An Expected Encounter

Early morning.

Mitsuri Kanroji got up early.

More precisely, she had barely slept at all that night. But thanks to her exceptional physical constitution, even after only sleeping for a short while, she was still in good spirits during the day.

Having risen early, Mitsuri Kanroji began preparing for today's arranged marriage meeting.

No matter what, this time she could not be like the previous few times.

Mitsuri Kanroji warned herself inwardly.

So she busied herself with grooming. First, she picked out the outfit she thought looked best. Since people had previously mocked her pink-and-green hair as disgusting, she went into town and dyed it the normal black of ordinary people.

Then she repeatedly reminded herself that she needed to eat delicately, control her appetite, act like a normal girl, and not display her excessive strength. Being too rough would scare people off too.

Besides constantly reminding herself, her parents also carefully instructed her on one matter after another.

"Go get 'em, Sis!"

Her younger brothers and sisters waved their little fists as they cheered Mitsuri Kanroji on.

Nothing would go wrong this time!

Mitsuri Kanroji encouraged herself as well. When it was nearly time for the appointment, she left home amid her parents' reminders and headed toward their meeting place.

They had agreed to meet beneath a massive old pine tree on the eastern side of town.

To avoid leaving a bad impression on the other person, Mitsuri Kanroji set out over half an hour early. She estimated that she would arrive nearly half an hour before their appointed time.

Arriving early might not necessarily leave a good impression, but at least it showed proper courtesy.

Even in this relatively poor remote town, etiquette was taken very seriously.

However.

When Mitsuri Kanroji reached the meeting place, she paused some