[Saotome Keiichiro: The Resolve of a Viscount’s Heir]
The day after the press conference, newspapers carried reports of the event.
Keiichiro’s name and photograph dominated the front page, detailing his composed demeanor and dignified defense. Hina’s statements were also quoted, conveying her perspective to the public.
Several days later, an anonymous letter arrived at a private girls’ school faculty room. Written in delicate script, it recounted past incidents surrounding marriage proposals involving the Shinomiya family.
“When I declined the marriage proposal from Lord Shinomiya, I received persistent letters. He even loitered outside my home late at night. Pressure was then applied to my father’s trading company. Upon witnessing Hina-sama’s situation, I felt compelled to write.”
Though anonymous, the handwriting and style unmistakably belonged to an upper-class young lady.
The letter eventually reached the editorial office of a women’s newspaper, followed by a flood of similar testimonies—all from women who had rejected marriage proposals from the Shinomiya family.
“After refusing the Shinomiya family’s proposal, my father was accused of ‘tarnishing their lineage.'”
“He preached ‘a woman must have dignity,’ yet privately demanded premarital photographs…”
These letters circulated discreetly among the editors before being published as a feature in The Imperial Capital Women’s Chronicle:
[Mounting Accusations—Testimonies of Women About the Shinomiya Heir】
[Who Was Truly Suffering?—The Shadow of “Noble Pretense and Coercion” in High Society]
The article instantly became the talk of women’s circles, sparking shock and outrage. Public perception of Shinomiya—once known as the “polishеd, lineage-conscious heir”—rapidly soured.
“My… that Lord Shinomiya would do such things…?”
“I’d heard rumors too. He’d always lament, ‘How deplorable, women lacking dignity…'”
“I’m ashamed for blaming Hina-sama. Who was truly disgraceful, I wonder?”
Whispers spreading through high society dealt successive blows to the Shinomiya family. All pending marriage arrangements were canceled, and even the succession of his title came under review.
One young lady spoke plainly:
“To think such a man dared preach ‘purity’ and ‘dignity’ to Hina-sama… How pitiful. Oh, I know full well how entitled he was about his so-called ‘worth.'”
Several others nodded gravely. Now, Hina and Keiichiro’s love was being hailed as proof of sincerity and true devotion.
＊
Keiichiro quietly set down the newspaper after reading multiple exposés about Shinomiya. The truth had finally come to light. Restoring trust might still take time—but at last, Hina and Yunoya could reclaim their honor.
Yet what filled his chest wasn’t triumph, but a quiet, almost abandoned stillness.
Then—pattering footsteps approached down the hallway.
“Keiichirooo!”
The sliding door burst open as Keito bounded in, grinning. Behind him, Hina appeared flustered.
“Keito, I told you to be quiet in the house!”
“But you promised to play today!”
The boy leaped across the tatami and clung to Keiichiro’s knees. A faint smile touched Keiichiro’s lips at his warmth.
“…So I did. Forgive me—just wait a little longer.”
As he reached to ruffle Keito’s hair, his fingers abruptly lost strength. Sweat beaded on his brow. His vision blurred as if veiled in mist.
“…?”
Keito tilted his head, peering up.
Maintaining his smile, Keiichiro exhaled deeply.
He’d protected their honor.
But honor wasn’t all that needed protecting.
Lowering his gaze, Keiichiro settled Keito on his lap and leaned back into the chair. A wave of fatigue, slight but undeniable, enveloped him.