"You call these cheap seats a 'Luxury Coach'?" said a disgruntled man with sangria colored hair wearing a white Paul Frederick cotton and linen twill suit, midnight blue gingham dress shirt a tacky orange tie designed with medallions, a Bremont Wright Flyer watch and holding a glass of Georges Duboeuf "Flower Label" Moulin-à-Vent on his right hand while staring at the golden rings on his right hand.

In front of him was a skinny pale man in his early fifties wearing a slightly oversized dark blue suit. He had a longish face almost resembling an eggplant and his hair was slicked back though it did not suit his features, he seemed to be nervous and he kept looking around as though the wind were to attack him at any moment. His name was Isamu.

But right now the wind was far from his concerns as his charge seemed to be dissatisfied with their travel conditions. "Sir, you have to understand" the pale man despite his appearance had a very deep voice, it was almost soothing like that of a disk jockey in a late night radio show, "Your father told us to lay low while they're investigating you"

"He said to lay low" the purple haired man then threw the contents of his wine glass at the pale man "NOT TREAT ME LIKE SOME LOW LIFE PEASANT!"

At once the poor man bowed "I apologize Masakado-sama, but please understand!"

Masakado was having none of it but before he could punish his handler even further the door to their coach opened.

The first thing that Isamu noticed was the white walking stick and the burgundy boots, his eyes averted up slowly, the man . . . the young lad was not much taller than him. The boy had unusually coloured hair (well kids these days seem to like doing that) and wore thick sunglasses. He was wearing worn out jeans and a faded out blue cardigan while pulling a peach coloured suitcase.

Silence passed at the two occupants stared at their new guest; it was not until the blind boy spoke. "Umm . . . this is seat number four right?"

Masakado stood up seemingly about to protest until Isamu stopped him "Yes, this is cart four" the pale man stood up and took the pink luggage bug "I'll be helping you with this"

The young boy smiled "Thank you sir" he had a very soft a polite tone it was almost cheerful.

"I thought this cart was reserved for us!" Masakado growled.

"Sir, I do not remember saying that," Isamu said after putting the pink bag in the storage "I just said that there are a few people riding this train so there might not be many passengers in the VIP area"

"YOU CALL THIS A VIP AREA?" Masakado pointed at the blind boy who now took the seat in front of him "EVEN A PEASANT LIKE HIM CAN AFFORD THIS TRASH"

Isamu tried to shush his charge "Sir please, he's blind not deaf"

"Oh please" Masakado crossed his arms "They're all the same derelicts in the end"

"Please excuse him" the elderly man apologized to the young man "He's just been having a rough week"

This time Masakado lowered his voice "If you won't let that rat out of here then might as well kill him"

"I don't think he'd recognize your face as he can't even see you in the first place," the butler said in an equally hushed tone "So you better behave throughout this trip"

"THIS IS RIDICULOUS!" the white-suited man slammed the coffee table in frustration "I'm going out for a smoke," he said opening the doors.

"But sir . . ." but it was too late the door was slammed against his face. This made the pale man sigh, he was clearly too loyal to the Ito family that he was able to endure the bratty heir. "I'm too old for this job" he sighed.

"Why not take a break then?"

Isamu almost jumped completely forgetting that he wasn't alone, he then faced the young boy. Now that he thought of it, didn't he buy the whole VIP area to ensure no one was there? Then how did this . . .

The young boy smiled "Don't worry, I foresee a long vacation for ahead for you"

"That old bastard's overreacting" Masakado grumbled as he returned to his seat "Like the authorities would even arrest me right now they don't even have proof, and who would think I'd take some cheap train to Vancouver?"

As he opened the cabin he noticed that no one was there.

"Where did they go?" Masakado closed the door and looked around the tiny space, he felt that there was something off but choose to ignore it. The cabin was composed of two leather seats attached to both ends of the room with a tiny oak coffee table in the middle, there were coverts on the side to hide luggage, the wine and glasses.

As of now, they were passing by a vast cornfield and the only view that could be seen for miles was farmland. This was something that Masakado did not enjoy so he pulled in the curtains. The man then sat back on his seat but only for a moment before he decided he needed a drink.

"Stupid butler, not there when you need him" he grumbled looking through the several coverts in the room not knowing which one held the alcohol. As he walked around the room he tripped on something and fell to the carpeted floor.

"FOR FUCK SAKE WHAT . . ." he then realized that it was the white cane the blind guy held awhile back. "Stupid . . . huh" he then took a closer look at the cane.

"Where's the handle?" it was in here that he felt something on his back, this made him freeze.

"Sorry, I dropped that earlier"

Masakado tried to look behind him but he felt the pressure of the blade "Wh... .wha. . . where's Isamu" he stuttered.

"That is none of your concern" the blade was now slowly crawling up from Masakado's back going to his neck "And sooner or later, you won't be anyone's concern"

"WHO ARE YOU!?" the purple haired man was in a panic, his heart was racing and he could feel the back of his collar drenched with sweat. "YOU CAN'T BE THE POLICE?!"

His assassin snorted "It seems you're not a dumb as they say you are"

Masakado wondered if the train was going to stop because he realized that being on the floor was making him quite dizzy "Who . . . who sent you?"

"A lot of people are mad at you" at this the blade did a small cut on his neck blood was slowly flowing "Mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Teachers, prostitutes, bankers and students. To think that the biggest crime is not murder but actually stealing"

"LOOK I'LL PAY YOU! MY DAD WILL PAY YOU!" the sword was lifted from his neck, with this Masakado sighed. He then saw a pair of burgundy boots he gasped before slowing looking up to see the face of his killer, not only was he no longer blind but "Wasn't you hair blac . . ." he sentence cut off when in one swoosh motion his head was chopped off.

The floor was now filled with blood from the blood oozing out of the dead man's decapitated body. The head had rolled into the other side of the room with its mouth wide open and eyes almost bulging.

Minato inspected his chokuto before swinging it to remove the blood staining the mirror nearby in the process. He stared unto his reflection for a moment "Blue still suits me better"

A Kirijo never runs away. A Kirijo must face all obstacles thrust upon him or her. A Kirjo must never disobey the idealogy of their elders. A Kirijo is always responsible.

That was the philosophy that had been engrained in her system ever since she was a child. As most children of giant conglomerates she had been trained in the art of etiquette, social interaction and business in preparation for her future. Despite this she had lived a mostly happy life, she could still entertain hobbies like fencing and riding her motorbike and she went to a 'normal' school (it was at least not a boarding school in the middle of the Alps).

Despite this, her father had tried his best to lessen the burden placed on his daughter. He told her that she could dream, he told her that there were other things in life other than leading the Group and he even stated that running the company wasn't her number one priority.

And for a little while during her late teens, she had actually believed in that.

That was until her father died.

"Today Mitsuru you have died. You must now put away all personal opinions and beliefs aside. Your life is now dedicated to the Group." Her grandmother told her the day she found out about her father's murder "Your uttermost loyalty will be bestowed upon the Group. You are now officially a Kirjo, you will step into the shoes of your ancestors before you. It is your uttermost duty to not bring shame and disappointment to the company and to our family name"

It had been a lot to swallow, especially for a girl who has just reached adulthood.

Despite only hearing her through the phone Mitsuru could still feel her grandmother's glowering gaze upon her "You have no right to cry. You shall be the pillar so you must exude strength. The only way for you to mourn is for you to carry on the legacy, which is your top priority. Your father's murderers may have succeeded in bringing him down, but they must not let the Group fall"

As the dutiful daughter she is with no hesitation she said "I will grandmother"

"As expected" and with that, the elder Kirijo hung up.

The young lady took a moment before slowly lowering her phone from her ear. She was in the middle of a lecture in her Positive Accounting and Finance class when she got the call. Now she was outside her classroom leaning against the wall for support.

She needed time to process this. She needed some time to help her breath and let herself calm down.

But sadly despite being the heir of one of the biggest conglomerates in not only Japan but the world, she did not have the luxury of time with her.

She could feel tears about to roll from her face but she stopped them from getting out. She just realized that she was clutching quite tightly unto her phone. "What do I do now. . ." she whispered.

That had been a few months ago. While she was still a university student she now divided her time between lectures and meetings with the shareholders and other important figures. On the day of her father's funeral, she made sure that she did not shed a tear. She kept herself composed enough to show that she was a worthy successor of the Kirijo mantle.

Her mother who had returned from abroad became worried about her daughters emotional capacity but she could not question it, she had no right to, her grandmother made sure of that.

She had just finished a meeting with the company's accountants regarding an audit that would occur later that month. She wore a grey denim Altuzarra jacket, white slacks and a pair of white Vince Vigo Leather Mules. Her long flowy red hair was tied into a chignon and the only make-up she wore was her signature red lipstick thrown in with mascara for good measure.

As she walked the halls of her building heading for her office she could feel the stares of other employees. While she didn't have complete control over the company yet (she will once she graduates) she had already made a couple of big waves that affected a few or more departments.

Already used to being analyzed and scrutinized she kept a passive face. Already her nickname from high school was used to describe her in the office, whenever she heard whispers of Ice Queen she immediately knew they were talking about her.

When she had finally reached her office she let out a sigh.

It had been months since her father's death but she still kept the office he left as is. The glass-walled room was filled with over twelve different kinds of plants; there was a weirdly shaped white desk in the centre of the room, a spiral bookshelf on one side and a private meeting room on the other.

On the desk were a computer, portfolios that needed to be checked, a cup of matcha tea (probably brought in by Kikuno) and three photos of the family: one of Takeharu and his wife shortly after their marriage, one of the family when Mitsuru was around eight and another one was Mitsuru during her debutante ball.

The redhead slumped into her seat and closed her eyes. It was still the start of the term so she didn't have to worry too much about schoolwork yet and so far things seem to be going smoothly for the audit.

What did trouble Mitsuru though, was her arranged marriage.

There had already been talks of this during her high school years. When Kirijo Group was going into a slight slump at that time she engaged to the son of the Ito Group, a company that was willing to pay off the debts of the company.

Mitsuru really didn't like Masakado that much, in fact, she could say she wasn't a fan. Sure she was older than him and had more experience in the business world than her at that time and he had a distinctive look. But the man was shown to be quite spoiled, he would only drink a certain brand of bottled water, he hated picking Mitsuru up from her dorm stating it had 'the plague' and he would constantly verbally abuse his poor butler.

Even Takeharu had some doubts about the union but Mitsuru not wanting her father to be stressed regarding the matter stated that she enjoyed the bastard's time and wouldn't mind marrying him.

When it had been agreed that they would be married by the time Mitsuru graduated she had been constantly mentally preparing herself for what would probably the start of the worst years of her life. For a moment she even considered having someone to hypnotize her she would have the mentality of a doll or something.

It was in here when the Rose Financial scandal broke. It turns out that Masakado Ito; head of the Rose Financial was running an illegal unregistered managed investment scheme and had been engaged in misleading and deceptive trade conduct. Not only did this drag down the Ito Group by the Kirijo Group as well.

Since then Masakado had been in hiding and the engagement had been called off. For once Mitsuru had been actually relieved, only for her hopes to be dampened by her grandmother who insisted they continue the engagement.

While it was true that Rose Financial had collapsed, the Ito Group was still strong and thus still legible for a merger. And now that her father was dead, she was sure that grandmother would be calling back the seamstress who designed her wedding gown.

But it seemed the gods had bestowed mercy upon her.

Mitsuru opened the computer and what popped up was a news article "ROSE FINANCE CEO FOUND DEAD ON TRAIN TO VANCOUVER" with the picture of Masakado and the train he was on. Apparently, Masakado had been hiding in around in North America ever since the scandal broke moving from city to city, only to be discovered dead in his train cabin with a decapitated head. His butler Isamu was found tied up and unconscious in the train cabins storage room and the only lead the police had was a pink luggage bag.

"He may have been a despicable person," Mitsuru thought out loud "But did he really deserve death?"

"Madam your tea is getting cold" the doors opened for a woman with purple hair wearing a lace headpiece on her head, a white polo with a black blazer, dark gloves, black pants and heels.

Mitsuru looked up from the monitor "I was going to drink it" she gave her childhood friend a smile.

The woman approached until she was right in front of Mitsuru's desk and placed her arms behind her "You should be relieved, your engagement was finally terminated"

"But not like this" the heiress placed her fingers unto her lips "Death . . . just doesn't seem right"

"Sadly this is the world that we live in" another figure entered the room, a middle-aged man with dark brown eyes, long wavy brown hair and a goatee. "Well good evening Mitsuru" he faced the purple haired girl "And good evening to you too Kikuno"

The maid nodded "A pleasant evening to you to sir"

Mitsuru stood up "Ah Ikutsuki, is there something the matter?"

"Forgive me for disturbing you this late" the man adjusted his glasses "But I have an important matter to discuss with you"

"And what might that be?" the redhead walked around her desk to approach Ikutsuki.

"It has regards to your safety"

Mitsuru was taken aback by this "My safety?"

Kikuno, on the other hand, felt as if she had been slapped in the face "Are you doubting my skills, Ikutsuki-san?"

"Oh no not at all!" he waved his hand "While you indeed have a more than capable bodyguard under your hands . . . there are . . . ahem, other matters . . . that need to be settled"

This made the heiress raise a brow "Other matters"

"I'm sure that you are aware of the other business dealings your father and the company has been involved in"

At this, she paled "I . . . am aware"

"Please do not make the mistress uncomfortable" Kikuno gave the man a glare.

Trying to ignore the death glares of an overprotective maid Ikutsuki continued "This company has made a lot of enemies over the years Mitsuru. As I said we live in a very dangerous world, it's a battle for survival as they say. That was very evident especially in the way your father died"

Keeping a neutral tone in her voice "What are you suggesting here Chairman?"

"I think you know very well what I mean Mitsuru" he adjusted his glasses "I know that this might be a hurdle for you, but you must overcome it"

"I can't hire a hitman" Mitsuru looked at the floor.

"Don't you want to avenge the people who killed your father?"

The redhead turned her back on the chairman "I do . . . but . . ."

"Don't you want to eradicate the sleazy men who think they're above the law and do whatever they please using their money and power?"

At this Kikuno interjected, "What does that have to do with the Group?"

Ikutsuki did a smile which made the maid uneasy "It ensures the safety of our employees, several members of the board receive death threats every day. . . and I'm sure Mitsuru has received a couple as well. I'm simply suggesting that we take down any potential killers, no need to go on a killing spree"

Mitsuru closed her eyes "I'll . . . think about it"

"With that then I shall be taking my leave" Ikutsuki then turned to leave "Hopefully the elevators are still on"

Kikuno opened the door for the man "And why is that"

"I never really trust stairs, they're always up to something" the chairman quipped.

"Goodnight sir" Kikuno took everything within her to not slam the door at him. As soon as the chairman left she turned to her charge who seemed to be in deep thought "You don't have to decide now madam . . ."

"He's right though" Mitsuru sighed facing her friend "What makes you think that the people who killed my father won't try to kill me as well"

"But madam!"

"You are a valued friend Kikuno, I . . . I would be a terrible friend if I made you kill people for my behalf" Mitsuru closed her eyes "I think I have an overdue meeting . . . with the Velvet Room"

Her brother was late.

It was after school and it was raining quite heavily. She was the only student left in the shed that was near the school gate. Out of all the times she had forgotten her umbrella and rail pass it was today.

This left her with no choice but to pray to the gods that her brother had come back from his business trip and would give her a ride home. It was both a good and bad thing. The good thing was he was indeed back; the bad thing was he was an hour late.

"I should have just went with Ken-chan" groaned a girl with auburn hair tied into a high ponytail wearing a Gekkoukan High School uniform as she watched the bullets of rain that fell from heaven "But then again he seemed to be in a rush . . . oh well"

It was in here that a black sports car drove by the school, it was so fast that most people would miss it.

The young girl rubbed her eyes "Was that . . ." in her here her stomach gave a nice loud growl reminding her for not eating lunch "I must be hallucinating from hunger"

Again she heard an engine and looked up to see a black BMW i8 coming over and stopping right in front of her. At this, she frowned and crossed her arms.

The window of the car lowered and it showed her older brother "Well aren't you going to get in?"

The girl stared at him disappointingly before looking away with a hmph.

"I'm sorry I was late" he raised his hands "But you know how far the airport is right?"

"It's literally a thirty-minute drive from here" she glared at her sibling "And using this car it'd probably take fifteen"

He gave her a look "I am not breaking traffic rules just because you keep forgetting things"

"YOU MAKE ME WAIT FOR AN HOUR AND ALL YOU'RE DOING IS LECTURING ME!"

"Well fine" he waved his hand "Good luck walking back home in the rain then"

"Then I'll just wait for the rain to stop"

"It'll be dark by then"

"I can handle myself!"

"You can't even handle your stomach" and at that moment her stomach choose to growl, which lead to the older boy to smirk "See"

"SHUT UP!" she yelled as she opened the car door and slammed it close before crossing her arms.

The older boy just snorted at his sister's antics "Looks like someone didn't eat lunch today, eh Hamuko?"

The girl just remained quiet and stared at the window. With that, the older boy started the car and made their drive home.

After a while, Hamuko asked her brother "Hey Minato-nee-chan . . ."

The blue-haired boy faced her sister from the corner of his eye "Yeah?"

"Did . . ." she paused looking at her feet.

"Did I what?"

"Did you . . . happen to buy food on the way here?"