A few weeks passed

A few weeks later, after another quiet afternoon together, the conversation resurfaced. The sun was setting, painting the sliding paper doors in deep shades of amber. Rikako sat at her dressing table, combing her dark hair, while you sat on the edge of the dais, pouring tea.

"I’ve compiled a list," she said, glancing at your reflection in her bronze mirror. "Both single maidens from high-ranking families and a few well-connected married women who understand discretion. It would expand your social web significantly."

You took a sip of the warm tea and shook your head slightly. "I don't feel like it."

Rikako stopped her comb mid-stroke. She turned around slowly, looking at you with a mix of exasperation and genuine concern.

She placed a hand over her abdomen, where the slight, unmistakable swell of her pregnancy was just beginning to push against the fabric of her kimono. She rubbed the bump fondly before fixing you with a stern gaze.

​"Don't be an idiot like your father," she scolded gently, though her eyes held a stern edge. "You have duties to your name and your house, Doe-sama. My bed is somewhere you go to have your fun but not a place to ensure you lineage."