Introduction

"Kyoya."

Kyoya Ootori turned around to see his father standing in the doorway of his office. He gestured for his son to come in. Kyoya blinked, but calmly walked in and politely sat down in front of his father's large, mahogany desk. Mr. Ootori towered over his son at the desk, a serious, business-type look on his face. "Do you remember who the Akiyoshi family is?"

Kyoya nodded, his brain immediately picking up the information like a computer search engine. "Essentially a medical device business, but are famous for Shizou Akiyoshi's world renown surgeon skills and Mitzu Akiyoshi's popular designer label and American lifestyle 'how-to' books. In ancient times, the Akiyoshi group was among the highest classes of aristocracy."

Mr. Ootori nodded, slowly. "Yes, but do you know the Ootori Group's connection with the Akiyoshi Clan?"

Kyoya hesitated. "Have we sold them something or perhaps made a business deal with Mr. Akiyoshi recently?"

Mr. Ootori sighed, as if he was disappointed. "Your research skills are lacking, Kyoya. The Akiyoshi Clan has been dealing with the Ootori Group for years, that's true, but Mr. Akiyoshi and I made a deal sixteen years ago about assimilating our medical businesses. It's perfect because Mrs. Akiyoshi would be the perfect sponsor internationally due to her life-book success, not only in America, that's where it started, but recently in the UK, France, and several parts of Germany."

Kyoya nodded and waited for his father to continue.

Mr. Ootori nodded. "Do you know anything about who is to take over the Akiyoshi Clan?"

Kyoya paused. "I would assume a son because of the enormity of the group, but I don't remember reading about any male children. Only a daughter."

Mr. Ootori chuckled, which seemed rather out of character for him, and nodded. "That daughter is to take over the business once she finishes up her schooling. The deal between Shizou and I was concerning his lack of heir. I agreed to assimilation if he did not have a son by this year. His daughter remains his only child due to some sort of fall out between him and his wife. Her name is Chikako. Chikako Akiyoshi. She's a very…er…free spirit, to say the least, so it is doubtful if she would be able to handle such a stable business as that of the Akiyoshi Clan's. She's actually coming back from her current home in the UK to Japan."

"Was there a reason for bringing me in here, father?" Kyoya asked, carefully.

Mr. Ootori cleared his throat. "I apologize if my history lesson was boring you, son. I just assumed that with your lack of knowledge towards this family's status with other companies, you were in need of a little brush-up. Did you know any that, Kyoya?"

"No father, I apologize, please continue."

Mr. Ootori sat down at his desk. "Are you prepared to take over the Akiyoshi-Ootori Group once you graduate?"

Kyoya sat there in shock, eyes wide and heart stopped. He coughed and nodded, quickly. "Y-Yes, father, I am. What about my brothers?"

"They were will still be involved in the business, but you will be managing the Akiyoshi assimilation process and the entirety of that side of the business and a good chunk of the Ootori business dealings. Are you prepared for such responsibility?"

Kyoya stood up, smiling confidently. "Yes!"

Mr. Ootori nodded, standing up too. "I have to make sure you understand the conditions of this opportunity, Kyoya. Well, one major condition."

Kyoya's smile faded. "What is that?"

"You are to marry Chikako Akiyoshi."