"You have one year, Kyouya. Produce an engagement and the company is officially yours," his father said, his tone business-like as usual although there was an unusual hint of amusement lying underneath. It was as if he were dangling meat in front of a starving dog.

Did Kyouya really want the company that badly? He'd already proved to his father that if he wanted the company badly enough, it was his. However, taking it by force was not what he wanted to be remembered for. After all, he'd promised himself years ago that he'd make a name for himself while respecting his brothers and not stepping on their toes. Surely it was more honorable to receive the company fair and square and let Yuuichi have a fighting chance, right?

"One year," Kyouya repeated, practically tasting the words as his father nodded.

"It won't be easy, Kyouya. Do not underestimate this challenge. Not only is this the daughter of the largest shipping industry in all of Japan but they are also one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. A marriage between the two families would certainly benefit one another greatly," Yoshio explained, his eyes cast downward as his chin rested atop his folded hands.

"I understand," Kyouya responded curtly, turning to leave.

"Before you leave, there's one last thing you should know," his father added, stopping him in his tracks. "She does not and will not know of this arrangement."

Kyouya's eyes widened slightly as an uneasy knot began growing in the pit of his stomach. For once, Kyouya Ootori was confused. Was his father suggesting that he fool a girl into a marriage that not even he wanted?

"Konoe-sama was actually the one who suggested it, if you're wondering," Yoshio cut into his youngest son's thoughts, as if he already knew what he was thinking. "Apparently his daughter is against arrangements as such and has refused in the past."

"Father, isn't this a bit conniving?" The Ootori son asked, keeping his composure as his father stood and took steady steps toward him.

"Perhaps it is. But if you want this company, it must be done," Yoshio placed a cool hand on his son's shoulder and leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Listen closely to these instructions, Kyouya. In order to make this happen, you will court her. Be polite and give in to whatever she may want. Understand that the Konoe family will probably be one of the most important assets the Ootori's will ever have."

Parties hosted by the Ootoris were nothing shy of exceptional. While most hosts tended to speak to only the most important of guests, Yoshio had made it a point for he and his sons to greet everyone, even if only for a moment. The atmosphere was always light and comfortable, which made for easy convincing of potential business partners, and the food was phenomenal. Only the best for the wealthy was how these arrangements worked.

Above the crowd of wealthy business men and women stood the youngest Ootori and his father on a balcony only they had access to. Soon, the party would be at its climax and it would be time for Kyouya to commence the operation.

"That's her," Yoshio commented lowly, as if speaking loudly would attract the attention from the guests below.

Kyouya silently began scanning the crowd below the balcony. Everywhere he looked, the women looked the same. Large hair-do's, floor length gowns that sparkled, and glasses of champagne held in silken gloved hands. He suddenly wished that instead of reminiscing, he would have done some much needed research on the Konoe family in order to identify this woman.

"By the back door," his father interrupted. "In the red."

Kyouya followed as directed and sure enough, there she was. Although she was a woman of high social standing, Kyouya was almost pleasantly surprised by her appearance. Her long black, hair seemed simple, as if it was merely brushed out prior to her arrival, her dress was knee length and didn't look as if glitter were spilling off of it and onto the marble floors, and it appeared that her face was make-up-less. Overall, judging by her appearance, she seemed very refreshing.

"What do you know about her, Father?" The youngest Ootori asked, watching the young woman laugh and interact with an elderly couple.

"Nothing the general public doesn't already know. Her name is Anastasia, a rather abnormal name compared to her siblings' traditional Japanese names, she's the youngest of six, and she's twenty-two. If I'm not mistaken, she'll be completing college in the spring. I couldn't be bothered to look much further into her," Yoshio spoke smoothly, his expression almost bored as he continued. "From personal observation, she seems to be even-tempered and ladylike. I'm sure she'll make for an excellent bride," he concluded, pushing up his glasses in a Kyouya-like fashion.

"I see," Kyouya answered, tugging his suit jacket down as he began walking away. If there was ever a good time to introduce himself, now was it. "Let the games begin..." he whispered to himself.

A/N: I didn't want to bore any readers with an author's note as soon as they open the first chapter, so here it is at the bottom! I updated this quicker than I expected because I've had a couple chapters written out for a couple weeks now and just couldn't resist. This is the last "explanation" bit and I promise I'm not trying to draw this out into an enormous amount of chapters. I'm just trying my best to make it flow easily.

The next chapter will probably be posted tomorrow and is about 150, maybe 200, words longer than this was. (I'm referring to the actual content without my author's note, by the way.) So the chapters will progressively become longer and more eventful as it gets cranked up.

To Gloriaa01 and Ryomaeijiarehot, thank you for being the first two to review! They both gave me confidence and I appreciate it greatly. For any other readers: review, pretty please! I know you're out there and I'd really love to know what other people think, haha!

Anyway, have a lovely day, everyone, and I'll update soon!

- Kisai-Chan