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Chapter Text

Dearest gentle readers, 

It is my pleasure to inform you all of the return of one very eligible pair of siblings, the Mister and Miss Kaneshiro of the Kaneshiro household…. 

…We shall see how this season will fare with the return of the ferocious lion and lioness of the infamous Kaneshiro household, whom, as this author would speculate, would have caught the attention of the Lord Majesty Vox Akuma himself, along with the rest of the ton. This author awaits what the season will bring. 

 

Until next time,

Lord Eviland

 

The hall was alight with the sound of classical music playing on strings and the chatter of very well-dressed young men and women alike as Luca Kaneshiro stepped in, holding his sister on his right. Instantly, the eyes of the ton seemed to zero in on their arrival, to which Luca smiled back in return.

“It seems that our arrival is expected, brother.” Lucy spoke from his right side. “They all must have read what Lord Eviland wrote, I gather.” She smiled, causing some of the nearby gentlemen to creep closer like a gravitational pull.

Luca spared them a look, to which they hesitantly stopped on their track. “He’s rather influential, isn’t he?” He continued to walk, ignoring the ever-growing whispers around them.

“Of course. I shall wish you good luck then, on navigating the eager mama and their children waiting on your every turn.” Lucy laughed. 

“Lucy! Don’t say that.” Luca groaned. “I’m here to chaperone and you’re not even officially out yet.” He reminded her, navigating his way across the packed room. 

“Well, of course. But nothing’s set in stone, no?” She winked, casting another smile at the gathering pool of the mentioned eager mama dragging their children closer to them. They, much like the gentlemen earlier, seemed to take this as a good sign and were beginning to inch closer, to which  Luca swiftly sent them a polite smile, and proceeded to whisk his sister to where they were originally headed – Lord Akuma himself.

Lord Vox Akuma was waiting with an aloof smile, watching the whole room with a sharp gaze that was disguised under a lazy sweep of his golden eyes. Upon noicing Luca and his sister, the Lord’s smile widened, motioning his attendants to welcome them.

“Ah, Mister Kaneshiro. I see you’ve come back from your travels, then?” Lord Akuma greeted them with his magnetic voice. Luca and Lucy bowed under his watchful gaze.

“Yes, my Lord. I’ve just successfully finished my... business, back in Australia.” A smirk grew on Luca’s face as he remembered the bloody business he’d left behind in his wake. Such a gruesome thing would make any member of the ton faint if they caught a whiff of it.

But not Lord Akuma, it seemed, going by the glint of his eyes. But the Lord averted his eyes to Lucy instead. “Returning with your sister as well, I see. Hello, Miss Kaneshiro.”

“My Lord.” Lucy bowed her head gracefully. She could easily be the season’s diamond, Luca was sure of it, easily capturing the interest of everyone in the room. “I’m looking forward to how this season will go, My Lord.” She added.

“As do I, Miss Kaneshiro. Perhaps you will experience it yourself, hm?” He smiled, those golden eyes crinkling into half-crescent. 

Lucy laughed good-naturedly, but Luca felt those eyes watching them long after they excused themselves. 

How peculiar. 

“Luca!” A distinctive voice called. Luca looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice. One man emerged from the masses, a bespectacled young man holding a book under his arm approached them.

“Ike!” Luca moved to pull the man, Ike Eveland, into a crushing hug. “It’s been too long, my friend!” He laughed, delighted at seeing Ike after long years of only talking to each other through correspondences due to Luca’s travel. Ike was one of his childhood friends, smart and wise, and even sharper with his quill. His letters, sent routinely to Luca, had always been full of wonders and creativity written alongside with snippets of his current writings. 

“It’s great seeing you too, Luca.” Ike grinned after they parted, smiling at Lucy.” And hello to you too, Miss Kaneshiro.” He said, with a nod of acknowledgement. 

“Oh, please, Ike. Speak comfortably with me! Or have you forgotten that I’ve seen you during your adolescence, roughhousing with Luca over here?” Lucy giggled as Ike turned red, coughing uncomfortably. Luca’s laugh booming in the background, causing some heads to turn at the sound.

“ Please don’t speak of that anymore, Lucy.” Ike sighed, shaking his head wearily. Shaking himself out of a stupor, Ike’s gaze wandered over Luca’s head, apparently spotting something at the back as he called out, “Shu! Mysta! Over here!” 

Both Luca and Lucy turned at the same time, seeing two men approach them. One is taller, with light brown hair and two-tone eyes. He looked rather uncomfortable, tugging at his collars incessantly, shooting nervous looks to the shorter man beside him. Luca’s gaze fell to the said man, with striking violet eyes and long hair swooping gently over his shoulder, with an extremely charming smile that instantly captured Luca’s attention. 

And then the man laughed , an extremely refreshing sound, like that of a chiming bell and Luca– Luca can’t look away, captivated by the man who suddenly looked up, as if he was sensing Luca’s gaze. Their eyes met but for a second as Lucy nudged him in the ribs. 

“Brother?” She whispered. Luca opened his mouth and tried to speak– but nothing came out. 

“Luca, Lucy, might I introduce you to Mister Shu Yamino and his brother, Mister Mysta Rias?” Ike said pleasantly, gesturing to the brothers to come closer. 

“A pleasure to meet you both, Miss Kaneshiro, Mister Kaneshiro.” He said softly, with a disarming gentle smile and a playful tinkle of his eyes and Luca was, to put it simply, gone.

He needed to have those hands on his tonight. He had to. 

“The pleasure is all mine, Mister Yamino.” He smiled, eyes not straining from those violet ones. 

If he were to pay attention, he would’ve noticed the look Lucy spared them, going back and forth as she whispered to herself, “This season is going to be interesting, after all.”

Ike hummed next to her in agreement. 

'Interesting, indeed.'

Chapter Text

Aside from the exciting return of the Ms. and Mr. Kaneshiro, the town is abuzz as Mr. Shu Yamino, from the illuminous Yamino household, has set his foot in town again this season. Though this author has observed that he is not alone, and that is not only to say of the long line of admirers that follows him, but he is accompanied by none other than his long-lost brother, Mr. Mysta Rias himself. Will the reappearance of the brothers finally prompt the Lord Majesty to declare his Royal Flash of the season, or will this author have to take matters into his own hands?

— Lord Eviland's Society Papers

"Mysta, you must make haste! We're going to be late for Lord Akuma!" Shu sighed, raising his voice towards the staircase in hope that Mysta would come down faster. They were already late, and it would be unwise to cross Lord Vox Akuma, who was surely going to peel his eyes out for the both of them–not unlike the rest of the ton, it seemed.

Mysta's head popped up first, a sizable pout on his face. "Ugh. I despise the ball, brother." He grumbled, pulling his collar irritatedly as he descended. When that invited a raised eyebrow from Shu, he proceeded to fuss with his cuffs instead. 

Shu shook his head, smiling indulgently at his brother's antics. "I am well aware of that, Mysta." 

"That bloody paper has even gotten the whiff of my return. Tonight is going to be torturous, I'm telling you!" Mysta whined, tugging at Shu's arm.

"Maybe if you try accepting the dance invitations offered your way, you'd find the ball more exciting." He suggested lightly, letting himself be tugged back.

Mysta sent him a look. 

"I would rather die." He declared flatly.

Shu snorted, an ungentlemanly sound that he would allow only in the safe presence of his brother. "Or you could stick to my side like you used to. It's going to be fine." He said, walking towards the entrance, where a lavish carriage had been waiting for them.

Mysta whirled to face him as he retorted, "That is not possible and you know it. What about the young men and ladies alike that ask for your hand at dancing?! I shall be left alone to wither at the back. As always." He crossed his hands across his chest, pouting. Some maid scampered from his vicinity, lest they got caught in the crossfire.

At this, Shu's smile grew. "As I said, Mysta, you mustn't worry yourself. My good friend, Ike Eveland, is going to be there."

Mysta cocked his head questioningly.  

"He is a writer, and I'm sure you'll find him to be a suitable companion for the evening." Shu continued.

"Will he, now?" Mysta didn't look convinced, but Ike had been a dear friend to Shu while Mysta was away. The man was kind and witty, always telling him of the fantastical story he was writing, most of which he kept closely in the leather-bound journal he always brought in his person. 

"Yes. I've frequently told him of you and your job. He's quite interested to hear about them, I gathered." Shu told his brother. Mysta could be…shy, around new person (or in large gatherings, or soirées, or being the center of attention–)

"Hmph. We shall see. Come, brother, let us get this ball over with."

"Ah, Mr. Yamino. Thankyou for granting us your presence tonight. It is always a pleasure seeing you." Lord Akuma's magnetic voice rumbled as Shu and his brother presented themselves at the ball.

Shu graced him with a smile. Always one for hyperbole, this Lord Majesty of his.

Lord Akuma's eyes flicked to the side, "I see this must be Mr. Rias, the detective?" he asked in a curious lilt of voice, which just worsened Mysta's barely concealed nerves.

"You're correct, my Lord." Mysta replied, nodding hastily. 

"The last time I laid eyes on you, you were just barely out of your leading strings, boy. A fine gentleman you grew out to be, Mr. Rias." Lord Akuma hummed, appreciative.

"I–Thank you, my Lord." Mysta replied, a little bewiledered. Shu sent him an encouraging smile.

From the corner of his eyes. Shu caught a tufts of dark-blue hair belonging to Ike. He excused himself and Mysta from the scrutinizing eyes of Lord Akuma and began making their way to Ike.

"Ike! Hello!" Shu said as they got closer.

"Ah, Shu! It's good to see you here." Ike moved to give him a quick hug, patting him warmly in the back.

He released himself from the hug, fixing his glasses as he said, "And this is Mr. Rias, I presume?" 

Shu nodded, motioning his brother. "Yes. Ike, meet my brother, Mysta." 

Mysta cleared his throat. "Mr. Eveland. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please, just call my name comfortably." 

Shu's eyes brightened at his words. He had to commend Mysta for his effots into opening himself up. It was not that Mysta didn't have any friends, it was just Mysta needed the right kind of person, sometimes. One who understand his tendency to be quieter in a large room, and one who could advocate for him when his voice got lost in the crowd. Shu just knew in the instance when he'd met Ike that they'd get along spectacularly. They just needed a little push, was all.

Ike's smiled in return was sincere and held no judgment. "Of course, but only if you'd do the same, Mysta. Oh, and please do tell me about your mystery case. I've heard there was a peculiar mafia family…" 

"Of course, um, Ike." Mysta said, rubbing the back of his neck. They began to converse about the details of Mysta's work overseas, with Shu watching and casting his gaze around the room every once in a while. The two, as he had expected, became so engrossed in the conversation that no one dared to interrupt. 

'Good.' Shu thought, shooting a pointed smile at a couple of ladies –and their mama's– attempt to get close. He would do pretty much anything to keep his brother happy and comfortable again in this so-called high society that once scorned Mysta.

Anything.

Chapter Text

"I must admit that your arrival has caused quite a stir, Mysta." Ike remarked as he led Shu and Mysta inside

Mysta sighed loudly. "I know. What I do not know is how a gossip paper could have this much power over the ton, let alone Lord Akuma himself.” He grumbled. “Besides, how did he even manage to even hear about me in the first place?" 

Shu hummed thoughtfully. "Very weird, indeed. It seemed that this Lord Eviland is very well connected in the society, but somehow managed to escape detection." 

"Maybe he was a butler? They've got the most strategic place at these events but they went unnoticed by many." Mysta speculated, his detective instinct flaring with ideas. 

Shu turned to look towards the butler on the side of the room, expressionlessly handing drinks to the chattering aristocrats. People do tend to forget sometimes, that even the walls have ears. And in this case, the walls even have the capability to sway the opinion of high society through writings alone. Such unimaginable power was dangerous, and Shu was sure that Lord Akuma would want the writer to cease or just disappear altogether. 

“Speaking of, do you think Lord Akuma will name his Royal Flash of the season tonight?” Ike asked, taking a glass of punch from a waiter’s tray. Mysta also took one, while Shu declined with a polite smile.

“Hm. I’m not sure… There are many talks about the Kaneshiro family this season, though. Perhaps they may sway the Lord’s vote?” Shu said.

Ike nodded, considering. “Maybe. But Ms. Kaneshiro has yet to debut into society, and I don’t think the older Kaneshiro would bother himself with finding a partner.”

“You’re familiar with them, Ike?” Mysta asked, raising an eyebrow. Shu also turned to look at Ike, who was sipping his drink nonchalantly.

“In a way.” Ike said vaguely, a cryptic smile on his face. Before either Shu or Mysta had the chance for follow up questions, Ike already spoke up.

"I think I spied a familiar face at the entrance. Would you mind me leaving for a second?" He asked, gesturing towards the crowds near the entryway, where plenty of people were arriving.

Shu replied. "Of course." He was still here to accompany Mysta, anyway. Ike leaving for a couple of minutes wouldn’t be a problem.

"I'll come get you in a minute, I promise." Ike continued, then made his way to greet his acquaintances. 

Mysta shook his head, watching the novelist leave. "Who could be so important that he ditched us?"

“Oh, shush. Let’s wait for him over here.” Shu took Mysta by the arm, leading him to the side of the room where they could converse more comfortably.

Mysta looked around before asking. “That Lord Akuma is still the same as ever.”

“You think so?” Shu asked, tilting his head.

“Yeah. And I see he still does that ridiculous tradition, huh? What was it again? Royal Flush?”

“Royal Flash .”

“Yeah, that. He still does that? What even is the point in that?”

“Well, the one chosen will be the ‘diamond’ of the season, seen as Lord Akuma's approved one. Then suitors will come lining up to court them. It’s tradition, as you say.” Shu recounted, even though he knew Mysta didn't need the refresher.

“Yes, but I don’t get how he's going to choose them anyway. There is simply no logic behind his choice. I bet he’s choosing them based on a whim.” Mysta scoffed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Violet eyes lighting up mischievously, Shu gasped. “Oh no, what if he named you the Royal Flash this season, Mysta?”

“Shu! Don’t fu– don’t joke around like that!” Mysta hissed, which only caused Shu to snicker. 

“No, but imagine!” Shu continued, wiping the tears at the corner of his eyes. 

Shu grinned across the increasingly annoyed Mysta. “He still remembers you as well. Impressive! Don’t forget about me when you got swamped by your suitors in the future, alright, Mysta?” He said, patting Mysta’s shoulder. 

“You’re the worst, Shu.” Mysta deadpanned. 

Shu only laughed harder.

Mercifully for Mysta, Ike's voice came back to call for them. “Shu! Mysta! Over here!” The novelist waved a hand, beckoning them towards the entrance.

Shu and Mysta exchanged glances. “I guess we should..” Shu said, gauging Mysta's reaction. 

Mysta nodded. Apparently all that teasing worked well in uncoiling his nerves. "Yes, we should." 

Together, they crossed the room to reach Ike and his mystery acquaintances. 

Shu’s eyes landed on the two people Ike was speaking to. They were both blond and tall, and the air around them seemed imposing in a senee. Different from the gawking audiences that were failing miserably in secretly watching them, the two stood tall with chest high up, assured in themselves amidst the growing restlessness of the crowd.

Shu’s first impression of the man was that he was huge (compared to him and Ike, anyway), but the stranger was as tall as Mysta, and definitely has more muscle mass than the three of them combined. 

Shu managed to notice the violet hue of his eyes, given that the man was blatantly staring at him. 

“Brother?” The lady next to the man whispered, and Shu’s gaze moved to her. 

‘They could pass off as twins.’ Shu observed, noting the identical purple eyes and long blond hair. And her voice–she had a bit of an accent as well.

Ike stepped aside to gesture towards them pleasantly. “Luca, Lucy, might I introduce you to Mr. Shu Yamino and his brother, Mr. Mysta Rias?” 

Far be it from him to admit he actually liked reading Lord Eviland so much that he became familiar with those two names. Shu did not need to turn his head to see Mysta’s eyes widened in surprise, as Mysta had also taken it upon himself to read about Lord Eviland as much as possible since the paper found about him returning to the country. Shu himself might have been suppressing a startled gasp at the revelation. Discreetly, of course, as the head of the Kaneshiro family had yet to tear his gaze away from Shu. 

“A pleasure to meet you both, Ms. Kaneshiro. Mr. Kaneshiro.” He smiled politely, but with enough friendliness to exude the perfect picture of a responsible head of the Yamino family. He was well versed in hiding the surprise that bubbles in his chest at the revelation. Shu definitely did not expect to see them so soon, much less being introduced to them.

Letting out a small enigmatic smile, the man replied. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Yamino.” 

The way his own name rolled off from that magnetic voice elicited a shiver to run down Shu’s spine. There was a unique, almost breathy quality to Mr. Kaneshiro’s voice, complete with the foreign accent Shu had glimpsed from his sister earlier. 

If it wasn’t telling enough, his grip on Shu’s hand was firm and sure, reflecting the calm confidence Mr. Kaneshiro exuded. 

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Shu dropped his gaze to their joined hand. His attention was brought into the way Mr. Kaneshiro’s large palm engulfed his own, with only their gloves (black and white, respectively) separating them. 

Clearing his throat, Shu gently extracted his hand. Mr. Kaneshiro didn’t even seem to notice until his sister mumbled something quietly, to which Ike hummed next to her. 

Breaking off his trance, Mr. Kaneshiro’s gaze moved to Mysta who had been strategically placing himself behind Shu. 

“Mr. Rias.” He greeted tersely. The confidence Shu observed earlier had morphed into something sharper–something more dangerous.

Mysta nodded, clipped. “Mr. Kaneshiro.”

Shu tilted his head. Mysta was normally shy with new people, not outright rude. “Mysta–” Shu started to say quietly when said brother suddenly turned back to face him, a tense smile plastered on his face. 

“Lovely to meet you, Ms. Kaneshiro.“ Mysta continued, ignoring Shu’s questioning looks. “Shu, Ike, I’m going to catch some fresh air, if you’ll excuse me.” With that, Mysta abruptly turned on his heels, the unnatural smile still etched on his face.

Shu tried to catch his brother by the arm. “Mysta, wait–” Unfortunately, Mysta was much faster and he successfully evaded Shu’s hand. 

Confronted with three bewildered stares, Shu cleared his throat. "My apologies. My brother just arrived here last week, he's still, ah, adapting back." He smiled, hoping it could mask the worry growing in his chest.