Chapter 156

October 15th, 2096, after school, two weeks before the Thesis Competition, First High School was full of commotion due to the preparations. Despite that, the current buzz was due to something else entirely different.

They were talking about a sudden visitor. The students from second and third years' were familiar with this visitor; even the freshmen could hardly miss the presence of the popular OG1.

The person in question, Saegusa Mayumi, was walking towards the guest room. The school seemed to have decided to treat her as a member of the 10MC instead of as the former Student Council President; a daughter of the Saegusa family. Mayumi requested to see Tatsuya alone. This was due to the nature of her request.

"I'm sorry, Tatsuya-kun. I thought it was best to come to First High to talk to you..."

Mayumi expressed her thoughts and bowed; probably, because she noticed the commotion she had caused. Most likely not because she heard the rumors, since her skill of perception was through sight, not by hearing. While walking to the guest room the commotion from everyone in sight could be heard. By now, they've become the subject of curiosity and speculation. It's hardly possible for her to not be aware of the situation.

"No, please don't worry."

Tatsuya had his share of being gossiped about due to his position and ability. But, his answer was not meant to be consolation for Mayumi. Certainly, the fact that she came to visit the school meant that there would be rumors going on for 75 days2. Still, it's better than to be disturbed at home. There was a mountain of things that he didn't want to show to a member of the 10MC in his house. Of course, he said it casually but he couldn't ignore the risks of Mayumi ever seeing them.

It is more convenient for Tatsuya that Mayumi chose to come to school rather than his house. It would be quite easy for her to obtain his address, but she blatantly chose to be gossiped about. Though Tatsuya could hardly care about such baseless rumors. And yet, she chose to come to school; she must have been considerate of Tatsuya. —He reached this conclusion based on her actions.

"How do you do?"

Mayumi seemed to be quite tense, unbefitting of her character.

Tatsuya thought, despite being tense, she didn't forget to start with words of greeting. It's hard to say that such an extent was required.

1OG: Old Girl (ex-female student of First High)

2The original word: uwasabanashi o nana jū go-kakan, literally: 75 days life span of rumor, meaning: rumors in the world do not last long, it is something to be forgotten soon by its nature.

At this rate, there's a chance of wasting time. With that in mind, Tatsuya decided to take the lead.

"This year, I won't be as busy, since I'm only in charge of the security for the event day itself."

"Is-is that so? It's surprising for you to not join the competition team."

"That's why, depending on your request, I might be able to assist you."

Tatsuya didn't think that Mayumi came just to see him. They don't have that sort of 'intimate relationship' where the other party could be convinced with words like "I came to meet you because I wanted to see you. This is not to say that they have a normal Senpai-kouhai relationship, but for her to come to meet Tatsuya there must be something that she wanted to ask for.

"...You're right. You can't help it even if it's a waste of time."

Mayumi's eyes were still hesitating. But as he had said, at this rate they will only waste their time. Both Mayumi and Tatsuya couldn't possibly have an unlimited amount of free time. Since she visited Tatsuya with something on her mind, there's no way she would leave First High dejectedly without even delivering her request.

"I wonder if Tatsuya-kun remembers Nakura-san."

"Yes, my condolences."

"Please don't be concerned. Tatsuya-kun, you know about what happened to him?"

"I saw the local news."

"Did you collect such information for the Thesis Competition security preparation?"

"Well, something along those lines."

"…Then."

Mayumi paused for a split second, not to avoid the main issue, but to shake the last bit of hesitation.

"Do you know about his cause of death?"

"Only that he was murdered."

"I guess that's the extent of the published information."

A bitter smile floated on Mayumi's lips, unexpectedly letting out her feelings.

"You're right. Nakura-san was murdered, and I don't know who the culprit is."

Tatsuya showed slight confusion at her words.

"You're not looking into it?"

"My father…"

Mayumi stopped briefly, but she decided to discard her hesitation.

"My father knows who killed Nakura-san."

Tatsuya didn't hide his astonishment.

"Did your father admit this?"

"No. But I'm sure he knows; at the very least he has an idea. Nakura-san had been ordered by my father to go on a secret mission in Kyoto."

"A secret mission in Kyoto, huh..."

If you used the familiar expression "undercover work" to Tatsuya, that will be referred to as illegal work.

"I didn't get to hear this directly either. My father didn't say anything besides 'a certain work'. I was told that 'I don't need to know'."

"I see."

That was the same as saying 'let him do the dirty work'. Tatsuya thought that perhaps Saegusa Kouichi has no intention to hide it.

"So then Senpai, what do you want to do?"

Mayumi had hoped that this question would never arise. However, Tatsuya immediately asked it and stared into her eyes, making her wince her eyes for a little while.

Yet, Mayumi didn't want to silently face down. She was empowered by her sense of duty and righteousness and spoke to Tatsuya face to face.

"I want to know the truth."

"Do you want to identify the culprit?"

"Yes."

There was a slight delay before she answered. But that didn't mean that Mayumi was hesitating, she was just trying to calm her heart down before it started beating faster.

"I'll say it upfront. My relationship with Nakura-san was never a close one."

Hearing Mayumi's confession, Tatsuya was amazed. However, he quickly suppressed his mouth so as to urge her to continue.

"My relationship with Nakura-san was strictly business-based. I never thought of him as more than a bodyguard."

"Even so, you still want to search for the culprit? Even though the risk is hardly small."

Tatsuya tried to lightly provoke Mayumi.

He received a piercing stare in reply.

"Don't take me wrong. I'm not doing this out of sympathy."

"Then why?"

"My bodyguard was killed in one of the Saegusa Family's missions. Though I know that he was not ordered to die, it was a job with a high risk of death so the result is the same. I don't want to avert my eyes from the truth. As a member of the Saegusa Family, at the very least I want to know the truth."

"How commendable."

Tatsuya sighed.

Mayumi lifted her eyebrows.

"But."

Even when she raised her voice, Tatsuya continued with a cold tone.

"In the end, it's only for your own self-satisfaction, Senpai you should understand this as well."

"Hmph, that's right. But, there's nothing wrong with self-satisfaction, right?"

That was not a voice of desperation, but one filled with strong will, even Tatsuya couldn't immediately think of words of rebuttal.

"In my current state, I can't do anything. I'm not satisfied with myself. I can't proudly bear myself as the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family."

"As the eldest daughter of the Saegusa... is it."

"Yes, for better or for worse, it is my position. I don't want to run away from my responsibility. That's why I'd like to confirm the doubt in my heart. I wonder if this is weird."

"No, I don't think it's weird."

Mayumi's words were both enviable and repulsive to Tatsuya.

Miyuki had not yet been introduced as a direct descendant of the Yotsuba. Instead, she was forced to hide her identity. But, Tatsuya also never thought that being a Yotsuba was a good thing or something to be proud of to begin with, yet to be unable to reveal your true self is a sad situation. These were all Tatsuya's thoughts, instead of feelings.

His sister was forced to hide the pride of her birth. Tatsuya envied Mayumi for her presence, in the light of Miyuki's own existence.

"I see, then what's the connection with me? Even if you ask me to find the culprit, I don't have the 'know-how' to become a detective, nor have I helped in the investigation previously. Unfortunately, I think I can't be of service to you."

However, despite his demeanor, Tatsuya truly wished that he could help her. But it was an impossible task, even for him. He didn't have any means of finding out the whereabouts of the killer whose name was unknown. Even the idea of doing that tired him.

"Wait!"

Despite the frank rejection from Tatsuya, Mayumi stopped him when he was about to leave his seat.

"There's a high chance that the culprit was involved in the Yokohama Incident!"

Those uttered words, made Tatsuya fail to leave the sofa.

"The same culprit as in the Yokohama Incident, you said?"

Tatsuya shouldn't have worn a surprised face.

But what Mayumi thought had little to do with his amazement.

"Seems like Nakura-san had done some research on the mastermind of the Yokohama Incident in Chinatown recently."

She probably thought that she was able to draw Tatsuya's attention. Her reasoning was flawed, since Tatsuya unmistakably had no interest in the topic.

"You're well-informed."

"That person never left my side when on bodyguard duty. Lately, he'd been bringing many souvenirs from Chinatown. I wonder if he was mistaken about my age... I was wondering if Nakura-san wanted to give me hints about the mission, so now I'm intrigued by them."

"I see."

Mayumi might not have realized, but that remark was thought-provoking.

Nakura's employer was Saegusa Kouichi, and his relationship with Mayumi was strictly business-based so he's basically an outsider.

To leave the dirty work to the bodyguard of his eldest daughter, a subordinate that had been trusted to such an extent had left hints to another party about what he had been forced to do.

Seems like Saegusa Kouichi didn't have full control over his subordinate.

Or, in a truer sense, there are no subordinates that could be called loyal confidants of the Saegusa Family.

——This might bring about a bigger meaning in the future.

Tatsuya stopped thinking about the internal conditions of the Saegusa Family.

"It might be as you've said. Nakura-san's work was related to the Chinatown in Yokohama. But to deduce that from such weak evidence, I think there might be a chance that it was completely unrelated to the Yokohama Incident."

At this point Tatsuya thought that he could actually use Mayumi's help for his problem. Even though she didn't possess physical prowess, her combat ability had been proven on the battlefield at Yokohama. Moreover, she is much more mobile as a college student when compared to Miyuki and Minami who were still attending high school.

His objection was intended to cool Mayumi's head. It was possible that Mayumi was influenced by her feelings too much to consider the possibility of her own misconception. If she still insisted in asking for Tatsuya's cooperation based on those conclusions, Tatsuya would have just proceeded from her assumption.

"Well, that might be true…"

Apparently she was thinking about the thing that Tatsuya pointed out. Mayumi timidly took a peek at Tatsuya.

"Then... Tatsuya-kun thinks that 'the culprit being related to the Yokohama Incident' was my misunderstanding!?"

But it was only for a few seconds, before Mayumi took a stronger stance against Tatsuya's 'so- what' attitude.

"I didn't mean that."

Tatsuya appeased Mayumi with a fake smile.

"It was only because I'm afraid that your preconception of the truth is being clouded by your strong feelings."

Mayumi puffed up her cheeks... Despite becoming a college student, this expression still had its own deadweight.

"Preconception and perception are two different things."

These glaring words from Mayumi were delivered to Tatsuya's ears just fine. However, Tatsuya chose to treat them as self-monologue. Hence, he paid no further attention to them.

"...I understand such a thing."

However, she returned these words to Tatsuya with firm eyes.

"Do you understand the danger?"

Tatsuya has been waiting for the chance to drop this line.

"Yes. Even so, I still want to do something."

From her answer just now, the uncertain feeling had completely disappeared.

"That's why, Tatsuya. Please lend me your strength."

However, it didn't seem to affect Tatsuya. It was convenient for him if he took up this matter as a response to the strong request of Mayumi's.

"——I understand."

Mayumi showed a relieved expression with a smile.

Tatsuya was feeling the same, despite not showing it on his face.

"Specifically, what do you want me to do?"

"Tatsuya-kun, are you going to Kyoto for a preliminary inspection with the guard?"

"Yes, this upcoming weekend."

"I'd like to ask for you to accompany me for a while on that day. Let's go to the scene where Nakura-san was killed."

After delivering her last request, Mayumi returned a question.

"Will that suffice?"

Depending on the situation, Tatsuya could spare a little time to accompany her. However, that question was a set up to know her full intention.

"Even I understand, you know…"

Although Tatsuya couldn't care less about others so long as it didn't interfere with his priority, he wouldn't go so far as to ignore others' feelings. It was not a pleasant feeling to see his close friend fall for his words.

"As a daughter of the Saegusa Family, I still don't have the ability to support myself. I have no means to move people regardless of my talent as a magician, I couldn't ask you to do the work of the police by looking for the criminal, either."

Her remarks about her powerless self were right on the spot so Tatsuya didn't offer a single word of comfort. He was able to retaliate when the No Head Dragon messed with him with the help of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. He was able to intervene with the Parasite Doll plan by the help of Kokonoe Yakumo, and the Mobile Suits from the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion.

Which also shows that, by no means was Tatsuya's individual power able to tackle all the problems he had. He never forgot this fact. When he learnt the limit of an individual's power, he couldn't think of any rebuttal.

"Just as Tatsuya-kun said in the beginning. At the end, this is for my own self-satisfaction. It might be foolish to run into danger for such a thing. Yet..."

"Understood."

Tatsuya repeated the same words, blocking Mayumi's words.

"Then, Sunday the 21st. Please select the exact timing and location to fit your schedule."

"…Thanks, Tatsuya-kun."

Mayumi bowed her head low while sitting on the sofa.

"Then, I will email the details for the time and venue tomorrow.

"Can I ask one more thing?"

Mayumi was about to leave her seat when Tatsuya said this.

"Has Nakura-san's body been cremated?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Do you have anything left from what he was wearing at the time he passed away? For example, his clothes."

"The police requested those, since they want to store them as evidence. Furthermore, Nakura-san has no relatives, so I thought it might help to catch the criminal even a little if I handed them over."

"Is it possible to have short access to those materials?"

"…I can try to ask the detective who gave me his contact information."

Tatsuya slightly lowered his head as response to Mayumi's answer.

Because she looked like she had something to say, Tatsuya urged her to speak with his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think that I would get so sensitive."

"I will cooperate as much as possible, so long as it's possible."

After saying so, Tatsuya stood up in order to prevent Mayumi from repeating her 'thank you' gesture.

During this short period, he had considered that Nakura might have been killed by Zhou. It was not so absurd to hypothesize that Saegusa Kouichi had Nakura Saburou investigate Zhou. And there was even a possibility where the Head of the Saegusa Family had a collusion planned with Zhou.

He did think that Nakura's death was connected to Zhou Gongjin so there might be a lead to his whereabouts there. Therefore, he did not need Mayumi's words of gratitude.

After sending Mayumi up to the gate, Tatsuya went to the Student Council room.

For some reason, the current Public Morals Committee Chief was there with the Student Council Officers, there was even the presence of the previous Club Leader.

"Onii-sama, thank you for your hard work."

"Ah, sorry for my tardiness."

Miyuki rose and gave him a hand gesture to sit with a smile, before Tatsuya headed to his desk. He noticed the edgy stares on him, and chose not to react to them.

"Shiba-senpai."

The one who started the conversation was Izumi, who had been fighting to face her terminal right after Tatsuya entered the Student Council room.

"Do you have anything you want to ask?"

On the surface, Tatsuya's question was very reasonable and superficial. In fact, the expected dialogue was most probably started because she wanted to know what had happened in the meeting just now.

"That's not it!"

And there was nothing going out of his prediction.

"Onee-sama, no, has my sister gone back?"

"She has. Did you perhaps have something for her?"

"No, that's not the case. But, that, I just wonder what kind of business forced my sister to take up your valuable time."

The meaning behind Izumi's words was clear as day. She wanted to know what kind of a conversation her sister just had with Tatsuya.

"Please don't let it bother you. There's no need for you to worry."

However, Tatsuya played with his opponent, by avoiding the expected focus of the conversation.

"I'm not worrying about Senpai!"

As a result, Izumi retorted back frantically. Then, she blushed after receiving smiles from the upperclassmen, as per the usual pattern.

The one who helped take over the matter from the dismayed and red-faced Izumi was Miyuki. She unmistakably did so while taking a peek at her brother; she was curious about the closed meeting between Tatsuya and Mayumi. No, it would be better to say that she was the one who wanted to know the most.

"Then, Onii-sama. What did you talk about with Saegusa-senpai? I hope you don't mind sharing it with us?"

Immediately after Miyuki asked so, there were signs of people preparing to hear the answer. Tatsuya looked around the room; nobody in the room diverted their eyes while waiting for his answer.

"It seems like Senpai also has a matter to settle in Kyoto."

At the same time, Izumi's body was trembling. Her head was down, so her expression couldn't be seen, but Tatsuya could easily guess that she was thinking about Nakura. However, he decided that it would be counterproductive to voice some comfort for Izumi here. Hence, he continued with his words, while pretending that he did not notice anything.

"She said that she'd like to accompany us in the preliminary inspection. I denied her request after she refused to explain the reason behind it, but she had a comparatively serious face on her."

Hattori sighed a little after hearing Tatsuya conclude his answer. He must have been having the same concern.

However, he was not letting Tatsuya off the hook; he took up a harsh tone towards Tatsuya.

"Shiba, why did you deny her request when you don't have any urgent errands? The preliminary security inspection is only to look around to see the state of the city, right? You should be able to make some time for her that wouldn't hinder your activities."

Tatsuya had assumed that this question would arise. Honestly, he thought that a good young man would have a hard time accompanying her. Not that he meant to ridicule her, rather he was saying that out of favor. He tightened his lips consciously to refrain himself from saying so.

However, another person followed up in blaming him.

"Tatsuya-san, I also think so."

Hattori's response was in line with Tatsuya's plan, but it was unexpected for Honoka to agree with Hattori.

"Although she had Ichihara-senpai and Juumonji-senpai at Magic University, she purposely chose to come to First High. Doesn't that show how much she relies on you?"

Without knowing what the reason behind Honoka's words was, Tatsuya couldn't reply immediately.

There was no merit for Honoka if Tatsuya and Mayumi were to meet up in Kyoto. Even if Miyuki was jealous of others, Mayumi might still try to use the chance, since Miyuki was his real sister. She should have discerned that Minami was also taking a step back from Tatsuya as usual.

Chances were——while it might be rude to Honoka——she might be purely feeling sympathy for Mayumi.

"Tatsuya, wouldn't it be fine if you spare some time for her?"

"…That's right."

Even Mikihiko made that suggestion. Tatsuya could no longer act that he was not doing something bad. Even Mikihiko didn't know that the true purpose of the trip was to arrest Zhou

Gongjin, he was only told that there was a certain 'Traditionalist' group in Kyoto who conspired to make more trouble. He still acted as if he was stubbornly against Mayumi's cooperation request and gave off the feeling of being forced to do it, despite the real situation he was facing.

Moreover, this development was also convenient for Tatsuya. They had just given him a valid reason to spend time with Mayumi, so there was no need to disguise their meeting as coincidence.

In reality, Tatsuya didn't expect for her to be very useful. However, even the addition of a single person was better for manpower. Tatsuya believed that the request he received was not only to search for Zhou Gongjin, but also to take care of him once he's found. However, the content of Maya's request was 'cooperation for capture'; if he couldn't locate him first, there was no way to capture him. To do so, it was necessary to act like he was looking for Zhou. That was why he gathered a lot of people.

"I shall apologize first, although it would be a little awkward for me to contact Senpai. Izumi, do you mind if I contact her?"

"Why do you ask me such a thing?"

Izumi asked with an annoyed voice. She was alarmed by that question as Tatsuya treated her like she had a sister complex.

"Izumi is Saegusa-senpai's sibling after all."

However, even for Tatsuya, it was not possible to act that cold towards an underclassman girl.

"You don't need my permission. Please act as per your discretion."

Izumi replied to Tatsuya with a cute face, despite receiving such an uncute remark from Tatsuya.

◊ ◊ ◊

Near the border of the former Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture, a nameless village exists in a narrow valley surrounded by the mountains. This village which has never been listed on the map is the home of the infamous Yotsuba Family.

In the center of the village, there is a conspicuously large single-story Manor of the Yotsuba. In the main room within the house, Yotsuba Maya, the head of the family received a report from her butler, Hayama.

"...Seems like all the facts are pointing to Nara."

"The JSDF Intelligence Bureau..."

Mockery floated from the shiny red lips of Maya. It was not too vulgar; instead her expression was rather noble.

"I have also searched for the department that did the intervention in the investigation report, in case they're being an obstacle."

"I don't mind. The JSDF has their own problems, right? The issue is almost settled, so I'll turn a blind eye."

The old butler bowed reverently as an exaggeration. In Maya's eyes, the JSDF was a huge underdog, Hayama had no doubt about this.

"More importantly, about Tatsuya-san."

Maya's interest immediately shifted from the JSDF. Since they were talking about Tatsuya originally, it was natural to get back to the topic.

"He should be working really hard at this moment, right?"

"Yes. Particularly due to the secret development of the new magic, I couldn't think of any other possibility."

"New magic... Is it going to be a short-range physical attack, or should we make another guess?"

"If you don't mind my conjecture."

"I don't mind hearing what you have in mind, Hayama-san."

Maya did not hide her curiosity, and asked Hayama.

It is not rare for Maya to leave the negotiations to her subordinate but that's the way it goes in this family. However, she doesn't just idly spend spare time every day. She also certainly does not indulge in game sprees. As one of the Yotsuba, the most important challenge is magic improvement. Hence, she spent a great deal of time in researching magic.

For her, the rumors that Tatsuya is developing a new magic, is a story that intrigued her curiosity.

"If he derived the new magic from Angie Sirius' Brionac, and judging from the name he gave to the new magic 'Baryon Lance', it seems to be a magic that emits canon particles by decomposing the substance to proton-neutron levels."

"I wonder if it's a chargeable particle cannon."

"If that's the case, it's not a new magic but a reproduction of Brionac, Tatsuya-dono must have known that. Though there is still a high possibility of a neutron-based cannon."

"A neutron gun… Neutron barrier is already seen as magic in the realm of perfection, Tatsuya- san has surely taken this fact into account as well."

Maya who has been enjoying her time making such conjectures, suddenly showed a worried face.

"…'Baryon Lance'. It's neither a 'Launcher', nor a 'Cannon', not even a 'Gun', I wonder why it is a 'Lance'?"

Hayama was also curious about that part, but it seems like the answer had been decided before the question was asked.

"I don't know to such an extent. But he said that he would show the new magic when he visits during the New Year's Meeting."

Perceiving that there's not much left to be said, Maya wisely preferred to observe rather than over speculate. However, the bad impression still lasted, and made her throw a spiteful question.

"Why didn't I ask for more details? I wonder if that child is really obedient, so I thought that testing him would be a good idea."

"With all due respect, in order to achieve your purpose, you don't need to make sure to such an extent."

This, however, might have a boomerang effect for Maya. At Hayama's word, Maya shrugged in a barely visible gesture.

"I never thought that much in relation to that purpose."

Seeing Hayama's eyes fixed on her, Maya felt that there was a need for a valid excuse.

"It isn't because he's my nephew. If I were to reject that child, it wouldn't be profitable for the Yotsuba."

"I think the reason of being your nephew is fine."

"Hayama-san."

"Pardon my rudeness."

At Maya's call to own up to his mistake, Hayama reverently bowed. However, it was not for an apology. If that was the case, he would have used phrases like 'I've said too much' or 'please forgive my insolence'.

Since Hayama did not retract his statement by saying it was 'insolence', as a result, Maya faintly blushed at his statement.

"Hayama-san."

Hayama had resigned from Maya's room, and was about to go to his residence, and in the middle of the garden, he heard a voice from behind.

His presence couldn't be felt, there was no unbalance. In this village, it was not unusual for one to have a skill such as assimilating their presence in the wind and even the darkness.

Besides, the voice which called from behind was familiar for Hayama.

"Kuroba-sama. Pardon me for not noticing your presence."

At the very least, he felt obliged to say this much in sarcasm.

The defeated Kuroba Mitsugu wore an uncomfortable face, of course, he was not angered by this much of sarcasm.

"No, I was rude too for not unmasking my presence."

Hayama didn't care whether Mitsugu's words were truth or lie. It was highly likely because his profession devoted him to be in the shadows, on the other hand, he thought that it was also possible that he was extremely used to the state of stealth on every work-related occasion.

"No, please don't be concerned with such a trivial thing."

However, it was a good thing, regardless of the situation. If Kuroba Mitsugu seriously hid his presence, even Hayama couldn't discern him by his eyes. He was also not provoked by the fact that Mitsugu's ability was excellent and he was able at his job. Moreover, the Kuroba Family is one of the strongest branches of the Yotsuba. So long as they're loyal to the head, Hayama should still serve them. If he couldn't withstand the master's whims, he would have been disqualified as a butler.

"And, Kuroba-sama. To what do I owe this patronage?"

"Well, I have something in mind, but... I want to talk to you for a while."

Hayama raised his eyebrow. He showed a somewhat discomfited face, but it was a deliberate emotional expression.

"Do you want to talk... about that?"

Hayama smiled politely.

Mitsugu hurriedly shook his hands in denial.

"No, no, please take the words at face value. I'd like to ask about something that I need your consultation in."

"Oh, dear, please forgive my rudeness."

Hayama carefully bowed in the darkness. It was as if there wasn't a hint of hesitation.

"Then, this way please."

Hayama led Mitsugu to the Main House, from where he had just left. As a butler of the Yotsuba Family, he had been given the discretion to use the waiting room of the Main House quite freely. Otherwise, he could always claim that the Head of the Kuroba family was using the room; there shouldn't be any complaints for him when doing so. If they were about to continue their conversation, they could always confirm later.

However, Mitsugu did not follow Hayama's lead.

"No, if Hayama-san doesn't mind, we can talk here."

Hayama halted his step and turned back, to direct a quizzical gaze to Mitsugu.

Mitsugu was ignoring the fact that he was acting suspiciously.

"Hayama-san, you have been talking with the Head about that man——aren't you worried about Zhou Gongjin?"

Hearing Mitsugu's words, Hayama nodded with a sense of revelation.

"It's natural to be curious about a job that was left to your care."

"Ah, no…"

At his own words being distorted into the worst meaning, Mitsugu hurriedly followed up with a rebuttal.

"However, please don't worry."

But, Hayama did not spare him any chance.

"I'm sure you've heard that, Miyuki-sama's guardian has been requested to take care of this issue in your stead."

Mitsugu frowned deeply.

"I know."

He knew the fact that Tatsuya was going to handle the matter long before his children visited him in September. It all started on that day in August. Mitsugu had seen Tatsuya's abominable prowess. Certainly, he felt some level of gratitude that he would not be one-armed, but that his pride was deeply damaged was also a fact.

"I was just giving the progress report. I wonder if it's why Miyuki is the likely candidate for the next head position. That way, we eliminate the possibility of him revolting against the Yotsuba. All of these things must be identified for the future of the Yotsuba Family."

Mitsugu revealed increasing discomfort, Hayama acted like he didn't catch that.

"It is extremely important, though I know it is disrespectful towards Kuroba-sama, I was allowed to use this matter to determine his loyalty."

"That man can't possibly have any loyalty towards the Yotsuba Family."

Mitsugu threw out those words in spite. Both his words and expression, had never been shown in front of Miyuki and Tatsuya.

"Kuroba-sama, I have no idea of what you have in mind for such assertiveness, but..."

Hayama sought for permission to continue with his eyes.

But, Mitsugu silenced him with a gaze instead.

Hayama chose to ignore that and spun his answer in a tone that was aloof. Perhaps, no other man was able to utter such harsh words.

"Is the reason you distrust Tatsuya-dono related to the possibility of him finding out that the family tried to kill him as soon as he was born?"

"Hayama!"

Mitsugu threw off his politeness towards Hayama.

That action was initiated by the people in Mitsugu's generation. Besides the seven families affiliated to Yotsuba: 'Shiiba', 'Mashiba', 'Shibata', 'Kuroba', 'Mugura', 'Tsukuba' and 'Shizuka'; only Hayama knows about this fact. Even those who inherited the blood of the Yotsuba who are less than 20 years old have never been informed. Therefore, Kuroba Mitsugu lost his composure involuntarily.

Hayama expelled the killing intent that was directed at him with a polite smile.

"That way, he would be tamed and loyal to the Yotsuba Family, and I'm sure you know that this will be needed for the future. Although there were times when my lady didn't realize this. That's why she left the rest to Miyuki-sama's care."

Mitsugu clenched his hand and grit the back of his teeth.

Mitsugu started the conversation to explore such a possibility, but inevitably, it has changed into condemnation from Hayama.

"Kuroba-sama. Your worries are unwarranted. Only real action has meaning. Even if you pretend to obey, and you planned to betray secretly, if in the end, you were not able to betray, the result is the same and is more profitable. A tool does not need to be loyal. For a weapon, there's no need to have a heart."

"Bastard, do you think of magicians as weapons...!?"

"You might be forgetting the fact that I'm also a magician."

He's also quite able compared to the other servants, thus, Hayama laughed casually.

Mitsugu was trapped in heavy silence.

"A weapon doesn't hold any fear. A weapon doesn't feel any anxiety. However, for one to kill an innocent person just because of the fear of their potential, perhaps the one whose heart has become a weapon was really a better person."

Those words wedged deeply into Mitsugu's mind. Hayama bowed and left the scene.

◊ ◊ ◊

Friday, October 19th, 10 days before this year's Thesis Competition. Today, the preparations for the presentation finally reached its last stage.

This year, there were no suspicious activities on the school grounds, unlike last year. Last year was an exception, it can be said that this year's procedures were normal. Therefore, there was no need of extra manpower and the work was still able to progress towards completion as expected.

Tatsuya and company were also kept in peace. Perhaps, due to the hard work of Yakumo's disciples, or maybe through the undercover mercenary troops that were arranged by Butler Hanabishi. Hanabishi was the number two servant of the Yotsuba; he was responsible for various arrangements involving the underground business of the Yotsuba Family——in other words, the butler in charge——including the arrangements of required personnel. He should not have made any mistakes in his work.

The magicians in the Yotsuba Family were actually not many in number. Even not limiting it to only magicians related by blood to the Yotsuba compared to the other 10MC Families like the Saegusa or even Ichijou the number of magicians they could deploy was indeed 'small'.

Although the number of Yotsuba Magicians was small, they won in terms of ability, these results had been proven. However, there were times where numbers were important, for such cases the Yotsuba had an organized network of disposable outsiders to collaborate with them.

The Yotsuba Family was often asked to purge those who conspired against the nation. To capture rebel organizations or magicians that worked towards that goal. It didn't mean taking action only on magicians that took direct hostile action against the nation, so long as a magician was aiding a foreign military force with the intent to harm this nation it was enough.

This work had become an important source of income for the Yotsuba Family. Not just financially, Yotsuba's combatants had been trained through this work as well. It was also a means to brainwash the captured rebellious magicians.

The No Head Dragon was using 'Generators' without the consent of the magician. However, the Yotsuba knew very well that consciousness and emotion had a direct link to the power of magic.

They did classic brainwashing to their enemies. Earnestly imprinting the fear of death for defying the Yotsuba. An ideology of fear. In other words, those who weren't afraid of death couldn't be affected by this magic. Then, the Yotsuba would offer a deal to those who feared death, 'Depending on your work, we'll let you free."

Then, those mercenary magician troops undertook missions in order to get their lives as a reward, being used by the Yotsuba in a variety of jobs. The escort mission this time was to latch onto magicians that showed unusual activity and to conduct a thorough search. It was work that required a number of people as indicated by the Yotsuba putting the stock of brainwashed magicians to use. Thanks to those arrangements, Tatsuya's friends and even First High itself was completely undisturbed.

Even with the pretext of being busy with work for the Thesis Competition the girls couldn't afford to remain in school until late at night. Although it seemed to be gender discrimination between men and women, only the boys were permitted to stay and work until night after the gates closed.

It was soon time for the gates to close today as well and the Student Council members had begun to clean up. However, since they weren't using paper now in terms of returning the documents into the cabinet the 'cleaning up' process was quite different when compared to one hundred years ago. There was less movement and no rush or noise involved in the process and it could be done almost immediately.

"…Miyuki-senpai, I will excuse myself now."

Tomorrow is Saturday, Miyuki will be going to Kyoto and be absent from school. She had applied for extension time from school to prepare things for the Student Council who will be covering her work tomorrow. That was why Izumi went out first.

"Izumi-chan, I'm counting on you for tomorrow and the day after."

"It's an honor. I'll do it to the best of my ability!"

Izumi had been fidgeting by the door before answering back in high-spirits due to Miyuki's reply.

"Seems like Miyuki has grown accustomed to handling Izumi-chan."

Honoka stood up from her terminal and gave a wry smile.

"You have talent to be a wicked woman."

Shizuku who came to the Student Council room to go back with Honoka capitalized this chance. It was a phrase that she couldn't say if she was to be objective but since Miyuki knew there was no malice she only retorted with a laugh.

"There's no such thing as wicked or virtuous if the opponent is a girl, right?"

"…Miyuki, you're cold."

Even though Shizuku tried to sigh earnestly, Miyuki did not laugh.

Shizuku's role in this year's Thesis Competition was to escort the main presenter Azusa, but Honoka tagged along even now. From the station onwards, it was just the two of them but they were with Azusa up to the station. No, actually, there were bodyguards watching them from behind, however they tried to keep out of Shizuku's and Honoka's sight. At the very least, she was alone with Honoka in the individual train compartment.

"Hey, Shizuku."

While waiting in line for the individual compartment train, Honoka spoke to Shizuku with her head down.

"What."

However, Shizuku had no idea what Honoka was concerned about. A two-seater vehicle stopped in front of them, while Shizuku was staring at Honoka with a puzzled and curious expression.

They boarded the train after lightly bowing to the three people beside them who had waited for a four-seater vehicle. Honoka asked again, when Shizuku was specifying the path to their destination.

"Umm… I wonder if it's ok."

"What is?"

"Well, Nakajo-senpai's escort…"

"Ah, about that."

Shizuku relaxed her shoulders with a 'that's it?' expression.

"I was told by Nakajou-senpai."

"That she's going to be escorted only by Chikura-senpai?"

Since they're best friends, Shizuku added in the part that was omitted by Honoka herself.

"Is it better to have someone from the same grade as a guard after all?"

"Yeah… I can understand what you mean. There are also some underclassmen that don't act reserved around her too."

"Kazumi and Izumi are exceptions though."

"Ah, well... I feel that even Minami-chan has some kind of a wall around her."

"Well."

Shizuku showed her agreement to Honoka with that word. Originally, she was the one who argued that it was easier to connect with the students from the same grade, so it was an expected response from her.

"And, I'm sure she'll be ok with Chikura-senpai."

"Hmm? Ah, because Chikura-senpai's magic is suitable for being a guard."

"Yup."

After suddenly being told that it would be fine, Honoka couldn't say anything more. As expected of a best friend, with the little hints that Shizuku gave to her, she was able to find out the meaning behind those words.

Chikura Asako's magic specialty was 'Vector Inversion'. As long as the original direction of the shot was known in advance, it was possible for her to intercept and repel objects such as rifle bullets. The problem of being caught by surprise was not exclusive to Asako and something most magicians struggled with. It was very powerful when being aimed at by guns.

Moreover, her magic was not exclusively for deterring projectiles. In the case of a human opponent, it also repelled momentum. It was very useful against masses with high speed as long as it didn't exceed 200 km/h.

As Honoka said, Chikura Asako has one of the most suitable magic properties as a guard among the First High escort members.

"Anyway, are you ok, Honoka?"

"Eh… about what?"

Shizuku stared at Honoka who answered with such a naïve face.

A message was projected onto the window, alerting that they were about to reach the station.

Shizuku said 'we'll continue later', and faced forward.

Shizuku resumed the topic, while taking a bath after the meal.

"Honoka, are you ok?"

"Eh, did you say something? Wait a minute."

Honoka was washing her hair, and turned her head towards the hot bath where Shizuku was immersing herself.

"Never mind, come here after you're done with your hair."

"Wait, just a bit more."

Honoka rinsed her hair again from the shampoo, before taking out a towel from the storage rack covered with tarpaulin. She wiped her hair to absorb the moisture, put the wet towel in the laundry bag, and turned to get a bottle of conditioner.

"Should I do it for you?"

"No, I'm fine. If I asked you to do this, you'd do it carefully, and end up taking too much time."

"Isn't it ok? Let me do it."

Shizuku got out of the bathtub. Hot water was dripping off her as she pushed to seize the rinse bottle from Honoka.

"Honoka, your hair is so straight and beautiful. How envious."

Shizuku sighed while stroking Honoka's wet hair.

"It's nothing much… compared to Miyuki."

She was stating the obvious praise, before facing down due to embarrassment.

"There's no point in comparing with Miyuki."

Against Shizuku's serious rebuttal, she awkwardly laughed with the expression of 'well, you have a point'.

Shizuku opened Honoka's banded hair, and gently rinsed it.

"Anyway, I prefer Honoka's hair."

"Eehh!? That's just favoritism, rather, you're just too biased towards your friend."

However, Shizuku's next reply astounded Honoka; Shizuku said 'it's natural to be biased since we're friends'.

"Moreover, Miyuki's hair color is too heavy for my taste."

In contrast, Shizuku showed an uncommon eloquence.

"I prefer Honoka's bright colored hair."

"I-I see… Thanks."

Honoka said the last word with a small voice, barely reaching Shizuku's ears.

For a moment, Shizuku applied conditioner to Honoka's hair in silence, Honoka also entrusted her hair to Shizuku in silence.

Shizuku took the showerhead into her hands.

Honoka closed her eyes.

Shizuku evenly showered Honoka's hair with hot water and the conditioner was rinsed away by the water pressure.

Shizuku resumed the earlier topic from the bathtub and it was after she finished washing Honoka's hair, as she promised.

Honoka and Shizuku entered the bathtub face to face. The bathroom in Shizuku's house was spacious; the room itself was about twice as large as in a general household despite not being the main bathroom. The bathtub also corresponded in size; it could comfortably fit two people together.

"Honoka."

"Yeah?"

"Are you alright?"

"Eh, about what? You were asking the same thing earlier…"

Shizuku stared at Honoka's face again from the water's surface.

Apparently, Honoka was trying to play dumb, at any rate, Shizuku was determined and dropped the question again.

"Are you fine with staying back in Tokyo? Don't you want to join the trip to Kyoto?"

Honoka froze and gasped.

The temperature of the hot water had not changed. However, Honoka's body and face were frigid, as if the temperature had dropped.

"That's…"

"Sorry, I was insensitive."

Shizuku looked away from Honoka who had gone pale even on the lips.

"…It's ok. Shizuku, you have been cheering for me after all, I think it's natural for you to wonder."

After saying, 'wait a minute', Honoka took a series of deep breaths. She regained her composure along with the complexion of her face.

"Fuu… Shizuku, I'm fine now. Look here?"

Urged by Honoka, Shizuku returned her line of sight. They were facing each other once again.

"Truthfully, I wanted to go to Kyoto together with Tatsuya-san. It doesn't even need to be the two of us exclusively. I don't even mind if we go together with Miyuki. As long as I can be with him, it's good enough."

"…Then, why?"

"I don't want to be a hindrance."

Shizuku stared at Honoka, after hearing the unexpected answer.

Honoka smiled powerlessly with a lonely look.

"Shizuku too must have realized, right? Tatsuya even instructed me not to come to the Thesis Competition and stay in Shizuku's house instead."

A light of understanding showed up in Shizuku's eyes.

"Tatsuya was really worried about us too. Anyone who aims for the Thesis Competition materials couldn't be just a petty thief, he must be quite an opponent. Like last year, I think they were quite a formidable opponent."

"Honoka, do you think that Tatsuya-san is making his move due to a mission?"

Shizuku dropped both of her shoulders, before embracing them while trembling.

Honoka waded through the hot bath and settled beside Shizuku.

Thus, the both of them sat side by side, even though the space in the bathtub allowed them to do so it was still cramped after all.

Their bodies were in close contact with each other, Honoka held Shizuku by the shoulders.

Shizuku lowered her hands, which had been clamping on her own shoulders.

"Yup… I think Tatsuya is on a mission for the JSDF. Moreover, I think the opponent is a formidable large-scale organization. There are possibilities that we could be taken as hostages too."

"Is that why he requested you to be protected by a bodyguard?"

"It's not just us. The fact that I was made an escort was because Shizuku is also a possible target, together with me. Mizuki is protected by Yoshida-kun for the same reason. Since Yoshida-kun's skill is on a professional level."

"That's a side benefit."

"Right."

The two of them laughed while taking off their bath towels.

However, Honoka's laughter soon stopped.

By the time that Honoka had lost her laughter, Shizuku had also stopped laughing.

"Even for this Kyoto trip, I'm sure that the preliminary security inspection is only a practicality. He must have a separate goal in mind. It's also possible that it's going to be rough. After all, the ones asked to join for the trip are experts in combat. Even Minami-chan has her barrier magic that would be very useful in an emergency."

"I think you're quite skilled yourself."

"No, I'm useless. I can only help from a distance, if it's a close-range attack I would only be a hindrance to Tatsuya…"

Speaking strictly on a general magician level, Honoka's combat power was not low. It could even be said that she was one of the top on a high school level. However, when compared to Miyuki or Tatsuya whose combat ability ranked as first-class or even higher among military magicians, even Shizuku as her close friend couldn't offer words of consolation.

"That's why, its fine."

Honoka felt uncomfortable looking at her best friend casting her head down in silence.

Honoka embraced the top half of Shizuku's face that was above the hot water, to her chest.

"Fu-Onoka, can- brea-"

"Hyaa!?"

Honoka released Shizuku's head with a scream.

After Shizuku was freed, she took a deep breath with her nose and mouth. She didn't stare at Honoka's bitter face but at her chest instead. "So-sorry!"

Honoka stuck out her hand on top of the water while apologizing.

The two of them let out a 'pu' sound at the same time.

The awkwardness vanished into thin air instantly. "Shizuku, I'm sorry."

"It's ok, I'm sorry too."

"No, Shizuku, you were thinking about my feelings. So you don't need to say sorry." Honoka said so with a carefree smile.

"Honestly, I really want to go to Kyoto. Yet, I don't want to be a hindrance for everyone. That's why, I'll properly stay back in Tokyo this time. I did think that Tatsuya-san doesn't want me to realize this, so I pretend. I'm staying back here, just as he wanted me to."

Shizuku smiled warmly towards Honoka's words. "Honoka, you're a good girl."

Honoka's calmness crumbled in the blink of an eye. "Wha-what are you saying!?"

"If I was a boy, I wouldn't leave Honoka alone."

"Umm… Shizuku-san!? Your eyes look dangerous now!?"

"You have good style… You also look approachable and cute." Shizuku's thin, slick fingers stroked Honoka's jaw.

"Shi, Shizuku!? Somehow you are acting like Eimi!?"

"Hmph. I have a bigger chest than Eimi."

"That's not the point!"

"Do you mean that the difference is negligible when compared to yours?"

"I said no such thing!"

"Show it to me."

"Kyaaa!"

"…I knew this, but this is absurd."

"Wai-, Shizuku, please, sto-"

It was hard to record in detail what happened this time. The only thing known was that they had both gotten their heads very hot in the bath.