Volume 3: Prologue

The estate was located in one of the so-called high-class residential areas, where luxurious houses line up side by side.

Its Western-style structure appeared antique, and the garden was finely landscaped. In comparison to the surrounding houses, this magnificent estate was the residence of the Suou family, a well-known household with a long history.

Three family members residing in the estate were having dinner in one of the rooms. The long table in the room gave off an elegant and calm atmosphere. Seated at the head of the table, his back to the fireplace, was the master of the house—the current head of the Suou family, Gensei Suou.

He's 69 years old, yet so fit that you can't tell he's getting on in years. And with his back erect, he exuded an imposing presence. His fine lines imbued him with respect without a hint of vulnerability. It resembled a large tree that had weathered the fierce wind and rain.

Seated in front of Gensei were his daughter, Yumi Suou, and his granddaughter, Yuki Suou. Except for the disparity in height and style, the mother and daughter looked remarkably alike. Yuki resembled Yumi so closely that as she grew older, she would most likely be the spitting image of her mother. The only thing that differed was the eyes, but the nose, mouth, and contours were identical.

Unlike Yuki, her mother, Yumi, has droopy eyes with a small mole under her right eye. In contrast to her father Gensei, her eyes and somewhat shadowy expression gave her a solemn appearance.

"…So, you had a student debate the other day."

After a while, Gensei spoke again.

"I heard that the participants were Masachika and the daughter of Taniyama Heavy Industries."

"Yes. To be precise, Brother is Kujou-san's assistant."

Yuki corrected Gensei just in case, assuming that Ayano, who was standing behind him, should have told her grandfather the information. But, as expected, Gensei snorted, obviously unconcerned with such trifling details.

"I was wondering how good she was when you said that she was the one who fought you to the end in middle school… I heard that she left in the middle of the debate."

"That is right. There must have been a reason."

"Hmph! Whatever the case may be, the result would make Masachika a strong candidate for student council president next year."

Gensei glugged his drink in annoyance and set the empty glass on the table. Ayano's grandma, standing beside him, poured wine into the empty glass right away. Then, he turned his attention toward Yuki again.

"Bear this in mind. No matter who your opponent is, you cannot allow yourself to be defeated. You must become the student council president of Seirei Academy."

"I understand completely, Grandfather."

"You are, indeed, no match for Masachika in terms of talent. But you are aware of the responsibilities of a gifted individual. Masachika is inept in this regard. He possessed more talent than everyone else and was privileged, yet he disregarded it."

Yumi gently lowered her eyes when Gensei uttered this in a sour tone.

"I want you to remember this, do you hear? This is an unjust world. Wealth, good lineage, looks, and talent. There is a stark difference between individuals born with and those who are not. Yuki, you were born with all of those things. That is why you must give back to society. That is the responsibility of those who are privileged."

Yuki and her siblings had been taught this lesson since they were little. They were Gensei Suou's absolutes.

"Know that it is a sin for a gifted person to waste it instead of making the most of it. Those endowed with talent owe it to the rest of the world to put it to good use. You should never lose to a man who abdicated his responsibility. Do you understand, Yuki?"

Yuki's heart was broken by the harsh words directed at her beloved brother. She, however, maintained a soft expression on her face without revealing her true feelings.

"Yes, Grandfather."

She nodded quietly.

"Yuki-san."

"Uh, Mother?"

Yuki was ready to retire to her room after eating when she was approached by Yumi. She looked back at her mother with surprise.

"Is something wrong?"

"…"

Yumi remained mute and downcast. But after a short while, she mumbled.

"Are you and Masachika-san… getting along?"

"Yes, of course."

"…I see."

Yumi nodded and turned her eyes away, who answered with a bright smile.

"Um, is there something amiss with Brother?"

"No, it's nothing… You have Chinese lessons after this, right?"

"Yes. Online."

"I see… Do your best."

"Yes."

Yuki curtly bowed and headed to her room with Ayano. Yumi continued to stare quietly at her daughter's back.

"Phew…"

Closing the door to her room, Yuki let out a small sigh. She then turned around and called out to Ayano, standing behind her.

"…Ayano."

"Yes, Yuki-sama."

"Can you be a body pillow for a moment?"

"Understood."

Ayano nodded her head in recognition of these instructions, though most might not trust their ears if they heard, and laid down murmuring, "Excuse me." Yuki silently leaned forward and hugged her from the front, burying her face in Ayano's chest.

With Ayano in her arms, Yuki twists over to the left and right, pressing her head against Ayano's chest. Meanwhile, Ayano just did what she was told. She never wrapped her arms around Yuki or stroked her head since this would hurt Yuki's pride as a master. Knowing this, Ayano said nothing extra and simply committed to the cuddling. Yuki happily raised her face a few minutes later, knelt on the bed, and breathed.

"Alright, I've recovered!"

"Are you sure by that?"

"Yeah, thanks. Man, boobs sure are great."

Yuki got out of bed and walked to her computer as she uttered that.

"Let me do your hair for you."

"Yeah, please do."

Yuki's hair was disheveled from lying on the bed, so Ayano took a comb and brushed it. Her hands were soft, and her eyes were filled with boundless compassion.

"Just a little bit more, okay? It's only visible from the shoulders up anyway. By the way, can you get me a drink?"

"Understood. Would you like some coffee?"

"Yeah, since I'll be watching Brother and that other anime tonight. Especially Brother, since it's a masterpiece, you see~. 'He-he~ I'm not letting you sleep tonight, okay~? Big bro~.'"

Yuki beamed with delight thinking about late-night anime and the accompanying feedback session. Ayano quietly exited the room, pleased that her master had returned to her usual self.

[End of Prologue]