Ryuusui Nanami.
To the world, he is known as a selfish brat. A spoiled child who desires absolutely everything under the sun. In public, there is never a moment where he is not surrounded by luxury or draped over some velvet lounge, a glass of something expensive in one hand and a woman fawning over him in the other.
He spends his days sailing across the globe, chasing horizons for no other reason than because he felt like it. The ocean breeze, the glittering water, the thrill of open freedom. If someone called him a modern-day pirate, he would probably take it as a compliment.
Most families would panic watching their son burn money like confetti. The Nanami family did panic. They tried countless times to curb his recklessness. The problem was that every time they attempted to restrict him, he just came back even stronger.
Decrease his allowance by thirty percent? Ryuusui simply made his own fortune within a month.
Accuse him of contributing nothing to the family name? He casually raised the company's stock prices before lunch.
No matter how irresponsible he looked, the results always pointed in the opposite direction. He was dependable, disgustingly capable, financially unstoppable, and intelligent in ways that annoyed everyone around him. Yet his attitude, his lack of modesty, the constant hungry gleam in his eyes… that unbearable greed… was something the Nanami family wished they could delete entirely.
One afternoon, while lounging on a leather sofa with a bored yawn, he heard the announcement.
"I am going to school?" Ryuusui asked, blinking once.
"Yes. You need to learn some manners," his older brother replied, taking a seat like a judge preparing a sentence.
"Is my education at home and overseas not enough?" Ryuusui complained. Suddenly his expression brightened as if struck by divine revelation.
"I know."
He snapped his fingers. "I will simply buy the school."
His brother's eyebrow twitched. "Money is not the solution to everything, Ryuusui."
"That is what people without money say," he shot back.
"This school cannot be bought," his brother replied, crossing his arms like a brick wall refusing negotiation.
"Well, I want it anyway. As the greediest man on earth, there is not a single thing I do not want."
"Sorry to disappoint, but this school is strictly government funded," his brother said. His tone was triumphant, as if he had finally cornered the uncatchable Ryuusui Nanami. "There is no saving you from this. No amount of money will help."
Ryuusui leaned back. His voice was calm, almost bored. "Then I will simply buy the government."
His brother sighed so deeply it seemed to damage his soul. "So simply minded."
Then he smirked, a rare victorious expression. "Too bad for you. I have temporarily frozen all your assets, your profits, and every company account under your name."
Ryuusui shrugged. "I have three secret accounts."
"Even so, it will not be enough to buy the school. The place is called the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School." His brother's smile returned, irritatingly smug. "You are bound to meet some interesting individuals. They say many of Japan's most successful elites come from there."
He leaned in like a villain delivering a final strike. "So be grateful I am sending you."
For a moment, Ryuusui said nothing. Then he slowly stood, eyes glimmering with that dangerous golden arrogance he was famous for.
"Fine," he said. "If the greatest individuals in Japan are there, I will simply take everything they have as well."
His brother groaned into his hands. "That is not the lesson you are supposed to learn."
"Pack your bags and go. I expect to see someone different when I come back," his brother said, waving him off as if shooing away a troublesome pet.
Ryuusui smiled like a man who had just been handed the world's easiest challenge.
"A cage like this cannot hold me," he declared.
He snapped his fingers sharply.
"Francois! I require assistance!"
Francois appeared almost instantly, as if summoned through a hidden doorway. Their presence carried the silent dignity of a loyal knight, yet their steps were quiet and graceful. Francois had a round face framed by neat blonde corkscrew curls. Their eyes were sharp as polished steel, and their expression rarely shifted from calm seriousness. The butler uniform was immaculate: a dark blazer with striped cuffs, a sash at the waist, a crisp ascot, trousers with a slight flare, and tall-heeled boots that clicked faintly with every step.
"What is it, sir?" Francois bowed with one hand pressed to their chest.
"I am off to a new adventure," Ryuusui said with the excitement of a child discovering a new toy.
"But this time, it is school."
Francois blinked once. If they were surprised, their face refused to show it.
"In the meantime," Ryuusui continued, "I want you to stay put. Sooner or later I will get my wish."
Francois tilted their head slightly. "And what is that wish, sir?"
Ryuusui lifted his chin confidently, snapping his fingers again as if calling lightning.
"To own the place. Although that is only a minor wish compared to the goal."
His brother rubbed his temples like a man losing the last of his sanity.
"Your uniform has been laid out in front of your room," he said.
Ryuusui ignored the tone and stretched dramatically, as if preparing for a red carpet.
"A uniform, hm. Very well. If I am to attend this school, I will attend in style."
His brother shot him a look of pure exhaustion. "This is not a fashion show. It is for discipline, education, and social development."
"That sounds so boring," Ryuusui replied without hesitation.
Francois stepped closer. "Sir, shall I prepare your belongings?"
"Yes. Only the essentials," Ryuusui said confidently.
His brother narrowed his eyes. "Your idea of essentials includes a luxury yacht, three maids, and a crate of vintage wine."
Ryuusui tapped his chin. "You are right. Better make it two crates. The first might run out."
"You are taking nothing but your uniform and your ID," his brother said. His voice sounded like a prison sentence.
Ryuusui stared at him, horrified. "What am I, a monk?"
Francois coughed politely. "Sir, I believe you will survive. You always do."
Ryuusui crossed his arms, already plotting. "Fine. I will adapt. The world's greatest businessman can start from nothing and still rise to the top."
His brother muttered under his breath. "You do not need to rise. You just need to behave like a normal student."
Ryuusui's smile sharpened.
"I refuse to be normal. If I am a student, then I will simply become the greatest one."
Francois placed a hand over their heart once again. "Then I look forward to seeing results when you return, sir."
Ryuusui snapped his fingers one more time with dramatic flair.
"Expect great things. This school will not know what hit it."