Ty Ro, my bro, how do you sleep peacefully at night on Kiyoi's property? How could you marry Lenna knowing that it would make Kiyoi your sister-in-law? How are you going to tell your child that you pursue their aunt? How did you get Kiyoi's sister pregnant under her roof without guilt?
To the author of the recent correspondence,
I must begin by stating that I am honoured you chose to address me, though I would be remiss if I did not admit that your words have left me feeling quite attacked. The missive you sent was, to put it plainly, remarkably accusatory. However, before you cast me as the villain in this particular play, I ask that you take a moment to put yourself in my shoes.
For a period of three months, I was acquainted with an enchanting young woman who was both intellectually and visually stimulating. I genuinely appreciated Kiyoi’s conversation and her support; for the first time in my short life, I felt truly seen and heard. You must understand that before I met her, my interactions with women were limited to the disengaged, the disinterested, or the coerced. My mother—bless her—spent my youth attempting to set me up via ridiculous tea parties held under false pretences. Both the young ladies and I knew these were merely thinly veiled interviews. Though I was always charming and polite, they could see my heart wasn’t in it, and I could see theirs weren't either.
In Kiyoi, I encountered for the first time the genuine hardship of being interested in someone and not having that affection reciprocated. I knew, deep down, that I was fighting a losing battle. How can one compete against the Fire Lord? Zuko is not merely a sovereign; he is her lifelong friend, her companion through war, misadventure, sickness, the deepest valleys, and the highest peaks of life. By comparison, I was but a blip—a tiny flame of light in a hard period of her journey.
When she eventually began to show more interest—perhaps moving beyond the realm of “colleagues”—I allowed myself to hope. Yet, I remained aware that her heart still belonged to another. I was being settled for. No one truly wants to be second place, do they?
Then came the most harrowing six months of my life. I sacrificed my well-being for the mission, and I did so willingly. Kiyoi did not force me; in fact, her concern for me was genuine and deeply moving. It was during this time that I met Leena.
For the first six weeks at the Jasmine Isles, I did not see the 'true' Leena. She was withdrawn, well-practised in the art of pretending, and obsessed with attaining a state of perfection. I recognised a shadow of myself in her. Growing up with parents in the court who were suddenly disgraced and banished simply for saying “no” placed a heavy weight on my shoulders. I knew the pressure of ensuring I never slipped up lest I cause my family further disgrace. But Leena’s circumstances were far more horrible; she lived a life entirely devoid of connection, and punishments were severe.
I found I could not spy on her or Ranu. They were in desperate need of a simple friend. Kiyoi had warned in her letters that they would be susceptible to such a connection, but I didn't truly understand the weight of that until I made it myself. Once I knew I could trust Leena, I stopped pretending. And in turn, she stopped pretending with me.
I cannot adequately describe the feeling of having someone look at me and see that I am enough. To the world, I am a non-bending, physically incapable man who only has his words and his looks to defend him. But Leena looked at me as a warrior—a champion for her. It was intoxicating. I would do anything for Leena, even at the risk of my own life, without a second thought.
We grew to love each other, truly. Of course, there was conflict. For a time, I still had Kiyoi on my mind, and Leena was certainly more romantically invested in me than I was in her. I had to ask myself: what is better? To give my affection to someone who chooses me, or to continue to try to force things with someone whose heart belonged to another? I realised that by pining for Kiyoi; I was putting Leena through the exact same rejection I was suffering.
To resolve this internal conflict, I decided to test the waters—I kissed Kiyoi. I admit… it was not a smart solution. It is unfortunate that I mistook her hesitancy for disinterest, but in hindsight, I believe we are all better for it. Kiyoi did not communicate clearly to me that she was interested. And I knew even when the misunderstandings came to a head and we “broke up”, to Kiyoi, I was the placeholder she was settling for. To Leena, I was the first choice, and a choice she defended fiercely. I didn't have to change the core of who I was to be seen by Leena. That is why I decided after that kiss that if I was Leena’s number one, she would be mine.
Admittedly, it is a strange situation. And yes, having Kiyoi as the Head of the Family is awkward, but I believe that tension will lessen with time. I must also tell you that I don't find myself pining for Kiyoi anymore; I haven’t for years. My thoughts of her are almost entirely professional now; I think of her when I am drafting reports or responding to official correspondence. My mind and my heart are quite occupied with Leena and the new family we are making.
To see Leena and Kiyoi reconciled, behaving so maturely despite their family history, is an inspiration. I wish I could be as forgiving as Kiyoi and as dedicated to self-betterment as my wife.
I don't think I will ever be less nervous in the Fire Lord's presence, however. But seeing him and Kiyoi finally move past the obstacle they’ve been dancing around for what feels like centuries helps alleviate the discomfort.
Regarding your question of how I can live in Kiyoi’s house without guilt: the answer is quite easily. It is important to clarify the current arrangement. Kiyoi does not actually reside here; her life and duties keep her in the Capital, though she remains the legal owner of the Jasmine Isles estate. Leena and I are the ones who truly call this place home… Oh, and Ranu, he is here most of the time. Furthermore, the estate has changed significantly. It has been renovated and subdivided; the original main house is now the Prime Minister’s residence, while the guest wings have been separated and converted into the new Ben Kuzo residence. The gardens are now public botanical spaces. I am not exactly “sleeping in her rooms,” so to speak.
And to answer the question: how did I get my wife pregnant? If you are asking for instructions, you have come to the wrong place. I can provide some further reading material for you, though, if you desperately require instruction.
I hope this provides a more accurate representation of our situation. It was a rather confrontational question to ask, but I thank you for engaging with me nonetheless.
