Chapter 138 - Apology

Bullseye!

A servant ran to check the projectiles on the target, and true enough, the arrow Suzuki Ara shot was there, next to the one the Koutaishidenka did right in the middle.

"It's a bullseye!"

The servant who had checked looked totally amazed. In fact, not only him but everyone in the dojo looked totally astounded. Nobody believed her when she said she could shoot. They were even looking for somewhere to hide just earlier for they were scared that the Young Lady would miss and shoot the arrow elsewhere that's not the target again.

But they were all wrong.

Homura Ryuu had a comical expression on his face. He had on a look that was torn between surprise and exasperation as if he had no idea what to do with his errant fiancée. He remained quiet as he stared at her, but there was a visible tick on his temple as if he was reining in his temper.

Suzuki Ara, remembering her first arrow that flunked took on a sheepish smile as she looked up at Ryuu. Seeing his expression, however, made her step forward and throw herself in his arms. It was very easy to see that he was somewhat upset, and Ara felt an urgency to pacify him. 

"I'm so sorry. I will replace the flooring," she apologized profusely, but the Koutaishidenka's stance didn't change although he still received her in his embrace.

"You're apologizing because of the floor?"Ryuu's voice hinted danger, making everyone except the clueless fiancée flinch in fear.

The other servants led by Yayoi felt worried that the Young Master would let out the clan's infamous temper for the first time and rushed into Ara's defense.

"Young Master, please don't be angry, Miss Ara wasn't told she needed to change into proper gear. We were negligent."

"Young Master, I apologize, I gave Miss Ara the bow and arrow. This servant forgot to advise the Miss to change clothes first and give instructions."

Hearing all these excuses, Ara finally realized what she'd done, and she felt horrified. She had made these people fail in their jobs just because she was selfish enough to do something she wanted. It's not that these people forgot to tell her – she was stubborn enough to ignore their heed and went on to satisfy herself.

Her selfish, mischievous nature had struck again.

She felt mortified.

"Young Master we –"

"Enough."

Homura Ryuu's voice, albeit soft and brief sliced through the room's unrest, reducing everyone in the place into fearful silence. There was never any need for the Young Master to yell to render anyone quiet. His subtle reprimand could always do the job.

Seeing as everyone had stopped, Ryuu's ice-blue gaze returned to his errant fiancée's. By now, she had also been reduced into a forlorn kitten, with guilt flooding her to her core.

How could she apologize for ruining the floor and even offered to pay for it? It was never about that. The Cedar Palace was rich enough to replace all the floors in the country. Yes, she should say sorry, but her target was wrong. That was why Ryuu was upset when she apologized.

Ara pulled back from Ryuu and turned around to face the servants. With a sincere attitude, she bowed to them. "I'm so sorry. I made you all worry…"

Her voice like clear crystals rang, and although the servants were touched, they were also alarmed that the Lady of the House was bowing down to them like a humble servant.

"Miss Ara, please stand up," Yayoi voiced out their request. "You don't have to apologize to us," she continued hurriedly as they all glanced at the Young Master nervously.

Homura Ryuu, however, was satisfied. The tension in his body left as he stepped forward and pulled Ara against his body until her back was touching him.

"It's fine," he told the servants. "The lady will be wearing proper gear for archery from now on," he added as he guided Ara out of the dojo.

The two of them walked quietly side by side, with Ryuu holding her hand, guiding her towards the huge Zen garden. Ara looked around, appreciating the aesthetics of the surroundings as they walked the path towards a small bridge where ducks and swans idled on the water below with the fish and turtles. With all the colorful blooms around, one would think it wasn't winter.

But no…

She knew that just like their house in Denenchofu, the plants were switched with others that thrived in a specific season to keep the place beautiful with flowers blooming all year round. An example was the pink, white, rose, burgundy and light green flowers that resembled fresh cut roses around the gazebo where they were headed. Those were called hellebores or better known as Christmas roses, as they can bloom from November to April while lying dormant in the summer months. The bright pink flowers with needle-like foliage and the purple flowers with a darker center were called phlox that bloom all seasons long. The only surprising thing was in spite of being a traditional Japanese estate, these winter flowers were mostly curated from abroad.

The engaged couple had walked past the bridge and was now on the beautiful gazebo in the middle of the artificial lake. Homura Ryuu led his fiancée towards the side farthest from the house where more swans and even egrets and herons idled amongst the artificial islets surrounding the gazebo.

The landscape was so serene, so tranquil that Ara's spirits which had dampened earlier because of her mischief were raised a bit. He silver-grey orbs took in the sight and breathed in the fresh air as she let the winter breeze caress her face.

"Ara, were you upset that I was unhappy with you earlier?"

Homura Ryuu's rich baritone broke the silence, and Ara turned around to face her fiancé's quizzing blue gaze. He looked tensed again as if he was prepared for her negative reaction. Well, most women would be unhappy being somewhat scolded in front of other people, but she didn't actually mind. She was the one at fault anyway. She had been too carefree, immature, and inconsiderate.

She shook her head. "No."

Ara actually felt she had been let off so easily. If it were Alistair, her ears would have exploded from the scolding.

The Koutaishidenka studied her face, checking maybe if she was telling the truth. Satisfied that she was, he nodded and sighed as he stepped in next to her, his eyes scanning the scene in front.

"Good. Because if you were, all those people in the dojo would be kicked out of the Cedar Palace."