Chapter 39: Entertaining the Nobles of Japan
After receiving the Order of the Rising sun in its highest class, Bruno found that the Japanese Generals and admirals had quickly begun to treat him differently. Perhaps they were unaware of the prestigious honor he was to be awarded, or they simply looked down on him as a foreigner until the moment that Emperor himself pinned that medal to his chest.
But regardless of the actual reason for this sudden change in behavior, Bruno now found himself being treated as a war hero of the highest caliber. Generals and admirals alike took the opportunity to approach him, and give a brief but respectful toast in honor of his achievements.
While several of them shamelessly tried to curry favor with the man by introducing their daughters and granddaughters, entirely unaware that Bruno was already very happily married. Bruno did not entertain these offers, and merely respectfully acknowledged the women and girls while refusing to be in conversations alone with them.
Even one of the Emperor's sons was shameless enough to introduce his daughter, a princess of the Empire of Japan, who was in fact the young girl who timidly hid behind her mother when Bruno had earlier in the day gazed upon her general direction.
Like she had done just a few hours prior, the young girl, who was no older than ten, hid behind her mother in a display of shyness that instantly reminded Bruno of his wife when she was younger. Perhaps because this girl, like Heidi resembled a rabbit in nature. Bruno took a more friendly approach as he introduced himself to her with a warm smile.
After all, she was a princess unlike the other noble ladies who had been introduced to him so far. Because of this, Bruno was forced to interact with her in order to show respect to her Royal Father and grandfather. Both of which were keeping a close eye on how he interacted at this gala.
"You don't need to be so scared little princess. Though my people refer to me as the Wolf of Prussia, I am far as predatory as my namesake."
The young princess had black hair, which was styled into twin tails with blunt bangs. Her eyes were as dark as ink, and her skin as pale as jade. Her dress was far more traditional as far as Japanese attire was concerned.
The Empire of Japan had gone to great lengths after the Meiji restoration to mimic the Western Empires. Whether it was in terms of modernization of their military or their choice of clothing. Yet this girl seemed to be wearing a more traditional kimono, as she hid behind her mother. Only opening up when Bruno put on a smile for her sake.
She was quick to ask why Bruno was named after two very dangerous animals. After all, she herself had heard her father refer to the man as Mamushi, which was a dangerous and venomous snake on the Japanese mainland.