They proceeded to get plates of food and sit back down at their seats. They chatted for a few minutes while they ate. When they were almost done with their meals Mio chimed in. Mio was looking at the other chairs at the table “I’ve noticed something.”

“What’s that?”

“There are six chairs at this table but no one has sat down yet.”

“Damnit don’t jinx it like that.”

She gave him a funny look.

“That’s probably because one of them is grandpas. Another one is probably Uncles. I don’t want to even wonder who the other two belong to.”

As if right on cue Carter started to approach them from across the room. “Speak of the devil.”

Carter approached with an older looking gentleman and a distinguished looking older woman.

“Hello Eizan and Mio. Are you enjoying the food.” Carter looked over at Mio.

Mio and Eizan stood up to greet them. Mio bowed and replied “Yes everything was delicious. I thank you for inviting me here this evening.”

“You’re very welcome, Mrs. Sakurai I am glad you could make it this evening.” Carter looked over at Eizan. “Are you enjoying yourself, Eizan.”

“Yes. I have been having a good time. Grandfather, who do you have with you this evening.” Eizan looked over at the man standing next to Carter.

Carter smiled “I have forgotten my manners. This gentleman here with me is Hagashi Masato and his wonderful wife Kaede.”

Eizan bowed “Nice to meet you, I am Hashimoto Eizan and the girl who is accompanying me tonight is Sakurai Mio.” Mio bowed respectfully.

Masato and Kaede both bowed respectfully. Masato looked at Carter “You have a very well-mannered Grandson.”

Carter smiled “Thank you. I would like to take credit for him. But his mother has raised him to be quite the exceptional young man. It’s just too bad he refuses to take over my business.” Mio’s eyebrows twitched.

Eizan smiled coldly “Grandfather I have told you before. It’s not that I don’t wish to take over your businesses. I just need time to make decisions like that. I still feel that I am too young to decide my whole future.”

Carter burst out laughing “He gives me the same answer every time I broach the subject. I fear no one will be around to take over my empire, when I pass. Neither my sons or daughters have any interest.”

Masato smiled at Eizan “He seems to be a wise boy. I don’t think I would have given you a straight answer at his age either. Making a decision of that magnitude at such a young age is almost unthinkable.”

Eizan laughed “I like you Mr. Hagashi. If I may ask, what is it that you do.”

Mio whispered in his ear “You don’t know. He’s the deputy mayor.”

Eizan smiled “I’m sorry for my ignorance. My beautiful companion here has just informed me you are the deputy mayor. It truly is a pleasure to meet an individual as accomplished as yourself.”

“It’s no problem young man. Young lady, are you perhaps Jotaro’s daughter?”

Mio nodded. “Yes, Jotaro is my father.”

“If I had known he had such a beautiful daughter I might have tried to arrange a meeting between you and my son.”

She grabbed Eizan’s arm “I’m sorry but I’m already taken.”

“Haha, I see. You are one lucky man Eizan.”

Eizan had a fake smile on his face “I sure am.”

Carter smiled evilly at Eizan “Well, if you’ll excuse us. We have other guests to meet.” Carter and the Hagashi's said their goodbyes and walked over to talk to another group.”

Eizan turned to Mio who was clinging to his arm. “So, your already taken, huh?”

She blushed “You know why I had to do that.”

“I know. That’s exactly why my grandfather brought them over here. He just made it a lot more difficult for you.”

She looked at Carter from across the room. “What do you mean by that?”

“I guarantee he’s over there telling them were engaged now that you did that.”

She looked at Eizan with a look of surprise “Why would he do that?”

He flicked her in the forehead. “Were undergoing an extended marriage meeting at the moment, and you just claimed we were in a relationship. To the deputy mayor no less.”

Her eyes widened even more “What are we going to do?”

Eizan laughed “Hell if I know.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Smart enough to know people like to brag about their positions.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Did you really think I didn’t know who the deputy mayor was?”

“Why did you act like you didn’t know him then?”

“Like I said it’s best to let people introduce themselves. It gives them a way to brag about their positions. It makes them happy and allows for easier communication down the line.”

“I’ve never heard that.”

“It’s just something I picked up by going to functions like this a lot. I’ve seen my grandfather do it many times.”

“He really is a demon.”

“I told you.”

“What are we going to do now?”

Eizan smiled and grabbed her hand. “Were going to dance.”

“Dance?”

There had been a small orchestra playing the whole event. Eizan led her over to the dance floor. “Are you ready?” She nodded. He grabbed her by the waist with one hand and her hand with the other. The song began and they started to dance. Mio was blushing the whole time. “You’re pretty good at this.”

“I told you I’ve taken dancing lessons.”

Eizan looked her in the eyes “I can tell.” She blushed. They danced for a while. As they danced onlookers were staring at their beautiful display. They looked at the young couple with happy smiles. Carter was glancing at them as he talked to a few influential people around them with a small smile on his face.

“You know I feel pretty lucky at the moment.”

“Why is that?”

“Well, right now I am getting to dance with the prettiest girl here.”

She blushed “You know, sometimes I really wonder if you really are a womanizer.”

Eizan laughed “If I’m a womanizer I’m the worst that’s ever lived.”

They continued to dance for a while longer until the song ended. He led her away from the dance floor. He led her to their table which was still empty and sat down. She was red in the face from dancing. “Would you like me to get you a drink?”

“Thank you, that would be great.” Eizan headed to the other side of the room to go grab them some punch. He soon returned with a glass of punch for her. She chugged down the punch like she was a person lost in the desert dying of thirst.

“Are you getting tired?”

She gave him a weary look. “Yes very.”

“Let’s get out of here, then.”

“But the party isn’t over.”

“Who cares.” He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.” She stood up and they made their way out to the car. Eizan told the valet to get their car.

As they stood there waiting for the car. “Are you sure it was ok to leave like that?”

“Ah it’s fine. You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough.”

Eizan laughed. He reached up and touched her cheek. “I worry more than you can imagine. I just don’t let my worries keep me from living my life the way I want.” He grabbed her hand lifted it. He then placed his lips to the back of her hand. “Did I mention how stunning you look this evening.” Her face was so red you could almost see steam coming from her ears. “See, all your worries disappeared in a second.”

She gave a fake frown “More like now I’m worried that I currently live with a wolf.” Eizan let out a howl like a wolf and she burst out laughing.

“I don’t bite…” He paused and smiled evilly. “Much.”

She lightly tapped him on the nose. “Bad dog.” They both burst into laughter. The car pulled up and the driver opened the door. Eizan helped her into the car and closed the door. Just then from behind him, a deep voice could be heard. “Leaving so soon.” He turned around to see Carter standing there with a smile on his face. He walked up to him. “Yes, Mio is getting tired and we have school tomorrow.”

“That’s too bad. I would have liked to introduce you to some more people.”

“Maybe some other time. Goodnight grandpa.”

Eizan turned to leave. “Goodnight grandson. Oh, and I congratulate you on your successful engagement.”

He turned and looked at him angrily. “You know that’s not what happened back there.”

Carter smiled “Really, I must have misunderstood then. Well, I guess I will just go back and tell the deputy mayor that she is still single.”

“Damnit, don’t you dare.” He glared at him.

“You better hurry up then.”

“Give me the rest of the month and no more interference from you.”

“Fine, good luck then. But if you fail you have to meet my demands.”

“Fine.”

He turned and left, angrily getting into the car. Carter waved as the car drove away. Mio looked over at Eizan who had a worried look on his face. “What did he say to you?”

“He was trying to manipulate me again. But I won’t let him win.”

“He really is a demon isn’t he.”

“More than you know.”

“Can I ask what it was about?”

“You can but this time.” He paused. “As much as I want to tell you I shouldn’t.”

She frowned “Your keeping secrets again.”

Eizan sighed “Trust me, this is one secret I wish I didn’t have to keep. The burden of it will way on me heavily.”

She reached over and grabbed his hand. “I see. If the burden ever becomes too much, I want you to rely on me.”

Eizan reached up with his other hand and stroked her cheek. “I rely on you more than you can imagine.” She blushed.

“We do have one problem though.”

“What’s that?”

“The deputy mayor thinks were engaged and your father will soon hear of it.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“How about this. We will pretend until the end of the month. If we don’t make our decisions by then, I will cancel the engagement. I will take all the burden.”

“You can’t do that. It will cause your family problems.”

“Mio, my grandfather caused the problem. Let me solve it.”

Mio sighed and frowned “Alright, that’s fine. But I’m still not happy about it.”

They rode in the car watching the city lights slowly pass them by. Eizan was thinking to himself. “Do I really want to subject her to my ridiculous family’s antics? She’s so fragile. Can I really put her through all of their nonsense? I really do want to marry her, if she agrees. But I’m not sure, I could live with myself afterwards.” He looked over at Mio whose eyes were slowly drifting shut. “If you’re tired feel free to sleep I will wake you when we get home.” She sleepily smiled and nodded. He stared out the car window. About a minute later he felt something soft hit his shoulder. A sweet scent wafted into his nostrils. He looked over to see that she had fallen asleep and was currently laying on his shoulder. His heart was racing and it took everything he had to get his mind under control. He looked over at her sleeping face and smiled. “All I want is to live a normal life. I know that’s selfish of me. Many people would love to be in my position. But they don’t realize the things they would have to give up.” He lightly brushed her hair behind her ear. “Love for instance. How would I know if someone ever truly loved me for who I am? How would I know they weren’t just after money? I like to think I could tell. But could I really?” He looked at her and smiled softly. “This might be my last chance.”