Heian Period, in the late 700's

Mimi almost shifted in her seat. Muzan was a very hard man to please. Almost everything that his doctor told him greatly displeased the man.

He also didn't look the least bit enthusiastic about the prospect of taking more medicines inside his body. Mimi could feel his frustration radiating like waves and it honestly made her pity the man.

She assumed that he was frustrated at the doctor but also at himself for having such a weak body. Though he maintained a calm disposition, anyone could tell that the aura brewing around him was anything but pleasant.

"My Lord, all the necessary medicine that I have prescribed were brought by Kimiko-sama. Rest assured that they don't have any side effects to your body, they--" The doctor said but was rudely cut off.

"Quiet. Just leave. I don't want to hear any of these nonsense right now." Muzan snapped as he glared at the doctor who quietly bowed his head and took his leave.

Mimi felt sorry for the man for the way he was being treated. She was even more amazed that he didn't snap back or something.

Muzan was probably someone he really did not want to mess with. She did not blame him. Men with wealth and power were to be revered and feared. They could do so many things just by the snap of their fingers.

Mimi sighed before catching Muzan's attention.

"Muzan-sama, I believe I need to go as well. I have delivered your medicine and if you have nothing else to say then I will take my leave."

Before she could stand up, Muzan's firm and solid voice resonated across the room.

"Stop. "

Mimi turned and blinked in confusion.

"Who said you could leave?" Muzan asked in a displeased tone.

Mimi frowned. "My lord.."

He glared at her. "Didn't I tell you to call me by my name?"

Mimi almost wanted to snap but she sighed instead.

"Forgive me, Muzan-sama. "She said, bowing slightly. "I only wanted to go home early because I have to take care of my sick father."

Muzan's eyes narrowed with displeasure.

"Very well. But the next time, I won't let such disrespect slide. Do you understand, Mimi?"

She nodded her head to him. "Of course, Muzan-sama."

When Mimi was finally allowed to go, she immediately bolted to the door and left the estate in haste, not wanting to be near the arrogant young lord again.

She came home to her Otou-sama who was waiting for her to tell him about the young lord whom he referred to as a very important client.

Mimi did not even sugarcoat her words as she expressed her thoughts about the sickly pale young lord.

"Child, you must understand. Lord Muzan is sick but he is powerful and influential. We cannot offend him so bury your displeasure. You don't need to like him."

Mimi gasped.

"Otou-sama, what are you suggesting..." Her voice trailed nervously.

"Lord Muzan is young and unmarried. He is powerful and rich. And he would no doubt be able to take care of you with his numerous servants."

Mimi opened her to object. "But Otou-sama, I don't feel anything for Muzan-sama. He is merely another man to me. An arrogant one who-"

"Child, he doesn't need to make you happy. He only needs to keep you safe and take care of you. That is my wish. I would die, knowing that my only child is free from harm."

"Otou-sama..." A look of horror crossed Mimi's feature. "No... please. Don't say such things. Please... I can't bear to lose you." She cried out in agony.

"You are strong, child. Always have been even when Yori wasn't around. Your mother would have been really proud of you."

Mentioning her deceased mother caused Mimi to stop sobbing. "I s-see...  I never knew Okaa-sama but if Otou-sama says so then I'll believe it."

"Oh child." Mimi met her father's dull colored eyes that has lost its shine. "Have more faith in yourself. Do not weep and cry. I'll make sure to secure a better future for you before I die."

"Otou-sama..."Mimi muttered lowly She nodded her head yet deep inside, she wanted to run away from all this. It was too cruel for the deities to do this to her Otou-sama who was always kind and understanding.

"I have arranged a letter to seek Lord Muzan's approval. He not only agrees but has also given you the permission to visit his place anytime you want. You must do everything to win his favor. Do you understand, child?"

Mimi nodded silently. She really did not want to displease her father. She only wants him to be happy and if marrying an arrogant lord will do the trick then so be it.

A few days passed. Mimi was procrastinating because she really has no intention of seeing Muzan yet to her surprise, she found herself eating dinner with him.

"Muzan-sama.." Her voice was barely heard as Muzan's piercing eyes stared at her.

Mimi doesn't remember why she agreed to take the invitation where she was asked to visit the Kibutsuji household by no other than Muzan himself.

But she was sure that she regretted ever going.

"Muzan-sama..pardon me but why do you keep looking at me...?" She asked, getting increasingly uncomfortable by how much he was staring.

His eyes never left her form at all.

"Mimi, why can't you look at me in the eye?"

His question made her froze.

She looked away for a moment before composing herself.

"Muzan-sama, it's just.. I have never been alone with a man before.... in such a way.. I feel nervous. I can't look at your face without feeling embarrassed. " She meekly confessed while rubbing her fingers together.

Muzan raised a brow at her explanation but he seemed faintly amused at the same time.

"Is that so?"

"Y-Yes."

Muzan smirked at her. Mimi's face turned a pale shade of pink.

"Muzan-sama." She gritted out, her face revealing her embarrassment at how he was mocking her.

"Mimi, you look red. "

"Muzan-sama, please." Mimi said in an embarrassed way as she stood up and walked towards the door. She knew it was rude of her but she couldn't help it.

She immediately left the room to get some fresh air.

When she was calm enough, Muzan appeared behind her. Mimi was still not ready for another round of conversation.

"Are you calm now?" He asked her in a flat voice yet she could have sworn that he seemed genuinely worried.

Mimi sighed under breath as she nodded.

"Yes... I'm okay no-" Her eyes slightly widened when she turned around.

Muzan was right behind her and his face was too eerily closed for her liking.

Her face slowly went red.

"Muzan-sama!" She gasped loudly as she stumbled backwards. Mimi's face was red and her eyes were wide with surprise. Much to her shock, he caught her before she could fall on her behind.

"I'm sorry..." She ended up muttering while still staring at him in shock.

Muzan raised a brow. "You've never been this close to a man before?"

Despite her embarrassment to answer his question, she slowly nodded.

"I've never been this close to a man before other than Otou-sama.... I've always rejected all my suitors because I had other things in my mind than to settle down. Muzan-sama, being this close to you is making me uncomfortable. Can you please give me some space to compose myself?" She pleaded softly with wide eyes. Mimi could feel her heart beating against her chest and she wondered if he could hear her, tell how nervous and anxious she was.

"You're like a child. You need to start getting used to this if you're going to be around me." Muzan told her in a reprimanding voice.

"I'm s-sorry... Muzan-sama..." Mimi said as he released her.

He smirked at her. "Mimi... If you're going to be my wife, then you need to get over this weakness. "

She froze. "I'm sorry?"

Muzan placed a hand on her head before smoothly making its way on her cheek.

"I had assumed that you were already informed. Didn't your father told you that you are meeting me here so that I could decide whether I will take you as my wife or not? "Muzan said as if she should have known that but clearly, Mimi had no idea what he was talking about.

Muzan narrowed his eyes.

Mimi instantly looked away and step backwards, avoiding his touch.

"Muzan-sama, forgive me.. I really am not used to being with a man. "She reasoned out despite the fact that she had no idea what he was talking about.

But... thinking deeply, her Otou-sama must've hid it from her because he knows that she was going to refuse.

She bit her lower lip as she tried to hide the internal struggle she was experiencing. She didn't want to marry Muzan or anyone for that matter. She wanted to be with her Otou-sama. No one would take care of him if she got married and she couldn't just allow herself to settle down knowing that her father was in such a sorry state.

She wouldn't allow it. All she ever wanted was for her only family to be safe and happy. But if marrying Muzan was going to make her father happy then she would do it.