Again slow and steady writing.
Expect a big fight next chapter and a Lemon is I find a good template…
Again, enjoy and review….
The Prince of Yotsuba
Chapter 7: Okinawa Military Arc Part 2
The way of life of the Yotsuba Clan, in a way, is very basic.
The Yotsuba Clan is renowned and infamous.
Their wealth and fame cannot be match by anyone of their peers.
And, although there numbers are small, they can still overpower and basically slaughter any organization that crosses them, even a clan from the Number Family System, even a country if they so choose.
And yet, the Yotsuba Clan and their members live a simple, moderately extravagant life.
They do not buy into the bullshit unlike other Families benefitting in the Number System.
It is basic for them. Study, train, sleep, family, duty, and repeat.
That is the life that everyone born within the Yotsuba Clan lives to.
They do not put themselves out to the public and prostitute their lives to everybody.
Regardless of how renowned, how infamous, how powerful, and how wealthy the Yotsuba Clan is, they still prefer to keep their business to themselves, as it should.
The Yotsuba Clan and its members, every single one of them, acknowledges that they came from nothing, and at any moment, if they are not careful, they can go back to having nothing.
The private villa of Yotsuba Maya in Okinawa reflects that belief of her clan.
The villa was beautiful yet simple, a single floor villa, 750 square feet in size, located near the ocean and hidden from the public eye.
At one look, it was a villa that a simple, well-off individual could afford to have and maintain.
No one would suspect the villa to be the personal property of the most powerful known magician in Japan, as well as the Head of Japan's most powerful magical clan.
Just the way Yotsuba Maya likes it.
Yotsuba Maya, currently, was having tea in the balcony of her villa, enjoying the sight of the setting sun.
The balcony was connected to the living room of the villa, which allowed Maya to steal glances of her son.
The lone occupant of the living room was her son, Tsuyoru Tatsuya.
Her son was currently fixated on the portrait that was above the fireplace.
It was a family portrait of Maya, her twin, and their parents.
Maya and her twin were six years old when the portrait was painted.
Maya noticed that her son's eyes were completely focus on the woman that was holding her and her twin on her lap. The woman sat on a beautiful throne, right beside her father, the former patriarch of the Yotsuba Clan.
This peculiar behavior of her son piques her interest.
Tatsuya never took interest in anything that is not magic related or does not have any practical use than being pretty.
Maya was the art connoisseur; her son was a tech connoisseur. He taking interest in a portrait is worthy enough for Maya to consider weird.
Thinking for a second, Maya grabbed a bell place on her table and rang it. "Darling, come here for a bit." Maya called for her son as she continuously rang the bell.
Three seconds later, Tatsuya stood beside his mother. "Mother, you called?"
"Sit down and join me," Maya ordered her son while motioning for the vacant chair across her.
Tatsuya obeyed and occupied the chair in front of his mother.
Maya poured a cup of tea for her son before offering it to him.
"I prefer coffee." Tatsuya commented before taking the cup and sipping its content. "Your tea has always been too mild for me." Tatsuya added while placing the cup on the table.
"Tea is good for your health, darling, unlike that black substance that you down at any given moment." Maya replied with a grin while sipping her own tea herself. "Plus, I grow and process all the ingredients myself. Why won't you show your mother some appreciation?" Maya pouted playfully at her son, eyes fluttering.
Tatsuya looked at her intensively for a complete second before downing the contents of his tea. "Don't ever make a face like that ever again." Tatsuya told her seriously.
"And why can't I, darling?" Maya challenged her son playfully.
"Because you're extremely gorgeous and whenever you make a face like that, I am tempted to eradicate every male in this planet."
That statement, even though it was convey in a monotone and stoic manner as customary with her son, made Maya laugh lightly, even though she knew her son was serious, very serious. It was also quite pleasant that her son still considers and calls her gorgeous even though he was in his early teens and currently dating his dream girl.
Maya knew that her son would not lie, to her or to anyone.
"My son has turn to quite the charmer." Maya complimented while pouring a cupful of tea on her son's cup. "Do you kiss your girlfriend with that mouth?"
"Yes, I also do kiss you with this mouth." There was an edge in her son's eyes that exhilarated Maya. "And last I check, both of you enjoy being kiss with this mouth."
If there were ever a proof that he was her son, his twisted sense of humor and wit would be it.
Maya and Tatsuya shared a humor-filled smile before they continue their conversation/banter.
"So, what made you interested in that portrait?" Maya asked with genuine curiosity while gesturing to the painting on the fireplace. "You have never shown any interest in my art collection before. Even that portrait of me when I was nineteen did not interest."
"Can you remind me why I haven't burned that painting yet?" Tatsuya visibly shudder at the thought of that specific portrait of his mother.
Her mother was very naked in that painting.
"Because you would upset your incredibly lovely mother and you, being the lovable son of mine, do not want to upset me." Maya retorted with a smirk, her eyes dancing with mischief.
Tatsuya rolled her eyes at that reply.
"I'm just curious." Tatsuya admitted with a shrugged. "That's the first portrait of my grandmother that I have seen."
"…" Realization struck Maya with her son's answer.
"Do you dislike grandmother?" Tatsuya inquired curiously.
"No daughter can hate her mother." Maya answered solemnly. "But at the same time, I was not close to her. Nee-san and I have always prefer and love our Otou-sama more than we love her. Okaa-sama was like a stranger to us."
"I see," Tatsuya nodded, comprehending the weight of his mother's words before drifting his eyes on the portrait. "She has our eyes." Tatsuya commented and Maya nodded in agreement.
Tatsuya's statement did not refer to physical similarity.
In terms of appearance, their eyes were different.
Tatsuya's eyes were cold cerulean, Maya's eyes were deep crimson, and his grandmother's eyes were light amber.
When Tatsuya stated that the three of them have similar eyes, he meant that they looked at the world, at everything and everyone around them in a similar fashion.
As nothing more than a puzzle, a challenge that should be solve then discarded in order to pursue other intriguing interest.
"You have Okaa-sama's personality, Darling, though more bearable and much more endearing." Maya commended as she thought of her mother, a person that she remembers rarely due to her not having any fond memories of her.
"She's autistic?"
"Just like you, but in a greater degree." Maya confirmed while shaking her head.
"Was our magic similar as well?" Tatsuya was now interested in the discussion, something that Maya noted.
She indulged her son.
"In terms of Magic, Okaa-sama was not special. She's talented, but she lacks any special ability that is worth mentioning."
"So grandmother is a bland magician?"
"I would use the word generic." Maya corrected her son lightly. "But her magic is indeed dull."
"So how did she became the wife of grandfather?" The Yotsuba Clan has high standards for every member of the clan, and that standard must be uphold, especially by the main branch of the clan, the ruling family.
"Okaa-sama was smart. Yotsuba Minamoto is a genius in fact, just like you." The similarity between her mother and her son was as glaring as her son's physical similarity to her father.
Like her mother, Tatsuya was a genius, cynical, and unfeeling.
But, unlike her son…
"Okaa-sama was never and could never be satisfied. She was not curious like you; she was obsess with all things relating to magic, to the point that I would call her insane."
If there was one glaring difference between the mother of Yotsuba Maya and Tatsuya, is how they view and study magic.
They are both enrapture by magic and both have a desire to learn everything about Magic, but Tatsuya can be satisfied with interesting and strong Magicians that is capable of wielding the magic that he engineers.
Tatsuya's interest lays in creating magic for interesting and capable magicians.
Yotsuba Minamoto's interest lays in another different subject.
"Okaa-sama was the daughter of the lead scientist of the 4th Research Institute. At an early age, Okaa-sama was exposed to the development of Magicians to the point that she could only see magicians as nothing more than products, and that includes her very own being." Maya recalled, remembering how her mother focuses all of her time in the 4th Research Institute.
"Okaa-sama was inducted into the clan as Otou-sama's bride not because of her magic ability or even the fact that they are genetically compatible with each other but because of her intellect. At an early age of 14, Okaa-sama has already written over a hundred manuscripts concerning magic." Maya looked at her son questioningly. "Have you read the works Miyazaki Nao?"
Tatsuya perked up at that question. "Most of them." Tatsuya answered affirmatively. "Her works concerning Magic Calculating Areas are ground breaking."
"Miyazaki Nao is Okaa-sama's alias." Maya told her son and though there was a lack of reaction from Tatsuya, she knew that her son did not knew that piece of information. "As she married into the Yotsuba clan, Okaa-sama took control of the 4th Institute under the name and through the support of the Yotsuba Clan. With her in the helm of the 4th Institute, there was a massive influx of magician that was produce by the 4th Institute. I would even say that it was due to Okaa-sama that the Yotsuba was able to expand it's fighting force. She was, after all, the one who had develop the magic of the first Branch Heads of the Clan."
"Impressive." Tatsuya complimented.
"Truly." Maya agreed before continuing. "But that was never enough for Okaa-sama. You see, Okaa-sama was obsess in creating the perfect magicians…"
"I must compliment and applause Grandmother then as she succeeded in her obsession." Tatsuya interjected, cutting of his mother from her story telling.
Maya stared at her son in confusion at his sudden interjection. "Why do you say that, darling?"
"Because if the topic of the perfect magician is brought up, my immediate thought is you, Mother." Tatsuya confessed with a disarming smile. "There is no one more perfect at being a magician than Mother." There was nothing but sincerity in both Tatsuya's stoic voice and lifeless eyes.
Maya's cheeks were tinted red after that compliment from her son. To be called perfect by him was nothing less than flattering and heartwarming for her.
Maya stood up from her chair and leaned over to her son before kissing him on the forehead lovingly, in a way that a mother should not.
Tatsuya took his mother's display of affection with an unbashful expression.
"Such a sweet talker. You inherited that from you father." Maya commented with a chuckle as she returned to her seat. "Okaa-sama did not, never considered me perfect. In her eyes, I was an excellent product, the best that she had ever produced at that time, but I am far from being the perfect magician that she envisioned."
"Then she must be a fool." Tatsuya stated with a visible frown. "All traits of a magician, you have in spades. Ability, skill, power, strength, mother has them refined to a level that magicians could only dream of having."
"You do like making your mother blush, don't you, darling?" Maya said teasingly. "Your little girlfriend might not like the fact that you are appreciating another woman aside from her."
"You have a cute blush, I can't resist." Tatsuya replied nonchalantly. "As for Miyuki-hime, I show my appreciation for her in a different manner."
Maya squinted her eyes at her son, and almost broke into a fit of laughter at the sight of his cheeks reddening slightly.
"Remind me to have cameras planted in your room. I would enjoy watching you make your woman squirm."
"Language mother, language."
Maya merely smiled at her son before continuing her tale. "Okaa-sama's obsession in developing the perfect magician have cause the public shut down of the 4th Institute. Her methods, although it bears the best result imaginable, are far from being legal and are truly inhumane. The only reason that she was tolerated and protected by the Yotsuba Clan for so long is because of her contribution and her relationship with Otou-sama." Maya smiled bitterly at the thought of her father. "Although it was an arrange marriage, Otou-sama looked after Okaa-sama regardless of their loveless union. He told us that it was because she had given him a pair of Angels. That was enough for him to give her everything she requires."
"Isn't that a waste?" Tatsuya stated logically. "From what you told me, Grandmother is unstable and would not stop until she achieves her goals. That would bring attention to the Yotsuba, attention that the Yotsuba do not desire." Tatsuya may not care about the Yotsuba, but the way he moves and operates is similar to a Yotsuba, an ideal Yotsuba. He knows enough that any attention of the public to the Yotsuba would only result to a very compromising situation.
And any Yotsuba worth their salt dislike being in a compromising situation.
Maya nodded, pleased with her son's assumption. "True, but fortunately, Okaa-sama died before she can cause the clan any headaches." Remembering that day, Maya smiled. "It was an ironic twist of event, she died after a botch experiment, brought down by a magician that she had painstakingly created, a magician that I so easily taken down."
"That must have felt pleasant." Tatsuya guessed before raising his teacup.
"It was." Maya admitted as she raised her teacup as well.
They drank their tea in unison before Maya spoke again. "What made you interested in Okaa-sama's appearance in the portrait, Darling?"
"Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to have a look at the woman where my mother inherited her beautiful appearance from." Tatsuya told his mother, a neutral and detached expression etched on his face. "Grandmother might be derange, but she is quite beautiful, although mother is way better."
"Thank you, Darling." A thoughtful expression graced Maya's face. "Okaa-sama would probably have liked to meet you. Your magic would have interested her."
Tatsuya could only shrugged, not bothering to reply, as he had none.
In a way, for Maya at least, Yotsuba Minamoto's dream of a creating the perfect magician came to fruition.
But it came to fruition not by her mother's effort but by hers, and that is something that Maya considers worthwhile to boast to her deceased mother.
(Break)(Miyuki POV)
The reason why we came to Okinawa is due to the invitation of Kuroba Mitsugu-san. This person is Okaa-sama's cousin.
Among our immediate family, Okaa-sama and I are close with the Kuroba Family.
We are, in a way, friends and allies in the political web of the Yotsuba.
An invitation from them cannot be ignore.
Although we came here on vacation and are staying in a Vacation House purchased by Chichi, the bonds of society and family cannot be severed.
Even though we have just arrived in Okinawa, we must answer the invite of our dear allies and our dear family, regardless of both exhaustion and jetlag.
Still, I could not help but wonder why Oji-sama would invite us for vacation. As far as I know, there are no major happenings within the Yotsuba for over 8 years that warrants the presence of two prominent members of the clan.
Oba-sama had kept the family both safe and away from any situation that would affect the family as a whole. This is a testament to Oba-sama's leadership skills.
The hand of the clock is pointing to 6 PM. It is nearly the time that Okaa-sama and I have to depart the vacation house.
I sat in front of a mirror with a brush in my hand.
Without thinking, I allowed a sigh to escape from my mouth. My reflection in the mirror was wearing a distinctly dispirited look.
I am not ill at ease at parties. I have attended parties and gatherings like this before but dressing up like this made me feel that I am cheating on Tatsuya-kun.
After all, parties like this require me to dance with other men and the thought of being held by another man aside from my boyfriend repulses me.
"Miyuki-san, have you finished getting ready?"
After a knock, a voice sounded through the door. It seems that Sakurai-san has come to call on me.
Okaa-sama might be starting to get impatient.
"Uh, yes."
I, who had been contemplating the whispers of my thoughts, reflexively stood up to give my answer.
Interpreting my reply as permission to enter, Sakurai-san opened the door.
"What's this? Aren't you all ready to go?"
Seeing that I had changed into a cocktail dress, put on a necklace, the emerald necklace that my boyfriend gave me, a hair band and also had my purse in my hand, Sakurai-san let her feelings show with a painful smile.
"Don't make such a sullen face or all your finery will go to waste."
Could my face be so easy to read?
Seriously, I thought that I am capable of having that peculiarly expressionless face of my boyfriend.
"…Do you understand?"
It was Sakurai-san that I am facing; nay, that did not change the fact that it was the eyes of another person. I did not intend to let anyone be aware of my unhappiness.
"As for me,"
While saying that Sakurai-san purposefully gave an exultant wink. …Is she telling me that it is alright to show other people this kind of face?
"Stop…making fun of me, please."
Without thinking, I made a pouty face. Flustered, I focused on smoothing out my expression into something more ladylike, but...
I could feel my cheeks turning red as I watched Sakurai-san release a giggle.
I am already a middle school student; I thought I had stopped this sort of childish behavior.
"I'm sorry…..but, being young and in love is just so…"
You would not think she was 30 years old — you could only think that she was in her twenties at the most — after she giggled for a while looking cute, Sakurai-san quickly modified her expression.
Naturally, I reined in my emotions as well.
"There are people with sharper 'eyes' than me, since there are many people in this world. Indeed, it is because I know you so well, Miyuki-san, that I'm also very aware of the things you dislike. However, it is also possible that someone who can read your face with a glance will be at the party. Because you, Miyuki-san, are not an ordinary middle school student, I believe you must appear as if there are no gaps in your defenses."
No rebellious feelings were aroused by this well aimed advice.
My boyfriend had told me the same thing only much more bluntly.
"Tatsuya-kun told me that in order to hide once thoughts from their appearance is to wear a fake smile." I stated as I thought of my dearly beloved. "Or to overwhelm them with a presence that would either intimidate them to submission or charmed them to my will."
Suffice to say, I am not capable of both, mostly to the former than the latter.
I am not my boyfriend and I am certainly not Obaa-sama. I do not have a monstrous presence that can make anyone to everyone either avoid me or to kneel to me.
"Tatsuya-kun is a person that wears his thought and emotions on his sleeves but is capable of making others see what he wants to see." Sakurai-san, I could have told you that. "Tatsuya-kun is the most honest yet enigmatic man I know. He is capable of hiding his true essence while showing enough of himself to capture the imagination of anyone he pleases."
"He hasn't taught me that skill yet." My boyfriend has taught me many things, from new magic to techniques to other miscellaneous skills that are useful in a bind, but he had never taught me how to adopt an unbreakable poker face like his.
"That's because his methods of concealing his thoughts will not work on you. Remember, Tatsuya-kun is an honest man. Miyuki-san, you are not Tatsuya-kun in that regard. You cannot afford to be an honest person."
Thank you for reminding me of that, Sakurai-san!
I am a Yotsuba. Being honest would never be one of my traits. We are too dark to be honest. We are too careful with the truth to be honest.
"If that is the case, how can I be like my boyfriend when dealing with people that can make or break me?"
I could not overwhelm them; I could not push them away by mere presence alone like my boyfriend.
I do not possess charisma and charm to bend people to my will like Obaa-sama.
I am still incapable of weaving truths to form lies like Okaa-sama.
I could not hide my thoughts and emotions like those three.
Seeing my predicament, Sakurai-san gave me a suggestion. "You are not Tatsuya-kun who has the presence and aura capable of dissuasion. You are still too inexperience to create lies from truths. And you have yet to mature your charisma and charm to ensnare your opponents"
Again, I know that even without you saying it.
"What you need to do is to skillfully deceive your own emotions, do you get it? Just like Tatsuya-kun told you. Sometimes, a fake smile can carry you against that most cunning opponent. First, you bring you, yourself, in alignment with what you would call your false face."
Possibly because she read my discontent, Sakurai-san continued in greater detail in a soothing manner.
(Break)(Suzune POV)
"Try to have fun, Darling."
Yotsuba-dono's cheerful voice echoed into our ears as my Primary and I vacated the transport that brought us to a five-star, luxury hotel.
My Primary's eyes lingered on the limousine until it was no longer in sight before letting out a sigh of frustration.
"Have I ever told you how much I hate attending social parties?" My Primary asked me as he gazed at the hotel with a blank expression, but in closer inspection, aggravation and irritation could be seen in the corner of his eyes.
That is understandable. I would even agree with him.
My Primary does not do Social Events. I would even go so far to say that he is incapable of doing Social Events.
His social skills, all of it, are just too robotic, too force.
Also, the last time he and I attended a Social Event, it devolve into a massive fight.
I knew my Primary wanted nothing to do with this party but orders are orders.
"There is a formal party in this hotel. I want you and Suzune-chan to attend in my steed."
Truthfully, I share my Primary's pain.
I was born in a middle class family. We might have a Number in our name at one point but the stripping of that number had caused a great decline in our family.
I was born in a middle class family and for the first thirteen years of my life, I live in a middle class environment. I interacted with middle and lower class people, and my etiquette and mannerism befits that of a middle-class girl.
I would never be a woman that would fit in the higher echelon of society.
Not that I could play the part, but because whenever I think of upper-class women, I think of Yotsuba Maya, Shiba Miya, and Shiba Miyuki. Those three women are the epitome of upper-class women, the epitome of modern day royalty.
I could never reach the level of those three women, not in this lifetime.
"Let us get this over with." My Primary gave me an expecting glance.
I met his gaze and nodded. "Yes, lets." I raised my arm and offered it to him.
He linked his arm with mine and he proceeded to escort me to the venue.
I will never admit the euphoria that I felt the moment our skins made contact.
"For the record, you look beautiful tonight." He whispered to me with such an unfeeling tone of voice that I should be insulted.
Regardless of him not even putting any emotion in that compliment though, I blushed knowing that he was completely honest with me.
I looked at my dress, and my blush intensified.
Yotsuba Maya enjoyed dressing people up. She is a fashionista with an unparalleled sense of style.
One of my duties as Tsuyoru Tatsuya's guardian is to make sure that whenever he goes out, he looks presentable. Tsuyoru Tatsuya, regardless of being the son of Yotsuba Maya, does not possess a sense of style. That is why my ability to be a fashion adviser to my Primary was a major draw when Yotsuba-dono assigned me to him.
That being said, when Yotsuba-dono is present, my job as my Primary's fashion adviser is temporary rescind.
Yotsuba-dono takes great joy dressing up her son, and to an extent, me.
I am currently wearing a violet, cocktail dress that was strapless to show my shoulders and a portion of my breasts. There was a high slit on the skirt to emphasize my long legs.
I am now cursing my genes for making me taller than most girls my age.
Still, that compliment from my Primary is worth something.
"Thank you, Tatsuya-san." I whispered silently. Without Yotsuba-dono or Hayama-san present, I can now call my Primary by his given name, as he had ordered me a year ago, but it is only applicable when we are alone and/or around people who do not know his relationship with Yotsuba Maya.
"You do not look half-bad yourself." Correction, he looks completely dashing.
My Primary is wearing a form-fitting silver tuxedo, with a black formal shirt, black shoes, black bowtie, and white cufflinks (Trivia: Everybody can own a suit, but only the richest will have cufflinks).
My Primary's good looks are quite subtle. He may look average at one glance, but if one looks at him long enough, they will see a guy with an appearance that befits that of a movie actor. His good looks is akin to fine wine, the longer you look, the better looking he gets.
Also, my Primary is more alluring, more seductive than he is good looking.
As we enter the hotel lobby in silence, my confidence waver significantly when I saw those who were mingling in the lobby.
There were hard-faced older men, young men, and dignified young women, all of them born and raised in the upper echelon of society. Politicians, successful businessmen and women, actors and actresses, modern day aristocrats. Being a middle class girl that I am, I am at awe at their presence.
I looked at their faces and for the life of me; I could not comprehend their thoughts, emotions, and intentions. All of them were hiding their true essence with bright and vibrant smiles.
It was as if I am in a room that were filled with people alike my Primary in every single way, minus the power.
My Primary suddenly spoke.
"You see that man…" My Primary mumbled as he gestured towards a man holding a woman wearing a blue cocktail dress. "The woman that he is with right now is not his wife. You can tell considering both of them wears a different wedding band. You can also tell that by how many scratches their rings have. That means that they do not value their actual spouse."
"That man over there…" He now pointed towards a young man, probably in his mid-twenties, conversing with several people, with him at the center. "You can tell that whatever business that he owns is on the verge of bankruptcy. You can tell by that pathetic look of desperation in his eyes and the manner in which he prostrates himself in front of those people."
"That woman over there…" Shifting my eyes, I saw a young woman, early twenties, wearing a very revealing dress, flirting with a man wearing a business suit. "That woman is a grifter. Look at her hands; it is always lingering near that man's pocket. Her smile also has a scheming edge."
"That woman in the corner." I looked at where he was gesturing. I gazed at a woman that was wearing a simple, backless red dress. Her face was also heavily dolled up with make up. "She's a whore and a gold-digger. By her expressions, she's currently playing the shy and vulnerable rich girl act to ensnare a new rich spouse."
My Primary then gave me a hard stare. "In this place, there are only nine people who are worth the clothes that they were on their backs. The rest, they are not even worth the shoes and the dirt that they walk on." Narrowing his eyes, I felt my chest tightening. "My mother would not assign you to be a Guardian of mine if your worth is below dirt. She has high standards when it comes to me as well as those who I associate with. So raise your head or I will raise it for you." He whispered to me harshly as he led me out of the lobby and towards the reception hall where the party was commencing.
My Primary is not a nice guy. He is ruthless and heartless in most cases. He treats everyone, with the exception of a few, uncaringly.
That being said, he often times say the right words to an individual to lift, comfort, and motivate them.
He probably got that trait from his father, whoever that man is.
Smiling to myself, he and I entered the reception hall.
It is as I imagine it.
The reception hall was big enough to fit several hundred people.
Arrays of tables decorated with different types of cloth laid on each other in a pattern. A vase of different types of flowers, arrange neatly, on the center of the table.
Vibrant lights and vibrant colors littered throughout the area.
An orchestra playing classical music.
It was divine…
"Such a bore…"
…but it varies per person.
"Well, let's get to work." My Primary said as he released my arm.
I will deny, to my dying death and through the threat of a Yotsuba-style torture (I won't wish that kind of torture to anyone), how cold and empty I felt when he casually unlinked our arms like it was nothing.
"You set up a perimeter with Kumoito. I'll survey the entire room, check for any point of entry, and verify any vantage point that can be used by snipers." He ordered as he prepared to move.
I know I should not ask, but curiosity got the better of me, again.
"Shouldn't we just enjoy ourselves?" I asked him sullenly. "You are rarely deploy whenever you are with Madam." Yotsuba-dono enjoys hording his attention, so him being given missions during summer and winter is a rarity.
Meaning, I am a full time maid during summer and winter in the Yotsuba Main House.
"Ichihana, when are you going to learn?" My Primary exasperatedly muttered before glancing at me over his shoulders. "I dislike Social Parties. The Social Parties that I attended were either bodyguard missions or assassination missions. The fact mother sent me here without a target, means that this is a guarding mission. Somebody attending this party is an important associate of my mother, so important that she is willing to send me to this party as an insurance."
Facing me, he slowly approached me before he placed his lips dangerously close to my ear. "There is something that is going to happen in this place later. Bullets are going to fly, magic is going to be used, and a lot of blood is going to be shed." He stated as if it was already decided. "Everyone attending this party, as much as I do not practically care about any of them, will leave this hotel with them still capable breathing. Anything less, is unacceptable." With that said, he turned his back to me and proceeded to survey the area.
I looked at his back and sigh. Grabbing my weapon, I obeyed.
So much for a vacation.
(Break)(Miyuki POV)
As Sakurai-san instructed me to, I shrouded my heart with a false face; since I was still very much a child, I could not stop my spirits from falling as I approached the site of the party.
Though Okaa-sama is right beside me, I would give everything to have my boyfriend with me now.
His uncaring attitude towards the world would have ease my rumbling feelings.
After all, if I know my boyfriend, he would probably say that this party is nothing more than a gathering of overly stiff people, flaunting their influence and wealth at each other while trying to drink each other under the table with wine and champagne.
Just the thought of that made me giggle.
"You seem to be in good spirit, Ojou-sama." I looked at Minami-san. Unlike me who is wearing a formal, cocktail dress, Minami-san is wearing a pantsuit that is also the formal uniform of Yotsuba Guardians.
Her outfit is identical to Sakurai-san's.
Minami-san sat beside me, considering that she is my Guardian, while Sakurai-san sat beside Okaa-sama for the same reason.
Looking at Okaa-sama, who was speaking with Sakurai-san, I address my Guardian. "I am just imagining what Tatsuya-kun would say if he is with me right now."
The smile on Minami-san's face faltered at the mention of my boyfriend.
Minami-san and Tatsuya-kun do not dislike each other, but Minami-san is scared of him.
Tatsuya-kun could careless about her; he is neutral to her like he is to the majority of people that we are acquainted to, which gives me mix-feelings.
I could remember their first meeting.
It was a nightmare.
When Minami-san was assigned to me, I decided to introduce her to Tatsuya-kun. We were still best friends at that time and I want Minami-san to meet the person who I spend most of my time with outside my immediate family.
I brought her to Tatsuya-kun's house and when I knocked on the door, and Tatsuya-kun answered, Minami-san pushed me aside and tried to attack my Tatsuya-kun.
At that time, Minami-san made two mistakes.
One, she pushed me so hard that I fell to the ground. Tatsuya-kun is quite protective of me and he perceived that as an attack to my person.
Before Minami-san was assigned to me as my Guardian, the last person who attacked me ended up having a crack skull and punctured kidney courtesy Tatsuya-kun.
Second, Minami-san attacked Tatsuya-kun. Funny trivia about Tatsuya-kun, any threat that he perceives, he deals with it violently and immediately. I don't care what training Minami-san underwent in the main house, her chances against him is so below zero, it is not funny anymore.
Long story short, it took Tatsuya-kun three seconds to incapacitate Minami-san. He could have done it in under a second, but because Minami-san pushed me, Tatsuya-kun took his time dealing with her.
And it showed through the list of injuries that Minami-san received from Tatsuya-kun.
In three seconds, Minami-san sustained a shattered ankle, a broken knee, a bruise liver, eight broken ribs, a broken wrist, a dislocated shoulder and elbow, a broken jaw, a broken nose, and a broken orbital bone, this and a concussion.
And I could not fault Tatsuya-kun for doing that to her.
I warned Minami-san not to look threateningly in front of Tatsuya-kun, I also told her, very strictly, not to attack him.
She ignored my warnings and attacked him anyway, and she suffered a beating for it.
Still, Tatsuya-kun was kind enough to heal her but the damage was done.
Minami-san became deadly afraid of Tatsuya-kun.
"I think Tsuyoru-san would not fit in nor like these kinds of events." Minami-san assumed but I could see the logic behind her words.
"Yes, he would not, but he would also be excellent in this kind of environment." Nobody would try to trick him and when he speaks, people would listen. It might be through fear but sometimes, fear is a good incentive in getting people's attention.
Let them hate, as long as they fear were the words that my boyfriend lives by.
"We are here, Miyuki-san." Okaa-sama announced, which also signal the end of my conversation with my Guardian.
Sakurai-san and Minami-san went out first. They looked at the vicinity for any threats to our person before opening the door and motioning for us to vacate our transport.
Okaa-sama went out first, slowly followed by me.
We are already within the hotel grounds.
How pointlessly ostentatious — this was only my subjective opinion, but — I could already see the entrance.
With a deep breath, Okaa-sama and I advanced on the battlefield of depression and tedium.
In the lobby, there were dozens of people speaking with each other, none of them trying to standout but I still needed to resist the urge to snort.
Snorting is not something a well-mannered person would do.
But really know, none of them are capable of fooling my eyes.
I've spent the majority of my three years, three wonderful years, with a person that rarely displays emotions, and when he does, it is to the most barest minimum that it can be question if his change expression or showed emotion at all, and I can detect those slight changes with ease.
Detecting the intentions of those people is a walk in the park for me.
It was not any of my business, but they made me want to tell them that they should train more, considering the life that they are living. Against someone like Okaa-sama, and especially against the likes of Oba-sama, those people will be torn apart without them even knowing what hit them.
Stopping at the reception hall, we were greeted by a familiar looking man.
"MENSORE!"
Channeling my inner-Tatsuya-kun to ignore the dramatic manner in which Kuroba-ojisama greeted us work like a charm.
I never realize how fun it is to ignore the unique yet unnecessary quirks of people. This is probably what Tatsuya-kun felt most of the time.
Still, I could not help but think of Oji-sama as someone childish.
Really now, greeting us in such cheesy way.
"Thank you for coming, Miya-san, Miyuki-san." He told us with a welcoming tone and smile.
Still, as expected, the location was too big a site for a private party. As expected, an extravagant table was being used as a backdrop. And more important, as expected, Oji-sama came out to meet us clad in an expensive suit and I made the perfunctory greeting. For this kind of thing, there was no reason for creativity.
"Thank you for inviting us, Oji-sama." I smiled back and bowed my head in respect.
I am smiling for a different reason though.
That smile on Ojii-sama's face, it is strained, very strained.
Compare to seeing through Tatsuya-kun's façade, this is child's play.
Note, Tatsuya-kun does not wear a façade whenever we are alone together, but he wears a façade whenever we are in public. He might be detach and unfeeling most of the time, but his emotions sometimes show when dealing with truly annoying people.
"Dramatic as always, Mitsugu-san." Okaa-sama greeted her cousin with a small hug and a kiss on both cheeks.
Okaa-sama looks absolutely radiant with her black Victorian-style, lace dress.
"And you look absolutely stunning, Miya-san." Oji-sama complimented her as he appraised her from head-to-toe.
Good luck, Oji-sama, you will need it. There are no gaps in Okaa-sama's defense, unlike yours.
"You have been as beautiful as Maya-san since you recover from your sickness." It was still a mystery for me and for the rest of the Clan how Okaa-sama's health took a turn for the better.
More than three eyes ago, Okaa-sama was a sickly person but all of the sudden, her health improved to the point that she can now constantly used her magic without any consequence.
"And Miyuki-san…" As Oji-sama turned his attention to me, I adopted the best fake smile that I could give.
Tatsuya-kun's method would not work for me. I do not have his monstrous, near demonic presence and aura that can scare people to submission or turn them away from him.
I am not Okaa-sama who is a virtual wordsmith, who can weave truth and lies as if they are cloth.
I am not Obaa-sama who has both the charm and charisma of a Goddess, who can make anyone bow before her with just a smile.
I am Shiba Miyuki, and my only ability is to hide my thoughts, emotions, and intentions by deceiving myself.
That is the only ability that is within my reach at the moment.
"…you look more of a lady since the last time I saw you." He complimented me but I knew that this is merely a test from his part.
I am ready for this.
"Thank you, Oji-sama, and I must say that you look quite handsome tonight." Think of Tatsuya-kun! Think of Tatsuya-kun! Think of Tatsuya-kun! "Fumiya-kun must have a lot of admirers, considering that he took after you when it comes to his looks." I commented with a bright smile.
To prevent the bile from reaching my throat, I just imagine my Tatsuya-kun holding me.
It worked.
Oji-sama looked extremely smug with my compliment and he did not even bother hiding it.
I was surprised though that I was able to make him lower his ground with that lie.
Fumiya-kun actually looked more like Kuroba-Obaasama than Oji-sama.
"True, my dear son is quite popular with the ladies, but it is not my son's fault. After all, having such a devilishly handsome father like me, it is inevitable for him to have girls eating out of the palm of his hands." Oji-sama boasted with a smirk.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and, even without looking at my side, I know that Okaa-sama also felt the same.
Allowing Oji-sama to have his moment, I looked at Sakurai-san and Minami-san for a moment. I motion for them to take their position by the walls.
Mitsugu-ojiisama is a person that I would call a Yotsuba to his very core. He sees the Yotsuba Guardians as tools and treats them accordingly, something that I find appalling; regardless of the fact that manner of treating them is the supposedly proper way for Yotsubas to treat them.
Understanding my silent message, the two took their positions swiftly. Gazing once more at Oji-sama, I spoke.
"Pardon me, Oji-sama, but is Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san present?" I inquired softly. "I want to catch up with them. It has been quite some time since I've last saw them and I would really want to know what they have been doing since then."
To be precise, I haven't seen them since last winter, when the clan had a gathering.
Oji-sama, seemingly shaking out of his stupor after hearing my inquiry, gave me a toothy smile.
"Oh sorry, I have kept you out here talking. Now, come inside. Both Ayako and Fumiya will be glad to see you again, Miyuki-chan." Oji-sama led us inside the reception hall and I felt a sense of relief washing over me.
So far, so good.
Dealing with Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san is much more preferable than dealing with Oji-sama.
"Guard up, Miyuki-san." Okaa-sama whispered to me. "That is merely the opening salvo. It is still a long night." Okaa-sama told me with a gentle whisper.
"Of course, Okaa-sama." I replied with an equally gentle whisper.
As Oji-sama led us further into the reception hall while engaging Okaa-sama in a conversation, I took note of everybody that came within my sight.
Ojii-sama organized quite the circus.
Men and women, all of them powerful and influential and one way or another, they can affect the society to a certain degree.
They were gallivanting around the reception hall, mingling with each other, laughing with each other. They were exchanging smiles and pleasantries, complimenting each other's appearance, from their clothing to their jewelries.
Some were even openly flirting with each other.
I wonder how many of them can detect the farce that was right in front of them.
Most of the smiles, pleasantries, and compliments that were being casually thrown around by most of these men and women were fake, so fake that even someone as inexperience like me could see through them.
The sad part about all of this, I have expected this even before I entered the hotel.
I am a child born in upper-society. The first thing Okaa-sama taught me is that when you are born in upper-society, most words that sound pleasing are nothing more than sweet-nothings that holds no meaning and are merely use for deceit.
It is a sad fact that those of upper-society want nothing more than to elevate themselves even higher. Even though they have already reach the highest peak of society, they want to go further, and most of them are willing to use and manipulate anyone and everyone possible to achieve their goals.
They would smile, they would compliment, they would offer hands of friendship, and they would even open the doors of their bedding chambers and offer their wives or even husbands to people that can assists them in their thirst for power.
They would do anything to elevate themselves to a higher stature, even if it means dragging those above them down to the ground, even if it means breaking and stepping on people, even if it means murder.
Those of upper-society, including my entire clan and me, are the worst vermin that walks the earth.
And the depressing part, a lot of people desires to join us.
How sad.
Filtering out all the chatter around me, for I have no desire hearing men and women flaunting their wealth, power, and influence to one another, I smiled a genuine smile when I caught a glimpsed of my cousins, my favorite cousins.
The Yotsuba Clan, though there is small tension between its members, is still a tightly knit family.
Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san are twins. They are the son and daughter of Mitsugu-ojisama. Setting aside some of their quirks, they are the two most pleasant people in the Yotsuba Clan, at least for me.
"Okaa-sama, Oji-sama, may I speak with Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san." For formalities sake, I asked permission from them.
"You may, Miyuki-san." Okaa-sama gave me permission as she motioned me towards them. "Mitsugu-san and I have further business to discuss."
"That we do." Is it my imagination or is Oji-sama's voice a bit tense?
Shaking my head a little, I bowed my head in respect for them before making my way towards my cousins.
"…"
Suddenly, a chill went up my spine.
It was not an unpleasant chill.
Quite the contrary, it was an exhilarating chill.
I wonder why.
(Break)(Suzune POV)
When I looked at my Primary, I was suddenly taken aback.
My Primary was smiling, and not just an ordinary smile, this smile was the smile that can make anyone swoon over him.
My Primary never smiles, much less smile like that.
Not unless he was within the presence of his mother or Miyuki-san.
So, why is he smiling like that all of the sudden when those two are not even within the vicinity?
"Three days," My Primary whispered with a smile. "I haven't seen her in three days. I am shameful that I have almost forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful she is."
I stared at him for a second with an unsure expression before I followed his gazed.
Ah, that answered my question.
There are two specific and special beauties that can capture the undivided attention of my Primary.
First, the beauty of his mother, Yotsuba Maya, the beauty of the darkest and silent night, the allure and seduction of sin and evil materialize in human flesh.
Second, the beauty of his lover, Shiba Miyuki, the beauty of the purest and coldest winter, the temptation of innocence and elegance embodied in human flesh.
The lesser evil is Shiba Miyuki, by a long run.
Shiba Miyuki, the one being in the world that my Primary cherishes aside from Yotsuba-dono.
Shiba Miyuki, she is the beauty that can turn this ferocious dragon to a star struck lover and a hopeless romantic.
Shiba Miyuki, the first being, to my knowledge, that my Primary every wanted.
Shiba Miyuki is currently in the vicinity.
My Primary is currently on cloud nine, just by the sight of her.
Beauty truly conquers monsters.
"Remind me to thank my mother later." I wonder, and I know my Primary is thinking the same even though he is currently in a state of euphoria, what game is Yotsuba-dono playing with him right now?
"What do you think would she prefer tonight, white rose or red rose?"
To be young and in love.
"Go with white. It will go lovely with her dress."
"Have I ever told you how useful you are sometimes?"
Again, to be young and in love.
For someone who views emotions as nothing more than superficial, you sure cherish and revere love to an unbelievable degree.
That is one of your most alluring trait.
(Break)(Miyuki POV)
Most of the time, every word that my boyfriend utters is useful in life and in certain circumstances. I cling onto those words and store those words into my mind to be used when the need arises.
Like right now, I remember a certain quote from my lover that perfectly describes my situation.
"Sometimes, it is better to deal with the hand that was dealt to us than deal with the alternative."
My boyfriend is truly wise.
Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san, this two are my favorite cousins. The three of us get along quite well.
That being said, conversing with them is quite a chore.
After all, comparing achievements with them gets old very quickly.
"…and so my calligraphy instructor praised me." Tring to resist the urge to show my exasperation, I gave Fumiya-kun a small yet friendly smile.
Fumiya-kun is adorable because he is openly affectionate to me, but I feel he is a little too adorable for a boy. At any rate, compare to my boyfriend… Actually, there is no comparison.
Being in love makes me view the opposite sex differently.
I could not help but compare every boy that I meet to my boyfriend.
In my opinion, I have not yet meet a single male better than my Tatsuya-kun.
"Congratulation, Fumiya-kun. Would I see you this year in the annual Kanto Prefecture Calligraphy Competition?" I don't like doing this, but when dealing with Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san, it is sometimes better to go with their flow.
A disappointed expression crossed Fumiya-kun's feminine face. "I would have love to compete with Nee-sama this year but I was beaten in the qualifying rounds during the Prefectural." The frown on his face almost made me pet his head but I held back.
I think it is time for me to treat Fumiya-kun like an adult.
"There is always next year Fumiya-kun, and don't be distress. This is merely my second time representing Tokyo in the competition." I comforted him lightly.
Calligraphy was one of the classes Okaa-sama had me attend ever since I was 7-years old and my instructor was adamant in entering me into a Calligraphy Competition after only a year of me being in her care. Things escalated quickly after my first competition, but I have only qualified for the Regionals twice: last year and this year.
"Congratulation, Onee-sama, in your success in you calligraphy study." I turned my attention to Ayako-san.
Ayako-san had this competitive glint in her eyes that made me wonder what she would bring to my attention.
"It brings happiness to my heart that you and my brother have something in common and enjoys one of our nation's most treasured culture." Typical Ayako-san, she is as dramatic as Oji-sama and that is not a good thing. "I myself am seriously pursuing a hobby. Just last month, I have won a private Piano Concert in the Saitama Prefecture." Ayako-san puffed her chest proudly and a wide grin was etched on her lips.
A part of me, a small part of me, wanted to merely smile and congratulate her for her success.
But another part of me, the Yotsuba in me, tells me otherwise.
As Tatsuya-kun once told me, there is nothing wrong in boasting once achievements.
"That's lovely, Ayako-san." I replied happily. "If you have time, during the Fall season, you, Fumiya-kun, Oji-sama, and Oba-chan should head to Sendai. I would personally dedicate my piece to all four of you."
"Eh…" The grin on Ayako-san's lips twitched and the glint in her eyes falter a little bit, and I was very ashamed to feel slightly delighted at that fact.
"Well, you see, I have successful qualified for the Sendai International Music Competition, age bracket 12-15, category piano. Last winter, I have successfully completed both the elimination round and the screening auditions. I am due to Sendai in Fall to compete in the Competition Proper." I elaborated remembering how I was involve in that certain Music Competition.
It all started with me witnessing my Tatsuya-kun submitting his violin recording for the preliminary round of the Sendai International Music Competition, a music competition renowned all over the world that takes place in Japan.
You see, my Tatsuya-kun struck a deal with his mother for him to stay in Tokyo. The deal forces him to attend several classes, classes that I am well acquainted with in order for him to take a more permanent residence in Tokyo.
One of those classes involves music, specifically the violin.
Tatsuya-kun might be emotionless most of the time, but he can play the violin masterfully.
Apparently, much to the chagrin of my Tatsuya-kun, his mother ordered him to enter the Sendai International Music Competition. He told me that his mother ordered him to get a trophy that is music related for her. Although Tatsuya-kun felt an enormous amount of aggravation from that order, he obeyed nonetheless.
Being the faithful girlfriend that I am, I also joined him and entered the competition so that he won't be alone. Okaa-sama was quite ecstatic with my decision.
Things escalated quickly as the two of us found ourselves qualifying from the Elimination rounds in the Fall season, though I would admit enjoying playing accompany in my boyfriend's performances and playing duets with him is a thrill.
Also, making out on top of the piano is a very exhilarating experience.
"Oh, I see. Good for you and congratulations, Nee-sama." Ayako-san's voice lowered several pitches and her smile was now borderline force.
I know I am being mean by doing this but well, they started it.
"Nee-sama, I started taking my riding lessons two months ago." Fumiya-kun suddenly spoke up, excitement in his tone of voice. "My instructor told me that I would be ready for competition after another month's worth of lesson." Fumiya-kun declared proudly.
Equestrianism, horseback riding, another class that my boyfriend attends in a weekly basis.
"That is an interesting hobby, Fumiya-kun. Tell me, what type of horse racing do you wish to partake?" I inquired in genuine interest. "A friend of mine that also takes riding lessons prefers Endurance riding or Steeplechase. He is quite excellent in both."
At age 11, my boyfriend won in the Steeplechase category during the Tokyo Annual Equestrian Show.
At age 12, my boyfriend won in the Route racing category as well as the Steeplechase Category during the same event.
The reason why Tatsuya-kun entered an Equestrian Class as well as an Equestrian Show, his mother asked him to, with the request of him getting her a trophy.
His mother's ability to force him to do things that he does not want is staggering.
A thoughtful expression crossed Fumiya-kun's face after my inquiry. "Now that Nee-sama mention it, my instructor did tell me to focus on my Flat Racing training, but Otou-sama wants me to enter a Steeplechase Tournament when the instructor allows me."
"Stick with Flat racing." I advised him gently. I know firsthand how difficult the Steeplechase Racing is regardless of how easy my Tatsuya-kun makes it to be. For the record, Tatsuya-kun makes everything look easy.
"Onee-sama…" Turning my attention to Ayako-san, I was once again greeted with the sight of her grinning. "Tou-sama enrolled me to an Art Class, taught by Miyazaki Hideo…" I know that artist. Oba-sama, being the Art Connoisseur that she is, owns an extensive collection of his work, which subsequently means that he is a spectacular artist considering Obaa-sama's taste in art. "…I am to enter his school after we leave Okinawa." Ayako-san told me, excitement clear on her face.
But excitement is not the only thing I could see.
I don't know what to say because, really now, taking art as a discipline under the reign of Oba-sama is just plain suicide. Oba-sama is an Art Connoisseur with a very distinctive taste. Her taste and standard in art is similar to her taste and standard in magic.
Looking at Ayako-san subtly but more intently, I could tell that her line of thoughts is similar to mine.
There was an edge of nervousness and a bit of fear expertly hidden behind her smiling eyes.
I sigh inwardly. What is Ojii-sama thinking?
It is bad enough that Ayako-san is treading on thin ice in the eyes of the clan. Trying to appease Oba-sama with one of her passions would merely make her situation worse than it already is.
Oba-sama has a vindictive streak that is very similar to my Tatsuya-kun's violent streak.
That is not a good think.
Smiling awkwardly, I petted Ayako-san's head, similar to the way Tatsuya-kun pets my head if I have something troubling in my thoughts.
Speaking of Tatsuya-kun…
I leaned my head on Ayako-san's ear and whispered the words that would probably give Ayako-san her salvation.
"If you have the time, go to Tokyo for an extended stay. I'll introduce you to someone that can help you with you dilemma."
I did not elaborate and purposely ignore any of her inquires. I am taking a risk by telling this to Ayako-san.
My Clan, the whole of Yotsuba and especially Obaa-sama, does not know I am dating someone and I intend to keep it that way until I become the official heiress of Yotsuba Maya.
I do not doubt my ability to keep my Tatsuya-kun in my arms forever and really now; Tatsuya-kun did not show any signs of leaving me. Contrary, he is being more possessive of me by the day, something that I consider quite lovely.
If I became the next head of the Yotsuba Clan, something that is likely to happen due to the help of both my boyfriend and Okaa-sama, Tatsuya-kun would be admitted to the Yotsuba Clan without any hindrances.
That is my primary reason why I want to have Oba-sama's throne and I would do everything to become the official successor of Oba-sama.
If I became the official successor of Oba-sama, there is nothing that can stop me from having Tatsuya-kun as a lover and it would make his transition to whatever clan he is affiliated to currently to the Yotsuba Clan rather convenient.
I don't think my family and my clan would complain with me getting a new powerful prospect for the clan, even if he is my lover.
Seeing that Ayako-san would inquire the meaning of my words, I brought up a subject that I know would derail every other topic that the two could come up with presently.
"Has Oba-chan's condition improved?" The worry in my voice was genuine, but I feel a bit bad at using a subject matter that hits close to home for the two of them.
Kuroba Ayanami, husband of Kuroba Mitsugu, mother of Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san.
By blood, she is not a Yotsuba, similar to Chichi.
But by Magic, she is a certified Yotsuba.
Kuroba Ayanami, or as I affectionately call her, Oba-chan was the last remnant of a Number family that had lost their number due to incompetence. This should have guarantee Oba-chan a life of discrimination and obscurity but her inherit magic was special and unique, so much so that the Yotsuba allowed her to be part of the clan and marry one of its members.
Ayanami-obachan is one of the kindest person that I know and is my favorite aunt.
And it brings sadness to my heart that she is currently fighting cancer as we speak.
At the mention of their mother, both Fumiya-kun and Ayako-chan's smile disappeared from their faces.
The sight made my heart falter.
"Mama…" The affectionate way of which Fumiya-kun referred to his mother and the lack of honorifics is a testament to the closeness of the Kuroba siblings to Oba-chan. "…is doing well. The treatment the doctors are giving her are doing wonders for her and her condition, but seeing Mama so weak and fragile is just heartbreaking." The way Fumiya-kun's eyes slowly tear-up was truly heartbreaking.
"Have more faith in our Mama, brother. She's strong." Ayako-san stated, showing a bravado that was both moving and impressive. "Mama won't be acknowledged and accepted by the family if she is not strong. Something as simple as Breast Cancer won't bring her down."
Ayako-san's confidence to her mother, Oba-chan, is truly something to be revered and respected.
But for Ayako-san to say that cancer is a simple thing, I don't know about that.
It might be true that the treatment for Cancer has been enhance since the end of the 21st century and that it's no longer a condition that can be consider a death sentence, but cancer is still a deadly condition that claims hundreds if not thousands of lives in a yearly basis.
Also, the treatment to cure cancer is still a tedious one.
Sighing slightly, I entered the conversation. "Oba-chan is a fighter, always have, always will be. She'll survive this." And hopefully, when she recovered she can reign in Oji-sama's dramatic and theatrical tendency and prevent those quirks from spreading to Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san.
I like Fumiya-kun and Ayako-san very much, but if they start acting like Oji-sama, I am out!
Also, I hope she could control Oji-sama's excessive spending in his private parties.
Excessive spending is not the Yotsuba way.
"Miyuki-neesama should visit Mama." Fumiya-kun suggested strongly. "Mama's spirit would be uplifted when she sees Miyuki-neesama. Mama adores Miyuki-neesama."
"I adore her too. She's my favorite aunt." I replied with a small chuckle.
"Don't say that when Maya-Obasama is around. She might take offense to that." The three of us collectively shudder at the mention of the current matriarch of the family.
Every single member of the Yotsuba clan, especially in my generation, has an inherent fear of her. Don't get me wrong, Maya-obasama is an excellent leader and every single one of us will follow her to battle without hesitation. We would kill for Maya-obasama in a heartbeat. That being said, Maya-obasama is just too terrifying for her own good, and that is without even trying.
"Oba-sama knows that I respect and adore her." I told Ayako-san with a smile. Though my smile is strain, I would admit, it is still sincere. As both a magician and a woman, I admire Oba-sama. Her beauty and power is awe inspiring and incomprehensible at times.
I sometimes hope and pray that I would become a woman of the caliber of Oba-sama onr day. If I reach her level of grace, beauty, and power, I am sure that my Tatsuya-kun would be forever mine and he would never look at another woman for the rest of his life.
"Every one of us respects and adores Oba-sama. That's academic." Ayako-san mumbled under her breath. "Nee-sama, about Mama…"
"Okaa-sama and I will visit him tomorrow, first thing tomorrow. We plan to spend the whole day with her tomorrow." I told the two with an eager smile.
Normally, for people my age, spending the entire day in a hospital room is torture. But not for me considering it was Ayanami-obachan.
It is always fun to be around Oba-chan.
"That's wonderful news!" Fumiya-kun cheered, his hands joint together as his eyes glimmered in excitement. "The three of us can accompany Mama for a day of fun!" Fumiya-kun exclaimed with a childlike grin.
Fumiya-kun eludes such childlike innocence that Ayako-san and I merely smiled at his enthusiasm.
Our conversation ended at the sound of the orchestra starting to play.
The sound of multiple instruments, from percussions to keyboards, played in concert and melded into a beautiful melody.
Closing my eyes, I relished the beautiful melody to its fullest. Being able to play the piano, I was able to fully appreciate the classical music that the orchestra was playing.
I have to give it to Oji-sama, he knows how to pick the entertainment for his parties.
Looking around the reception hall, I noticed that several 'couples', I used quotation marks for that because I doubt most of the people stepping into the dance floor were genuine couples, started populating the dance floor and began to waltz.
And though most of the couples in the dance floor were fake, watching them dance around, holding each other intimately, made me missed my boyfriend even more.
"O-Onee-s-sama," At that familiar voice, that familiar stuttering voice that was also lace with nervousness, I turned my attention to Fumiya-kun once again.
He looked so flustered, red tinting his cheeks, his hands sweating a little. He was also nervously adjusting his cufflinks.
I fought the urge to sigh.
Although I would love to be waltz around the dance floor by my Tatsuya-kun, I guessed I have to settle with dancing with Fumiya-kun for the night.
That sounded cruel and stuck-up, I know, but being in love truly changes people.
Resigning to my fate, I faced Fumiya-kun and looked at him expectantly.
I did my best not to shake my head when I saw Ayako-san seemingly scolding Fumiya-kun in a whisper while seemingly encouraging and coaching him.
This two are truly a class act together, and I meant that as a compliment.
I did not removed my gazed from this to as I wait for Fumiya-kun to ask me to dance while secretly wishing for my boyfriend to appear in front of me like a prince.
*SSSSSSSS*
For some reason, as if lightning struck, the entire reception hall, in my perspective, became extremely silent.
The music, the chatter of everyone, including my cousins, disappeared.
Suddenly, I could not hear anymore.
But for some reason, I did not care.
My eyes suddenly move away from my cousins to the dance floor once again. I do not know why but my body move without my mind ever registering it.
Something unspeakably amazing happened in front of me.
The many pairs dancing in the dance floor, those many pairs, as they dance, parted to create a clear path before me.
On the other end of that path, I saw a person that I have been praying, hoping to be with me since before I stepped foot in Okinawa.
Tsuyoru Tatsuya, my first friend outside of my clan, my first love, and my current boyfriend.
He was several meters across me but I could see him completely.
From his silver colored tuxedo to the apple cider that he was drinking to the white rose that he was holding with his right hand to his usual passive expression, I could see him as clear as day.
Finishing his drink, he handed his glass to Suzune-san, who was beside him wearing a dress that makes me uncomfortable with her standing so close to my boyfriend, before his gazed fell on me.
Our eyes met, azure blue eyes met cerulean blue eyes.
I almost dropped my glass when I saw the pure, unhidden desire in those eyes of his.
My knees actually quivered when he moved from the wall that he was leaning on and made his way towards me.
My body was filled with excitement and in anticipation as he approached me, each step echoing his aspirations to be with me.
And that made me fill love inside.
I wanted to move from where I am standing. I wanted to meet him halfway and embraced him to show how much I missed him, but I could not move. I was bound to where I stood as I looked only at him.
I do not know whether this is his magic or something else, but my Tatsuya-kun always had this effect on me.
He has always been capable of bewitching to the point where I could not move my body, to the point where I am totally at his mercy.
As a Yotsuba, I should never be vulnerable to anyone like this, but because it was Tatsuya-kun, my Tatsuya-kun, I think I am safe even if I bare myself to him.
As he walked towards me, I've noticed that the path became wider as he walked through it. They are not noticing him but they are, to an instinctual level, were sensing his monstrously overwhelming aura. To a subconscious level, to the part of the mind that only values self-preservation, they knew that he could do away with them as easily as he breaths.
That part of him, his power, is truly intoxicating.
"Who is that?" I heard Ayako-san asked out of nowhere. I barely noticed my cousins looking at my boyfriend with two pairs of curious eyes.
"I don't know, but he looks cool." Fumiya-kun, you don't know the half of it.
"He's coming over here." Ayako-san muttered as she tried to appear nonchalant though I could tell that she is somewhat interested.
She is, after all, running her hands all over her dress in an attempt to straighten out those nonexistent wrinkles on her dress.
If it wasn't so cute, I would have been irritated.
Still, all thoughts disappeared from my mind as my Tatsuya-kun was finally within arm's reach of me.
He walked passed my cousins, not even acknowledging their presence. The two of them, unconsciously and unknowingly making way for him, their eyes widening was a testament to their surprised that they did such a thing for a stranger.
"You look immaculate and unbelievably angelic." He greeted me in his usual way, his eyes softening from their usual expressionlessness, voice laced with fondness.
I blushed at those words as my hands unconsciously strayed to the upper portion of my skirt. He always knows what to say to make me flustered.
"And I am shame to admit that I almost forgot how breathtakingly beautiful you are in the mere three days that we were apart."
Have I mention the perverse delight my beloved feels whenever he makes flustered? I swear, he enjoys the sight of my cheeks being tinted in red.
Composing myself and drinking in the fact that my beloved is here in front of me, I offered him a smile that I reserved only for him.
"You looked handsome yourself." I am doing my best to not jumped into his arms. The two of us both know what would happen if I do such a thing. "I am pleased to see you." I confessed to him.
I really, really missed him. Three days of not seeing him, and I already missed him as if I haven't seen him in years.
"So am I." He replied before he raised one his hands to gently caress my left cheek with his fingers.
I moved instinctively and tilted my hand to the left as I rubbed my cheeks on those fingers of his.
"I miss this." I told him with a sigh of joy.
"You are not the only one." He assured me before he retracted his hands from my cheek before gently tucking a white rose on my right ear.
He then bowed before me while offering a hand. "Can you honor me with a dance?"
For a guy that has such a limited degree of emotions, he sure is a charmer.
With my heart already beating wildly, I chuckled softly before taking his hand with mine. "It would be my genuine pleasure."
Straitening his posture, he led me to the center of the dance floor.
I have almost missed the shock expressions of my cousins.
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