MisuzuI wont allow that!

Misuzu

Yes. You dont have to. I will leave this house and will live with Danna-sama after all!

Thenwhat do you intend to do?

As discussed earlierI will live with Danna-sama at Nagisa-samas house. I will enter Tokyo University and become a national bureaucrat. When grandfathers no longer healthythen everyone from Kouzuki clan will need me. I only have to endure for ten years. I will leave Kouzuki house for ten years. Then, I can be with Ruriko-san again!

Are you saying that youll just wait for me to age?!

Grandfather, you seem to not understand, do you?

Misuzu glares at her grandfather with strong eyes.

Grandfathers already old enough

Misuzudo you understand what youre saying!

Nagisa whispers to Mao-chan.

Look, Maodo that!

Okaay~

Mao-chan goes in between the two and shouts!

Noo! Fighting is a no-go!!!

The two were dumbfounded by the intrusion of the cute little girl.

Reallyyour personalities are alike

Nagisa looks at the grandfather-granddaughter and said.

Strongly obstinatealways trying to stand in the superior positionyet, both of you are quick-wittedso it becomes an endless argument!

Kakkalooks at Nagisa.

Misuzu wasnt a child like that before. Shes bright, gentle, and a docile child. This is because she went to your place. She has turned to such a audacious daughter!

Misuzu protests against her grandfather.

Im a girl like this since a long time! I cant show the real me to anyone until I went to Nagisa-samas place! Nagisa-sama and Danna-sama has accepted me as I am

The last phrase was in tearful voice.

I was finally able to say what I think freely!Im already tired playing thegood girljust to please grandfather and the whole clan!

Misuzu

Misuzu embraces me tightly.

This man has accepted me as I am. Im able to expose everything in front of him. No matter what I doas long as Misuzu is Misuzu, he will smile and embrace me! Ill never let go of him!

I rub Misuzus back.

Calm downIm here with you. Itll be fine

Danna-sama

Nagisa speaks toKakka

Misuzus heart is too gentle, and shes too smartshes always been acting as the daughter Kouzuki-sama and everyone around wants. Always holding down her emotions, enduring. You did wellMisuzu

Nagisa-sama

ButKouzuki-sama knows that hes forcing Misuzu that much. Thereforeyou let her come to me

Kakkaspeaks

YesI thought that you could heal Misuzus broken heart. I trusted your power. And yetyou betrayed my expectations and handed her to a man!

Nagisa laughs.

Ohafter she met him, Misuzus worry in her heart have all been resolved. What Misuzu really needs isnt awomanlike me but amanlike him!

Nagisa looks at me.

That man is just deceiving her. Furthermore, isnt that man aKuromori!

Though hes aKuromorihe has joined in just recently, hes not involved in any business of Kuromori, Kouzuki-sama has already investigated that, have you not?

Ugu

It seems that its a bulls-eye

Just as Nagisa saidI am not related to do with any of the main business ofKuromoriat all.

Of course, Im no male prostitute either.

Hes just a normal high school student1 A normal boy!

That normal is a problemfor Kouzuki house!

Misuzu shouts at grandfather.

Misuzu needs this man!

Oh, were going back in circles.

If this continues, we cant make any progress

Kouzuki-sama

Nagisa speaks with a suppressed voice.

Does it feel that frustrating that this boy has stolen Misuzu?

Eh?

For Kouzuki houseits all an excuse isnt it? Kakkajust wants to have his granddaughter under his control forever, right? And yet, Misuzu found a man you dont know, and shell become independent, thats whyKakkasin panic!

Nagisa smiles.

Am I such a small guy?

Humans are obsessed when it comes to their blood relativeespecially when its their dear granddaughter!

Misuzu opens her eyes wide.

Grandfather?

Nagisa talks to Misuzu.

Think about Kouzuki-samas feelings tooMisuzu has seen only one side ofKakka

Nagisa-sama, what do you mean by that?

Ive been entertaining various famous family heads you know? Thats why I know them well. When its just the two of us, those kind of people speak their grumble to me

Nagisa was once the most popular prostitute ofKuromori

Of courseIve heard a lot of Kouzuki-samas grumble too

Hey, you!

Kakkasin panic

Do not worry. Its not that I will speak it from my mouthbut, Misuzu, try imagining it for a bit

Nagisa gently looks at Misuzus eyes

Earlieryou said that youve always been in pain to keep acting as agood girlto meet the expectations of your surroundings, didnt you?

Yes

Do you think youre the only one who feel that pain?

Misuzu looks at Ruriko-san

No. Im sure that Ruriko-san feels the same. Everyone in the Kouzuki houses bloodline!

Ruriko-san nods at what Misuzu said.

Is it only Ruriko-san?

Eh?

Misuzus surprised.

Nagisa laughs.

Kouzuki-sama as wellhes making such a gallant face buthe also had a childhood. The eldest son of Kouzuki head housewhen he was a child

Misuzus taken aback.

When Kouzuki-sama was young, the society is also different form nowI think that he grew up in a much harsher environment than what you have experienced

Grandfather?

The two granddaughters look at their grandfather

Kakka

When I was youngthere were still many old customs from the feudal perior. I was born as the eldest under the Kouzuki head family. I had two younger brothers and three younger sistersIve always been eating on the same dinning room with only my father. My mother and younger siblings are eating in another room. I never had a good conversation with my siblings The eldest son, the heir son is a special existence at that time

Kakkakeeps talking with a bitter expression.

Even when the relatives gatherI am the only one sitting next to my father. Everyone around me are adults.

I had to keep quiet so I dont get in the way of the adults. Despite all that, I should be dignified and majestic. You must never laugh. You must never show your expressions. You must not show whats in your mindMy father often tells me. If you show a gap, there will be a lot of people who will try to rob Kouzuki house. The owner must be strong to be able to protect the house from such evil

I dont get that kind of life.

ButI understand thatKakkahas spent his boyhood in solitude.

The work of the famous houses head doesnt change since the old times. Its adjusting the interests inside and outside the house. Making the vassals be relieved, gaining absolute trust from your alliesbe a ruthless and formidable opponent to the enemy. Above all, fairness is required. An unfair leader will be killed by the vassals. The head whos not meeting the expectations is pushed into confinement and is made to die in resentment. Theres a lot of them in the long history of Kouzuki family. The vassal judge those whose mind and body is weak, those who are egoistic, those who are negligent and theyre banished in the darkness. Because of that systemKouzukihouse has remained until the present age. A thousand yearsis a very long time you see

From the aristocracy dynasty in Kyotoa noble after Meiji Eraa leading family surviving the post war distudbance.

Kouzuki househas preserved themselves like that?

Do you know what is theFairnesswanted by the vassals? Its not just merely giving a suitable reward for those who do good at work. It is to give a thorough punishment to a traitor. AndIf theres a weakened enemy in front of youyou have to mercilessly slaughter. The vassals are greedytherefore the head must show more greed than the vassals. Its ruthless greed. Their head is an aggressive one therefore its possible to satisfy the greediness of the vassals

That means

Kakkahas to act such a personality to be the owner of Kouzuki family?

No, its notin case ofKakka

Kakkaneeded to have a personality of a person requested by the surroundings.

In a senseIve lived to suit my own convenience as I wanted. Lives of people have changed for better or for worse. To make the world and the vassal think as such

Misuzu and Ruriko-san listen to their grandfathers talk seriously.

Of course, me too

Seki-san and Fujimiya-san as well

However, in a different senseI wasnt allowed to do as I like. Even if it looks selfishall of my actions are a norm of Kouzuki houses headsfairness To influence the lives of peopleI have to continue living for the best of thehouse I keepadjustinginfairnessas my vassals seek. I have to put a ruthless, and cruel, fearfulman of power !

Kakkalaughs wryly.

No. I enjoyed it. I had fun with this living. Living as the head of Kouzuki housethis solitude!

Kakkalooks at Misuzu.

Just like Shibas son earlierIve gathered the children of the subordinates and the clan toeducate The parents offer their children to me as hostages. In exchangethey all think that someday they can get a important position in Kouzuki group. Its an outrageous story. To be honestI think that its unbearable for those young men to take my precious time

Then, why have you gathered them?

Misuzu asks.

it cant be helpedThats what Kouzuki house seeks

Kakkaanswers.

Rurikos fatherthough hes supposed to be my successor, he doesnt have a strong personality. If he becomes the head, the house will be divided. The current Kouzuki house is divided into the branch family and vassals from old groups, someone whos a rising power becoming a new vassal since the last 30 yearsin short, its divided into Shiba-kuns group. Rurikos father cant resolve the conflict in between the two groups. Ratherboth groups will use him and destroy the authority of Kouzuki head family

Kakkabriefly speaks about the problem inside the Kouzuki house

ThereforeI cannot retire and stay as a strong leader. I have gathered the children from both groups under the pretext of educationI know that whatever shape of the issue is, it can be cancelled anyway. If its the level of their sons, the old faction and the emerging factions are already gone. The friends they can talk easily exceeds the framework of their parents generation. Of coursethe first topic of the youngsters are their complaints about me. Even that can be a motive for their interaction. The mix of the children will be spreading to the parents soon. Thats what Im aiming for!

Misuzu looks at her grandfather.

Thereforeyou engaged me with Shiba-sans son, the top of the emerging rising group. And perhapsRuriko-sans fiance is chosen from among the old faction!

The grandfather answers.

Theres no other waythats the only measure that can be done for Kouzuki clans harmony

To save face of both groupshe engaged his two granddaughters with the sons of each factions.

Misuzus fianceis Shiba Takahikotheir age are close, and its considered that Shiba would be the face of the rising group.

Ruriko-san is the eldest sons daughter so shell be the face of the old faction.

It was intended to wait until the two were adults until he announces Ruriko-san and Misuzusfiance

Do you think that will happen?

Misuzu asks.

Even if we gain time for nowdont you think that Ruriko-san and myfiancescan be used as a flag to intensify the conflict in between the two groups?

It may be. It may be notthat will depend on the steer of the future

Kakkaanswers

NoShiba Okitachi-san is ambitious so hell aim to rule the entire Kouzuki familythe harmony grandfather wants is impossible

Misuzu analyzes.

Trueif the head of the conflicting group is going to resist tot he bitter endthen its useless on whatever conciliation policy used.

Thenwhat would you do?

Misuzu answers

Its easyIll make Shiba-sans group independent from Kouzuki house

What?

The two factions on conflict wants to grab the leadership of all Kouzuki houses companies, dont they? Then we divide the Kouzuki house into two. Shiba-sans just a stockholder in Kouzuki house so isnt it better to leave all the management to Shiba-san?

ThenShiba-kun will increase his stocks someday and lower the Kouzuki houses shareholding ratio. The companies would be robbed by Shiba-kun

The grandfather responds.

That wont happen. If Shiba-kun and Kouzuki houses relationship is goodthen theres no need to bother to weaken the power of the good shareholders and attract another investor. Shiba-san himself doesnt have the financial strength to buy the stocks Shiba-san should hate to have a new ambitious investor pin down majority of the stock

Butif the Kouzuki enterprise is divided into two, an external force

Since its ruled by the shares heldan external evaluation wont change it. Grandfather said that you dont want the Kouzuki group you have brought up and raised to become small even for just a bit, right? You just cant agree that the extent of your influence will increase. In short, youre just obsessed!

Misuzus words are harsh.

Even if we make Shiba-san independentthe owner will remain as Kouzuki house. Well leave all of the management to Shiba-san but the profit are of course ours. If Shiba-san fails then he just have to resign as a matter of taking responsibilityhe should have that resolution to become the manager of an enterprise

Misuzu talks indifferently.

Kouzuki house should stop the method of directly managing all of the companies under them. Lets leave each of the company to the talented oneswe should change to that method

Youdont understand. Business management is

Its already different from when grandfather was young!

Nagisa interrupts the debate of the grandfather and granddaughter.

Okay~! Thats enough!

The tense air in the room snaps off.

You should keep debating about economy with your grandfather more!

Nagisa tells Misuzu.

Kouzuki-sama as wellyou do now understand that Misuzus suitable as a successor, dont you?

I seeNagisas purpose is

To create a place where Misuzu andKakkacan talk with each other frankly

Youre a disappointment as a womanMisuzu. If you were a manthen I can retire at ease

Grandfatherin modern times, being a man or a woman doesnt matter. There are a lot of women in the worlds political and economic world!

Misuzu objects her grandfather

Hmph!Is there a female head in this current era? Thats right. I mightve been thinking of the old standards of Japan!

Grandfather

Butyour current insight in economics and corporate management still have ways to goI will thoroughly teach you those!

Does that mean?

Nagisa-kun is right. Misuzus personality is really similar to me

Misuzus going to succeed Kouzuki house?!

Misuzu-oneesamaI will support Onee-sama!

Ruriko-san said loudly.

Onee-sama is the most suited to be grandfathers successor!

Thank youRuriko-san

Misuzu faces her grandfather.

Then, grandfatherplease withdraw your nomination on Ruriko-san and myfiance!

She holds my hand tightly.

Im already this manswomanRuriko-san should marry the man she likes as well!

Kakka

The concept of Close kinis the strongest strategy in group formation in the past and even in the present.

Butwe wont happy with that

Misuzu said clearly.

The strength of her grip increases.

I seethen it cant be helped. Ill let you free

He looks at Misuzu

FinallyKakkayields to Misuzu.

To be honestI dont understand whats good with that man Its true that he changed Misuzu tojust a dollto such a lively girl. I can tell his sincerity to Misuzu. It must be good for you to have a gentle and docile husband

Gentle and docile husbandme?

Does he see me that way?

Thank you very much grandfather

Howeveryou have to do a proper wedding ceremony. If you plan to take over Kouzuki house, then you have to do that. I will attend it. I dont mind if the political and financial parties line up

Yesof course

Im startled.

I promised to marry Megu though

Eh?!Marriage with Misuzu too?!

Alsothe political and business world???!

Im looking foward to it! Danna-sama!

UUn

Whats going to happen to me?

Congratulations! Misuzu-oneesama!

Congratulations! Misuzu-sama! Kuromori-sama!

Ruriko-san and Yoshiko-san immediately gives their blessing.

CongratulationsMisuzu, Dear

Congratulations!

Nagisa and Mao-chan

Or ratheris this okay for you Nagisa?

Seki-san, Fujimiya-sanI think you two already know but do not leak this matter outside. I know your abilities and your loyalty to Kouzuki house. Ill give you two my best regards in the future

Misuzu speaks to them as the successor of the next generation of Kouzuki

C-Certainly

Fujimiya-san answers immediately.

Seki-san

M-M-M-Me tooI understand. I get it already

Seki-sans confused by the fact that the nextsuccessorof Kouzuki house is decided in front of her eyes.

Ive always wanted the two of you to work under me. I would like you to be guards of Kouzuki family without any relation to the Kouzuki security service company

Misuzu wants the two of them to report directly to her?

Misuzu-sama

Michi whos silent all this time looks at Misuzu with lonely eyes.

Dont worry. Its not that Im dissatisfied with Michis work. Weve got to grow our family, right? Michi will always be on our side so we have to increase our guards as well

Misuzu smiles

Michi seems to be relieved

You dont need to make a reply right away. We are currently being targeted by a criminal named Cesario Viola After that matter has resolvedlets talk againis this favorable for grandfather as well?

Umuits painful for the two to be taken out butMisuzus guards in the future needs to have the skill. We cant let something happen to the future head of Kouzuki family. Ill ask you two as welltake a leave from Kouzuki security service for a while

Kakkatells the two

Thank you for appointing me!

Ah, me too!

Then, Fujimiya-san and Seki-san became Misuzus full time guards.

The formal appointment will be later though

Now thenI feel sorry to ask but, could the two of you play with my child on the neighboring room?

Nagisa tells Seki-san and Fujimiya-san

Nagisa-kun, what do you mean by that?

Kakkaasks, Nagisa

Well have a little ceremony with just thefamily!

Eh, ceremony?

Mama? Maos not family?

Mao-chan asks

Mao-chans of coursefamilybutMao-chan is still small, and I think that Onii-chan would feel shy if Mao-chan is here. Therefore, please play with those ladies for now okay?

Eeeh~!

If youve grown bigger than Ill also let Mao in tooI promise that

Really?

Have mama ever lied to Mao?

Never

Then its fine isnt it? Believe your Mama

Got it

Nagisa looks at Seki-san.

With that saidplease go to the next room with this child

U-Uhmwhats going on?

Nagisa answers Seki-sans question

Its about the noble house, Kouzuki familyand a lot of other things

Nagisa smiles.

NoUhmwhat is your involvement?

Seki-san doesnt know whats Nagisas relationship with Kouzuki house.

Well, you wont understand usually.

Im Misuzu and this mansfamily

Nagisa answers.

What are you planning to do?

EvenKakkais asking Nagisa feeling strange.

Thereforeits a family ceremony!

Misuzu looks at Seki-san and Fujimiya-san

Anywayplease take a leave. Ill leave this girl to you

My best regards!

Mao-chan heads towards the two in trotting steps.

I get it. Lets go, Seki-san

O-Okay

Later then!

Seki-san, Fujimiya-san, and Mao-chan goes to the door to the next room

Now then!

Nagisa looks at Misuzu and me.

You two know it right?

What?

Have sex in front of Kouzuki-sama!

1. With imagine breaker on his hand