept quiet most of the time, letting the atmosphere get so awkward. It was probably her intention to enable this neutral ground for Yumiko's indirect and direct evaluation from all the other nobles. That way neither Yumiko nor Henriette had an advantage of being home. Yumiko felt a sense of disdain about the current situation.
Whether or not Augusta had planned this, it was a spiteful act that made her rather question the eligibility of the allemanian high society and their methods. She remembered that it was all just part of the intricate play that has been established on this continent within the members of the nobility. Although it wasn't necessarily an enjoyable pastime, it was still an essential part of the life that Yumiko now had to lead.
She wouldn't let that be seen by the others however, she knew that she had to handle the situation with her usual grace and charme.
"Well said Elector Augusta, I agree. Wouldn't the conversations be too monotonous otherwise?" Yumiko smiled and took another sip of the tea.
"I wonder what we would talk about before, isn't that right?" Princess Eleonore laughed trying to lighten up the mood.
Probably finding fault in other trivial things about all the other people around oneself, is what went through Yumiko's mind upon hearing Eleonore's remark.
It was a merciless world and Yumiko wasn't so arrogant to believe that Yashima was without any fault on its own. It was merely the fact that she grew up so sheltered and closed off from the real cruelties and complexities of human relationships that the frustration within her grew with each displeasing exchange. She naively believed that she knew how to play along, but it was more difficult in reality. For the first time in a very long time the obliviousness of her protected upbringing inside the Kirishima's estate felt heavy on her mind. All of her knowledge was brought to her through scholars, teachers and books. However, being confronted with people who aren't necessarily benevolent towards her made it clear to Yumiko that she actually didn't know much about the world and even life itself.
Yumiko shook off those pessimistic thoughts, now was certainly not the right time to be shaken in her confidence.
She couldn't allow her doubts to take over. The others couldn't see her wavering.
A door was opened and the comforting smell of warm pastries filled the room.
"Oh it is time already!" Augusta stood up from her chair. "I have requested some warm specialties since the grey sky is so joyless. Please enjoy them to the fullest."
Cheerful murmur filled the room now, the distressing moment had passed.
Yumiko felt Isabella's hand carefully, yet firmly patting her leg under the table.
It was her subtle attempt to share empathy and support. Linda's presence was also clearly beside her. She wasn't on her own here. It might be her play, however it wasn't a solo.