The hectic days passed like a rushing north wind, and New Year's Eve arrived. Both Peace Department Store and Peace Bookstore were closed for the two days of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
As usual, Tougo woke up at six in the morning. He took out the vegetables he had bought two days earlier and quickly prepared stir-fried vegetables and miso soup.
When he was still a child, his grandmother worked in the kitchen of a special nursing home and would leave the house at five every morning.
Because of that influence, his grandmother still maintained the habit of going to bed early and waking up early. Tougo, in turn, had grown accustomed to preparing breakfast early to match his grandmother's rhythm.
Listening to French news on his smartphone, Tougo efficiently cooked breakfast. Gifted in languages, he had once been recommended for an exchange program in France by Professor Janda at the beginning of the second semester. But worried about his grandmother, he had politely declined, saying, "I'll think about it next year."
Professor Janda, a Frenchman, walked toward Peace University, his coat fluttering in the chilly north wind. In contrast to the silent campus on New Year's Eve, the library was packed with diligent students.
He was 49 years old and single.
After graduating from France's Royal University, Professor Janda earned his doctorate in ancient literature at Peace University's graduate school. Since then, he had spent many years teaching French composition and literature.
Among the fifty first-year students in the French literature department—where talented individuals from around the world gathered—Tougo's extraordinary abilities astonished both the faculty and her peers within just a month of the semester's start.
Rumors that Tougo had received a top academic scholarship and entered the university as valedictorian had already spread among the faculty, making him the center of attention from the very beginning of the semester. Before long, everyone was deeply impressed, saying, "He's clearly no ordinary student."
Wanting to confirm his talent for himself, Professor Janda gave Tougo a copy of The Logic of French History, a book that had made waves in the French literary world the previous year. He asked him alone to read it and write a review.
Two days later, Tougo returned with a 30-page review written on A4 paper. Professor Janda was stunned. The original text was 1,000 pages long—he couldn't imagine how he had managed to absorb it so quickly. He carefully read his review and was deeply moved by his sharp intellect and vast knowledge.
Professor Janda scanned the review and sent it to his mentor, Professor Arlan at France's Royal University.
A week later, Professor Arlan replied by email, saying, "I'd like Tougo to read The Hundred-Year Lonely War of Belmerdon, considered the most difficult work in France, and hear his critique."
Professor Janda called Tougo in and handed him the five-volume epic The Hundred-Year Lonely War. "Could you read this and write a review?" he asked.
Tougo widened his eyes and replied, "I actually read this back in high school."
Professor Janda was once again astonished. Even adult French readers found the book difficult to digest—how had a Japanese high school student managed to understand it?
Tougo added, "I have a little time before my part-time job, so I'll head to the library now and write the review."
An hour later, he returned with an impressive 37-page critique.
Professor Janda read it immediately and was so moved by its insight that he emailed it to Professor Arlan at France's Royal University.
Three weeks later, Professor Arlan called. He had featured Tougo's critique on the French television program Literature and Strolls, and the response had exceeded expectations.
"I'd love for Tougo to come to Royal University and join me in a discussion," he offered.
As a result, the exchange program—normally open only to second-year students—was specially arranged for Tougo as a first-year student.
However, Tougo quietly declined, saying, "Due to family circumstances, I'll have to pass this time."
Furthermore, when Tougo mentioned that he had been writing poems and novels since elementary school—and that he had even written a novel in French—Professor Janda eagerly asked if he could read it.
The novel, which Tougo had written as a first-year high school student, deeply shook Professor Janda to his core, both emotionally and intellectually.
Its title was Noir et Blanc ("Black and White").
Set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, the story depicted a romantic tale and spanned an astonishing 2,000 pages.
That August, Professor Janda persuaded Tougo to submit his work to the Bougot New Writers Contest in France. The contest is not only renowned within France but also internationally, and is considered a gateway to the French literary world.
The results are scheduled to be announced on February 26 of the following year—on the birthday of the poet Bougot.
The cold north wind had subsided, and shimmering particles of light danced gently through the air, wrapping it softly like a silk scarf and creating a serene winter landscape. From the wide-open window, the clear song of a black-faced bunting echoed pleasantly.
Professor Janda carefully read through Tougo's final essay exam, and his heart grew warm. Ever since losing his lover, the pilot Paul, in an accident five years ago, he had spent his days in emotional numbness. But meeting Tougo this year had stirred his heart for the first time in a long while. He was the kind of student he felt could become the "true disciple" he had been searching for all these years.
On the desk, piled high with books and papers, sat a photograph of Paul smiling in his pilot's uniform, beautifully illuminated by the lace-like rays of sunlight streaming in.
On New Year's Day, as the world welcomed a new year, it overflowed with the cheerful energy of people filled with hope. After finishing breakfast, Tougo and his grandmother set out for their first shrine visit of the year, walking about fifteen minutes to Hoshizora Shrine.
Hoshizora Shrine is the oldest shrine in Japan, dedicated to Amaganahoshioomikami, the first Omega in Japanese history. According to records in the Chronicles of Japanese Eras, it was established during the Jomon period.
The shrine was already bustling with worshippers, and the grounds were overflowing with people. After offering their New Year's prayers, Tougo and his grandmother took a leisurely stroll through Hoshizora Town, enjoying the crisp winter air.
Early in the morning, Tenmei set out for Hatsumōde—the first shrine visit of the year—accompanied by his grandfather Taiyō Oosora, the chairman, and the executives of the Peace Group. Afterward, the family gathered at his grandfather's residence and shared breakfast together.
Because they were all intelligent and refined individuals, strict etiquette was expected at the dining table.
"When are you getting engaged to Kyoka, Tenmei?"
Everyone was quietly eating, gathered around a luxurious New Year's feast filled with lavish ingredients. The silence was broken by Tenmei's aunt, elegantly dressed in a refined kimono. She gently opened her mouth and asked in a calm voice.
"I think sometime after spring would be good," Tenmei replied.
With the topic of his engagement brought up, the atmosphere at the table quickly warmed, and the conversation gradually became more lively.
"Yes, around April sounds nice," added his usually quiet uncle, joining the discussion.
"I'd like to spend a little time dating first."
"Is that really necessary? You already know each other so well—why not just get married quickly?"
Tenmei's aunt said bluntly, without much warmth. In response, Tenmei gave a faint smile, his expression otherwise unchanged.
"We're going on a date tomorrow. No need to worry."
His grandmother, Hideko Oosora, who had been quietly eating, spoke in a gentle yet weighty voice.
"Tenmei, don't rush. I want you to be with someone you truly love."
Tenmei opened his mouth wide and laughed brightly.
"Thank you for your concern."
Tenmei's father, Tensei Oosora, who had just finished enjoying a delicious spiny lobster, wiped his hands with a wet tissue and spoke.
"I heard about it from Tachibana before… Are you still looking after Tougo?"
"Yes. I intend to continue doing so," Tenmei replied without hesitation.
"Then, do you love that rare Omega?"
The sharp voice of his beautiful aunt—once a famous actress—pierced Tenmei's ears.
"Yes. I do. That's exactly why I'm taking care of him."
"Then what about Kyoka? If you love Tougo, why not just marry him?"
His aunt widened her deer-like eyes as she spoke. Raised in a wealthy household, she carried a somewhat childlike and pampered temperament.
"It's not that simple. Have you forgotten what Meisei did?"
The usually quiet uncle glared sharply at his wife, a rare display of intensity in his eyes.
"Meisei was still young at the time. It was just a momentary mistake, and now he's changed. He's studying hard and trying to better himself. Isn't it time we forgave him?"
Tenmei was visibly irritated by his aunt's words defending her son.
"But that doesn't change the fact that he committed a serious crime. He's still suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder as a lasting consequence. We should be more considerate of his feelings."
His uncle's harsh words slightly eased the tension in Tenmei's heart.
But—
"Still, it's not like he completely did it, right? He made proper restitution, and Meisei has already repented. So can't we just let it go?"
At his aunt's careless remark, Tenmei's patience finally snapped.
"What do you mean by 'he didn't completely do it'? Meisei violated Tougo's chastity. He is the world's only ultra-dominant Omega. He may have slipped through the cracks of Japanese law, but international law is not so lenient. As the saying goes, 'Walls have ears, and paper doors have eyes.' Meisei cannot be forgiven."
As Tenmei spoke with growing intensity, the room fell silent, and a heavy atmosphere settled over everyone.
After finishing his meal, Tenmei's dignified grandfather spoke to him gently.
"I'm grateful that you're looking after Tougo. He's a good child. He's been pitiful for so long. It's a sin that cannot be atoned for, even over a lifetime… But marriage is out of the question. A perpetrator and a victim cannot live under the same roof. Tougo is the one and only flaw—and the greatest vulnerability—of Peace group, which has ruled Japan for over three hundred years. Don't forget that. If this secret ever comes to light, the future of Peace will be destroyed."
Everyone seated around the table gasped at the weight of his words and quietly bowed their heads.
On the morning of January 2nd, Tenmei visited Kyoka's home to exchange New Year's greetings, and then took her to a countryside villa.
The crisp winter sky was brilliantly clear, adorned gently by iridescent clouds against a forget-me-not blue backdrop.
Kyoka wore her long black hair down, dressed in a pale pink frilly dress paired with a matching beret.
Among her carefully applied makeup, the pink lipstick stood out as especially flattering.
Tenmei was dressed in a relaxed yet refined navy smart-casual outfit, wearing sunglasses.
His entire ensemble was custom-made from luxury brands. The tasteful attire further accentuated his commanding presence.
Sharp, straight eyebrows, narrow double eyelids, a well-defined nose bridge, and glossy, pale lips— every feature stood out beautifully against his healthy golden-toned skin.
Kyoka was captivated by Tenmei's handsome, charismatic face, momentarily losing herself in admiration.
As Tenmei drove, he asked Kyoka a series of questions—about her favorite foods, authors, movies, music, hobbies, sports, and fashion brands.
But the only thing they had in common was their shared love for the fashion brands Louis Boton and Arnanil. Kyoka, like Tenmei, was a devoted brand enthusiast.
During the long drive, she quietly listened to Tenmei speak.
He passionately talked about his future plans for space exploration, explaining that with the newly developing "Tenko Electromagnetic Environmental Satellite," it would be possible to explore the planet Marcella.
However, the topic was a bit too complex for Kyoka, who knew little about space or rockets. Still, with a gentle smile, she remained quietly attentive, emotionally engaged in his story.
To avoid persistent paparazzi, Tenmei decided to head to a countryside villa—but even then, someone continued to tail them. Annoyed, Tenmei didn't bother to hide his irritation and pressed down hard on the accelerator.
The villa, located in Shizuoka Prefecture far from Tokyo, was a traditional Japanese house built using timber frame construction. It featured a spacious and meticulously maintained Japanese garden. Six live-in staff members ensured that both the house and garden were always kept immaculate.
Upon arrival, they were greeted at the gate by the caretaker, Nakajima, along with five other staff members. Handing their luggage to Nakajima, Tenmei and Kyoka strolled leisurely toward the living room, enjoying the view of the garden as they went. There, they sat down and relaxed with a cup of tea.
Soon, Nakajima's wife, Miyuki, appeared from the kitchen and greeted them politely.
"Thank you for waiting. Lunch is ready, so please come this way."
Tenmei and Kyoka entered the dining room, a serene space adorned with hinoki wood, and took their seats at the large table.
"I'm not sure if it will suit your taste, but please enjoy it at your leisure," Miyuki said softly before quietly returning to the kitchen.
The dining table was beautifully arranged with dishes made from seasonal ingredients sourced from all across Japan.
Tenmei picked up his chopsticks first and took a generous portion of bamboo shoots and spinach salad, bringing it to his mouth. Seeing this, Kyoka quietly picked up her own chopsticks.
And so, their peaceful meal together began in silence.
As expected, Kyoka didn't eat very much.
Even so, compared to when they first met, she managed to eat a little more this time.
Ever since Secretary Tachibana had informed the staff that "Tenmei and his fiancée will be visiting on January 2nd," the household staff had been preparing nervously. In particular, Miyuki Nakajima had poured her heart into preparing a variety of dishes.
After finishing their meal, the two headed to the music room on the second floor. Tenmei sat at the grand piano by the large window, his long, graceful fingers moving rhythmically as he began to play Pachelbel's Canon with elegance.
Kyoka, smiling softly, gazed intently at Tenmei's refined face.
The winter sky darkened early, and by the time Tenmei emerged from his bath, the indigo curtains by the window had been quietly drawn.
Kyoka was still in the guest bathroom.
Tenmei stood by the window and slowly drew back the curtains. The night sky stretched wide, glittering with countless stars. The dazzling sight made him instinctively furrow his brows.
He sat down on the sofa, savoring the deep, woody aroma of brandy, taking slow, deliberate sips.
"Tougo must've started work today," he thought, bringing the glass back to his lips.
There was a knock at the door, and Kyoka entered the room, dressed in a crisp white negligee. The two had already discussed getting married on May 5th this year and were now in a close, intimate relationship.
Tenmei handed Kyoka a glass of sparkling wine, its fine bubbles bursting elegantly and releasing a soft rose fragrance.
Kyoka took small, careful sips, savoring it gently as she drank.
Tenmei gently drew Kyoka's delicate body close and softly pressed his lips to hers.
Their tender touch deepened, and soon his tongue gently enveloped hers.
Though Kyoka's tongue trembled slightly, she responded, and the warmth between them quietly, yet unmistakably, intertwined.
Kyoka's breath grew uneven, and her shoulders trembled slightly.
Tenmei gently lifted her in his arms and carried her to the adjacent bedroom.
He softly laid her down on the spacious bed and gazed deeply into her eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
In response to Tenmei's question, Kyoka gave a small nod. Her cheeks were flushed, and her long eyelashes trembled faintly. Tenmei slowly and carefully reached for her dress.
The fabric slipped away like a gentle cascade, revealing her fair skin, and his eyes grew slightly misty.
"So beautiful…" he murmured.
Kyoka shyly lowered her gaze, but did not resist his touch.
As if trying to confirm something, Tenmei traced the outline of her body with his fingertips and gently embraced her.
With each breath they shared, the warmth between them slowly deepened.
Kyoka's body was enveloped in sensations she had never experienced before. Though hesitant, she surrendered herself to the sweet, sharp ache that had begun to stir deep within her.
Her faint lavender-scented pheromones drifted gently through the room, blending into the air. In the quiet warmth, only the sound of their heartbeats echoed between them.
In a stillness that felt as if time had suspended, the night deepened, becoming something shared by the two of them alone. Gently, and at times intensely—the ribbon of instinct and longing intertwined, and slowly, unmistakably, began to unravel.