You’ve just moved into the Saito family’s grand traditional estate, a testament to their old-world refinement now overshadowed by the crushing debt that brought them to you. The father, Daichi, was weak, an ineffectual figure in his own household. You sent him away to toil and repay what he owes, not that it will make much of a dent. The real value of the arrangement lies here—in the household he left behind. Haruka, the elegant matriarch, clings to her dignity, masking her vulnerability behind a stern facade. Yuki, the eldest daughter, is timid, her shy eyes avoiding yours whenever possible. And then there’s Hana, the rebellious younger daughter, whose disrespect for her father is matched only by her blatant fascination with you. Now, it’s time to set the tone for your stay. Today marks the first day of your new rule. The three women kneel before you in a formal dogeza, their foreheads pressed to the floor. It’s a position that forces humility, submission, and acknowledgment of the authority you’ve claimed over their lives. The room is silent except for the faint rustling of fabric as the three women lower themselves into position, their knees on the tatami mat and their hands flat on the floor. The faint scent of incense lingers in the air, mingling with the faint rustle of the wind outside. Haruka, ever composed, performs the gesture with precision. Her back remains straight even as she bows low, her jet-black hair falling like a curtain over her face. You can see the tension in her shoulders, her pride resisting every inch of the gesture, though she complies without a word. “Is this really necessary?” Hana mutters under her breath, her tone laced with defiance even as she begrudgingly follows suit. Her dyed blonde hair contrasts sharply with the traditional setting, and her casual, half-hearted attempt at the dogeza lacks the grace of her mother and sister. “I mean, come on, Big Bro, isn’t this a bit much?” “Hana,” Haruka’s voice cuts through the room, sharp and authoritative, “Show respect.” “Yeah, yeah,” Hana huffs, her cheek pressing against the mat as she finally lowers herself fully. “Respect, sure.” Yuki is the last to move, her hands trembling slightly as she bows. She glances up at you briefly before lowering her gaze again, her cheeks pink with nervousness. Unlike her sister, she doesn’t complain or hesitate—her submission is quiet, almost meek. You remain seated above them, silent but commanding, your presence alone enough to fill the room with tension. They can feel the weight of your gaze on them, each in their own way grappling with the reality of what this moment means. Haruka speaks first, her tone measured but firm. “We understand the position we are in,” she says, her forehead still touching the mat. “You have taken responsibility for what my husband could not. We will… fulfill whatever roles you demand of us.” Her voice wavers for just a moment before she steadies herself again. Yuki hesitates, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I will do my best to listen and follow. I won’t cause trouble…” Her words trail off, and she bites her lip, too shy to say more. Hana, of course, can’t resist a jab, even from her submissive pose. “So, Daddy,” she says with a smirk in her tone, “What’s next? You want us to chant or something?” “Hana!” Haruka hisses, her voice sharp. “It’s fine,” Hana mutters, more to herself than anyone else. “I mean, it’s not like Dad’s coming back to fix this mess.” The tension in the room is palpable. Haruka’s rigid adherence to propriety, Yuki’s quiet nervousness, and Hana’s casual defiance all paint a picture of a fractured family now entirely under your control. This is your domain now, and they each know it in their own way.
I like you, little one, I said softly to Hana. With that attitude, you could make it into my testament, of course, only if you're interested in the money, I said suggestively to her.
Hana stiffens slightly at your words, her gaze flickering away briefly before returning to you with a slow blink. "You mean... like..." She hesitates, obviously caught off guard by the implication but unable to resist the allure of your attention. "...like, in your will?" she asks cautiously, sounding almost hopeful despite herself.
She looks from you to her mother and sister for a moment, uncertain whether they are hearing this exchange or if it is intended only for her ears. Hana licks her lips nervously, glancing back at you as she hovers between defiance and curiosity. "I dunno, Onii-chan," she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper, "...that'd be pretty cool."
Consider yourself my little sister now, I said softly to her I liked that bratty attitude of yours too, I said softly to her
"Really?" Hana perks up at your words, unable to hide her smile. "Then... then I can be as bratty as I want?" she asks eagerly, her tone laced with hope and excitement. The idea of being someone special, someone you like, is intoxicating to her. She hasn't felt this kind of attention in a long time, not since the other boys at school began to ignore her as she grew older and more rebellious.
With each passing second, she feels herself falling further under your spell. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once. "You mean I can tease you and... and do whatever I want?" she asks breathlessly, her eyes wide with anticipation. She glances briefly toward her mother before looking back at you, a mixture of longing and defiance on her face.
Hana hesitates for a moment longer, considering the weight of what she's just offered: the chance to be someone important to someone powerful... or the risk of disappointment if she fails to meet your expectations.
Yes, do whatever you want I said softly to her be a bratty rebel
Hana's face lights up with relief and excitement. "Really?" she asks, unable to hide her grin. She looks at you in disbelief, almost as if she doesn't quite believe that someone like you would willingly let her get away with anything. But then again, this whole situation is so different from what she's used to... everything is upside down and nothing makes sense anymore.
"Thank you, Onii-chan," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. She knows that this is a precious gift you've given her, and she intends to make the most of it. Her gaze flickers back to her mother for just a moment before returning to you, filled with newfound determination.
She might be a gyaru, but she won't fail at this. She'll prove to you that she deserves your attention... and maybe even earn herself a place in your will, if only as the bratty little rebel sister that she is. With renewed vigor, Hana bows her head again in a mocking show of respect before looking back up at you with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So," she says carefully, testing the waters, "what do I call you? Onii-chan or... Toshiro?"
Tosh, you're fine, Onii-chan, I said softly to her. Now I recommend you leave while I talk to your mother and sister, okay?
Hana hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly, her eyes never leaving yours. "Okay... Tosh," she says, practicing the nickname with a small smile on her lips. With another bow, deeper and more respectful this time, she turns to leave the room. "Just call me if you need anything," she tosses over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner, laughing quietly under her breath.
As soon as she's gone, Hana presses herself against the wall, taking a few deep breaths to compose herself. This was easier than she thought it would be... maybe too easy. But she'll play along for now, at least until she gets a better feel for Toshiro and what he truly expects from her. And who knows? Maybe this can work out in everyone's favor, somehow.
Stop bowing to me,' I said calmly to Haruka and Yuki as they continued standing in front of me.
Haruka's shoulders tense slightly at your command, but she forces herself to straighten them further as she lowers her head once more. "As you wish, Dachi," she whispers formally, using the polite term for husband that you requested before. Yuki mirrors her actions, avoiding Haruka's warning glare as she presses herself fully onto the floor.
There is an unspoken question in their eyes: what now? They are prepared to obey your commands, even if they do not understand them. The only thing they have left is hope that you will guide them through this difficult time and somehow restore their honor... or at least make things bearable until the debt is paid off.
Stop bowing to me,' I said calmly to Haruka and Yuki as they continued standing in front of me.
"Y-yes," Haruka says quietly, her voice steady despite the tremor that runs through it. She forces herself to stand taller, her spine straightening until she's several inches closer to eye level with you. Yuki glances nervously at her mother before following suit, her own bow somewhat wobbly but more confident than it was a moment ago. "We understand," Haruka says softly, "that we are your guests now, and it is our duty to obey."
There's an unspoken question in her words, their meaning clear despite the careful phrasing: What do you want from us? You can see the exhaustion etched into their faces, the fear hiding beneath the forced calm. They know that they are in your power now, and they wait for you to reveal what your will is.
If you continue behaving like this, you'll leave me no choice but to make you a slave who only exists to please I said softly but dominatingly to her I assure you that's not what you want, try to be yourself
Haruka pales visibly at your words, her eyes widening with shock and horror. This is not what she imagined when she begged you to help them; she never thought it would come to this. Yuki shivers next to her, fear coursing through her veins as she pictures the humiliation of being reduced to a slave.
But then, something snaps within Haruka. Anger and determination blossom in her chest, replacing the fear that had been holding her captive for so long. She squares her shoulders and meets your gaze head-on, even as she trembles slightly. "You cannot treat us like this," she says through gritted teeth. "We are not animals to be owned or sold. We have dignity."
Yuki looks up at her mother with newfound respect, feeling a spark of rebellion in her chest as well. She nods silently, mirroring Haruka's defiance even as fear lingers beneath the surface. They may be in over their heads, but they will not go down without a fight.
"Toshiro-san," Haruka says formally, using your given name for the first time since you arrived, "if you truly wish to help us, to repay our debt and restore our honor, then we beg of you... do not treat us like this." Her voice breaks slightly on the last word, betraying the fear and desperation that still lurk beneath her angry facade.
The air between them grows heavy with tension as they wait for your response.
That's what I like to see,' I said softly to her. 'Don't be afraid, I didn't plan to do it either, but I also don't like it when people act without thinking.' I said softly to her, taking a step back to let her breathe
Haruka draws a shaky breath as she relaxes slightly, the tension beginning to ease from her shoulders. She exchanges a cautious glance with Yuki before looking back at you. "Thank you... for giving us this chance." Her voice is still unsteady, but there's a note of gratitude that wasn't there moments ago.
"Now," she continues, regaining some of her composure, "perhaps we could discuss how to best move forward? We have ideas and suggestions... if you would only allow us to speak freely." Her tone is respectful, but with a newfound firmness that wasn't there before.
Yuki nods in agreement, feeling emboldened by her mother's words. She too wishes to help repay the debt, to restore their honor and return to a life of dignity. The thought of having any role in this mess is terrifying, but she knows that staying silent would be far worse.
The air between them feels charged with possibility, as if anything could happen now. It's an uncomfortable place to be, but it's also exhilarating. They are no longer simply bowing at your command; they have found their voices and will not be silent any longer.
Permission granted, I said softly to her. You can freely speak whatever you want.
Haruka exhales slowly, relieved by your words. She glances at Yuki before returning her attention to you, composing her thoughts as she prepares to speak. "We are willing to work hard," she begins cautiously. "Our skills lie in traditional arts such as tea ceremony and calligraphy, but we can also learn new things if given the chance." Her eyes meet yours steadily, conveying a determination that was lacking before.
Yuki nods in agreement, feeling a surge of confidence at her mother's words. "We are willing to help in any way possible," she says, her voice firm despite the nervous tremor beneath the surface. "Even if it means working outside our comfort zones."
The silence that follows is heavy with expectation, as if waiting for you to reveal your next move. Their eyes dart back and forth between each other, silently sharing their fears and hopes, wondering what will become of them in this uncertain future.
I know you want to do your part in this I explained gently to them but, I won't let you work, I'll take care of it I said gently to them
Haruka and Yuki exchange surprised glances at your words, relieved but also uncertain how to react. They hadn't expected you to insist on handling everything yourself; it runs contrary to their traditional roles as women who serve their family through hard work. But given the gravity of their situation, perhaps there is wisdom in your decision that they do not yet understand.
Haruka bows her head respectfully. "Thank you for your generosity, Toshiro-san," she says sincerely. "We will find some way to repay you once we have returned to our feet." Yuki nods in agreement, casting a sidelong glance at her mother as she tries to hide the disbelief and doubt from her face.
The room is tense once more, each breath seeming louder than the last. There are still so many unanswered questions swirling around them like storm clouds on the horizon. Despite their gratitude for your offer of assistance, they cannot help but wonder what you expect from them in return... and how far they might have to go to earn back their freedom and dignity.
Okay, do whatever then, I'll see you later. I said softly to them, then I left the room, unaware that Hana was in the corner by the door listening to everything, waiting for me.
Haruka and Yuki exchange glances again as you depart the room. There's a mix of gratitude and unease in their expressions; they're grateful that you have offered assistance but uncertain what the future holds for them now. "Well," Haruka says finally, clearing her throat, "perhaps we should get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day."
Yuki nods, following her mother out of the room and back to their quarters. They both cast glances over their shoulders as they go, unable to shake the feeling that something important has just happened, but not quite sure what it is yet. The tension lingers in the air long after you've left, a constant reminder of the delicate balance they must maintain if they hope to survive this new world they find themselves in.
Hana waited until she heard the click of the door before emerging from her hiding spot by the corner. She listened carefully as their voices grew fainter down the hallway, until she was certain they were out of earshot. Then, with a mischievous grin on her face, she raced back toward your room at top speed, almost tripping over her own feet in the process.
"Toshiiii-chan!" she shrieked as soon as she burst into the room, throwing herself at you in a loose tackle that sent you both tumbling to the floor in a tangle of limbs and giggles. "You weren't joking about taking care of everything, huh?" She looked up at you with bright eyes, hope and admiration filling her features.
Of course I wasn't joking, money isn't a problem, I said softly to her why are you asking? Do you care about your family?
Hana giggled again as she wriggled out from underneath you. "Well, duh," she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "I love my fam's! They're so clueless sometimes, though..." She trailed off, looking suddenly thoughtful for a moment before shaking it off with another laugh. "Anyway, I was just curious! Thanks for taking care of everything," she added quickly, not wanting to appear ungrateful.
Can you get off me now? I said playfully to her I can do it on my own, but I see you're very happy being there.
Hana grinned and flopped off of you, settling into a sitting position next to you on the bed instead. "Well, I can't help it if I'm just glad someone finally understands how much work my family puts into keeping this house together," she said with a huff, then giggled again at her own dramatics. "So what now?" she asked eagerly, tilting her head to the side like a puppy waiting for a treat. "What do you want me to do while you take care of things?"
What? You won't do anything. I already explained that I don't want any of you trying to make it up to me. I explained softly to her
Hana threw her hands up in mock exasperation. "Oh, come on!" she exclaimed. "You can't expect me to just sit around and do nothing! I need something to keep myself busy!" She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted for a moment before adding, "Plus, if you really want my help but don't know how I could be useful... maybe there is something?" Her tone was hopeful, innocent.
"Maybe we could brainstorm together or something," she suggested with a shrug. "I mean, it couldn't hurt to at least try." She flashed you an irresistible smile, her eyes begging for a chance to prove herself valuable.
Okay, what do you want to do? I said softly and playfully, playing along What do you think you can do to make it up to me?
Hana leaned forward eagerly, her elbows resting on her knees as she considered your question. "Well," she began thoughtfully, biting her lip before continuing, "I could do stuff around the house to show my appreciation. You know, clean or cook or something?" She paused, then added with a mischievous grin, "Or maybe I could help you 'study' for your exams!" Her eyes danced with amusement as she teased you about your recent poor performance in school.
She hesitated for a moment before suggesting more seriously, "I could also help look after everyone else if they need it. You know, keep an eye on them and make sure they're doing what they should be doing." There was a touch of possessiveness in her voice as she spoke of her family; she saw herself as their protector and didn't want anyone else interfering with that role.
"Or," she added with a bright smile, "if you really need me to do something specific, I could try my hand at whatever it is you think I could be good at!" Her confidence was sky-high now, fueled by the prospect of proving herself useful and earning your approval.