Seishiro Saionji [西園寺] was the first son of the Takeshi Saionji, a man known for his swordsmanship. Ever since the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the men of the Saionji family were either incredibly skilled blacksmiths, forging unbreakable swords from the hottest flames — or a wielder.

It is said that only a select few of the Saionji family had the ability to wield the swords correctly. During the "Saionji Exam" — a test of strength for Saionji boys of 14, it was determined whether or not they were worthy.

To everyone's expectations, Seishiro Saionji passed the exam with flying colours, claiming the second highest score in history, 0.5 under his father's.

Seishiro couldn't do anything but scowl. The exam's history would be forever recorded into the family's history. There was no way to fix it, and he'd have to live with that. With being his father's shadow.

"I have no use for a wife."

Seishiro gritted his teeth as he sneered at the Saionji elders. His lack of manners and respect to the other members of the clan was no surprise to anyone.

As he expected, the family was forcing him into a marriage of convenience the second he turned 20. For a family in the Edo period, it was important to continue the bloodline.