Scarlet Humanity (Vinsmoke Ichiji x Reader)

The Arrangement

Ichiji's POV

Brisk footsteps echoed down the hallway as Ichiji entered the estate. He'd been summoned home by his father and wasted little time on his return. As the eldest, he was often called for business and would simply get up in the middle of class and leave. The professors never questioned, knowing better than to interfere with a Vinsmoke that looked like he had somewhere to be.

Not that he really needed to be in college anyway. Ichiji was brilliant and already handled much of the business himself, giving his father more time to work in his lab. A college degree made the ruse of a private pharmaceutical company much more believable however. In actuality, a degree was not necessary for a drug lord.

"You're home early."

Ichiji paused, turning to the voice that had just exited one of the various rooms along the hall. "Good evening, Reiju. When did you arrive home?"

"Hello, brother." The pink haired woman gave him a pleasant smile and crossed her arms. "A few hours ago. My meeting was cut short."

"For?"

"One of our clients was giving us trouble. They got cold feet and asked for more time to consider their options."

Ichiji's eyes narrowed. "I see." Was all he said before turning to leave.

"Has father summoned you again?" Reiju asked, falling into step next to him. There was a subtle hint of curiosity to her voice and she glanced at him sideways.

"Indeed."

Reiju had a small smile on her face that seemed full of intent, but as always her words were very carefully chosen. "You are even more silent today than usual. Has something happened?"

"That is none of your concern." Ichiji said mildly. He returned her suppressed smile; there was far more to be said, but he had no desire to speak on it. "Yonji will be home shortly. Make sure he doesn't bother us."

"I'll keep an eye on him, though I'm sure he will be more focused on finding something to eat." Reiju stopped and left him with that same withdrawn smile.

Ichiji continued on to his father's office. The estate was quite large and decorated with gold and silver fixtures that shimmered in the crystal chandeliers overhead. As always, the marble floor was kept so clean, it reflected back Ichiji's image as he passed. The servants were never without something to do between cleaning, food prep, and being at the whim of the Vinsmokes.

The door at the end of the hall held his father's office and he knocked, waiting for a command to enter. A deep voice tumbled through the solid oak door and Ichiji pushed through. The interior was well lit with three massive windows along the back wall that streamed in sunlight when the curtains were pulled aside. Tall bookshelves filled with medical and scientific books, all on various drugs and chemical compounds lined the walls and reached up to the ceiling. A thick carpet lay underfoot against the solid wood floor, over it a huge desk that held all of the necessary tools for their owner to accomplish his paperwork. In the large purple chair behind the desk sat the head of the house, Vinsmoke Judge. He looked up from his work, long blonde hair rippling from the movement.

"Ichiji, my son. Good. Come in."

The doors were sealed shut behind him and Ichiji approached the desk, hands clasped behind his back as he stood. "You wished to see me?"

"Yes. I want to discuss the wedding with you. I have found you a bride."

Ichiji's face remained devoid of emotion. "I see. Arrangements have changed then?"

"Hmm you mean choosing your own bride." Judge put his pen down and sat back in his leather chair. "I've given you a month already to find one and so far no results. The woman I have found is obedient and beautiful, she will suit you and the Vinsmoke family well."