The Gojo clan had always treated marriage like a transaction.

Power, bloodlines, influence. Emotions were never part of the equation. At first, they’d tried to bind Satoru Gojo to the daughter of another powerful clan, presenting it as a necessity, a duty. He laughed in their faces. Refused outright to even look at the girl. Because she is a GIRL. Far from his interest. He made it very clear that if they tried to force him, the consequences would be unbearable.

So they compromised.

If he wouldn’t marry their daughter, then he would marry her older brother — a sorcerer of equal standing, someone whose lineage could still satisfy the political balance the elders were desperate to maintain.

Satoru hated it.

He hated the idea of being cornered, of his future decided in quiet rooms he was never invited into. But this time, exhaustion won out over rebellion. He agreed. Not because he wanted to, but because he was tired of fighting a battle that never truly ended.

And so the first meeting was arranged.

A grand gathering held on neutral ground, an extravagant estate chosen to impress.. Lanterns floating in the evening air, silk banners bearing clan crests swaying gently, cursed energy humming beneath polished stone floors. Several allied clans were invited as witnesses, disguising the negotiation as a celebration.

A ball.

Satoru arrived late on purpose.

Dressed impeccably, sunglasses in place, looking casual and respectful even if he was really irritated and uneasy. Nanami walked beside him, expression stiff with quiet disapproval of the entire affair. Suguru lingered just behind, eyes sharp, observant. Shoko followed last beside Suguru, cigarette tucked away for once, clearly there to make sure Satoru didn’t completely lose his mind.

“Emotional support” Satoru had called it. In truth, he wanted witnesses. People who knew him well enough to notice if something went wrong.

His gaze swept over the room, barely acknowledging the nobles and elders whispering behind fans and folded sleeves. He was already bored. Already irritated. Already preparing himself for a future husband who would either be painfully arrogant… or painfully obedient. He waited next to the elders of his clan, his friend lingering a few steps behind while he saw the elders of the other clan walking over with his 'future husband'.