Have you heard of Mitsurugi?
It is one of the eldest imperial family of the Kusari Empire. Our line can indeed be traced as far back as the foundation of the House itself.
We are a family with a strong tradition in warfare. All male in our house, with no exception, have been at one time or another, a member of the Imperial Forces. A dojo was even founded by one of our direct ancestor, teaching a fighting style we still use of our days.
I am the only daughter of my father. My brother went on the frontline, serving with the imperial forces, far away in the distant kingdom of Bretonia. I do not know why we are at war with the white people. They have never disturbed me as far as I know... they never disturbed anyone here in Kusari for that I know...
Father, too, is on the frontline. He bears the prestigious title of Daitaisho, grand admiral that is. His command, the First Guardian Fleet, ranks among the most massive and powerful of Sirius - he plays chess on the galactic sectoral level with equally mighty men.
I loved my family. Father took care of me, he made sure I received a good education although I despised the books. Brother was my favorite playmate. And our toys were swords and kendoka training armor, for father wanted us to follow our tradition.
Father was very liberal, despite his venerable age. Something to do with a libertonian friend, another grand person all dressed up in pretty straight uniform, shining with hundreds of brightly coloured medals. It is why he didn't complain when brother decided to drag me in with his kendoka courses.
Being a little girl, and a year younger than him, I couldn't beat him easily. His strength was overwhelming, especially over the years, as his physical condition showed more and more hardened pretty muscles all over his bronze body, while I... well. I could rely on my agility. This is why I always carry a Wakizaki blade with me. This blade is the only weapon I could use efficiently, even though it was originally intended as a defensive one; its light weight allows me to strike fast and with surprise.
We lived generally well isolated from the Kusarese populace, on a little island entirely ours on planet New Tokyo. This luxury was easily affordable to us, as we were of royal blood. It was a beautiful domain, built in the traditional architecture of Feudal OE Japan.
I wasn't really exposed to the reality of the outside world, only wandering long enough in crowded space ports and generally always staying in mansions of noble blooded.
Starports...
One day, our shuttle craft was heavily damaged and couldn't take off anymore for the next few hours. I was 15 years old, and father had to deal with administrative issues. He left me and brother wander New Tokyo city.
I wondered why the women there smiled so artificially...