I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling diminutive and exposed in the vast room. The unfamiliarity and expanse of my surroundings were overwhelming. My thoughts raced as I tried to recall any memories. *"Why can't I remember anything?"* I whispered to myself, my voice trembling. *"Why does everything feel so strange?"*
The door creaked open, and the butler entered, his face a mixture of concern and duty. He was the only familiar presence in this sea of confusion and strangeness.
His presence offered a small measure of comfort, but his solemn demeanor heightened my anxiety. I looked up at him, my frame feeling even smaller under his gaze. I wanted to ask countless questions but found my voice trembling.
The butler knelt to my level, his eyes softening with concern. "Master Aqua, the Lord is ready to see you. He awaits you in the family room."
My heart pounded at the thought of facing my father. Though I should have known him, he felt like an insurmountable presence. Still, I knew I couldn't avoid this meeting.
"Yes..." I managed to whisper, my voice barely more than a breath. The butler nodded and stood, gesturing for me to follow.
With hesitant steps, I followed him through the grand halls of the mansion. Every sound and sight was foreign, amplifying my sense of vulnerability. We reached a grand door adorned with intricate carvings, marking the entrance to the family room.
The butler paused and turned to me, placing a gentle but firm hand on my shoulder. "Remember, young Master, your father is stern but deeply concerned for your well-being. Try to remain calm."
I swallowed hard, feeling even smaller next to the towering butler. I gripped his hand tightly as I followed him into the grand room. The heavy scent of cigar smoke and leather filled the air. At the far end, an imposing figure sat behind a large desk. My small frame seemed dwarfed by the room's grandeur.
The butler cleared his throat. "Master Aqua is here to see you, my lord."
My father's steely gaze shifted from the butler to me.
"Leave us."
The butler nodded respectfully and gave me one last reassuring glance before exiting. The door closed behind him, leaving me alone with my father.
Facing my father for the first time, I felt even more out of place. His eyes were cold, and his voice was harsh.
"Wretch, you come at last."
His tone was sharp, and his words stung. Was this truly my father, addressing me like I was a burden?
"You look even more frail and pathetic than before."
The sting of his words was intense, each one striking my already fragile emotions. My heart raced, my breaths coming in short, shaky gasps.
Father's eyes narrowed further as he continued, his voice laced with disappointment. "You were given everything in life, and yet you've amounted to nothing. Your only purpose was to fulfill the arrangement with the Saitou family, and even that, you've failed."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as his cruel words echoed. I felt on the verge of breaking down, overwhelmed by his coldness.
Father's gaze turned steely. "Your fiancée, Miyako Saitou, has called off the engagement."
My heart sank. Miyako Saitou, the fiancée I couldn't remember, had ended our engagement. The mix of pain, confusion, and guilt was overwhelming.
"She cited a particularly humiliating incident," Father continued with a sneer. "At a recent social gathering, you made a disgraceful scene. Drunk and disorderly, you not only harassed Miyako's mother but also made inappropriate advances towards her. The incident became the talk of high society, severely embarrassing both families."
His words cut deeply, a painful reminder of my failures. I felt small and worthless as tears streamed down my face.
"There's more," Father said, his voice growing colder. "In the aftermath, Miyako's father, furious at the slight to his family's honor, nearly killed you in his rage. You were severely injured, and when you woke up, you had lost your memory. For two months, you were unconscious, and during the rare moments you regained consciousness, you could remember no one, not even yourself."
Father's eyes were icy as he continued, "The only reason you are still alive is because of the family's reputation and the enormous resources that have been expended to settle the matter. My financial sacrifices and the diplomatic efforts to quell the scandal have taken a tremendous toll on our family. It was only due to our status that we could ensure your survival."
Each of his words was a hammer striking my already battered emotions. The disappointment and disdain in his eyes were almost unbearable.
Father leaned in closer, his voice a harsh whisper. "You're a burden, a worthless trinket tarnishing the family's name and legacy."