Chapter 162

The bell signifying the end of class rang.

Even though all the courses were now conducted online and there were no teachers during the classes, there was no change in the feeling of freedom that came at the end of school.

Especially now that the school was self-reigned.

It was to be expected. Today was the last day of the second semester, Tuesday, December 25th, 2096 A.D.

Contrary to how it usually was, the class ended in the morning. There was no closing ceremony in correspondence to this.

There was no end-of-the-year report, either. In fact, the performance of each student was his or her own responsibility. The parents were only involved when the student was in danger of not graduating.

Still, throughout the year, students were unable to access their own personal evaluation due to the lack of general subject periodic tests. Therefore, the scenes occurring now were divided between students who were in a good mood and those with heavy shoulders.

The newly established Magic Engineering Class, Class 2-E, was no exception to this; everyone was checking their results, both Tatsuya and his classmates alike. Even though he did not need to worry about practical grades ever since he entered the Magic Engineering Course, he was still worried over whether or not he had enough credits to advance.

For the time being, he double-checked that he had received satisfactory results. As Tatsuya stood up and saved his evaluation data onto his portable terminal, he felt a stare from his side.

"Mizuki, do you need something?"

Mizuki answered Tatsuya's question in an articulate manner, as if it was something bad.

"No… It's not important."

She wanted to ask about his test results but stopped herself when she realized that she would have to answer that question as well. Mizuki's results had exceeded the class average, yet, if she heard Tatsuya's results, she probably wouldn't have the courage to disclose hers.

"Is that so? Well then, see you later."

"Yes, see you later."

They exchanged farewells before Tatsuya departed for the Student Council Office while Mizuki went to the Art Room.

By 5:30 P.M., the sky had turned completely dark. After the Club Activities and Student Council work, Tatsuya and his friends gathered at Einebrise, a café located on the road heading towards the school. They often frequented this place and were regarded as loyal customers.

"Well then, we're late one day, but never mind, shout with me!"

Following Erika's urging, they raised their voices in unison.

"Merry Christmas!"

This year, the Christmas party at Einebrise had been moved to at night due to Tatsuya and his friends' availability issues.

"Thanks for joining in! I would have preferred to do it during the day, though."

"We had no choice. Erika, don't you have Club Activities as well?"

Erika gave a wry smile in response to Miyuki's words.

"Mine doesn't require so much commitment though. But it's different for Miyuki, right? Since you're the Student Council President now."

"I'm not the only one. Yoshida-kun's the Disciplinary Committee Chairman, and Shizuku as a member of the Disciplinary Committee also needs to fulfill her responsibilities there, right?"

After being denied by Miyuki, Mikihiko laughed bashfully and Shizuku answered 'yup' shortly.

"Right, Leo aside."

"What do you mean by that!?"

"Honoka is in the Student Council, and Tatsuya-kun is the 'Secretary General' after all."

Paying no attention to Leo's protest, Erika transferred her line of sight subtly to Tatsuya.

"Isn't this alright? Regardless of the fact that we're a day late, we were able to gather everyone by doing this."

Tatsuya was subtly shifting the conversation with his answer, but Erika didn't notice it and gave a "Well, you're right" response.

"After all, there were many of us that could not make it yesterday."

By the way, yesterday, Shizuku was attending one of her father's company's parties. Honoka was pulled into it because she was "just like a daughter".

Mikihiko was dragged to a party held by his family that was open for the apprentices. Since participating members were mostly female, Mikihiko resisted with all his might, but he was forced by his brother to go to the 'supervise' party.

Erika herself was dragged at her family's convenience to attend a party against her will. In her case, she went to the Kanto Region's police party along with her eldest brother, Toshikazu, instead of the Chiba Family's party. It was set that way due to her father, the Head of the Family, needing to attend a party with influential politicians. Toshikazu was reluctant to go, but he was defeated by his father's order. Her role as a companion for Toshikazu was due to him not having a spouse or fiancé. Hence, Erika was angry and showered her eldest brother with sarcasm throughout the party.

Those were the reasons the Christmas party was held today instead of yesterday.

The participating members of this party were all from the second year: Tatsuya, Miyuki, Erika, Leo, Mizuki, Mikihiko, Honoka and Shizuku. Minami had been invited to Class 1-C's Christmas party. They couldn't hold the party on Christmas Eve due to similar reasons. That party was held at a famous restaurant and the food was delivered in several stages; a much more grandiose party than that of Tatsuya's group. Kasumi, who was also in Class 1-C, had dragged Izumi along.

Given that both Kasumi and Izumi had to be on their best behaviours yesterday at the Saegusa Family's party, they were able to act more freely today. This alleviated concerns that they were going to go too far, so her classmates turned a blind eye to Izumi's actions. There was some speculation that this might be due to her being unable to attend the same party as Miyuki.

That being said, Tatsuya's group's party felt similar to a tea party with classmates.

On the other hand, Minami's group had a full-course dinner. Even the cakes were sliced for each person, and the taste of the cuisine had been arranged by taste-orientation instead of volume. Conversing was only done during the time when one wasn't using their mouth to eat or drink——was what Leo said, but there might be some objection to that statement as the conversation was going without interruption for about an hour and a half until 7 P.M., before the meals were even served.

"This year has almost ended."

There was no mistake to the reason why Mizuki had heartily said such a thing when it eventually came time for the party to start ending, though silly discussions exchanged clamorously was a fun thing to do.

"It was a peaceful year, right?"

Erika replied in a cheerful voice, neglecting the sentimental atmosphere.

"I wonder... I think it was pretty hectic."

Mikihiko answered reflexively with his true feelings.

"There was even some turmoil due to the vampires."

"Like the Pixie Confession Incident."

However, Honoka kept her silence without saying a word at Mikihiko's words; instead, it was Shizuku who came up with a sharp retort and made everyone laugh.

"Shizuku, don't say it!"

Even if she felt sorry for Honoka, in the end, she would say that it was 'nicely played'.

"I do not intend to support Erika, but this year, I've definitely been caught up in less turmoil compared to last year. We didn't get dragged into an incident like what happened at Yokohama."

"As if that kind of thing would happen every year."

Tatsuya gave a short laugh and was unable to refute Leo.

"Well, that's true."

Laughter of approval went up from everyone, including Leo.

"Tatsuya-san."

At 7 P.M., immediately after their party was over——they did not linger in the store——when everyone was outside of the shop, Tatsuya was startled by Honoka's voice.

"Are you going to Hatsumōde next year?"

Before Tatsuya turned his head, Honoka had invited him to the New Year's visit to a Shinto shrine.

"Hmm… Hatsumōde."

Honoka overreacted to Tatsuya's words and started moving her hands in a hurry.

"Oh, everyone! Let's go with everyone. Shizuku will come with us, too, and Erika can also come."

Apparently, Honoka had done some preparation beforehand. The feeling expressed was not just some random ad hoc thing, but that of enthusiasm.

"I'm sorry."

That was why it pained Tatsuya for not being able to return that feeling.

"Miyuki and I have errands to do this upcoming New Year."

Honoka was quite shocked; she hadn't anticipated that he would reject her invitation.

"Even though you invited..."

"No, don't mind it."

But before Tatsuya had finished his apology, her pouting face had changed to a smile and halted his words.

"It can't be helped if you have an important errand."

It couldn't be said that she was smiling naturally, but Honoka maintained it to the end.

She couldn't possibly waste the blatant concern that had been offered by Tatsuya.

"Please invite me again in the future."

Instead of apologizing, Tatsuya rephrased his sentence.

The exchange between Tatsuya and Honoka ended without any awkwardness. But, next to Tatsuya, Miyuki slumped her head and wore a darkened face.

"Miyuki, what's wrong?"

When Shizuku noticed, she asked her in a worried voice. Miyuki's face was pale like that of a sick person.

"Are you not feeling well?"

Shizuku doubted the possibility of sudden illness.

"…No, I'm alright. Thank you."

After she answered, Miyuki's face remained pale and the smile she offered was also faint. That being said, this appearance suited Miyuki perfectly well, although Shizuku as a friend couldn't bluntly tell her that.

However, Erika was not able to perceive the meaning of the dark complexion on Miyuki's face.

"It's just not going to Hatsumōde; you don't need to make a big deal out of it. I never really worry about it, and you'd only miss it this year. As Honoka said, Miyuki has an important errand, right? Then, contact us once you're done. Let's meet up again somewhere."

Erika was not a heartless girl. If she didn't pacify Miyuki, Tatsuya would——It was an action anyone could do. Putting that aside, Erika thought that Miyuki was acting somewhat strange, but she did indeed lighten the burden in Miyuki's heart.

"Yeah. I'll contact you when I've completed my errands."

Miyuki showed a somewhat better smile as a response. Still, her face remained pale.

◊ ◊ ◊

Miyuki's anxiety was temporary, and her complexion had returned to normal by the time she reached home.

Erika's reasoning was correct. Miyuki did not weaken due to physical stress. For Tatsuya, that was the most obvious thing in the world.

Miyuki had become pale due to mental shock. Over the past few days, she had been worrying over the "New Year's Gathering", which had resurfaced automatically at the keyword. In other words, regardless of her own wishes, she had been subconsciously mulling over this upcoming event. Tatsuya understood this well.

"Miyuki, why don't you rest for a while in your room? You can prepare the food later."

Regardless of the party snacks and desserts, Tatsuya decided that she must have some rest first.

"Such a thing!"

Miyuki was about to raise her voice in rebuttal on reflex, but what came out was "...Yes, I understand." She was well aware that her physical condition was far from adequate to prepare the best service to her brother and immediately switched responses.

"Are you sure you want to let me rest even for about an hour?"

Still, Miyuki was not so naive as to think that Tatsuya's kind words were not empty, so she'd rather excuse herself now than fawn over it.

"Of course. It's because I also want to rest first."

Tatsuya answered so with a laugh. "No... Miyuki, please rest in your room until you feel better." He changed his words immediately.

Miyuki retreated with "Yes, Onii-sama. I'll do as you say."

Miyuki lightly bowed. By being ordered 'you are to rest' rather than 'you may rest' her guilt was greatly reduced.

The second floor was cold due to the midwinter season. Even if modern architecture made full use of heat insulation material, it was still difficult to keep warm air in the room for more than 12 hours in late December.

In the first place, keeping the room warm upon returning could be done using home automation. It was common technology nowadays.

But Miyuki did not use that function.

There was no need to do that.

When Miyuki opened the door, there was a warning sign that the room was chilly.

With that, she re-adjusted the temperature of the room.

Miyuki did not require the help of a CAD for this degree of magic.

Miyuki entered her room, closed the door and turned on the heater. If the task was to continuously heat the indoor air, air conditioning was more suitable than magic.

She then took off her coat and uniform.

No matter how tired she was, she wouldn't throw off her clothes unkemptly over the chair. She hung them one by one starting from the long coat, then her blazer, inner gown, and one piece dress. After that, she started mulling over which clothes to wear that night. She chose an unusual house-wear; a long loose-fitted one piece dress, and looked at her appearance in the mirror.

After she finished changing clothes, she sat at her desk and reached out to an envelope from the letter rack.

Without even looking, she knew very well what was written inside. She had already read it so many times, enough to memorize it. Troubled, Miyuki spread out the letter from the envelope.

The letter was an invitation to participate in the succession procession of the Yotsuba.

For the past two years, Miyuki had visited the Main House every New Year's. However, she didn't turn out for the meeting with the Branch Families' Heads. The first reason being she was 'not invited', so Miyuki, fortunately, could avoid the match for the family head position with the Branch Families. She couldn't bear the irreverent words and deeds from the Branch Families against Tatsuya.

But this year, she received a personal invitation from Maya, no, she was ordered to come. Moreover, Maya personally signed the letter. Even though she was very reluctant, she couldn't escape this time. Also, her aunt made sure that the Branch Families 'would stop' their hostilities towards Tatsuya. She was not sure how much she could restrain herself which made Miyuki quite anxious.

However, it was but a trivial exit over this invisible problem she had.

Miyuki had a pretty strong conviction rather than a vague one as to why her aunt had called her to this family meeting.

——My aunt is finally appointing the next Family Head.

——My aunt wants to nominate me as the next Head of the Family.

The current Miyuki had no desire whatsoever for that position.

In the past, there were times when she wanted to become the Head. But since that summer four years ago, that had never been her desire anymore.

Originally, she felt that she 'wanted to be the Head'; that feeling was not only from the adults' persuasion but from her pride as 'one who is worthy of becoming Family Head' in her mind. No, that thought had not changed up to now.

The Head of the Yotsuba Family is the most excellent; the strongest in the Family. There were several candidates remaining for the position: Shiba Miyuki, Kuroba Fumiya, Tsukuba Yuuka, and Shibata Katsushige. And then, the strongest Magician of them all was Miyuki. So she had the biggest chance to be appointed as the next Head.

As expected of the Head Butler, Hayama had asked Butler Hanabishi to make all sorts of arrangements and adjustments in the facilities. Even though he was not in the Main House, there was no one who was light- mouthed among the Yotsuba's employees. But, she still received much flattery that she was the best candidate.

Miyuki also thought that she had the most excellent magic ability as the candidate for the next Head. It was not only overconfidence but an objective judgment. But to be able to get appointed due to this, as the next Head of the Family itself, was evidence of the imprinted values of the Yotsuba.

However, if someone asked her, "Do you want to become the Family Head?" She would answer, "Not interested." If she had the choice, she would have done so, since the work of the Head would curb her time with her brother.

At the same time, to 'refuse the status of Yotsuba Head' was something that was unthinkable for Miyuki. Even if there was no value for herself, if she could improve the treatment given to her brother, she thought that it was not that bad of an option.

As the Head of the Family, she could at least eliminate the hatred towards her brother from the employees. Even the Branch Families could be asked to somehow respect him. Miyuki thought that if she did it for her brother, she'd be able to bear the role.

To be appointed as the next Head, it was not the source of the anxiety. The problem was the marriage partner that had always been associated with the position of becoming the Head.

Magicians were encouraged to marry early. Unless under special circumstances like her aunt, being single was not allowed. Even for Magicians, there were fundamental human rights that were recognized, and there should be no penalties for being single. However, to meet the expectations of the magic community, marriage was inevitable. Especially since the Yotsuba was one of the Ten Master Clans, regardless of the aloof presence perceived by outsiders, she couldn't help but worry about the family's reputation among fellow Magicians.

In that sense, a higher responsibility fell onto the next Head to be married to a member of the Ten Master Clans, as Maya was single. It was not as if she would be forced to get married as soon as she was named as the head, but a fiancé must be appointed.

——I will be married to a man other than my brother.

——To be someone else's wife other than my brother's.

For that matter itself, Miyuki had understood it simply. She couldn't possibly marry her own brother and as a Magician, her freedom to choose her partner would be limited. She would need to marry a man other than her brother; this was an inevitable situation for her.

Miyuki stood up and returned the envelope to the letterbox.

As she sat in front of the dressing table today, her heart spoke out to her reflection in the mirror.

(Yes, this is unavoidable. I can't do anything about it.)

Her reflection in the mirror replied:

[Is it? Is that really the case? Are you really pleased with this? ] The voice given from her reflection was from her younger self.

(Yes, it is an undeniable fact that Onii-sama and I are real siblings. I have accepted that fact.)

Miyuki was talking to the girl in the mirror, while trying to convince herself.

[ You're lying! I would never agree to this! ]

The "Miyuki" within the mirror was a little bit younger than her, and a little bit more honest than her.

(No matter how much you try to convince me, I won't be convinced, 'Miyuki'. Because Onii-sama and I are real siblings.)

[ Did you give up because you are siblings!? ]

(It doesn't matter whether or not I give up. Siblings cannot marry each other. I knew this from the beginning, and I never hoped to love Onii- sama as a woman. If I never hoped for it in the first place, there isn't anything to give up, right?)

[You're lying! Then, why is "Miyuki" so against this unknown fiancé who may not even exist? ]

(Isn't it a mother's duty to be married and have children? I would only be a burden to Onii-sama that way.)

[You can hire a babysitter. The Head of the Yotsuba will be busy with her work so there's no way you can afford to spend your time with children. ]

Miyuki stared hard at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't realize that her arguments were shallow and easily thrown off.

The girl in the mirror began to speak. Miyuki was provoked by her inability to face her inner self.

[Even if you are married to another man, Onii-sama still has other roles. You don't even need love in marrying "that man", as long as you fulfill your duty as a Magician. So long as you have children, nobody's going to say anything. "Miyuki", what you really object to is not the marriage itself. ]

(Stop!)

Miyuki wanted to cover her ears.

[ "Miyuki", what you really object to is... ]

(Stop!)

She wanted to turn away from the mirror.

[ What you really object to is… ]

(Stop!)

No matter how hard she shook her head, she couldn't stop the voice.

[ To be anyone's wife besides Onii-sama's. ]

Yet, she couldn't stand up against her own heart any longer.

[ To be embraced by anyone besides Onii-sama. ]

She saw a pair of distraught eyes in the mirror. She never wanted to have these thoughts.

[Unable to become Onii-sama's bride. Unable to make love to Onii- sama. Unable to love Onii-sama as a woman! ]

"Ah!"

She let out the grieving sound with trembling lips, and fell down from the chair she'd been sitting on.

She was freed from her curse now that the mirror was out of sight.

"It can't be helped."

She let her thoughts be sounded by her voice, and her conflicting emotions converged.

"I'm Onii-sama's sister. I'm his true sibling."

The feelings that she could no longer keep within her heart started to find its way out.

"It's unforgivable to love my brother as a woman. The world will not tolerate it. Even Onii-sama will think that it's abnormal. He will certainly think that it's disgusting."

All alone in her room, Miyuki gave in to all her emotions.

Nobody else could hear her saying those words.

There wasn't a hint of a lie in those words.

"I don't care what the world thinks. If they want to point their fingers at my back, I'd take the fall. But if Onii-sama thought of me as disgusting… I wouldn't be able to stand it!"

She never thought that her feelings were so sinful.

The only one who could give forgiveness to her was not God.

"That's why, it can't be helped."

Miyuki stopped her confession. Her feelings turned to words, then to tears, and overflowed from her eyes.