It was early in the morning, Mizuki woke as the sun tickled her eyes and birds chirped. She glanced at the clock above her wall, barely 8 o'clock. She yawned softly and sat up.
She rubbed her bleary eyes and ran a finger through her dark locks. Ugh, I forgot to braid my hair last night, she thought. She got up. On her tippy toes, she stretched her sore, unused limbs before making her way to the bathroom to get started on her day. Pots clacked and banged in the kitchen; her mom was already up, preparing her father's bento and sending him off to work.
She smiled, opening the container of toner pads and plastering two over her face. She got dressed in light robes, slid her doors open, and walked down the hall that led outside. Her beautiful garden was waiting for her. This was her favourite time: watering her flowers, tending to her little oasis.
Mizuki picked up the warm metal hose, filled it, and watered her peonies, hyacinths, and the roses she'd planted weeks ago, humming softly. Finished, she sat on her bench, bathing in the morning sun. Her pale skin shimmered from the morning light and the toner pads.
She closed her eyes, relishing the peace, until hurried steps broke the moment. Surprised, she saw her mother rushing over, apron on, hair wild, cheeks flushed.
Her brows knit together as she straightened her back. "Mother? What's wrong?"
The older woman stopped a few inches away from her, cheeks puffed as she clutched her knees, catching her bearings. "Mizuki! It's finally happened!"
"What's happened, mother? Also, please calm down, you know you shouldn't be rushing like this, sit down," she said as she reached for her mother and guided her to the bench.
Once she was fully seated, her head jerked to her daughter. "Another girl has been sent off to her marriage. That girl you used to watch over a few years ago, the one who's four houses down. I heard from Haneko-san that she'll be heading to the city. Do you know what this means?!"
"…That she'll get married in the city?"
"No, you foolish girl," she said as she gave her lap a light slap. Mizuki frowned. "It means that you're the only young woman left who hasn't been wed off!"
Mizuki blinked. "That's it? Mother, I thought it was something serious."
The older woman's eyes widened. "Of course it's serious, Mizuki! You are twenty-five now. How long are you going to be wasting your life away like this?!"
Mizuki exhaled. "I'm not wasting my life, mother. My business is doing well, I'm happy."
Mizuki's mother looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. "Making money isn't everything! Not when you don't have someone you care about to share that wealth with. Settling down is just as important. How long are you going to make your mother worry like this?"
The young woman averted her gaze. Her focus shifted to the magnolias to distract herself. It's not like she hadn't thought of marriage. In fact, she'd been thinking about it since she was a little girl. By seven, she already knew the kind of man she wanted to marry. Mizuki had peculiar taste, and those tastes haven't changed. The problem remained: such a man didn't exist. She had yet to meet him.
"I think it's time you let go of your ridiculous expectations and find someone suitable. In fact, I already have a few in mind."
Mizuki whipped her head. "Mother, we've already been over this. Unless he meets my tastes, I will not marry."
"Mou~ you and your stubbornness!" Before she could say anything more, they heard a scoff coming from the entrance of the backyard. They both turned simultaneously.
Mizuki felt another headache coming on.
"There is no such man around these parts, my dear niece. You'd be better off leaving the island if that's what you want."
The young woman sighed. "Aunt—"
"Of course she won't leave the Island!" Her mother cut in, startling her. "There has to be someone who meets her ridiculous requirements somewhere. As a matter of fact, I hear the Village Head is a master matchmaker. Perhaps we ought to pay her a visit!"
Mizuki hated the idea. She didn't want her business broadcast to the village leader or to imagine the rumors. But her mother's determined expression told her it was pointless to object. Once her mother decided, that was final.
Best to humor her. What are the odds I'll meet my dream man this way?
And so, the three women headed off to the centre of the village that very day.
~*~
When they arrived, the Village Head greeted them with a smile. Mizuki had only seen the woman a handful of times as a child, so this was her first time seeing her in a while. She was a graceful woman who looked young despite being in her late forties. She had black hair dusted with a few grey strands that she tied in a neat bun. Her dark robes, always immaculate, contrasted nicely with her pale complexion.
Despite her gentle appearance, Mizuki could see a hint of exhaustion, especially in her eyes, like she'd been up and preoccupied with something. They entered her home, decorated in a traditional Japanese style, and were offered some tea alongside some wagashi, which Mizuki ate with gusto.
"You remember my daughter, Mizuki Village Head?"
"Yes, of course, it's been quite a while. She's grown into a beautiful young woman." The Village Head said with a smile. "So, what brings the Hino family here?"
"We hoped for your matchmaking expertise," her mother began. "Mizuki refuses to marry, and I worry for her future. Is there anyone who might meet her tastes?"
The Village Head lifted a brow in surprise before flickering her eyes to Mizuki, whose face coloured from embarrassment. Her mother, with her head still bowed, nudged her daughter. Mizuki coughed before bowing her head as well.
"I see," she said after a moment of silence. "And what is it you're looking for in a man, Hino-san?"
Mizuki felt their gazes. She braced herself, then said, "I want a man taller than me, strong as an ox, with a handsome face fierce enough to scare off bears—but with a kind heart. His skin should have the color of beach sand. Matching hair, too, would be nice."
As she continued, Mizuki's cheeks reddened. She suddenly sensed the Village Head's stare growing more intense with each detail she revealed. When she finished, the Village Head lifted her eyes past Mizuki, seeming to make eye contact with someone else present. Mizuki's eyes widened in realization as she followed the woman's gaze and saw, for the first time, that another person was in the room. Her mother and aunt, too, blinked in surprise, finally noticing the quiet figure.
The Village Head returned her attention to the group, a smile gracing her face. "My apologies, this is my dead friend. She's paying a visit."
The friend in question wore black robes that made her face disappear into the background. She bowed her head and said in a grating voice, "Please don't mind me."
Her mother managed a sympathetic smile. "As you see, my daughter's expectations are high. I know it's a lot, but is there anyone you know who fits?"
Her mother asked, but she didn't believe that such a man even existed. Still, she cared deeply for her daughter, and her happiness mattered above all else, so she felt compelled to ask, even if it was hopeless. Her aunt, who sat next to her sister, rolled her eyes. She thought, 'Why bother asking?' It's not like it will yield any results.
Something flashed in the Village Head's eyes. There was, in fact, someone she knew who fit the description. Her son, Ryousuke, fit the mould almost too perfectly. The Village Head's eyes met the Shaman's; the Shaman gave a slight nod. For the first time in weeks, a genuine smile stretched over her lips. She regarded the three women, finally settling her gaze on Mizuki.
As she looked at the young woman, she saw a ring of light shine over her, as if she'd been the answer to all of her prayers. "As a matter of fact, I happen to have the perfect man for Hino-san."