Ch 16

The matter seemed to have come to an end, and everyone present silently let it pass without mentioning it again.

"Minachi, why are you here? And recently, it seems like you've been coming to the student council a lot, but there isn't anything important going on."

"It seems like you treat this place as your base, coming here to slack off every day. Don't you care about your studies in class?"

To Kaguya Shinomiya, Minachi Shinya's frequent visits to the student council had some significance.

"I can't help it. I can't learn the knowledge I want here at school."

"Don't be deceived by my grades, which are currently within the top ten of the year. If I wanted to, it would be easy for me to get first place."

"After all, my knowledge base has reached the level of top universities. Although it hasn't been tested, I'm quite confident."

Since Minachi Shinya's physical enhancement reached the peak of human capabilities, even his own brain had undergone development. When it came to matters related to studying, it was a breeze for him. He was a genius.

"But that doesn't mean you can come to the student council every day. After all, you're not a member of the student council."

"If you keep doing this, it will affect our daily work in the student council."

While speaking, Kaguya Shinomiya's gaze shifted towards Chika Fujiwara, who was standing next to her.

Chika Fujiwara pouted, turned her head towards the window, and hopped up and down on her toes, seemingly avoiding Minachi Shinya.

"Alright, Fujiwara, there are some things you can't avoid and need to face. If you continue like this, our work in the student council will be delayed because of you alone."

Kaguya Shinomiya had reached her limit with these words. Even if Chika Fujiwara didn't want to face Minachi Shinya, there was nothing she could do.

"To be honest, when I first heard about it, I was shocked to learn that I have a fiancé."

"I went back home to confirm the information, and it turned out to be true."

"But it's really difficult to accept something like this all of a sudden. After all, I never knew about it before, and I've never even met you."

"Don't get me wrong, I may seem carefree, but I have high expectations for my life partner."

"So far, the qualities I see in you, Minachi, meet my requirements."

"It's just that you're a bit too boring. You spend most of your time wandering around the school and managing your own company. Although I understand that there are things you must take care of, I don't want to get involved in them too early."

"Overall, my feelings towards you are quite complicated."

"If I were to say that I have a good impression of you, I wouldn't deny it. After all, you're outstanding, and outstanding people attract outstanding women. That's a normal thing."

"But when it comes to your personality, although I don't know much about it, you lack the youthful energy that people your age have. You seem more like a middle-aged person who has experienced many trials, mature and stable."

"While such qualities are excellent for an adult, for students like us, it feels like we wouldn't get along well with someone like you."

Chika Fujiwara expressed all her thoughts and impressions of Minachi Shinya in one go, which also made the other two present start pondering.

Indeed, as Chika Fujiwara said, Minachi Shinya had various small flaws. However, overall, it wasn't a big problem. It was just that he had difficulty relating to people his age.

Minachi Shinya had mostly interacted with the student council president, Miyuki Shirogane, and the vice president, Kaguya Shinomiya. But even they hadn't noticed these flaws in him.

Perhaps it was because President Miyuki Shirogane, due to his family background, had been working diligently since childhood and was well aware of the harsh realities of society, which cultivated a mature personality.

As for Vice President Kaguya Shinomiya, she was extraordinary. She had been groomed as the successor of a construction conglomerate by her family since childhood, which naturally made her different from other peers in terms of knowledge and experience.

Even now, Kaguya Shinomiya's emotions were quite shallow. Her every thought was based on the development of interests and benefits.

This could be seen as a common trait in the upbringing of heirs in large family conglomerates. Every decision and action was weighed in terms of gains and losses.

This led to the current situation.

After Chika Fujiwara's reminder, the two of them could also sense the differences in Minachi Shinya's attitude and behavior. It seemed that he was a bit too mature and serious.

"Fujiwara, it's too much trouble to address you that way. Let's just call you Kaguya. That shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Minachi Shinya asked.

"That's no problem at all. After all, our two families have a cooperative relationship now, and our businesses are steadily rising. It's not a problem to have a closer relationship."

"Besides, it's just a matter of address. There's nothing distant about it. So, there shouldn't be any problem."

Kaguya Shinomiya's response was straightforward. After all, in her opinion, it wasn't a big deal.

________

"Kaguya, it seems you have no problem with speaking about me like this. I won't deny that I may appear mature and serious in handling certain matters."

"But that doesn't mean I have an old soul. I still enjoy playing and living life like any person my age."

"And before you criticize me for being mature and serious, you should reflect on yourself."

"Actually, Kaguya, your issues are much more serious than mine."

"I only appear composed when dealing with problems and work. But you, Kaguya, no matter what you do, you always prioritize your personal interests."

"Compared to me, your actions resemble those of a seasoned businessperson."

"Although at school, everyone calls you the 'Ice Queen,' and I won't deny that."

"But your cold demeanor is not a façade; it's genuine. You seem indifferent to anything that doesn't benefit you. That's not characteristic of someone our age."

Minachi Shinya had been holding back these words for a while, and he finally let them out.

"During regular days, it's only Secretary Fujiwara who can have a chat with you. I haven't seen you interact much with other students."

The people present began to ponder this issue. After all, this school was different from others—it had been transformed from an elite school. The students who could attend this school were either academically excellent or had influential backgrounds, just like the nobles of the past.

As a result, they often fell into the same trap—placing too much emphasis on personal interests, whether in thoughts or friendships.

In this school, how many friends could one truly have? Most people wore a façade, and only those who had spent a considerable amount of time together could truly understand who their real friends were and who were merely acquaintances for mutual gain.

"Let's not dwell on these heavy topics anymore. Let's talk about something else," Chika Fujiwara immediately interrupted the conversation, steering it in a different direction.

"That's right, we're just students, and these matters don't concern us," added Miyuki Shirogane.

"And the main point of our discussion this time is not about Minachi frequently being in the student council recently."

"Now we should come up with a solution. It can't go on like this."

"Besides, Minachi has other responsibilities, running a large company and attending classes. He probably doesn't have much time to handle student council affairs."

"Yet, Minachi has not officially entrusted us with anything, yet he lingers in the student council every day. It's quite unreasonable."

Miyuki Shirogane immediately took the lead and redirected the conversation.

"Yes! The issue at hand originated from Minachi frequently being in the student council. Let's resolve it quickly."

But in Minachi Shinya's view, Chika Fujiwara seemed to have diverted the conversation too far. The topic should have focused on their engagement and how to handle it. How did it end up being about him lingering in the student council every day?

"Fujiwara, it seems you've deviated from the point. You should understand why I stay in the student council every day. Why can't you give me a clear answer?"

The other two individuals present were immediately brought back, realizing that the conversation had gone off track.

Although the discussion was centered around Minachi frequently being in the student council while not being a member, it ultimately stemmed from the lack of a clear answer regarding his relationship with Chika Fujiwara.

Due to his exceptional academic performance, as long as Minachi didn't violate any school rules, he had a lot of freedom at this school. The school didn't concern itself with such matters because Minachi wasn't just an ordinary student; he was the successful owner of a company.

His daily work was demanding, and as long as Minachi's academic performance wasn't affected, it didn't matter if he didn't attend classes every day.

As for his frequent presence at school, it was probably because he found it interesting, a way to relish the joys of student life.

"Well, let's take some time to think about it. Why rush things?" Chika Fujiwara interlocked her fingers nervously.

"Alright, I didn't intend to press the matter so urgently."

"The reason I stay in the student council is that I seem to have difficulty getting along with the other students in our class."

"And among my classmates, you, Fujiwara, are the only one I'm acquainted with."

"So when I'm at school, if I don't spend time with you, then who should I cling to?"

"I still hope to establish connections and bond with my classmates through your friendship."

Minachi Shinya made his point clear. If they couldn't comprehend his words, then they were truly a group of incompetents.

However, Chika Fujiwara, despite the obvious reasons, felt that Minachi Shinya's intentions were not genuine.

"Minachi, I can't believe you still hold onto that idea."

"You still want to use my connections to harm my friends. I was wrong about you."

Chika Fujiwara's words were confusing, leaving the other two student council members perplexed.

After all, both Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya were focused on handling student council affairs and their own personal matters. They hadn't had the chance to fully understand the incidents that occurred within the school unless they became significant enough to catch their attention.

So, Miyuki Shirogane asked, "Fujiwara, what exactly do you mean by Minachi's intentions relating to the girls in our class?"

______

Upon hearing Kaguya Shinomiya's words, Chika Fujiwara immediately stood in front of her, blocking her from Minachi Shinya. After all, even Chika Fujiwara hadn't anticipated this conversation if it weren't for today. Until now, Minachi Shinya's dream remained unchanged—he had a thief's heart.

He kept a close eye on the female students in their class, and it seemed like he had also set his sights on Kaguya Shinomiya, given his frequent presence in the student council.

"Kaguya-chan, you need to be careful," Chika warned. "Minachi isn't a good guy. When he first joined the school, he did something that no other guy dared to think of."

Miyuki Shirogane was quite curious about this and asked, "What did he do?"

"Is there anything us guys wouldn't dare to think or do?" he added.

Chika Fujiwara turned her gaze towards President Shiranui and gave him a condescending look. She couldn't believe that someone surrounded by two outstanding classmates like them, who excelled both in appearance and academic performance, had never even considered making a move. Even someone as patient as Chika Fujiwara couldn't help but criticize him.

"President, to be honest, I don't even want to criticize you. In my eyes, you don't seem like a man at all."

"Normally, any guy who sees outstanding girls like Kaguya-chan and me would flock around us, trying to gain our favor, constantly harassing us."

"But you, President, have been as expressionless as a wooden log, focusing only on student council matters and going home."

"I really wonder which girl was blind enough to be interested in you."

"After all, besides your academic achievements, there's nothing remarkable about you, whether it's your emotional intelligence or appearance."

"Especially that dead fish stare of yours, it's enough to scare away a bunch of girls."

Chika Fujiwara's words struck Miyuki Shirogane, leaving him in pain. In such a short time, he had already endured more than he could bear. Being verbally attacked by his colleagues repeatedly and having no room to defend himself was truly disheartening.

Miyuki Shirogane retreated to a corner and began drawing circles on the wall. Meanwhile, Chika Fujiwara turned her head to look at Kaguya Shinomiya.

"Be careful when you interact with Minachi in the future, especially when you're alone with him," she warned. Her gaze resembled that of a mother hen observing an eagle, as if fearing that the eagle might snatch away her vulnerable chicks.

"Minachi, this guy had quite an audacious self-introduction when he entered our class," Chika said. "Although in our high society, having multiple wives and concubines is not a problem as long as it's kept discreet, he openly proclaimed his intention to conquer the excellent girls in this school during his introduction."

"And he wasn't even a student in our class originally; he only joined us after the school year began."

"He used his influence to transfer himself into our class, all because our class had more female students of high quality."

"From this perspective, Minachi, even if you want to live a life with multiple wives and concubines, your expectations for a partner are quite high."

"Initially, our classmates held high hopes for Minachi. After all, he excelled academically, looked good, and came from a good background. He could be considered a perfect match."

"But his personality and mindset made it difficult for him to fit in with our class."

"If it weren't for him coming to find me after every class, I might have had no interaction with him."

"But we did have some interaction, and it was initiated by me."

"But what I'm more interested in is how you guys reacted to all of this?"

"I assume you've received accurate information from your parents about our impending engagement, right?"

"So, you should also understand that our engagement is based on the agreement made by our parents."

"I don't know if you're willing to acknowledge this relationship from your side?"

"Back then, when our company group was in decline, your family didn't say anything and cut off contact with us."

"Now that my company group has made a comeback, I wonder what your decision will be."

Minachi Shinya's direct approach was far from polite. From his tone and manner, it was evident that he was dissatisfied with their past alliance. Although such relationships between adults were commonplace, it didn't mean that Minachi Shinya had to swallow his pride. Despite not holding any personal grudge against Chika Fujiwara, he strongly resented the actions of the Fujiwara family during that time.

"Well, even though I'd like to say that this doesn't concern me and that my parents don't have the right to decide my marriage," Kaguya responded, "I have already prepared myself for a life within this family. After all, you have to give as much as you receive."

"As for what happened in the past, I apologize on behalf of my parents, but I doubt you'd accept it."

"After all, my apology is far from what my parents should apologize for."

"It's enough if you understand it. Some things don't concern you."

"I'm just more disgusted with the actions of your parents back then."

Minachi Shinya was straightforward in his speech, but he maintained a clear sense of right and wrong. Moreover, he wasn't interested in squabbling with ordinary people at this point. After all, soon enough, he would cause a huge uproar, and he didn't know what the outcome would be. Now that he had revealed the mysteries, both the government and the secret world would surely not let him go, as Minachi Corporation held all the information. Even Minachi Shinya himself couldn't escape the consequences. Fortunately, he had significantly grown stronger by now, even without any mysterious powers. He had great confidence in his physical strength. He wasn't afraid even if faced with a tactical-level opponent.

_______

"Anyway, these matters have nothing to do with you, and you don't need to worry about them."

"The reason I let you know about this was just to inform your parents of my existence through your channel."

"Also, to test their reaction."

"It seems they plan to keep this matter quiet."

"So, I won't investigate further into this."

"But I believe that one day in the future, they will come to me again."

"And at that time, I won't be as accommodating as I am now."

"After all, I have given them opportunities."

"If they don't appreciate it, who can blame me?"

Minachi Shinya was so confident because he knew that various parties would approach him afterward to discuss matters related to the mysterious realm. Especially from the government's side, with their resources, if they were to seriously investigate these matters, given the current technology, it would be difficult for the people from the mysterious realm to conceal their tracks indefinitely.

At that time, in order to avoid alerting the entire mysterious realm, they would undoubtedly seek out Minachi Shinya, who possessed information about the mysterious realm. Naturally, they would select individuals who had a close relationship with Minachi Shinya to communicate with. Kaguya Shinomiya's parents were the most suitable candidates.

However, the relationship between Minachi Shinya and Kaguya Shinomiya's parents was not currently pleasant. When the government sought information from Minachi Shinya, they might try some interesting tactics, but then again, it was uncertain. After all, Kaguya Shinomiya had a good relationship with Miyuki Shirogane. Even if they turned a blind eye to one aspect, they would still consider their interests.

"Alright, it's getting late today," Minachi Shinya said. "I'll go back. I've been in the student council for quite a while."

"I won't disturb you from your work."

"I also need to go back and check on the situation in my company today and see if there are any issues."

"But I want to leave you with one last statement."

"Soon, a major event will occur in this city."

"Although it has nothing to do with you, this matter will eventually come to light."

With that cryptic statement, Minachi Shinya left the student council room, leaving the three people there somewhat perplexed. Only Kaguya Shinomiya, with her affluent background, seemed to have guessed something.

"Is it related to your work?" she asked straightforwardly. "Or is it that the ritual is about to take place again in this city?"

"I'm not sure about that," Minachi Shinya replied. "Anyway, it would be nice if something good happens next. This time, such matters cannot be concealed."

"And it's also impossible to stop the ritual."

"I'm really looking forward to what will happen next."

"Then, take care."

After saying that, Minachi Shinya left the student council room. After all, he had completed everything he needed to do during this period, and there was nothing important to pay attention to now.

The most important thing at the moment was to proceed with the main objective, which would only take some time.

The only thing he would have to face soon was the Fifth Holy Grail War.

Moreover, the Command Spell, which symbolized the qualification of a Master, had appeared on Minachi Shinya's right hand.

But Minachi Shinya was always curious about this.

After all, he wasn't a traditional mage, and no one in his family for generations had possessed any magical aptitude.

And the selection of Masters by the Holy Grail was based on this basic condition.

If a chosen Master didn't possess any magical power within their body, it would be impossible for them to summon a Servant.

Of course, there were exceptions, but they were very rare and almost impossible to occur.

Although Minachi Shinya was very interested in the intriguing Holy Grail War project, and there was a high possibility that the Holy Grail would choose him, he still thought it was unlikely because he didn't have any magical power or any alternative energy source.

However, the Command Spell had indeed appeared on his right hand, which indicated that he had become a Master in the upcoming Fifth Holy Grail War.

There was only one possibility left. Although his body didn't contain any magical power, after the training he had gone through during this period, his innate physical attribute, the Skill of "Inherent Body (A)," had allowed him to possess physical conditions far surpassing ordinary humans. And as long as he continued to train hard, he could easily reach the limits of what a human could achieve.

Within this powerful body resided an immense life force.

The magical energy system in the world of Tsukihime was derived from the external world's main source, filtered and absorbed through the internal small source within a mage's body. More accurately, a mage's magical power was created by blending their own life force with the external world's magical energy.

If a mage expended too much magical power during the use of magic, it could potentially damage their own life force.

Moreover, if a major ritualistic magic were to be performed, and one relied solely on their own magical power instead of using the leylines, if their own magical power was insufficient, the magic would automatically drain the life force within the mage's body and convert it into magical energy to activate the spell.

From this, it could be seen that although Minachi Shinya didn't possess any magical power within his body, when considering his life force, it could be said to be on par with the life force of the mythical creatures from the Age of the Gods, or even surpass it.

Minachi Shinya's manifestation of this life force could be seen as a throwback to an earlier era.

After a period of time, once Minachi Shinya developed his body to the pinnacle of what a human could achieve, he would naturally become the most primal form of a human being.

One could say that he was the same as the original Adam created by God.

If there were any differences between the two, it would be that Minachi Shinya possessed the innate talent of a primitive human but didn't possess that spiritual core—the spiritual core of the original human.