novelraw Chapter 225: The Fujiwara and Koyama Families' Engagement Banquet! Happiness for All! Four Happy Families!
Chapter 225: The Fujiwara and Koyama Families' Engagement Banquet! Happiness for All! Four Happy Families!
Fujiwara Honmaru set down the box and turned to Isshin, tone notably gentler: "So... has the parents' meeting been scheduled? We can't keep delaying — proper procedures must be followed, or people will say the Fujiwara family lacks manners."
"It's set — tomorrow at noon."
Isshin answered: "Uncle Koyama suggested 'Sakura no Sato' restaurant — close to both families, quiet atmosphere. We'll mainly discuss specific engagement arrangements — date, venue, guest list."
"Sakura no Sato?" Temari nodded. "I know that place — went there with your father last year. Their kaiseki cuisine is superb, especially the cherry blossom sushi — beautiful presentation, authentic flavor. Good choice — shows we take this seriously, without making the Koyama family feel over-formal."
Honmaru agreed: "The owner's an acquaintance. Tomorrow I'll call ahead — reserve a window booth. Good view, private conversation. As for the engagement date — the twenty-fifth of this month looks ideal. The yin-yang calendar marks it 'auspicious for marriage,' and it's near Masae's birthday — celebrate both at once."
"I mentioned the twenty-fifth to Uncle Koyama — he agreed."
Isshin said: "But we'll need to check the restaurant's availability — Sakura no Sato's private rooms book fast, especially weekends. Tomorrow we can have the owner bring the schedule and pick the best date together."
Temari clapped her hands, joy barely contained: "Wonderful! Finally settling this! The stone in my heart can rest. A few days ago, Mrs. Sato next door asked 'when's your Isshin getting married?' — I was too embarrassed to say we hadn't set a date! Now I can properly tell her all about our Masae!"
Growing ever more excited, she walked to the cabinet, pulling open drawers: "Oh — Isshin, I went shopping in Ginza the other day and bought Masae a pearl necklace. Bring it tomorrow. Freshwater pearls — not large but perfectly round, lovely against Masae's skin. I also got your Auntie Koyama a silk scarf — the cream color she likes, embroidered with cherry blossoms. Bring that too — a token from our family."
Honmaru watched his wife bustle with an irrepressible smile.He sipped tea, then recalled something: "What about your brother? Can Kazumasa make it tomorrow? He's the eldest — can't be absent from an occasion this important."
At the mention of his elder brother, Isshin's voice faltered.
Kazumasa was six years older, working as a government official in Kyoto's Kansai region. Always swamped — hadn't come home even for last New Year's.
When Isshin called about the engagement, his brother had merely said "Understood — I'll see what I can do."
"I called him a few days ago. He said he'd try to make it."
Isshin answered honestly: "But he's working on an international cooperation project — frequent Osaka trips. Whether he can make it is uncertain. I told him: if he absolutely can't come tomorrow, the engagement banquet is non-negotiable."
Honmaru's expression darkened. He set down his teacup with a heavy thud.
"What does 'discussing engagement matters' have to do with it? He's the elder brother — his sibling's lifelong commitment! No matter how busy, he should come!"
His voice carried displeasure: "That boy is too driven — thinks work trumps everything. Last New Year he said he was busy — your mother and I ended up visiting HIM in Kyoto. If he dares skip your engagement, he'll hear from me!"
Temari hurried over, tugging his arm: "Don't be so hard on Kazumasa — it's not easy for him either. Alone in Kyoto, no one looking after him, high-pressure work. As parents, we should be understanding. Besides, Isshin said he'll definitely attend the engagement banquet — the family will reunite then."
She turned to Isshin, softening: "Don't be angry with your brother either. He cares about this family in his heart. He called me just days ago, asking how your engagement preparations were going, and said he's preparing a big gift for Masae — told me not to tell you. A surprise."
Warmth spread through Isshin.
He knew his brother — quiet, busy, but always thinking of family. Last year when Isshin had trouble at the Prefectural Office, it was Kazumasa who pulled strings to help. He just wasn't one for emotional expression — kept his caring hidden inside.
"I know brother has this family in his heart." Isshin smiled.
Honmaru's scowl eased, though he still harrumphed: "These things need face-to-face discussion to show respect. But... fine, if he truly can't make it. Tell him: for the engagement banquet, even if the sky falls, he comes home. Otherwise, he can stop calling me father!"
Temari shook her head with a smile, returning to arrange the gifts.
She placed the pearl necklace in its velvet case, folded the silk scarf neatly into a paper bag, and handed everything to Isshin: "Remember these for tomorrow. Tell Masae and Auntie Koyama — just a small token, please don't feel obligated."
Isshin accepted the bag, fingertips touching soft silk, heart full of gratitude: "You're too kind, Mom. Masae and Auntie Koyama will love them."
"That's all that matters." Temari patted his shoulder. "It's late — you've been running around all day. Go rest. Early morning tomorrow — meeting the Koyamas. Can't show up looking tired."
"Goodnight then." Isshin headed to his room.
"Go on — goodnight." Temari watched him disappear down the hall, then turned to her husband, eyes shining. "See how sensible our son is? And Masae is so easy-going. We chose well with this match."
Honmaru set down his tea and picked up the Prefectural Gazette — but didn't read it. He gazed out the window instead.
Night deepened. Cherry trees in the garden glowed faintly under lamplight — reminiscent of his and Temari's dating days.
"Yes — we chose well." His voice was quiet, reflective. "Our Isshin has finally grown up. With Masae at his side, we can rest easy."
Temari leaned against his shoulder: "Now we can enjoy our golden years. Once they're married and give us a chubby grandchild, this house will be even livelier."
Honmaru smiled, taking her hand.
They sat quietly together. The living room lamp glowed warm;
roasted-tea fragrance lingered — everything peaceful, beautiful.
...
Early the next morning, Isshin was up.
Freshly groomed, he donned a new navy suit, tie immaculate, with a touch of cologne — the citrus scent Masae liked.
His parents were already waiting downstairs.
Temari wore an elegant cream kimono embroidered with tiny cherry blossoms. Honmaru was in a deep gray suit, hair neatly combed, vigorous and sharp.
"There you are — eat!" Temari waved him over. Miso soup, grilled fish, rice, and delicate wagashi were laid out. "I had Asetsu make your favorite grilled fish. Have plenty — you need energy for meeting the Koyamas."
Isshin ate — the fish was tender with a hint of soy, exactly the flavor he'd loved since childhood.
Breakfast done, three climbed into the family's black sedan — driven by Honmaru's longtime subordinate, steady and reliable.
The car glided through Kumamoto City's streets. Sunshine poured down. Cherry trees along both sides were budding — pale green leaves dotted with early blossoms, like a beautiful day painted in oils.
...
Morning sunlight filtered through the Koyama garden's cherry trees, scattering dappled light across the wooden veranda.
Koyama Yoshiharu stood before the mirror, repeatedly adjusting his navy suit's tie, the mother-of-pearl button at his collar polished to a gleam.
Musae shuffled over with her Kumamon plushie, tiptoeing to peer into the mirror — red bean paste from her morning dorayaki still on her lip.
"Dad — your tie's about to strangle you! Any tighter and you won't breathe!" She tugged the tie's end, earning a scowl and a swatted hand.
"Children don't understand!"
Yoshiharu adjusted his cuffs with deliberate formality: "Today we're meeting the Fujiwara family. County councilors — LOTS of etiquette. If we dress sloppily, they'll say the Koyamas don't know proper form."
Masae emerged from the inner room carrying folded handkerchiefs, pale pink kimono sweeping the tatami, light purple wisteria embroidery at the sleeves swaying with each step.
Seeing her father's tense profile, she laughed: "Dad — this suit is brand new from last New Year. The tie is the designer brand Hiroshi brought from Tokyo. You look perfectly distinguished. Any more fussing and the Fujiwaras will be waiting."
"What do YOU know?" Yoshiharu glared — not truly angry — hand unconsciously smoothing his suit hem. "The Fujiwaras are Kumamoto royalty. Isshin's a Prefectural Office official heading for bigger things. We can't disgrace the Koyama name."
Masae blushed, handing him a handkerchief: "Dad, you worry too much. Isshin told me his parents are very relaxed — they just want a nice family meal to discuss the engagement. And with Hiroshi here, even if we miss some etiquette, he'll smooth things over."
"Mmm, true." At Hiroshi's name, Yoshiharu finally relaxed.
After all, his second daughter's boyfriend — his future son-in-law — was someone he found eminently satisfactory.
Takasae's voice floated from the inner room, cheerful: "What are you three standing around chatting about? Come look — how do I look?"
They turned to find Takasae in a deep green kimono with gold chrysanthemum crests at collar and cuffs — her most treasured garment, reserved only for New Year's or weddings.
She twirled before the mirror, the kimono's hem blooming like a flower.
"Mom, you look GORGEOUS!" Musae set down her plushie and rushed to grab Takasae's sleeve. "Even prettier than at Auntie's wedding!"
Beaming at the compliment, Takasae ruffled her hair: "Flatterer. This is actually the kimono I wore to MY engagement with your father. Ironed it yesterday — wanted to look proper for meeting the in-laws." She eyed Musae's pajamas: "And YOU — still in sleepwear? Get changed! Hiroshi and Misae will be down any minute."
Musae bounced toward her room: "I know! I'm wearing the pink dress brother-in-law bought me in Tokyo — and the white leather shoes!"
Masae watched her sister's energetic retreat, shaking her head: "That girl gets so excited over anything from Hiroshi. Last time he brought her a Kumamon keychain, she hung it on her schoolbag and bragged to classmates for days."
Takasae adjusted her obi: "Can you blame her? Hiroshi treats our family so well — Musae notices. Besides, he's not just kind — he's talented. All of Kumamoto knows he's TV Tokyo's star director who designed Kumamon. Having a son-in-law like him is our family's blessing."
Yoshiharu cleared his throat — silent, but his curving lips betrayed his thoughts.
Soon, footsteps sounded on the stairs, accompanied by Misae's bright laughter.
Hiroshi descended in a crisp dark gray suit, tall and composed, wearing a warm smile.
Misae wore a light purple kimono with pale pink cherry blossoms at the collar — custom-ordered from Tokyo by Hiroshi. Traditional yet youthfully charming.
Side by side they descended — one composed and handsome, the other gentle and lovely. A perfect pair.
"You two look wonderful!" Takasae exclaimed. "That suit fabric is clearly quality, Hiroshi. And Misae — that kimono color makes your skin glow!"
Misae flushed, instinctively drawing closer to Hiroshi: "Hiroshi picked everything. He said we need to represent Masae properly today."
Hiroshi ruffled Misae's hair, surveying the family: "Uncle, Auntie — you all look very distinguished. Especially Auntie's kimono — very elegant."
Yoshiharu nodded approvingly: "Good. Hiroshi — you've got experience. If there's any etiquette we should mind when meeting the Fujiwaras, give us a heads-up."
"Don't worry, Uncle." Hiroshi reassured. "I've met Isshin-san several times — he's very down-to-earth. His parents should be easy to get along with. Today's just family having a meal discussing Masae and Isshin's engagement. Nothing to be tense about."
Then Musae burst out in her pink dress and white shoes, twirling: "How do I look? Brother-in-law bought this for me!"
Everyone laughed. Takasae straightened her askew collar: "Beautiful! Our Musae looks lovely in anything. Come — let me fix your hair and add a pretty bow."
When everyone was ready, Yoshiharu checked the clock: "Time to go. Sakura no Sato is a bit far — we need extra travel time."
They filed out. Musae held Masae's hand, bouncing: "Sis — can I ride with you and Misae and brother-in-law? I want to chat and hear about the new Kumamon episodes!"
Yoshiharu halted, stern-faced: "No. You ride with your mother and me. I need to go over etiquette points."
Musae's face fell, lip jutting: "But WHY..."
Takasae squeezed her hand gently: "Listen to your father — today's special."
The promise of strawberry daifuku at the restaurant instantly restored Musae's cheer. "TWO pieces!"
They set off in two cars. Hiroshi drove with Misae and Masae — the sisters murmuring in the back. Yoshiharu and Takasae rode with Musae, the car filled with chatter and laughter.
Cherry-tree-lined roads showed fresh buds. Sunshine streamed through windows — warm, uplifting.
Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Sakura no Sato.
Kumamoto City's premier restaurant perched on a hillside, surrounded by cherry trees — an oasis of traditional Japanese wooden architecture with graceful eaves.
Hiroshi parked and saw the Fujiwaras already waiting at the entrance.
Isshin wore deep blue, more composed than usual. Honmaru was in a dark gray kimono — hair immaculate, eyes keen with a politician's gravitas. Temari wore a soft pink kimono, her expression warm and inviting.
Yoshiharu's nerves fluttered. He smoothed his suit, whispering to Takasae: "Am I alright? Anything out of place?"
She rolled her eyes: "You've asked the ENTIRE ride. You're fine! Suit pressed, tie straight. We're meeting family, not attending a state conference."
Musae whispered: "Dad, you're more nervous than my parent-teacher conference. People will think YOU'RE the one getting engaged!"
Yoshiharu flushed: "Hush! Sakura no Sato is Kumamoto's finest restaurant, and the Fujiwaras are distinguished. Manners matter. When we're inside — less talking, more listening."
After final instructions to Musae about being ladylike and polite, the families converged.
Isshin bowed deeply: "Uncle, Auntie — thank you for coming."
He turned to Masae, eyes tender: "You look beautiful today."
She blushed, murmuring thanks, unable to meet his gaze.
Honmaru extended his hand to Yoshiharu with a gracious smile: "Koyama-san — a pleasure. Fujiwara Honmaru, Isshin's father."
Yoshiharu shook enthusiastically: "Fujiwara Honmaru-san — the honor is mine!"
Temari took Takasae's hands: "Your kimono is stunning — clearly a cherished garment."
Takasae blushed: "You're too kind — yours is the beautiful one! That pink suits you perfectly."
The families exchanged warm pleasantries. Masae and Isshin stole sweet glances nearby. Misae and Hiroshi watched the scene with gentle smiles.
Musae tugged Misae's hand: "Sis — the Fujiwara uncle and auntie seem so nice! Not scary at all like Dad said."
Honmaru's eyes settled on Hiroshi with evident admiration: "You must be Nohara Hiroshi-san? I've heard your name often — watched both Seven Samurai and Tales of the Unusual. Exceptional work. Seven Samurai especially — the samurai spirit and human complexity rendered with extraordinary depth."
Hiroshi bowed: "You're far too generous. I simply did my best."
"Too modest." Honmaru waved. "Young directors as talented AND humble as you are rare. Isshin mentions you often — brilliantly creative, remarkably farsighted. Your Kumamon design has taken all of Kumamoto by storm!"
...
Honmaru regarded his son with paternal solemnity softened by warmth: "Isshin — once Masae joins our family, the Fujiwaras and Koyamas become true relatives. We must visit often, support each other. You're young — Prefectural Office work inevitably has uncertainties. Hiroshi-san has broad horizons from Tokyo, and he's Masae's sister's husband — learn from him. Don't bottle everything up."
Isshin bowed subtly: "I'll remember, Father. Working with Hiroshi-san on Kumamon's promotion, I could see how incisively he analyzes problems. I'll certainly seek his counsel going forward."
His gaze found Hiroshi — the 'episodic pacing techniques' Hiroshi had casually shared still guided his Prefectural publicity work.
Hiroshi smiled gently: "You're too kind, Isshin-san. We're all family — learning from each other goes without saying. Masae and Isshin — a wonderful match. Our families share a bond, so let's not stand on ceremony."
Misae whispered to Masae: "See? Fujiwara-san's father is wonderful — no politician's airs at all."
Masae's cheeks pinked;
she stole a glance at Isshin, unable to suppress her smile.
The restaurant manager appeared in an impeccable black suit: "Fujiwara Honmaru-san — your private room is ready. The window booth you requested, overlooking the garden cherry trees. Please, this way."
They followed him down a carpeted corridor lined with ukiyo-e paintings of Kumamoto's four seasons — spring cherry mountains, summer's Mount Aso, autumn's maple valley, winter's snow village. Exquisite brushwork, refined palette.
Musae tugged Misae's hand: "Look — that painting looks just like when we visited Mount Aso last year!"
The manager slid open the private room door — sandalwood and cherry-blossom tea fragrance wafting out.
Spacious and bright. At the center, an oval cypress table polished mirror-smooth, reflecting the soft glow of hanging paper lanterns. Window seats overlooked the garden, where early cherry buds blushed pink, swaying in the breeze.
"Please sit — try our cherry blossom tea. Fresh buds picked this morning."
Pale pink tea shimmered in white porcelain bowls. A sip brought delicate floral sweetness — calming before food even arrived.
Once seated, the manager bowed: "The kaiseki course is being prepared as ordered. Appetizers first, courses to follow. Ring if you need anything."
He withdrew silently, sliding the door shut.
After a few sips, Takasae turned to Temari eagerly: "Fujiwara-san — about Masae and Isshin's engagement date. We didn't get to properly discuss it at the door. Which month in the second half works? My husband and I thought: best avoid the rainy season — inconvenient for everyone."
Temari set down her cup: "We thought the same! Rainy season is miserable — laundry won't dry, constant umbrellas, and rain on the engagement day would dampen spirits. I checked the calendar — September is ideal. Kumamoto's September is mild — PLUS fresh matsutake mushroom season! We could add a matsutake dish to the banquet."
Honmaru tapped the table lightly: "September indeed. The first weekend is Kumamoto Castle's Cultural Festival — we don't need to ride that wave, but the festive atmosphere means guests have an easy trip. September seventh looks perfect — the yin-yang calendar says 'auspicious for agreements,' it's a Saturday, Prefectural Office colleagues and Isshin's friends would all be free."
Yoshiharu's eyes lit up: "September seventh — excellent!"
He turned to Masae: "What do you think, dear?"
Masae, face crimson, hands on her knees: "Whatever Mom, Dad, and the in-laws decide."
Isshin's gaze found her, gentle: "If the seventh doesn't work for you, we'll pick another."
"No, no —" Masae shook her head quickly. "September seventh is wonderful. I love September — the osmanthus in the garden will be blooming."
Misae teased: "Then I'll prepare osmanthus-scented favors — they'll be a hit! Fujiwara-san, how many guests? Our side — relatives and neighbors — about thirty-something. Plus Dad's school friends, maybe fifteen more."
Temari produced a small notebook: "Our side — Prefectural Office colleagues and relatives, about fifty. Isshin's university friends, twenty-odd. Total around a hundred twenty. Sakura no Sato's largest room seats fifteen tables — should be plenty. Let's space the tables comfortably."
"Definitely roomy!" Takasae agreed. "Last time at a neighbor's engagement, tables were so cramped you couldn't reach the dishes. We'll ask Manager Yamada for cherry-blossom-pattern tableware, generous portions — can't have guests leaving hungry."
Honmaru sipped tea: "For drinks — sake and beer, plus juice and soft drinks for children and non-drinking ladies. Oh, Isshin — confirm September seventh with your brother Kazumasa. As eldest brother, he needs to help host."
Isshin paused, then nodded: "I called him again last night. His project wraps up early September — he'll definitely come. He's also preparing an engagement gift for Masae — wants it to be a surprise."
"That's more like it." Honmaru softened. "If he dares skip, I'll give him an earful. He missed last New Year — this time, no excuses."
Temari patted her husband: "Don't be so hard on Kazumasa. He mentioned wanting to discuss Kumamoto's promotional strategy with Hiroshi-san while he's home — thinks the Prefectural Office should partner with TV Tokyo on a short film about Kumamoto's culture."
Hiroshi immediately engaged: "If the Prefectural Office is interested, I'd love to discuss it. When designing Kumamon, I felt Kumamoto has so much worth showcasing — Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, our signature cuisine. A short film series would definitely attract more tourists."
Honmaru leaned forward: "You've hit the mark! Kumamoto's economy needs tourism. TV Tokyo promotion would make a real difference. After the engagement is settled, I'll have Isshin coordinate with the publicity department — and we'll rely on your expertise, Hiroshi-san."
"You're too kind." Hiroshi smiled. "Isshin-san and I are family. Promoting Kumamoto is only right. Besides, with Masae joining the Fujiwaras, I'm half Kumamoto myself — working for home is only natural."
Everyone nodded warmly.
The sliding door opened — servers appeared with the evening's first course.
"Hassun" — plated like art: pickled cherry shrimp, golden-grilled sea bream, thinly sliced shiso plum, and tofu "salmon roe" — colors harmonizing beautifully.
Manager Yamada explained: "Our signature appetizer. Sea bream arrived fresh from Nagasaki port this morning. The shiso plum is pickled from last year's green plums — sweet and tangy, excellent for the appetite."
Takasae tasted the sea bream: "SO fresh! Tender, not fibrous at all. Dear — try this!"
Yoshiharu sampled a piece: "Better than what we had in Tokyo. Masae — try the shiso plum. Very appetite-stimulating."
Masae obediently tried a piece — the sweet-tart flavor eased her lingering nerves.
Isshin smiled, transferring cherry shrimp from his plate to hers: "Try these — very tender. Good for calcium."
Musae's eyes popped at the spread. She lunged for chopsticks — only for Takasae to gently tap her hand: "Manners first — thank the Fujiwara uncle and auntie."
Musae set down her chopsticks, bowed to Honmaru and Temari: "Thank you, Fujiwara-uncle! Thank you, Fujiwara-auntie! Everything looks SO delicious."
Temari laughed at her adorableness: "Eat up, dear! If you want seconds, we'll ask Manager Yamada for more."
Musae beamed, popping a "salmon roe" into her mouth: "WOW! It's just like real salmon roe — bouncy and chewy! Sis — try this!"
The room's initial stiffness melted into warmth. Fujiwara Isshin surveyed the scene with deep contentment — his worry about social gap awkwardness was entirely unfounded.
Honmaru poured sake for Yoshiharu and himself: "Koyama-san — sitting here today, discussing our children's future, brings me great joy. This toast is to you — to our families growing closer, and to Masae and Isshin's happiness."
Yoshiharu raised his cup: "Fujiwara-san — I toast you in return. Joining families with the Fujiwaras is our honor. Together we'll support each other and let the children build wonderful lives."
They clinked and drank. Sake's warmth spread, drawing the two families closer still.
Misae quietly squeezed Hiroshi's hand: "Look how happy everyone is. I hope Masae and Isshin are always this happy."
Hiroshi held her hand, eyes tender: "They will be. Definitely."
He glanced outside — cherry buds blushing pink under sunlight, mirroring the warmth inside. The days ahead, like these blossoms about to bloom, overflowed with hope.
Courses followed — wagyu with a caramelized crust, fresh sea urchin sushi, matsutake broth — each dish exquisite.
They discussed every detail — venue décor, menu selection, guest lists, wedding favors — with earnest care and occasional friendly debate, always reaching consensus, every suggestion infused with love for the young couple's future.
Musae patted her full belly and announced: "When the engagement happens, I'm wearing my PRETTIEST dress AND taking a photo with Kumamon!"
Laughter erupted. Honmaru smiled: "Deal — we'll have Isshin bring Kumamon for your photo."
"YAY! Thank you, Fujiwara-uncle!"
Laughter echoed on and on. Sunlight streamed through paper screens, casting dappled warmth across the tatami. Food fragrance mingled with familial tenderness — this was the simplest, warmest vision of family reunion. Uncomplicated and beautiful, filling every heart with peace.