Epilogue - The Reunion

“…and that is how I swore fealty to Sakuya-chan.” Hiiro ended his story with smug face as if boasting.

Ouji nodded with sagacious expression on his face. “From that day onward, we become Kagura-san’s right-hand man and left-hand man. Of course, since Kagura-san reached out to me first, I become the right-hand man.”

“Senpai, Sakuya-chan never said such thing.” Hiiro instantly argued, his eyes glinted dangerously. “Seniority never meant anything to her. For all we know, she could’ve considered me as her right-hand man all this time.”

“Oh? Shall we decide here and now, then?” Ouji raised an eyebrow. “Who will be her right-hand man—”

“Okay guys, I hate to interrupt, but we’re getting off the tracks here.” I interjected between the two of them before a brawl broke out. “I appreciate the stories, but why exactly are you telling me of your first encounter with Sakuya? Don’t you have better things to tell me, like what happened during these whole five years?”

We were currently sitting in the room given to me in the Kagura Family main house. It had been a week since Sakuya came to pick me up on the day of my graduation, and I hadn’t seen her ever since. To be exact, I hadn’t seen anyone I knew ever since she dragged me to her family house.

I was busy moving my things here and explaining everything to my parents, then I got preoccupied by getting myself used to living with the Kagura Family, which meant being attended by servants for every single thing and trying not to get lost in the vast complex of the main house.

Ouji and Hiiro were the first people who came to find me after I moved in here. Their kind gestures moved my heart, but apparently, they only wanted to brag about how they first met Sakuya. I’d been holding back the urge to punch them since the beginning.

“Ryuu, don’t get so hasty.” Hiiro shook his finger at me. “We’re telling you this exactly because you just got here.”

“What do you mean?” I tilted my head.

Before any of them could answer, the door slid open and my fiancée stepped inside with an exasperated face.

“It means that they’ve been doing this to every single newcomer in the family for the last five years.” Sakuya answered flatly.

“Oh, Sakuya-chan!” “Kagura-san!”

The two of them immediately perked up, like dogs who just saw their master.

“Pochi, Tarou, did you forget today’s event? The guests are already here, and yet you’re still fooling around. From the look on Ryuu’s face, you haven’t even told him why you’re here, have you?” Sakuya started nagging at them.

“Huh? Event? What’s going to happen today?” I felt like there was something important happening but I was the only one left out.

“Ah, that’s right.” Hiiro clapped his hands, as if he just remembered about it. “Ryuu, we almost forgot to tell you that today is the day you’re going to announce your engagement to Sakuya-chan.”

“The party is about to start in an hour, so you should start preparing.” Ouji added without a hint of guilt.

It took me a whole minute to grasp what they said, and when I did…

“WHAAAAAATT???!!!” I shrieked.

Sakuya sighed and massaged her temple. “I see that I chose the wrong people for this task. Sorry Ryuu, but you should get ready quickly and head to the hall to greet the guests. I’ll catch up with you as soon as I’m done preparing as well.”

Once Sakuya said that, I noticed that she was wearing a thin, pure-white kimono while her hair was tied up simply and her face already made-up. It seemed that she was in the middle of preparing for the party, but she got concerned about me and went to check things out. If it weren’t for Sakuya’s insight, I might actually be late to my own engagement party.

“I-I understand! I’ll get ready soon!” I quickly stood up and started toward my closet, then I realized something. “Wait…I don’t have any formal clothes…”

Sakuya let out another sigh. “Why do you think I sent these two to you? They’re bringing your clothes for the party.”

I whipped around, only to see both Hiiro and Ouji grinning while they were bringing in boxes of clothing, shoes, and everything else I needed.

“…are you guys holding a grudge against me or something?” I asked with slumped shoulders.

“No, of course not~! There’s no way I can hate another man who stole our beloved Sakuya-chan!” Hiiro replied with a sarcastic grin.

“That’s right. It’s not like we’re trying to harass you for the last time before you got engaged to Kagura-san.” Ouji nodded solemnly.

“Are you guys her father?” I retorted internally at their protective act. Even her real father didn’t bat an eyelid when I introduced myself to him. It was quite awkward to face the man who once cut me down with a katana, I had to admit.

“Okay, that’s enough. Leave Ryuu be and get back to your work.” Sakuya clapped twice and ended our little spat.

Just like a well-trained dog, both Hiiro and Ouji immediately left the boxes behind and went back to their respective posts. Sakuya herself quickly left to finish her preparation, while I was helped by the servants to wear the formal-looking kimono. It was my first time wearing such beautiful and expensive deep blue kimono, complimented with a blue sash of lighter hue around my waist.

Once my preparation was complete, I went toward the great hall—with the guidance of a servant, of course. When I reached the hall’s entrance, I saw some familiar faces already there, chatting amicably.

“President—Yuuki-senpai! Marika-senpai! Asahi as well! It’s been a while!” I greeted them cheerfully.

The trio (former) Student Council members turned around at my voice. It had been a few years since I last saw them, with me being too preoccupied with searching for Sakuya to care about anything else. They’d all matured into proper adults—except for Asahi, I suppose. He wore his usual boyish, mischievous grin.

“Shiba-kun, it’s been a while indeed. You look…different.” Yuuki scanned me from top to bottom, clearly taken aback by my formal wear.

“You look very dashing, Shiba-kun! Congratulations on your engagement!” Marika beamed at me, all while still clinging to Yuuki’s arm.

“Congratulations for you two as well, Yuuki-senpai, Marika-senpai. It’s a shame that I couldn’t attend your engagement party, but I’ll be sure to attend your wedding.” I smiled at the young couple.

Once they both graduated from university, Yuuki and Marika announced their engagement. None of their acquaintances were surprised, of course, since we all kind of expected that this would happen sooner or later. Last I heard, they were planning on holding their wedding next year.

“Yeah, I’ll be sure to send invitation to both of you.” Yuuki nodded. “On that note, when will you settle down yourself, Asahi?” He turned toward his junior.

“Eh? Me? Hahaha, how mean of you to ask me that when Sakuya-chan just got engaged today, Senpai!” Asahi laughed it off by pretending to be heartbroken.

“I know a few good girls in the family, do you want me to introduce them to you?” Marika offered him.

“No, no, the girls in Kagura Family are a bit…scary, so I think I’ll pass.” Asahi waved his hand frantically. “I’ve seen them every day at work, and I’m quite certain that I don’t want to see one of them at home as well.”

“Huh? Asahi, did you join the Kagura Family as well?” I turned at him in shock.

“Hm? Oh yeah, I forgot that you only had eyes for Sakuya-chan and didn’t listen to anything else.” Asahi nodded while verbally jabbing me. “I didn’t join the family, but I did work for Kagurazaki Company in the PR department. I’m just getting started, but knowing the boss personally is sure a big advantage! I’m confident that I can take over the department in a few years!” Asahi grinned as he flashed me a V-sign.

Yuuki sighed and scolded his junior. “It’s good to be confident, but don’t be too overconfident and abuse your connections. Kagura won’t hesitate to cut you off if you tarnish the family’s new reputation, you know.”

Asahi cowered when Yuuki brought up Sakuya’s name. “I-I know! I’m properly working hard, so why can’t you compliment your junior’s efforts for once?!” He sulked.

“Speaking of which, are you here alone, Asahi? Where’s Mitsuki?” I quickly changed the subject before they delved into an argument.

“Oh, didn’t you know? Mitsuki is—”

“Are you looking for me?”

Before Asahi could finish, his twin suddenly popped up behind him.

“Mitsuki! It’s been a while!” I greeted her enthusiastically.

The other half of the twins had grown into a stunning cold beauty, but she still smiled warmly when she saw me.

“It’s been a while, Ryuuji-kun.” Mitsuki returned the greeting politely.

Then I realized that she wasn’t alone. Next to Mitsuki was a familiar face—Tanaka, one of Sakuya’s delinquent subordinate.

“Huh? Tanaka-kun?” My eyes grew wide when I saw him holding hands with Mitsuki. “W-Wait, so you two…?!”

“Ah, yes. We got married.” Mitsuki nodded calmly.

“You’re already married?!”

“Ahaha…it’s because of me, actually.” Tanaka scratched his cheeks sheepishly. “We’ve dated for quite some time, but once the conflict in Kagura Family intensified, I asked her to break up with me until everything is sorted out, since I don’t know if I can get out of it alive. However, Mitsuki said that if I’m going to risk my life anyway, she doesn’t want us to regret anything. So we got married in a hurry.”

I shot Mitsuki an awed look. She always looked so calm and mature, just like an ice princess. I never knew Mitsuki had such a passionate side to her.

“And I still don’t regret it.” She announced proudly. “Kagura-san is kind enough to let me join the family as well, so I can stay close to Tanaka all the time.”

“Wait, you joined the Kagura Family?! Not the Kagurazaki Company?!” I was surprised by the revelation.

“Yeah, as the family’s treasurer.” Mitsuki nodded.

While I was still reeling from the shock, I heard a familiar voice calling my name from behind. I turned around and saw my former classmates approaching.

“Ryuuji-kun, it’s been a while! How have you been?” Minami greeted me with a warm smile.

“It’s been too long, Ryuuji-kun! Glad to see you’re still healthy!” Reikou, who was next to Minami, greeted me energetically.

“It’s been a while, you two. Even after all these years, you two are still inseparable, huh?” I teased them.

“Yeah, you bet! We even work in the same school, you know! I teach PE while Minami teaches Math!” Reikou bragged.

“Shiba-kun, we’ll be heading inside first. Let’s talk again later.” Sensing that my attention had been diverted toward the new pair, Yuuki subtly excused himself.

But Reikou suddenly exclaimed, “Wait, President?! Koyama Yuuki-senpai?! Is that really you?!”

“H-Huh? Yeah, I’m Koyama Yuuki. You are…?” Yuuki tilted his head.

“Oh, my friend here is a big fan of yours! She’s been admiring you since we’re in high school! Come, Minami, where else will you get the chance to speak to your idol?!” Reikou half-pushed Minami toward Yuuki.

“U-Um…I-I’m Kujou Minami…and I’ve always admired you, Senpai!” Minami bowed her head as she stammered.

“T-That’s…I’m very grateful for your feelings, but…” Yuuki glanced toward Marika in a fluster.

His fiancée was simply smiling amicably, and yet Yuuki was shuddering as if he saw something terrifying. I had a hunch that this wasn’t the first time he saw Marika acting like that.

“Ahh, no! It’s not like that!” Minami quickly lifted her head. “I’m engaged myself, you see, so I didn’t mean anything like that!” She showed the ring on her finger as the proof. “Touma-kun is already here, and I don’t want him to misunderstand as well.”

“I…I see…” Yuuki exhaled in relief, and the strange tension between him and Marika seemed to disappear.

“I just want to say that I admire you very much, Koyama-senpai.” Minami explained. “I mean, you’re the first Student Council President to actually take care of the students and implement new rules to keep our peaceful school life. It’s no wonder that you became a politician after you graduated from college.”

“Eh? Senpai, you’re a politician now?” I turned toward Yuuki. “Is it really okay for a politician to be seen attending a yakuza group’s event?”

Despite my concern, Yuuki shrugged it off. “Having connections can be double-edged sword. While it’s true that it can cast doubt on me, it can also serve to be a precious connection and good leverage for me. Besides, as long as Kagura maintain her family’s new, clean reputation, I don’t mind associating with her.”

“Hehe, don’t worry, Shiba-kun.” Marika suddenly piped in. “If Yuuki or Kagura-san got caught up in anything shady, I’ll help out. After all, I’m a full-fledged prosecutor now.” She puffed out her well-endowed chest in pride.

“Huh?! Marika-senpai, that’s amazing!” I was honestly surprised that she chose such a harsh, strait-laced job. But then again, perhaps Marika was aiming to change Kagura Family in her own way by weeding out all of the corruptions.

“Hiya, am I late to the party?”

As we were chatting boisterously, a new voice arrived to the hall.

“Ah, there you are! I’ve been waiting for you, Shou!” Asahi was the first to greet the newcomer.

“Sorry, Asahi. There’s a lot of paperwork to do, since you practically skipped out on your work and dumped all of it to me.” Shou muttered with a vacant look.

“Shou, it’s been a while! Rather, I didn’t know you’re co-worker with Asahi.” I remarked as Asahi averted his eyes.

“Yeah, about that, Kagura-san is kind enough to offer me work in Kagurazaki Company.” Shou explained. “Although maybe she just wants me to keep an eye on Asahi, since he tends to follow his whims rather than his logic.” By the end of his sentence, Shou let out a long sigh.

I started sympathizing with Shou, who had to babysit Asahi at work. Back at the Student Council days, at least I had Mitsuki who could rein Asahi in.

“But I digress.” Shou shook off his melancholy. “Congrats on your engagement, Ryuuji! You’ve finally made your dreams come true, huh?” He grinned at me.

I chuckled wryly. “More like Sakuya came and forcibly made it come true, but thanks for coming here. I guess we’ll be seeing each other more frequently, now that you work in Kagurazaki Company.”

We spent a bit more time talking and laughing with each other before a man in a neat black suit approached us.

“Everyone, the party is about to start, so will you please kindly head inside the hall? The staffs will guide you to your respective seats.” The slender-built man spoke politely to us.

I turned around and my eyes widened when I recognized him.

“Wait—Shinji-san?!” I exclaimed in surprise.

“Oh, Ryuu. It’s been a while.” He smiled at me as my friends started moving into the great hall. “So Sakuya-chan really did go and pick you up. I thought that she might change her mind since she met that guy, but…never mind.”

I tilted my head. “Huh? ‘That guy’? Who are you talking about?”

“No, it’s nothing. I just didn’t expect you to come back here, after how much Sakuya-chan insisted on keeping you away.” Shinji dodged my question.

I frowned, but experience told me that nothing would get Shinji to talk if he didn’t want to. “I made a promise to Sakuya that I’ll always stay by her side, and I have no intention to break that promise no matter what happens.” I declared. “I’m even more amazed that you’re still staying in this family, Shinji-san.”

Shinji scratched his head in embarrassment. “Well, a deal is a deal. Since she’s proven herself by taking over the family in mere three years, I need to uphold my part of the deal by devoting myself to her cause.”

“But you look quite happy now.” I pointed out with a wry smile. “It seems you’ve found what you truly want to do.”

Shinji laughed. “Yeah, being dragged along with Sakuya-chan’s whims is more fun than I thought. She’s even come up with the title of ‘Four Heavenly Kings’ to grant to her most trusted subordinates, you know? She claims that since the family’s size has quite grown, it stands to reason that she needs more people that she can fully trust. As a matter of fact, I’m one of the Four Heavenly Kings and also the leader—”

“Ryuu, don’t listen to this bastard’s nonsense.”

Before Shinji could finish his sentence, someone abruptly covered my ears. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Hiiro, who was glowering at Shinji.

“What? So the title doesn’t exist?” I questioned him.

“It exists.” Ouji, who trailed behind Hiiro, affirmed. “But he’s not the leader.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the oldest one around, so it’s inevitable that I’m the leader.” Shinji stated rather shamelessly.

“ “Sakuya-chan/Kagura-san doesn’t care about seniority.” ”

Both Hiiro and Ouji retorted in perfect harmony.

“Huh? Wait, so the Four Heavenly Kings are Shinji-san, Hiiro, and Ouji-senpai, right? Who’s the remaining one?” I asked them before another fight broke out. “Is it Takashi, the second strongest after Ouji-senpai? Or someone smart like Touma?”

Hiiro sighed, suddenly looking irritated. “…it’s Kazu-senpai.”

“Oh? That’s a bit…no, when you think about it, that’s actually a good choice.” Having thought about it a bit deeper, I finally nodded in agreement. Kazu had always been a good leader since beginning. He cared about those under him, and he got wonderful managerial skills. Even now, Kazu was most likely running around to make sure that today’s event went smoothly.

“How come my subordinate is now on the same level as I am…?” Hiiro grumbled to himself, but we all could hear him clearly.

As I was about to placate him, a new voice suddenly rang out just outside the entrance.

“Oh? What is the occasion that nearly all Four Heavenly Kings have assembled here? Have you perhaps gathered to welcome me?”

We all turned toward the speaker, a young man around my age. He had pale, silver hair and distinct blue eyes that emphasized his foreigner blood. Despite his unique appearance, the man spoke Japanese fluently. With a slender built and a delicate face, he possessed androgynous beauty that could charm both men and women indiscriminately.

Even though the man wore a friendly smile, everyone around me tensed up instead. Their reaction told me that this man wasn’t exactly an ally to the Kagura Family.

“And who is this gentleman?” The man’s blue eyes shifted toward me. “I don’t believe I’ve met you before. Judging from your attire, are you perhaps the rumored Shiba Ryuuji? The lover that Sakuya-san has hidden away all this time?”

“Lover—?!” I was nearly choked when I heard that outrageous title. “Y-Yes, I am Shiba Ryuuji, but I’m not just Sakuya’s lover. I’m her fiancé.” I felt my smile twitch as I desperately held on to my composure.

Unfortunately, all of my efforts were for naught as my composure completely collapsed under the man’s next words.

“Ah, I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Shiromiya Mikhail, the fifth son and current head of Shiromiya Family. Oh, and I’m also the ex-fiancé of Kagura Sakuya.” The man smiled brightly as he dropped a bombshell out of nowhere.

“E-Ex-fiancé?!” I gaped at him in shock. “W-What do you…?!”

“Ryuu, please calm down and let me explain.” With a sigh, Shinji stepped in between us. “This man is the main collaborator who helped us create an alliance between Kagura and Shiromiya Family. Thanks to his help, Sakuya-chan managed to take over the family. While it’s true that Kazami initially intend to engage the two of them, Sakuya-chan rejected the engagement vehemently, insisting that she has someone she deeply loves. So there’s absolutely nothing between them.”

Mikhail broke out in laughter when he saw my dumbfounded face. “Ahh, sorry, sorry, I just can’t help it. Your reaction is way funnier than I imagined.”

“You…!” I glared at Mikhail, finally understood why everyone acted so hostile toward him.

“What are you guys doing here? The party is about to start.”

A dignified voice rang out, instantly stealing everyone’s attention. We all turned toward Sakuya, who slowly walked toward us accompanied by her maids.

She was wearing formal kimono, with the same deep-blue color as mine. The kimono had patterns of blooming camelia in the color of sunrise, giving her whole appearance the theme of dawn breaking. Her long, black hair was being held up with a hair stick, and I found myself wondering whether it was the same weaponized hair stick from five years ago.

Our stunned silence was broken by a whistling sound from Mikhail. “You are just as stunning as ever, Sakuya-san. Congratulations on your engagement.” Mikhail swiftly took Sakuya’s hand and landed a light kiss on it.

“Ah…!” I was immediately overcome with jealousy, but Sakuya didn’t seem to think much of it.

“Thank you. I assume you’re here as the representative of your family?” She took back her hand and continued her stride toward my side.

“Yes, it will be unthinkable for our family to miss such important event.” Mikhail smiled at her.

“Then, why don’t you head inside and enjoy the banquet? We’ll be right behind you.” Sakuya lightly suggested.

Mikhail caught the subtle attempt to usher him inside, and he nodded. “Then, let us talk more later.”

I waited impatiently until Mikhail entered the great hall and the hall’s doors were closed. Then I quickly seized Sakuya’s hand and furiously wiped off the spot where he kissed her.

“Sakuya, are you sure there’s absolutely nothing between you and that guy? You still love me, don’t you?” I grumbled as I devoted all of my attention into removing the taint on Sakuya’s hand.

Sakuya’s eyes widened for a moment at my rare display of jealousy. Then she leaned closer and kissed my lips. I was so startled that I let go of her hand, but Sakuya grabbed my collar instead, pulling me to deepen the kiss.

When we finally ended the long, passionate kiss, Sakuya broke out in laughter. “That’s my answer to your question. Nonetheless, I’m quite surprised. You never struck me as a jealous person, Ryuu.”

“No matter how tolerant I am, I won’t forgive someone who touched my precious person so intimately.” I replied gruffly to hide my embarrassment.

After tidying up our appearance for the last time, I offered my hand to Sakuya. Even without rehearsal, I knew that I’d escort her inside and show everyone that she had chosen me to stand by her side.

“Sakuya, you look more beautiful than ever today. You’ve never failed to amaze me with how stunning you are. Shall we go inside?” I smiled softly at her.

Sakuya’s cheeks blushed slightly at the compliment as she held my hand tightly. “Yes, let’s go, Ryuu. Toward our future together.”

Both of us faced forward as the hall’s doors swung open, and we walked together, hand in hand, toward the happiness that awaits us in the future.