Chapter 4: The First… - Part 10-15

He was unable to articulate anything properly and in the end I couldn’t help but think he was kind of adorable. My heart is beating as so fast… Soji might hear.

Yuri: (I can’t sleep like this. But if I move, I might wake him… would that be against the erms of our contract?)

                I touched him gently; he hugged me with more strength than before.

Yuri: “…Soji?”

                No answer. So… I guess… he’s sleeping?

                In the end, I hardly slept at all. Soji was still hugging me by the time morning came.

                The next morning, Mr. Kosaka came to the condo to drive me to work.

Yuri: “I’m sorry, Mr. Kosaka. I’m afraid I’m adding to your workload…”

Kosaka: “Don’t worry about me Ms. Yuri, you’re the wife of the company president.”

Yuri: “Even so…”

                As I hadn’t slept much since morning came, I couldn’t stop yawning.

Kosaka: “Are you tired?”

Yuri: “Yes, quite…” (Obviously, I can’t tell that I couldn’t sleep because Soji was hugging me…)

Yuri: “Um… what do you think of Soji, personally?”

Kosaka: “Hmm… well, I’ve never seen a more capable individual.”

Yuri: “Really?”

Kosaka: “He never forgets what he sees or hears, particularly faces. He even remembers details about people he merely passes by.”

Yuri: “That’s incredible.

Kosaka: “In addition, he has some novel ideas concerning work. However, he is strict to himself and others, and thus has many enemies.”

                Thinking about it, I had a feeling Sawatari told me about this before. Either way, anyone could tell how amazing a person Soji was.

Yuri: “Why would a person like that choose me…”

Kosaka: “That’s something only he knows… But I can tell he’ll never let anything that catches his fancy escape. Whether it is a person or a task at work, he approaches it the same way. He’s good at negotiating, so most people find themselves swept up by his tricks.”

                That’s pretty much what happened to me. As if by magic, he made me feel how he wanted me to feel.

Yuri: (And, I wasn’t because I’m a simple-minded person…)

                Little by little, I felt as though I was coming to see who Soji Shirogane was. Perhaps if I knew more about him, I might be able to accept him.

                After a few days, when I was home from work and cooking, Soji came back. and then, the first thing out of his mouth…

Soji: “We’re going out tomorrow.”

Yuri: “Tomorrow? It’s Saturday, so I have the day off from work… Where are we going?”

Soji: “I haven’t decided yet.”

Yuri: “Huh?”

Soji: “I’m off too. Going out seems like a good choice.”

                I could tell Soji was blushing a little.

Yuri: “Then, why not relax at home? You always look so busy…”

Soji: “What? You don’t want to go out with me?”

Yuri: “No. I want to, for sure…”

                Accidentally revealing my true thoughts to him, I covered my mouth and looked over at Soji.

Yuri: (…Is he blushing? Could it be… he’s embarrassed?)

Soji: “What are you laughing about?”

Yuri: “Oh, nothing! Well then, let’s go out, just the two of us.”

Soji: “I was the one you asked you out, you know.”

Yuri: (He’s not as docile as usual…)

                But I realized that I was greatly looking forward to tomorrow.

Chapter 4: The First… - Part 6-10

Soji: “And how long do you intend to stand?”

Yuri: “Huh? Oh…”

Soji: “Have a seat wherever you like. This is your home from now on.”

Yuri : “Yeah… home. I still have more questions.”

Soji: “You have more questions?”

Yuri: “Do you think it looks like you are going to be chosen as the successor?”

Soji: “If everything unfolds as expected. As far as ability, I’m the best.”

Yuri: “How humble…”

Soji: “What? It’s true. But if everything always went smoothly, there would never be a conflict over the inheritance in the first place. It is precisely because I am married and have thrown my hat in the race to be next in line that I will be targeted.”

Yuri: “Targeted?”

Soji: “You know me so well. That’s why Masumi called our family troublesome. The race for the successor, factions and feuds between relatives… things that only take place in a movie regularly happen in this family. If I had to guess, I’d say Masumi and I aren’t the only candidates to become the successor. I think there will be more in the future.”

Yuri: : “Oh really?”

Soji: “I think so. Masumi is cunning so I never know what to expect from him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to recommend someone for the job that he could control easily.”

Yuri: “Sounds like a tough situation, Soji.”

Soji: “Tough?”

Yuri: “You are putting yourself in a difficult situation just to make sure the company grows.”

Soji: “Do you… understand that I’m using you? You are not in a position to worry about me.”

Yuri: “But… you paid off my debt… I do owe you something…”

Soji: “You are a strange one. You should go to bed now.”

Yuri: “Huh? But…”

Soji: “It’s your reward, slave.”

Yuri: “…Ok.” (…Soji might not be so scary after all)

                What I said to Soji’s grandfather that wasn’t a lie. Maybe it’s because of the shocking way we met. Or the way he tried to held me during the encounter with Masumi…

Or maybe it’s hard exterior and warm heart… He might not be such a bad person.

Yuri: (Wow, I fall for anything…)

I was tired both physically and mentally, so I lie down on the comfortable, queen-sized bed and fall asleep immediately.

                I woke up in the middle of the night and felt warmth on my back.

Yuri: (Huh…? I can’t move. I feel like something is right up against me…)

                Because it was my first day in that room and because I didn’t know where the light switches were, I hadn’t turned off all the lights and slept with a few on. Because of that I can see just a small part of the room. And… I can see the person sleeping beside me.

Yuri: “…Soji?”

                I had felt Soji’s heat on my back. surprised, I moved and heard Soji’s voice close to my ear.

Soji: “Could you quit moving?”

Yuri: “I-I…! Why are you sleeping here?!”

Soji: “We’re married… we’re supposed to… sleep together.”

Yuri: “Fine but why are you hugging me…”

Soji: “You’re… the same size… as a body… pillow.”

Yuri: “A body pillow?!”

Soji: “You’re so warm… fluffy… good slave…”

Chapter 4: The First… - Part 1-5

Grandfather: “Really? Is he now?”

Yuri: “Yes… whenever I make a mistake he is there to protect me. He has a warm heart… I think.”

Soji: “Yuri…”

Grandfather: “…I see.”

                Soji’s grandfather nodded like he accepted my answer. Taking it as a clue, Soji stood up.

Soji: “Will you excuse us for today? Yuri is tired.”

Soji’s father: “Yes. I’m sure she is. Make sure you get a proper rest.”

Yuri: “It was a pleasure meeting all of you.”

Grandfather: “Ms. Yuri.”

Yuri: “Yes.”

                As I stood, Soji’s grandfather called my name but this time using a gentle voice, different from earlier.

Grandfather: “Please take a good care of Soji.”

Yuri: “I will.”

                Soji and I left the room after wishing everyone a good night. After leaving, we didn’t go back to the guest room. We went to Soji’s condo directly. His place was huge. It had so many rooms that no one would believe a single man lived here.

Soji: “You can use the spare room in the back over there. I’ll send somebody to deliver your belongings from you apartment.”

Yuri: “Thank you…”

Soji: “How are you doing? You look tired.”

Yuri: “My tension almost made me throw up.”

Soji: “Well, you did great today. You answered very well even though you didn’t know anything.”

Yuri: “I was quite preoccupied to say the least. Umm… can I ask you some questions?”

Soji: “What do you want to know?”

                Throwing down his suit jacket, Soji sat down on the big comfortable sofa. I don’t know whether I should sit or not, so I ask my questions while standing.

Yuri: “What is the race to be next in line?”

Soji: “As I told before the Shirogane family doesn’t have a hereditary system. My grandfather intends to have a capable person from within the Shirogane bloodline take over the business. As one of the conditions to be considered for that, the old man wants the candidate to be married.

Yuri: “That’s why you chose me?”

Soji: “That’s right.”

Yuri: “But I heard him say there was an arrangement for you to meet someone… You didn’t have to marry me, did you?”

Soji: “I won’t put up with any girl being arranged for me.

                Soji again sounded suspiciously nonchalant as he said it.

Yuri: “You said you don’t want someone else picking a girl for you, so why would you be okay with me? You just met me yesterday after all.”

Soji: “If you ever say anything like that in front of any of my relatives, you might not live long enough to regret it. You never know who might be listening in.”

Yuri: “Oh… sorry. But… you’re qualified, right? So you’re going to chosen as the successor, aren’t you?”

                I was really confident that Soji really would be the successor.

Soji: “What makes you so sure?”

                Soji’s expressionless gaze drifted up and down my body. I quickly looked away and tried to think of something innocuous to say.

Yuri: “Um, you’re really popular in the company. And no one is more renowned within the Shirogane Group.”

Soji: “That may be true, but you really don’t know anything about how things work here.”

Yuri: “We… maybe, but…”

                I averted my eyes, unable to withstand Soji’s intense gaze. But he put his hand on my cheek and forced me to look at him.

Soji: “…You… There’s something else, isn’t there?”

Yuri: “What?!”

                I gasped in surprise at his keen intuition.

Soji: “… say it.”

Yuri: “Well… it’s…”

Soji: “Are you deaf?”

                Soji narrowed his eyes as he traced his finger along my jaw. Unable to withstand with his gaze, I started babbling nervously.

Yuri: “I don’t understand it myself.”

Soji: “What don’t you understand…?”

Yuri: “I just assumed that you would be chosen. I don’t really have any reason for thinking so. I just have this feeling.”

Soji: “That’s pretty vague, isn’t it…?”

Yuri: “I’m sorry…”

                Soji was still holding my chin, but I averted my eyes. Just then, I felt something warm against my lips.

Yuri: “…Oh.”

Soji: “So, you believe in you husband huh… What an obedient wife.”

Yuri: “Huh? …Well…”

Soji: “From now on, I want you to make more of an effort to know about me. And I want you to trust me.”

                Soji whispered hoarsely and then kissed my lips again.

Soji: “Then you should make an effort to get to know me better from now on.”

Yuri: “Of course, I’ll make an effort. I’ll fulfill my role as your wife.

Soji: “You’re a slave. You’d better not say that where people might hear you. Clever little slave. Barking orders at your master now?”

Yuri: “I-I…”

Chapter 3: Shirogane Family’s Back Story - Part 11-15

Yuri: “A-Alright but look at me… my clothing.”

Soji: “They don’t care about those kinds of things. My grandfather values character over clothing. To him, it’s what you do rather than what you wear. You’re fine just the way you are.”

Yuri: (Huh? Was that a compliment?) “Ok.”

                Without having any time to think, Soji knocks on the door. And opened it. An elegant women and a dignified man are sitting casually. There is also an elderly man… He seems to be a notch above the others and radiates a kind of aura.

Soji: “Hello everyone.”

Yuri: “H-Hello everyone.”

Grandfather: “Come in.”

                I followed behind Soji and sat down only after he does so. While making my entrance, I felt like I had tripped on the lines of vision emanating from these three people. Even my palms were sweaty.

Soji’s father: “Is she your fiancée?”

Soji: “Not anymore. We submitted the paperwork and she is now my wife. Officially.”

Soji’s mother: “What a haste you made.”

Soji: “I’m sorry there was no wedding. I thought we could do that afterwards.”

Grandfather: “What’s your name?””

Yuri: “I’m Yuri Higashikuni.”

                Soji tried to introduce me, but I though they asked me and so I introduced myself first. My hands were shivering. I couldn’t wait to escape from this place.

Soji: “No, honey. You are Yuri Shirogane now.”

Grandfather: “I see.”

Soji’s mother: “How long have you been together?”

Soji: “Not very long. But Yuri is the only woman I want to be with for the rest of my life.”

Soji’s father: “She must be such a wonderful girl for you to say that.”

Yuri: “(I’m the only woman he wants to be with for the rest of his life.)

                I must be hallucinating. There is no way he said that and really meant it from his heart, right? I couldn’t stop my heart from racing. I was so nervous.

Yuri: (By ‘not very long’ he meant, ‘we just met yesterday’ …!)

Grandfather: “It seems… you have satisfied all the conditions necessary to be my successor. I trust you are not interested in the girl I had in mind for you to marry?”

Soji: “No. I’m sorry about that.”

Yuri: (An arrangement with a girl his grandfather had picked? What did he need me for? Why did he choose me?)

Soji’s father: “I knew that you weren’t happy about the prospect of that arrangement. But I didn’t know that you already had a girlfriend and were in such a serious relationship.”

Soji: “I kept it secret.”

                When things had almost calmed down, I heard my name called by a powerful voice.

Grandfather: “Ms. Yuri.”

Yuri: “Y-Yes!”

Grandfather: “What do you like about him? What made you want to marry him?”

Yuri: “Uhh…”

                I was at a loss of words. There was nothing that made me wanted to marry him. We married because of a contract which started as a threat. I look to Soji for help, I got the sense I’m on my own.

Yuri: (But I have to say something… but if I don’t tell the truth, they will know.)

                What could I tell them? I struggled to find the best answer to this question. They wanted to know what kind of bond we had. But what bond did we have?

                I remembered the warmth of Soji’s hand that I had felt just a short while ago.

Yuri: “I like his… kindeness.”

Grandfather: “He’s kind?”

Chapter 3: Shirogane Family’s Back Story - Part 6-10

Soji: “Finally here, eh?”

Yuri: “S-Soji.”

Soji: “Without me having you educate you, you call my name without ‘mister’. You’re a slave genius.”

Yuri: “What do you mean especially… Oh right, because I’m a GENIUS slave, right?”

Soji: “We have a winner. Such a clever slave.”

Yuri: (Why does he talk to me like that…)

Soji: “Don’t worry, soon enough you’ll be trained properly.

Kosaka: “Well then, excuse me.”

Soji: “See ya.”

Yuri: “Soji… I have a lot of things I want to ask you…”

Soji: “Before that, look who’s here.”

                Before I could even ask ‘who?’, I hear footsteps approaching us from the long hallway.

Yuri: “Who is that…”

???: “Is that Soji’s girlfriend?”

Soji: “Masumi.”

Masumi: “Kinda boring-looking isn’t she? I thought you would get engaged to a dirl who was more high class.”

                A man giving off the arrogant aura suddenly appeared. It was obvious that he didn’t like Soji, I caught onto that instantly.

Soji: “Sorry, I don’t have any time  for you.  We’re going to see my parents and grandfather.”

Yuri: “What?!”

Soji: “What? I have to introduce my wife.”

Masumi: “What? You’re already married?”

Soji: “We’ve already submitted the marriage registration forms.”

Masumi: “Wow. Wasn’t that fast. You really are competing for being the successor, aren’t you?”

Soji: “I have no interest in such things. This race is about capability, not my recent actions.”

Masumi: “A little too confident, wouldn’t you say? To think that YOU will be the successor.”

Soji: “So in the end, I’m not the one who makes the decision. Grandfather will.”

Masumi: “Hmm. I wonder about that.”

Soji: “Yuri, we’re going.”

Yuri: “A-Alright.”

                As if protecting me from Masumi, Soji gently puts his hand on my back and we left the room. As we leave the room, I exchange glances with Masumi.

Masumi: “I feel sorry for you having to get involved in these troublesome family matters.

Yuri: “Huh…?”

Soji: “Ignore him.”

Yuri: “Ok.”

Masumi: “You really hang on Soji’s every word, don’t you? What has he got on you?”

                Oh, if only I could say. But I remembered how kindly he treated me just before. How he put his hand on my shoulder as if to protect me. His hand was warm.

Yuri: (…It’s better I stay quiet for now.)

                I turned around and defended myself.

Yuri: “I’m his wife. I’m supposed to listen to my husband.”

                Masumi stared at me with his arms crossed. I moved even closer to Soji immediately. I thought my heart might burst from the stress I had just caused. When we turned into the hallway, Soji burst into laughter.

Yuri: “Huh?! What’s so funny?”

Soji: “You… you lost your temper.”

Yuri: “I-I don’t usually argue with people…”

Soji: “Obviously.”

Yuri: “I just couldn’t let him speaks to us like that.”

                Soji looked at me with narrowed eyes, then he turned his gaze forward.

Soji: “That was my cousin, Masumi Shirogane. He always treats me as his rival.”

Yuri: “Why?...”

Soji: :If the Shirogane company had a hereditary system, the next in line would be him. Hi father is the oldest son; mine is the second. And in most cases, the hild of the oldest son takes over the family business.”

Yuri: “And the Shirogane family is different?”

Soji: “we’re very complicated. But before we talk about that.”

                Soji stopped in front of a room much bigger than any other.

Soji: “I’m going to introduce you to my parents and grandfather.

Chapter 3: Shirogane Family’s Back Story - Part 1-5

The president of Platinum, Soji Shirogane forced me to be his slave in exchange for him paying off my $500,000 debt. To add insult to injury, now I’m his wife too.

Kosaka:  “Well then, Ms.Yuri, I will come pick you up later today. By that time, please prepare all that you will need.”

Yuri: “…Ok.”

                Kosaka dropped me off dazed and confused in front of my office. When I got into the office, my boss welcomed me.

Boss: “Higashikuni, you did a great job! We got a call from Platinum informing us that the contract went through!

Yuri: “Ah… yes, that.”

Boss: “You’re amazing, Higashikuni! You got a contract from him!”

Yuri: “Huh?”

Boss: “He’s been a hard client to get. He doesn’t waste his time on anybody except people he can trust and can rely on. He can be really pushy too but he’s one of the best. He really knows his stuff better than anybody else at the Shirogane Group”

Yuri: “So… what kind of person is he?”

Boss: “To be honest, I don’t know much at all about him… but you went to talk to him directly, right? And you knew him well enough to land this deal.”

Yui: (Oh, I landed this deal alright. I even landed on his bed… I can’t exactly tell him what I do know about Shirogane.)

                I went back to my desk with feelings I couldn’t explain. My colleague Sawatari was coming his way.

Sawatari: “Higashikuni, I heard that you went to talk to Mr. Shirogane.”

Yuri: “Yeah, I did.”

Sawatari: “Did he do anything to you?”

Yuri: “What?!”

Sawatari: “I can smell something fish. Like the boss said, Shirogane is a very pushy man… forceful even. I heard that makes him a lot of enemies… so I was worried when I heard you went for the meeting.

                Maybe it’s because of how badly treated I was earlier that I was touched by Sawatari’s caring words.

Yuri: “…he was really pushy and demanding… but I managed.”

Sawatari :”Really? If something happens you let me know right away.”

Yuri: “Sure thing. Thank you.” (I can’t tell him either. I married that pushy demanding man.)

                Mr. Kosaka is probably filing the paperwork to make our marriage legal as we speak. I wonder if he’s submitted it to the city hall already. I might not even be Yuri Higashikuni anymore. I could be Yuri Shirogane right at this very moment.

Yuri: (Is this my new reality? What have I done?)

                Of course, I couldn’t concentrate that day or get anything done at work.

Kosaka: “You can see the president’s parent’ house.”

                After work I went home, grabbed a few things and jumped into Mr. Kosaka’s car. It looked like a well-cared for a car. I might not know much about cars, but this one was quite expensive.

Yuri: “His parents’ place? We’re not going to his place?”

Kosaka: “Before that, I was told to take you to his parents ‘ house.”

Yuri: (To his parents’ …what for?) “Did you submit our marriage registration form?”

Kosaka: “Yes, I did. Under the president’s orders, I submitted it right away.”

Yuri: “Why is he so hasty…”

Kosaka: “Because Ms. Yuri, you are his wife now.”

I hope he doesn’t keep reminding me.

Yuri: “Oh… right… Why is Soji in such a rush to marry?”

Kosaka: “You should ask the president about that yourself.”

Yuri: “Should I ask the reason he chose to marry me?”

Kosaka: “I don’t know about that. It’s just…”

Yuri: “Yes?”

Kosaka: “Well… when I handed over the file on you to the president. He was surprised by something.”

Yuri: “Surprised…?”

He looked at my document and then to me. If I ask Soji about it, will he answer me?

Sitting in the backseat of this large car, I looked out the window.

It was an enormous estate. Bigger than any I’ve never seen. The car stopped in front of the Japanese-style house, and I was escorted inside. I first notice the long hallway and then various kinds of rooms… just like a castle. There is also a well-maintained Japanese-style garden and I was lost for words to describe such a gorgeous house of this stature. It made me feel as if I had entered a fantasy world.

I followed after Mr. Kosaka.

Kosaka: “The president will be here soon. I was told to wait here for him.”

Yuri: “This place is huge!”

                It was a room at least 400 feet squared. It looks like a guest room, but the furnishings are clearly expensive.

Chapter 2: He Wants to be Called… Master? - Part 11-15

Part 11-15

                A phone ran in the other room. Our eyes both looked at the source of the noise. With a sigh and his shirt, he left the bedroom I picked myself and went after him.

When I reach his office, he was just putting down the phone.

Soji: “My secretary is coming. Soon. Once glance at you and they’ll know what we did.”

Yuri: “What?”

Soji: “Your face… it’s red. And your eyes…”

Yuri: “!”

Soji: “So, what about my offer?”

Yuri: “… Don’t ask me as if I have a choice…”

Soji: “Even so, the master wants the slave to say it.”

                I gazed at his taunting smile and lost myself in his beauty. I caught myself staring, stopped, returned to the sofa and signed his contract.

Yuri: “Do you also require a blood oath?”

Soji: “No, of course not.”

???: “Excuse me.”

                There was a knock on the door, and he went to answer it. A tall man came into the room.

Soji: “This is my secretary, Kosaka.”

Yuri: “Oh… nice to meet you. I’m Yuri Higashikuni.”

Kosaka: “Yes, I know all about you.”

Soji: “He’s the one who did the research on you.”

Yuri: “Really?”

Kosaka: “You have my deepest apologies.”

Yuri: “…”

                Kosaka seemed a little surprised by my inability to react.

Yuri: “I’m sorry. I should respond when spoken to.”

Kosaka: “No… it’s just that I expected that you would be upset with me.”

Soji: “Haha, she is the new standard in slavery. Perfectly obedient.”

Kosaka: “…Sir”

                After glancing at me, Kosaka shifted his eyes to his boss as if to reprove him.

Kosaka: “You must not use that room for doing such things. It’s a room for people to sleep.”

Soji: “Exactly. For people to sleep. Together. Besides, it’s my room.”

Yuri: “U-Uhh… We didn’t do anything like that…”

Soji: “Oh? We didn’t do anything?”

Yuri: “Y-You know what I mean… it was j-just a kiss!”

                The moment those words escaped my lips, Kosaka eyes widened.

Kosaka: “Sir… is that as far as you went?”

Yuri: “What do you mean ‘as far as you went’?!”

Soji: “She said ‘If we don’t love each other we can’t.’ How can I argue with that?”

Kosaka: “Well… Ms.Yuri is absolutely right.”

Yuri: “What?!”

                As soon as he looked my way, my body froze and my mouth grew dry.

Kosaka: “Don’t worry, everything will be alright. You will be a splendid wife in no time at all.”

Soji: “She’s not a wife. She’s a slave. Right? Yuri.”

Yuri: “I’m his wife. At least according to the law.”

Soji: “But according to the contract, you’re my pet slave.”

Yuri: “Pet…?” (Why can’t I say no to him…)

Soji: “Kosaka, tell the staff that we are going to go into business with the company she works for.”

Kosaka: “Yes, sir.”

Yuri: “Oh, that’s why I came here.”

Soji: “Wrong. You’re here to be my slave, or have you forgotten?”

                Soji was beaming, as if to say that he had predicted all of this beforehand.

Kosaka: “Ms.Yuri you will be moving into the president’s house today.”

Yuri: “What!?”

Soji: “We’re married, duh. Also… you need educating. A proper house-wife’s educating.”

Yuri: “What am I, a dog?!”

Soji: “Don’t worry. I’ll teach you myself. Anyways you can go back to work today. Kosaka, give her a ride.”

Kosaka: “Certainly. Please, Ms.Yuri, come this way.”

                I turned around before leaving his office and when my eyes met his, he flashed a smile that was neither real nor fake.

What’s going to happen to us? What the future had in store for me was a complete mystery.