Chapter 29 - Career Counselling/Successor Time

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A/N : I'm kinda scared for your reaction for this chapter but I just wanted to say that this chapter may be confusing and the content in here can cause many readers to be upset but I just want you all to read everything before commenting hurtful remarks and such. I have an author's note below at the bottom to explain this entire chapter and why certain characters are made as such. Heads up, there is mention of LGBTQ+ and I'm a supporter of it so please don't jump to any conclusions about me when you haven't read the author's note below. Another thing is that I'm no expert in business. I'm not even 18 so I don't know how it works so do excuse misconceptions and such about how business is written here because my knowledge is from dramas about heirs etc. If you want to correct me, go ahead, I don't mind and will appreciate it but please don't be too mean about it. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.

" That octopus really intends on holding career counselling sessions? " Irina wondered as she entered the classroom.

Everyone looked up and gaped at her appearance. Irina no longer wore her short, revealing outfit to school and was dressed in a beige, turtle neck sweater and a long, velvet-coloured skirt.

" Bitch-sensei! " Toka exclaimed, " You're in regular clothes! "

" That's right, cheap old clothes. Just trying to match your plain, old boring world. " Irina felt insecure as the guys openly gaped at her, not saying a word, " What? Is it better if I show more skin? "

" No, in a way, hiding it makes you look sexier. " Okajima's nose bled.

" It makes you look like you've grown up! " Mimura added, blushing.

" Irina-sensei, you look good! " Asuna complimented.

" Thank you, Asuna. At least, I can look good in anything. " Irina harrumphed.
*
" The future, huh... " Asuna sighed as she leaned against her seat and rocked it on its two hind legs, thinking about the survey Koro-sensei had given out.

" That's dangerous, Asuna. " Karma said as he looked down at his own sheet of paper.

" Don't be a hypocrite, I've seen you do it before. " Asuna scowled but complied as she let the chair rest on its four legs, " What do I want to do... "

" Careers, huh? And we'll be taking advice from the monster who wants to destroy the earth. Isn't that a bit ironic? " Sugino thought out loud.

Asuna gazed out of the window.
*
" So you're planning to become a bureaucrat? " Koro-sensei asked, " Action behind the scenes of national administration. I think it may be a bit restricting for you. "

Karma gazed at Koro-sensei neutrally as he leaned against the chair with an arm slung around it, " I'm sure you knew how worthless the politicians were during the last quake. "

" I can't deny that. " Koro-sensei nodded.

" Yet the country kept moving on, flourishing much better than I expected despite the quake. That made me think that the bureaucrats pulling the strings in the shadows must be pretty amazing. That's what I want to be. " Karma smirked, " Got a problem? "

" No, I think that's exactly like you. " Koro-sensei said proudly.

" I just want to know since I'm meeting Asuna as one of the last but did you both discuss about the careers you're planning to pursue as you are fiancees? " Koro-sensei questioned.

" No, we never mention anything about this. We're more of a live in the moment kind of couple. We didn't really plan what we want to do and even I only figured mine out recently. It'll probably take Asuna awhile to decide. " Karma answered seriously.
*
'Judging from Karma's response, it seems Asuna hasn't given her future much thought so I guess  I might expect a blank survey for now' Koro-sensei thought just as Asuna entered the room.

" Take a seat, Asuna. " Koro-sensei smiled, " I'll cut to the chase and ask if you have any idea what kind of career you want to pursue? "

" No. " Asuna replied with no hesitation.

" I see. " Koro-sensei nodded.

" It's not like I didn't thought about it, it's more like I thought I would end up working in the same department like otou-san and nii-chan. " Asuna shrugged, " But...when I think about it, office work and such seems a bore to me and I kinda find it stifling. "

" I'm not opposed to working in buildings and such and don't need to have a job that requires full-on hands activity 24/7 but, I don't think anything to do with politics and security would suit me. " Asuna looked down at her lap, " Growing up surrounded by such things kinda made me see it as a necessity in my life but not something I would have an interest in. "

" I see, so you want a career that you've never had any experience before? " Koro-sensei clarified.

" That's exactly it! " Asuna nodded, " Also, probably not related to my hobbies like I don't feel like being a mangaka or something like that since everyone knows how much I like anime and manga but I don't see myself suited to their lifestyle and would just rather enjoy their works instead and support them. "

" There's a variety of careers left even if you had taken some out. Go and try to attend some workshops related to careers that aren't part of security, politics and such. It can be an eye opener for you. " Koro-sensei advised.

" Hai~ "
*
" WOAH! " a shout caught the others' attention as they were going down the mountain, " There's a limousine down here! "

" Eh?! Who is it? Who is it? " Kurahashi asked as she tried to get a peek.

"  A celebrity? " Sugino wondered.

From the limousine, an aged man with a bear and wore a neat suit stepped out and faced the gawking students, zooming in on Asuna and Karma who were chatting with Nagisa.

" Young Lady Asuna, " the man greeted, bowing his head, " your presence has been requested by  the Old Madame. "

" Grandmother? " Asuna repeated in surprise, her eyebrows raised in suspicion.

" Hai, we are tasked with bringing you over to her residence as soon as school was let out. " the man nodded, " Also, only you are allowed in. You cannot bring Mister Akabane Karma. "

" Why? " Asuna's voice dropped, her tone deadly as everyone froze slightly, never heard Asuna with this tone of voice.

" It's the Old Madame's orders. " the man said, the only explanation he could give.

Asuna's fists clenched tightly.

" Go ahead, Asuna. I'll meet up with you later. " Karma urged her quietly but comfortingly.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and basked in Karma's comfort for a moment before moving forward, entering the limousine with the door shut firmly behind her. The class was silent as it drove away with Karma's eyes not straying from it until it disappeared from the horizon.

" Karma-kun, is Asuna on bad terms with her grandmother? " Nagisa asked, curiosity bubbling within him.

" I guess you could say that. " Karma shrugged, walking ahead, not giving a definite answer.

'Hah...what does that old hag want?' Karma sighed as his eyes had a dangerous glint in them.
*
Asuna stared at the ground in front of her, not wiling herself to look up to the old woman who is her paternal grandmother. It's been a while since she was in her presence alone.

" Look at me. " she commanded and Asuna knew she had to obey.

Her eyes looked up to meet the hardened eyes of the old woman. Her greyed hair pulled neatly into a low bun with no strands sticking out and wore a lilac traditional kimono with grey designs. This is Asuna's grandmother, Kawasaki Ena.

" No greeting? What kind of environment were you raised in for such low manners? I knew that woman was trouble. " Ena sighed, " No matter. I didn't ask you to come here for that. "

'Ask? It's not like I had a choice whether I could decline' Asuna gritted her teeth.

" It's about this time of year that you students are having those career counselling sessions for your future. Did you have anything in mind yet? " Ena asked, her eyes sharp.

" No, I have not decided. " Asuna answered monotonously.

" Good, then this will be easy. You will be the next head of the Kawasaki Defence Industry. " Ena said, shocking Asuna.

" What?! Forgive my rudeness, but why? " Asuna questioned, her eyes wide in disbelief, " Rinko-nee has been training to succeed the position! "

" She's not fit to be the head. " Ena said sharply, " All of you...I don't understand. If I could, I would never give any of you the position of head but it must be done, my body cannot take the stress for much longer if I have to wait for my great-grandkids to succeed me. "

" You still think of us as failures and unworthy of the Kawasaki name, don't you? " Asuna mumbled.

" I still do. " Ena answered coolly, " My eldest daughter died in an accident, the second one eloping with the son of our rival and finally, my only son marrying an orphan. Life already went wrong from the start. And now, your mother is hospitalised for treatment too. "

" You make it sound as if okaa-san can control what happens to her! " Asuna shouted in anger.

" We wouldn't need to support her if your father didn't marry her and marry the marriage partner I've been pushing him towards to! " Ena raised her voice, " And now, your brother is in a relationship with another man and your sister is going to get married to a man who owns a small business. Your entire family is going against everything I said to avoid and you are engaged to that Akabane Karma whose behaviour is atrocious. "

" This doesn't have anything to do with why Rinko-nee cannot be the one to succeed you. If you're talking about our heritage, then wouldn't I be the same? " Asuna pointed out.

" Exactly, the reason isn't that. " Ena sighed, " That girl is infertile. "

" Huh? "

" She can't bear her own children. " Ena elaborated, " What kind of head will allow non-blood related children to succeed her when she can no longer continue in her position? I won't allow such a  thing to happen in this family. I won't allow an orphan to be the head of this family one day. "

" This is ridiculous...JUST BECAUSE RINKO-NEE IS INFERTILE, YOU WON'T LET HER SUCCEED?! She worked hard, she's been training to be your successor! How can you do this to her?! " Asuna cried out, " I was never trained either! I don't want such responsibility! If you think I'll just accept this, I won't! "

" You don't have a say once I make it official tomorrow night at the party. " Ena said with a small smile that said she was already a step ahead of Asuna, " You can cry all you want about it but tomorrow night, once it's announced, you can't run away. "

Asuna clenched her fists and without a word, left the room.

" Should we-- " the head maid began to ask but halted when Ena raised a hand.

" No, let her have her freedom. After all, she'll be stuck with me for her training after tomorrow night. "

" Hai. "
*
" I'm here. " Karma announced as he entered Kawasaki Rinko's home where Asuna has been staying.

" Karma-kun! I'm so glad you're here. " Rinko came up to him with a worried look on her face, " After Asuna returned from her visit to Grandmother's home, she's been having a tantrum. "

" AGH! " the two heard Asuna shout before hearing glass shatter.

" It must have been bad. I'll go up now. " Karma nodded towards Rinko with a reassuring smile before heading to Asuna's room.

Knock, knock.

" Asuna, let me in. " Karma said lowly.

" Go away. " Asuna said, muffled by the door.

" I won't hesitate to break this door. " Karma said nonchalantly.

" I said. Go. Away. " Asuna raised her voice.

Karma sighed as he moved away from the door. He went down the stairs and exited the house, leaving everyone confused. He stood next to the tree that had a branch extended towards Asuna's bedroom window. He climbed it and perched himself on the branch, peering into Asuna's room to see his fiancee crouched on the floor while hugging her pillow, leaning against the door. Lucky for him, her window was already unlocked so he just opened it and jumped into the room.

" Yo, I'm sure if you were your usual self, you'd be screaming about how you'd seen something like this happen in a manga but seems like you're too upset about what that old hag had said. So, " Karma plopped himself next to Asuna on the ground, " go ahead. I'm not gonna go anywhere. "

It was silent between them for a long while before a hiccup was sounded from Asuna, soon followed by sobs.

" She wants me to be the next head...I don't want that...*hiccup* and Rinko-nee...she trained so hard to be the next successor...and she-she just...it's like all her effort is for nothing! How could she be...my grandmother...when she's so heartless?! " Asuna sobbed, trying to wipe her tears away but more came out each second.

" ... "

" I hate her...I really do... " Asuna sniffled.

" When will it be official? " Karma asked.

" Tomorrow night. "

" Tomorrow night...it's the Kawasaki Defense Industry's anniversary, does anyone else know? " Karma questioned as he pulled out his phone.

" I don't think so...she's planning to shock everyone, especially Rinko-nee...she knows I won't want to tell Rinko-nee on my own in case it hurts her feeling... " Asuna muttered.

" Well, I'll do something about it. " Karma said confidently as he stood up and ruffled Asuna's hair who looked up at him with teary eyes.

" Karma, I know you want to help but can you really go up against Grandmother? She's very powerful in the business world, one of the top three. What are you going to do? What can you do? " Asuna asked worriedly.

" This is the first time I've heard you be so doubtful of me. Even though I'm not as powerful as her, I can do something to at least put up a fight. Don't worry. Go and hang out with Bitch-sensei, she's coming over by the way. " Karma informed her casually.

" HUH?! "
*
" Now that Asuna is occupied by Bitch-sensei...time to do some serious digging. " Karma hummed as he tapped on his phone continuously.

" Hello? Ah, Kawasaki-san? Gomen, I mean, father, have you heard that the old hag had requested Asuna to visit her?...hai, yes...you see-- "

Meanwhile with Asuna...

" Well, I'm not one who knows how to comfort a sad person, but what's going on in your life for you to be like this? " Irina asked as she sat on the edge of Asuna's bed while Asuna cuddled her pillow to her chest, her eyes red and swollen.

" My future is being decided for me... " Asuna said quietly.

" Isn't this like those books and dramas? Those heirs will always run away to avoid that responsibility. " Irina pointed out.

" Well, this isn't one of those and it's not like I would get far. " Asuna chuckled dryly, " I knew she never liked us yet she will still use us for her benefit. "

" Sounds like your grandmother is nasty, huh. " Irina remarked.

" She's always one about keeping appearances. The only time I heard her showing sorrow and deep emotions was when she lost ojii-san and Aunt Yume. Heard she got stricter as the years go by and when otou-san married okaa-san, she had reached the limits of her patience. She didn't want to have otou-san as the successor since he disobeyed her and planned to give it to Aunt Saki but she eloped with the son of a rival. She went hysterical. " Asuna had a grim smile on her face, " Deemed us, otou-san's family as unworthy and failures. But as she's getting older, she needed a successor so she reluctantly decided to choose one from us. Well, after learning more about us first hand, you could say she was disgusted with us. "

" Disgusted? "

" She found out Kou-nii is bisexual and is dating a man. Rinko-nee was dating her fiancee back then, he's now the owner of a small business. She said she couldn't believe we would tie the knot with lowly peasants but was really against Kou-nii being her successor so it was decided Rinko-nee would be the one. " Asuna smiled sadly, " Until today. Apparently, I'm going to be the successor instead cause Rinko-nee's infertile and she refuses to have an orphan who she may adopt into the family to be a future successor. "

" ...no offence, but this really is like those family dramas. " Irina commented as Asuna laughed lightly.

" Right? I wonder what Karma is going to-- "

" Why aren't you doing anything? " Irina asked abruptly.

" Huh? " Asuna blinked in confusion.

" Why are you just sitting here being a damsel in distress and not trying to ensure your sister will be the successor? " Irina elaborated.

" If I knew I could do something, I would but...I've never studied about these successor things. I'm the third child, I didn't think I stood a chance to be a successor. Didn't receive any training either. I don't know about Karma but... "

" Isn't he your fiancee? Don't you trust him? "

" Of course I do! " Asuna protested.

" Then, believe in him. I can't believe I'm going to give one of those cringey advices they give in those dramas but since you love him and trust Karma, your fiancee, you know he could do anything if he puts his mind to it. And have you seen how jealous he gets when you mention another guy's name? He'll do anything for your happiness. " Irina sighed, " I don't know if I'm allowed to tell you this, but that Karma, he said he plans to be a bureaucrat. "

Asuna stared at Irina in wonder.

" I'm sure you know to be a bureaucrat, your qualifications need to be good--no, excellent. And if he's aiming to be a bureaucrat, he needs to know techniques on how to enforce decisions on others like how bureaucrats take laws and decisions made by government and put them into practice. " Irina smiled at Asuna, " Don't worry, he'll get you out of your predicament. Maybe I should give him a prince outfit so that when he successfully save you, he'll look like a prince. "

Asuna bursts out laughing.
*
The next day...

Asuna was swept up by attendants sent by Ena to prepare for the party that night. She wasn't allowed out of the guards' sight hired by Ena to ensure Asuna doesn't meet with anyone until the party.

" It's like I'm a caged bird... " Asuna whispered to herself as she sat on the window seat that overlooked the large garden of the venue they had rented for the celebration of the anniversary of the Kawasaki Defence Industry.

Asuna wore a traditional kimono, cream in colour with a white calla lily pattern on the bottom left, another on her right sleeve and one on her left shoulder. It was held together by a bright red obi. Strands of her hair from the front was pulled back and braided, tied together firmly in the center of the

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