Episode One
IN a grand hall so vast that the far end appeared as nothing more than a blur, Ruki and Rikka attended a Yukishiro zaibatsu-affiliated wedding reception.
Despite being seated in an area for distinguished guests, neither had any personal connection to the bride and groom. Since weddings usually symbolized a union of significant corporate interests—more political than personal—the Yukishiro family was required to show a strong vested interest in the alliance. Thus, Ruki and Rikka’s presence on this day was an obligation.
“Have there been more banquets than normal to attend lately, or is that just me?” Rikka asked her cousin seated next to her.
Ruki gave her a sidelong glance. He was fully aware that she understood the importance of these political moves and the necessity to have Yukishiro representation at such events. Her comment wasn’t merely to gripe about the tedium of the occasion but more a veiled remark. “Indeed, there seems to be a surge in companies seeking partnerships and mergers lately,” Ruki responded in understanding.
These marriages weren’t at all rare in the world of business and high finance, and as such, were received with both positive and negative interpretations. Given recent developments that were privy to the pair, prudence suggested expecting the worst.
Behind the scenes, a worrying trend was unfolding, one that both Rikka and Ruki suspected but found too daunting to discuss openly. This fear clouded their judgment, making it difficult for them to discern the true nature of things. Though they both recognized the reality, they chose to remain silent on the matter and used the wedding as a convenient diversion.
Lifting her champagne glass for a sip, Rikka sighed as she turned her gaze back to him. “Apropos of nothing, what do you think of Mio?”
“Mio?” he echoed. His lips quirked into a mischievous half-smile. “In short, she’s an ‘interesting woman,’ I assume.”
Rikka nearly laughed aloud. “Since when did you become a connoisseur of shōjo subculture? You do realize the implications of that phrase, don’t you?
While the exact usage of the phrase “interesting woman” might differ in context, it was typically said by desirable male protagonists in romance manga to describe women they found themselves attracted to. Essentially, Rikka’s question was twofold: whether Ruki recognized his own appeal, and if he was interested in Mio.
He only responded with a disarming smile. “No idea. I picked up that line from a manga Ruri’s fond of.”
Ruki was the future heir of their entire family’s future. He was not only blessed with looks but the intelligence and athletics to match. In other words, the notion he was a catch was so self-evident that he didn’t even realize Rikka was teasing him.
“And what about you?” Ruki asked. “You seem to have taken quite an interest in her yourself.”
“I have,” Rikka replied with an amused smile. “And why shouldn’t I? She’s a walking contradiction, that one.”
“Indeed. She’s obviously kind at heart, yet tries so hard to come off as harsh,” he agreed. “While she was ruthless when dealing with those classmates who tried to humiliate her, she struggles to muster that same severity against Nonoka.”
“Like an aloof but caring older sister who can’t bear to see her sibling get hurt, to say nothing of her sharp tongue,” Rikka smirked.
Mio’s behavior toward Nonoka, particularly her verbal interactions, was undoubtedly harsh and seemed unjustifiable at first glance. However, a deeper examination revealed her sharp words were constructive, even beneficial for Nonoka. When Mio thought she was unobserved, she would occasionally cast looks toward Nonoka that betrayed a genuine concern.
“Then I suppose we both agree she’s acting that way for a reason,” Ruki proposed.
“You suppose right,” his cousin replied. “Considering how ‘selective’ her sharp attitude is, I can only presume that reason must be related to Nonoka.”
“I’ve already done a bit of digging with that supposition in mind.”
“Of course, you have,” Rikka chuckled before quickly downing the rest of her non-alcoholic champagne. She cast a surreptitious glance around to ensure they were not being eavesdropped on before asking, “So, what have you learned?”
“Mio and Nonoka first met on the day of the entrance exam. Nonoka was being bullied by Saionji and Azumaji, and Mio intervened to help her.
“My. Well, that certainly explains why those two harbored such animosity toward her.”
Under societal definitions, Azumaji and Saionji belonged to the upper class, but that distinction was only clear when it was drawn between them and the lower class. Within the exclusive circles of zaibatsu society, they were seen merely as commoners with mustaches drawn on—a fact they understood better than anyone. They targeted students they deemed beneath them at school, a practice hardly noble but strategically safe. Rikka had always been puzzled by their decision to antagonize a Sakurazaka, even an adopted one, but now it was apparent that their actions were not entirely voluntary.
“I suspect that answers one question, but what about Mio’s attachment to Nonoka?” Rikka continued. “We can hardly keep writing off her interventions as mere coincidences.”
“That would be what we call looking out for someone, wouldn’t it?” Ruki said casually.
This was Mio’s deepest secret, now casually acknowledged between Rikka and Ruki as if it were the most obvious truth in the world. If Mio had been present to hear this, she would have been reeling.
“Do you have an idea as to why she’s looking out for her?” Rikka asked.
“I have a theory,” Ruki replied. “And it has to do with the fact that Nonoka is the granddaughter of the current chairman of the Nagura zaibatsu.”
“So, you think Mio is protecting Nonoka because she sees something of herself in her?”
“It’s one possibility, yes.”
“But does having similar circumstances really justify going to such lengths?”
“That’s the thing, I’m not convinced it does. In my opinion, the specificity of it never made sense.”
Ruki pulled out his phone and handed it to Rikka. She looked at the screen to see a document titled ‘Results of Inquiry.’ “This is a dossier on Lady Shizuki?” Rikka asked. “I thought she was studying abroad.”
The document detailed the impressive achievements of a woman who was as beautiful as she was intelligent. Yet, as Rikka scrolled to the bottom, a particular detail caught her eye. “I can’t quite believe what I’m seeing,” she murmured in disbelief. The document revealed Shizuki’s covert manipulation of an investment fund. The figures were astounding, illustrating her enormous financial influence. “I’d heard rumors that she was a savvy investor, but you’ll excuse me if I find these numbers far-fetched.”
“She’s playing quite the shell game, so these numbers are just estimates, but they’re ones our analysts trust.”
“Incredible. She’s planning something, but what? Is she plotting a takeover? Preparing to strike out on her own? Or could it be…” As the thought struck her, a chill ran down her spine. She handed the phone back to Ruki without voicing her fears.
“Our analysts believe she adopted Mio almost as a proxy of sorts,” he relayed.
“A proxy related by blood,” she murmured. “So, Mio’s erratic behavior around Nonoka could be under Shizuki’s orders?”
“We believe it’s highly likely that Shizuki is grooming Mio for some unknown purpose.”
Rikka’s brow lightly furrowed. If all the events had been a test for Mio and not Nonoka, then her inconsistent actions began to make sense. This revelation not only solved the mysterious behavior but also reinforced Rikka’s belief that Mio was fundamentally a good person, tormented each time she had to play the villain.
“We should do what we can to make sure she isn’t too disliked,” Rikka concluded.
“Agreed. I’ll keep an eye on the situation too.”
If Mio had been present to hear this conversation, she would’ve been beside herself with frustration.