Chapter 170

January 2nd, 2097 A.D., the news that had spread from the Magic Association early into the New Year had produced a big shock among related parties.

The person who made such an announcement was one of the Family Heads of the Ten Master Clans, Yotsuba Maya, from the Yotsuba Family.

The included contents were the chosen heiress of the Yotsuba Family, as well as the engagement of the next Family Head.

It meant that the Yotsuba Family was moving forward to the next generation. Shiba Miyuki was named as the next Family Head of the Yotsuba, and unexpectedly, Shiba Tatsuya was also chosen as her fiancé. Both pieces of news became a major announcement for the next era of Japan's Magic Community.

However, this news didn't just place expectations on the 'New Era'. Anxiety and shock rippled through those who knew about Tatsuya and Miyuki. Leaving out the fact they were both related to the Yotsuba Family (in some way) which they had hidden up until now, it was revealed they were also not real siblings. The emotional rivalry among the girls and boys had, perhaps, seen this as a 'bolt from the blue', which was a natural outcome with the events as they were.

Among those to be jarred from this was the Ichijou Family's eldest son from the Ten Master Clans, Ichijou Masaki.

◊ ◊ ◊

January 2nd, 4 P.M., Masaki came back from the New Year's Ritual and went to his father's parlor after being summoned.

It was rare for Masaki's father to be around the house at this time. He was usually moving around the seabed looking for resources for his mining company, as that was the official family business. Otherwise he would be overseeing the training of Magicians under the Ichijou Family, hence he wouldn't return home before dinner. However, during the first three days of the New Year, he had to receive greetings as the Head of the Ichijou Family of the Ten Master Clans. For better or worse, his obligation as a Family Head required him to stay put in the house.

The Ichijou Family's Mansion has a Western-style partitioned structure, and the room to greet the guests was located at the end of a long hallway attached to a parlor which was designed according to Japanese-style architecture, like a Samurai-styled mansion.

Masaki arrived in front of his father's parlor, and knelt down in the hallway before knocking on the door rather than suddenly barging into the room.

"It's me, Masaki."

"Come in."

He received a rough response from the other side of the sliding door. The voice was unlike Masaki's who had the tone of a young nobleman, but it was not an uncouth voice. Rather, it had a wild vibe to it that you could feel in your belly regardless of the volume.

"Excuse me."

He opened the sliding door while kneeling down, and soon after entering the room, he knelt down again. It might appear as excess politeness between parent and child, but it suits the good behavior and sensibility of Masaki.

On the other hand, his father, Gouki, who was wearing a haori hakama with the family crest hanging on his chest, broke his posture by attaching his elbow to his foot. He looked like a 'Lord' in a popular drama which was set in the late Showa Era, but Gouki was spared from scrutiny for his rough attitude.

Masaki sat in front of his father. They didn't resemble each other well for a parent and child. The Ichijou Family's son and daughters take after their mother, and that was a widely known fact.

Gouki was 42 years old this year, and if he was to be described in one word, it would be 'manly'. His whole body was overly tanned, and on his head was short and cropped hair, all acquired due to the long time he spent under intense sunlight. His appearance suited his dignity quite appropriately for his age. In contrast, his body did not appear to age as much, his muscles were firm, albeit not voluminous, but toned and edgy. Despite his harsh features, he left a strong yet tasteful impression.

"Well, don't be so uptight."

That was the first sentence he offered to his son, who was sitting with an upright attitude from the very beginning.

"Then, I won't hold back."

He was dressed up throughout the New Year —— with his student uniform —— so Masaki followed his father's recommendation and relaxed his posture. Gouki did not like formal manners, but he still exercised some degree of distinction. Whoever it may be it, as a member of the Ten Master Clans, or as the Ichijou Family Head, any human being must exercise the appropriate behavior. Now, as soon as he asked his son to 'not be uptight', he was acting as Masaki's father, instead of the Head of the Ichijou Family.

"Masaki. It'll be hard to answer this question honestly to your parent when you're at this age, but please make your best effort."

"What happened? Is it something serious?"

It was unusual for Gouki to give such a prelude. He was usually a cut-to- the-chase, blunt-to-a-fault kind of person. Especially towards his own son. Masaki was naturally mystified.

However, Masaki also decided to go along with him, since he was already there.

"You really need to answer honestly. Do you know a girl named Shiba Miyuki?"

"Wh-why are you asking such a thing!?"

Masaki spoke in a panicky voice, which indicated that he had a positive answer to the question given.

"Do you, Masaki?"

However, Gouki wanted a clearly worded answer, so he asked Masaki again straightforwardly.

"…I know her."

He still didn't know what his father was thinking. After being persistently asked, Masaki decided to answer obediently.

"When and how did you meet her?"

Masaki almost shouted 'Why do I need to answer a question like this for my father?'. Although he had it on the tip of his tongue, Masaki held back, realizing the act would be meaningless. His father may have an assertive personality, but he wouldn't say something like that without reason.

"At the Nine Schools Competition, two years ago. I've known her since the Opening Ceremony. I got to know her during the Celebration Party when I got to be her dance partner."

"So you had an eye on her first. Since she didn't reject your offer to dance, at the very least you weren't disliked by her."

He didn't have enough information from just that, and his frank guess of the situation made Masaki's face grow hotter. However, this was still just testing the waters.

"Then, do you like Miyuki-jou?"

In the following instance, an intense stare emitted from Gouki, and Masaki seemed to skip a heartbeat.

"Wha-what are you talking a----!?"

"I asked you, are you in love with her?"

"Why do you need to ask me such a question!?"

His tongue was tied due to his agitation, so Masaki's speech didn't come out well and was similar to a scream. This time, he was unable to suppress his feelings.

"Approximately 30 minutes ago, I received a message from the Yotsuba via the Magic Association."

Gouki answered his son's question with a grave tone. He would never, ever, tease his son about love, and neither would he ridicule him.

"From the Yotsuba?"

He immediately told Masaki about it. The word 'Yotsuba' which came out of Gouki's mouth made Masaki disrupt his cool consciously.

"What business does the Yotsuba have with the Ichijou?"

"It's not only between the Family Heads. The Yotsuba Family announced to the Ten Master Clans, the 18 Assistant Houses, as well as the Hundred Families. It is some sort of a greeting towards the major houses of Japan's Magic Community."

"Greeting? How amusing, for that unfriendly Yotsuba Family to do such a thing… What exactly is happening that would make them send such a greeting?"

Masaki and Gouki stared into each other's eyes for a while. Masaki made sure that there were no lies in the information that his father was about to deliver, and he confirmed that Gouki was prepared to tell Masaki the truth.

"The Yotsuba Family has named their next Family Head. She is a First High sophomore student, Shiba Miyuki."

"Shiba-san is, from the Yotsuba, the next Head…?"

Despite keeping his polite tone, Masaki was deeply shaken. The fact that Miyuki was a Member of the Yotsuba Family, on top of the fact she was of a close lineage that would be appointed as the next Family Head. A fact that he'd never dreamt to hear rocked Masaki's heart hard.

Gouki kept his strong gaze upon Masaki while continuing to retell the story upon Masaki's drifting consciousness.

Soon after, a bigger bomb was dropped on Masaki.

"Masaki, the Yotsuba named Shiba Miyuki as the next Family Head. Additionally, it was announced that Shiba Miyuki is engaged to her cousin, Shiba Tatsuya."

"Shiba-san is engaged…?"

Masaki was stunned in surprise. However, he only needed a short time to realize the details of the fact.

"Cousin, you said? Shiba-san and Shiba Tatsuya are supposed to be siblings!"

Gouki nodded lightly to his son's words.

"I have also confirmed about that fact. Certainly, they were supposed to be siblings up to now. However, the truth seems to point out that they are cousins."

"Seems?"

Despite his overflowing upsetness, his father's words were still a problem. He recognized an unnatural part.

"Shiba Tatsuya is Yotsuba Maya's son who was born via artificial insemination from her egg. Please read carefully, his family registry data was modified at the end of last year."

Gouki was also displeased about this fact.

"Certainly, it is a plausible tale. At the very least, there is no evidence that Yotsuba-dono did not tell a lie. However, there is no evidence that what Yotsuba-dono said is the truth either."

"Dad, do you think… that the Yotsuba are lying?"

Masaki's voice came out sounding like he was almost sniveling.

"That's not the main problem right now." However, Gouki shook off his son's accusation.

"Whether they are siblings or cousins, it's still no good for close relatives to marry each other. The genes of Magicians in this country are at stake. Marriage between close relatives might compromise their genes, so it must be avoided. It's a natural responsibility of the Ten Master Clans towards the nation."

Masaki changed his legs' positioning, and broke his posture unconsciously.

"This was a one-sided decision by the Yotsuba Family. Even so, they can't ignore that the possibility exists. That's why I asked you. Masaki, do you like Shiba Miyuki-jou? Are you in love with her?"

Gouki stared hard at Masaki. He has strong eyes, which might even stay open without blinking even in the midst of a raging ocean. However, Masaki had no reason to be afraid of them.

"Yeah. I'm in love with Shiba-san. It was love at first sight."

Masaki had no reason to feel guilty about his feelings.

"I see."

Gouki nodded in satisfaction after eliciting a confession from his son.

"Then, as a parent, I should assist with realizing your feelings. Oh, don't worry. The Ichijou Family can still be inherited by Akane. You are free to go as the son-in-law without refrain."

"Dad?"

Masaki was confident that his love for Miyuki was earnest. He was convinced his feelings were real.

"First of all, we must force the current engagement to stop. To do so, shall we express the wish from our side now?"

"Wait a minute, Dad!"

However, for his parent to convey his feelings before he had any chance to say it by himself simply felt wrong to Masaki.

"There's no time to wait. The other party has announced to the world that they have been engaged."

However, after seeing the 'don't be a loser' look in his father's eyes, Masaki was unable to say anything to his father's unreasonable argument.

◊ ◊ ◊

January 3rd. The previous day, the Yotsuba Family sent an engagement announcement to the main Magic Families of Japan, and the Ichijou Family made an objection via the Magic Association.

Yet, the one who felt the most intrigued was not the Yotsuba Family, but rather the Head of Saegusa Family, Saegusa Kouichi.

Ichijou Gouki sent a written rejection to the Magic Association as displayed on the electronic paper, and Kouichi read it with a thin smile.

(You're bold as usual…)

Kouichi and Gouki have been old friends since they were young. Although they didn't have a very close relationship, they didn't particularly hate each other, either. Since they have completely different personalities from the other, it was natural for them to be distant. They were more suited to be called acquaintances.

Furthermore, the age gap between them was adding to the reason that the relationship between them didn't turn hostile. Kouichi was six years older than Gouki. When they first met, Kouichi was a university student while Gouki was still a middle school student. Perhaps, that was the reason why Kouichi couldn't shake off the image that Gouki was 'a time consuming naughty little brother', and did not feel any hostility towards him. Even with this objection, Kouichi felt like saying 'you're doing another reckless thing again'.

(One wrong step and the Ichijou Family will be exposed to crossfire criticisms.)

The Ten Master Clans was set to be of equal allies to each other, and not in any position that could interfere with the internal situations of the other families. There is likely to be damage to valuable genes due to close-relative marriages, so regardless of the justification, it was not allowed to deny the engagement of other families.

However, if the situation affected himself, then it was a different story altogether.

This time, the ones who opposed this engagement of the Yotsuba's next Family Head was not just the Family Head of the Ichijou Family. Together with his opposition of the engagement between cousins who have monozygotic twin mothers, he also proposed to engage the eldest son of the Ichijou Family, Ichijou Masaki, to the Yotsuba's next Family Head, Shiba Miyuki.

Proposing an engagement to a party who had already decided on a fiancé would normally be seen as a hint towards illicit love. However, in this case, the main underlying reason was to avoid the risk of impairing the genes of excellent Magicians.

The fact that the Ichijou Family was interfering with the Yotsuba Family's next Family Head due to Gouki's support of his son's love was unknown to Kouichi. It would impossible for Kouichi to come out with such a gamble for the love of his children, but the Gouki he knew of from the past would be able to do so.

(However, it doesn't really matter with this kind of timing.)

The fact that Shiba Miyuki was going to be named as the next Head of the Yotsuba Family, and that Shiba Tatsuya would be chosen as her fiancé were already deduced by Kouichi.

Despite being a freshman, Shiba Miyuki had mastered high-end magics like 'Inferno' and 'Niflheim', and she also exercised an unknown deadly magic during the Yokohama Disturbance. The range of that magic and the effect of which were unknown as an interpersonal magic, but its power was comparable to the 'Meteor Shower' from what the Saegusa Family Researchers have predicted.

Then, Shiba Tatsuya, who holds the strongest counter-magic and unidentified Decomposition Magic as well as a miraculous kind of magic. Kouichi also received a report that Tatsuya was likely to be the Strategic-Class Magician who caused the 'Scorched Halloween' incident. Moreover, he was closely related with the JSDF 101st Battalion, which was said to be the world's first Flight Combat Independent Magic Battalion.

Kouichi also knew beforehand that the two were related to the Yotsuba. Although he didn't know that Shiba Tatsuya was Maya's son, he only knew that there was no concrete evidence that Shiba Miyuki was a daughter of Miya. When these two individuals become the center of the Yotsuba Family, the other 27 Houses constituting the Ten Master Clans- 18 Assistant Houses might become useless in terms of suppressing the Yotsuba Family, even as a group. It was not known to Kouichi, but Kudou Retsu had similar fears.

Regarding the appointment of Shiba Miyuki as the next Head of the Yotsuba Family and that Shiba Tatsuya was chosen as her fiancé, Kouichi was responding impatiently to this news. He thought that Tatsuya and Miyuki were siblings (although they are siblings), and if one of them were to leave the Yotsuba Family, perhaps it would be Tatsuya. Although it wouldn't be enough to completely weaken the Yotsuba Family, Kouichi thought that it would keep the domestic power balance of persuasion power over time. ——Of course, it also meant that he would set a trap to get that persuasion power.

That was why when Maya announced that Shiba Tatsuya was not Shiba Miyuki's brother, and that the both of them were engaged, Kouichi was taken aback by his complete miscalculation. It didn't matter whether they were real siblings or not since he couldn't extort such a precise inspection of them, since published news is the truth. If they do get married in the future, Shiba Tatsuya would become an unwavering pillar of the Yotsuba, together with Shiba Miyuki. Kouichi was afraid of the time when that reality would be realized.

When that happened, there wouldn't be any more ways of stopping them. The fact that they already sent out an announcement through the Magic Association regarding the formal engagement meant that they could no longer be stopped. Kouichi was chewing bitterly, but——

(There is still that method, huh.)

Although Gouki's reaction was rude, it was not reckless. He knew that Gouki had calculated at least that much. Yet, given Gouki's nature, Kouichi concluded that the greater possibility was that Gouki did it based on his intuition rather than thinking it through.

However, there was no doubt it was a valid move.

Kouichi immediately called his daughters to the living room.

Kouichi was wearing a suit while his daughters gathered wearing glamorous, long-sleeved kimonos. Although they were not wearing the furisode willingly, the three of them nevertheless wore the clothes. It wasn't due to their parent's preference either. Such a factor wasn't non- existent, but their getups were primarily done to entertain the visitors. While the eldest son of the Saegusa Family had the role of entertaining the guests, the three daughters had the role of guiding guests. On a side note, Mayumi's mother was estranged with pretext of medical treatment.

"Otou-sama, what's the matter?"

Mayumi suddenly asked Kouichi who sat across from her. Although she was dressed up in a furisode every year during this time, she was not so amiable this year despite the kimono that she put on.

"I haven't told you about this, but yesterday I received an announcement from the Magic Association, from the Yotsuba Family to the Ten Master Clans, the 18 Assistant Houses, and the Hundred Families."

"Not only the 28 Houses, but the Hundred Families as well? Was it such an important announcement?"

With Kouichi's suggestive words, Izumi did not show any tense response in contrast to her sister, and showed up as per her father's order.

Looking at Izumi who got quite interested in the topic despite her reluctance to listen to her father's story, Kouichi nodded with satisfaction. His youngest twin daughters were cute, even Izumi when viewed from an adult's point of view, and seemed to sweeten Kouichi as well.

"It is important. To the Yotsuba Family, and to you all as well."

"To us as well?"

Mayumi raised her question with a louder voice. Kouichi paid no heed to her.

"The Yotsuba Family's next Family Head is named to be First High Student, Shiba Miyuki-jou."

"Ehh!?"

The one who raised her voice was Mayumi. Izumi, on the other hand, widened her eyes while holding both of her hands tightly. Kasumi remained relatively calm, although she had a hard time believing the news so suddenly.

Mayumi, who had the closest relationship with the Shiba siblings in her family, originally had the notion that Tatsuya was from a Family as an 'Extra with the Number Four' at best. However, the three of them never imagined in their wildest dreams that Miyuki was a Member of the Yotsuba Family.

"Also, it was announced that Shiba Miyuki-jou is engaged to a student from First High, Shiba Tatsuya-kun."

"Huh!?"

"It can't be!"

"Even if they're from the Yotsuba Family, siblings still can't marry each other, right?"

Izumi remained speechless, while Mayumi started to sound like she was screaming, before Kasumi asked her to remain calm.

"They are actually cousins."

"Cousins?"

Kasumi was not as upset as her sisters due to her calm personality, but she had little fondness for Tatsuya and Miyuki. Kouichi, who understood his daughters' temperaments, was able to understand this. Kouichi also knew that Izumi is attracted to Miyuki's beauty.

That was why the point of Kouichi's interest was Mayumi's violent upsetness.

"Shiba Miyuki-jou's mother is Yotsuba Miya-san. Shiba Tatsuya-kun is the son of the current Family Head, of Yotsuba Maya-san who was born from a frozen egg cell of hers."

"Tatsuya-kun is… the son of the Yotsuba Family's Head?"

Kasumi decided to focus her sight downward rather than to watch her sister stunned. The twin sisters seemed to have decided to leave them alone for the mean time since they had nothing to say as well.

"On the contrary,"

However, the sharp tone in Kouichi's voice continued, and Kasumi was aware of the voice of her father.

"The Ichijou Family's Head, Ichijou Gouki-dono, has challenged the engagement of the two from the Yotsuba Family through the Magic Association."

"The Ichijou Family has?"

Mayumi made a confused face after listening to her father.

"That's right. He didn't only go against the engagement, but he also proposed the engagement between his eldest son, Masaki-kun, and Miyuki-jou to Maya-dono."

"Is that so?"

Mayumi seemed to have overcome her upsetness. She tried to mull over some behind-the-scene speculation of the engagement of the eldest son of the Ichijou Family and the Yotsuba Family's next Family Head.

"Mayumi, has some idea come to mind?"

There was no evidence seen that Mayumi was shocked to the unexpected 'new facts' about Tatsuya and Miyuki anymore. Her speed of regaining her composure was evaluated as an advantage for Kouichi.

Rather than taking an interest in what Mayumi knew, Kouichi asked the question to get her comments on the matter, as he wanted to know what she was thinking since she was able to regain her composure in such a short amount of time.

"No, it's nothing important. I was simply reminded that Ichijou Masaki- kun has a strong favor towards Miyuki-san."

"I see. Mayumi, I wonder, when did you notice that?"

"The Nine Schools Competition from two years ago, during the after party. I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who has noticed this."

However, unexpectedly, the content of what she said was helpful for Kouichi. Apparently, the motive of the Ichijou Family Head seems to be helping the romance of his son.

"I see. Hence, rather than acting from the political arena, he chose to consider his son's feelings."

Kouichi couldn't consider the same thing as Gouki. He would never take any action that would disadvantage the Saegusa Family for the sake of his daughter's love. However, he understood the principle behind Gouki's actions well, more than his daughters.

"By the way, how do you see Shiba Tatsuya-kun? Mayumi, what do you think about him?"

Being questioned by Kouichi, Mayumi's eyes began to show a hint of anxiety.

"Even if you ask me… I think he's an excellent junior."

Kouichi did not miss the fact that his daughter was slightly blushing when Mayumi tried to answer him blandly.

"How about you, Kasumi?"

"I have very little contact with Shiba-senpai so my knowledge is only on the surface. I only know that he is someone who excels greatly in Magic Engineering."

Kasumi said so in a vague manner, before she turned her eyes to Izumi.

"I think Izumi knows better than I, since she's working with him in the Student Council."

"I see."

Kouichi moved his eyes towards Izumi.

"Izumi, what do you think of Shiba Tatsuya-kun?"

Izumi changed her hollow eyes instantly when her name was called. She understood what the question was about, so she was not pretending to answer seriously, but had a naturally firm countenance.

"…I think Shiba-senpai… is someone who can't be measured by normal standards."

"Really"

The one who showed a hint of surprise was not only Kouichi. Kasumi revealed her surprised look to Izumi, while Mayumi turned her body to Izumi with rounded eyes.

Without flinching from the attention she brought on herself, Izumi continued her words and returned a straight gaze to Kouichi's face.

"I believe you remember that the First High conducted a Stellar Furnace experiment last April."

"Ah, if I remember correctly, Shiba Tatsuya-kun was the one who had the initiative to do so."

It was an event which overturned Kouichi's plan to damage the Yotsuba's reputation in the public's eyes. He wouldn't easily forget it.

"At the last Nine Schools Competition, Shiba-senpai contributed greatly as a member of the Technical Staff. Even during the previous year's Nine Schools Competition, Shiba-senpai also introduced Flight Magic which had just been published just before the Nine Schools Competition had started for the Mirage Bat event.

Kouichi also knew about this, but he directed his sight to Mayumi for confirmation.

"It's true. He did implement the Flight Magic to the specified CAD. He also developed a new magic which has been recorded in the Magic Index."

"This year, he was selected to improve high level magics such as Invisible Bullet and Phonon Maser."

Mayumi further added to Izumi's testimonies. "That's something else."

What his daughter said were all known to him, yet he looked naturally surprised, as if he was hearing this for the first time.

"However, what I find unfathomable about Shiba-senpai, is that on the surface he doesn't appear to see any of his actions as achievements."

Izumi did not end her comment there.

"Shiba-senpai… and us, are seeing a different world… While he lives here, he's fundamentally living in a different world… Sometimes, I get this kind of feeling."

"Is that because he has a similar special vision like Mayumi?"

"…I don't know. Sorry, Otou-sama, it's just a vague feeling."

Izumi looked down as she was not able to explain her feelings properly. Kouichi stared at Mayumi.

Mayumi also shook her head, hinting that she had no idea.

Although Izumi's impression of Tatsuya had piqued Kouichi's interest, she missed a fact in her conclusion. Kouichi decided to temporarily shelve his curiosity.

"Then, what do you think of him as the opposite sex?"

Izumi turned her face up due to the unexpected question, while opening her eyes wide due to the surprise.

"He's not someone that I could lay my hands on! …It's regrettable, truly regrettable."

"Izumi, what do you mean?"

Suddenly, Izumi's calm and collected appearance crumbled down, Kouichi looked rather anxious than worried at this sight.

"From my point of view, Shiba-senpai seems to be very manipulative… Even if he's rather suitable for Miyuki-senpai, still…"

"Izumi, do you know what you are trying to say? Even for me, this is quite a surprise you know?"

It seemed like Kasumi had forgotten that her father was watching her, she involuntarily turned to Izumi with a surprised face.

With an uncomfortable face, Kouichi cleared his throat.

Kasumi and Izumi shivered as if shocked by electricity, and aligned their downcast heads shyly.

"Mayumi, how about you? How do you think of Shiba Tatsuya-kun as a member of the opposite sex?"

Kouichi went about without scolding Kasumi and Izumi —— who were now, hesitant to continue their comments —— then proceeded with Mayumi.

"Even if you ask me…"

Even though it was expected that she would be asked this, Mayumi's eyes wandered around in a panic. However, despite her nervousness, there wasn't a hint of dislike to be seen.

There wasn't even a tinge of a troubled expression either.

"Shiba Tatsuya-kun is two years younger than Mayumi, but that much shouldn't cause any significant problems. Especially considering his position as the son of the current Head of the Yotsuba Family, the age gap is balanced out."

"About that, he has a very mature air around him…"

If everything fell in place neatly as Kouichi planned, this might go well. Aligned with Gouki's pace, he might be able to destroy Maya's plan.

"Mayumi, if you have such feelings, you should officially date him."

Kouichi told her so with respect to his plan,

"I disagree!"

Kasumi raised her objection.

"Kasumi, restrain yourself."

Not only did she disturb him in an untimely manner, it was also a behavior unsuitable for a high school student. This time, Kouichi reprimanded her instantly.

"…I'm terribly sorry."

Kasumi was also aware that her attitude was inappropriate. Although she was unhappy, she did not rebel against her father.

"Otou-sama, if Onee-sama has such feelings for Shiba-senpai, I would suggest for her to have a proper relationship with him, but I'm also against this."

"Izumi. Do you have any reason?"

Kouichi, though serious in dealing with Kasumi, did not intend on immediately reprimanding Izumi but instead wanted her to continue. Although Izumi's polite manner of speaking was part of the reason, the main reason was Kouichi doted on Izumi more.

"For a female to actively approach a male who has already formally announced his engagement to the public, if news got out of this, it would be absolutely unacceptable. The Ichijou Family can only do what they're doing because Ichijou-san is a male. Shiba-senpai is a male so he can just laugh it off if his love gets snatched away, but for Miyuki-senpai, it would very likely hurt her."

"…Is that so?"

When it came to such unique female sensibilities, even Kouichi could not refute them. In fact, just asking such a thing already pushed him to his limit.

"Yes!"

The one who exclaimed thus was Mayumi.

"To ask a guy who has just announced his engagement, if word got out it, that would be unacceptable. Not to mention I'm older than him. I don't want to spread rumors that I'm a senpai who tempts her kouhai or that I'm lacking in morals."

"Is that so."

Kouichi could only leave things in such a disadvantaged position. Henceforth, Kouichi never again brought up the issue of the Yotsuba Family announcement of the engagement. From this point out, he had to fully focus on matters concerning Miyuki and Tatsuya since they were now known to be from the Yotsuba Family. Kouichi dismissed his daughters after that.

◊ ◊ ◊

After 8 P.M. in the evening, visitors to the Saegusa household had all but left. There were no more prior engagements to any dinner banquets before tomorrow. Kouichi and his daughters, changed out of their kimonos into normal clothes, and he finished dinner before settling himself in his study.

This did not differ much from his normal routine. Although having dinner with his daughters was a rare sight, retiring back to his study after dinner was a perfectly normal occurrence. After completing the work required of him as a Head of the Ten Master Clans and that of a businessman, as well as reading the reports of clandestine operations, the call that Kouichi had been waiting for finally arrived.

"New Year's greetings, Saegusa-dono."

"Happy New Year, Ichijou-dono. Apologies for having you specially make this call."

Ichijou Gouki was precisely the person Kouichi was waiting for. "No, I'm the one who made you wait, sorry."

"I didn't have to wait long at all."

It was two hours ago when Kouichi sent his request for Gouki to give him a call when Gouki was free. Hence, to say that he didn't have too long to wait really was too subtle.

"Then, what you wanted to discuss, is it about the Yotsuba Family?"

Although, in terms of age, Kouichi was older than Gouki by seven years, the one speaking to the other in familiar terms was Gouki. However, there was an unwritten rule when it came to the Heads of the Ten Master

Clans owing to their equal standings and it was Kouichi's attention to formal speech that was inappropriate.

Kouichi was probably the only one from the Ten Master Clans who was such a stickler for those kinds of details.

"Yes, but to be accurate it's about the request Ichijou-dono made of the Yotsuba Family, specifically about your son."

While Kouichi said so with a smile, Gouki started frowning. "Please, don't pretend as if you know everything, will you?"

As Gouki's response was within his calculations, Kouichi replied unhurriedly.

"I am considering supporting your son's pursuit of love."

Perhaps complaints about Gouki's highly unreasonable act had already started to show. To move the conversation forward, Kouichi clearly stated his intentions before Gouki got annoyed.

"Is that so. Thanks."

Gouki thanked Kouichi while trying to guess at his true intentions, causing Gouki to reveal a weird expression.

"I, too, am saddened by the engagement announced by Yotsuba-dono."

Gouki's expression changed from one of surprise to agreement. Compared to feeling sorry for his own son, objecting to the next Head of Yotsuba Family's engagement was a more palatable excuse.

"Then, I'll assume Saegusa-dono feels that the marriage between two close relatives that the Yotsuba Family is proposing is too dangerous?"

"Yes, exactly. I also frequently hear of the next Head of the Yotsuba Family, Shiba Miyuki-jou's outstanding qualities from my daughters."

This was a lie. Kouichi and his daughters didn't even hold conversations 'frequently'. Intel on Miyuki and Tatsuya had been entirely obtained through private investigations.

If he was honest about it, however, the question of how Kouichi knew about Miyuki and Tatsuya despite the Yotsuba Family covering up the two's relationship would arise. Whether or not Kouichi had been secretly conducting investigations would also rise into suspicion, so it was more convenient to simply say he had heard it from his daughters.

"It's impossible to overlook the possibility of her talents not being passed on after all."

Kouichi's words were meant to echo Gouki's intentions. Unexpectedly however, Gouki bit his lips unhappily, which was outside of Kouichi's calculations.

"——Not only Miyuki-jou, Shiba Tatsuya-kun, too, is a Magician who has achieved victory over my son. Although I might sound like an idiot for saying so, but I think those that win over Masaki are pretty valuable."

"Yes. It is as you say."

Kouichi immediately corrected his stance. Though Gouki might think himself stupid just now, winning over Masaki was definitely a huge accomplishment. In actuality, when the Third High team led by Masaki lost to the First High team led by Tatsuya in the 2095 Nine Schools Competition, the shock was so great that the Magic Association almost convened an online meeting via its direct line to discuss their response.

"Shiba Tatsuya-kun's abilities must be treasured as well."

Kouichi's was not merely paying lip service with his immediate agreement with Gouki's words.

"Then, Saegusa-dono, what do you want to do? Is it to plead with Yotsuba-dono to dissolve their plans for marriage, or to support my son?"

Although Kouichi appeared to support him on the surface, Gouki revealed an unhappy face, obviously suspecting that Kouichi was trying to make use of his son.

That was beyond Kouichi's calculations, or rather perhaps, it was even within his calculations.

"In truth, I am considering having Shiba Tatsuya-kun become my son- in-law."

Here, Kouichi had revealed that he was acting humble while bowing down his head.

Gouki couldn't help but waver for having arrived at the same conclusion as Kouichi.

"…Isn't your Mayumi-jou currently dating the young son of the Itsuwa Family?"

Gouki probed Kouichi with expression and tone speaking of his inability to hide his surprise.

"Yes, putting aside the lack of progress between Mayumi and Hirofumi, the two do not seem to intend on continuing the relationship, to the extent that they might be going back to square one."

"If it's Shiba Tatsuya-kun, are you saying that Mayumi-jou thinks that way too?"

"For Mayumi, Shiba Tatsuya-kun is also a Kouhai, but for her to feel that way should not be a surprise. Mayumi is already twenty now, and as a father, she is approaching the age when I wish she would start making plans for marriage."

Gouki's intuition was telling him that Kouichi wanted to make use of the Ichijou Family, but his level of understanding failed to allow himself to understand this. Kouichi's words contained absolutely nothing to arouse anything suspicious, and it helped that he was approaching Gouki at this point in time.

"I'm embarrassed to say this but I'm still at the stage where I'm negotiating with my daughter, and still not at the stage when I can propose a marriage. Hence, in place of a proposal I'm hoping I could add my name to your voice of dissent."

Gouki felt that he was slowly slipping into an ingenious trap. "Then as the Family Head, it's something I should feel grateful for."

However, he was now only considering whether to accept Kouichi's proposal.

"If you could give me a reply as soon as possible, I would be very grateful. As a Family Head, I plan to contact others who also consider Yotsuba-dono's plan dangerous, what do you think?"

"If such people really exist, please do introduce them to me."

It wasn't really a request made of Kouichi, but rather Gouki trying his best to maintain his position as the main party involved. However, in the current state of affairs it was all Gouki could do.

"Oh, of course."

Kouichi while smiling, nodded. Gouki understood from the start that to see through Kouichi's real thoughts on the phone was impossible, so he gave up.

"Then, I'll send you the original document sent to the Magic Association later."

"In case of any errors I'll send the co-signed document back to you first, so please do a thorough check."

"Understood."

"That's concluded, then. Ichijou-dono, thank you very much."

"No, I should be the one feeling thankful. I'll take my leave now."

The conversation with Gouki over the phone ended satisfactorily for Kouichi.

◊ ◊ ◊

As Tatsuya and Miyuki brought Minami home, it was already Friday, January 4th.

Those who knew of Tatsuya and company's relationship with the Yotsuba Family were only limited to those at the top of the magical community. However, it would not take more than a few days for this intelligence to proliferate through the people connected to magic. The existence of the location of their house, too, was only a matter of time. Hayama had mentioned of preparations being made in Tokyo for a second Yotsuba Family Residence; Tatsuya mused that considerations will have to be made about a possible move to there.

Even if such a move was made, however, Tatsuya anticipated that it would only happen in one to two months' time. He had to take care of some errands first before that.

If it was the end of the last century, that would mean cleaning up the house, clearing out everything together with everyone. For homes in the modern age where domestic chores have become highly automated, however, it was no problem leaving the cleaning up to automatons. After finishing lunch at home, Tatsuya and Miyuki left for Yakumo's Temple- Kyuuchouji Temple, leaving Minami behind.

Tatsuya changed into a suit while Miyuki changed into a kimono. Riding Tatsuya's motorcycle was out of the question; the skates didn't even need to be mentioned. Fortunately, both Tatsuya's house as well as Kyuuchouji Temple were within the public transportation grid where driver assistance AI could take them there automatically. Hence they used their private car instead of a public one.

The trip to Kyuuchouji Temple only took around ten minutes. A call made before leaving ensured they didn't show up with no one not being home.

Nonetheless, Tatsuya who had arrived punctually was instead asked to wait. Yakumo was definitely in the temple. However, an earlier visitor was in fact present. Arriving just before Tatsuya, the individual had suddenly appeared without having made any arrangements beforehand.

Looking like he was a visitor, who Yakumo simply could not turn away. One of Yakumo's most talented disciples who was close to Tatsuya apologized to him profusely.

Tatsuya was deciding if he should pay a visit on another day though ultimately was stopped by that disciple, and so the decision was made to wait longer. Tatsuya didn't have anything important on his schedule today and he was in no mood to work anyway, so with the thought that it was fine, Tatsuya continued waiting.

When Tatsuya was finally summoned, it was already 30 minutes since he arrived.

Leaving the lecture hall for the main hall, Tatsuya passed the courtyard when he saw the back of the previous visitor at the main gate.

It was a bald old man. Perhaps he was from the same Buddhist sect, Tatsuya thought, but he immediately dismissed it. Although the bald head suggested the visitor was a monk, what he was wearing however was a high-end suit and coat. Although monks who wore suits probably still exist, the old man was definitely not one, Tatsuya's intuition told him such. At the very least he wasn't a monk, and he gave off the impression of being one in a position of authority.

Probably feeling Tatsuya's stare, the old man turned his head around from the left.

The old man's left eye, it was cloudy white.

The old man's movement caused Tatsuya great unease. If the sight of one's left eye were impaired, one would usually turn his head from the right.

In that eye, contained an extraordinary sight…

The old man immediately returned to his previous position, then he left walking away through the temple gate.

"Onii-sama?"

Hearing Miyuki's call, Tatsuya instantaneously regained himself. His attention was drawn to that old man by such a degree.

Being unsure of what he was afraid of, Tatsuya shifted his focus.

Kneeling in front of Yakumo, Tatsuya did not inquire as to the old man's identity.

"Sensei, we've visited at such a late hour. Happy New Year."

Tatsuya was at the moment considering if he should investigate his other visitor. Though he had no reason to think so, asking would probably yield no answers.

Miyuki formally bowed, in harmony with Tatsuya.

"Congratulations. I already understand the situation so let's not care too much about that."

Receiving Yakumo's answer, the pair of siblings raised their heads together.

"To already know, as expected of you."

To Miyuki's admiring look filled with respect, Yakumo smiled while shaking his head.

"No, no. This is nothing worthy of admiration. Because news of Miyuki- kun being made the next Head and the marriage between you two is spreading fairly quickly."

"…Do so many people already know?"

To the vexed Tatsuya who asked so, Yakumo melodramatically widened his eyes in surprise in an act.

"Of course. For people related to magic, this is big news. Plus, it's intelligence related to the Yotsuba Family that's surrounded by mystery and doubts, receiving attention is expected. In addition to that, it's almost time for the Ten Master Clans Conference. Especially since this year's the quadrennial Ten Master Clans Selection Conference? Events that happen just before it would be impossible to keep a lid on."

Tatsuya furrowed his brows while Miyuki appeared distressed. Although the notice was limited to the 28 Houses and the Hundred Families, news would rapidly spread once the Magic Association made the announcement. This news was originally meant to let third parties know of Tatsuya and Miyuki's existence. To let the majority of those related to magic remember this was another intention of the Yotsuba Family.

That was at most only Maya's plan, though. Tatsuya did not wish for things to be done this way. Putting aside the rumors on the street, how First High's students would react during the new semester, was more than enough to depress the two.

"Speaking of which… to think that you two were not siblings but cousins, and engaged to each other."

Yakumo laughed nastily.

"Even I was completely cheated. Congratulations."

Hearing Yakumo's congratulations, Miyuki blushed while shifting her line of sight.

However, Miyuki's expression froze at Yakumo's next sentence. "Well, where does the truth end?"

"We heard that it is all true."

As Yakumo revealed a smile filled with interest on one side, Tatsuya, immediately turning expressionless, replied without confidence.

"Hmm, so you heard, huh."

"Since I have no memories on this matter, I can only learn from others."

"Is that so, is that so. Even if it's Tatsuya-kun, you wouldn't remember what happened immediately after you were born. Not to mention things that happened before that, you will only be able to know of them by hearing from others. You have a point."

Yakumo smiled while glaring coldly at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya, as if saying "It's just as you've said", lowered his head silently.

After this, only small talk took place and after about 20 minutes had passed Tatsuya and Miyuki stood up.

Yakumo as if naturally, stood up as well, following behind the siblings. Under such circumstances, regardless of any misgivings they might have had, Tatsuya and Miyuki understood that it was meaningless to Yakumo. The two, thus sandwiched between the disciple tasked with leading the way and Yakumo, proceeded towards the gate heading to the parking lot.

At the gate, Miyuki and Tatsuya stood properly once more, preparing to say their greetings once more.

However, the one faster to speak was Yakumo.

"Tatsuya-kun. Tomorrow, I will give you a more rigorous training, you would better prepare yourself mentally."

Tatsuya, unprepared, widened his eyes. Yakumo's words just now implied that Tatsuya need not mind this matter and should come here to train as before. Yakumo meant this, despite Tatsuya's identity as being someone from the Yotsuba Family going public, getting along like how they used to, is just fine.

"Please take care of me this year as well, Sensei."

Although Tatsuya did not reveal any indication that he was moved, "Sensei, thank you."

Though in Miyuki's eyes, tears welled up.

◊ ◊ ◊

On the day after Tatsuya paid his visit to Kyuuchouji Temple, he left Miyuki at home to head to the JSDF 101 Brigade Base situated in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki to pay a visit.

The destination was the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion Headquarters. It was not for training but rather to greet Kazama.

Although Tatsuya was in a normal suit, the ID card he held was no less different than that held by a regular soldier. He only needed to pass through a card scanner and a bio-scanner before Tatsuya easily passed through the gate, after which he walked towards the building that the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion was in. Tatsuya initially planned to go straight to where Kazama was, but in the sturdy plaza spanning three floors both above and below ground, he saw a familiar figure, so he walked towards it.

"Happy New Year, Special Lieutenant Ooguro."

"Happy New Year and congratulations, First Lieutenant Fujibayashi."

As they saluted one another, Tatsuya and Fujibayashi exchanged New Year's greetings. Tatsuya, though, appended his congratulations not only for the New Year's well wishes.

"Thank you, Special Lieutenant. The increase in salary at this point really sincerely makes me happy."

Fujibayashi replied in a joking manner. Tatsuya felt that her words contained some complex undercurrents, but did not point them out right then.

"I also wish to give my New Year's greetings to the Lieutenant Colonel."

"Of course, the Commander is waiting for us as well. Let's go." Fujibayashi gave a bright smile before turning around. Tatsuya followed behind her.

"It's Fujibayashi."

"Come in."

Kazama gave his permission to enter the room, in response to Fujibayashi's knock on his door. There was only one person in the Commander's Office.

"Excuse me. I brought Special Lieutenant Ooguro along."

"The two of you, stand there and wait a moment."

As he was speaking, Kazama operated the end of the desk. At the wall near the entrance, a part came down to the height of his hand, and stopped as it became parallel to the ground to form the seat of a chair.

Tatsuya and Fujibayashi sat down on the chairs that were prepared. There were cushions placed on the seats, so it didn't feel uncomfortable sitting on them.

Kazama continued repeating movements using his stylus on the monitor reclined at a 15-degree angle, as if signing documents, before raising his head.

Fujibayashi and Tatsuya stood up together in front of the table where the monitor was stowed away. Tatsuya moved forward half a step before saluting Kazama.

"Commander, New Year's greetings to you. Also, congratulations on your promotion this time."

"Well. Special Lieutenant, I'm looking forward to your being active this year as well."

"Yes. Thank you very much."

Kazama loosened his expression, then stood up.

Behind Tatsuya and Fujibayashi's backs, appeared a sofa that came up from underneath the floor.

"Well, sit down."

While saying this, Kazama sat down on a simple inflatable sofa. Tatsuya then sat down on the sofa by the door as well.

The ceiling descended between the two, forming a suspended coffee table. A teapot, teacups and saucers had already been prepared on the table.

Fujibayashi, still standing, picked up a kettle, filled the teapot up with hot water, then poured the tea into the teacups after a while. She then placed the two teacups, on saucers, and teapot in front of Kazama and Tatsuya. Smiling in response to Tatsuya who thanked her, Fujibayashi started moving to the left of Kazama.

"Although I don't think you have any matters which you specifically need help with, you didn't come here today just for New Year's greetings did you?"

Kazama asked Tatsuya as he picked up the teacup. Although the cup was not filled with boiling hot water, the teacup made of thin celadon should still have been pretty hot, Kazama however did not reveal any reaction to it.

"I heard the Commander received a promotion, so of course I can't pretend I didn't know about it."

In response to Kazama's direct question, Tatsuya answered while smiling. Although it was just to be civil, the smile was not accompanied by any emotions. Instead of a sincere expression, a smile was chosen instead.

"Although it's called a promotion."

Kazama responded to Tatsuya's faked smile with a smile of his own. However, Kazama's was a forced smile.

"My salary hardly increased and compared to my contemporaries, I'm already one of the last. Well, even though I feel better that I was promoted, it's a good thing that situations where my subordinates will be put under pressure will disappear."

Just as Kazama had said, in the official routine orders sent out on January 1st, the promotion list wasn't limited to just Kazama. As Tatsuya pointed out, Fujibayashi was promoted from a Second Lieutenant to a First Lieutenant, Sanada and Yanagi were both promoted from Captains to Majors, their military ranks increased.

When Kazama was younger, in carrying out some of his missions, he once displeased the Central higher-ups, causing his records and deeds, strength, reputation and position to be suppressed, inconsistent with his accolades. After becoming the Commanding Officer of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, it was thanks to the efforts of the Brigade Commander-Major General Saeki that he finally became a Field Officer, but the Bureaucrats in charge of Military Affairs and Politics did not plan on allowing Kazama to get promoted again.

However, the results achieved in the Yokohama Incident was not something that the Ministry of Defense could overlook. Instead, reasoning that the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion was a secret unit, the excuse that immediate promotions would expose them as the operatives of the Battalion was given. Thus the promotion that should have been decided in January and July of the previous year was delayed, but they could not keep ignoring the protests of those who had achieved victory and had not been given what they deserved. Hence, they could only send out the routine orders that Kazama was among the ones being promoted.

He was accompanied by Sanada, Yanagi and Fujibayashi, the three of whom received similarly delayed promotions by one rank.

"A raise in rank shouldn't be a bad thing. Even if it's just a little, if there's an increase in income, nothing beats it."

"You have a point. Speaking of the matter on the Special Lieutenant's income, my feelings are a little complex."

"The difference in my income isn't that great. Since CADs are a product of the budding Magic Engineering sector, its market remains very small."

Tatsuya and Kazama both smiled at the same time. After which they simultaneously tightened their expressions.

"Lieutenant Colonel, how are the anti-spy measures?"

"They are complete."

In response to Tatsuya's question, Kazama nodded while answering. Tatsuya took in a small breath of air.

"Lieutenant Colonel, has the structure of the Independent Magic- Equipped Battalion changed?"

"There are no changes this time. Because our Independent Magic- Equipped Battalion is positioned as a secret unit, the Major General feels that it's not a problem even if the ranks and the job scopes don't match up."

"Understood."

Tatsuya was deployed with the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion as a Special Forces Soldier and his identity was closely related, in a personal way, with Kazama or Sanada. If the head changed, then considerations had to be made if he would be affected as well.

Those words just now were not just polite remarks, rather they were instead sincere in respect to the interests of the Yotsuba Family. If he must be placed under the command of someone who couldn't be trusted, he would have to re-examine if he should cut ties with the military. This time however, it looked like this worry was unwarranted.

"Tatsuya, we can be just like how we were before, so do you think we can receive your support?"

This time, Kazama questioned Tatsuya with a nervous expression. "Yes."

Tatsuya lightly nodded his head, indicating assent.

"Weren't you entrusted with a new identity by the Yotsuba Family?"

"That does not conflict with the interests of the Independent Magic- Equipped Battalion."

Tatsuya replied not with 'the JSDF' but with 'the Independent Magic- Equipped Battalion' in response to Kazama's question, after he consciously thought about it.

"At least, for now."

The meaning of then adding 'for now', Kazama clearly understood. "Is that so."

In this way, Kazama quickly accepted it.

"We predict that in the coming months, the international situation will start to escalate rapidly, including within Japan. Even if it doesn't reach the scale of another World War, the possibility of mid-level military conflicts happening in the near future, specifically within a year, in the East Asia region is significant."

"Are we referring to the Army Staff's views? Or the General Staff's views?"

Leading up to World War III which lasted for 20 years, the JSDF as an organization changed on a massive scale. The Ministry of Defense was shuffled into the consolidated Joint Staff, which now included the General Headquarters of the Defense Army, Defense Navy and Defense Air Force. The Joint Staff became affiliated with the Joint Staff Office and reports directly to the Chairman of the Joint Staff, that now, at the same time, assumed the position of Director of the Joint Staff Office. The function of the Joint Staff Office was to convene during emergencies to act as the JSDF's highest decision-making body.

For example, during last year's Yokohama Incident, within two hours of the start of the invasion, the Joint Staff Office convened and subsequently decided for the authorization and use of 'Material Burst'.

Within the current system, under the Army, Navy and Air Force, each had set up their own respective General Headquarters responsible for managing intelligence, combat and deployment. Their difference from the consolidated Staff Office was that they were only responsible for analyzing military intelligence as well as providing suggestions. Tatsuya's question was asking about which level of analysis Kazama's earlier statements had passed.

"No, it's Excellency Saeki's analysis."

Kazama's answer was not one Tatsuya expected. Looks like it was, at most, the 101st Battalion's informal internal analysis. However, Tatsuya's trust in the prediction of military conflicts instead soared.

It came from an excellent and experienced expert without considerations of politicians' judgment, without considerations for popular opinion or political bias. It could be said that it was the result of pure analysis. Although Tatsuya did not at all want the prediction to be realized, he didn't have the confidence to optimistically pronounce it as baseless.

"Although the Ten Master Clans is an organization for the protection of Magician's rights, they will not shy away from the duty of National Defense. Based on this, the Yotsuba Family and the JSDF share the same interests."

"I won't involve you with matters unrelated to National Defense, meaning I won't impose upon you any obligations. Tatsuya, I'm looking forward to working with you this year."

With the same phrase that started it, Kazama ended the conversation with Tatsuya.

After greeting Kazama, Tatsuya had originally planned to greet Sanada, Yanagi and Yamanaka. However Yamanaka was not in the base at the moment, while Sanada and Yanagi were currently occupied. In a dilemma as to whether he should wait somewhere or go straight home, Tatsuya was invited to the officer café by Fujibayashi, who helped ascertain the three's status, instead.

The time now was 10:50 A.M. Although it was still too early to be having lunch, it was just right to have a cup of coffee. Especially since it was still the New Year period, the Brigade as a whole had not started training in earnest, causing the use of the café by officers making it crowded and rather lively.

Although it was the New Year period, the personnel were still on duty, and the officers were all in uniforms. Fujibayashi, too, was wearing the female logistics personnel uniform. Conversely, Tatsuya was wearing a three-piece suit. If he had been holding his coat in one hand he might not have been feeling so indisposed, but in the present situation, he was subtly conspicuous in the café.

Fujibayashi looked on in interest at Tatsuya who was taking his discomfort calmly.

"…So Tatsuya-kun you can be shy like this too."

Since Tatsuya was trying to preserve his dignity, he didn't say it aloud but looked at Fujibayashi helplessly.

"I don't really like attracting people's attention."

Hearing Tatsuya's reply, Fujibayashi almost burst into laughter. "Then, this time could be said to be a catastrophe for you."

"There is nothing to be done about it. Especially since the choice to refuse doesn't exist."

Fujibayashi, as if attempting to probe Tatsuya's innermost feelings, gazed at Tatsuya.

"Is this about the marriage?"

"Of course."

"Do you hate it?"

"It's only that there is no other way. Being ordered to get engaged to someone who has always been your sister, my brain can't switch tracks so quickly. Especially understanding that Miyuki must have a fiancé, makes it harder to resist…"

Tatsuya's reply was merely a polite remark. It wasn't because he was required to be the fiancé but probably rather because he absolutely could not let go of Miyuki.

If anybody who knew the sibling's feelings for each other could think of it, it wasn't difficult for Fujibayashi to see through Tatsuya. However, out of Fujibayashi's mouth didn't come words of teasing Tatsuya.

"A fiancé is necessary, huh…"

Tatsuya looked at Fujibayashi, surprised.

However, he didn't ask about it. Because considering Fujibayashi's age, it was easy to infer that her relatives must have demanded she get married.

"…Recently, it's been irritating. Speaking of which, I've been told I should be getting married too."

Although Tatsuya wanted to avoid the topic at hand, it was instead brought up by Fujibayashi.

"Even though I also know that I'm already at this age…"

Considering the modern trend of Magicians being required to marry early, it wasn't difficult to imagine that Fujibayashi was under enormous pressure from her family. It was because of this that Tatsuya didn't say anything to Fujibayashi.

Precisely because of knowing Fujibayashi's reasons for not wanting to marry, it was even harder to say heartless things.

"I know. It's about time to properly straighten out my state of mind. If I keep being stuck on that person, he probably won't be happy either."

Today, unexpectedly, Fujibayashi stepped on a landmine even Tatsuya wanted to avoid. Compared to the other Officers' curious eyes, listening to Fujibayashi's words now, instead, made Tatsuya even more uncomfortable.

In the Defense Battle in Okinawa in the year 2092, Fujibayashi lost her soon-to-be-married fiancé. Even though it was one arranged by their parents, she was still never able to forget him.

Her fiancé was new. He was Killed-in-Action in his first deployment.

Fujibayashi, who was previously a researcher, also became a uniformed military personnel because of the death of her fiancé. She didn't hate the military for losing him, but perhaps because in his place, she wanted to fulfil his dreams. Tatsuya had not heard the details to this degree.

What Tatsuya understood was that Fujibayashi was unable to forget her fiancé who was Killed-in-Action, and the people surrounding her could not forgive that.

"Ah, sorry! I really… to make you listen to my complaining, it would only annoy you Tatsuya-kun."

Sensing Tatsuya's difficult position, Fujibayashi was embarrassed and hurriedly apologized.

"No… I think your family is only worried about you."

To the Fujibayashi of now, Tatsuya could only say something to this degree.

◊ ◊ ◊

Just as Yakumo had said, rumors of Tatsuya and company had speedily spread among the Magicians.

"Shizuku, that, is it true!?"

"…There's no mistake."

Moving her line of sight away from the Honoka who was standing on the other side of the table, Shizuku replied with difficulty.

"Miyuki is the next Head of the Yotsuba Family!?"

"Yeah."

As if losing her strength, Honoka lightly sat back down. In front of the two were bite-sized cakes and red tea.

Today was Sunday, January 6th. Shizuku and Honoka were in the Kitayama Household's dining room enjoying desert time after the meal. ——Although the atmosphere was turning anything but 'enjoyable'.

With Honoka, who rarely came over to play (to be precise, it was Shizuku who invited her), talking about this topic made Shizuku herself uncomfortable, but compared to telling her suddenly after meeting her again in the future, she felt it was better to tell her right from the start.

As Shizuku had thought, Honoka did indeed suffer a serious blow, and she was now sitting in the chair, in a listless state.

"Miyuki is… So it's like this…"

However, the listlessness persisted for a surprisingly short time. Honoka muttered, as if accepting it, then resolutely looked at Shizuku.

"Although it gave me a fright, I can accept this. If it's the Ten Master Clans and even one of the Yotsuba Family, it feels like having that kind of ability and power is understandable."

Although Honoka's expression was tinged with loneliness, she looked at Shizuku with an understanding expression.

"Well, from who did you hear that from? Auntie? Or from Uncle?"

"The Yotsuba Family contacted the Heads of the Main Members of the Hundred Families through the Magic Association. It was one of my Mom's contacts from the old days that told her."

"Ah, if Papa were home he might have told me."

Honoka's dad was a subordinate of a strong member of the Hundred Families. Because the news was not specially designated a secret, the possibility that the source of the rumors came from the workplace wasn't low.

Initially, Shizuku was feeling slightly lucky at the fact that Honoka's dad was not home. Honoka's dad did not know about her being in love. Just bringing up anything related to Tatsuya and Miyuki to her dad might have caused him to warn her to stay away from the two.

"Honoka."

"Yeah, what is it?"

However, for Shizuku, it was not easy to properly handle this matter. Especially knowing she wasn't good with words, the trouble of exactly how she should tell her started growing heavier.

(But… I really must tell her.)

Honoka might cry. No, she will definitely cry. At that time, the only one able to let her cry out honestly was herself, and Shizuku's sense of duty began to well up.

If she didn't do so, it would feel like running away from the topic. "Actually, there was a follow-up to what I heard from Mom."

"Follow-up? Exactly what is it?"

Shizuku took a small breath,

"It's that Miyuki and Tatsuya-san are not actually siblings but rather cousins. Also, it looks like even Miyuki and Tatsuya-san did not know this. Following that, Tatsuya-san has also been chosen to be Miyuki's fiancé."

Finished in one breath.

"It cannot be…"

Honoka's face tried to remain strong, then immediately broke into a smile.

"Rea-aaa-lly, Shizuku. Just stop with this type of cruel joke. April Fools is still three months away."

Honoka waited for Shizuku to smile as well. Waiting, for Shizuku to reply with something like 'I've been found out' with an expression without malice.

However, Shizuku only looked into Honoka's eyes with a calm expression.

"Hey, Shizuku. Stop joking."

Fear appeared in Honoka's eyes. Even so, maintaining a smile, she implored Shizuku with a half-joking tone to tell her that this was a joke.

"Honoka."

However, Shizuku's tone wasn't what Honoka was waiting for, but was a sincere tone.

"…It's true?"

Honoka asked, while shaking.

"…Yeah."

Shizuku affirmed painfully.

"How could…!"

Honoka stood up, wanting to run out of the dining room. "Honoka!"

While her back, was tightly hugged by Shizuku. "Let go of me!"

Honoka struggled with slightly rough actions. She was not in fact conscious of who it was that hugged her. More importantly, even where she herself wanted to go, no, what she wanted to do, she did not know.

However, a type of survival instinct to escape from what she feared made her want to run with all her might, away from the darkness.

With the hands pushing away, their strength was totally uncontrolled.

"Kya!"

A wail. As well as the sound of a body hitting the table. The sound of the grinding of table legs. The sound of chairs flipping. The sound of forks being strewn across the floor, and of utensils breaking.

"…Uhh."

Followed by a moan suppressing the pain, which pulled Honoka's consciousness back to the present scene.

What she saw upon turning her head in panic, was Shizuku lying beside the flipped chair. While on the floor behind her, were fragments from all the broken utensils.

"Shizuku!? S-Sorry! Are you alright!?"

Forgetting what she was crying about —— changing into a face like she was about to cry about something else, Honoka hurriedly ran to Shizuku's side.

"It's nothing."

Lightly holding onto the hand that was trying to help her, Shizuku stood up almost with her own strength.

"It was only a light bump. There's no injury."

This sentence was not said only for Honoka's benefit, but at the same time also for the maids who had rushed in upon hearing the commotion.

Shizuku stood up as if wanting to prove her point, not revealing a single sign of pain. However, upon looking down at the skirt of her dress, she frowned slightly.

"Spilt on myself as expected. Let's change in my room."

The skirt of the dress, was ruined by the milk tea that was sent flying. "That, let me help——"

The speech of one of the maids, was cut off by the expressionless Shizuku.

"No need. Compared to that, I'm sorry to bother you with this instead."

"Understood."

However the maids, knowing that this family's 'Ojou-sama' did not like people helping her enter the bath or change clothes, no longer brought up the above-mentioned request and immediately attended to Shizuku's request.

"Honoka come with me."

"Y-Yeah."

Shizuku got slammed onto the table and the floor —— although slightly exaggerated —— the shock that Honoka had received just now was overshadowed by the shock of pushing her to the ground, and she agreed to Shizuku's words without even thinking about it.

"That, Shizuku… I'm sorry, I was so violent against you…"

Upon arriving in Shizuku's room, Honoka looked like she had already calmed down. In the room with only the two of them, what Honoka said, was an apology to Shizuku.

"Don't mind it. There were no injuries, and it doesn't look like it will leave any scars."

As she was replying, Shizuku who had already taken off her dress, dropped it to the ground. After which she let Honoka examine the left side of her waist, shoulder and elbow that were hit. Indeed, Shizuku's snow-white skin showed some redness, but it was apparent that it wasn't to the degree that it would leave scars.

"Honoka, sit anywhere you like."

Having changed into a maximum-length one-piece dress made of thick cloth, Shizuku told Honoka while standing.

Honoka looked around the room, then sat down on a side of the big bed. "I've kept you waiting."

Shizuku who had finished changing sat down beside Honoka. The fact that Honoka was taller, was reflected in their height when sitting down.

Naturally, Shizuku's peeking from below, collided directly with Honoka's face.

"Honoka, are you okay?"

This sentence became the trigger, causing the sorrow in Honoka's heart to awaken.

Tears welled up in Honoka's two eyes.

Shizuku straightened her back, putting her hands around Honoka's shoulders, hugging her.

"Tatsuya-san and Miyuki are cousins, is it really true?"

"Mhm."

"Tatsuya-san and Miyuki, it's confirmed that they're engaged…"

While sobbing, Honoka asked.

In response to the question she had already answered once, Shizuku tightly hugged her friend as an answer.

"How could this be… It's too cruel…"

Just like a dam breaking, Honoka started crying continuously.

"Tatsuya-san said before… Clearly that they were siblings… Miyuki too… Said that we were friends…"

Shizuku, without saying anything, put one knee on the bed and hugged Honoka's head tightly against her chest.

As the sounds of Honoka's crying started to weaken —— not stopping, but rather tiring from crying —— Shizuku remained hugging Honoka tightly against her chest while moving her lips towards Honoka's ear.

"Honoka, you have three paths to choose from."

Honoka's body, revealed a reaction different from sobbing. Confirming that her words had indeed been registered, Shizuku continued speaking.

"The first path would be to give up on Tatsuya-san. I'm afraid this is the option that will hurt the least."

Honoka did not react. She was waiting for the next option.

"The second path would be to still not give up, continue to go on the offensive against Tatsuya-san. Tatsuya-san views Miyuki as a sister, I am pretty sure this point is true. For Tatsuya-san, and for Miyuki, the matter of them not being siblings should be very surprising."

"…Is that so."

Honoka's voice was mixed with crying. "Mhm."

Shizuku specifically did not use words such as 'probably' and 'I think', tersely making a stronger statement.

"Miyuki probably saw Tatsuya-san as a love interest of the opposite sex from the start but Tatsuya-san's feelings are at most love for a sister. Hence, to suddenly confirm their engagement, Tatsuya-san should be confused as well."

"But, they've already confirmed their engagement…"

"They've only yet to reject it. It doesn't mean he has accepted it, hence, the chances are not zero."

Shizuku did not say 'there was a chance' but rather 'was not zero'.

As for its meaning, to the Honoka of now was rather easy to understand.

"…The third path is?"

Shizuku briefly sucked in a breath of air, and then said so hesitantly. "…The third is, the matter of becoming Tatsuya-san's mistress."

"Mistress!?"

Perhaps it was too much of a surprise. Honoka raised her tear-stained face to look at Shizuku.

"Of course, it doesn't need to be right away. Miyuki might not immediately become the Head of the Yotsuba, either, and I think the marriage is something for the future. Becoming his mistress is a matter for after Tatsuya-san and Miyuki get married."

"Being a mistress."

"Honoka, you can't bear to not have Tatsuya-san all to yourself?"

"This! …maybe a little, but, compared to not being able to be together."

Honoka, blushing and lowering her head, was hugged by Shizuku again.

"Tatsuya-san possesses a rather special magical disposition. The matter of having his hereditary genes being inherited by more people, is something the Yotsuba Family should consider as well."

Against Shizuku's chest, Honoka tightly clasped her hands.

"…The one that will hurt Honoka the least is the first path. Giving up on the second path at the time when it becomes untenable will stop you from being hurt again as well. With the third path, however, even if everything is smooth sailing, you will have to live on while bearing irreparable wounds. Not only for you Honoka but even for Miyuki as well."

"..."

"As for me, I would actually prefer you to take the first path. However, the choice is yours."

Shizuku knew that the problem was very cruel. However, if things were left as they are, Honoka would only drown in the abyss of sorrow, unable to float up. Shizuku was rather afraid that it could become like this.

If she was left to continue like this, Honoka's sorrow was far too close to extinguishing her dreams. Shizuku was even more afraid that this would happen.

Shizuku no longer said anything, awaiting Honoka's reply.

"…I can't give it up."

That was Honoka's answer.

"I, as of yet, I am still unable to give up. However, I hate that I am not the one that he loves the most. Miyuki and I have the resolve to hurt each other, but to hurt her over and over again, I definitely can't do it."

Shizuku started feeling heartache. Somewhere in her heart however, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then."

"I will choose the second path. Until the possibility reaches zero, no matter how many times it takes, I will approach him. …Although, I can't do anything right now."

To the last part of what Honoka said, Shizuku did not know how to reply and furrowed her brows.

"…A bit of rest is a must."

"A rest in love?"

"The rest of a heart in love."

Honoka lightly laughed against Shizuku's chest.

Shizuku let go of Honoka then sat down properly, before revealing a shy smile.