Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis or any of its characters.

Sakuno rushed to Mayuri's study after she heard the terrible news. For the first time in her life, she was visibly livid with him. He waited until she finished before saying his piece.

"We decided May 5th for the ceremony. You'll have 4 months to adjust and wrap up any loose ends here. I have no doubt in my heart that he will be a wonderful husband." He said calmly, and returned to working.

She gaped, then wanted to scream at him. But, she never would, that's not how she was raised. She knew this moment was a possibility, despite dating Ryoma. Her parents talked about it since she was 14, because that's how families maintained power - they used their children as pawns.

"I'm honoured to fulfill my promise to Kuniharu. His son is traditional, responsible and reputable. He's a good match."

"I don't remember him!"

Mayuri stood from his chair and walked towards her, placing his hands firmly on her shoulder.

"Sakuno, elders choosing matches are tradition. There's nothing in this family that concerns me, and I know you'll be happy with them. Your needs will be taken care of, your personalities are compatible and most importantly your inheritance won't be questioned."

She knew he was trying to soothe her, but he couldn't hide his authoritative tone.

"B-but father, I don't love him! I haven't even seen him since I was 13!"

"My dear, at least you have seen him once. Your mother and I never saw one another prior to marriage, however we are happy, healthy and very much in love."

He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Never assume love can only take one form."

He said softly. Sakuno, whose eyes had been on the ground, felt encouraged to look at him. Moments passed in a comfortable silence. She wasn't sure when their relationship became turbulent.

She sighed. "Father, thank you for looking after my interests, truly. But, I can't abandon Ryoma-kun. I love him, and this is how my love looks like."

She placed a hand over her heart and smiled. "He's resilient, and his worldview isn't like any other. The world is beautiful when we're together. Isn't that enough?"

Mayuri stayed silent for many moments. "No, Sakuno, it isn't enough. You've lived a great life, without ever wanting nor needing anything. Do you believe you can live a life without comforts?"

"I-I...yes, I can, father." Her eyes held resolve - she never felt such certainty before.

"...Alright. Bring him here the day after tomorrow to meet me. If he holds a candle to my choice, then I'll make sure to give you two a grand wedding when the time comes. However, he only gets one opportunity. If he squanders it, then you'll agree to my arrangement without complaint."

Sakuno's shock was short-lived as ecstasy took over. "Of course! Thank you, father!" She hugged him and bounded towards the door.

"Sakuno, wait. Promise me you'll abide by our agreement."

"I promise and I love you!"

"I love you too, dearest." He called out after her.

As Sakuno ran out, Sora, on her way to visit Mayuri, barely had time to move.

"Goodness, what has her so happy?"

Mayuri chuckled and summarized what happened as he returned to his desk.

"Darling...Sakuno can't live in those conditions. Why would you agree to those conditions?" Sora asked calmly.

"Because Echizen is a prideful bastard. The only thing stronger than his arrogance is his delusion that he loves our daughter."

Sakuno fidgeted in her seat. She wore a pale pink sundress and tied her long hair in a neat bun. She would've worn something nicer but she didn't want Ryoma to feel insecure.

Currently, she and her father were waiting for Ryoma in their living room. Mayuri made sure domestic workers weren't attending them. Their guest was late.

"Sakuno." Mayuri called and she hesitantly raised her eyes to meet his "Was Echizen-san aware 3 o'clock was our meeting time?

She closed her eyes and recalled her last conversation with Ryoma.

"Ryoma-kun, please, please take this seriously! I'm going to get married to someone else if the meeting doesn't go well!"

"Mada mada dane, Sakuno."

"W-what? What does that mean?" The only response she got was a smirk. He stood up to leave.

"Mom's sick. I need to go and take care of her. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Please don't be late!" She called out as he left the café.

Her anxiety had her twisting her hands in her lap,

"5 minutes more, and we're done."

"I understand, Father, but please allow him more time. His mother is sick and if that's the reason he's late...surely we're not petty?"

Mayuri sighed. "Alright."

5 minutes later, the doorbell rang. Sakuno's heart leaped into her mouth and she rushed to open the door. Unfortunately, her enthusiasm disappeared after she saw Ryoma's attire.

The man standing in front of her wore a t-shirt with faded words and small holes in various places with sweatpants. He didn't bother to dress formally.

This wasn't good.

Ryoma watched Mayuri with a smirk etched to his face.

"Sakuno said you wanted to meet me. She also said to wear good clothes and shoes, tame my hair and not to talk how I usually do. But why should I do that?"

He rested his elbows on his knees. "This is who I am - I'm poor. I live in a bad area with my mother and my job pays just enough to support us." He leaned back in the single seat couch and crossed his arms. "She loves me as I am, so we'll be getting married, sir."

Sakuno stared at him in shock, Mayuri narrowed his eyes.

"You've let me know what I needed to, Echizen-san. You two won't be getting married, nor seeing one another again. Leave my home, immediately."

"She loves me."

"…And you?"

"Obviously." Ryoma kept his smirk as he looked into Sakuno's teary brown eyes.

"Echizen-san, I will ask you one more time to leave. My daughter means more to than your arrogance does to you."

Sakuno left the room and rushed up the stairs.

His smirk disappeared and he watched her leave. "She's lived a good life, and needs a good husband. You barely have enough to survive. You'll never be enough." Ryoma shifted his amber eyes to Mayuri.

"Money doesn't buy happiness."

"Money guarantees security. The last time - leave."

Ryoma glared at him and stood, refusing to be intimidated.

"One day, I'll prove you wrong." He left the Ryuzaki property and didn't look back.