Prologue: Suou

In the reputedly upscale residential part of town, where large homes lined the streets on

each side, stood a certain mansion. It was a Western-style house with a manicured garden

and a rich history expressed by its classical architecture. This historic mansion dated back

hundreds of years and drew attention even among all the other luxurious houses in the

neighborhood, but it was simply known as home to the Suou family.

Three members of the family were having dinner at a long rectangular table. The

atmosphere was serene and elegant. The head of the household, Gensei Suou, sat at the head

of the table with his back to the fireplace. Although he was sixty-nine years old, his body

was still strong, showing absolutely no signs of his age, and he had the perfect posture of a

distinguished individual. The wrinkles creasing his face made him look not only dignified

but also somehow unconquerable. They were like the ringsin the trunk of a large tree that had

weathered devastating storms over the years. Sitting across from Gensei were his daughter,

Yumi, and his granddaughter, Yuki. With the exceptions of height and figure, Yuki bore a

striking resemblance to her mother. In fact, looking at Yumi was like seeing Yuki in the

future. While Yuki had her mother's nose, mouth, and profile, they didn't have the same

eyes. Unlike her daughter's, Yumi's eyes seemed to permanently droop, and she had a mole

under the right one. That and her melancholic expression made herseem timid—the complete

opposite of her father, Gensei.

"I heard you had a student assembly the other day," stated Gensei slowly in the middle

of their meal. "Furthermore, I heard Masachika and the young lady from Taniyama Heavy

Industries participated?"

"Yes. However, to be clear, my brother was Alisa Kujou's assistant."

Yuki explained only so there would be no misunderstandings, but she knew that Ayano,

who was standing behind her, had already given him a detailed rundown. Gensei, however,

snorted haughtily, as if he didn't care in the least—which was entirely in character for him.

"I thoughtshe would put up more of a fight,since I remember her being your laststanding

rival in middle school, but…she ran out mid-debate? Tsk."

"I am sure she had her reasons."

"Hmph! The reason doesn't matter. The issue is that she made Masachika look like a

good candidate for student council president."

He downed his wine in disgust, then placed the empty glass back onto the table. Ayano's

grandmother, who stood behind him, immediately poured him another glass. After she

finished pouring, Gensei turned his penetrating gaze on Yuki.

"Listen. I don't care who you are up against. Losing isn't an option. You are going to

become the president of the student council, no matter what."

"Yes, Grandfather. I will."

"While you may not be as talented as Masachika, you understand your obligations as

someone born with a gift like yours…unlike Masachika, who took the talent and environment

he was blessed with and threw it all away," spat Gensei bitterly. Yumi lowered her gaze.

"Are you listening? The world isn't fair. Wealth, family, appearance, talent… You are

either born with it or you are not. Yuki, you were born with it all, and that is why you have

to give back to the world. That is the responsibility of those who have privilege."

Gensei Suou's absolute set of values, like this one about responsibility, had been carved

into Yuki's and Masachika's minds ever since they were children.

"It is a sin to be born with ability yet let it go to waste. Those with a gift are obligated

to use it for the sake of society. That is why, no matter what happens, you must not lose to

someone who abandoned their obligations. Do you understand, Yuki?"

Her grandfather's harsh words toward her brother—who she loved more than anything

in the world—tore at her heart, but she did not express even a hint of pain. She replied with

a graceful smile and nod:

"Yes, Grandfather."

"Yuki."

"…? Yes, Mother?"

Yuki was on her way back to her room after dinner when her mother stopped her, which

was quite out of the ordinary, so she turned around curiously.

"Is something the matter?" Yuki asked.

"…"

But Yumi continued to stare at the floor in silence. It seemed she was having trouble

getting the words out. She eventually fought through it and quietly asked:

"Are you and Masachika…getting along?"

"Yes, of course," Yuki replied with a smile.

"…Oh." Her mother nodded, looking away.

"Uh… Is there something wrong? Did you want to talk about him?"

"Oh, no. It's nothing… You still have Chinese class tonight, right?"

"Yes. Online, though."

"Oh, okay… Have fun."

"I will."

After bowing gracefully, Yuki returned to her room with Ayano by her side, Yumi

watching her every step of the way.

"Phew…"

Yuki sighed softly once she closed the door to her room.

"…Ayano," she called to the girl behind her without turning around.

"Yes, Lady Yuki?"

"I need you to be my body pillow for a minute."

"As you wish."

Most people would have thought they had misheard what she said, but Ayano promptly

agreed and lay down on the bed as though she were used to it. Yuki then silently crawled on

top of her, wrapped her arms around the other girl, and buried her face in Ayano's bosom.

Yuki rolled side to side while holding Ayano tight, rubbing her face in circles on Ayano's

breasts. Ayano simply allowed Yuki to have her way with her, neither embracing Yuki nor

rubbing her head. She knew it would hurt her master's pride, so she didn't say a word and

committed to being a body pillow. A few minutes had passed when Yuki suddenly lifted her

head, kneeled up on the bed, and exhaled with deep satisfaction.

"I'm back and better than ever!"

"Was that enough?"

"Yep. Thanks. Boobs really are incredible, aren't they?" praised Yuki with passion as

she got off the bed and headed over to her computer.

"Allow me to brush your hair."

"Oh, thanks."

Ayano began fixing Yuki's hair, which had become disheveled from rolling around in

the bed so much. Each stroke was gentle and loving, and Ayano's eyes were filled with

unlimited affection.

"You don't have to make it look perfect, though, okay? They'll only be able to see me

from the shoulders up. More importantly, do you think you could get me something to drink?"

"Very well. Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure. I've got to stay up late tonight anyway so I can watch Brain Hazard and Dream.

Brain Hazard's supposed to be especially good tonight. Heh-heh-heh… I'm not letting you

get any sleep tonight, brother. ♪"

Yuki smirked with unmistakable amusement in anticipation of their late-night anime

discussion, a nightly custom whenever something good was on. Ayano, meanwhile, silently

exited the bedroom, exhaling a relieved sigh in her mind as her master returned to normal.