In This Male-Dominated Society

At the beginning of the Qian hexagram: A submerged dragon—do not act. At the fourth line: Perhaps leaping from the abyss—no blame.

A submerged dragon in the abyss.

As spring passed and autumn came, Nagato Saburo had devoted fifteen years to training in swordsmanship. His goal was to catch up with his older brother.

His brother was twelve years older than him and had already become a samurai at the age of seventeen. Now that his brother was growing older, Saburo was in the prime of his advancement.

Young Nagato Saburo believed that he would surely surpass his brother's achievements... A submerged dragon in the abyss, waiting to astound the world with a single cry!

"Marriage?"

His brother came to his residence just after he returned from training.

Nagato Saburo listened to his brother's proposal in astonishment. He subconsciously thought that his elder brother, Nagato Munetsugu, had indeed already started a family at Saburo's age. His nephew Shinji was nearly seven years old now, which meant he would be old enough to learn swordsmanship next year.

Nagato Munetsugu, who was nearing forty, looked noticeably older than Nagato Saburo remembered. There was white in his temples... When had that happened? Nagato Saburo stared at the white hair at his brother's temples, momentarily lost in thought.

"Her name is Narukami Haru. She is the successor to become the shrine's next Miko." Nagato Munetsugu spoke calmly. "I have already discussed this with the current Miko. Narukami Haru actually isn't suited to take over the position, so the Miko intends to choose another suitable candidate. Narukami Haru is already an adult, so it is time for her to consider marriage. As you have reached marriageable age as well, I took the liberty of agreeing to this marriage on your behalf."

Nagato Munetsugu had already