My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) Episode 1

This is the recap of the anime series My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) Episode 1!

Miyo Saimori reflects on the challenging circumstances of her upbringing, dwelling on the profound impact that Kiyoka Kudou had in reshaping her perspectives on life. In a directive from Kaya Saimori, Miyo is tasked with preparing a superior batch of green tea. Upon leaving the room, Kaya and Kanoko Saimori engage in disparaging conversation about Miyo in the presence of her father, Shinichi Saimori.

The tranquil setting of the Saimori estate is disrupted as Minoru Tatsuishi arrives, prompting servants' gossip over his purpose. Speculations arise, hinting at the possibility of a marriage proposal, with conjectures favoring Kaya over Miyo, despite both being eligible for matrimony. Miyo, eavesdropping on the discussions, grapples with the unfolding intrigue.

In a serendipitous encounter, Kouji Tatsuishi, Minoru's son, finds Miyo. As they engage in conversation, Kouji expresses his wish to alleviate her from the hardships of her life. Symbolically, he hands her candy, signifying a gesture of kindness.

Meanwhile, Kaya approaches Shinichi, seeking the acquisition of a new kimono for Girls’ School. Shinichi not only promises to fulfill her request but pledges to procure multiple kimonos, urging Miyo to be present during the upcoming week. Despite the ostensibly generous promises, Miyo, succumbing to fatigue, falls asleep, yearning for a relationship with her father that transcends the confines of servitude.

Enduring mockery from Kaya for her disheveled appearance, Miyo, while engaged in outdoor chores, encounters Kouji again. Kouji, cryptic about his serious concerns, shares candies with Miyo, fostering a semblance of camaraderie among the workers.

A servant delivers a message to Miyo, instructing her to join Shinichi in the parlor. Despite harboring a secret desire for a marriage proposal from Kouji, Miyo cautiously manages her expectations. Upon entering the room, Miyo finds Kouji, Kaya, Shinichi, and Kanoko present. Shinichi unveils his decision to allow Kouji to marry into the esteemed Saimori family and eventually take charge. However, the revelation takes an unexpected turn, as Kouji is betrothed to Kaya, leaving Miyo disheartened.

In a further twist, Shinichi discloses that Miyo's destiny lies with Kiyoka Kudou. He instructs her to gather her belongings, announcing her imminent departure to Kudou's residence scheduled for the following day. Left alone in the rain, Kouji notices Miyo's solitary figure, standing amidst the emotional tempest.

A flashback provides insight into the orchestrations leading to this moment. Minoru informs Kouji about his impending union with Kaya, revealing a strategic plan to have Miyo wed his eldest son, Kazushi Tatsuishi, thereby facilitating her departure from the Saimori household. Despite Kouji's lack of enthusiasm for marrying Kaya, his father insists on compliance with his wishes.

Seeking solace, Miyo visits her mother's cherry tree, a symbol of comfort and remembrance. In a poignant exchange with Kouji, she navigates the complexities of their circumstances, attributing it all to misfortune and harboring no resentment towards him. Their discussion is interrupted by Kaya, prompting Miyo to express gratitude to Kouji for his support over the years before departing to pack her belongings.

A servant enters Miyo's room, presenting her with a kimono. Delivering a message from her father, the servant instructs Miyo to don the garment in preparation for her departure the following day. Expressing concern, the servant cautions Miyo about Kiyoka's reputed cruelty, citing the fleeing of his previous fiancées. Undeterred, Miyo complies, draping the kimono over her figure. As she gazes upon her surroundings, memories flood her thoughts, reflecting on her mother's passing, the hardships of her childhood, and the myriad experiences that have shaped her life.

My Happy Marriage (Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon) Episode 1 ends on a cliffhanger as upon arriving at Kiyoka's residence, Miyo encounters Yurie, a servant of the Kiyoka family. Observing Kiyoka, a glimmer of hope flickers within Miyo, suggesting a potential positive shift in her life's trajectory. Admiring Kiyoka's striking appearance, Miyo entertains the possibility that her union with him might hold unforeseen blessings.