A/N: Thank you everyone for the reviews. I'm sorry for the late update, very lazy lately. I'm having more fun reading others fics than writing my own.LOL
Thanks Kyo. Yeah trouble is coming. Probably a lot of them. HAHAHA I am evil as usual. Have fun reading.
Chapter 4
Knock. Knock.
Inside the library, two gentlemen in black suit perked up upon hearing the sound. And walk closer to the door. Waiting for approval from an older lady sitting at the black leather desk chair.
Clink. Tea cups were placed back on the saucers. At the center of the study was a wooden table perhaps the setting was more like an office. Dark colored table and black leather desk chair. Simply out of the Landlady's taste, the decorations are all too formal for receiving guest of business purposes.
There was another female in the room, a few years younger than the one sitting in the middle and a younger gentleman across her; he was about a year or 2 years older than Sunako. He was wearing a semi-formal suit, very good looking boy with spikes and dark hair. He's wearing sunglasses even inside the mansion.
Outside the door, Sunako stood. She was waiting for the permission to enter. 'Wait another 1 minute before you are allowed to knock again.' This is her training during her younger days, she remembered it well. Flooded with all the memories, good and bitter ones. She grimaced. But she ignites her fighting aura in an instant she heard footsteps. 'On your guard Sunako!' She said to herself. Anticipated about 5 people in the room, probably two are fighters.
The older lady nodded at her guards. She said. "Enter." The older woman said, in a louder voice.
Sunako twist the knob and entered the room. She noted and looks at each person in the room. "Excuse me. Sorry for the wait ladies and gentlemen." She said with a deep bow.
"No, excuse us for showing up without notice." Said from the younger gentleman sitting in the chair, he got up and looked at Sunako intently, he was holding a Katana.
"There is no need for permission. I want to see her with my own eyes. I've heard from Lilliane you've accepted Obaa-sama's request. It seems she has mistaken." The other woman said from Sunako's left.
"Forgive my appearance, Aunt Maya. I simply came and thought I had kept you all waiting." Sunako countered. She's getting agitated.
"My, is this all the special training you're getting from her? You don't look much different from last time I saw you." Maya said with a smug smile.
"I am glad to see you again auntie…Y-you look…" Sunako pause as if thinking of the right words to say.
"Look, what?" Maya inquired.
"Different. Somehow." Sunako berate herself for a slip of her tongue.
"Ohohoho… so you noticed?" Maya asked.
"Well it is slightly obvious. What happened to your nose?" Sunako asked since she had known her aunt, she has always a flat nose that made an impression on Sunako when she was younger.
"The power of Science and modern technology Sunako-chan. Ahahaha" She laughed loudly.
'Oh Kami-sama she defied You. She defied nature. She defied evolution. She defied Kami-sama.' Sunako thought praying herself not to show she's freaking out.
Maya Takayanagi, rich and a snob. She's a distant relative of Sunako. Maya is interested of the Nakahara Industries that's why she wiggled her way up to be closer to Sukano's grandmother. She's currently one of the share holders and a member of the board of directors. She has two sons. She came with the youngest.
Nakahara Industries is centered in Fashion, from cosmetics to latest dress wears. Her aunt Lilliane Nakahara also known as the Landlady / Marie Antoinette of the East - is the current Head of the Board of Directors. She travels around the globe for search of latest fashion and do some business here and there, mostly looking for a rich lover. She's a widow. Her late husband was a martial artist and a strategist; he was very close to Sunako and taught Sunako most of the fighting. Which was not hard, Sunako inherited her mother's physical strength and her father's fighting spirit. The Grandmother is the CEO of the company, for now. Her Aunt Lilliane was the closest to Sunako, and so she took over the position for her only niece.
This company is usually to be run by females of the Nakahara's blood line since it's centered in fashion for women. There is only one heir to the throne and it is Sunako Nakahara. She thought of herself chained to it so she tried to run away many times. Sunako's mother Natsume Nakahara is not eligible; she is a Doctor and a zoologist currently she's stationed in Africa. Sunako's father is also at Africa helping his wife. He is also an animal lover and a veterinarian.
If the company knows of Sunako's behavior for the past few years they would very much oppose to her. See, the company is for FASHION and Sunako is definitely not the lady suited for that job. Until a few years ago, she had undergone training since she was young. But she ran away during middle school her excuse was she was dumped and she was ugly.
"Ohohoho… Sunako-chan. You've grown taller. Come close I want take a better look. Can I have hug from my only granddaughter?" The older lady stood up beside the desk with her arms wide open.
"I missed you, grandma." Sunako rushed over and hugged her grandmother. "It's been a while. In what honor do I owe this visit?" She asked.
"As expected you are very sharp Sunako-chan. I have come to collect your debt of course." Grandmother said with a sly smile.
"And what would that be?" Sunako had a bad feeling about the unexpected visit.
"But of course, the one you've been neglecting to take care of. You've been avoiding this conversation for a long time. Are you scared of me?" Grandmother asked with a sad face.
"If its marriage or the company, I have made a deal with aunt Lilliane herself. Grandma should not be concerned about it anymore. I am making an effort." Sunako explained.
"That is how you act in front of your elder? And here I thought she is much refined." Maya interjected.
"HO! HO! HO!" The door flew open. "Be quite bird-brain. My niece is making her speech. She is the rightful heir of the company of course. Do not forget your place." The Landlady made her grand Entrance again, there were rose petals everywhere. Maya was taken aback and become speechless.
"Aunty… I thought you were in France? What are you doing here?" Sunako recovered from the shock.
"Of course, I am here as your defendant." Landlady smiled. "As soon as I've heard from my Secretary that they are here, I flew back right away. Why have you brought them Mother?" Lilliane asked Sunako's Grandmother about the two guests aside from the two guards.
"Sunako's possible marriage partner, she is his mother." Grandmother pointed the young man with good looks.
"I have taken care of this issue, Mother. Sunako made a deal with me. Unless you want to lose your precious company to outsiders, you should let me take care of this matter." Landlady made a piercing look at her own mother.
"Sunako is of age. This is something I should take part of. She is the next head of Nakahara blood line." Grandmother opposed with a fierce look on her face.
"Sunako-chan is not getting married to that person. She was left in my care, and I decide anything concerning about her. If Suoichiro and Natsume know of this charade, they would very much oppose it as well, kaa-san." Lilliane is angry but she's not showing it. Her words were becoming harsh though. "Introduce yourself young man." Landlady commanded.
"Sorry for my carelessness. My name is Renji Takayanagi, 19 years old. You can call me Ren. It is my pleasure to meet you both. I believe this is our first meeting, Sunako-chan." The young man said and bowed with grace.
"Hmmn…" Landlady went scrutinizing the person in front of her. "Leave us Sunako and send my secretary in. Have the boys prepared, this may take a long while." She said saving Sunako from her Aunt Maya and Grandmother.
"I am entitled to see if she is suitable for my Ren-chan too." Maya said "I want to question her."
"It matters not. She is quite perfect for anyone. However I do not approve of your son. He lacks qualities." Landlady said. "If he can defeat one of my champions I will approve of his candidacy for Sunako's fiancé."
"How dare you insult my son!?" Maya with aloud voice. "Your niece has not even a speck of quality in her."
"I am not against him." Landlady said. "I also, had picked candidates for her."
"Huh?" Sunako confused of the sudden revelations. When all eyes were on her she decided for her exit. "Excuse me. I shall prepare something for everyone to eat." She made a slight bow and hurriedly left the room.
Once Sunako was out she let out a big sigh of relief. She was very glad her aunt is here. She is thankful that Kasumi has called Lilliane earlier.
Sunako went directly in the kitchen. Made a quick sandwich and prepared beverages, she wasn't sure if they are staying for dinner. But she's suggesting it like they are not welcome for dinner at all. Sunako is sure her grandmother is not staying since she's a CEO and always busy. All thoughts swirled and she failed to notice someone entered the Kitchen. He was watching her for awhile.
"I thought I'm getting shrimps for dinner?" Kyohei muttered.
"Uh?! Oh. I'm sorry I got busy. Can you please call Kasumi-nee? Also, everyone should well be prepared." Sunako warned him, and her voice is saying 'be cautious'.
"Oh, okay. Do... uhm... Do you need my help?" Kyohei cleared his throat he wants Sunako to look up at him.
"I'll be fine. You won't be though." Sunako looked up.
Sunako decided she is going to test his agility first. Without another word she tried kicking him on the gut. Kyohei evaded the first attack by jumping sideways and positioned himself for fighting.
"What was for woman? I didn't do anything to you!" He complained.
Sunako didn't respond and readied herself for another attack. A lower kick! Kyohei jumped high. Sunako tried an uppercut during his descent. He can't avoid it. He closed his eyes anticipated the pain. Sunako stopped her movements when she noticed Kyohei had accepted his defeat.
"You can avoid that punch you know." Sunako said.
Kyohei opened his eyes. "Yes, but I can't do it without hurting you." He said with a defeated voice. "I made a decision that I would protect you, not hurt you. Didn't I?" He made sure that Sunako's not going to forget anytime soon what they talked about earlier.
"Yes I know. Now just prepare yourself. And send Kasumi to the library." She commanded and hiding her blush.
"Yes ma'am." With a salute, Kyohei left the kitchen.
Sunako took the tray of food and went back to the library.
When she entered there was a lot of tension on the air. She knows words have been exchanged and it's not anywhere near compliments or words of flattery. She is aware of her two aunts' burning auras. Sunako placed the food and eyed everyone. Her grandmother seems to have a headache and is sort of mediator for the two. Ren is silent on the side hugging his Katana.
Knock. Knock.
"Enter." Landlady shouted. It was evident she was pissed.
"Sorry for the interruption. I am here, as summoned." Kasumi entered the room.
"Yes, Kasumi have my boys ready. Meet us at the living room. We'll be there as soon as we finished what Sunako-chan had prepared for us." Landlady said calming herself. She is not a person you want to argue head-to-head, she has strong resolve and cannot be persuaded easily.
"Will there be a battle ma'am?" Kasumi inquired.
"I definitely won't accept anyone else for Sunako without passing a test." Landlady said with a steely voice.
"I'll take it as a 'YES'." Kasumi back away. "Excuse me." She bowed and exited the room.
Meanwhile everyone was quiet. And ate Sunako's homemade sandwiches.
"This is very delicious!" Ren can't help but voice out his surprise from his cousin. Sunako just smiled at him.
"Of course! She's perfect. You aren't suited for each other." Landlady interjected and she was being rude.
"It's not that pleasant in my taste." Maya countered.
"My, you must have a bad sense of taste. Maybe that's why our company's being slow lately. No one buys from your endorsements." Landlady was being sarcastic. And Maya is fuming on the side.
"That is enough! Both of you behave. Lilliane, by you mean these boys of yours are Sunako's potential future partner?" Grandmother inquired.
"Yes." Landlady said.
"WHAT?!" Much to Sunako's surprise. "Auntie, you never said anything about them being chosen for me. Besides, Takenaga and Ranmaru …" Sunako was cut-off since her Aunt had already one hand on her mouth. The other on the landlady's lips, signaling she should just be quiet.
"Now, what are you two up to?" The Grandmother suspected.
"Nothing mother. Now if everyone is ready we should meet my boys." Landlady said with a mischievous smile.
Everyone is at the living room. Sunako and guest just entered. Maya and Grandma were stunned for a moment seeing Ranmaru, Yuki, Takenaga and Kyohei lined up like a soldier. And the boys made a bow acknowledging the landlady and they respected her a lot. Ren made a happy smile. 'Finally! An opponent worthy enough.' He thought cockily.
"Now the rules are simple. No killings just defeat one of the boys in their best of abilities. And I will acknowledge you as a potential partner for my only niece." Landlady said confidently. "You pick which subject you are best with."
Landlady knows who is best at what: Kyohei is dependent on good looks and physical strength, he is good at fighting; Takenaga is best at academics and also good at flower arranging; Ranmaru is known playboy but also can cook, good at press relations and Kendo; Yuki lastly is very cute, an animal lover and he has a good sense of style. Though they have different reasons for coming to the mansion but she is sure her boys will do anything to save Sunako.
"Very well, I am only best at my sword skills. Is there anyone who wishes to challenge me at fighting?" Ren said preparing his katana by unsheathing it.
"Uh!" All the boys were shocked. Not prepared to die.
"Ha ha ha. It seems they are not ready to die for Sunako-chan." Ren said with assumed smile.
"I'll take the challenge!" Kyohei is very much ticked at his cockiness.
"I'm ready when you are." Ren said in a serious tone.
"I have a question." Kyohei asked.
"Go on. It may be your last words."
"Are you serious about Sunako Nakahara?" Kyohei said with a very evident raging jealousy. He wasn't aware of everyone's shocked face anymore. All he knows he has competition for Sunako's affection.
"Serious or not, it does not matter. If you are asking if I have feelings, I'll tell you. I may have or may not. It is none of your business." Ren talked with a small smirk on his face.
"Then I wouldn't hold back." Kyohei launch himself unarmed.
They manage to fight without seriously injuring the other. And Kyohei was good at his reflexes. But he is no match with a sword; he is covered with cuts and scratches. He has two disadvantages, the Katana has length and he is not good at deflecting a sword to his use.
Ren on the other hand has already been pissed. Kyohei was a better fighter than he anticipated and if it was ordinary person, two slices would have crippled the person. However, Kyohei is indeed a worthy opponent and to add that he fights with no precaution or protection from the blade. He does not like the idea of losing to an unarmed man. Then a glint of evilness in his eyes, Ren is ready to kill Kyohei in one final blow.
-o-
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