*Aqua opened his eyes, finding himself in an unfamiliar bed. As he lifted himself up, he noticed the strangeness of his surroundings. His eyes darted to find a mirror, and what he saw there was even more bewildering. A young man gazed back at him - a man he had never seen before. The sound of someone calling him "young master" in the distance abruptly snapped him out of his astonishment.*
*Curiosity and confusion mingled in his eyes as he slowly got out of bed, his movements tentative yet purposeful.*
"Who's there?" *Aqua called out, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability in its high-pitch.*
*He took a few steps forward, searching for the source of the voice. Each movement felt strange, his body light and unfamiliar in its smaller stature. The unknown person had referred to him as "young master." This title only added to the riddle, the mystery deepening with each passing moment.*
*He reached the mirror again, his gaze once more drawn to the unfamiliar young man in the reflection. His eyes searched the face for any hint of familiarity, any trace of himself in this mysterious youth. But the face that stared back at him was completely foreign, a stranger in a mirror.*
*Suddenly, the sound of footsteps grew louder, approaching the room.*
*As the figure approached, its features slowly becoming clearer as it moved further into the room, Aqua's heart raced even faster. He could see now that it was a middle-aged butler, carrying an air of composure and service.*
*The butler's serious face softened as he laid eyes on Aqua, his gaze showing a mix of concern and obligation.*
Butler: "Ah, you've awakened, young master. I apologize for not being here when you woke up. Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine, just a bit disoriented," *Aqua replied, his voice wavering slightly. He tried to appear calm and collected, but the unfamiliarity of the situation was evident in his eyes. He glanced up at the butler, trying to assess who he was and what his connection to this strange place might be.*
*Aqua's heart fluttered at the sound of being called "Young Master" again. The title still confused him, but the man's gentle manner soothed some of his fear.*
Aqua: "I'm...I'm okay, I think. But I don't understand. Where am I? And...why do you keep calling me 'Young Master'?"
*The butler nodded in understanding, his expression stoic but kind.*
Butler: "You are in the Aoyama residence's east wing. And you are indeed the heir to the Aoyama family, making you the young master."
*He paused, a flicker of concern in his eyes as he continued.*
Butler: "May I ask a question, young master?"
*Aqua's eyes widened at the revelation, his mind struggling to comprehend the information. The Aoyama family? Heir? It was all so overwhelming. But something in the butler's calm demeanor made him feel a bit more at ease.*
Aqua: "Y-yes, please. Ask me anything."
*The butler took a few steps closer, his voice lowering slightly.*
Butler: "Just to clarify, do you remember anything about your past, young master? Any memories before waking up here?"
*Aqua's mind went blank as he tried to recall any fragments of memory, any hint of a life before waking up in this unfamiliar room. But the harder he tried, the more the void seemed to taunt him.*
Aqua: "I...I can't remember anything. Everything before waking up here is a blank slate."
*The butler nodded, a sympathetic look in his eyes.*
Butler: "I see. It seems you have indeed lost your memories..."
*He paused again, his next words measured and gentle.*
*The butler's expression grew more serious, his voice steady as he began to explain.*
Butler: "Young master, there is another important matter I feel you should be informed about..."
*He hesitated for a moment, before continuing.*
Butler: "Recently, you received a letter from the fiancée your parents had arranged for you. In that letter, she expressed her decision to break off the engagement."
*Shock and confusion mixed on Aqua's young face. The thought of an arranged fiancée had never crossed his mind until now, and the news of her breaking off the engagement only made things more bewildering.*
Aqua: "An arranged fiancée...? I don't remember anything about her."
*He looked at the butler, his eyes wide, seeking more explanation.*
*The butler nodded, understanding the young master's confusion.*
Butler: "Yes, it was an arrangement your parents had made before your memory loss. Her name is Miyako Saitou."
*He paused, giving Aqua a moment to process the new information.*
Butler: "The news about the broken engagement has caused quite a stir in the family and the wider social circle. Your parents are deeply upset, and there is quite a lot of gossip circulating."
*The butler let out a sigh, his expression a mix of concern and formality.*
Butler: "Young master, as it seems, the Lord of the house - your father - has asked for your presence in the family room. It would be prudent to prepare yourself for the meeting."
*He stepped back, his eyes showing a hint of empathy for the young master's situation.*
Butler: "I'll go and inform the Lord of your impending arrival."
*Anxiety welled up in Aqua's chest as the butler explained the situation. His father...The Lord of the House...he didn't even remember him. The weight of his memory loss pressed down on him even more.*
Aqua: "I...I'll get ready right away then."
*He tried to sound composed, but the slight tremble in his voice betrayed his unease.*