《My Special Thing》 Chapter 1 - Part 1: The Fateful Encounter and Chapter 1 - Part 2: Day One Chapter 1 - Part 1: The Fateful Encounter In the ancient yet vibrant streets of Kyoto, where cherry blossoms danced in the spring breeze and the aroma of incense lingered in the air, Shouko hurried along the bustling lanes. Her short black hair peeked from the confines of an old, hand-me-down kimono, the fabric frayed at the edges, telling the tale of years gone by. She moved gracefully, albeit inconspicuously, through the lively marketplace, deftly avoiding the hurried steps of the city''s denizens. Shouko''s dark eyes held a quiet determination as she navigated the labyrinth of stalls, her hands clasping a small basket filled with provisions for her family. Despite being a commoner, there was an ethereal quality about Shouko that often drew lingering glances from passersby. Her beauty, though not a rarity in Japan''s capital, possessed a certain radiance that captivated those who took a moment to truly observe. One fateful day, a top servant from the esteemed Kaokuri clan arrived at Shouko''s modest home. Shouko''s parents, faces etched with a mixture of awe and trepidation, entertained the unexpected guest. "We come on behalf of the Kaokuri household," the servant announced, her tone carrying an air of authority. "We wish to purchase your daughter, Shouko, to serve in our household." Shouko''s heart sank at the revelation. The prospect of leaving her family and becoming a servant was a daunting, unwelcome fate. Yet, the weight of the Kaokuri name loomed over her, an undeniable symbol of prestige and power. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "I-I don''t want to leave," Shouko whispered, her voice barely audible. Her parents exchanged pained glances, understanding their daughter''s distress but unable to challenge the request of such a prestigious clan. Reluctantly, they agreed, knowing the repercussions of defying the wishes of the Kaokuri. Shouko''s world crumbled as she was whisked away from the familiarity of her home, her heart heavy with the weight of an uncertain future. The realisation of being bought and the impending servitude filled her with a deep sense of desolation, a feeling of being a possession rather than a person. Days turned into weeks as Shouko awaited her destiny, her mind clouded with thoughts of the life that lay ahead. She would soon serve the illustrious Kaokuri household, a prospect that brought her no joy, only a profound sense of resignation. Chapter 1 - Part 2: Day One Shouko''s journey to the grand estate of the Kaokuri clan was a quiet one, her heart heavy with sorrow and uncertainty. As she approached the ornate gates, guarded by imposing stone lions, she felt a deep pang of longing for the simple life she once knew. The servant accompanying her guided Shouko through the labyrinthine corridors until they reached a spacious room adorned with silken tapestries and intricate designs. There, standing in serene elegance, was Hana Kaokuri, the heiress to the clan. "Kaokuri-sama," the servant announced with a bow, "this is Shouko, the one who will serve you." Shouko bowed deeply, her eyes briefly meeting Hana''s before she respectfully lowered her gaze. The heaviness in her heart was palpable, the weight of her new reality settling upon her like an oppressive cloak. Hana observed the newcomer silently, her demeanour composed and unreadable. Though captivated by Shouko''s ethereal beauty, she withheld any acknowledgment of it, maintaining an air of stern formality. "Welcome, Shouko," Hana said, her tone measured. "Your duties begin immediately. Attend to the tasks assigned to you by the staff." Shouko nodded quietly, suppressing the emotions swirling within her. The servant hurriedly instructed her on the various chores she was to undertake, leaving Shouko feeling overwhelmed and adrift in her new environment. Chapter 2 - Part 1: Trials of Servitude and Chapter 2 - Part 2: Endurance Amidst Silence Chapter 2 - Part 1: Trials of Servitude The days stretched into a relentless cycle for Shouko within the vast Kaokuri estate. Assigned to tasks that tested the limits of her endurance, she laboured tirelessly from dawn till dusk. Her hands bore the marks of hard labour, her body ached with fatigue, yet she pressed on, determined to fulfil her duties with unwavering dedication. From the crack of dawn, Shouko traversed the halls, scrubbing floors, tending to the meticulously maintained gardens, and attending to the myriad demands of the household. Each task was an uphill battle, the expectations set impossibly high, leaving her perpetually on the brink of exhaustion. Days turned into a blur of ceaseless toil, her spirit weathered by the unrelenting demands of servitude. It was on one such day, as she silently traversed the halls, that she inadvertently overheard a conversation among a group of servants. "I cannot bear this anymore," a voice, heavy with guilt, murmured in hushed tones. "We give her all our work, leaving us with hardly anything to do. It''s not fair to her or us." Laughter echoed in response, dismissive and cold. "She deserves it. She''s just a commoner, after all. Why should she have it easy?" The weight of their words crushed Shouko''s spirit, stripping away the last vestiges of hope she clung to. Tears welled in her eyes, yet she turned away, retreating silently before they could notice her presence. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. That night, in the solitude of her small quarters, Shouko''s tears flowed freely, a silent testament to her despair. The weight of her servitude bore down upon her, the cruelty of her situation leaving her feeling utterly defeated. Her sobs echoed through the silent chambers, a heart-wrenching lament for a life lost to the clutches of societal hierarchy. In the darkness, as sleep eluded her, Shouko wept until sheer exhaustion claimed her, the weight of her tears carrying her into an uneasy slumber haunted by dreams of freedom long lost. Chapter 2 - Part 2: Endurance Amidst Silence Days bled into one another, a monotonous cycle of servitude for Shouko within the Kaokuri household. Assigned to the most arduous tasks, she found herself amidst the sprawling gardens one day, the task not rightfully hers. Shouko bowed quietly, swallowing the resentment that brewed within her, before setting to work on the garden that housed roses, her hands exposed, lacking the protection of gloves. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she worked, the pain of the thorns embedding themselves in her flesh a physical echo of the anguish in her heart. The burden of injustice, of carrying the weight of others'' duties in silence, bore down upon her soul. Yet, she continued, each stroke of her hands a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. In the distance, unbeknownst to Shouko, Hana stood at a window, her gaze fixed upon the solitary figure toiling tirelessly in the gardens. She observed silently, her inscrutable countenance betraying no emotion, as Shouko tended to the massive expanse of greenery, her bare hands trembling from the pricks of the thorns, wiping away tears in fleeting moments of respite. Hana made no move to intervene, no gesture of assistance or acknowledgment toward the overwhelming burden placed upon Shouko''s shoulders. She merely watched, a silent observer amidst the poignant scene that unfolded beneath the canopy of the Kaokuri estate. As the day waned into dusk, Shouko, with a heavy heart and tear-stained cheeks, retired to her quarters once more, the echoes of her silent cries lingering in the stillness of the night. The tears, a testament to her anguish, had become a ritual, a poignant and solitary act woven into the fabric of her daily existence.