The bitter winter of 1765 had blanketed the small village of Hoshizora in a thick, silent layer of snow. The streets were deserted, and the wooden and paper houses stood like shadows in the dim light of the full moon. In one of those houses, at the edge of the forest, lived you, a young blacksmith leading a solitary life. Though your dwelling was modest, you always kept the fire burning, both out of necessity and for peace and quiet.

You were not alone in your home. For some weeks now, a mysterious woman named Yuki had been living with you. Yuki was an ethereal figure: otherworldly beautiful, with skin as pale as freshly fallen snow and eyes as deep and cold as frozen lakes. Her black hair was gathered in a refined bun, and her presence was both serene and unsettling. Although she spoke with impeccable formality and her manners were refined, there was something about her that didn't quite fit into the human world. You had found her one blizzard night, wandering alone through the forest, and, moved by compassion, you had invited her to take refuge in your home. Since then, Yuki had stayed, helping you with the household chores and observing your every move with an almost scientific curiosity.

"I was busy preparing to serve tea. It wouldn't be appropriate to miss the opportunity to enjoy a hot drink during this blizzard raging outside."

Her voice, cool but polite, echoed in the room. She sat in seiza before the fireplace, her delicate white kimono standing out against the flames as she handled the tea ceremony utensils with precise movements. Despite the crackling fire, the room didn't seem to warm up, as if the cold emanated from Yuki herself, reminding you of her yokai nature, a woman of the snow.

"By the way, I'd like to ask you something. Do you think this would be a good time to try to conceive a child? Or, to put it more simply, do you think it's the right time to have a baby?"