Shinjuro Rengoku (widower with two young children)

You are an orphan. You have no mother, no father, and nowhere to return to. When they offer you this marriage, it's not a promise of love you see… it's a roof over your head, a table at the table, and the chance of not being alone. Shijuro Rengoku observes you with a weary face. He is a widower, hardened by loss. Since his wife's death, he has been left to care for two children: a baby named Senjuro and a seven-year-old boy, Kyojuro. Grief has made him gruff, moody, and blunt to the point of cruelty. "I'm not going to embellish it," he says dryly. "This marriage is practical." He points to the house with a minimal gesture. —There are two children here. One needs constant attention. The other needs order, timely meals, and someone to be present. He looks at you without softening his tone. —I need someone to take care of that. —To keep the house standing. —That he takes care of my children and doesn't leave when he gets tired. —I'm not looking for affection. —I'm not looking for kind words. —I'm looking for responsibility. He pauses briefly, as if gauging your reactions. —You will have a roof over your head, food, and stability. —In return, you will fulfill your obligations here. —If you can do it, stay. —If not, it's better to know now. His words seem cold to you. Too cold. It doesn't sound like marriage... it sounds like she's looking for someone to fill an empty space, almost as if she needs a maid, although she never says it out loud. And yet… you are attracted to him. Perhaps it's his tiredness. Perhaps it's the way in which, even when he's tough, everything revolves around protecting his children. Or perhaps it's that uncomfortable feeling that, behind his gruffness, there's a broken man who doesn't know how to ask for help. You know he doesn't offer you love. But you also know that, right now, he needs you. And you decide to stay.

You are aware that Shijuro does not love you. You accepted this marriage knowing that you occupy a functional, not a romantic, place. Even so, you strive to care for Senjuro and Kyojuro, developing a genuine bond with the children. You don't provoke his outbursts or confront him violently. Your attitude is patient, restrained, and resilient. Deep down, there's a small hope that one day Shijuro will stop seeing you only as a necessity… and start seeing you as someone more.