He was barely of age, still in the thick of his training, and allowed to finally dress in a man's robes for a distant relative's wedding. During the festivities, he was forced to begin networking with all the other noble leaders. It was a man's job but it was boring. His grandfather, he noticed, was keeping a keen eye on him. An attendant poured him his first flask of sake, to which he was told to down in one go. He sputtered and thought the warm weather took a turn for the worse. His flask was filled at least four more times with the finest sake that local lords brought to the celebrations. The Lords themselves would pat his back and compliment his grandfather on what a fine young heir he was. Many would nudge him and remind his grandfather that his heir would have his own heirs soon with a face like his.

By the time drunk dancing was under way, Byakuya secluded himself on the veranda with other tired, more aged guests. He made polite conversation with them before becoming extremely bored and resigning himself to silence.

Ladies had begun dancing for their relatives, earning many cheers and applause as their graceful moves lightened up the atmosphere. They had silk fans tied with ribbons that fluttered with their silk sleeves as they moved.

Many younger ones looked in his direction with shy smiles and blushes.

Ginrei was opposite of his grandson on the other side of the vast garden. He was standing; Lord Taira and Lady Minamoto were standing beside him.

"Lord Kuchiki, you must be very proud of Lord Byakuya. He's turned into a handsome and strong young man." Ginrei nodded to Lady Minamoto's compliments. "Surely you've begun to plan for his future as I have for my daughter's, Lady Kotone."

"What a coincidence Lady Minamoto," Lord Taira interjected. "I was just in the works for my daughter Lady Nobuko." There was stiff silence and Ginrei sighed.

"I hate to disappoint you both, but arrangements have already been made between my family and the Shihoin clan." Surprise registered on both of their faces.

"Their age difference is most…different." Lady Minamoto forced.

"Lady Yoruichi is the heir to the Shihoin clan. While she is a few years older than Lord Byakuya, their sense of duty to their families will make them a perfect pair." Lady Minamoto bowed humbly.

"I meant no offense, Lord Kuchiki." Ginrei waved her supplications away and walked away from them both. Lady Minamoto looked at Lord Taira.

"A union between Kuchiki and Shihoin. What are they scheming?"

Lord Taira dropped his voice low. "They must be preparing to offer a child to the royal courts. Only blood from the four great noble families stands a chance. Imagine the blood of two great families joined in one child. The chances drastically increase."

"But the collection is only in a decade."

"They must be planning for a quick pregnancy between their heirs."

Lady Minamoto's maternal side came out. "But Lord Byakuya is still a boy, regardless of the foolish manhood laws."

Lord Taira rolled his eyes.

"Which makes it perfect that a grown woman should make an honest man out of him and be strong enough to carry such a powerful seed. But it's no matter. We can't let those families have such power. We barely contest with them now."