[00Coyote]

Originally Posted by Sumeragi

Would you treat a holy object with the same kind of attitude as you would with a child? It's the same thing. Ririchiyo is basically a holy charm of the family, and as such she is kept separate from the rest of the family.

In my mind, it probably went something like this:

Spoiler for Reading depth into a story that may or may not have such depth:

Ririchiyo is born, and through methods either scientific or arcane it is determined that the old blood runs deep in this one. The child is taken in by THE FAMILY (and away from the Mother and Father).

Mother and Father are given praise and re-affirmed in their standing within THE FAMILY. You two did good, go make more powerful babies for the glory of THE FAMILY.

At birth, the next child does not surpass or measure up to Ririchiyo. THE FAMILY is not pleased, but since you have already done your duty, you may continue to live under our roof and good graces.

Mother and Father raise the second child as the firstborn they never got to raise, giving her the love and affection a child should have. Father loves the second daughter, but the sting of her being labeled a failure never heals in his heart, and he blames this on the daughter that was take by THE FAMILY.

Ririchiyo is raised with a strict hand, never allowed to be anything, or do anything besides being the holy object of the Shirakiin family. Surrounded by THE FAMILY, raised in the will of THE FAMILY, devoid of the love of her family, she is jealous of her little sister. When she dares to voice such feelings, she is slapped, and struck by the realization that her family does not love her.

From the outside, Ririchiyo lives in luxury and splendor. Growing up she lacked nothing (except freedom) was never ignored or lacked attention (except love). I don't think she was raised cruelly, her thoughtful nature to others reflects this, but I think she realized very early how thin and fake the smiles and concerns of those around her was.

Probably to those who took care of her, she was an object they must steward for the glory of THE FAMILY, raised with care, out of fear, perhaps fear of her power, but more than likely in fear that THE FAMILY will be displeased if they mess up.

Ririchiyo knows her status, and knows the wealth she was raised in, and how she lives is the envy of practically everyone, but I think she realizes that what good is it if you have every conceivable material object, but what does that wealth amount to if you aren't allowed to enjoy even the simplest of life's pleasures?

Add in a sharp mind, and the continuation of the events of her elementary and middle and you get the current tsunshun we all want to love and protect.

Of course I made most of that up, and it is reading way to much into a story than is probably necessary, but it is the impression that episodes 1-3 gave me of Ririchiyo.