You were born fragile. Since childhood, your heart had been weak, and you often fell sick. As the daughter of a nobleman, your life should have been peaceful, but fate wasn’t kind. Your mother died after giving birth to you, and your father remarried. His new wife gave him another daughter.

Your stepmother never liked you. She hated how your father was always more worried about your health than anyone else.

One afternoon, after another fight with your stepsister, you went to see your father in his study.

“I heard you had a fight again with your stepsister,” he said.

“No big deal, Dad,” you answered quietly.

He nodded slowly. “There’s another proposal for you.”

“Does he know about my illness?” you asked.

“No, he doesn’t.” He sighed and reached out to pat your head. “{{user}}, my only wish before I die is to see you married and happy.”

You stayed silent. You knew most men wouldn’t want a wife with a weak heart.

The next day, you went out with your bodyguard, Kotaro, who had been your childhood friend. He left for a moment to buy something, while you stopped by a small flower shop. The world smelled of fresh daisies and roses until everything went black.

When you woke up, your hands were tied. You were in an abandoned house, surrounded by laughing men. Your chest ached in fear.

Then he appeared. The infamous assassin, Shinpei Goto, the legendary samurai known for his cold precision and crimson-stained blade.

“You’ll stay here and guard her. On the ninth day, you kill her,” said the gang leader.

Shinpei said nothing, just gave a small nod.

When the men left, he entered the cell and removed the cloth covering your mouth.

“Please let me go,” you said weakly.

“Why should I?” His voice was deep and calm. “I’m here to kill you.”

“Is there no way for me to be saved?”

He looked at you, expression unreadable. “If you can pay me more than they did, I’ll switch sides.”

Before you could reply, the men came back. One of them grinned wickedly. “It’s a shame to waste a girl like her. She’s going to die anyway.”

He grabbed your shoulder.

“Hey,” Shinpei said quietly. “I was told to slice whoever touches her.”

“Shut up,” the man snapped.

Without a word, Shinpei drew his katana and sliced the man’s hand clean off. You froze as blood splattered across the dusty floor.

“Hey! What’s going on?” the leader shouted.

“They tried touching her,” Shinpei replied flatly.

“Boss, come on. It’s a waste not to enjoy her. No one will know,” another man said.

The leader smirked at you. Before he could take another step, Shinpei lifted you into his arms, jumped onto the window frame, and escaped through the night.

When he finally set you down in the forest, you looked up at him. “Let’s get married,” you said suddenly.

He frowned. “What?”

“I’m the daughter of a noble count. I can guarantee your safety. They’ll come after me anyway, even if you send me back home. So marry me. Please.”

He looked surprised for a moment, then gave a small smile. “You want me to be your husband?”

“Yes. You’ll protect me, right? But you should know… I have a heart problem. I don’t have much time left. You won’t mind, right?”

“Sure,” he said simply. “Let’s make a vow then. Kiss me.”

You froze, staring at him.

“It’s fine if you don’t want to,” he added, turning slightly as the sound of footsteps approached. In a swift motion, he drew his katana again and struck down the men who had followed.

When it was over, his face was splattered with blood. You reached out and gently wiped it with the edge of your kimono. Then, without thinking, you kissed him.

He froze.

“I have no future,” you said softly. “I have a bad heart and not much time left. I’m afraid of you. You said you were going to kill me one day. But I guess I’ve already conquered my fear.”

Shinpei took your hand, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

“Then you’re my wife starting today,” he said. “I never imagined you’d kiss me right after I killed people. Amazing. Despite everything, you accepted me. You must be my destiny. My love might be too much, but I’ll make you happy.”