ONE evening, the financial gala Rikka had mentioned took place in the grand ballroom of one of Japan’s premier hotels—owned by the Yukishiro family. There I was, in attendance and scarcely believing it myself. I, an adopted member of the Sakurazaka family—a commoner just mere months ago—was not just in attendance at this gathering of the financial elite, but positively making an impression, actively mingling and introducing myself with my adoptive parents by my side.
“Everyone, meet Mio, our new daughter,” my father Shinya announced to yet another group of distinguished guests.
“Shizuki has taken quite a liking to her. We have as well, of course,” my mother Miyuki added with a casual smile.
It’d been like this for a while now, my parents lavishing praise upon me to everyone we met, trapping me in a seemingly endless cycle of introductions. In preparation for the event, I’d taken the time to study up on all the names and relations of everyone who would be in attendance, turning this affair into little more than a matching game.
After we finished our rounds, Miyuki pleasantly acknowledged my efforts. “Well done, Mio. That went about as smoothly as it could have.” I dipped my head slightly and thanked her, to which she let out an airy giggle. “You must be tired, with it being your first time and all. You’re free to go now. While we continue mingling, why don’t you relax and enjoy the party? Maybe chat with some of your academy friends.”
“Of course. But if it’s all right with you, I think I’ll go become a wallflower now,” I joked.
She laughed and gave me an approving look. “Then go, become the prettiest wallflower there is. Put the wallpaper to shame.”
With that, she gave me and my outfit a final once-over before disappearing into the crowd.
Put the wallpaper to shame, I turned the compliment over in my mind and wondered if I could truly do so. While my silk A-line gown, high-necked and crimson with the shoulders bare, was quite the striking affair, it by no means stood out in the mosaic of equally attired guests and opulent hotel decor.
Still, it felt good to be complimented by my adoptive mother. With a light heart, I drifted over to the windows. Peering through the ceiling-to-floor panel of reinforced glass, I was offered an unobstructed view of the city below me.
It was a strange feeling to be observing the city from this lofty vantage. While I didn’t exactly resent my past life, I certainly knew that juggling part-time jobs to support my sister would never have led me to this pinnacle. Honestly, how did I get here, towering over the city I called home, swathed in finery not for my own sake but for that of my sister? If someone had told me a few months ago that this would be my life, I would’ve laughed them out of the room.
Thank you, Shizuki, for giving me this chance.
I clenched a fist out in front of my heart, adding repayment of my debt to Shizuki as an addendum to my conviction to save Shizuku. To fulfill my promises to both of them, I will become the villainess I signed on to be!
With this vow made, I turned away from the window and was greeted by the sight of an unfamiliar girl standing before me. With her long, straight black hair and kimono, she almost resembled a Japanese doll come to life. There was only one girl in my mental Rolodex who matched the description: Mai Akizuki, daughter of zaibatsu number four.
She looked at me appraisingly. “Why, aren’t you an unfamiliar face?”
I painted a quintessential lady-like smile over my face and curtsied. “Always a pleasure to meet a lady of the esteemed Akizuki family. My name is Mio. Mio Sakurazaka.”
The rule in elite financial circles when it came to initial meetings was for the person of lower status to remain silent until spoken to. Mai here had violated that protocol, but no matter. The intention behind that rule was to avoid unnecessary trouble; I named myself right away to do just that and prevent Mai from incurring any further breaches of etiquette.
Mai, however, had other ideas. “Ah. So you’re the…”
No doubt the word she’d bitten back was “adoptee.” Clearly, someone didn’t think too highly of me.
On reflection, Rikka had warned me about them, hadn’t she? I should’ve expected this attitude from zaibatsu number four. An adopted upstart like me would be the perfect outlet for their resentment at not being considered nearly as powerful as Sakurazaka or the other members of the big three.
Or so I thought when Mai’s expression suddenly brightened. “A pleasure to meet you, Mio. My name is Mai. Mai Akizuki.”
Just like that, she did away with the Ms. and addressed me by my first name. Maybe I would’ve accepted that level of chumminess if it came from Nonoka, but definitely not her. Was Nonoka special, or was Ms. Akizuki here plotting something unpleasant?
Fortunately, she would make that clear very soon. She brazenly looked me up and down, her gaze lingering unapologetically, then said as if she were the most perceptive girl in the room: “You’re quite prim for an adoptee, aren’t you? Color me surprised. Or perhaps I shouldn’t be if the rumors are true—that you’re a true, blue-blooded Sakurazaka.” She nodded approvingly. “Yes, I think you shall be suitable.”
I had a bad feeling about this. Suitable? Suitable for what?
“You shall make a fine match for my brother.”
Her words hit me like a brick to the head—the abruptness, the rudeness, the sheer condescension was…impeccable. I almost preferred to think she said it merely to provoke a fight with me, but observing her earnest expression, I reluctantly had to accept she was being entirely serious.
Hm. Maybe this girl should’ve been the villainess.