All is Fair (In Love and War)

Chapter 3 - Preparations

 9 am

Yuta stands idly on the street of Ikebukuro, wearing casual clothes, waiting for the driver that will pick him up. He arrived at the spot fifteen minutes earlier so he had expected to wait for a while.

He muses about his decision as he waits. Telling Satoru that he would only accept the offer if he met his conditions is already a confirmation that he will take it. Because judging from Satoru's enthusiasm in their most recent conversation, he would willingly agree on whatever that could be.

A few minutes later and the car arrived. The same black car that he saw yesterday. After brief introduction with the driver, Yuta gets inside and tries his best not to gape at the spacious and posh interior of the vehicle.

They spent an hour until the car turned to a steep hill surrounded by numerous trees. The buildings from the city proper are starting to disappear from his sight and he silently wonders how far exactly their destination would be. He should've asked that cousin of his.

Noticing his fidgeting, the driver politely informed him that the mansion sits on the outskirts of the city near the foot of a mountain and that he had nothing to worry about because they will be there the soonest. Yuta is grateful.

"We have arrived."

Yuta scans the surroundings right after getting outside the car. He is welcomed by a chilly but calming air, the rustling of big ancient trees and a grand traditional mansion. There is something eerie about the place but it's not a threatening feeling. It's more or a superficial inkling as expected from a sorcerer family.

"Please, this way."

Yuta follows the man, glancing here and there at the magnificent museum-like home. There are ornate wooden carvings found above the sliding panels of the long passageway, a Zen garden made with lush green grass, and a carefully composed array of rocks and bushes. There is also a miniature waterfall creating a rippling effect that is so pleasing to watch.

Is this where I'm going to live if I accepted the offer? Yuta gulps, now he has an idea what kind of wealth he's going to be surrounded by.

The man ushered him outside an enormous shoji door and opened it for him.

"The master is waiting for you inside."

"Thank you."

They exchanged bows and Yuta entered inside the dim room with only the warm light illuminating it.

"Yuuta-kun! Welcome, welcome!" the excited voice of Satoru made him jolt. It is too quiet inside that he momentarily forgot the reason why he's here. "Come over, don't be shy~"

At the far end of the room is a slightly elevated alcove, decorated with a scroll with old calligraphies - probably saying something about the history of their family, and a decorative ikebana arrangement on the side.

Satoru wears a dark blue kimono looking so formal and intimidating - right, he's the head of the clan, no less.

"G-Good day," Yuuta greets with a slight bow.

"Please have a seat." Satoru gestures at the zabuton in front of him. "And don't worry about salutations. I was in a clan meeting earlier so I'm wearing this," he points at his kimono with his right thumb. "How was your trip going here? I hope you didn't find it scary, like, thinking the driver will throw you in a remote cliff, horror movie style."

"No, it was okay, thank you," Yuta says as he descends on the cushion. "Um, about my conditions.." he doesn't want to be rude but he would rather talk about the real reason why he came all the way here.