Disclaimer: It's a work of fiction and just having fun with my favorite SNS pairing

Thank you for the reviews! Seems like the last chapter was quite well received! 10 over reviews within a 24hr period! It's really heartening to see that it appeals to all of you and I appreciate that you take time to give me feedback and the motivation they give!

Guess not many expected it to be Hisako's parents eh? :P

So as a "THANK YOU!" I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

I felt the wind physically knock out of me. My heart felt as if it had been crushed. Suppressing my tears, I asked shakily, "Why, father?"

Father, sat fully back into his chair, considered me for a few counts, before deciding on the conversation's route:

"Do you know why you needed security? Why were you extracted once your social media presence has increased?"

I never really thought of the specific reason but I assumed it has got to do with my family.

"How much do you think our family is worth?"

"What?"

"Go on, you're old enough, I'm sure you can hazard a guess into the figures." Father shifted, sitting a little forward, clasping his hands, "Let's put things into perspective: The Nakiri Family Holdings' main focus lies in the luxury restaurant and hospitality industries, with a global USD value estimated at 1.7 billion."

As expected of Erina-sama's family. It is quite an impressive sum.

If I am told to put a number in this I considered my family's background in the medical industry, and including the fact that the retail pharmacies in Japan are subsidiaries of my family, "I would say USD 500 million."

It was a round estimation that I could imagine their strong stance on the topic of Soma. That was already more money than a common person could reach in a lifetime.

"500 million." Father repeated softly, looking me in the eyes, nodding slightly to acknowledge my guess. He stood up, walking to the nearby window, gazing out to the manicured garden.

"The Nakiri and Arato family goes back in ages. The Nakiris grew in prestige by marrying chefs who cooked for the emperors, kings, and important historical figures into the family. Which is why you see their family having such a diversified bloodline."

Consider Alice-sama who is half Danish, the fact that the whole family heads to different regions every summer, and that the Nakiri are mainly known for their worldwide influence in the culinary world; Father brought up a good point.

"Our family focuses on medical," Father continued, "Similar to the Nakiris, we instead marry physicians. Physicians who maintained the health of civilians, healed the wounds of armies, and discreetly treated maladies of important historical figures to their last breaths. It is typical that our family is richly rewarded for loyal services, providing us a solid foundation.

"Even now, VIPs are still part of our clientele, including the Nakiris." That explains the photos on the mantle.

"Over the generations, our holdings expanded and diversified: medical supplies, pharmaceutical research, cradle to grave health care, insurance… With wars, ageing population, sound investments, and natural growth of our holdings over generations, our family flourished.'

"In a crisis, people may cut down on eating and travelling, while willingly spending their whole fortune on health." Mother added for him.

"So how much is our family worth?" Father turned, "Billions; 22.6 Billion, give or take a few hundred million." He let that number sink in, meeting me in the eyes to be sure that I heard it, before adding, "US Dollars, of course."

That is a mind boggling amount. "I've always thought the Narikiri family was more well off compared to us."

"They missed out a whole market segment by not pursuing mass market retailing to maintain their brand image strategy" Father explained, "their focus on luxury services stifles their growth. Economic recessions are also a handicap."

I kept quiet to absorb this new development as father returned to his seat.

"We did not think it was relevant before, which was why it was never discussed. We are, however, telling you this for you to understand that as our only child, that's what you'll be inheriting: Not just the money but a whole legacy.

"That is not something we flaunt nor wish to be public knowledge; In fact, we actually pay to keep the spotlight away from us to the extent that even our philanthropic activities are kept discrete under layers."

Of course, "The subsidiaries."

"Precisely. You learnt well." Father's lips pulled into a proud smirk while mother nodded. "Our name in Japan allows sufficient name recognition, while at the same time using multiple subsidiary levels keeps the full scale concealed. It's a controlled balance."

That's something I need to understand, "If there is such a difference between our families, it seems curious: why do we treat the Nakiri with reverence?"

"Do you not see billionaires paying homage to Royalty? Clergy? Presidents?" Father pointed to photos on the mantle. "We may be wealthy, but we still respect protocol when treating clients. Either way, it's just… titles. That's no chip on our shoulder."

"Manners maketh man." Mother added.

Oh, a quote from William Horman.

"Meanwhile, the Nakiris have something that we suppress for ourselves."

I frowned at the thought. If our family is more wealthy than Erina-sama's, the only thing that puts them over us will be "Prestige?"

"Visibility." Father answered, "The Nakiri family mainly goes for publicity and brand recognition in their market segment for their prestige. It is opposed to ours."

"Money talks: While the rich shout, the wealthy whispers." Mother completed for him.

Father nodded, agreeing with Mother, "Our holdings are diversified enough for you to pursue anything related to the medical industry; and you've chosen to specialise in medicinal cooking.

"In our view, your entry to Totsuki wasn't just for cooking lessons: Consider the network you've created, the cooking skills you attained to make an entry to another front in the form of medicinal foodstuff."

"What better position to gain business experience than to be the closest companion and the right hand of the Nakiri God Tongue?" Mother said.

"By being a subordinate, we do not tip our hand on the full scale of our estates, not even to the Nakiri family." Father laced his fingers in front of him, "as you are, being the shadow of someone well known, it keeps a low profile."

"Anonymity has its intrinsic security benefits: you would be less likely to be the target for kidnapping when there is a more obvious one next to you." Mother added. "Which is why you are recalled the moment you become too visible."

Unfortunately, while objectionable about suggesting Erina-sama as a kidnapping target, that somehow made sense.

"On the other hand, would you say you've learnt humility, etiquette, and business acumen being her secretary?"

As Erina-sama's secretary, I am privy to other aspects of business, not just big picture decision making: manpower, accounting, networking, legalisation, negotiations, protocol… It was subtle but I do recall the times Erina-sama would simply let me handle those matters, allowing me to gain valuable experience and network with different levels of other entities.

"All this is to nurture you to be ready to take responsibility in the future."

Father studied me for a few moments, before dropping the hammer.

"It is due to that responsibility that you have to break up with this Yukihira Soma."

…

So, is this what that whole spiel was about? To illustrate the gap between Soma and I?

Was this supposed to dissuade me?

"What's wrong?"

Both parents blinked, "What do you mean?" incredulous as if I had not understood what they just told me.

"What's wrong with me dating Soma?"

"Do we need to spell it out for you?" Father started. Mother immediately placed a hand on his balled up fist to hold him back.

"We don't know much about this boy; His family's financial situation is unclear; How do you know if he isn't after your money?" my mother asked.

Those words ignited the fire within me, "Is this what you have against Soma? Money?"

"It is nothing personal; It applies to any unvetted people coming close to us. It took a thousand years for Rome to rise, just 3 days for it to fall."

That was a common historical misconception, but I get the message.

"I, myself, just learnt about how much we are worth," holding back my emotions, I tried reasoning, "I would hardly think Soma is with me for that."

"Be that as it may," Mother tried to defuse the situation, "You never know what may change."

"It's your money-"

"And will be yours in time to come." Father interrupted, patience wearing thin. A frown formed on his face, "We have allowed you freedom and you had your fun. It's now time to leave them behind for a more suitable person for your station."

This can't be. "You don't mean…"

"We have arranged a series of omiai sessions until school reopens for you to pick a partner that we've vetted."

I always imagined that I was fortunate enough to escape the irritating process of such matchmaking sessions, being privy to Erina-sama's.

Furthermore, I have Soma.

"You can't be serious?!" I asked, aggrieved, "I'm not going to attend-"

"You're my daughter!" Father flared, pounding the arm rest with a clenched fist, cutting me off. "You will do as I say and you will attend these meetings for the benefit of the Arato name!"

Silence fell over the room.

The tension was palpable as my father and I stared down at each other.

I was prepared to throw a hurtful comeback.

"That's enough!" Mother's stern voice cut in, making me bristle, assuming that she would naturally be taking Father's side. "Both of you."

…oh?

She looked between us, displeased that we have gone overboard. "Hiroyuki, there's no use pressing the matter. It's been awhile since we were together. We should be glad that Hisako is safe and with us now. You don't want to force her out, do you?

"Humph." Father scoffed, breaking eye contact.

"Hisako, we know we haven't been the most close-knit family. However, what your father wants is mainly for your benefit." Mother said gently, "Understand that there is the angle of family legacy that has to be considered."

At those words, I wanted nothing more than to simply stand up and leave. However, that would be rude and would make our relationship even more estranged.

"There's no pressure to make a choice quickly; What happens during the omiai is up to you." Mother added.

My ears pricked; Did I hear that right? I am getting the feeling that Mother's last sentence was suggesting something.

What happens during those omiai is up to me; I'm in control there! I could just do what Erina-sama does and reject them all.

I glanced over to Mother whose eyebrows raised ever so slightly. 'You know what I mean' kind of look.

Despite the pressure, my mind was assessing how I could move this to my benefit… as I would during Erina-sama's business discussions wherein I whisper suggestions to her for a better deal.

As it is now, there is no sense in pushing a brick wall.

Yes, time to carry out some negotiations.

First: Assess the relevant facts.

Their target point: To protect the family fortune, they intend to match me with someone that they approve of.

My target point: Yukihira Soma, of course.

Zone of probable agreement: Soma being approved by them.

Next: Determine my fall back position

My best alternative to a negotiated agreement: If I am forced to attend those sessions, I will simply reject all candidates.

Using the above, I pitched my presentation.

"Yes, Mother." I gave her a respectful nod before addressing my father, "Father. I apologise for the outburst. I hope you understand that these all came as a surprise." I start with some humility to nurse his receptiveness. "To be clear, for the sake of our family, the omiai is made because we cannot simply let anyone into the family without vetting?"

"...Yes."

"Therefore, does this mean the candidates I am meeting will be vetted?"

"Naturally." Father relaxed a little.

"Considering the size of our net worth, the main thing about these candidates is not so much about their monetary worth, but character, right?"

"We are not going to welcome people with wrong habits into the family. Many rich families have their wealth squandered away by descendants who haven't worked a day in their life. Recall the Vanderbilts."

The Vanderbilts, a tragic rise and fall story of an illustrious wealthy family.

"We focus on the candidate's skill sets and growth potential, if not their careers." Father seemed to catch on my line of questioning. "Are you going somewhere with this?"

Time to move to the bargaining phase of negotiations:

"I will attend the omiai sessions." I declared, to their visible surprise, "on one condition."

Father raised a curious eyebrow, "let's hear it."

"Have Soma be included in the candidate list." I added weight to my words to highlight it as a basis of my cooperation.

"Oh?" Amused, Father steepled his fingers, "Why? Convince me."

There! An opening.

"The main issue against Soma was that he has not been vetted to your standards." Father barely reacted, whereas Mother gave a subtle nod. "In terms of money management, Soma grew up in a popular family restaurant, where their prices are reasonable and work long hours to serve the community. I've read their ledgers and know that their family has never been frivolous with money, even providing meals for the less well off."

They seemed curious about my words, I pressed on my momentum, "As Mother said, he's an outstanding student in Totsuki, where even to graduate is already a remarkable thing. Additionally, he's known to create dishes that wowed our most critical teachers. In other words, does it not show that he has potential?

"Finally, as you mentioned, I have gained experience as Erina-sama's secretary. One such experience is character judgement, of which I'm confident of Soma that I am willing to vouch for him. I believe that in that vetting process, you will see Soma as I see him."

A side of Father's lips twitched, "Why should we agree to your proposal?"

"All I'm asking is to give Soma a chance, and I will attend the omiai sessions. It's a fair exchange." Here is the closer, "transactions are best done willingly, so that we can be sure they are followed through."

Father mulled over my words, "How do we know it will be followed through?"

"You need my cooperation to attend the omiai, I could simply refuse until you keep your end of the bargain."

Having made my case, I fell silent.

Silence is a powerful negotiation tool; Whenever there is silence, someone will speak up to fill the gap. This also emphasises my position, building trust, and earning respect.

This was an offer I came out on the fly. While unpolished, I like to believe that it had a good chance to be accepted.

Well, if negotiations failed, there is always the Nuclear Option:

I had not needed the family name before, and did not see any need for it in the future.

Yes, I would use the sole heir card to my advantage if I needed to.

Reading Father's face, I can see him considering that fact into his calculations too.

As I said, people are also motivated by things other than money.

"Very well, we'll do as you say." Father broke into an impressed smile, "Well executed negotiation."

I inwardly breathed out in relief, "Thank you, Father."

It was a compromise that works for all of us.

Mother had one question. "How are you sure Yukihira Soma will pass the vetting?

"It's Yukihira Soma." I looked them in the eyes, "I believe in him."

"Hello?"

"Hey." It was the restaurant's afternoon break. Considering how quickly the call connected, he must have kept his phone close.

"Hey, how are things there? Are you well? How did the discussions go?" Soma sounded really concerned.

I had a lot to tell him: of my parents' questions and my respective answers; of their concerns and my assurances;

And of the omiai and my counter proposal.

One thing that I left out was the family net worth and holdings, in compliance with the agreement terms.

All the while, Soma listened intently, clarifying certain points. Truthfully, he really tried to be understanding.

"My parents will not budge on the vetting process, and this is a compromise for you to be approved."

"I don't like the idea of omiai where you meet other guys for matchmaking." The fact that the unflappable chef sounded jealous was heartwarmingly precious.

"Just think of it as business meetings with my mother beside me. Meetings that I'm going to attend, and make them fall through." I assured him. "I got ideas from Erina-sama's failed omiai sessions on how to ensure they fail."

"Oh? What's the most creative one?"

"There's this time a candidate boasted of his tolerance to spice. He made the mistake of assuming that it was a good conversation topic. Erina-sama played along and gave him a challenge for him to complete and she might consider him."

"So what was the challenge?"

I chuckled as I recalled, "Eat a bucket of Carolina Reapers in front of witnesses to certify that it happened."

"She didn't?!" Soma asked, amused.

"Oh, she really did." knowing it sounded like a tall tale. "And you know what? He was a particularly motivated chap, signing the indemnity without question and got straight to it."

"That has got to hurt."

"He soldiered down half a bucket before giving up, requiring the standby medical staff to pump his stomach that same afternoon."

"Sounds serious."

"Yeh, well, Erina-sama was intending to reject him anyway, so it was better he tapped out when he did."

Soma's chuckle made it sound like he relaxed his stance on the omiai sessions. "I trust you. Just like you did for me and Kurase."

"You better; I'm the one who had to waste my time to go through the tedious process."

We shared a light laugh.

"I miss you." Soma declared after a pensive pause. "It seems too quiet and empty without you."

"You should have your customers accompany you." I tried to console him. "How's the restaurant today?"

"As usual. I tried out our new noodle dish for today's Chef's special."

"How was it?"

"Seems it was a fail."

I snorted, "I told you that we shouldn't use gummy bears."

"What? We needed a thickener; it should have been a good substitute for collagen and sweetener. Plus, it's full of vitamins and minerals!" He sang that last part in a jingle of the gummy bear ad.

I rolled my eyes, while barely suppressing a laugh.

"Oh, there's something interesting to note: there seem to be quite a few people that came in looking for you."

Seems the word of my location did spread and people are beginning to act on the tip off. "I think they are just curious fans of Aida Shion."

"Actually, it seems there were a few entertainment journalists,"

Wow, this situation is starting to seem overblown.

"Sorry if it was an inconvenience."

"Oh, no worries, they actually changed their articles to the food since they already made the trip." He added with pride, "We should be seeing our 新幸 Matcha in the papers again soon!"

It would be amazing to see our creation getting widespread attention.

This has high growth potential.

…hmm.

A thought came to me regarding the vetting process and candidate criteria.

Our eyes met over the videocall: evidently Soma thought of the same thing.

"Tell me more about your parents," Soma kicked off the discussion.

A/N: I hope you like this chapter!

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