Chapter 43: Grandfather.
Sun chemical. A company at the forefront of Japan's chemical industry.
My material grandfather , yamamichi harate was the founder of the sun chemical. He is a very patriarchal man and because of that reason, his daughter aka my mother , was not allowed allowed to participate in the front line business.
So my mother who was brilliant in studies,was thrown and isolated by the family after marrying a ordinary man who is my father.
Eventually the company was given to someone who was incompetent and utterly useless, that is my uncle.
After which , the company which my grandfather took decades to build , the company that was built on his sweat and blood , was almost absorbed by the foreign capital, forcing the japanese political party to take the company for themselves or buy for themselves and it was given to the person known as [Akino] who is currently known for a being a fashion designer. To be honest , a fashion with a chemical company is a odd match yet , she was able to help the company get it's former glory.
She is, at the current time ,the same age as us. But the height that she already claimed already is admirable. Although that girl is filled with nothing but mystery.
No one knows who her parents are, her origin or where she came from. The only thing people know is her appearance and her name which many think is fake.
About her appearance, she is tall , mug taller than the boys of our age. She has white flowing hair that make it feel like as if her hair is covered with snow and eyes so red that it feel like you are staring at blood , not eyes. She is said to have snow white skin and is always seen wearing turtleneck sweater. She is said to always have a cold expression on her face and is never seen with a smile.
Back at the business at hand , my grandfather never sought me out and I only met my cousins few times when I was young. I can probably count the times I met my cousins using only one hand.
When I was a little older everything in the house was reduced to nothing but scrap's of paper.
I rang the bell on the entry gate.
{Who is it?}
A voice , to be specific, a male voice came from the mic , asking my identity.
"I am Tokusake ren." I said me name. I thought that introducing myself would be a good idea but I decided to go against it.
After I did so , with a crick sound the gate opened as I glanced at the big house that was in front of me , looking at it with a much clear view.
" pleased to meet you Tokusake Ren. I am the head butler of this house hold. My name is Luther Wayne. You can call me Luther."
The man who introduced himself as Luther Wayne is one of the most influential person in the family and the company after grandfather. He had been working here since my grandfather was young. The only person who can advise my grandfather is this man in front of me. I heard that from my mother. He is also the one who took care of mother after grandmother died in a car accident.
"Please get inside. You must have tired yourself from the long journey.How about entering the house and take some rest? It would be appropriate to save some energy ." he advised and I just nodded my head in response.
"My mother packed some food for grandfather." I said as I handed the lunchbox to Luther.
"Oh he will love this. Come inside then," he said as he took it from my hand , "Go to your room. You do realize it's a family gathering right?"
'Huh?!' I was shocked as he said that to me. Because I wasn't told that it was a family gathering.
"Young miss~young master Ren is here."He announced as he walked inside. His voice was chirpy as if he was mocking someone.
"What do you mean by 'Ren is here'?!" The room had a ominous atmosphere , which indicated that I was not invited here. Not like I cared about it , but I had to.
"I guess Ryo is trying to impress father now," the woman beside my uncle said , Crossing her arms , " she says she has no need for money or family but look at her now," she seemed to be wanting to continue her yapping , "Isn't it little to much obvious seeing that she is trying to shove her son here?"
I suppose it's time to shut their mouth up since it stinks of uselessness,"No aunty grandfather is the one who sent the invitation to mother." I stated with a smile , which obviously angered her more. Because from my knowledge grandfather didn't sent her any sort of invitation.
"What are you taking about?! Does that make any sense?!" he stood up from the sofa , "What are you taking about, dad invited you?!"
*Tap!*
*Tap!*
*Tap!*
The sound of wood hitting the ground spreads itself around the room , making the entirety of the room silent in a second.
"Yes I called Ren is there any problem?" The elderly gentleman, who is probably my grandfather said.
"N-no it's nothing like that!"
"Its not like we are complaining! Yes he is always welcomed!"
Right after he arrived at the room , the entirety of the room had its atmosphere changed.
From my vantage point, I observed the elderly gentleman, a figure of dignified grace and presence that seemed to make anyone bow to him. He was in his 60s, his age hinted at by the fine lines etched into his face and the silvery strands that intermingled with his jet-black hair. Yet, his posture was as straight and unwavering as a young man's.
He wore a traditional Japanese kimono, the deep indigo fabric rich and heavy, flowing gracefully around him. The kimono was adorned with subtle, intricate patterns that spoke of both timeless tradition and personal prestige. Tied around his waist was an obi, a wide belt of muted gold that added a touch of restrained elegance to his attire.
Despite his traditional garb, his demeanor radiated the sharp acumen of a seasoned businessman. His eyes, a deep and thoughtful red, were sharp and observant, missing nothing in his surroundings. Each movement he made was deliberate and measured, speaking volumes about his disciplined nature and years of experience in life.
"How is your mother Ren?" for some reason he seemed to have abandoned the cold look he had on his face and it turned into a look filled with warmth. His eyes seemed to have soften as well.
Maybe he had finally soften down but why?
"She is great grandfather." without thinking much I answered his question, not wanting to make him wait.
"Haha..why don't we go and talk about business? That's what we are here for no?"
I see so he is scarred . He is thinking that I will take over for my mother isn't he? What a dirty little thought you have uncle.
"Ren why don't you go and play with your cousin?" I was told by my grandfather and I nodded my head in response. But deep down I already knew that this will cause more trouble for me.
"Oh my sweet black coffee , how much will I need you ♪ " I sang to myself in a hushed tone, making sure no one hears me.
.
.
.
There is a saying that if you are working with black business you would know.
' Useless shit births useless shit.'
This can apply to my cousin's who are looking at me as if they will beat me up. Like hell they can even touch me. But I am not here to break the bridge but to fix it , so time to go for
Goodie-two-shoes persona that I used in my previous life. It helps with gaining trust and throwing the opponent off.
My fingers fell on the cold surface of the wall while I closed the door , the eyes of my cousins fell on me as they glared at me, trying to scare me , which for obvious reason didn't work.
"Its been a long time everyone. How have you been?" I tried greeting them but alas , as I have said before shit-
"What are you doing here Ren?!" creates shit.