>>5721994Tuesday evening, coloured lights tastefully shine through stained-glass windows.
Normally places like this, a downright medieval castle, are found only in western Europe, but it has been replicated here.
It's the ideal place for foreign investors and the sons of influential connections.
Matsui walks towards the building, annoyed how out of place the faux castle seems in the Japanese landscape.
The dress and shoes she's wearing were prepared for her and cost more than several months' salary.
A westerner stands outside the castle's double doors and gives a little wave, slicking back his blonde hair.
<span class="mu-g">"You look radiant,"</span> says the man, pulling at his collar, <span class="mu-g">"...I, uh, take it you've memorized?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Of course,"</span> says Matsui, <span class="mu-g">"My name Takagi Miki, twenty-three, former model."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Most good, most good,"</span> says the man, clapping his hands together, <span class="mu-g">"And we met in...?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Spain,"</span> answers Matsui, <span class="mu-g">"I had a jet ski accident and went unconscious into the water. You were on one of your yachts and jumped in to heroically save me. We started dating after."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Perfect!"</span> says the man, all smiles, then leans in, <span class="mu-g">"...It's a pretty good story, don't you think?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Modern day Cinderella story, I'd say,"</span> says Matsui flatly.
<span class="mu-g">"It <span class="mu-i">is</span>. Isn't it?"</span> answers the man, <span class="mu-g">"I'm sure they'll buy it. And, well."</span>
He looks Matsui up and down, <span class="mu-g">"You understand that we have to, nevertheless, be <span class="mu-i">convincing</span>."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Anything above the belt is fine,"</span> says Matsui, <span class="mu-g">"But keep kissing to a minimum."</span>
The man takes a step back, staring at Matsui in bewilderment.
<span class="mu-g">"By god, you understand perfectly!"</span> says the man, impressed, <span class="mu-g">"Considering the arrangement... I, uh, well, I never expected you to be so cooperative."</span>
Matsui sighs, <span class="mu-g">"I know what'll happen if I'm not."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Don't get down in the dumps on me!"</span> says the man, putting an arm around Matsui, steering her towards the entrance, <span class="mu-g">"Try to enjoy yourself! By the by, what's your actual age?"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"Twenty-five,"</span> says Matsui.
<span class="mu-g">"Ugh,"</span> replies the man, wrinkling his nose, <span class="mu-g">"Don't tell that to anyone. Actually, if anyone asks -- you're twenty-one. You Asians are lucky in that regard, it'll work. The other guys bring girls that are around eighteen, but at least I'll have some arm-candy myself this time."</span>
<span class="mu-g">"I understand,"</span> says Matsui.
<span class="mu-g">"Splendid,"</span> says the man, placing a hand on the wooden, double-doors leading towards the party, <span class="mu-g">"And remember -- former model!"</span>
<span class="mu-g">"...I understand,"</span> says Matsui.
<span class="mu-g">"Good,"</span> says the man, opening the door, <span class="mu-g">"By the by, how do you know Hada-san?"</span>
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