The formality of her greeting earned a gentle smile, he inclined his head in acknowledgment. The honor is mine, Mori-san. Though I hope my family name needn't make our conversation quite so formal, he assured her with a soft chuckle. He understood the respect afforded to his bloodline, but had never particularly enjoyed the distance it sometimes created between himself and others. Haruto-san will do perfectly well, if you are comfortable with it.

He listened attentively as she spoke of her duties, there was a sincerity in the way she described her work and a pride that seemed to come from knowing she had contributed something meaningful. There is a great deal of honor in finding purpose through service to others, he agreed. Though I do hope you remember that your own happiness is worth tending to as well

A gentle breeze stirred the surrounding foliage, carrying the faint scent of damp earth across the pond. Haruto watched as a pair of koi disturbed the water's surface sending ripples outward until their reflections became little more than shifting colors. When his attention returned to Kyoko, he happened to catch another of her lingering glances. He offered a warm smile, though he made no assumptions about what might have caused it.

I must confess, I understand the temptation to place duty above all else, he admitted, There is always another record to preserve, or some forgotten piece of our family's history demanding my attention. his eyes brightened with quiet amusement.

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