Disclaimer: I don't own Shokugeki No Soma nor do I own any of the brand items that I used as throughout this Fanfiction. They are purely there to add ambiance to the story.
Authors Note: Hello everyone this is my first Fanfiction! Allow me to apologise in advance for any mistakes such as grammar or misuse for Japanese suffixes. D:
Anyways, please don't hesitate to leave some love and reviews I appreciate any questions and criticism!
Enjoy the story!
~RJK Out!
P.S Keep in mind some(if not all) characters will be OOC(Out of Character)
Chapter 1: A Broken Promise
Yukihira International, a Company that offers personalized business consulting for some of the world's most renowned culinary establishments. Many of which are owned and ran by alumnus from prestigious culinary institute, Totsuki Culinary Academy. Helmed by founder Joel Yukihira whose mysterious appearance as an entrepreneur to the culinary business several years ago has recently attracted attention to the echelons of the culinary world.
Few know him as Joichiro Saiba, a renowned chef during his earlier years for his innovative interpretation of various cuisines from around the world. His son Soma Yukihira, the heir to the company has created an extensive portfolio of clientele for his prowess in business management consulting as well as possessing exceptional qualities of a chef when preparing sample pieces exclusively for his clients.
-/Executive's Office/-/Yukihira Int. Consulting Group. Company building/-
Joel Yukihira a red-haired man with a well-groomed goatee is in his late thirties can be seen looking across the Tokyo skyline from a panoramic window behind his desk.
Disregarding the typical cityscape chaos, he found Tokyo to be quite peaceful today. Well..that was swiftly interrupted when his video conference phone rudely woke him back from his daydream.
The caller id read 'Totsuki Culinary Academy'
Joichiro thought to himself
'Odd for them to contact me through video conference'
Joichiro upon lack of considering who might be on the other side of the call accepted the call for him to completely regret his decision upon recognizing the caller.
Realizing that the call was accepted Azami Nakiri a man who appears to be in his mid-thirties greets Joichiro with a smug grin Before he asked
"Joichiro Saiba, or was it Joel Yukihara? You sure made a sincere effort to cover your tracks where have you been all this time?"
Joichiro began to think to himself, 'this guy is trying to fuck with me I should try to it play and make seem like he got the wrong guy...that's not going to work on this weasel'
Joichiro decided to give in and see what Azami wanted from him, Joichiro responded
"Oh you know traveling the world, started a small company that specializes in consulting for small clients you know... normal stuff."
Azam gave another smirk however his facial expression went south And responded to Joichiro
"I wouldn't consider your company small Joichiro, your company has garnered a respectable reputation, more so than what you credit it for."
Joichiro's face remained relatively expressionless when he replied
"I would like it that way, I don't like attracting unwanted attention from some people."
Azami gave an exaggerated pout as he replied
"Oh I hope you don't mean Gin and I, Joichiro, and surely not gramps"
Seeing through his obvious attempts to tick him off, Joichiro's patients was starting to grow thin. With an irritated expression as he gave an ultimatum
"Surely you have better things to do Azami...now hurry up before I end the call"
Azami quickly broke his charade as he began to soften his expression but still keeping his arrogant smirk he replied
"The reason for this call is regarding a potential marriage proposal for your son; though I do love irritating you.. It...Brings back fond memories of the good ol days"
At the mentioning of his son Joichiro expression immediately changed to a scorn. He wasn't against it, but for Azami to actually be the one to first bring up the matter gave him chills.
Azami as if on cue from seeing Joichiros reaction gave a puzzling look before he asked
"Oh come on you think we wouldn't know? Congrats by the way who knew you would be a family man."
Joichiro gave scruff, before his expression relaxed, rationalizing how they found about his son. He realized 'although within the company bio it did list soma as an employee doesn't take a genius to figure out their common surname'. Nonetheless, Joichiro had to give them recognition
"Now I'm curious about this marriage proposal why my son of all the potential big shot play boys throughout the world"
Azami was offended but he knew Joichiro was a humble man unlike *ahem* himself he gave cool expression and responded
"Please besides my daughter your son has already a reputation that rivals my niece Alice, in fact it would have been a lot harder to track you two down without him. kid of his caliber was bound to be scouted by Totsuki sooner or later and you know it. In fact I believe he has earned a nickname of Divine's Advocate; who would've thought he turned out to be, Asura's son."
Joichiro thought to himself and realized he could have done a better job at concealing Soma ventures but instead failed to realize the alarming rate of growth of soma Clientele. But Joichiro was curious even if their reasoning was based on soma talent why would they choose him? Another thing that came to his mind what do they gain? As he sees it they don't benefit anything other than obtaining soma. He was back from his thoughts to only look at an Azami giving him a look similar to a bird watching its soon to be prey. Breaking the cold stare Joichiro wanted to know what was behind their sudden proposition.
"I'm sure the honor of marrying into the Nakiri Family is something many in culinary world wish to aspire, which you still have me guessing what your true intentions are." Joichiro said with an expression that mimicked his curiosity
Azami gave his once again his signature smirk before he spoke.
"Well you see, In this day of age teenagers seem to disregard the whole romance and true love crap that we had to deal with it. Which is unfortunate since Erina seems to take that philosophy to heart and would rather spend her time and effort on creating new recipes while holed up in her room with her aide. Though I originally didn't care what she did in her spare time but recently my niece has been making constant news headlines with her dating life with a fellow Totsuki classmate. Aria would be rolling in her grave if she knew her daughter was to be outshined by her brothers. Of course I also can't have her fall in love with some small diner mutt...Despite that scenario would ever happen-"
Joichiro interrupted Azami and promptly gave him a snarky comment
"You make it sound like you're breeding a show dog than actually taking into account the possible compatibility the two of them have for each other."
Azami liked the idea pitch but quickly refuted to dissuade any troublesome misunderstandings.
"Oh that was a figure of speech"
*though I'm interested in what they'll offspring*
Azami facial expression gave an impression of a conniving weasel. however, Joichiro was quick to notice.
"Knowing you I doubt it," Joichiro said with a stern expression.
Azami gave a playful pout that most would question his sexual orientation.
"Oh, my you seem to misjudge my intentions and goodwill" Replied Azami with that same bashful smirk.
"You know I still don't trust you since that shit you pulled before your second year..." Said Joichiro as he gave another stern glare.
Azami shrugged his shoulders before he playfully replied
"Oh come on let's be adults and let bygones be bygones"
Joichiro knew derailing the subject at hand was pointless and got back on topic.
"Like I said I question their compatibility..."
Azami face began to twist in anger
"You think your son is too good for my daughter?" Azami replied with a sneer
Joichiro expression gave a sorrowful face and tried to appease for the misunderstanding.
"That's not what I'm trying to sa-"
Azami didn't let the crimson hairs man finish and continued to vent his anger in a rant.
"Oh aren't you so high and mighty if anything you should be honored that you get the opportunity to be part of the Nakiri Group."
Joichiro upon hearing the outburst calmly changed his expression to a stern before he replied with a scruff.
"I wonder what gave you the impression that we were at all interested in being part of the Group in the first place?"
Azami losing his common composure finally went ballistic
"Listen here Saib-"
Joichiro had enough this guy was going to end up raising his blood pressure and any further discussion with his former junior would continue to ruin his mood for the rest of the day. Before he can let Azami finish he ended the call.
[Conference call ended]
A crimson-haired teenager walked into his father's office but appeared to have teary eyes.
Noticing his son's presence in the room, Joichiro looked up to see that the teenager had what appears to be a congested nose.
"Ah soma kun do you have a cold? " asked Joichiro with a concerned tone.
Soma was still recovering from his ordeal before he replied to his father.
"I don't know it must be allergies, I suddenly went to a sneezing frenzy after I left the elevator into your reception lounge."
Joichiro assumed what could be the cause for his sons mishap but disregarded it since no harm was done. However Joichiro was still hung up on the proposal this was evident as his face gave an expression of worry and doubt.
Soma noticing that his father expression was unusual to his usual carefree persona. Soma walked up to his father desk and noticed the conference phone touch screen was displaying the recent call.
Curious Soma asked
"Were you in a conference call with a client?"
Broken from his thoughts from his son's sudden question Joichiro replied
"Not necessarily he is closer to an unwanted door salesman than anything else."
Soma's curious upon hearing that it was a salesman quickly asked
"Really..what was he selling?"
Joichiro quickly gave his son a puzzled look before he replied
"It's fine I already dealt-"
Conference screen rings
"-With it"
Joichiro has a sweat drop upon seeing the name
Soma looks up to the conference screen and immediately awestruck at the caller id
"You going to pick it up, dad? If I'm not mistaken Senzaemon Nakiri is-" Soma is interrupted by his father
"I know who it is.." Joichiro replied with a scruff
Soma gave his father an expression that modeled his confusion before he asked his father who looked like he was stuck in a daze.
"Well, aren't you going to pick up then? We must be doing very well for the Culinary Godfather himself to personally knock on our doorstep" replied Soma gleefully
Answers call
Soma was caught off guard by
Senzaemon who sat between Gin and Azami.
"You have some very important guests today..."
Soma gave a sheepish grin
Senzaemon gazes towards soma
"Yukihira Soma...a pleasure to meet the Culinary World's Advocate"
Soma gave a respectful bow
"I can only say the same Culinary Underworld Boss, what pleasure do we humble folks have with the three heads of the Totsuki Group" replied soma with a slight tone of arrogance
"Oh, my cheeky little bastard is like his father..which reminds me."
Azami faced turned into a grimace as he glared at the older Redhead.
"I'm not done with you yet Joichiro!"
"Oh, my Azami still hot blooded with empty threats. Typical" as Joichiro simply shrugged his shoulders.
.
"Why you-"
Azami complexion started to turn red with rage until he was interrupted from his melt down by Gin who had displayed a stoic expression.
"Enough Azami be serious and remember the reason why we are reconnecting with Joichiro-San and his son."
Azami settled down and regained his composure.
Gin continued on.
"Joichiro I think Azami explained what was offered; what is your input on the matter?"
Joichiro face stiffened for a moment before his expression relaxed right after. He gave a sigh and responded in a passive tone.
"I'm neutral about this and only wish for Soma to benefit and not for him to feel pressured."
During this conversion, Soma was patiently tuning into the adults conversation until he heard the mentioning of his name.
"Dad what are you guys talking about?" Soma asked nonchalantly.
As if on cue the older Nakiri interrupted before Joichiro could even attempt to explain.
"I think we should discuss further on the topic in person don't you think Joichiro?" Senzaemon tone of voice gave the suggestion a little more weight that leaned towards more of an order than anything else.
Joichiro unfazed by the elderly man with the huge menacing aura gave a sheepish reaction.
"Geez...that means.I need to reschedule our prior engagements today, soma you should get ready we're paying the Totsuki Group a visit."
Joichiro gave another sigh and began to email his secretary to handle today's appointments and to have them rescheduled. However
Senzaemon clears his throat to reobtain The older redhead's attention.
"Actually Joichiro please meet us at the Nakiri Estate inside Totsuki"
Joichiro gave a slight pause and nodded his head to signify his agreement. Both Gin and Azami pulled out their tablets and began to fiddle with them meanwhile Senzaemon pulled out his phone and began to speak to someone in what he understood to be French.
It seemed like everyone within the room including the three guys in the conference call all knew what is going on except for the young redhead who throughout the whole ordeal was left out of the discussion what he assumed to be involve him in some way.
Soma out of confusion blurted out upon hearing that he was canceling all of his appointments today.
"Wait what about my clients today?" Soma facial expression gave that of worry and encumbrance.
Joichiro nonchalantly waved his hand as if swatting away a fly.
" I'll let your aide know to reschedule, this matter takes precedence over everything you have planned today" Joichiro didn't look away from his screen As he continued to write his email to his company's department managers
This caught Soma's attention since it was rare for his father to even cancel even only one appointment let alone a day's worth. Whatever it is it must be very detrimental for the company.
"Really? I'm curious how this involves me but I have no objections. I'll meet you down in the parking garage then?" Soma didn't question any further waited on his father's reply.
Joichiro still caught up in his computer and waved him off.
"Please do, let me finish with Them and I'll head down" Joichiro flashed his son a genuine grin.
As Soma walk out into the receptionist room he called for an elevator and began to drift his thoughts into what could be the reason for visiting the Nakiri Group, especially on their institution of all places.
"Young Master" the receptionist petite voice barely took Soma out of his deep thought.
Soma looked around and noticed the petite girl was flustered from behind her desk.
"Ah, you're The new receptionist dad hired, I hope he is not causing you too much trouble." Soma gave a Sincere smile.
The already red face girl became an even Crimson color that matched the red heads hair.
"Oh..um it's no problem really...um I just wanted to let you know that elevator is out of service..."
Her voice cracked at the last few words from her shyness.
Soma was appalled that this girl got hired from how timid she is. Though he could tell she was a genuine nice person behind that timid personality.
"you're sure a timid person I wish you luck with in our company, we can help fix that timid personality of yours." Soma gave another smile until he just thought he misheard her for a second.
Megumi's heart fluttered, the rumors from the HR lady was right Yukihira Soma is really a prince that befits his position as an heir of the company. Though she failed to sense his fiery outburst that the HR lady warned her about. She thought to herself 'Just a mean gossip I suppo-'
"DID YOU JUST SAY THE ELEVATOR IS OUT OF SERVICE?!WERE ON THE FREAKING 37thFLOOR!" Soma exploded from the absurdity.
The Violette Megumi shriveled from the sudden outburst and fainted. 'I spoke too soon'
Soma snapped out of his outburst and quickly helped Megumi back into her chair behind her desk and headed down the fire escape stairs.
Meanwhile back inside Joichiros Office
Senzaemon eyes were glistening.
"Oh I look forward to your cooking Joichiro rumors fly around that your repertoire has grown substantially with your travels since you left unexpectedly" the elderly Nakiri could not imagine what new dishes his infamous apprentice has garnered over the years.
Joichiro meanwhile was focused on his computer. And shrugged his shoulders towards his former mentor.
"I'm sorry but as far it concerns I don't cook outside my household anymore" as replied nonchalantly.
" Oh, nonsense I'm not asking you to be my personal chef I have others for that. It's your personal dishes that I'm craving Joichiro and besides I'm sure Erina will be looking forward to your cooking once again" Senzaemon gave a hearty laugh
Joichiro grimaced slightly at the imposing laugh but continued to type away on his keyboard. And momentarily looked up towards the conference screen and returned a chuckle.
"You flatter me to much old man besides, if you mention it I'm sure soma kun would love to show his skills in front of you three and Our dear Princess Erina" Joichiro gave another slight shrug
The three men looked amongst each other at the suggestion. Until the usual serious face, Gin betrayed a smirk.
"You know that might not be a bad idea how about we make this a little more interesting Joichiro?"
Joichiro as if on cue replied
"Haha I'm already ahead of ya"
As Joichiro gestured towards his computer with the master interface to the building's infrastructure and restarted the elevator programs.
Joichiro rose from behind his desk and grabbed his blazer. He momentarily looked back towards the three men and began to walk towards his office reception room.
"I'll be seeing you then gentlemen, I hope you'll be taking care of things on your end for this evening?"
Before the three men could reply Joichiro had already left his office. Not that it matters anyway Gin had already knew what needed to be done as they ended the call.
Gin gave an awkward chuckle at his old friend.
"Sly as ever Asura"
-/Receptionist Desk/-
Joichiro began to approach his newly hired receptionist but noticed that she had been knocked out cold. Unfazed He reached over the desk and paged the lobby downstairs. A moment later a harsh voice bellowed from the intercom.
"WHAT IS IT, THIS TIME, MEGUMI!"
Joichiro recognized the voice of the department head for HR. Caught off guard for a moment he replied.
"Ah Ms. Saiga, could you please send someone for Megumi she appears to be knocked out cold though I'm pretty sure Soma-kun was the one responsible."
The intercom was dead silent until the previous Horace voice was replaced with a more soft-spoken tone.
"President, please excuse my unsettling behavior, I'll send someone up immediately."
Joichiro gave a chuckle.
" Anyways, please have Sebastian prepare the estate car for Totsuki Academy."
The timid voice couldn't help but crack at the mentioning of Totsuki.
"Too-t-suki sir? Right away I'll have him by the time you're down!"
"Excellent, thank you again Ms. Saiga..ah.. I almost forgot once I reach the main lobby I won't have much time to explain but please let Soma-kun know I had already left for the academy and will be waiting for him there." Replied a gleeful Joichiro
"Yes, sir I'll make sure to pass it on to the young master." Ms. Saiba replied with a serious tone
25 minutes later...
-/Front entrance to the fire escape stairs/-
Soma reached the lobby and was heaving up what remained of his lungs.
" what...the...hell..." Soma gasped
'Oh man I'm in terrible shape I need to work out again.'
Soma exhausted from his last-minute exercise in dress shoes and slacks failed to recognize approaching him.
"Soma-Kun, the president mentioned that he will be leaving for Totsuki ahead of you. He asked me to datalink you the least congested route to Nakiri Private Estate in Totsuki Academy."
Caught off guard from the straight to the point Business Woman, Soma was barely able to regain his posture.
"Geez, lady you have a knack to randomly appear from nowhere-Wait what.. dad already left!?"
simply nodded as she took out her tablet and began working on something while she waited for Soma to recover his composure.
Appalled for a moment he knew he couldn't waste any time standing here, if it was one thing Soma was known for, it was being fashionably late. And today he didn't want to leave a bad impression on bigwigs from a wealthy conglomerate.
Sensing that Soma was caught up to the current situation, Saiga looked up from what she was doing and waited for Soma to respond.
"Could you datalink the route to my Aventador?" Soma asked nonchalantly
Ms. Saiga jaw dropped at the request recalling fully what happened last time Soma drove his Lamborghini. Needless to say, it was fortunate that Soma didn't get his visa revoked.
"You can't be serious Soma-Kun, do I need to remind you the last time you drove that thing almost put the company's reputation in Jeopardy, besides the president has restricted you from driving it since then." Reported the now antsy women.
Soma shrugged his shoulders as he attempted to recall what happened, but for some reason he can't be bothered, he knew time was of the essence. And completely disregarded the older lady's pleas as he walked towards the service elevator to the underground garage compound. Until he remembers the reason he was running late in the first place. He pressed the call for an elevator and then immediately the already ready elevator door opened. He was confused and look back to Ms. Saiga who immediately noticed and returned a concerned facial expression.
"Are you sure- wha-what's with that look is something is on my face?" As Saiga gave a slight blush from the spontaneous glare that caught her off guard.
"Weren't all the elevators out of service?" Soma's face slowly turned into a scowl.
Ms. Saiba face was, even more, confused as she gave her reply. "Elevators out of service? I don't think they were ever out of service though the president did temporary disabled them for testing the headquarters new infrastructure-console."
Soma knew that his father was able to leave before him was fishy and the fact he didn't wait for him was really pushing it. He knew his dad would rarely leave before him on cooperative meetings like this and the fact that he interacted with those three was unique and abnormal when compared to regular clients. He wanted to know what was going on he hated being out of the loop especially if it pertains him in some way.
Soma knew that the answers he needed were going to be waiting for him at Nakiri family estate. He walked into the elevator with a face portraying as an individual in deep thought however upon turning around that face was immediately replaced by a facial expression of a giddy 8-year-old inside a candy store. Ms. Saiba was dumbfounded as she witnesses a rare opportunity to see a serious soma only for her to be disappointed as if was immediately replaced with that of a stupid grin.
Soma gave a peace sign towards the businesswoman as the door began to close.
As soon as the doors close it was only a few seconds where they reopened to the first level of the underground parking garage that housed all of the vehicles for the employees of Yukihara International. This particular floor however housed Management and VIP guest so there were countless Luxury brand vehicles. However one car, in particular, stood out the most as it was Soma's whiteout Lamborghini, LP-700-4 Aventador.
It was a gift from a client in Italy, if he recalls the gentleman briefly mentioned that he had a pair of sons whom were studying culinary arts abroad, but he didn't bother to mention where exactly.
"Not that it is relevant to me anyways," Soma thought out loud to himself. As he approached his car and climbed into the fighter jet styled driver seat. As soon as he started the ignition the Aventadors monster v12 resounded through the parking garage as he heard several car alarms begin to trip from the massive sound reverberation Echoing throughout the parking structure. As he waited for the engine dip, the a chime echoed in the car with a message appearing in the head unit accompanied by a synthetic voice. "Datalink Successful, Loading Route to destination: Totsuki Academy. Please confirm- Soma..."
Soma grin was from ear to ear as couldn't control his excitement.
"Aw, man this never get olds so freaking coo-."
The synthetic voice interrupted Him.
"I'm sorry-soma- I didn't understand your answer please speak clearly"
Soma cold sweated from the car's A.I.
"-Yes! confirm destination to Totsuki Academy."
Another chime resonated and the route began to map out on the head unit's display.
"Understood please drive responsibly Soma" the voice faded as the route was finished.
And as if on cue Soma was off speeding towards Totsuki Academy with little to no complication throughout the drive.
25 minutes later he could see the landmark pagoda atop the mountain and began to approach the front entrance to Totsuki Academy.
Soma began to notice the mountainous ranges encompassing the majority of the campus
"Hmm I hope there aren't too many steep slopes on the roads there or I'm screwed," he thought to himself.
However upon getting closer to the entrance, he noticed his father's estate car parked on the side with several men in black suits stationed in Front of the entrance, one of the men motioned towards Soma's Aventador to approach the gate and to lower his window.
Another man in black appeared from the gatehouse while talking to someone on his concealed headset. He approached soma side and greeted him with a neutral smile.
"Hello, Mr. Yukihira I presume?"
"Yes um how do I get to the Nakiri Estate from here?" replied a nervous Soma
The man gave a slight frown as he took a glance at Soma's car.
"Unfortunately the roads inside are restricted to Cars that meet our safety clearance, we would like your cooperation and ask you to leave your car here and we will take you to the Nakiri Estate via our VIP transport," the man said in a strictly professional tone as he motioned towards a blacked out car
Soma grimaced at the sight of the aforementioned car.
"That just looks like a blacked out Nissan Altima..."
The man wasn't pleased with where the conversations as heading as he began to show signs of irritation.
"Sir please understand, that this model vehicle is the most luxurious in terms of accessibility for the roads in the academy."
"If that was the case you guys could have gotten an m4 or something" Soma not wanting to be the stickler but he felt he needed to offer his opinion.
"I'll make sure to pass that on to the headmaster Mr. Yukihira." Defeated, the man was tasked to stall Yukihira Soma long enough but at this pace, the kid was Going to end up delaying things if he keeps this charade on.
"Oh no worries umm what was your name by the way? I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other quite often from now on" Soma failing to access the aura coming from the man.
"-Bernard Ho sir, assistant director of security for the Academy, at your service" Bernard sighed feeling anguish.
"Right Berno no worries I'll let him know for ya, so are we ready to depart?" Soma asked Bernard after he parked right aside his father car.
"yes sir please allow me to open the door for you" as Bernard mumbled something unintelligible to his headset briefly while opening the rear passenger for The teenager
"Thank you Berno" as soma climbed into the sedan.
Ignoring the redheads attempt to give him a ridiculous nickname. Bernard climbed into the driver seat and proceeded past the sentries.
The sentries bowed in unison after they crossed the gate house and continued onto the campus main road. Soma notices the drastic incline as the road continued on.
'Man it's been like 15 minutes of awkward dead silence, I'm gonna try to, at least, pass time by conversing with Bernard.' Soma thought to himself for a moment until his eyes caught Bernard taking a glance at him from the rear view mirror.
At that very same moment Bernard was curious and surprised on how quiet his passenger was being as he checks his rear view mirror only for him to regret it soon after.
Not skipping a beat.
"At least, say something Berno, you've been quiet since we left the gatehouse... Which reminds how far is the estate from the main campus?...are we there yet?...come on talk to me...Talk!... to!...me!" Soma launched his relentless grasp for attention towards his unsuspecting driver.
Under his breath, Bernard uttered 4 words
"Oh My God Why..."
Meanwhile at the Estate
A Blonde teen is seen sipping on her Tea as she sat in Front of Azami's desk. Her face was expressionless.
Azami's face, however, mimicked that of a concerned father.(an. LOL)
"My precious daughter Erina. Oh, you remind me so much of your mother..." As he rose from his chair and walked around his desk and kneels in Front of her as he softly brushes back her bangs and caresses her cheek.
Erina's face gave a slight blush. As her facial momentarily Betrayed that of fear as her father's cold hands left a cold sensation upon their wake.
"-You Interrupted my preparation for proctoring the incoming transfers for what reason? if I might ask father?" As Erina spine tingled as her father began to give her his icy glare.
Azami smiled at his daughter and after a moment of silence, he quickly rose from his position and began to move towards the window behind his desk that overlooked a large botanical garden behind the Estate.
In the center of the garden overlooking the large fountain stood a life-sized statue of women that looked remarkably identical to Erina with a small difference in length of hair. Azami continued to stare blankly at the statue for the what he felt was an eternity.
Meanwhile, Erina was patiently waiting for her father as she knew not to interrupt him when he overlooked his window; as she felt in the rare occasions where her father was not regularly scheming, it was during times he would look toward her mother memorial statue where he showed signs of weakness.
"Erina, clear your schedule for today and prepare yourself for tonight. we will be entertaining some very important guests this evening." Azami's tone suggested that it meant that topic was not open for discussion as it was also not a suggestion as it was an order.
"As you wish Father. I'll be seeing you later in the evening then" Erina rose from her seat and calmly bowed towards her father and courtly excused herself from her father's study.
With the sound of door closing, Azami began to hold back tears as he looked back to his wife statue.
"Thank you for understanding Erina; I'm sorry Aria I promised that our daughter wouldn't have to go through what we were forced into, in the end, I broke our only promise to each other...I'm sorry...please forgive me." Azami muffled tears could faintly be heard beyond the heavy oak door, with a teary-eyed Erina silently sniffling behind it.
'What does he mean by our promise?' Erina thought to herself only for her thoughts to be quickly interrupted by her pink-haired assistant.
"Mi'lady please allow me" as Hisako took out a handkerchief from her breast pocket and lightly brushed away Erina tears so her mascara wouldn't be ruined. Erina caught off guard for a moment and jumped enough for Hisako to smudge her makeup.
Hisako froze as a large smudge ran down
Erina's face. Hisako began to bow endlessly towards Erina as she stood there dumbfounded.
"Hisako what's wrong?" upon realizing it was her aid that interrupted her train Of thoughts.
Hisako now prepared for her punishment, reluctantly took out a pocket mirror and showed her mistress what had happened to her face. Upon realizing that her face mimicked that of Emo-Punk connoisseur.
She muffled her screams as she felt that if any of the servants were to see her in her current state, she would be the topic of gossip amongst the estate staff. She quickly turned to her aid and pulled her along to a full blown sprint towards her room.
"Mi'lady I understand that you're currently unpresentable for your normal affairs but is it necessary for us to sprinting down the hallways like this? What if we were to run into someone? at most I predict this will be attracting more attention, let alone dissuade it."
After about 5 minutes of sprinting and snooping around corners Hisako legs were beginning to get the best of her; fortunately they arrived relatively unspotted to Erina's room.
"Quick help me Hisako! Get the makeup remover!- No, not that one get the one next to it!" Within five minutes Erina's face was clean of any residual makeup, she took a quick glance at her phone to see what time it was.
She had to get ready for tonight's guests, not that she cared for whoever they might be in the first place. However, she did begin to question the current scenario, as normally she would be informed at least a 3-day notice when there were going to be guests visiting the campus as well as the estate. Erina for a second suddenly realized and recounted the frequency of the estate ever having guests. She suddenly realized it was really rare for the estate to ever personally cater towards any group of guests let alone an individual outside the Nakiri Family.
"Mi'lady I've prepared the bath for you, whenever you are ready, in the meantime do you have any ideas what you will be wearing?"
Hisako eyes were looking down towards the floor as she was not worthy of looking eye to eye with her mistress without her makeup on.
Erina who was blanking out for second only caught the last part of what her aide said and nonchalantly replied "-oh-umm- how about the Cherry Blossom Kimono?" Erina recalling her newest Kimono her grandfather gave her for the New Year.
Hisako eyes gleamed as she rushed towards Erina's walk in closet and momentarily disappeared until soon Emerged with the traditional dress in tow.
"Is this what you meant Mi'lady?" Hisako gave a slight curtsy
Erina took a glance and immediately was overjoyed to finally getting the opportunity to wear it accordingly.
"Than I'll take my bath than Hisako." Erina began to undress her school uniform on her way Towards her bathroom. By the time she reached her bathtub she was down to her lacy wear as she began to unhook her bra the steam began to caress her breast as she continued to slip off her panties and began to slip into the soothing water.
A chill shot throughout her body as she began to take in the aromatic candles Hisako lit around her bathtub.
Erina suddenly starts to hum Spice.
"Ahh, this so relaxing, to complete this all I need now is his cooking and I will be forever in bliss.- Oh, where are you now I wonder Joichiro-San." Erina whimpers as she dunked herself into the water as she began to blush from reminiscing her childhood crush.
'I wish tonight's guest was Joichiro-San...*sigh*... it's impossible, the father made it clear that there was going to be more than one guest.*sigh* I hope at least someone my age is going to be there...nothing but middle age old men in this damn estate.*sigh* such wishful thinking...' As Erina slowly started to Drift off
At this moment, all four men in the dining room and a Soma began to sneeze uncontrollably
All 5 People: " Aish who's talking about me eh!?"
Authors Note: So what did you guys think? This story took me about a month as I would usually add a few dialogue but then for to me to remove it or change it the next day. Of course, the occasional writers block would take its toll on me as well. Anyways enough of my rambling! I hope you guys enjoyed my story hopefully, I can push out my next chapter soon until then ciao!
~RJK
