V16 1

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

Yotsuba Succession Chapter





Satou Tsutomu

Illustrations by Ishida Kana





ASCII Media Works / Dengeki Bunko • Tokyo, Japan





Copyright © 2015 by Satou Tsutomu


Illustration © 2015 by Ishida Kana


All rights reserved.


Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei / Satou Tsutomu ; [illustrations by Ishida Kana] — digital ed.


ISBN: 978-4-04-865116-5


Summary: The story follows Tatsuya Shiba, a bodyguard to his sister Miyuki Shiba who is also a candidate to succeed the master clan, Yotsuba. They enroll into First High School which segregates its students based on their magical abilities. Miyuki is enlisted as a first course student and is viewed as one of the best students, while Tatsuya is in the second course and considered to be magically inept. However, Tatsuya’s technical knowledge, combat abilities, and unique magic techniques causes people to view him as an irregular to the school’s standardized rankings.


[1. Romance-Magic—Fiction. 2. Magic-Engineer—Fiction. 3. School—Fiction.] I. Title. II. Series: Tsutomu, Satou. Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei.





ePub by Roah Nosh. Visit the “Onii-sama” page for details.





http://polyaness.com





Translation by oniisama-TL.





[Leader (Recruitment, PR): M.R / Editors: C KA M N W S (MIA) N Anon / Proofreader: L Y / Translation checkers: D M W K KA / Translators: Y T R ]





All materials’ copyright reserved by their respective authors and the associated publishers. Please respect their rights.




Works will be deleted upon request by copyright holders.


If you like the book buy it once localized in your area. Support the author.





v1.5.5





Title

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Afterword

Illustrations

Notes





Chapter 1




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 Eine Brise, 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 Eine Brise 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 lightmouthed 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.





Chapter 2




Early in the morning on the first day of winter break, Tatsuya went to the FLT Third Division.

Miyuki and Minami stayed at home. The FLT Third Division could be said to be his home ground and he was always welcome there. Even Tatsuya knew this. That day, he chose to go to the lab because the server at home was slower. So, he spent his time at home carefully thinking about the project.

He was scheduled to begin the new project from this day onwards. Rather than the development of a new CAD, he was designing a largescale system using Magic Engineering. The project implementation date was yet to be known. In the first place, it was impossible to complete such a large-scale project with only the work of FLT.

The project name was “ESCAPES” (Extract both useful and harmful Substances from the Coastal Area of the Pacific using Electricity generated by the Stellar generator). It was a project to access substances from the depths of the sea in the Pacific Ocean’s coastal region by means of a Stellar Furnace, but in a sense it was also a “means of escape” or “free the substances”.

At the current stage, he still needed to wait to incorporate the design into the system and create the plan proposal. Still, it was a huge step closer to his goal.

He had this idea about three years ago in 2093, a year after the Okinawa Incident in August. The Loop Cast System, Flight Magic as well as the Stellar Furnace were developed for the heart of this system, and he managed to gather the last piece the other day. Whether it was this project or Tatsuya, both of them still had a long way to go. That aside, given the significance of the project, it was unavoidable for him to be fired up.

However, his enthusiasm was suddenly washed over by cold water after an hour of work.

“Sorry for bothering you, Young Master.”

Transmissions using quantum encryption were taboo. As Tatsuya was viewing some highly confidential data, he received a call from a female secretary from FLT’s Third Division.

“What is it?”

He did not want to stop working, however, the reason must be quite important if the secretary had knowingly disturbed him. Tatsuya stopped typing to hit the intercom button to reply.

“Excuse me, Kuroba Mitsugu wishes to see you, Young Master. What should I tell him?”

Tatsuya’s eyebrows rose unconsciously.

Mitsugu had not visited FLT before, as far as Tatsuya knew. As Mitsugu’s work entailed the collection of intelligence for the Yotsuba, he would have no reason to visit FLT, which was in the commerce/financial division of the Yotsuba.

“I will see him. Please bring light snacks to the offline reception.” He did not have enough information to guess the purpose of Mitsugu’s visit. Tatsuya realized that at once.

He needed to make sure of what the purpose of this visit was. That was his reason for asking the staff to guide Mitsugu to a room which was not equipped with an online monitoring system.





Tatsuya made sure to lock the waiting room before greeting Mitsugu.

As he approached Mitsugu, Mitsugu did not seem to have any intention of rising from the sofa. Instead, he noticed that Mitsugu was playing with his fingers anxiously and left his hat on the sofa which was a sign of uneasiness ever since he went inside.

“Long time no see, Kuroba-san. The last time was during the summer right?”

“Yeah.”

Mitsugu nodded his head impatiently. His behavior did not seem to be affected only by the bitter memories of the deep wound inflicted by Zhou Gongjin “last summer”. He seemed to be on edge even before Tatsuya showed up.

“May I sit?”

Mitsugu nodded in silence, while Tatsuya took the seat opposite to him.

Tatsuya fixed his eyes straight at Mitsugu. There was a large age gap, like that of a parent and child, between the two of them. However, it didn’t make Tatsuya nervous at all. There was no hint of bravado in his posture either.

Mitsugu distorted his lips in his upset. Even now, it seemed like he was going to cluck his tongue.

However, Mitsugu did not look down on Tatsuya as a “mere escort”. Tatsuya was regarded as a failure of the Yotsuba Family, despite being the nephew of Yotsuba Maya, the current Family Head, and also the brother of Miyuki, the candidate for the next Family Head, especially among the non-combatant servants. As he “did not have the suitable magic power, despite having a direct blood relation to the Yotsuba”, he was “given the role of guardian to his sister out of pity”.

However, Mitsugu knew very well that Tatsuya wasn’t a “failure”. Certainly, he could be counted as one based on the current Magicians’ standards, but he had a special power that was more than enough to compensate for this flaw. Mitsugu understood this very well.

The upsetness that Mitsugu showed to Tatsuya, was due to the fact that Tatsuya saw him as an equal, despite Tatsuya’s age that was not so different with that of his own son.

He couldn’t afford to be seen as such. Instead, the one with bravado and trying to push himself unconsciously, perhaps, was Mitsugu himself.

“What business do you have with me?”

Tatsuya asked so when Mitsugu did not show any signs that he would start talking. He did not say “I’m busy now”, but the way he said it had that nuance. Of course, this was on purpose.

Although this was a rude way to say something to someone, no, to a senior, Mitsugu restrained himself. He figured that it was unbefitting of him to be upset over such a trivial issue, given that he was the one who paid a visit, hence, he kept it to himself.

“Do not come to the New Year’s Gathering.”

Without feeling the need to cover up the words that he had just said, Mitsugu came only to say those words bluntly to Tatsuya.

“I never had any intention to come.”

“What…?”

However, Mitsugu probably never expected this kind of answer from Tatsuya. The sulky face that had been directed to Tatsuya since he entered the room suddenly faded from Mitsugu’s face. Currently, he was wearing an unguarded surprised expression on his face.

“I have no intention of attending the New Year’s Gathering. The order from Toushu-sama was only given to Miyuki.”

Tatsuya called Maya “Toushu-sama” instead of “Oba-ue”. Implicitly, he was trying to say that Miyuki’s attendance was ordered by the Head of the Family; it was not to be countered by the unreasonable request of Mitsugu.

“How quibbling…!”

Mitsugu clucked his tongue. It seemed like he chose to abandon his effort to cover up his frustration, once his real face was revealed.

“Then, I want you to persuade your sister not to come to the New Year’s Gathering.”

However, he said this with less intensity. Mitsugu probably realized that he wouldn’t win against Tatsuya and his tone was also somewhat tempered.

It didn’t mean that Tatsuya was going to accept the request, regardless of the politeness with which it was delivered.

“Why don’t you say it directly to her?”

Even Mitsugu himself knew that he was bound to be rejected. However, Tatsuya brought the conversation to a slightly different direction than what he was expecting.

“She wouldn’t do so even if I told her to. That’s why I’m asking you to.”

“I was not referring to Miyuki. Why didn’t you directly request Toushu-sama herself to retract the attendance order?”

Mitsugu was speechless for a moment.

“…I don’t need you to tell me that. I have discussed with Maya-san about her decision possibly being premature.”

“Then, there is no meaning for Miyuki and I to be absent from the New Year’s Gathering. Even if we decline, there is no way Toushu-sama would tolerate it.”

Perhaps, Mitsugu was considering Tatsuya’s words and fell into silence. Tatsuya smirked wickedly, yet meaningfully.

“I can understand that it’s still premature for Fumiya as he still needs a few more experiences to make a male Family Head.”

“That’s an unjust suspicion!”

Mitsugu replied with a strong voice. He lifted his right hand from his armrest, albeit squeezing it tightly in the middle and stopped; he was restraining himself from hitting the table reflexively.

“Originally, I was reluctant to make Fumiya the Head of the Yotsuba Family. His personality is too kind to lead the Yotsuba Clan. I think that in terms of Magic Power, Miyuki is suitable to be the next Family Head.”

Tatsuya could not suppress his surprise when he heard Mitsugu’s rebuttal. Tatsuya always thought that Mitsugu wanted Fumiya to be the Head of the Yotsuba Family.

“Then, why do you think it is still premature?”

However, Tatsuya chose to keep his misunderstanding to himself for now. It was more important to stick with his priority to figure out Mitsugu’s intention.

Mitsugu was hesitant to answer and swallowed his breath. He returned to face Tatsuya with a defiant attitude.

“At the New Year’s Gathering, we will be deciding the next Family Head. Maya-san wishes for Miyuki’s appointment.”

“I see.”

Although he said it this way, he had already foreseen this.

“However, I believe we need to postpone Miyuki’s nomination as the next Family Head to take care of a more important thing. It’s not only me. Shiiba, Mashiba, Shibata and Shizuku, also have the same idea.”

“So it’s the consensual decision of the Heads of the Branch Families, with the exception of Mugura and Tsukuba. Then, what is the important issue?”

“It’s about what we are going to do with you.”

Mitsugu grinned. It was a dark smile, one that harbored a dark feeling.

“In about two years, the ‘Sakura Series’ modified body, Sakurai Minami, will have sufficient enough power as a Yotsuba Guardian. That girl is particularly excellent even when compared to other modified bodies made by the Yotsuba. When that happens, your duty as a Guardian will become obsolete.”

Unlike his usual self, there was a hint that Mitsugu was intoxicated with his own words.

“Don’t worry. We’ll let you graduate from Magic University. You can contribute to Yotsuba’s financial activities as ‘Taurus Silver’ afterwards. There’s no need for you to continue your work in the JSDF either. We’ll release you from your secret military duty.”

Mitsugu’s eyes were still enveloped in darkness, he lifted the edge of his lips further.

“Ah, that’s right. You will replace your father’s position in FLT. Although your existence will never be published as the president, you will still be the largest shareholder.”

“I have no interest in such things.”

Tatsuya cut off Mitsugu’s words with a bored voice.

“The things that you’ve said just now are not to be decided at Kuroba-san’s discretion.”

Tatsuya implicitly said that Maya was the one to decide those.

“Such a verbal agreement can be interpreted as an intention to revolt.”

“…No, I have no such intention.”

The wicked smile disappeared from Mitsugu’s face as if the demon who had possessed him had left.

Perhaps, he realized that he was not acting like himself, Mitsugu’s head was facing down again in silence.

“Kuroba-san, the one who ordered Miyuki’s attendance for the New Year’s Gathering is Toushu-sama, Oba-ue. Miyuki and I can’t just be absent on our own discretion. You should understand that much right?”

“Even so.”

While keeping his eyes on the table at the reception room, Mitsugu said so in a low voice.

“I don’t wish to make Fumiya and Ayako sad.” Tatsuya narrowed his eyes sharply.

“Are you sure?”

Mitsugu raised his face, and stared straight at Tatsuya.

“I have said to you that I don’t wish to make them sad. I won’t do anything.”

“So you will wait and see from the sidelines?

I’m neutral. Although sentimentally speaking, I am your enemy, but I won’t do anything for the sake of my children.”

Mitsugu erased the remaining traces of hostility and declared so.

Tatsuya perceived that as a fact.

“Why do you wish to separate Miyuki and I? You didn’t answer this despite giving me that other explanation.”

Mitsugu rose.

“I’ll answer you if you arrive at the Main House on time.”

Mitsugu looked down at Tatsuya while saying so in place of a farewell.





On the first day of the winter holiday, Miyuki was spending her time doing her homework when an unexpected visitor arrived sometime after she had eaten lunch.

“Miyuki-san, long time no see. You look very well.”

“Yuuka-san also hasn’t changed. Please take a seat.”

The visitor who sat opposite to Miyuki in the living room was Tsukuba Yuuka. She was the eldest daughter of the Tsukuba Family, a Branch Family of the Yotsuba Family. She was also one of the candidates to be the next Family Head.

She was 22 years old. She was a former vice president of First High’s Student Council, currently in her fourth year at the Magic University. She had black hair at shoulder length with a 6:4 fringe ratio and styled in a way that revealed the piercings in her right ear. With perfect make up, she appeared to be a refined female college student.

The relationship between Miyuki and Yuuka, if summarized in a single word, was neutral. Alternatively, mutual non-intervention. She was not competitive like Ayako, or intimate like Fumiya, neither was she as hostile as Katsushige, the other Family Head candidate, the Shibata Family’s eldest son. Therefore, it was quite surprising that she paid a visit this way. It was much more likely for Katsushige to come and declare war in this situation.

Nevertheless, Yuuka was not hostile toward Miyuki. They were of equal standing in being candidates to be the next Head of the Yotsuba Family. It was a given to let her in if she was coming to pay a visit, unless she came at an unearthly hour.

“It’s been about a year, since the last time we met at last New Year’s Gathering.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“Even if we both live in Tokyo, the opportunity to see each other is unexpectedly scarce.”

“Tokyo is huge after all.”

“You’re right. It certainly feels so in times like these. Miyuki-san, you’re a sophomore in First High, right? Are you the Student Council President?”

“Yes, you’re well informed.”

“It is my alma mater after all. You have had quite a loud achievement, haven’t you?”

“I know it’s not favorable to attract so much attention at this stage, but I think it’s rude to hold back toward my opponents… Yuuka-san, you’ll be graduating soon right?”

“Yes. Although, I will be continuing into graduate school.”

“You will not directly proceed to help the Main House?”

“Seems like they want me to increase my value a little bit. At this late hour.”

While she neutrally answered Miyuki, Minami brought out the tea.

Although she was trying to be as natural as possible with her words, it was actually quite awkward. The phrase Yuuka used earlier, “loud achievements”, actually carried a deeper meaning which was “Is it alright to be so conspicuous” while Miyuki answered by explicitly saying “I know, but it’s rude to hold back my power” in return. By answering so, she was criticizing Yuuka, who was hiding her power during her high school days.

After which, Miyuki asked if it was alright for her not to help the Main House, although her real question was “Is it alright to leak out the Yotsuba’s secret technology to the university?”.

Regardless of her capability in engaging such a nasty tactic, it didn’t fit Miyuki’s taste. She was actually thankful for the arrival of tea at the right time to bring back the focus of the conversation.

“Then, Yuuka-san, what business do you have with me today?”

Miyuki and Yuuka brought back their cups to the saucers at the same time, and Miyuki asked her about the main issue.





At Miyuki’s straightforward question, Yuuka stopped beating around the bush.

“Why don’t we go together to the Main House for the upcoming New Year’s Gathering?”

“…Is that, an invitation to go to the Main House from Tokyo together?”

“Yes. Since I have a car, we can ride together.”

“Is it alright for me to hear your reason?”

Miyuki couldn’t hide the wariness that had been welling up in her mind. It was unavoidable. After all, Yuuka was one of her rivals as a candidate for the next Family Head position. They had minimal exchanges even if she was a relative, so she was not so different as a stranger is in everyday life; she knew nothing about her besides her face.

Although her approach in this negotiation was rather immature, Yuuka paid no care about it. Yuuka, unlike most others, did not overestimate Miyuki’s halo effect. Even if Miyuki had both good looks and magic power, she was still a 16-year-old girl, a girl who was younger than Yuuka by 6 years. Yuuka clearly understood this.

“Reason, huh. Do I need to say it?”

Yuuka tried to avoid the topic by sweetly looking up at Miyuki. Miyuki responded with a cold look to that act of hers.

“I understand.”

Yuuka didn’t seem to seriously cheat her way out so she dropped her playful attitude immediately.

“My foremost reason is because my escort is gone.”

“No longer around? Yuuka-san’s Guardian is——”

Yuuka closed her eyes and shook her head several times to stop Miyuki from getting up from the sofa.

“She is no longer around. That is to say that she died before my very eyes.”

Miyuki covered her mouth only for a short time, before blinking again.

Miyuki was ashamed of her own ignorance. It was a given to understand that “no longer around” was hinting at “has been killed” if she had thought harder.

Although Yuuka was already an adult, she was a Magician of the Yotsuba. With her versatility with magic, it was rare for her to receive dangerous work requests, but it was not impossible. In other words, the possibility of her Guardian getting killed in a mission was not zero.

Moreover, she was a rare magician with a high aptitude in Outer Systematic Mental Interference Magic. There were also those who targeted her for her genetic qualities, knowing her magic beforehand.

“My… Condolences.”

Miyuki respectfully bowed, to which Yuuka shook her head from left to right for.

“Such an expression is not suitable. Her work was to risk her life to protect me, and she was fulfilling her responsibility. She has no need to worry anymore about being my substitute. If the other world is real, she must be breathing in relief that she no longer has a need to be ordered around at the mercy of a pampered girl.”

Yuuka’s excessively honest comments were making Miyuki uncomfortable.

“Even though it’s the job of a Guardian, to make fun of someone who protected you with her own life… I wonder if that’s appropriate?”

Yuuka was shocked and blinked her eyes countless times.

“It’s because Miyuki-san’s Guardian is your own older brother. I’m sorry for inciting an unpleasant feeling.”

On the surface, Yuuka honestly bowed. However, her words seemed to hint at other feelings, so Miyuki did not really receive the supposedly honest apology from Yuuka.

“It is not unique to my brother and I. Putting aside the fact that Fumiya-kun does not have a Guardian, Katsushige-san does properly treasure Kotona-san, right?”

Tsutsumi Kotona was Shibata Katsushige’s Guardian, and it was an indisputable fact that Katsushige was taking care of Kotona. However, that case was an inappropriate example. Contrary to Miyuki’s intention to encourage Yuuka to reflect, it made her laugh calmly instead.

“Well, Katsushige-san and Kotona-san are like ‘that’ after all.”

Miyuki turned her stare aside in disappointment at Yuuka who continued to laugh and giggle. She couldn’t deny the blunder that she’d just made.

“Anyway, without having Onii-sama and I together with you, you can arrange an escort immediately right? Unlike us, Yuuka-san, you have the Tsukuba Family with you after all.”

Yuuka stopped laughing, she saw the glance from Miyuki.

“Well, that’s true.”

Yuuka sat upright towards her.

“It’s hard to find someone who’s on par with your brother… Moreover, it’s not bad for Miyuki-san, too, right? It’s impossible to take a taxi all the way to the Main House after all, and Tatsuya-san only has a license for a motorbike right?”

Indeed, she couldn’t exactly tell a taxi driver to drive all the way to the Yotsuba Family’s House which was not located on the map, and it was impossible for a motorbike to bring too many things.

However, that was never a problem from the beginning.

“As long as I contact them beforehand, I can request for a car to pick us up at the station. I have done so since last year, and I will be doing so this year as well.”

Miyuki was the niece of the current Family Head, regardless of her position in being a next Family Head candidate. It was a given that she was treated as a VIP to the extent of picking her up from the station.

“Yuuka-san as well, didn’t you do the same until last year?”

Car driving had reached the level of semi-auto drive. Even without the support of the transport system, the burden of driving was already much lesser than in the past.

Even so, the fatigue brought on by driving was not completely eliminated. It took only two hours to travel from Tokyo to the Main House, but it was much easier to take a ride to the nearest station and have people to pick them up from there. There was no need to specifically drive on her own.

“I don’t mind that either. However, it’s best if you don’t do that.”

“Why is that so? There hasn’t been any inconvenience until now.”

“Until last time, that is. However, it’s better to stop that for now. I can’t say the reason though.”

Can’t say the reason, which meant that it was not only her ungrounded concern, but rather Yuuka had very clear grounds for her reasoning.

“Yuuka-san, is there something that you know?”

“I can’t say that.”

“…Why, can’t I do so even if it’s the same as last year? What kind of merit will I get in going together with Yuuka-san?”

“I can’t say that either.”

Miyuki stared deeply at her, but Yuuka was warding it off with innocent eyes.

“…I see.”

The one who broke the stance was Miyuki.

It wasn’t due to her weakness. Miyuki simply did not have any means to make Yuuka talk. Even if she used magic.

Yotsuba Magicians were categorized into two, those who specialized in Mental Interference Magic and those that possessed a unique, powerful magic. Miyuki specialized in an extremely powerful and unique Mental Interference Magic, hence, she possessed both traits. On the other hand, Yuuka was only a typical Mental Interference Magician.

Regardless of their capabilities in defeating an opponent, Yuuka was more versatile in techniques used to force others to confess secrets. At the very least, she was not using any violence on the surface but a way to extract information without force.

“Regarding your offer, I will answer you after consulting with my brother.”

“Really? Then, I’m expecting a good answer from the both of you.”

Yuuka stood up from the sofa.

She said to Minami “The tea was delicious” when the entrance was opened, and left with a rough greeting of “See you” to Miyuki who was sending her out from the Shiba’s home.





“Yuuka-san… Such a thing.”

When Tatsuya reached home, he heard of Yuuka’s visit and offer from Miyuki and he stopped to think for a while. Of course, he was unable to draw any conclusion from Yuuka’s, no, the Tsukuba Family’s intention only from that much exchange of words. However, after hearing Yuuka’s offer and Mitsugu’s unreasonable request, he couldn’t help but think that these two occurrences were unmistakably related with one another.

“She did not try to give a vague reason, but told you that she ‘can’t’ say it?”

“Yes. It seems like she was hiding something that she knew about.”

In other words, something was going to happen. It was not only at the level of conjecture, but determined information. And that something was going to happen during the New Year’s Gathering, no, along the way to the Main House from here.

There was a possibility that Yuuka’s remarks were made in order to cause paranoia for Tatsuya and Miyuki, which would discourage them from going to the New Year’s Gathering. However, when taking into consideration Mitsugu’s intimidation (that there’d be attempts of attack against us) into account, the possibility seemed to elevate. (Where will they attack? More importantly, who’s the target? Miyuki? Or is it me?)

If it were Tatsuya, it would not be uncommon. Whenever he did any secret missions, he was always careful not to let others know about his identity. There shouldn’t even be any witnesses. However, if he let someone slip away by mistake, and the organization where that person came from swore to take revenge regardless of the risk, it wouldn’t be strange to have one or two enemies like that.

However, if it were a temporary retaliation of an illegal organization, he had no idea as to why they’d choose this kind of timing.

If they chose an out-of-sight place, the result would be the exact opposite for a magician opponent. Besides, the attack could let him turn the tables with “self-defense” as an excuse, so this method had a high risk.

On the other hand, if the target were Miyuki, the mastermind could be narrowed down to nearly a single cause: the succession to be the Yotsuba Family Head. Tatsuya thought that it did not hold any worth to beat other families just to get the status of Family Head. If Miyuki wished to decline, Tatsuya wouldn’t even mind. From his point of view, the other candidates seemed to be reluctant as well. The eager ones were the adults.

Still, there wasn’t anything that would need drastic action to suit the adult’s convenience. The route from the station to the Main House was also home ground for the Branch Families of the Yotsuba. It was a perfect venue for cover-ups or assault-and-feign-innocence. If the target were Miyuki, it would be better to accept Yuuka’s offer.

There was a possibility that the assailant would retreat if they knew that Yuuka was with them, and he would be getting help from the Tsukuba Family if they were actually attacked.

On the contrary, if Tatsuya was the target, they would likely be forced into a disadvantage if Yuuka was with them. It would cause him to suffer more serious collateral damage if he was to accept Yuuka’s proposal.

Nevertheless, they might be forced to make a certain concession if he were to accept Yuuka’s proposal. Yuuka might be forced to do it by the assailant’s instruction. Yet, the collateral damage received by Yuuka will remain to be a debt to both Tatsuya and Miyuki. In the end, the one who would gain the most would be Yuuka. Even if she felt no benefit with possessing the next Family Head position, it was a disadvantage for them to be indebted to another party who might become the next head.

“Let’s reject it.”

After thinking things through for a long while, Tatsuya stated his conclusion. Within his mind, a voice kept telling him that it was alright to accept Yuuka’s offer. His intuition also whispered the same. However, the benefits were too uncertain, and he judged that the disadvantages were greater if he were to accept Yuuka’s offer.

“Understood. Then, I’ll contact Yuuka-san.”

She didn’t use the telephone with the large display in the living room, so she probably intended to contact Yuuka from a smaller display terminal in her room. Miyuki bowed to her brother and went up to the second floor.





[I’m sorry, even though you offered us…]

“I feel disappointed, but don’t mind it. It was a sudden request after all.”

[I’m really sorry.]

“It’s alright. However, if you encounter anything, don’t hold back to contact me.”

[Yes, thank you very much.]

“Then, I’ll wait for your further contact.”

After putting back the video phone on the table, Yuuka laid her back on the large sofa in her living room. She even extended her feet in relaxation. It was a little disgraceful kind of conduct for a young lady, but she was currently living in the apartment alone. There were neither servants nor her mother to preach to her about manners here.

Before she reached 20, her mother and housekeepers alternately came, but all of them stopped coming as soon as she had turned 20. In Yuuka’s consciousness, she was enjoying 20 years’ worth of freedom for the past two years. Since her housemate who didn’t really talk much was gone, she had the whole place as her private space. She was thinking that a free, unrestrained life was good.

While she was still relaxing, she mulled over Miyuki’s response to her offer.

It was within her calculations that Miyuki would reject the offer. Rather, it would have been a surprise for Miyuki to accept her offer, given the limited information that Yuuka gave. There was a possibility that Miyuki thought that she would request the next Family Head position from Miyuki.

Anyways, Yuuka was not particularly interested in gaining the status of becoming the Yotsuba Family Head.

In the first place no matter how many candidates were selected, there was no meaning besides adjusting the appearance. Furthermore, if they were to comply with the Yotsuba’s rules faithfully, Shiba Miyuki would be fully determined as the next Family Head. Currently, there was no better magician than Miyuki in the Yotsuba. Even when compared to the current Family Head, Maya, Miyuki was still better as a magician. At the very least, the Tsukuba Family knew this fact.

Yuuka, no, the Tsukuba Family, had decided two years ago that they would support Miyuki as the next Family Head. Since then, Yuuka was released from the monitoring and fuss, as it was assumed that she would not to be the next Family Head of the Yotsuba. Though, they didn’t give up the candidacy in order to use it to maintain sway as with the other Branch Families.

“Moreover, Miyuki-san has that ‘Onii-sama’, too.”

Yuuka knew what happened last year on the 31st of October at the Tsushima Base and the southern tip of Korean Peninsula. She also knew of what happened in Okinawa, back in August from four years ago.

“I’m not even sure I can win against Miyuki-san alone, much less when she has such a powerful human weapon as her ally.”

Yuuka had no drinking habit. This time, however, she thought that it would be better if she drank some.

She recalled the instance when she gave in to her mood and ended up having a hangover (fortunately the drugs developed for hangovers were able to immediately take effect), even before she brought the cup to her mouth.

“Even so… To have Tatsuya-san to serve her, that is just crazy. Even though there is no guarantee that he would keep quiet forever.”

Instead of a glass of wine, she poured out a bright red brewed rose hip tea to a glass tea cup, for the sake of their similar appearances, and drank the tea before her in one go.

“Shibata Oji-sama, Kuroba Oji-sama, and Shizuka Oji-sama, too, why do they have such enmity towards Tatsuya-san? I thought that Tatsuya-san is an important force for the Yotsuba though…”

She tilted the glass tea cup slightly, and Yuuka frowned a little. On top of the high temperature, the color emphasized that it was too darkly brewed.

“No, it’s not only the Oji-sama’s… Even the Main House’s staff also treat Tatsuya like a failure. The servants treat him so rudely, what the hell is the meaning behind all that?”

Yuuka took a sip of the rose hip tea. She was probably used to the sour taste, as she did not make a frown on her face this time.

“Okaa-sama also never told me why Tatsuya-san receives such treatment… I wonder if there is such a deep-rooted karma to this extent?”

Yuuka placed the tea cup with half of its contents on the table. She went to the bathroom right behind her, while a HAR manipulator came down from the ceiling to send the cup to the kitchen.

If Miyuki were to be the next Family Head in this upcoming New Year’s Gathering, the reason behind Tatsuya’s unnatural diminishing treatment might also be revealed. Yuuka thought so, voicelessly.





After her call with Yuuka, Miyuki made a call to the Main House, asking to be picked up at the station on the 29th of December. Actually, if she was ordered to attend the New Year’s Gathering, as long as she could arrive by the 31st, everything would be alright even if she took into account the time needed for preparation. The main reason why she asked to be picked up on the 29th was unmistakably due to taking into account the possibility of any disturbances that could occur.

The one who received the call was the butler, Obara, a former traffic riot police, who was the person in-charge of transportation arrangements.

After the call with Obara, it was decided that they would be picked up at the station at 1 P.M. This plan was to be kept confidential otherwise. When Miyuki arrived safely, the information would be communicated to all of the employees working in the Main House.





Shibata Katsushige had just joined the Ministry of Defense this year as an Office Worker. Although there was no forced attendance, and the general public holidays were regularly available, there was no lengthy winter break like he was used to having as a student. Today, he had just gotten back from his newcomer job——also referred to as miscellaneous——to his apartment.

As if waiting for this timing, his phone rang and the screen displayed an incoming call.

“Katsushige-san, let me.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Kotona welcomed him home at the entrance but she was restrained and ordered to return to the living room so Katsushige operated the wall attached type terminal.

“Tou-san… is there something?”

The person who appeared on the display was his father whom he had just met with three days ago, the Head of the Shibata Family, one of Yotsuba Family’s Branch Families.

[Katsushige, you’ve reached home?]

“Yes, I’ve just arrived.”

[I see. Well, please take a seat.]

He said so from the other side of the screen.

Katsushige judged that the conversation would be long, so he sat down on the sofa facing the display.

With a height of 188 cm and a weight of 80 kg, Katsushige boasted his physique by making the commercial sofa set look a little narrow. However, Katsushige seemed to have become accustomed to it and so, his long legs passed calmly between the sofa and reception table.

[Katsushige, how’s your work?]

“I’m still receiving the same kind of task as before… as it’s only been three days since I started work.”

[Hmm… I see.]

Katsushige’s father had a militarian temperament, so it was kind of unusual to see him stammer this way. It must have been a really tough topic to start.

“Tou-san, do you want to talk about the upcoming New Year’s Gathering?”

Hence, Katsushige decided to ask the topic on his own. It had only been three days since their last meeting, so there was no need to purposely video call like this. However, during their last meeting, this business had failed to come out.

[Yes, actually, Shiba Miyuki contacted Obara a little while ago. It seems like she’ll be coming to the Main House on the 29th.]

“I see, so Miyuki-san will come on 29th, as well.”

The non-existence of New Year’s Holiday in the modern central government was not limited to the Ministry of Defense. A number of staff are packed into the government office in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. Especially since the Ministry of Defense must be run year round to prevent any outbreak of a World War. However, to novices like Katsushige, they were given days off starting from the 29th.

“However, is there any problem with that?”

Katsushige asked curiously while thinking of a girl’s face who was younger and beautiful. The upcoming New Year’s Gathering would see to have all the next Family Head candidates to attend, hence, it was not out of the ordinary that Miyuki would come as well. Katsushige had failed to understand that his father purposely called him out of nowhere for the convenience of Miyuki.

[Katsushige.]

“Yes?”

After his father called his name in such a formal way, he was getting more and more suspicious. However, the next words had blown off all such trivial questions.

[We must not let Miyuki attend the New Year’s Gathering.]

Katsushige was instantly speechless. Not that he had lost his words, but there were questions springing on his mind all at once, and he was confused on which one to ask first.

“Do you mind if I ask about the reason?”

In the end, he eventually chose this mediocre question with a general sense of versatility.

[During the upcoming New Year’s Gathering, Maya-san is going to announce Miyuki as the next Head.]

“I see. That’s disappointing.”

Even though Katsushige answered so, he was actually not so surprised himself.

Miyuki was certainly an excellent magician and she also possessed a high aptitude of for Mental Interference Magic, a trait of the Yotsuba Family. Katsushige also knew that Miyuki was the most promising candidate for the next Family Head.

While the aptitude in having Mental Interference magic was an important quality for the Yotsuba Family Head, it was not an absolute condition. Up to the previous head, Eisaku, he was highly versatile in Mental Interference Magic, but Miya who had the powerful “Mental Design Interference” had not selected to be the Head but instead, Maya was chosen. Moreover, Katsushige thought that he was superior to Miyuki in terms of combat power.

His chance to be chosen as the next Family Head was by no means small, such was Katsushige’s thought. Even so, the fact that he didn’t receive much of a shock even though he was not chosen meant…

(Actually, I, myself, knew that Miyuki is the best magician in the Yotsuba.)

“Tou-san, are you perhaps still bothered for me? It’s alright. I’m already an adult, so I can at least give her my blessing well.”

Katsushige formed a smile, and it didn’t take much effort for him to do so.

[It’s not like that.]

However, his father’s strong refusal hinted at something along the lines of “Maya-san would appoint Miyuki to be the next Head. However, I won’t let it happen”.

“Tou-san… you don’t plan to revolt against Toushu-sama, do you?”

Katsushige accused him with a strong tone.

“Even though the Branch Families’ Heads have come together to support a single candidate, if we measure the influence of the Main Family’s Head’s decision over ours, in the end, the issue will be settled by the Main Family’s Head. Even if the Branch Families’ Heads support me to be the next Family Head, it would be unthinkable to be able to get the support of the whole family. Tou-san, you should be very clear on this matter as well.”

Contrary to Katsushige’s expectation, Osamu was nodding on screen.

[I understand. I don’t have any intention to oppose Miyuki in becoming the next Family Head in the first place. Although I do think that you’re more suitable to be the Head.]

“What do you mean?”

[There’s no avoiding in Miyuki becoming the next Family Head. However, it’s still too early.]

“I don’t think that Maya-sama will immediately retire as soon as she names Miyuki as the next Family Head, though.”

[I said, the appointment of Miyuki as the next Family Head is still too early.]

“I understand that she’s bound to have some immaturity, as she’s only 16 years old now, but…”

Katsushige failed to understand the mind of his father. He could understand that she was still too young to inherit the title of Family Head. However, he wondered if there would be any inconvenience if she was to be named as a successor.

[There isn’t any problem with Miyuki herself. That child is suitable to become the next Head of the Yotsuba.]

Katsushige was getting more confused with how the conversation was going.

“Then, where does the problem lie?”

[The problem is Miyuki’s Guardian.]

“Tatsuya-kun, right? Certainly, he has some problems as a magician, but I have no doubt in his ability as a combat magician. He also contributes to the Yotsuba’s finances as Taurus Silver, and he’s a Strategic-Class Magician who is to be the trump card of Japan. Compared to his ‘Material Burst’, Itsuwa Mio-san’s ‘Abyss’ only has limited applications for battles unless on the surface of water.”

[That Material Burst itself is the problem. The power of that magic is too enormous. You should know better than me regarding how it initiated the backdoor discussion in the Military after it was deployed on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula since you’re in the Ministry of Defense.]

“Certainly, there was such a case, but at the same time, we were able to bring about the conclusion for an Underwater Security Treaty with other countries. The New Soviet Union has also been sounding their alliance with Japan recently. Although there is a downside in the growing tensions with the USNA, the end result is still considered a positive gain in keeping the status quo against neighboring countries.”

[If his value as a political tool grows, then it is even more of a necessary to cut him off from the central figures of the Yotsuba so that he won’t get caught up in any political agenda. We need a little more time for that purpose. If we nominate Miyuki as the next Family Head now, it is inevitable for that man to become the next Family Head’s close aide. That will surely bring about all sorts of problems for the Yotsuba in the future.]

What Osamu said at a glance was logical. However, Katsushige couldn’t help but feel that there is an underlying feeling arming those words.

“Tou-san… why do you, no, why do all the Branch Family Heads dislike Tatsuya-kun so much?”

Any facial expression Osamu may have had disappeared from his face. It could have been due to his effort to hide his upsetness. However, that expressionless mask of his was not able to trick Katsushige, as he had acquired much wisdom over the many years that they had spent together.

[Such an enormous power will compromise the stability of the world. What we want is a power that protects us from harm. We do not with for such a power to shake the world.]

“However, that’s not Tatsuya-kun’s responsibility, right?”

[I don’t plan to make him take on the responsibility. It is our responsibility to seal his magic.]

Katsushige realized that any further persuasion was meaningless.

“What do you want me to do?”

He decided to avoid any more meaningless conversations and set his mind on what do now.

[Mashiba and Shizuka are already on the move.]

“Is Kuroba-dono not going to make a move?”

Katsushige’s question was brought up due to the unexpected situation. The Mashiba Family and the Shizuka Family were not espionage professionals. They had similar abilities as other Ten Master Clans, but the experts of espionage in the Yotsuba Family was led by the Kuroba Family. It seemed unnatural for the Kuroba Family to not be involved in this kind of work that requires a certain level of subtlety.

[The Kuroba Family also agrees with the idea of Shiba Tatsuya’s exclusion. It’s just that Kuroba-dono’s children strongly favor him, so he refrains himself from making a move.]

“I see… So, what do I need to do specifically?”

After explaining that the Branch Heads had such unity, it seemed that they wanted to maneuver the Branches’ force in the most effective way for the execution stage. It was nothing but insecurity of the future, and Katsushige decided that his role was to keep the fatalities to a minimum. For that very reason, he needed to know their plans.

[There’s no need to injure Miyuki. The end purpose is to halt her movements. As long as she doesn’t get to the Main House on New Year’s Day, it will be enough.]

It was a more peaceful approach than he thought, and Katsushige was a little relieved.

[Your turn is on the 31st. You’re the last chance we have in case Mashiba-dono and Shizuka-dono fail.]

“Please tell me the details. If you know, please include the plans of Mashiba-dono and Shizuka-dono.”

Answering Katsushige’s question, his father spoke of the details of the conspiracy.





December 27th, Thursday night.

Lieutenant Yaguchi of the JSDF’s Matsumoto Base threw himself in bed due to exhaustion from training.

An officer shall become a role model even for personal grooming, was the statement from his precocious Officer Trainer, but Yaguchi had no will to do anything else.

He had been in a lethargic state since summer, ever since his respected superior was ousted due to an incident.

Before that incident, Lieutenant Yaguchi belonged to the faction of “hardliners against the coalition with the Great Asian Alliance”. It was a faction under Colonel Sakai and had a lengthy population of incorruptible Patriots who openly complained persistently to the toptiers about the threat of the Great Asian Alliance and the risk of compromising with other countries regardless of the hostilities they received in return. Even after “Scorched Halloween”, when they had a golden opportunity for an early ceasefire, Colonel Sakai and his confidants didn’t cease their claims.

Then, when more people in the JSDF came to terms with that ideology, that event happened.

A suspicion of creating new weapons using civilians, High School Students, and minors as targets for a test.

However, it was a plan created by the Kudou Family all along. The incident itself could only be seen as a scheme to trash Colonel Sakai and the executives of the “hardliners against the Great Asian Alliance”, that landed them in military prison. The maximum sentence was five years, but they wouldn’t be able to return to military service afterwards. It was questionable if they could even come out of the prison alive. In fact, the executives had died in unnatural deaths before the imprisonment.

Lieutenant Yaguchi was left alone since he was young and low-ranked. He was also helped by the fact that he was not at the scene when the matter occurred. He was relocated to the Matsumoto regiment as a test pilot for one of the Powered Suits for the Special Mechanized Infantry Test Unit for actual battle deployment. He was not demoted; it was part of official training to study general military service, yet he had lost his motivation, and saw it as a creed to leave the capital.

Nevertheless, he didn’t sit idly and had participated in the training as an exemplary soldier. He was convinced that by doing his best, he would not put to shame his hardliner executives who were falsely accused.

Yaguchi was tired. From a third party point of view, he was doing an impossible thing. He kept on moving his body even after his motivation had plummeted. More than his body, his spirit was exhausted. He harbored his ear to a dubious whisper, that must be the case.

“Who’s that!?”

He felt a sign of life in the room beside his that was not supposed to be there and got up from his bed quickly. No matter how fatigued he was, the movement was imprinted into him by the training regardless of his choice.

“The one who took down Colonel Sakai and the ‘Great Asian Alliance hardliners’ was the Yotsuba Family of the Ten Master Clans.”

A strangely withered voice was emitted from the corner of the room. It was a voice that sounded like the grazing of cold winter woods.

“Is that true? In the first place, who are you? Is there any basis for your claim?”

“I can’t show you the evidence, but it’s a fact.”

Yaguchi’s suspicion was a natural reaction as a man who previously served as a military personnel, but it was probably the same for anyone, too.

“However, why did the Ten Master Clans, especially the Yotsuba to boot…”

However, what the voice told him could not be dismissed by Lieutenant Yaguchi.

“The mastermind who instructed the blaming on Colonel Sakai, the Yotsuba, is not yet satisfied.”

Once he tried to see carefully, he could see a silhouette of a man in the darkness in the corner of his room.

The cold wintry wind voice came from that shadow.

“Mastermind? Who is it!? Who was the one who trashed the Colonel!?”

While reducing his volume as not to be heard by his neighbor, Lieutenant Yaguchi questioned in a strong tone.

However, there was no answer.

“They are going to assassinate the hardliner executives, including the imprisoned Colonel Sakai in the military prison.”

The shadow seemed to say only what it wanted to tell.

It probably came from a recorded message, that was Yaguchi’s first thought, but he soon realized that he was mistaken.

“Don’t be stupid. The military prison is tightly shut out from the outside world. Even its security level has outdone the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. There couldn’t be any such intrusion.”

“It’s possible for the Yotsuba to do it.”

The shadow refuted Yaguchi’s instant argument with a short statement.

“Whether it’s the patrol soldiers, military prison walls, or the security system, all of them cannot go against the Yotsuba. In order to prevent the assassination, other means aside from power are necessary.”

Before Yaguchi was able to react for the shadow’s words, the shadow continued his message,

“The ‘29th of December, 1 P.M.’. An important person from the Yotsuba with a small number of escorts will go down to Kobuchizawa Station. They will wait for a car from the Yotsuba to pick them up at a nearby hot spring.”

“…What in the world?”

“That important person is a young girl.”

It was probably an answer to Yaguchi’s question or the shadow just said the things he prepared in advance. There was no distinction at all.

“The Yotsuba Family would never abandon that girl. If you take her hostage, it’s possible to release Colonel Sakai.”

“Such a thing…”

Can’t be done, was what Yaguchi was about to say. Even if the Colonel was falsely accused, he was imprisoned in response to a formal conviction of a military court. Even the Yotsuba couldn’t possibly interfere with that. No, it was simply unthinkable.

“They can do it.”

However, Yaguchi couldn’t say “cannot” from his mouth. Although he didn’t say “possible”, he ended up hearing those words.

“However, even if you said to take her as a hostage, how…”

He was already riding on the offer of the unidentified shadow. In that instance, Yaguchi chose to stain his hands in illegal means in the hopes of rescuing the Colonel and the other executives.

“I have no such means!”

“There is a detention facility for Reinforced Psychics here on the Matsumoto Base.”

“What!? Do you plan for them to…”

During the 20 year long Global War, in order to create a quick force, as part of the Magician Development Research, Reinforced Psychics were subjected to strengthening processes to squeeze out their specific ability for battle. They were the black ops of the JSDF who were detained at the JSDF Facilities based on the threat of their power after the war. Nearby the Matsumoto Base, there was a single facility for a relatively low threat level group, and Reinforced Psychic Body Treatment was accommodated there.

“Reinforced Psychics have a grudge-like jealousy against the Ten Master Clans. It would be easy to use them as a pawn to fight against the Yotsuba Family.”

Yaguchi shook his head upon hearing the shadow’s proposal.

“No, it’s impossible. I don’t even have the authority to go into the laboratory.”

“We will provide the means. Although, we can’t prepare for a regular life.”

“Are you turning me into a criminal?”

Yaguchi blurred his voice in anguish. However, he didn’t reject immediately to the illegal proposal, he had already decided which road he would choose.

“Colonel Sakai was also charged through illegal means. If you can ensure the target, it’s possible to out-win their measures.”

In other words, he could not only save Colonel Sakai, but also escape the criminal brand himself.

“You’re only correcting the justice that has been twisted. It’s not evil even if you’re engaging in a criminal act.”

“I got it. What should I do?”

Yaguchi felt that even without eyes and a nose, the shadow was forming a grin and laughing from its mouth.





It was around the same time that Lieutenant Yaguchi from the Matsumoto Base formed his decision to disobey the military law.

The same shadow emerged in the Second Supply Uji Base. The shadow showed himself to Captain Hatae, the Great Asian Alliance reconciliation faction leader.

Hatae was accused of having invited the enemy’s foreign magicians into the base at the end of October, but the charge was made more lenient after it was detected that his consciousness was under the influence of Mental Interference Magic. He was sentenced to 6 months of salary cut for deploying a military vehicle to a battle without the instruction of the Base Commander. Although it was tough economically, it was also quite a compassionate measure that he was not demoted, and even Hatae himself thought so.

Nevertheless, the punishment didn’t make him change his stance. He kept wishing for a truce with the Great Asian Alliance to repair the current hostility between the two countries, Hatae even received advice from his superiors and colleagues that he would only worsen his standing within the JSDF’s in the country. Yet, he persisted in his view. He didn’t hesitate in his belief, but he felt that his position was getting worse by the day. At this rate, in the near future, his superiors would get impatient and think that they were keeping a useless person on their payroll.

The shadow appeared to him at such a time.

“Illusion projection?”

Hatae was familiar with Lieutenant Yaguchi’s magic from the Matsumoto Base. This was the reason that the shadow materialized itself at a glance.

“Where did you come from?”

However, he knew that it was an illusion, so he wouldn’t know the identity of the magician. Nevertheless, it didn’t make much difference for Hatae.

“The other day, the one who attacked the Base was the Ten Master Clans-Yotsuba Family.”

The shadow didn’t answer Hatae’s question.

“I know that well enough.”

Hatae didn’t mind the matter-of-fact statement. If it had planned to reveal its identity, the magician wouldn’t send a shadow without eyes, a nose and a mouth.

Moreover, Hatae had guessed that the attack came from the Yotsuba Family of the Ten Master Clans. The intruder was clearly using Modern Magic. He had no other idea of any other Modern Magicians who would be bold enough to intrude on a JSDF Base.

“The Yotsuba are continuing to hunt the people who communicate with the Great Asian Alliance even now.”

However, the next line that came from the shadow couldn’t be ignored.

“Those bastards still hunt down my comrades? Damn it, those freaking hounds!”

“Pretty much so. Captain Hatae, you’d also be targeted again by the Yotsuba in the future.”

Hatae visibly showed how upset he was. However, he put up a defiant attitude soon after.

“Despite being manipulated, you have attempted to insurrect a Civil War. Moreover, you’re already prepared.

There wouldn’t be any honor in your final moments. As a traitor of one’s own country, only a disgraceful death is waiting you.”

“Ugh…”

“Despite being a JSDF Officer, you were used by the enemy conveniently, which makes you a traitor. Your parents and siblings must be ashamed of you.”

“Then!”

“It’s the same even with your self-determination. If you were to run away by taking your own life in desperation for your betrayal, had you done so right after the incident, they probably would have accepted your atonement for your offense through your death, and it would have placed you as a soldier who knew of shame. However, it’s too late. You have missed the opportunity to do so.”

“Then, what should I do!?”

Hatae’s face was filled with a desperate expression.

He was condemned by a shadow, and had lost his usual rationality.

“You survive. As long as you do, you have the opportunity to change the stigma.”

“But, how!?”

The shadow grinned. It was not a laughing face, but for the opponent, it was no less than a laugh.

“December 30th, three days from now, the magician who attacked the Base will be at Kobuchizawa Station, waiting for contact from the Yotsuba’s Main House.”

“What?”

“The purpose of the contact is for supply and transmission of new missions. The mission is to annihilate the Great Asian Alliance’s Reconciliation Faction.”

“What… do you want me to do?”

Hatae asked while clenching his teeth. At this stage, he already guessed the intention of the shadow.

“You want me to assassinate that magician?”

“This is only the first step. If you want to survive, you have to fight. If you don’t, you will end up being defeated.”

“You want to turn me into an assassin!?”

“Captain Hatae, I leave it to your decision.”

Hatae was not able to answer in the form of words anymore. His voice was obstructed when he was clenching his teeth.

“Fortunately, I can say, you found a reliable colleague this time, not some Ancient Magician. I’m sure, he’d gladly lend you his power.”

Without waiting for Hatae’s response, the shadow disappeared. Unlike Kasei-tai, there was neither residue nor any trace of it ever existing.





Chapter 3




Saturday, December 29th. It was the day Tatsuya and the others, no it was the day Miyuki departs for the Home of the Head Family.

Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami took their lunch a bit early and left the house before noon.

The village where the Home of the Yotsuba Family was does not have a designated address, so unfortunately they could not use any home delivery services. So even though their luggage had ended up increasing, the distance they would walk was not that much of a burden since it was essentially just as far as the distance of getting on and off at the Station from the Cabinet. Originally, they needed only to carry along their clothes and their personal essentials, so it was not supposed to be heavy. It was just bulky. Besides, the furisode that Miyuki will be wearing, it has always been prepared for her every year at the Home of the Head Family.

It took them short of a single hour from her house to reach the Kobuchizawa Station where they agreed to meet. With no problems along the way, the three reached the appointed station within schedule. Tatsuya had not forgotten about Kuroba Mitsugu’s request, which might as well have been a warning of an attack. However, he thought there would be no possibility of a terrorist attack happening at a Public Transport Facility. Taking on the government head-on was not the way the Yotsuba deals with its enemies. Should there be an attack, it should have happened by now, Tatsuya expected.

The car that was picking them up had already arrived. The driver was also vaguely familiar to him. He showed a smile and exchanged words with Minami as if the two had been acquainted in some way when she worked at the family home until last year. Though his eyes turned toward Tatsuya; his gaze was always that of seeing something that wasn’t human.

After having finished loading his suitcase into the trunk, Tatsuya led Miyuki in. After all, the driver’s stare that once befell Tatsuya turned troubled when it centered on Miyuki. Tatsuya was avoiding any unnecessary trouble, so parts of him wished the driver who came to meet Miyuki at least remembered to better play his part, but the driver is someone employed under the Butler, Obara, who prioritizes strength and courage above that of courtesy. The required skills include not only the ability to drive, but also the strength to fight when necessary, so it couldn’t be helped even though he was a little incompetent.

There was another reason for why he hurried Miyuki into the car. As he expected, he felt inquisitive eyes. Rather than saying that someone had been on the lookout for Tatsuya and the others, it felt more like someone had been on the lookout for this car.

If we assumed that there was a traitor or a conspirator in the Branch Families of the Yotsuba, it should not be difficult for them to know that this car had come from the Main House to meet Miyuki. Tatsuya had the feigning suspicion that they would seriously go that far, but reality would not change however he thought of it.

Except, there were less eyes on the lookout for them than he thought. Tatsuya was concerned about that. He had the impression that their destination was known and that they were going to get ambushed. It was bound to happen, that information of Miyuki’s departure had been leaked.

The use of magic other than for self-defense purposes is against the law. He couldn’t make use of magic to do away with them for the reason that they would be seen; it would end up the same even if he didn’t use magic, either. Immediately starting the car was the only applicable choice in this situation.

Minami sat in the front passenger seat. It was easier to keep an eye out on the surroundings from the front seat. But Minami hurriedly marched into the front passenger seat and was modestly yet stubbornly demanding, so he could not help but surrender the seat. Left with no choice, Tatsuya observed the surroundings from the back seat.

They got on the move immediately after leaving town and staying clear of private citizens.





The suspicious vehicle was caught in the police dragnet for Tatsuya.

“Onii-sama, what…”

“It’s an attack!”

Saying that Miyuki would notice the changes in Tatsuya earlier than her older brother could give a warning may be an understatement; if that should ever be the case, it is in reaction to the delay of the moment. Even now, a slight time lag was being created as Miyuki’s words were interrupted.

“Grenade shots: two in the front, two in the back.”

In response to Tatsuya’s voice, Minami tried to discharge a physical, heat-resistant barrier magic.

However, what she released was a disorganized, half-complete Magic Sequence that was affected by the interference of 21 other people present in the area.

The target was the automobile Tatsuya and the others were riding in. Minami’s barrier magic was obstructed due to the Magic Sequences that the 21 people were producing, as if almost deliberately being subjected in a conflicting state——a state akin to being under the effects of Cast Jamming——which obstructs the invocation of magic due to chaotically overlapping Magic Sequences mutually interfering with each other. No, “almost deliberately” aren’t the right words. Looking at how each of the 21 Magic Sequences were being adjusted at the same outputs, one might say the conflicting state was being produced deliberately. It wasn’t a coincidence, at least Tatsuya thought so. This isn’t a collaboration made possible by training overnight.

This was a way of using magical abilities in order for them to be able to use magic. That is, it is a technique for magicians who cannot use magic at all, a strengthened experimental magical combat technique for subjects who failed to become magicians.

“Minami, stop using magic.”

“Huh? Okay!”

Without waiting for Minami’s reply, Tatsuya pointed diagonally upwards with his right hand. On his chest was a complete Thought Operated Type CAD, on his wrist was a “Silver Torus”, a Mind Control– Compatible, Torus-Shaped, Specialized CAD.

It disintegrated grenade shells midair as the shells lost their trajectory and their parts scattered on the road.

It also delivered the same fate to the high-explosive projectiles lobbed at them at the sound of two or three explosions, one after another.

The car that Tatsuya and the others were riding in slipped away at the sidelines of the small-scale explosions.

The fuses of the high-explosive projectiles set off as they fell from the sky. Fortunately, the explosives themselves from where the fuses separated did not explode.

Tatsuya waved and flailed his left hand as if driving away an insect overhead.

The magic he invoked was Gram Dispersion.

The form of magic which was fixed in a state of conflict midway in its operation was blown about in an instant.

“Go back to town!”

Tatsuya took the role of guarding their convoy, and without paying heed to Minami who was depressed in the front passenger seat, he ordered the driver to take a U-turn.

However, the driver simply laid his eyes on the car chasing them reflected on the rear mirror, from whose window a grenade launcher jutted out, and made neither an indication of stepping on the break nor an indication of turning the steering wheel.

Not following Tatsuya’s words, he was in the position to bulldoze his way through.

“Please turn the car back to town!”

Miyuki repeated her older brother’s order.

“Understood!”

The driver immediately followed Miyuki’s command.

“Minami, Miyuki, I am at your mercy.”

Tatsuya told Minami as he took out a pair of heat-resistant, bulletproof military-grade sunglasses from his pocket.

“O-okay!”

With Tatsuya’s expression hidden by the well-fitted sunglasses on his face, he voiced to Miyuki.

“Miyuki, let’s rendezvous at the front of the station.”

“Onii-sama!?”

The driver made a spin turn at the same time that Tatsuya opened the window.

The four-wheeled cars of this era cannot make side turns due to their structure as their anti-lock brakes are intensively constructed. However, they are equipped with four-wheel steering that has a high degree of freedom, so expert drivers can make turns in small turning radius by spinning at that location. Currently, this is called a spin turn, not a side turn.

The moment the car turned, Tatsuya flew out of the rear passenger seat window due to the centrifugal force. Landing through the use of a combination of jumping and his inertia control ability, Tatsuya disassembled the gun in the hands of the closest attacker, preventing further attacks on the car.

Turning back, he removed the wheels from the self-propelled vehicle pursuing the car with Miyuki inside that was in mid-turn. There was a short sound of the car’s body grinding on the road surface. After checking that the car with Miyuki inside was going to town, Tatsuya leaped towards the closest attacker.

Such a counterattack shouldn’t usually be expected. However, the opponent’s reaction was fast. He wasn’t even hindered by his gun’s disassembly. Facing the unarmed Tatsuya, the man, dressed in working clothes of a certain delivery agency, pulled a fighting combat knife from behind his back. It was a knife with a wide guard for protecting fingers, resembling brass knuckles but with a blade.

(A Reinforced Soldier of the National Defense Army? No, an Artificial Psychic!?)

It was equipment for hand-to-hand combat without relying on firearms. There was no way that a regular soldier or a band member of a gang would have such a thing. That, and the magic that created the recent conflict, meant that this combatant could be nothing but a failure of Magician Development. It was surely an Artificial Psychic that couldn’t become a Magician.

A knife struck out. The special stainless steel blade of the knife was clearly charged with electricity. Even before having guessed that his opponent was a Psychic, Tatsuya was using both his physical and spiritual “eyes”. With this knife, even if you were to dodge the blade, you would be hurt by sparks or electrical discharge from the energy stored within. The energy level there is different from non-lethal weapons like stun guns because it is lethal.

Tatsuya wasn’t just barely dodging the blade, he was retreating with big steps.

Sparks were flying from the edge of the knife. Electricity then ran from the knife and into the man’s arm.

He must have been wearing protective clothing just in case. It didn’t look like he got an electrical shock. But he was shocked by another thing.

He stopped for a second, realizing that his abilities were used without his will, and that his superpowers betrayed him. And in that time, Tatsuya hit him with his palms. He reaped the consciousness out of the man by hitting him with a vibration wave, his next best magic after his unique ability.

The trick behind the man’s knife’s discharging by itself was simple. When jumping behind, Tatsuya used a narrowly refined spell dismantling and blew away the magic containing the charge. The thing is, Modern Magic originates from the study of Psychic Abilities. It was common sense for Tatsuya that Psychic Abilities and Magic were the same thing.

When the man fell, the baseball-like working hat that he wore very low, maybe to hide his looks, fell off. The man looked like he was around 15 years old.

But Tatsuya didn’t have the time to closely look at the man’s face The enemies were coming at high speed from both sides. They were wearing the same delivery working clothes and baseball caps as the man lying here. There was no need to think about it, they had to have been his allies.

Their speed was comparable to the fastest magician Tatsuya knew, Erika.

However, their control was sloppy. Two Psychics attacked at slightly different times. Tatsuya stepped to the right, in the direction of the man that would have hit him first.

It was not to counter. Only to dodge. The man’s legs were still moving when Tatsuya stopped behind him.

The Psychic attacking from the left dodged the Psychic coming from the right.

Tatsuya was readily waiting for the man on the left.

A knife was drawn.

A face was hit with a palm.

Vibration waves were released from Tatsuya’s palm, dodging the knife and circling from behind, and shook the Psychic’s Mind.

(Did I kill him?)

For a second, Tatsuya doubted for a deeper than he expected response, but, seeing that the man slipping on the road surface was still releasing life force, he turned to the man and guided his attention there.

Acceleration Magic was working on the man’s body. There was no visible carrier responsible for inertial control there. The G force on his body should have been well above the body’s limit, but the man managed to sustain his balance.

(So the body is also enhanced. Then it’s decided.)

So the opponent really is both body-reinforced and an Artificial Psychic. So it’s a Reinforced Soldier with Magical Abilities. They were developed in the first half of the repeated 20 years of World Wars, but were never completed. Germany tried to achieve this goal with genetic manipulation, but Japan used drug reinforcement.

The reason for scrapping the plan and concluding that the development project for a Reinforced Army of Artificial Psychic was a failure lies in the fact that their ability range was only 30 cm. In other words, they could only use weapons that were within a 30 cm radius from their body. They couldn’t sustain the magic required for event transformation at longer distances. They could only project Idea Information, but it had no effect on events.

(So it wasn’t entirely pointless? It’s impressive to combine imperfect magic to interfere with the workings of magic. There are smart people anywhere you look.)

Setting those thoughts aside, if they are the experimental Reinforced Artificial Psychics, they should be more than 60 years old. It may not be fully proven, but the ability to preserve youth must have been a side effect of their strengthening.

If put into words, this was the amount of information that passed through in Tatsuya’s brain, but in reality it took only a single second. And in the meantime, Tatsuya’s body moved to counterattack the man that moved with the speed of a cannonball due to Acceleration Magic.

The opponent’s movements might amaze you, but it was only due to the sheer speed. The movements themselves weren’t polished at all. To Tatsuya’s eyes, they were sloppy. Maybe it was because he was comparing them to Yakumo and Yanagi, but the fact that even on a more general level, “the techniques were weak” was the objective truth.

They weren’t lacking in training. Artificial Psychics only accelerated their movement through speed, but they lacked the mental ability to follow it. They were unable to follow their magically accelerated speed.

To Tatsuya’s knowledge, the fastest magician was Erika, but if it was only about moving fast, then there should be countless magicians with even faster movements. Both Yanagi and Kazama should be capable of it. Measuring by magical ability, even Miyuki, Mayumi and Katsuto should be able to do it. Tatsuya thought that it should be possible even for Ichijou Masaki. But, they don’t use that level of self-acceleration in a real fight, not because there was no need to, but because they were unable to control their accelerated bodies.

Only Erika with her natural talent was able to precisely control her body and ability without losing balance with that speed. You couldn’t catch up to her with fake skills. It was possible to deal with them because they were imitations.

And that was how.

Tatsuya slightly opened the palms of his hands in preparation.

Knocking the knife aside, the Artificial Psychic’s wrist slid into Tatsuya’s palm.

It looked like he himself went on to be caught, just like that time when Yanagi fought No Head Dragon’s Generator during the Nine Schools Competition.

Tatsuya made his weight and inertia disappear, and, forcibly straightening his opponent’s hands, flew.

He lost his weight and inertia in just that single moment.

The man’s body was pulled down as the weight suddenly burdened his outstretched arm.

Tatsuya’s feet straddled the man’s arm.

He feigned a jumping perpendicular armbar and sent a kick to his head.

Losing his consciousness, the man was slammed against the road, while Tatsuya regained his posture mid-air and headed for his next prey upon landing.

There were 28 remaining enemies that he caught with his superior senses. Among them, 9 were Artificial Psychics. There should have been another one, aside from the 11 Psychics who generated the disruption field deliberately, who more likely than not had been showing restraint inside the car that was tracking them. The 19 normal people (meaning those who were neither Psychics nor men who possessed super abilities) had already fled.

However, Tatsuya did not intend to have a single one of them escape without harm.





Unfortunately, the police arrived, so Tatsuya left that place just as he had defeated 20 of them.

He eventually ran past the street by the station while carefully slipping through from the sight of the police before joining up with Miyuki and the others.

It was already 4 P.M.

“Onii-sama, welcome back!”

Having drunk her tea in the waiting room of the station, Miyuki jumped out right from there when she laid her eyes upon the silhouette of Tatsuya.

“I’m sorry, I kept you waiting.”

Tatsuya caressed Miyuki’s head she stands still, on the verge of hugging him and goes together with Miyuki into the waiting room where Minami had been left behind.

“Thank you for your hard work, too, Minami.”

“No, your safety is more important than anything.”

Signaling Minami with his hand to sit before she stood up in refusal, Tatsuya also sat on the opposite side of her.

Miyuki was, needless to say, beside Tatsuya. Then, beside Minami were the trio’s luggage.

“What happened to the car that was supposed to meet us?”

“It went back. The pattern of the attack was without a doubt being recorded by traffic cameras, so I explicitly told him not to return to the Main House directly… Umm, would it have been better if we had kept him here?”

Laying his hand on his sister’s cheek as she looked up at his own face apprehensively, Tatsuya laughed as if to calm her.

“No, your judgment was right, if you think of about it hard enough, Miyuki.”

“Thank you very much…”

Miyuki gazed downward, blushing, as he looked at her with his teasing eyes asking, “What now?”

But Minami’s face quickly changed into a reserved expression the moment Tatsuya’s eyes moved.

Miyuki’s color of being shocked by Tatsuya’s eyes looking at her was probably because she failed to notice the moment of that change. Minami endured the uncomfortable pain as much as she could.

Tatsuya fortunate as he was did not have any twisted pretense that he was enjoying fixing his eyes on Minami like that to see how far he could fool her.

Tatsuya immediately turned his eyes back to Miyuki and removed his hand which had been lying on her cheek.

“Ah…”

Ignoring Miyuki’s seemingly sorrowful voice, Tatsuya ordered his younger sister to contact the Main House.

“We will temporarily return home today. We will head out again tomorrow, so make a request for that dispatch.”

Originally, arriving at the Main House on New Year’s Eve was no problem. What happened today was an accident. No, it was because he took into account the possibility that they would be stranded due to sabotage.

Unfortunately, his concerns hit the mark, but that was precisely why there was no need to overdo it today.

“Understood.”

Miyuki immediately took her mobile information terminal out and opened the communication line to the Main House.

The person who came to answer the phone was the Butler Obara. Obara asked about Miyuki’s safety many, many times, apologizing for the mishap even more, and repeatedly insisted on sending a car to pick them up afterwards.

“…Obara-san, I would like to go back to my house for a while.”

Miyuki got angry without warning. No, it was not as if she raised her voiced so much that we would say she got angry. Rather, that cool voice of hers made it clear that it was a no, even to the listener who had no room for changing his mind.

[O-okay, it is acknowledged.]

Obara stood at attention beside the voice receiver——at least, his voice resounded as if he made that posture.

Miyuki saw her chance and decided to press him for answers.

“Please relay to Oba-sama that I will report once again on today’s matters after returning home.”

[O-okay, as you wish.]

“And then, I would like to request for a car to pick us up tomorrow as well.”

[O-okay, certainly, anytime as you well please.]

Obara has always stood out for his exaggerated manners, but she hasn’t quite remembered him ever speaking this tense before until now. Miyuki silently reflected whether she had been too harsh with her words, while she inquired Tatsuya with her eyes of how she should answer.

Tatsuya showed Miyuki the screen of the terminal where he typed, “10 A.M.”

“Well then, how about at 10 A.M.?”

[Understood.]

Obara’s answer was prompt.

Would it really be okay, Miyuki thought to herself, but there was no way she would feel relieved, she thought again.

“Well then, I shall be expecting you tomorrow.”

[O-okay, Miyuki-sama, please take care on your way home.]

He seemed to have some ulterior motive due to the fact that he asked it, but as expected, Miyuki ignored it, thinking that she was just imagining things, and hung up the call.





Tatsuya, no all three of them did not dare to speak a single word about the incident until they got home.

Having gone back home, the luggage they packed piled up in the living room undisturbed as they changed clothes before they finally waved their self-imposed gag order.

Miyuki and Minami brought out coffee and red tea: the coffee, made by Miyuki for Tatsuya, and the red tea, made by Minami for Miyuki and herself. The two of them preparing separate drinks may seem wasteful, but Tatsuya had resolved right from the start to never comment about this matter.

“Miyuki, Minami, thank you both for your hard work. You can sit here too, Minami.”

He gave Miyuki the thankful remark and made Minami, who was trying to grab the opportunity, to sit on the sofa.

“Regarding the opponents who attacked us today…”

With Miyuki at his side, Tatsuya made Minami sit on the opposite side of Miyuki and started talking about that which the two have been dying to know.

“They were soldiers of the National Defense Army, which has, as its main battle force, the physically strengthened combination-type Artificial Psychics whom the National Defense Force failed to develop.”

“Why would the National Defense Army…”

Miyuki’s statement was intended to ask about the reason why, and not to question the information’s authenticity. Her older brother definitely said that they were Soldiers of the Army, and it was true that Miyuki had no room to doubt that.

“Besides, what are ‘physically strengthened combination-type Artificial Psychics’, Onii-sama?”

“I don’t know the reason why. I wasn’t able to question them because the police arrived while I was in the middle of neutralizing the attackers.

Physically strengthened combination-type Artificial Psychics are…”

Tatsuya narrated to Miyuki the full account of how the Artificial Psychics were developed. It was a topic that he would hesitate to talk about in front of Minami, a second-generation modified body magician, but Tatsuya thought that being too cautious would probably be, in turn, disrespectful.

“…The development of the Artificial Psychics has been discontinued for over the last 40 years. The men who became its test subjects must be more than 60 years old by now. I used to hear that they were detained in either the former Gunma or Nagano Prefectures, but I suppose there were detainment facilities in the Suwa-Matsumoto areas.”

“Were they also under house arrest for more than 40 years?”

Minami turned around murmuring.

“They weren’t given any roles, they are just being confined.”

The closing of her eyes and the lowering of her face might have been her holding back her tears.

“…However, could it be that someone brought the subjects out from those facilities? Say, even if all of them were volunteers, they would still be living proof of human experimentation. It isn’t something for us to deal with now, but they are an existence that the Army definitely cannot just keep hidden from society and especially from the media.”

Miyuki saw Minami’s elucidation with astonished eyes.

“Perhaps, it was not the powers belonging to that of the National Defense Forces that ordered the attack on us.”

“No, that’s not possible.”

Tatsuya dismissed Miyuki’s lingering fear with conviction.

“They wouldn’t have sent such half-cooked forces in my way if the leaders of the National Defense Forces were the ones pulling the strings. Even if we assumed that they were throwing their test subjects out into the field, they would have prepared more powerful peons, particularly their overpowered and indispensable goons.”

In other words, if the top brass of the National Defense Forces were at work, this meant that even if they could not defeat Tatsuya they had prepared countermeasures to dispose of the test subjects who were no match against Tatsuya. That seemed more likely here. It was uncomfortable to ponder upon, so Miyuki decided to change the topic.

“Yuuka-san knew that we would be attacked, didn’t she?”

“That seems to be the case. But then, she might have been thinking, too, that we wouldn’t be attacked if I were with you.”

Tatsuya titled down his coffee cup.

“There is also the thing about Kuroba-san’s advice.”

Tatsuya put off the threat from Mitsugu to Miyuki as advice.

“I don’t want to think about it, but there is a high possibility that someone in the Branch Families has been pulling the strings behind today’s attack.”

“…Is it our fault?

Miyuki asked nervously.

“No.”

Tatsuya immediately shook his head.

“At least, Kuroba-san had said that it wasn’t the case. The thugs that attacked us today didn’t seem to be after Miyuki.”

Actually, there was no basis to say that the target was not Miyuki in today’s incident. Even in the face of getting attacked, it felt like they did not know who they were attacking.

However, Tatsuya had no incentive to stupidly or directly declare that.

“I almost suspect they don’t want you, Miyuki, to attend the New Year’s Gathering. But there is a high possibility that they did that not to get in the way of the Yotsuba Succession itself but to delay the appointment of the next Family Head. If ever it were their objective to hinder you from becoming the next Family Head, it would be irrational for them go through the trouble of aiming for us after we got off at Kobuchizawa Station. Long story short, it would have been quicker and more guaranteed for them if they attacked this house while I was at FLT.”

Tatsuya came up with a plausible assumption by skillfully corroborating the behind-the-scenes information that he knew about today’s incident.

“I see now… No, it’s definitely as my Onii-sama says.”

Miyuki forced herself to believe.

Tatsuya felt a pang in his chest, but he had already decided beforehand to make Miyuki feel at ease. He knew that it was merely postponing the problem but either way, it was more productive to postpone than confront her anxiety.

“Miyuki, it would be good if you called our Oba-ue soon.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

Tatsuya stood up and moved to the dining room.

Miyuki stood before the camera, while Minami fiddled with the remote control behind her back.

At midnight, she accepted Miyuki’s apology while smiling on the screen, and said she was looking forward to being able to meet her tomorrow.





That night, a young officer belonging to the Matsumoto Base of the National Defense Army died due to his involvement in a brawling incident at the Kobuchizawa Station. In the newspapers on the following morning, it was reported that he had lost his life in a turn of bad luck when he forced his way through trying to stop a dispute between fellow Yakuza.





Chapter 4




Sunday, December 30th. 8:50 A.M.

Tatsuya made a call to the Main House, just before leaving the house. He didn’t call because Miyuki asked him to. It was his own decision.

The one who picked up the phone was a surly looking housekeeper whom Tatsuya asked to be connected with Butler Obara while using an intimidating attitude. The housekeeper was intimidated by Tatsuya’s gaze despite being on the other end of the camera and ran away to get Obara.

[Tatsuya-dono, I’m troubled. Please refrain yourself from scaring the Maid.]

Obara was under Aoki, hence, he had not been given detailed information about Tatsuya, and showed a relatively decent attitude towards him. He had the lowest rank among all the eight butlers, and perhaps had kept it in his mind to behave politely to everyone, but it might also be due to his temperament in being a former modern traffic riot policemen who preferred not to act under high pressure but with respect to civilians, even after he retired from that profession.

At the moment, however, he was facing Tatsuya’s words and attitude consciously from the other end.

“It’s an urgent matter.”

Usually, Tatsuya preferred to behave quietly and avoid friction. However, today, he had abandoned the safety headgear from the very start.

[Is everything alright.]

Obara’s face slightly frowned in discomfort. Although Tatsuya noticed this, the opponent had yet to be offended. If the opponent became emotionally disturbed, he would have abandon his reason.

“Please change the pick-up arrangement to 9:50 A.M. at Nagasaka, Shiroizawa.”

[Wait a minute. The driver has just been dispatched, you know.]

“They haven’t gotten out of the Manor yet, correct? The destination and timing have only slightly changed. I don’t see what’s so impossible about this.”

Obara lowered his eyebrows earnestly.

[It’s not a matter of impossibility, but it’s just too sudden compared to how I would prefer it.]

“I’m asking because it is necessary.”

[Tatsuya-dono, I don’t want to say this, but isn’t this somewhat rude? Originally, Miyuki-sama had requested for this arrangement today]

“This change is entirely of Miyuki’s wish. Or would you not be convinced unless Miyuki appeared on the phone?”

Obara’s face slightly blushed, holding back his angry voice.

[I understand. Then, 9:50 A.M. at Nagasaka, Shiroizawa!]

Even so, he couldn’t help but slip out a slightly rough tone.

Even if Tatsuya had his reasons, to change arrangements over the phone at the last minute was. His resentment was already woven.

“From now onwards, please tell the driver directly to change the pick-up location.”

However, Obara responded in the spur of a moment. He gave off a suggestive indication to Tatsuya that he’d soon forget about his displeasure.

[Then, is this instruction connected to yesterday’s incident?]

Tatsuya also thought that this reaction was surprising, and he didn’t want to turn this call into a lengthy conversation.

“Even now, please keep it confidential.”

[Certainly.]

Tatsuya got off from the call approximately at the same time as Obara did.





Tatsuya suddenly changed the schedule of the pick-up after taking into account the possibility of information being leaked internally in the Yotsuba. He neither knew who leaked the information from inside nor confident enough to guess who the perpetrator was.

There were seven Branch Families of the Yotsuba when not including the Shiba, and to be precise, more than one of these following Branches, the Shiiba, Mashiba, Shibata, Shizuka, had tried to delay the next Family Head nomination in order to separate Tatsuya from Miyuki. They were trying to prevent Miyuki from attending the New Year’s Gathering for that very reason.

Tatsuya couldn’t comprehend their actions. Certainly, the New Year’s Gathering was an event that allowed the Branch Families to gather in one place, but attendance was never a must. In fact, Miyuki was absent every year. Their father, Tatsurou, was not even permitted entrance into the Main House.

Moreover, there wasn’t any rule stating that every Head of the Branch Families must attend the gathering in order to name the next Family Head. In the first place, the Yotsuba Family was not a family with a very long tradition. The family was only formed by Maya’s grandfather as the first Head, and Maya was only the Third Family Head.

Even Maya herself was appointed as Head of the Family by the previous Head when Yotsuba Eisaku, Maya’s Uncle, was on his last few breaths.

Up to that point, there hadn’t been a decision about whether “Miya or Maya would be the next Family Head”. Maya was selected to be the Family Head as per Eisaku’s will, thus, it was not a result of a family discussion.

In other words, even though they were trying to prevent Miyuki from coming to this year’s New Year’s Gathering, there was a high chance that they might not delay the appointment of the next Family Head. Tatsuya had the impression that the Branch Families’ Heads had been deceived by this.

However, no matter how ludicrous it was, if he was ordered to attend the New Year’s Gathering, he couldn’t afford to not show any effort in making it there in time. No, it was precisely because it was ludicrous that Tatsuya became obstinate in thinking that he would not make it on time. He couldn’t help but to accept this feeling while receiving all this farce.

His plan of changing the meeting time and venue appeared to be initially successful. At the very least, unlike yesterday, he did not detect any car tailing them as soon as they left the station. However, Tatsuya never thought that it would all go well until the very end.

“So they found us?”

Tatsuya said so while glaring, and it was soon after they entered the country road without houses or factories in the vicinity.

“A stalker?”

Tatsuya vaguely nodded his head to answer Miyuki.

“Yes, but it’s not in the car. A Psion Information Body… Though it doesn’t seem to be a spirit. Rather, it’s a familiar.”

Tension ran through Miyuki’s face. Minami, who sat in the front, was also tightening her lips with a stiff look.

“A magician from the continent?”

Miyuki’s question was unexpected for Tatsuya.

“…No, this familiar is different from the Kasei-tai. There isn’t even any color or form, hence, it’s purely a Psion Information Body.”

Miyuki blushed at Tatsuya’s answer.

“I’m sorry, when you said familiar… I thought it was ‘Kasei-tai’.”

“You don’t need to apologize. After all, we’ve had many opportunities to be in contact with Kasei-tai type familiars within the year.”

Tatsuya smiled to soothe Miyuki, but it was immediately replaced with a stiff expression.

“It took so much time to figure out our position here. The enemy couldn’t have prepared much, but be on your guard. It’s coming.”

“Yes, Onii-sama.”

“Understood, Tatsuya-sama.”

Miyuki, who was next to him, and Minami, who turned to look behind, nodded to Tatsuya.

The driver didn’t seem to be willing to converse with the three and devoted himself to drive the car. However, his shoulders were unnaturally stiff, his face fixed straight to the front, while only his eyes were running around frequently. Yet, he still did not show a frightened expression, but this much was to be expected from a driver of the Yotsuba Family.

As Tatsuya deduced, it didn’t take much time for the enemy to appear. “Helicopter?”

The sign of the rotor sound was heard from the rear.

“Should we shoot it down?”

Miyuki, who had entered into a complete preparedness for a war, made a dangerous proposal.

“No, it’s bad to attack from here. It’s still well within the monitoring range of Psion Sensors.”

Tatsuya urged Miyuki down before she went any further. He then proceeded to talk to the driver.

“Please be wary of the front. There should be a large vehicle that will block the road soon.”

The helicopter was closing the distance between them bit by bit from the rear. They were able to catch up immediately, but chose not to do so, and Tatsuya thought that they were planning to pressure him.

It was like chasing a prey by its heel. If so, there should be an ambush further down the road.

It was a simple theory that was why it was unlikely for that prediction to be out.

“Brake!”

Before the green light at the junction, Tatsuya raised his voice. The driver pushed the brake reflexively. He ignored the signal of a trailer which came from the side of the road, and stopped at the junction.

“Minami, put up a shield on my cue!”

“Affirmative!”

“Onii-sama, what about me?”

“Miyuki, you’re a backup in case of emergency.”

At the same time, Tatsuya got out of the car quickly, and from the trailer, a whole gang of people armed with automatic rifles came down. There were 32 people, an entire Platoon armed with normal automatic rifles (not the high-powered rifles specialized for use against magicians). Tatsuya faced his assailants while confirming the enemy’s equipment and manpower.

(16 of them are magicians. They are not hiding in the distance. There are two in the helicopter. I guess both of them are here to supervise the situation.)

Their numbers were more than yesterday’s assailants, and there was a leader in this group.

(However, they’re still not enough.)

Half of the enemies were holding guns to hold their ground. Excessive firearms for each individual. The enemy seemed to know about Tatsuya to some extent.

(Otherwise, is there a limit on the movement of these troops?)

An object barrier was formed in front of Tatsuya.

The automatic rifles were set to full auto.

The barrier that was stretched by Minami tackled all of the low-caliber high-speed bullets. It was an expected result, as Minami’s magic was targeted to defend against high-powered rifles.

Meanwhile, Tatsuya did not simply analyze the enemy’s forces. The remaining half of the enemies advanced. Tatsuya targeted 16 people with partial Decomposition at the same time.

The magic defense of all 16 of them was already hooked. After some observation, it turned out to be magic from the Ancient Buddhist sect. A magic meant to hide one’s figure.

Tatsuya’s Decomposition had easily torn down that barrier. It was not a result of the finesse of the triple Decomposition Magic, “Trident”. It was a feat of strength in terms of Magic Interference. Activation Sequences of protective barriers were multiplied side by side, however, and their cooperation could be seen as sloppy.

Tatsuya fired his magic in rapid succession. All 16 were shot in both shoulders and thighs, completely losing their combat strength. They were in severe pain and were losing their consciousness one after the other.

“You monster!”

A familiar curse arrived at Tatsuya’s ear from the thwarted men. Tatsuya did not even show a wry smile.

The troop had a normal combat proficiency. Tatsuya couldn’t think of any other conjecture besides Special Forces. However, they lacked strength to go against Tatsuya, let alone touching Miyuki. It was an impossible task.

(Their infantry has 16 remaining. First, I need to neutralize their arms.) Tatsuya started to run swiftly.

He had turned into a hunter.





Tatsuya took down the helicopter, the hidden magicians were knocked unconscious——he paid no heed to the after effect——and proceeded to catch the man who seemed to be the Commander of the group. Unlike yesterday, he seemed to disdain the idea of fleeing. Although Tatsuya would prefer it if he’d just run away, as Tatsuya had no use for him, and he was not in the condition to entertain police matters.

He knew from the beginning that an interrogation would be a waste of time. It was apparent to Tatsuya that the man was not informed of the details while providing the camouflage trailer for troop transport, and he confirmed this when he saw the normal automatic rifles instead of the high-powered rifles for fighting magicians.

At any rate, Tatsuya left the scene of the plight after he handled the attack in a short period of time. However, it didn’t mean that Tatsuya’s group left without any damage. Their car was destroyed.

“I’m terribly sorry…”

“Don’t worry too much, Minami, it isn’t your fault. I also didn’t expect this.”

“That’s right. Minami-chan has properly fulfilled her role. As Onii-sama said, you don’t need to be bothered by this.”

Tatsuya and Miyuki slumped to comfort Minami, but it didn’t change their situation that they were stuck at a loss.

The car becoming unable to travel was not due to the flaws of Minami’s barrier magic. The enemy used a weapon that she did not think off.

“It was an EMP Bomb…”

EMP Bomb (Electromagnetic Bomb) was a weapon currently being developed which had only less than 10 meters of effectiveness at the moment. However, if strictly for short distance usage, it was compact and could be carried in an average sized vehicle. It might not have any effect on military equipment with electromagnetic protection treatment, but a shield was not sufficient in preventing the effects on electronic devices.

For instance, a CAD originally had sufficient electromagnetic protection as it was assumed to be used within military matters as well, but a commercially available portable information terminal could be damaged by an EMP Bomb.

“Miyuki, how is your terminal?”

“It’s alright.”

“Minami’s?”

“Mine, as well, it has no problems.”

Tatsuya’s information terminal looked like a commercial model externally, yet the content was customized by the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion. Miyuki’s was a gift from the Head of the Yotsuba. Minami’s terminal was also given to her by the Yotsuba. They were made with modern technology and were able to withstand the electromagnetic pulses from an EMP Bomb.

However, their self-propelled vehicle was not equipped with such technology.

“Even so… Why does the car which came to pick us up from the Main House not have measures against EM waves?”

The driver himself whimpered at Miyuki’s grumble.

The modern self-propelled vehicle was a lump of electronic devices. It would stop working in the presence of a powerful EM pulse.

Although the luxurious commercial vehicle had been installed with protective measures against EM waves, apparently, this car had a defective portion to its shield. Otherwise, the EMP Bomb had used a higher output than what could be handled by the vehicles at a commercially available level.

“I’m terribly sorry. As I thought, it was my fault.”

Even though he was not directly scolded, Minami felt sorry for the driver a little bit after Miyuki turned moody, hence, she apologized again.

It couldn’t be said that Minami was completely faultless.

The magic Minami used was “Mass Filter”. It was a magic that prevented the transmission of material above an allowable range within a constrained area. She set the magic to be “impermeable by anything more than three CO2 molecules”. This magic, unlike Vector Inversion and Kinetic Energy Neutralizer magic’s, was an excellent barrier which was effective in defend against Poisonous Gas that diffuses and penetrates without direction. However, Mass Filter couldn’t defend against electromagnetic waves. Neither could it defend against heat and explosions. She could instantly activate the “Vector Inverting Shield” against an explosion, and Minami selfishly thought that she didn’t have to worry about heat with Miyuki around.

Nevertheless, she had completely overlooked EM waves. Minami was seriously thinking that it was her fault. For instance, if the enemy had used “lightning” magic, her defense obviously could not stand against the attack. No matter how much Tatsuya and Miyuki comforted her, Minami failed to put her heart at ease.

That was her motivation in covering for the driver, and it was never purely sympathy.

“Miyuki, at any rate, let’s call for another car.”

Tatsuya changed the subject rather than offering Minami consoling words again, as he had guessed such sentiments.

“Alright.”

Miyuki had also noticed the reason for Minami’s self-blaming. She had no intention to blame both the driver and Minami. The monologue just now gave was unintentionally coming out of her mind. Miyuki would be very thankful if she was given a chance to retract her words.

However, it was not possible to call the Main House.

Then just right at this time, there was an incoming call to Miyuki’s terminal.

Tatsuya urged her to it pick-up with his eyes, and Miyuki answered the call.

[Good afternoon, Miyuki.]

“Yuuka-san?”

The one calling was Tsukuba Yuuka.

[Yes, it’s me. Miyuki-san, sorry if it’s too sudden.]

“What happened?”

[I wonder if you could move the trailer which is blocking the road now.]

It was an abrupt request, and since there was no assailant in the trailer, it wouldn’t move like usual so they just left it behind. Miyuki ended the call and ordered the driver to move the trailer from the intersection.

Miyuki truly had not thought that such a thing would happen, but Yuuka was unexpectedly at the other side of the moved trailer. The driver was back quickly, and the trailer was parked next to the unmoving car.

“Get in.”

It was a really sudden request without prior explanation that even Tatsuya was missing words to respond to her.

However, Yuuka raised her voice while throwing words in frustration.

“Quickly get in! I’m already at my limit in keeping the police away!”

“Miyuki, Minami, let’s get in.”

Urged by Tatsuya’s words, Miyuki and Minami went in, while at the same time loading their own luggage into Yuuka’s car.

“The driver?”

“Let him figure out something on his-”

It seemed like answering Tatsuya was a waste of time, so Yuuka omitted the last “own” when Tatsuya slipped into the passenger seat and promptly started her car.





The first few minutes in the car was followed by a period of silence.

Yuuka was concentrating on driving.

Tatsuya could hear the voice communication unit in the front passenger seat occasionally. It appeared to be intercepted wirelessly.

As Miyuki looked out of the window, Minami saw the restlessness in Miyuki’s face.

Before long, tall buildings began to be seen.

“Yuuka-san”, Miyuki spoke to Yuuka.

“What is it, Miyuki-san?”

“I think the Main House is in the opposite direction.”

Miyuki did not hide the distrust in her voice.

“We’re avoiding the police.”

Yuuka smiled wryly while answering so.

“Miyuki, Yuuka-san is speaking the truth.”

Tatsuya took away his attention from the communication unit, intending to calm Miyuki.

“The police stretched out a checkpoint in the direction of the Main House. They didn’t do so on this side for some reason.”

Tatsuya noticed that she was intercepting the police’s radio. It was not something that someone could normally do. And even though the external parts of his own terminal were commercially available, the contents were filled with Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion specs that Sanada collaborated with Fujibayashi on. Hence, he could easily find wireless encrypted communications which were used within the country, most of which should be readable.

“If Onii-sama says so… Yuuka-san. Sorry for doubting your good will.”

“It’s alright. I know you have your reasons to be suspicious of me.”

Perhaps, it was due to the fact that she appeared conveniently right after the assailants were taken care of. At least, Tatsuya thought that was enough.

“However, why do the police only wait on the road leading towards the Main House?”

However, this was the point that Miyuki doubted.

Yuuka was about to smile wryly once again, but suddenly turned to a serious expression while answering Miyuki and gazing at her eyes through the mirror.

“That’s because, Miyuki-san, they don’t want to let you arrive at the Main House.”





The place where Yuuka was taking the three of them to was one of the Tsukuba Family’s villas at the foot of Mt. Amigasa in the Yatsugatake Mountain range.

Yuuka led the three of them to the living room, and sat herself in a reclining chair——the house had six reclining chairs with footrests instead of a sofa——she suggested that Miyuki and the others should stay at the house for the meantime.

“Today, we’ll stop here.”

Miyuki asked Tatsuya with her eyes. Yet, Tatsuya replied promptly to Yuuka’s proposal.

“Tomorrow, shall we go to the Main House together? It’s not like we can read the movements of the scheduled pick-up car now.”

Tatsuya nodded to Miyuki. He asked Yuuka instead of Miyuki, as both of them were candidates in becoming the next Family Head, and Tatsuya answered Miyuki and delivered Miyuki’s intention.

“We welcome your offer with thankfulness.”

“Then, it’s decided.”

“Wait a minute.”

Miyuki showed restraint, seeing that Yuuka was smiling.

Immediately, the villa servant brought beverages. Everyone was served back tea. Moreover, instead of bringing the teapot, the tea was poured at two-thirds full in the cup and served side by side on the table. He put a sugar pot and milk pot down right before they left the living room.

Yuuka watched his backs with a bitter expression.

“…Even though he was as annoying with all the habits and etiquettes that I have, even he cannot afford to be attentive himself.”

She showed an apologetic face to the three of them with uncertainty.

“Sorry, everyone in my house is used to black tea, so they wouldn’t place down coffee or green tea.”

“No, please don’t worry.”

Miyuki reached for the cup with a fake smile.

“Ah, it’s a little far from the table right? I’ll take out the side table now.”

After she confirmed that Miyuki retracted her hand, Yuuka operated the switch on her armrest.

On the right side of the four of them, a side table rose from the side of each chair.

Minami quickly placed together on the saucer, the tea cup and the milk pot and brought it to the table right by the side of Miyuki, without Miyuki noticing that she was gone from her side.

Miyuki nodded and said “Thank you” to Minami, while taking the cup of black tea in her hand.

Tilting her neck lightly, Miyuki poured a bit of milk from the milk pot into her cup.

She stirred the tea a little, while smiling and with a bit of laughter to Minami.

Minami returned the milk pot back to the table before returning to her own seat.

When comparing to the servants of the house who put down the cup brusquely, they were in stark contrast with this female maid who naturally had a delicate mindfulness for her master.

“…So cute. Are you showing off?”

Yuuka returned with a smile that did not go well with Minami’s short display.

“No, I have no such intentions.”

Minami answered so without any feeling, and hid her face by bowing to Yuuka.

That action was meant to get on Yuuka’s nerve, but she chose to dampen out the irritation that was forming on the surface of her mind with a “phew”.

“Well… Our servant has shown such a bad attitude just now. I’ll take it as a draw.”

Tatsuya, who was drinking the tea with a straight face, put down his cup on the saucer without even stealing a glance at the act, and proceeded to say, “Let’s continue our talk”.

“That’s right… Miyuki-san, do you have something to say?”

Yuuka corrected her seating posture, followed by Miyuki who turned to face her.

“I want to ask you about a few things.”

“You don’t mean… That you want me to speak of my own true feelings, right?”

The playful atmosphere disappeared from Yuuka, replaced by a sharp light.

“I wouldn’t ask such a meaningless thing.”

Against Miyuki’s sunny winter-like eyes, Yuuka’s light was caught deep in its coldness.

Miyuki’s eyes seemed to show an illusion of sucking out another’s soul, which made Yuuka divert her own.

Although before long, she returned another gaze.

“It wouldn’t be completely useless. I can speak of my true feelings well within a certain range.”

“I see. Then, I will indulge in your kind words. Firstly, about the earlier look… And, how you managed to conveniently find us stranded in such a place?”

“Well, of course that would weigh on your mind.”

Yuuka complained with an expressionless smile.

“At the very least, you can believe that I have no partake in the conspiracy.”

“I can, if you would just tell me the reason.”

“…Actually, I have been secretly keeping an eye on the car which Miyuki-san’s group would ride in.”

Miyuki glanced at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya shook his head lightly.

Although Yuuka had fastened her eyes to think of a good follow-up, Miyuki replied before.

“I see.”

Despite not believing Yuuka’s description, Miyuki asked the next question.

“Why did you put up so much effort into helping us there?”

“That.”

“You wouldn’t say that was because I needed an escort, right? You can’t expect to convince me with such a reason.”

Yuuka gave up and sighed.

“I guess so… I got it. I’ll tell you the truth.”

“Please do.”

Although Miyuki’s straight gaze could be deemed as a bad attitude, she wasn’t going to be deceived any longer.

“Tatsuya-san might have known about this though.”

Before explaining, Yuuka tried to engage Tatsuya into the conversation. Tatsuya’s real intention was to not let Miyuki know about the matter. However, if Yuuka did not clear up the misunderstanding, the situation would not be able to proceed. Furthermore, if Miyuki was to be named as the next Family Head, she would need to know the expectations of the Branch Families. Tatsuya changed his mind because of this.

“Maya-sama has decided to name Miyuki-san as the next Family Head during the New Year’s Gathering. A group of the Branch Families tried to get in the way. They must have thought that, at the very least, you wouldn’t be named as the next Head if you couldn’t show up for the Gathering.”

There was no surprise seen in Miyuki’s face.

“So they don’t want me to be the next Head?”

However, she was asking this with a harder voice.

“I think, only Shibata Oji-sama thinks so.”

Yuuka’s answer was so clear that it sounded cruel.

“I see… Shibata-san, so Katsushige-san, as well.”

“I don’t think so, though.”

However, the clarity of her answers seemed to be inconsistent.

“I’m sorry. What do you mean by that?”

Yuuka did not show any special remorse while continuing her explanation.

“Shibata Oji-sama wants Katsushige to be the Family Head, but I think it couldn’t be helped for Miyuki to be named as the next Family Head. If he were asked which between Miyuki-san and Katsushige-san is more excellent among the Yotsuba’s Magicians, he would have known the answer, as well. After all, Katsushige-san is an excellent magician but only by normal standards.”

Yuuka divulged in laughter. Miyuki had failed to follow Yuuka in her laughter, despite agreeing on her assessment of Katsushige.

“Well, if that’s the case. Nobody really disproves of you in becoming the next Family Head.”

“Yuuka-san, how do you, yourself, feel?”

“Me?”

Yuuka was talking about the next Family Head nomination as if it was someone else’s problem, and worried about Miyuki.

Yuuka was also one of the four in the final stage that fulfilled the requirements in being a candidate.

“I also think that Miyuki-san is the appropriate choice.”

Yuuka quickly answered so. It was too quick that the earnestness couldn’t be heard.

“No, this way is not exactly right.”

However, Yuuka was 100% serious without mixed any mixed meanings.

“Going back two years, the Tsukuba Family had decided to support Miyuki-san in becoming the next Family Head. In order to ensure that the Tsukuba Family has a say in the matter, I am to remain as a candidate until the actual election. Although this was more to help you win over the other Branch Candidates like Katsushige-san and Fumiya-kun.”

“Why would you go that far to…”

Miyuki’s question was to be expected.

“90% is purely because we think that Miyuki-san should become the next Family Head.”

Yuuka was evading from directly answering her question by saying these difficult words.

“The remaining part is probably due to the guilt from my mother.”

Miyuki complexion changed. It was not an exact answer, but it was enough for her.

“If you’re talking about atonement, then it would be troublesome. That happened against Touka-sama’s wish. However, in reality, has Touka-sama made her own determination in accordance with Oba-sama?”

Touka was Yuuka’s mother, the current Head of Tsukuba Family. It didn’t mean that she had no father, but Touka had been the head before marrying Yuuka’s father.

Touka was a magician who specialized in Mental Interference Magic, well known within the Yotsuba with her special magic, “Pledge”. “Pledge” was done under the consent of the magician, limiting the mental activity of the subject semi-permanently. Unilaterally, it was impossible to bind the spirit of the magician, so there must be a condition of there being a key to release the partner’s independent will. It was a magic with a high utility value which enabled partial control over someone while still maintaining the emotions of the controlled subject.

For both Miyuki and Tatsuya, it was a magic with a particularly deep meaning. After their mother passed away, Touka’s magic was the one that allowed Miyuki to seal Tatsuya’s magic power by casting “Pledge” on Tatsuya’s body.

“Moreover, I don’t have anything to say. Since it was an order from the Head, I have no intention to go against her will.”

“…Pardon my rudeness. Sorry for forcing you to say such an upsetting thing.”

“I think it is only to be understood since its Miyuki-san. Please don’t mind it.”

Both Miyuki and Yuuka stretched their hands, each to their own cup, while trying to refocus.

“I understand the stance of the Tsukuba Family.”

While Miyuki was trying to change the topic, Yuuka wore a thin smile.

“Then, why are people from the other Branches trying to postpone the appointment of the next Family Head? If you know the details, would you please tell me?”

Yuuka glanced at Tatsuya.

Tatsuya, who was fully in her sight——made her hesitate——although he didn’t show any reaction.

Yuuka averted her eyes from Miyuki’s gaze, and started to talk with a down casted head.

“Shibata Oji-sama and Mashiba Oji-sama want to pull Miyuki-san away from Tatsuya-san. No, they want to pull Tatsuya-san out from the center of the Yotsuba in order to isolate him from the world by pulling him away from the spotlight.”

Miyuki took a several deep breath. It was ragged for the first few times, and after repeating for five-six times, she regained her calmness.

“…Not from the public, but from the world?”

“Yes. I mixed in some of my guesses, but it shouldn’t be wrong. I don’t know about the reason behind their actions, but all of the Oji-sama’s thought that Tatsuya was not supposed to exist as a magician. They are trying to interfere with you being named as the next Head in order to buy time for that purpose.”

“How could preventing me from being appointed as the next Family Head be connected to their importance in buying time to get rid of Onii-sama?”

Miyuki spoke out in monologue, though it was not her intention to say this out loud. Her lips and throat were trembling as soon as her mind exploded with anger.

“Miyuki-san, please listen to this calmly… If Miyuki-san were to be appointed as the next Head, your Onii-sama, Tatsuya-san, as Miyuki-san’s Guardian, will be established with a firm status within the Yotsuba. He would be the brother of the next Family Head, as well as a close aide of the next Family Head. It is not really negligible in the minds of the Branch Families’ Heads.”

Yuuka took a glance at Miyuki’s complexion.

Miyuki, at that moment, had regained her calm.

“So, they want to at least postpone the appointment of the next Family Head until Minami-chan over there can replace Tatsuya-san’s role.”

“…I see, so that’s the case.”

Miyuki’s voice was so cold and gentle that it was eerie.

“Ye-yes. I have no doubt in this.”

So far, Yuuka had tried her best not to be afraid of Miyuki, but this was enough to make her tremble involuntarily.

“On the other hand, if I manage to get to the New Year’s Gathering, I would be able to secure Onii-sama’s position.”

However, Miyuki did not think about this dangerous matter like she was trying to get back at someone. What she was thinking, ultimately, it was an outrageous conspiracy that would try to break her apart from her brother.

“Yuuka-san, we will not depart today, right?”

The four of them had not had their lunch, even though lunch hour had passed long ago. However, it was well before sunset, if they could depart now, they should be able to reach the Main House.

“Yes… I think the police are still on the move. It’s not like we did anything wrong, but if we get caught by the police, it would waste our time unnecessarily. I think it’s best to wait until tomorrow.”

“I understand. I will confide in your gracious words, so please take care of us for today.”

“I think there are a lot of things that are not up to your standards, but please use your time well.”

“Thank you very much. I will be in your care tomorrow as well.”

Miyuki’s tone and words had been suppressed to be gentle. However, Yuuka felt a soul freezing force coming out of Miyuki when she said, “I will be in your care tomorrow as well”. She struggled to smile back at Miyuki and nodded her head.





In the end, the three from Tatsuya’s group didn’t have any lunch at all, but were served an early dinner instead (the taste was unsatisfactory), before they were guided to their rooms from the waiting room.

Tatsuya spread the contents of his travel bag. He did not wonder about his outfit for tomorrow, but his equipment, instead. The customized Silver Horn-“Trident” was brought out from the enclosed within the travel bag.

He was wondering whether to use either the “Trident” that he was already familiar with, or the inconspicuous “Silver Torus”.

If it was a battle of magic, he’d use the Handgun type, Trident.

If he assumed for a physical battle, he could reduce the use of magic and wear the Bracelet type, Silver Torus.

He wavered for a second, but in the end, he did not take the Trident out of the travel bag.

Someone knocked on the door when he was about to close the zipper of his bag. When Tatsuya asked “Who is it”, the returned answer was “It’s Miyuki”. He left his bag open, and moved to open the door.

“What’s wrong?”

He opened the door and asked Miyuki. She was alone.

“I have something that I want to talk about… for a little while.”

Careful of the place, Miyuki seemed to be in a fine state of mind.

“I got it, come in.”

Tatsuya invited Miyuki into his room.

Miyuki first went to the front of the travel bag which was left open, and began to refold Tatsuya’s clothes which had been a little disorganized.

He was about to take out his underwear and go take a bath soon, so there was not much meaning in organizing the contents of the bag now.

However, Tatsuya didn’t restrain Miyuki, and said “I’m sorry”.

“No, I do this because I like it.”

Miyuki’s voice sounded a little joyful, while her hand was still moving. She satisfied her urge and closed the zipper of Tatsuya’s travel bag.

“You may sit on the bed.”

He let Miyuki sit on his bed, while he himself sat on the chair of the writing desk.

Miyuki did not show any hesitation, but she shallowly sat on the bed.

“Well, then? What do you want to hear?”

When Tatsuya immediately led the conversation, Miyuki inflated her cheeks in her slight dissatisfaction.——No, it wasn’t as if she actually did that, but she oozed such a similar aura.

“Am I not allowed to come unless I have some business?”

“No, no such thing.”

To Miyuki, Tatsuya immediately raised a white flag. Tatsuya was not afraid of even the authorities, but it was a different story when it came to his sister.

“Fufufu… I’m joking.”

After being scolded by her brother, Miyuki immediately correct her mood.

“Moreover, I have something to ask you.”

Then let me listen to it from the very beginning, Tatsuya thought so, but of course he didn’t voice that out.

“What do you want to ask?”

Instead, he asked her bluntly.

Miyuki had also stopped with her playful words.

“Onii-sama, did you know about the interference from the Branch Families?”

The thought of cheating to get out of this situation disappeared while Miyuki blinked before him.

“I had knowledge of it.”

While Miyuki was still thinking about her next question, Tatsuya proceeded to answer.

“On the first day of the winter break, Kuroba-san came to visit FLT. I was told about the matter at that time. The details of what he said were almost the same as what Yuuka-san told us just now. Yuuka-san said that she mixed in some of her guesses, but I wonder if she already knew these facts.”

“Kuroba Oji-sama…? Then.”

“No.”

Tatsuya had guessed what Miyuki was concerned about, and denied it preemptively.

“The Kuroba are not involved in this sabotage. He said that he is of a neutral stance this time. I think we can believe him. Of course, both Fumiya and Ayako will not be our enemy.”

“I see…”

Miyuki breathed in a sigh of relief, but immediately turned her face upwards to Tatsuya who had a stringent look on his face.

“Onii-sama, why didn’t you talk to me about this?”

It was not as if Miyuki didn’t know the feeling of self-blaming, but Tatsuya had his own excuse. He couldn’t divert his eyes from his sister.

“It would be better if the interferer would retreat. As long as you can attend the New Year’s Gathering, the fact that someone pulled strings behind you is a trifling matter. I didn’t want to burden you with unnecessary worrisome matters.”

Tatsuya had judged that this time’s incident was a simple composition. Whether it was their hideouts and time gimmicks, there wasn’t any need to sniff them out. They simply needed to get rid of the assailants. He thought that it would put her at a disadvantage to worry over this matter.

“It’s natural for me to worry about Onii-sama!”

However, those thoughts were unacceptable for Miyuki.

“Certainly, it might have been useless for me to worry over these thoughts. However, isn’t it fine if I worry about Onii-sama! To be able to cry or be angry for Onii-sama is very important to me. I would never think of this as ‘unnecessary’!”

Miyuki moved her face laterally and pouted. While his baffled sister remained in that position, Tatsuya thought that he had to pacify her mood one way or another. Tatsuya stood up and moved to the front of Miyuki.

“Miyuki.”

Tatsuya tried to put his hand on his sister’s shoulder, but he missed it. It was not due to Miyuki shaking off his hand.

Miyuki stood up, and suddenly embraced him.

“Onii-sama, do you remember?”

“About what?”

While asking so, Tatsuya recalled a scene in his memory that would certainly be connected.

The scene from last year’s Nine Schools Competition, the Fourth Day and the first night of the Newcomer’s Games. Tatsuya rejected the offer to adopt his “Active Air Mine” into the Index with his name as the creator. Miyuki came to visit Tatsuya then…

“My feelings have not changed at all from that time. And will never change from here onwards.”

Miyuki continued her words surely, as if she confirmed what Tatsuya was recalling.

“Because I am your ally.”

A scene was drawn to Tatsuya’s mind, and he watched it with his eyes.

“Because I will forever be Onii-sama’s ally.”

Tatsuya opened up the storage of his memories.

“The time will certainly come. I’m sure you can do it. I certainly hope so.”

Miyuki raised her face up. In contrast to Tatsuya’s expectation, Miyuki’s face was filled with a smile.

“And that time is coming soon. It might be a little different than ‘the time’ that we have in mind, but at last, the time has come where Onii-sama can finally fly freely.”

However, in the midst of that shiny smile, he could see a drop of shadow. And that was weighing very much on Tatsuya’s mind.





The current Head of the Yotsuba, Yotsuba Maya, smiled involuntarily after receiving a report from the Butler, Hayama, about Miyuki, who was attacked in two consecutive days due to the information leak and now had to stay at the Tsukuba Family’s villa.

“What should I say, it’s useless.”

Maya was not ridiculing them, but instead she said it gently and dazzlingly.

“It seems like the Branch Family members have underestimated Tatsuya-dono’s power.”

The Butler, Hayama, replied with a harsh comment in a polite tone.

“This village’s ‘barrier’ couldn’t stand up against Tatsuya-san’s ‘Decomposition’ after all, so he can come from the sky if he wanted to make it on time. If that were really to happen, everyone would be thrown into an uproar. Until the Decomposed barrier to repel intruders is completely rebuilt again, the magicians with recognition inhibitors will be overworked day and night. Building up that barrier is not an easy task after all.”

Maya sighed exaggeratedly.

“I wonder if everyone from the Branch Families understands what kind of responsibility they will bear if they try to impede my instructions?”

Maya made a “how troublesome” kind of face, while tilting her tea cup.

“Anyway, regarding Aoki-san and the others, are you sure you have delivered the correct information to the Heads of the Branch Families?”

“Yes, unmistakably.”

Butler Hayama replied so after being glanced over by Maya, and he poured a non-caffeine herbal tea into Maya’s cup with a reverential attitude.

By the way, within the Yotsuba Family, all of the Butlers were called equally as “Butler”, whether it was Obara or Aoki or Hanabishi or even Hayama, the eight of them, in reality, were in a position to supervise employees in each sector. However, only Hayama was in charge of private (internal) issues out of all eight of the Butlers.

Even now, during the night tea time. It was the main reason why she could speak openly. Even Maya wouldn’t speak in such a manner in front of anyone else but Hayama. Conversely, the Branch Family Heads, no, the Yotsuba itself was tied up at the mercy of the Family Head that despised the family, since this was Maya’s true nature.

“However, I wouldn’t say that all their efforts are wasted.”

Hayama witnessed all that without changing his attitude. Even now, he reverently offered a solution based on his own opinion. By doing so, he let his Master complain to her hearts content without being caught otherwise.

“According to Hanabishi’s report, of both the remnants of the Great Asian Alliance’s coalition hardliners and the Great Asian Alliance’s appeasement factions, we significantly weakened their forces from waging war against the Ten Master Clans. Especially for the Artificial Psychic Center which is on the verge of collapsing in Matsumoto. In the future, let’s keep this lake garden of the Yotsuba Family from such rampaging activities of any intruders.”

“I have never minded over those Artificial Psychics to begin with.”

Maya laughed curtly by her nose, but her voice was frank, unlike the sweet poison type like what she used earlier.

“Anyway, this means that the end-of-the-year house cleaning has come to an end?”

Hayama nodded with a faint smile at her inquiry.

“There were some changes in the setup, but there was only a little more to be done by the necessary staff so I left the rest to Hanabishi.”

“Well, that’s true. Fishing takes a lot of time and effort, part of the rough stuff. Tatsuya-san would substantially take care of those people.”

Maya showed a slight amazement in her face.

“Well, that’s fine. Hayama-san, have you finished the New Year’s preparations?”

“Yes. We just need to wait for Miyuki-sama’s arrival.”

“Then, there’s nothing to be worried of.”

Hayama opened his mouth with a bit of slight hesitation.

“Madam, do you really not wish to stop Shibata-sama?”

Hayama knew of the plan of the Head of the Shibata Family in keeping Miyuki stranded by Shibata Katsushige and his Guardians. Of course, Maya also knew.

Maya, for some unknown reason, laughed in satisfaction.

“Even if it’s Katsushige-san, there is no way he can stop Tatsuya-san.”

Shibata Katsushige was, without a doubt, one of the strongest magicians in the Yotsuba’s current generation in terms of combat magic, but Maya expected that Tatsuya had no possibility of losing against Katsushige. This time, Maya had a vision in making Tatsuya bringing down Katsushige.





Chapter 5




Morning of December 31st. Tatsuya’s group departed from the Tsukuba Family’s villa, and it was their third try to get to the Main House.

The normal travel time from the villa to the Yotsuba’s Main House was about two hours. While considering the possibility of piled up snow in the middle of the road, three hours would still be sufficient. Yuuka proposed “I think its ok even if we depart from the villa after lunch”, but Tatsuya had thought about any foreseeable obstructing events that may occur today as well, hence, he wanted to depart as early as possible.

Yuuka seemed to be a night creature, and looked sluggish when she drove, as if her body had yet to be fully awakened. Perhaps, that was the reason behind her proposal on departing during the afternoon instead.

Still, she somehow managed to drive her sedan safely, and finally, they reached the entrance of the tunnel which led to the Yotsuba’s Village.

Inside the tunnel, there were branches of a pathway, but the mechanism needed a flow of Psion waves in a certain waveform at specific points in order to be able to stay on the route which led to the Yotsuba’s Village.

The tunnel had provided an automatic gate of non-systematic magic. With this mechanism, the Yotsuba’s Main House was essentially cut off from the outside world, at least when it came to land transportation.

This facility is meant to conceal the address of the Old Fourth Research Institute. Due to the high confidentiality of the Old Fourth Research Institute, only the name is known, and the address is not known even to the highest government and military officials. As the Yotsuba Family had inherited this facility, they went around literally erasing the memory of anyone who knew this secret, completely hiding the location of their home.

Similar gates existed in a few other places, but they were heading to the only gate that operated at all times. For those who knew of it, this area would be a strategic place to set up an ambush.

At the same time, however, it also meant that this area was set under constant surveillance by the Yotsuba, and the assailants would require a certain amount of resolution.

With this reasoning, Yuuka was determined that they would not receive any more interference once they reached this place.

However, Tatsuya concluded that they would be attacked here for sure. The difference in the two’s attitude’s corresponded to their different reactions.

From the side of the mountainous pathway, right before they entered the tunnel.

From the slope, a white tsunami came surging down!

“Miyuki, melt the avalanche!”

Tatsuya shouted even before Yuuka noticed the avalanche.

“Yes, Onii-sama!”

Miyuki responded to Tatsuya.

Yuuka suddenly stepped on the break.

“Minami, Hemispherical Shield!”

“Wha--, Y-Yes.”

The avalanche was surging from the side of the road.

Miyuki turned the snow into water with her magic.

The car stopped.

The hemispherical barrier formed around the car.

All of this happened in less than a single second.

Streaming mud flew down in front of the stopped car.

From the beginning, the avalanche wasn’t triggered to hit Yuuka’s car.

“Minami, release the shield.”

“Understood.”

When the muddy stream from the melted snow had run down, Tatsuya ordered Minami to release the barrier magic.

Before the barrier magic disappeared naturally, Minami canceled her own magic.

Whether Tatsuya who gave the order, or Minami who performed the instruction, both had a stern look on their face.

Tatsuya got out from the car and stood in front.

In turn, Minami, Miyuki, Yuuka also came out of the car.

Rocks and fallen trees were scattered in front of the car. They were washed down by the avalanche, or more likely by the muddy stream after the snow was melted at the slope of the mountain. The four of them approached and finally stood before the space.

“Onii-sama, is this meant to hinder us?”

Miyuki was also aware that the avalanche was not set to directly hit them. She asked her brother on her speculation.

“No, it’s an ambush.”

However, Tatsuya’s answer was a little different from Miyuki’s speculation.

“Come out!”

The one who shouted was Yuuka.

“If you don’t, I will not hold back!”

Despite being in the territory of the Yotsuba Family, their vehicle was attacked, and it seemed like it had taken a toll on Yuuka’s pride.

After receiving no reaction, she was frustrated and took out a folded type CAD from her handbag, she pressed a side button to open its numerical keyboard.

Folded type CAD had begun being commercialized since the start of this year. A handy portion of the main body was the numerical keypad, while the expanded part of the cover was an antenna for a sighting aid. The goal was to replace pointing the muzzle of a gun-type CAD with a flat antenna which aimed at the target with the surface of its cover. This was FLT’s newest work in an attempt to cultivate practical use of the General-Purpose CAD + Aiming Auxiliary System, which was announced in Dusseldorf two years ago, that was developed by the HQ team rather than the Third Division which Tatsuya belonged to. Tatsuya used this technology in practice at last year’s Nine Schools Competition, but he was only providing the know-how of incorporating the Aiming Auxiliary System with the OS for General-Purpose CAD. Honestly, it hadn’t really become that different from a General-Purposed CAD when comparing their efficiency and was only playing around with it for amusement, yet, Yuuka surprisingly seemed to fancy the style.

Regardless of the efficiency of the CAD, the magic that was cast wasn’t a joke.

Mental Interference Magic, “Mandrake”.

The magic released Psion waves that causes psychological damage by causing terror within a 150° angle in front of the opponent.

Mandrake didn’t create images that cause terror, but the terror itself. By loosening the suppression of the consciousness it allowed emotions to run wild, and this produced the emotion of terror.

There was no lethal effect from Mandrake. However, anyone under the influence of this magic would be overcome with a violent terror regardless of their mental endurance, and their mind would significantly weaken. In fact, the damage might be greater for those who had received mental endurance training against fear. Those people would be thrown into a panic after being attacked by a fear that they should have been able to overcome. They would collapse, or lose consciousness after being unable to withstand the burden. It could even leave a deep mental wound for some.

Although there was a similar magic called “Phobos”, it used Psion light as its medium, whereas Mandrake used Psion waves, or, in other words, the “sound” of Psion’s.

As Mandrake was a magic transmitted via the “sound” of Psion’s, it wasn’t intended to be transmitted via physical sound, hence, it could not be prevented even if the enemy cut off the physical sound wave. However, if the sound wave was cut off by magic. It also meant that the Psion wave’s propagation within the “cut off sound” region was attenuated.

Like now.

When Yuuka used “Mandrake”, another magic was triggered at the same time.

Sound wave attenuation magic, “Silent Veil”.

It was not possible to completely nullify the effect of Mandrake with Silent Veil. However, it was possible to weaken its effect. After Mandrake was weakened by Silent Veil, a magician could defend against it by strengthening their own Psion information field without having any aptitude for Mental Interference Magic.

“This magic… you’re Kotona-san, right! I’ve figured out your identity.

Please come out!”

However, in order to do this, the opponent must know the usage of Mandrake beforehand. Yuuka could only think about a single magician who specialized in magic like Silent Veil, and also knew her magic.

“Katsushige-san, as well, how about you come out from behind that woman!?”

Immediately after Yuuka’s provocation, a shadow came out onto the road. Not only did the water surfacing the wet road evaporate, a layer of heated air with paving material had locally formed.

“Phonon Maser.”

To calm Miyuki’s and Minami’s amazement of their sudden appearance, Tatsuya glared and revealed out loud the identity of the magic on purpose.

“I don’t have any intention of hiding.”

Soon after, a fine baritone voice was heard from the front. Yuuka lifted up her eyes which were directed at the heated haze. Miyuki and Minami were the same. Only Tatsuya was looking at the place where the huge rock had fallen earlier, watching three people, two men and a woman come out of it.

“It takes time to go through the scattered obstacles here.”

He was taller than Tatsuya by a single head at 188cm. His body was slim, yet his posture didn’t hide his tendency to look sluggish. His body also didn’t seem to have any discomfort with heavyweight boxing which was introduced in the force. He was an official from the Ministry of Defense, going back a single year, the oldest son of the Shibata Family, one of the Yotsuba’s Branch Families, and at the same time, one of the Yotsuba candidates for the next Family Head, Shibata Katsushige.

“If you’re not hiding, why didn’t you answer me sooner?”

Yuuka raised her nose to show that she wasn’t going to be fooled.

“I was going to answer once we were at a normal conversational distance.”

“Refrain yourself!”

Katsushige answered so with a stiff face.

“You’re the one who attacked even before I could answer you. As usual, Yuuka-san is so combative.”

How troublesome, Katsushige indicated so and shook his head lightly.

Yuuka observed his attitude from the corner of her eyes.

“Hmm… So Katsushige-san can say so even after hiding in the shadows and having attacked us with an avalanche.”

“That avalanche’s course was set not to catch your car. There was no intention of attacking you.”

“That’s right.”

The young man who had been restrained by Katsushige was covering for him.

“I wouldn’t have needed to use Phonon Maser earlier either! He’s different from you who suddenly get serious.”

Apparently, this young man was the one who shot the Phonon Maser earlier.

“Kanata-san, won’t you please back off?”

His outfit was also unkempt, like a musician or illustrator, with an artistlike youth. Yuuka told him off with a theatrically song-like sarcastic language.

“What!?”

“I’m talking to Katsushige-san now. It’s a talk between the Tsukuba Family’s daughter and the Shibata Family’s heir. It’s not the time for a servant to interfere.”

“You--.”

“Stop it, Kanata.”

The one who stopped the young Kanata was a woman who stood beside Katsushige, Kotona.

“Nee-san.”

The boy’s full name was Tsutsumi Kanata. He was Kotona’s younger brother, both of them were appointed as Katsushige’s guardian.

“It’s a fact that we are Katsushige-san’s servants. Yuuka-san didn’t say anything wrong.”

“But.”

“Do not embarrass Katsushige-san.”

At that one sentence, Kanata backed down.

“Hmm… So Katsushige-san is very treasured by his subordinates.”

Yuuka spoke in a thorny ironic tone.

“And it’s not only by Kotona-san, I see.”

The meaning of the words could change depending on the tone, Kanata who had backed down changed his complexion.

“Yes, thanks to you.”

However, Katsushige’s deep voice didn’t show a hint of feeling which stopped Kanata from his outburst.

“I think they’re too good for me to be subordinates. I’ve always wanted to be a worthy master for them. I think we should have been less emotional as the Yotsuba Family’s style dictates. I think I need to learn from Yuuka-san in that aspect.”





This time, Yuuka changed her complexion.

“I’m also a guardian, so I will restrain my mouth as well.”

Tatsuya interrupted the conversation at a good time, without exposing Yuuka’s shameful sight, but, well, he probably did.

“I don’t mind. Even if you’re a guardian, you’re a close relative of the head. I think it doesn’t affect our stance at all, Tatsuya-kun.”

The generous attitude Katsushige showed was something hard to categorize as either being friendly toward someone younger or abrasive toward a servant. Miyuki, at the moment, seemed to be having difficulties in assessing which sort of manner she should take Katsushige’s words, but of course Tatsuya himself doesn’t take an interest in such things.

“Thank you. Then, we’ll settle this immediately.”

There was no change seen in his attitude.

“Hmm? I wonder what you mean.”

“It’s an easy request. Can you let us pass?”

Tatsuya’s request was as straightforward as he said himself.

“I see, how very like Tatsuya-kun.”

“Excuse me.”

Tatsuya didn’t lower his head, and was only hinting so with his words.

He waited for Katsushige’s response as it was.

Katsushige also matched Tatsuya’s style, and didn’t take any circuitous attitude.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot do that.”

Katsushige lightened his intimidating eyes.

“Hear me out as well. Go back down this road. We won’t need to have any unnecessary dispute if you do so.”

Tatsuya nodded silently. However, it was not intended to indicate his submission to Katsushige’s request. His gesture indicated “dispute is inevitable in order to pass through” kind of consent.

Katsushige tightened his lips. Kotona and Kanata on his two sides also rose in tension.

“If that’s the case.”

Katsushige stated the words which determined the situation——No, he was about to state so.

“So it’s decided.”

However, Tatsuya intended to continue his words.

Katsushige had assembled a Magic Sequence and was ready to fire it, but intentionally cut it off and let the sustained magic formula disappear.

“…Listen.”

Kotona and Kanata had their guards up with their fingers on their CADs. Against them, Minami was ready to form barriers at any time. She wasn’t going to miss a single thing off her barrier this time.

In the midst of the confrontation, Tatsuya said something unexpected to Katsushige.

“Needless to say, as a guardian of the Yotsuba, I have the responsibility to escort my master, a mistress from all peril.”

“So?”

“As Miyuki’s guardian, I don’t want to bring Miyuki to a dangerous battlefield. I suppose the two of you are the same.”

“Of course!”

The one who answered Tatsuya’s question was Kotona.

“I don’t want to endanger Katsushige-san because of a family matter!”

She answered with such passion as if she was defending her lover, and her brother was in-tune with her saying,

“I feel the same with nee-san”.

Tatsuya nodded with a bitter, serious face.

Katsushige, who felt like they were hanging on a deathly deception, speculated and said, “Hey, you don’t mean…” after seeing Tatsuya’s expression.

“We will stay here. You will not pass through this point.”

After Katsushige tried to forestall the situation, Tatsuya continued speaking.

“In order to overcome this standoff, a fight is inevitable. Then.”

“Wait--.”

“Why don’t we decide this with a duel between each other’s guardians?

I’m alone, but you have two on your side.”

“You can’t!”

“Very well!”

Katsushige and Kotona spoke at the same time, showing opposite answers.

“We have Yuuka-san as the third party here, and Minami will protect Miyuki and Yuuka-san in the woods. I promise you. She won’t lend me a hand.”

Tatsuya didn’t answer inconsistently, and was quickly finishing what he wanted to say.

“Let us do it!”

“You can’t, it’s too dangerous!”

Although Katsushige meant something similar, they had been arguing among themselves and failed to hear Tatsuya’s words until the end.

“Tatsuya-kun is not defective like everyone thinks! I can’t even say for sure that I can win against him. He is just like the previous head, Eisaku-sama, who is born to be a combat magician!”

“We, too, are magicians with modified bodies adjusted for combat, the second generation of the ‘Bard Series’! The combat power was embedded in our genes even before we were born. No matter who the opponent is, we won’t easily be defeated!”

“That’s not the issue here! You’re measuring Tatsuya-kun’s level within the wrong parameters! He first killed a man when he was six, immediately after the artificial magician experiments. There is no doubt about the power he holds just in the palm of his hand. He sank in a skilled 30 year old combat magician in a pool of his own blood from the very start when they tried to kill each other, neither out of an accident nor a surprise attack. He was only six then, you know? He wasn’t even in Elementary School yet at that age.”

Kotona was speechless with eyes wide open after hearing the information given by Katsushige.

The one who had lost words wasn’t just her. Minami, and even Miyuki had their faces strung with intensity.

“Kotona, what did you do when you were six?”

Kotona couldn’t answer Katsushige.

“Katsushige-san.”

The one who responded to Katsushige was Tatsuya.

“Please don’t spread out someone’s private information in front of people.”

Katsushige stared at Tatsuya, and showed an uncomfortable face when he looked at Miyuki’s and Minami’s face.

“Master, let me do it.”

The one who interrupted here was Kanata. He called Katsushige “master” like a coffee shop owner, his words had made his sister cover her mouth.

“Certainly, he has the upper hand. If I were to face him head to head, he would certainly defeat me. However, I don’t think he could do that in a two-on-one.”

Katsushige frowned at Kanata’s claim.

“Tatsuya-kun has made a bet that he can win against the both of you.”

“Even so, isn’t it ok? Since we have the advantage.”

“But…”

When Katsushige was considering his persuasion, this time Miyuki’s voice interrupted him,

“Shibata Katsushige-san”.

Miyuki purposely called him in a full, polite and gentle manner in a cold and freezing manner.

Miyuki who stood beside Tatsuya looked straight at Katsushige.

“I have been ordered to join Oba-sama, the Yotsuba’s Family Head, in attending the New Year’s Gathering. In order to fulfill this instruction, I must enter into the Main House today.”

The smooth narrative with her beautiful intonation could even be mistaken as a song, which didn’t allow any rebuttal from any foolish phase.

“To hinder my way is the same as going against Oba-sama’s order. As it is, Katsushige-san, your action can be accounted as revolting against Oba-sama. As a child of the Shibata Family who revolts against the head, your family would also be labeled as rebels. You do understand this, don’t you?”

Katsushige couldn’t give any answer. He was standing in place with a resolution of being called a rebel. However, from another angle of the Shibata Family who was taking an opposite stance from the head, it was not a defiant action.

Miyuki smiled like an angel towards Katsushige. It wasn’t a smile reserved for an ally, but like a judge who smiled against a sinner.

“However, you also have your own position. That’s why, I’m not trying to accuse you of going against Oba-sama, but rather as an opportunity for my brother. If my brother were to lose, I will quietly return and leave from here.”

It wasn’t an intimidation, but a proposal. Katsushige, who was supposed to have full resolution in being condemned as a rebel, was cornered by the fact that the entire Shibata Family was taken as hostage.

“How regrettable that we don’t have much time. Please state your decision.”

“I want to fight Tatsuya-kun. Would that be fine?”

Katsushige retorted with an agonizing voice.

Miyuki shook her head with an apologetic look.

“I have left this case to my brother. The case can be settled as proposed by my brother earlier.”

Katsushige was still at a loss. He didn’t even realize that he had fallen captive into Tatsuya’s trap.

Truthfully, Katsushige didn’t need to get lost here. He had come here with a firm determination to repel Tatsuya by absolute force. Since that was his first stance, he didn’t necessarily need to obtain permission from Miyuki to fight Tatsuya.

Although Katsushige was no longer hamstrung, he was standing there half-heartedly thinking about the next course of action. He knew that neither Miyuki nor Yuuka would just submissively return without any negotiation. Since he was ready to take tough measures anyway, it was unnecessary to have such a conversation that led to the final proposal to the three, Katsushige, Kotona, and Kanata.

It was because he took a bad step of “if there’s a room for discussion”, that he was confronted with a condition he had to struggle with on the surface of the showdown. He couldn’t bear the brunt himself to let Kotona go out and endanger herself. Yet, he couldn’t say the one phrase to prevent it all, “I refuse”.

He was mentally cornered for a period of time——although it was all a pretense, since the situation had yet to change at all——The one who saved Katsushige was Kotona again, saying “My Lord, on behalf of Shibata Katsushige, I, Tsutsumi Kotona will accept the challenge from Shiba Tatsuya-dono”.





“Kotona!”

Naturally, Katsushige yelled to restrain Kotona, but this time, even Kotona didn’t back down.

“Katsushige-san, since the situation has developed to this stage, we have no other choice. No, for Katsushige-san who couldn’t choose to avoid attacking his family, this is a desirable conclusion. No matter what the result is, I can’t afford to let the Family Head Candidate lose or get hurt here.”