Episode 3: The First Date
Summary
After a meal, Lord Kudo tells Miyo that he is going into town on his next day off. Miyo assumed that meant he would go alone, but when she inquired about still fixing his meals, he made it clear that he meant she would go with him. She is hesitant because she feels she would get in his way. However, he assures her that she will not be in his way and that she doesn’t need a reason to go. And, just like that, their first date was set.
Miyo once again struggles with her self-esteem. She feels the pretty kimono she was given to wear on her arrival did not suit her. Then Yurie asks her if she would like to wear makeup. Yurie carefully applies the makeup to Miyo. When Miyo appears in front of Lord Kudo, he gasps and quickly recovers, telling her she doesn’t have to rush. It is apparent that he thinks she is beautiful.
In the town, Lord Kudo invites Miyo to run errands with him. As she becomes distracted by the bustling activity of the city, he stops and asks her if she is having fun. She apologizes for getting distracted. Instead of being scolded, Lord Kudo lays his hand on her head and reassures her that she will never be a nuisance to him. His actions make Miyo wonder how anyone could think he is cruel when he is actually kind.
Back at her former household, her father is holding a meeting with another man reminding her father that Miyo was promised to his eldest son. Her father mentions that the offer from the Kudos was too good to pass up. There is more talk of Miyo having “Usuba” blood. Even though she possesses none of the spirit abilities, this man still wants Miyo. It is obvious there is a power struggle and possession of Miyo could turn the tables. Miyo’s father then explains that Lord Kudo couldn’t possibly want Miyo and would throw her out. Then, she can be acquired when she’s on the streets. Miyo’s worth to her father is made more evident as he states he doesn’t care whether she is alive or dead.
Back in town, Lord Kudo takes Miyo to a kimono shop where he purchases her new kimonos. The shopkeeper teases Kudo since he has brought a lady in with him for the first time. Kudo reflects on the condition of Miyo’s clothing and is putting the fact together that she was neglected. The shopkeeper surprises Kudo when she states he should not let Miyo go and that she is a diamond in the rough.
Kudo then takes Miyo to a sweets shop where he tells her he has yet to see her smile and that he would love to see it. Her behavior is still that of someone on edge. She doesn’t know how to be receptive to his sincerity or kindness. He announces to Miyo that the next step is their marriage and that he wants her to be truthful.
That evening, Kudo sets a box in front of Miyo’s door. In the box is a new comb. According to Yurie, gifting a comb is tantamount to a proposal. Miyo rushes to Kudo to reject the gift because of its price. He tells her not to worry. She accepts the comb and grants Kudo his earlier wish. A true smile.
The following day, Kudo speaks with an investigator that fills Kudo in on the family history of Miyo’s family. The investigator reinforces that Miyo was subjected to abuse. He also confirms that Miyo is a blood descendant of the Usuba family. It is explained earlier in the episode that the Usubas were unmatched in their skills. Kudo is aware that Miyo was not blessed with any gifts.
On his way home, Kudo realizes he is going home earlier and earlier. As he approaches his car, he notices shiki-gami spying on him. As he burns them down from the sky, he wonders who would want to watch him.
Thoughts
This was such a bittersweet episode. On the one hand, the blossoming relationship between Miyo and Kudo is sweet. On the other hand, it is still heart-wrenching to see how Miyo reacts to kindness. She is programmed to doubt herself and believes that she is worthless. I enjoyed how Kudo comforted her and knew exactly what to say to put her mind at ease. I also like that Kudo is practical and knows buying her a few kimono won’t erase her trauma. I do wonder who would want to watch Kudo’s every move. The episode is shrouded in a bit of mystery!
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