A/N

SPOILERS!!!

I'm going to assume that Muzan is a spoiled brat when he was still a human.

He obviously comes from a rich family if he could afford a doctor to treat him. He was no doubt spoiled since he barely got out, and in a pit of rage, he killed the doctor because he was given a prototype version of the medicine that might cure him.

Also, women were not treated fairly during the ancient times and their opinion hardly matters in society. Some men would force themselves on their wife/wives to show they are dominant in the relationship.

If you are disturbed by the fact that women suffer from physical and emotional trauma then you may skip this chapter.

Also, violence, gore, mature themes, non-consensual sex or rape might be present in the following chapters.

Read with caution.

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Heian Period, in the late 700's

"Are you enjoying your visit to my garden?"

Mimi immediately stood up and straightened. When she turned around to face the source of the voice, she was surprised to see a young man with pale complexion.

He looked sickly and pale yet his handsome features were striking. His black curly hair was tied into a high ponytail and he was wearing what seemed like a very expensive kimono for someone his age.

Mimi blinked and then she smiled slightly before bowing her head.

"Oh! Forgive me for intruding but I was simply mesmerized by this garden's beauty. I love plants a lot and I could clearly tell that this garden is well taken care of." Mimi explained enthusiastically and she couldn't help but point out all the rare plants that she noticed while she was looking around.

"I am pleased to know that my garden is to your liking. "The young man said dryly as he stared at her.

Mimi flushed a little and smiled, not at all deterred by his reaction.

"My lord, forgive me. I seem to be wasting your time with my endless chatter. "

The young man waved his hand.

"It is fine. If I am not mistaken, you are here to deliver my medicine? "

She nodded her head at his question.

"I came in my Otou-sama's place, my lord. Who will be receiving the package?"

He stared at her for a couple of moments which made Mimi uncomfortable. She hesitantly approached him.

"My lord?"

The young lord blinked at her.

"What's your name?"

"Otou-sama named me Kimiko but I am often called Mimi instead. It is my nicknamr. "She answered politely.

"A nickname?" He asked while staring.

Mimi's eyes widened, surprised that someone like him doesn't know what a nickname is.

"My lord, a nickname is a familiar, invented given name for a person. Sometimes a nickname can be a short version of someone's name. "Mimi explained softly. "My name is Kimiko but Otou-sama and my peers call me Mimi for short because Kimiko can be quite a mouthful. "

"What's the purpose of giving someone a nickname?" The young lord asked her with curiosity.

Mimi chuckled a little, amused at the man's genuine curiosity and how similar he looked like to a child when he demanded for an answer.

Was he spoiled or something? And he looks like he doesn't go out much. From how utterly clean and pristine his appearance was, this man probably doesn't know what hardwork means or maybe he is simply suffering from a weak body or disease?

Mimi was no expert but his pale complexion was evident that he was always indoors and that he barely got out of the sun.

If he needed medicine then it was safe to assume that he was suffering from an illness which causes his body to become weak.

"My lord, a nickname is given simply for convenience but a nickname can also be the same as an endearment for someone who is dear to you or to any person who is close to you like a friend or a lover. "Mimi finally answered the young lord, eyes lighting up.

"Do you have a nickname, my lord?" Mimi asked in an innocent manner. The young lord hesitated before he shook his head.

"I have never been given a nickname. Everyone calls me by my name or my title with respect. It's how it should be." He said sharply as he narrowed his eyes almost defensively. "A nickname? What good would it bring me?"

Mimi frowned. She placed the package down.

"My lord, I did not mean to offend you. Having a nickname or not doesn't make you less as a person. Rather, it often means that someone is very fond of you if they end up giving you a nickname." Mimi said further  hoping that he would lower his guard.

The young lord's eyes lit with understanding and he seemed to finally understand.

"I see.. " He murmured softly and for some reason, his eyes strayed away as if he was deep in thought.

Mimi was able recognize that look. A soft smile decorated her face and she approached him before gentlytaking one of his hands and holding them between her own two hands.

His gaze snapped towards her in surprise and he was about to open his mouth to retort when Mimi spoke.

"My lord, would you like a nickname?"

He frowned. "We are not close. I have only met you just now. "

Mimi smiled. "I am rather fond of it, my lord. "She said truthfully. "Someone who owns such a beautiful garden couldn't be that bad."

His eyes widened with surprise.

"Your name is Mimi?"

She smiled and nodded her head slowly.

"It is my nickname. My name is Kimiko."

The young lord closed his eyes. "Kimiko." He tested in a soft, pacified tone.

Mimi laughed. "Yes, my lord. Kimiko."

He opened his eyes and he gazed at her with softness in his expression.

"My name is Muzan. Muzan Kibutsuji. I am the head of the household. "

Mimi blinked before her face flushed a little.

"A-Ah?" She stuttered in surprise, not expecting the sickly man to be the head himself.

Muzan's lips lifted slightly to the side.

"Tell me. Are you still unmarried?"

Mimi turned bright red at his question, not expecting a man to ask something so boldly towards her.

She slowly shook her head and dropped his hand as if she was burned.

"I am not. And I wish it would stay that way." Mimi responded as she averted her gaze, not liking where this conversation was heading.

Much to her credit, Muzan kept quiet.

But if only she was facing him, she would have seen the mysterious glint in his eyes, the way his gaze focused on her as if she was the most interesting puzzle he had ever encountered. And the purpose of a puzzle was to solve its mystery and decipher its code.

To Muzan, the young lord, she was something of rare value that he encountered by luck alone. With his weak body, he barely got out and aside from his servants, his interaction with Mimi was the closest he'll ever get to human interaction.

He was simply fascinated and it was her smile and carefree way of acting that hooked him.

"I don't want a nickname. "Muzan suddenly said which made Mimi snap her gaze towards him.

He placed a finger under her chin.

"It's inconvenient for me. But I wish to call you by your given nickname. Mimi, was it?" He asked before testing the name a few times. Mimi could've fainted right then and there.

Was Muzan aware of what he was doing?

Mimi took a deep breath and tried not to think about their interaction too much.

"Yes, my lord." She answered meekly. His eyes narrowed with displeasure.

"Call me by my name and nothing else. You said you were fond of me? Then this is a privilege I will only give to you because you intrigue me. "

Mimi opened her mouth to ask but decided against it in the end. Muzan was not very educated when it came to common practices between men and women in society or was it simply because he lived a very different life from her?

But Mimi considered his living situation, knowing that he barely got out due to his sickness and most people he talked to were servants who could not hold a proper conversation with their master.

"I am thankful for your kindness, Muzan-sama." She said with glee before bowing her head slightly.

Instead of receiving a response, Mimi was surprised when the young lord went to hold her hand.

"That will do." Muzan said. "Now come. We should move to a much private setting and my physician still has things to say before he leaves."

Mimi was about to protest but the firm grip he had on her hand told her that saying no was going to be a bad idea. Her Otou-sama also told her not to displease the young lord.

In the end, Mimi complied despite feeling uneasy inside.

When they were properly seated, Mimi managed to calm herself.

And the doctor's presence eased her worries.

"Miss Kimiko, it is a pleasure to see you again. How is your father?"

Mimi smiled at the doctor, he was a familiar face who frequented their shop for herbs.

"Likewise, sensei. Otou-sama is well and his health is improving."

He looked like he didn't believe her and who would? Mimi knows that her words were simply meant to sugarcoat what harsh reality awaits her. Much to her surprise, the doctor didn't comment anything.

Now she feels even more worried.

♤♡◇♧

So long hiatus....? Finals are coming and I need to study.

I'll be back before you know it guys.