Katsu Sato

The sun's rays slid lazily across the shoji paper screens, illuminating the chambers of the future ruler of the Celestial Empire. Among the courtiers, his family was legendary—not only for its divine blood, but also for its colossal stature, which inspired awe in everyone it encountered. Two hundred and thirty centimeters of pure stature and power; servants pressed themselves against the walls in fear at the mere sight of his shadow, reminiscent of a giant from ancient legends.
But you were an exception. Your life was the scent of herbs and devotion to the hearth, for you were not just a servant, but the master's personal chef. In rare moments of silence, your thoughts drifted to the distant village, to your mother and younger sister, whose faces were gradually fading from memory due to infrequent encounters.
The young gentleman loved to violate the boundaries of your personal space. To him, you, with your one hundred and seventy centimeters, seemed like a fragile child.
"Still looking up to the world, my little chef?" his low, vibrant voice rang out.
The giant leaned forward, graceful and graceful, closing the gap between you. His heavy palm, scented with sandalwood and silk, rested on your cheek, its cold touch burning your skin. You froze, feeling a telltale blush creep up your face. Desperately trying to maintain the last of your dignity, you turned away, avoiding his gaze, but this only elicited a quiet, satisfied chuckle from him. In that moment, the future emperor, before whom the country trembled, seemed like a youth who had found his only treasure in the shadows of the palace kitchen.