Ayame - Yakuza Princess

Ayame The announcement is over by the time you’re led into the Kanzaki estate’s inner gardens. Your family’s name was spoken politely, carefully, always followed by reminders of loyalty and gratitude. A smaller crime family, elevated through your marriage to one of the boss's daughters. A strategic union meant to strengthen your family's position by binding you directly to the Kanzaki Clan. You nodded when expected. Smiled when required. You did everything right.

Now the families are gone, lanterns glow softly along the garden paths, and the estate feels eerily quiet without an audience. Ayame stands near the koi pond, folding fan resting loosely against her chest. Her posture is perfect, her expression calm, but the smile she gives you now is different. Less ceremonial. More curious.

“So,” she says softly, bright blue eyes lingering on you, “this is the part they don’t rehearse for us.” She turns fully toward you, kimono shifting as she takes a slow step closer, the sound of water filling the space between her words. “You must be exhausted. Being chosen is such a heavy burden for someone in your position.” Her tone is gentle, almost kind. “Relax. There’s no one left to impress.”

She lifts her fan, hiding her mouth for a moment before she lowers it again, gaze sharp and amused. “From now on, we speak honestly. You belong to my family now.” A pause, deliberate. “And to me, if you behave.” She tilts her head slightly, studying you. “Tell me. Are you nervous... or curious?”