u"

Tatsuya was quick to follow‐up his words.

"Is there something I may be able to help you with?"

Fumiya was struck speechless at the unexpected words, while Ayako sitting beside him exhaled loudly.

"... Really, we're no match for Tatsuya‐san. With a calm look that shows zero interest in other people's mood, he brought down such a surprise attack at us."

Shaking her head with a look that's raring to say something even though she's stumped, she turned her focus at her younger twin who's frozen beside her.

"Fumiya, let's take up his offer. We're only emissaries from the start, we have no choice about it."

"Y, yes. You're right..."

Fumiya nodded with a resigned look, then from an inner pocket of his jacket he neatly wore even though it's a Sunday he took out a normal‐sized sealed letter.

There was no address. Picking up the sealed envelope then turning it over, Tatsuya lightly raised his brows. Miyuki, peering over from her brother's side, lightly gasped as she placed a hand into her mouth.

Written on the reverse side was the name of their aunt, Yotsuba Maya.

"We're here to personally hand this to you from the mistress."

At Fumiya's words, Miyuki looked beside at her brother. Tatsuya nodded back at Miyuki, accepted the paper knife that was presented by a fast‐acting Minami, then broke open the seal.

Inside the envelope was a simple single sheet of stationery. Tatsuya looked it over thoroughly, and when done reading he handed it over to Miyuki who's been waiting patiently.

"Are you aware, Fumiya, of the contents that were written here?"

Fumiya showed some slight hesitation,

"Yes, I'm aware"

And yet answered on his own without asking his sister for help.

"I see"

This time Tatsuya shifted his focus onto Miyuki. Miyuki had just finished reading the stationery, and was softly nodding with the intention to [it's your call].

"That written here is a commission for assistance for the capture of Zhou Gongjin?"

"That too we know."

This time, Tatsuya plainly raised his eyebrows.

"I see. The commission is not a figure of speech, it's meant as it was written."

Both Fumiya and Ayako nodded as one.

Miyuki half‐rose to her feet and faced Tatsuya.

"Onii‐sama... why has Aunt offered this [commission] to us?"

The question was is it okay to commission when “ordering it” was enough. Even Tatsuya was of the same opinion on the matter.

"On that matter we were entrusted with a verbal message."

"A verbal message? Is it something that cannot be left even in a letter?"

Secrecy was normally tighter for paper documentation than electronic data. He's wondering just what kind the contents are to make her hesitate to even put it into the letter.

However, Ayako didn't answer directly to that question.

"'It doesn't matter if you refuse this job.'"

"Aunt would say such a thing!?"

Miyuki unintentionally raised her voice, then *faced Tatsuya* and ashamedly muttered [Pardon me].

Tatsuya understood the reasoning that made his younger sister be taken aback. However he was not that much surprised. Maya may be the head of house Yotsuba, but since Tatsuya's status to the Yotsuba was that of a Guardian, Miyuki has the highest authority when it comes to ordering him. And as per the secret agreement arranged between house Yotsuba and 101st Brigade, apart from missions that concern Miyuki's protection, it was decided that the 101st Brigade has the preferential right.

Miyuki was seeing as absolute truth the might of the Yotsuba, or rather since she doesn't know well the competencies of other magic organizations or military powers, she was at a state where she was convinced that she cannot go against Maya's orders. In fact, even Maya cannot ignore the Yotsuba organization and its agreement with the military. With these set regulations, there aren't many cases where Maya can order Tatsuya.

Accordingly, Tatsuya judged that it wasn't time yet to oppose Maya. And that call, just because the opponent had behaved like a lamb, won't change.

"Fumiya, tell Aunt that it is [accepted]."

Both Miyuki and Ayako faced Tatsuya with plainly surprised looks.

"I will certainly pass the word. ...My apologies, Tatsuya‐niisan."

And Fumiya faced Tatsuya and bowed very deeply.

"Why is Fumiya apologizing?"

"Capturing Zhou Gongjin was a mission originally given to the Kuroba. And because of our incompetence we ended up causing Tatsuya‐niisan trouble..."

The [incompetence] Fumiya said referred to the circumstances surrounding last month when on Maya's orders the Kuroba sortied to Yokohama Chinatown for Zhou Gongjin's capture. That time the head of house, Mitsugu, was severely injured with one arm completely bitten off, and the dragnet set by the Kuroba hit squad was broken allowing Zhou to escape.

Fumiya's look, when he answered Tatsuya's question, had [shame] written all over it.

"Fumiya, it is not bad to ask for other people's help."

At that state, Tatsuya took on an unexpected brotherly attitude.

"All the more if it is a Kuroba business, you should have actively sought me out even if you suppress your own sentiments."

"Tatsuya‐niisan...?"

"Wanting to accomplish by your own what was entrusted to you is an attitude I can understand. However making the mission succeed is the greater priority."

By their own meant by their own strength, that is to say the manifestation of juvenile perfectionism and an aspect of dangerous obsession common among the youth.

"Failure is not permitted whether it's your or my ‘work’."

Tatsuya's voice was stern. However, hidden in there is a gentleness that would make Miyuki envious.

"... You're right. It was a verbal gaffe."

Even Fumiya understood that Tatsuya was looking after him without the need to be taught of that by anyone.

"So it's not an apology then, is it. Thank you very much, Tatsuya‐niisan."

On seeing Fumiya bowing down again, Tatsuya replied back with a satisfied nod.

"Well then let's hear out what's clear thus far."

"Understood. After escaping Yokohama, Zhou Gongjin headed west by sea, apparently his escape route through the Pacific was blocked. After disembarking at Ise, Zhou was cornered at Biwakooohashi as he was heading north, but he ended up getting away. We believe he has slipped in somewhere in Kyoto. Our men are currently on the move and searching in the Oohara area.

"Any info on the supporters?"

"It's likely that the [Traditionalists], the organization of ancient magicians opposing the houses of [Nine], have had a hand in his escape."

"The traditionalists, eh?"

"Tatsuya‐niisan, do you know of them?"

"I've heard a bit of them from Master Yakumo. They're not only a domestic gathering of astray ancient magicians, they have ancient magicians that have fled from the mainland ‐‐‐ and they have even taken in occultists, probably attempting to boost organizational strength. And last time I remember there were refugee occultists within the Kudou; is it possible that they have given a hand?"

"We don't have to worry about that. The occultists under Kudou escaped from the former Ninth Laboratory immediately after Zhou Gongjin's escape from Yokohama and have joined up with the traditionalists. No need to inquire to the Kudou about this, we got direct confirmation from them."

"The fact that the traditionalists and the houses of [Nine] are joining hands behind the scenes is unthinkable. No need to worry about the Kudou stabbing at our backs."

"Tatsuya‐san?"

It was Ayako, up to now was leaving the explanation to her younger brother, who was reservedly asking Tatsuya who was staring into mid‐space and thinking about something.

"No, pardon me. I'll keep those in mind."

On detecting that those thankful words contain a [question time is over] sign, Ayako and Fumiya stood up as one.

During the time when Tatsuya and Miyuki left to see Ayako and Fumiya off at the entrance, Minami was clearing away the tabletop and prepared additional black tea. Her sorry feelings for jumping the gun on her master (Miyuki) had already disappeared from within her. She has emotions of respect towards her master Miyuki, esteem towards her as a magician, and aspirations towards her as a young girl. At the same time, she's a bit bothered at her master taking up maid duties, and is well aware of her inconveniently severe brother complex.

Returning to the living room with teacups in hand, Minami was motioned to settle herself on the sofa Fumiya had sat on just now. Reluctantly, she lowered the teacups in front of Tatsuya and Miyuki and had just sat down when Tatsuya slightly frowned.

"Err, Tatsuya‐sama...?"

Minami had internally categorized Tatsuya as one with more common sense than Miyuki. In short, a companion even more sensible than her master. While she wasn't reacting wildly, Minami was driven to worry whether she had committed some kind of blunder.

"Minami, prepare one more cup of tea."

"Yes...?"

She was self‐aware that now she might have shown a stupefied expression; Minami's confusion was evident in her face.

(Is there another guest coming right after this time?)

"It's not what you think."

She herself may not have noticed it but Minami's face has not only confusion, even her doubt was showing up.

When he perceived what was on her expression, Tatsuya brought in a correction along with a slightly strained smile.

"I meant that you prepare some for yourself since our conversation might take long."

Minami's doubt cleared up with Tatsuya's explanation, but a new confusion came up at the same time.

Even so, Tatsuya saw right through it.

"It's uncomfortable for me and Miyuki having something to drink while you don't have any."

"... Please wait for a moment."

As she was beaten down with a not‐well‐understood sense of defeat, she quickly went back to the kitchen.

As he was waiting for Minami to bring her own cup and return to the sofa, Tatsuya spread out Maya's letter on the table. Only terse business was written on the single sheet of stationery. He used [Elemental Sight] to read the information attached to both stationery and envelope, but there were no traces of special tricks being applied.

"In other words, Aunt's task really appears to be only to help out in the capture of Zhou Gongjin."

Explained on this, a strongly suspicious look showed up on Miyuki's face.

"Why Aunt would only this time choose not an order but a commission?"

"It's true that it bothers me. And unless we ask Aunt we won't know the answer..."

Tatsuya looked at Miyuki, and then at Minami.

It was no way a severe gaze. Even so, tension ran through Minami's spine.

"Both of you may not be aware of it, but from the start Aunt holds no authority to order me. To put it more concisely, Aunt's command authority has the lowest precedence."

Miyuki and Minami's shock and awe were laid bare. Both of them covering their mouths in unison was perhaps the fruits of their manners education or the result of the maid under her master's influence.

"Needless to be said guaranteeing Miyuki's safety is the highest priority, but the next in priority are duties with Independent Magic‐equipped Battalion. Aunt's command authority comes in third after that."

Miyuki stirring beside him was transmitted to Tatsuya, but he didn't give attention any more than that. Even Minami, who was focused on Tatsuya's words, didn't gaze coldly as usual at a writhing Miyuki's brother complex reaction.

"However up to now when Aunt has instructed ‘work’ for me, it was always in the form of orders. Perhaps they knew through ways and means that I'm not in a duty, but in any case that was the norm."

Tatsuya then reached for his teacup. Either he was thirsty with all the talking, or perhaps behind his tea drinking he was collecting his thoughts. His returning the cup to its saucer was a bit slower than usual.

"Since a not‐too‐common method was used, it seems that we have an unusual situation. Such as the case this time when it requires special countermeasures, for example."

Comprehension was in Minami's expression, but worry was showing up in Miyuki's.

"That is, the task this time is especially dangerous, right?"

"We have an opponent who has heavily injured the head of house Kuroba, and is still evading the Yotsuba's pursuit. It's no easy task to capture or to off him."

As he was answering with those, he gently stroked Miyuki's hair as if telling her to "not to worry". On feeling those hands as Tatsuya saying he was not thinking of it as a dangerous mission, Miyuki regained her composure.

"The problem is not the difficulty of the mission."

However, the next thing Tatsuya informed them when he let go of hair‐stroking brought tension back to Miyuki and Minami's expressions.

"It's the first time for me in a situation where the target's whereabouts are unknown, and I say it's very rare for the Yotsuba. And I haven't known of one who has the capacity to escape from the Yotsuba's hand."

Tatsuya sighed at the difficulty of the latest task.

"An opponent for such a situation. There's no avoiding that this might turn into a long‐term task."

Miyuki's expression turned from tension to worry and loneliness. Upon seeing that Tatsuya hastily added his next words.

"It doesn't mean that I'll be gone for extended periods. There is school, and from the start I have zero know‐how on persons search I have to commission other people to locate his whereabouts. My turn will come when Zhou Gongjin is located."

"... Will it turn into a battle?"

"Miyuki, enough with that face. There's no way I'm going against him alone. The task that is requested of me is to cut off all of the target's escape routes."

As he said, that Tatsuya pointed at himself.

Miyuki, having understood what that meant, breathed a sigh of relief.

"However from time to time there are days that I have to be away from the house."

Tatsuya pretended that he did not see Miyuki's "that's not what you said" sulked look.

"When that time comes, Minami, you protect her."

Minami didn't understand well why she was made to sit here. As a result, she was so far vaguely listening to Tatsuya's talk with her mood that it was other people's problems.

"Yes‐‐!"

However, that was in some way a surprise attack. Minami, on hearing formally from Tatsuya the tasks that were given to her as a magician and a Guardian, instinctively straightened her back more than that was necessary and ended up answering in a surprised tone.

Tatsuya remained impassive even when hearing her "Yass‐‐!" response.

"Magic strength‐wise, Miyuki is stronger than you are. Perhaps she can use many spells in simulated combat. But those have nothing to do with this."

"‐‐ Yes"

Inspired by Tatsuya's serious tone, Minami this time solidly responded back.

"Minami, for the Yotsuba you are Miyuki's Guardian. But for me you're more than that, you're one of the few magicians whom I can put my trust in."

Tatsuya's voice was darkly grave. Tatsuya was aware that Maya was the one who sent in Minami and had some hidden plans for her; likewise, Minami was aware that Tatsuya knew. But, on top of that, Tatsuya said he trusted Minami. Judging with his own eyes, he said she was trustworthy.

"When I'm out of the house, I entrust Miyuki to you."

"Please leave the rest to me."

Minami squarely accepted that trust.

? ? ?

Due to the nature of work of the Kuroba “family”, they have numerous business trips. For that reason, they have regular hotels in every area in Japan. For major cities, either a hotel under the direct patronage of the Yotsuba or a hotel with direct Yotsuba funding was set up. Even this time Fumiya and his sister were staying at a hotel set up under the Yotsuba umbrella.

And so they could make calls to the Yotsuba main house without fear of being intercepted.

"The mistress' letter has certainly been handed to Tatsuya‐niisan. Moreover we were entrusted with Tatsuya‐niisan's verbal message."

Fumiya was reporting what had transpired today to the Yotsuba main house.

["And what did Tatsuya‐dono say?"]

The number he was calling was a direct line to Maya, but because of circumstances she unexpectedly could not answer the call, and so he was speaking with Hayama instead. Fumiya didn't mind talking to a butler on the results of the task that was ordered by their mistress since [Hayama‐san as the other party was easy on the nerves].

“‘Acknowledged’, he said."

["Anything else? Did he say anything indicating about a censure should, for example, the request of Madam be not accepted?"]

"No, he did not say anything of the sort."

["Indeed. Good work Fumiya‐dono and Ayako‐dono. I will relay to Tatsuya‐dono from here on the detailed appointments."]

"I see. A pleasure talking to you."

As Fumiya said that, Hayama respectfully bowed on‐screen. With this, the call had ended. Fumiya too bowed to him as he cut off the line.

"With this our mission is over, right? This time we were really just mere messengers, weren't we?"

Ayako, who was beside him listening to their call, talked in a flat tone to Fumiya, who took a big breather after finishing his report. On the surface one would think those words would reveal her displeasure on the zero resistance at the mission, but looking at her expression would make one realize that she was very receptive at the fact that the mission was over quickly .

"It's still six in the evening. We can get home early at this time, so what next then?"

Fumiya, who had just sat down, shook his head at Ayako's inquiry.

"Well, we'll go take a rest today. After all the main house took the trouble of preparing for us a luxurious room like this suite of three adjoining rooms."

"So this is the so‐called luxurious... So such petty bourgeois‐like stuff meant we're far from Maya‐sama's envoys we're not even fit to be Father's envoys."

After lightly rebuking her younger brother's idle talk, Ayako noticed that mixed in with the [idle talk] was a cynical streak, so unusual for her brother.

"Fumiya, are you unhappy with today's task?"

Ayako changed her tone, and took on asking point‐blank her younger brother's true intentions.

"I have no complaints on the mission itself."

With a paradoxical expression, Fumiya acknowledged that he had complaints relating to today's mission.

"I know that being an envoy is an important task, and I know also that I'm the person suited for the task of bringing Maya‐sama's letter to Tatsuya‐niisan. But..."

"You are not happy with the conditions that were imposed when bringing the letter, are you?"

Ayako supplemented Fumiya's muddled words with her soft voice.

"That's what I'm talking about!"

Fumiya blew his pent up emotions up at Ayako's [sisterly] voice.

"Just what the hell are these, not making a move and not shaking off what is following us!"

That was the restriction, rather than condition, that was imposed upon Fumiya today.

On the onset, during the time he was ordered directly by Maya to [bring this letter to Tatsuya‐san], Fumiya has no beef against being sent on an errand; instead he was happy about it. He was simply happy that he was going to see Tatsuya, and was just satisfied being made an intermediary to send out a “request” to Tatsuya who was said to be not on very good terms with Maya (but they appeared to be).

However after Maya had left, on being informed on the above‐mentioned restrictions as an important point of today's mission from butler Hanabishi, the Yotsuba's number two servant and in‐charge of various arrangements incident to the accepted primary [task], he felt that cold water was doused onto him. It was not that he was getting unhappy on meeting Tatsuya. What he was harboring was not disappointment, but worry.

"And I know that we're being shadowed and we cannot interfere with it! Thanks to them, it'll end up with us informing some gang from somewhere the residence of Tatsuya‐niisan and Miyuki‐san!"

"It's all right, Fumiya. Whoever they are, they cannot divulge the link between Tatsuya‐san and the Yotsuba. He himself may not be aware of it, but Tatsuya‐san's personal data was manipulated such that the more it is investigated the more they will conclude that it has no link with the Yotsuba."

Ayako's consoling words unfortunately had almost no effect to Fumiya now.

"I'm not worried about that! The guys that were tailing us could be the people hiding Zhou Gongjin."

Ayako did not brush off Fumiya's judgement as [over‐thinking]. From the time he fled Yokohama, Zhou Gongjin was well aware that his pursuers were the Kuroba. However, in accordance to their family directive, Fumiya and Ayako went on to deliberately stand themselves out as the Kuroba during last month's 9SC.

"Even though the best case is where Tatsuya‐niisan would be bothered due to incompetence from us the Kuroba, due to our action allowing us to be followed, they would end up in someone's cross‐hairs. I can't see Tatsuya‐niisan face‐to‐face anymore," Fumiya lamented, face down and in a grim tone.

"Fumiya"

Ayako stood in front of him and called out her younger brother's name.

"What aryu‐!?"

Ayako had pulled both ways the cheeks of her brother, who had raised his head up.

"What are you doing!?"

Fumiya immediately shook off her sister's hands, but on seeing Ayako quite roughly pulling him, his cheeks reddened. Towards a tearfully protesting younger brother, Ayako had, for an instant, shown a really pleasant‐looking sadistic smile, then quickly switched to a kept‐up false smile.

"Nee‐san?"

In an almost suspicious tone, Fumiya asked for an explanation from his sister.

"You should be relaxing more, Fumiya. It's different when you're stuck with your inattentiveness, but since it's the main house's orders shouldn't you be doing nothing? It's not your mission. It doesn't matter even if they go for Tatsuya‐san. Even should they try something meddlesome, it only means we have the enemy by the tail."

"Nee‐san..."

A seated Fumiya stared with upturned eyes back at Ayako who was standing in front of him. From a third person view ‐‐‐ as far as Fumiya himself was concerned he was in something unintentional ‐‐ an expression that could only be called cute, but then Ayako wordlessly and forcefully pulled back.

"I should be saying something that might be very appropriate, but I saw exactly a while back that's somewhat interesting."

"W, well Fumiya, it should be nothing of that sort. And oh, we can't return at this rate, I must go fix our luggage."

"But we didn't prepare luggage for a night's stay!"

"Well then, Fumiya, see you at dinnertime."

"Ah, hey, don't run out on me!"

The escape pace quickening all the more when told not to escape was not limited to thieves. Ayako ran into her own room, and clicked it shut before Fumiya could catch up.

? ? ?

It was a little over a month before this year's [National Magic High School Thesis Competition]. However, the most discussed topic among the First High students was, still, not the thesis competition.

"This year probably won't have the chaos of last year, right?"

"Told you before it wouldn't occur. And in the first place the election itself is probably unnecessary. Even if, for argument's sake, an opponent stood up, it's still a landslide victory for Shiba‐san."

"Shiba‐san's that good, eh? I can't wait for the oratorical. Dammit, if only that brother isn't present."

"Don't be stupid. Shiba‐san can't have a ‘boyfriend’ because of that elder brother, right? Unlike a performer, she cannot be betrayed. She's the best."

‐‐So went a conversation between second year boys. "I wonder who Shiba‐san places to what position?"

"It's exciting... no more, isn't it. It's the annual elections, and this year there's especially no one brave enough to stand up to her."

"If that's the case then the first year Saegusa‐san will be vice chairman, and Mitsui‐san will be treasurer, right?"

"Eh? Onii‐san is not given a position?"

"Onii‐san... wait, isn't he a junior?"

"Well, yeah he is. Didn't he impress you as something as an [Onii‐san]?"

"If that's the case isn't it 'Onii‐sama'? Even I wish for such an [Onii‐sama]."

"Right right. Didn't that [Onii‐sama] become a treasurer? You know that other people can't hold back Shiba‐san?"

"Oh‐‐, just like what happened last year, right..."

‐‐So went the conversation between third year girls. Also, gossip similar to those could be heard here and there in the cafeteria. The First High students' current interest gravitated towards the student council president elections coming this weekend.

Most of all, this year was an almost certain vote of confidence with zero opposition.

This year also the general student meeting had no major themes like last year's regulations change in student council member selection criteria. The boys' talk was on Miyuki's charming figure that was bound to be seen on the oratorical, while the girls' talk converged on who would be chosen for what position.

"You're an [Onii‐sama] now, Tatsuya‐kun."

"It's bad manners to eavesdrop, Erika."

The chitchat also reached the table of Tatsuya, the person concerned. Forget it; it's not only the voices. Though no one was shameless enough to see him openly, Tatsuya's antenna immediately picked out many times the stealthy quick peeks that were headed his way.

Right now, there are five at same table: Tatsuya, Erika, Leo, Mizuki, and Mikihiko. Miyuki would have tried too, but it would be troublesome with too many gazes converging on them, so she hesitantly took her lunch at the student council room, along with Honoka and Shizuku. Honoka herself didn't chose her friends over her love, it's that she's avoiding by herself the maelstrom of gazes headed at the person concerned.

"Tatsuya, you're not running for student council president this year?"

"I didn't announce my candidacy last year either."

As Leo's question stepped on last year's poll count, Tatsuya's answer once again stressed that last year's vote count was invalidated. The massive number of invalidated ballots last year was something unspeakable not only to Miyuki, who ended up with an embarrassingly humiliating nickname, but also to Tatsuya.

"Now now, there wouldn't be a racket like last year for this year, right?"

Thinking that provoking Tatsuya too much was untimely, Erika said that to smooth things over.

"I'm sure there's no wise guy who can make fun of Miyuki's speech."

Mikihiko expressed the same opinion in an earnest tone.

"Oh yeah Tatsuya‐san, who was chosen by Miyuki‐san to take on the new roles?"

Even the other three listened attentively to Mizuki's question, not to mention the others surrounding the table who, all as one, were straining their ears.

"I wasn't told of that. We didn't discuss it much back at home."

Signs of disappointment went along here and there on Tatsuya's direct answer.

"Didn't I tell you that it still hasn't been decided yet? The elections are not yet over, don't rush such stuff."

At the same time in the student council room, Miyuki was saying that in an exasperated tone.

"Honoka, in this situation Miyuki would refuse to yield. Give it up."

"Uh... I'm sorry, Miyuki, for making such ruckus."

Honoka, already losing her nerve at Miyuki's ill‐natured aura, luckily surrendered at her close friend's rebuking.

"... I was a bit harsh on my words. I'm sorry, too, Honoka. I was trying to understand well the reason behind you worrying my Onii‐sama's actions."

Miyuki said that as she glanced at Honoka's back.

Honoka, locked on by the Miyuki's gaze, turned around.

Standing there was Pixie, who had just finished preparing the after‐meal tea.

"Ugu..."

Honoka stiffened her expression, but Shizuku patted lightly on her shoulder.

Shizuku showed her shaking head at Honoka who had turned around.

"It's too late, Honoka."

Honoka hung her head, crestfallen.

Azusa, Isori, and Kanon all smiled wryly as they looked sympathetically at a discouraged Honoka.

Izumi and Kasumi looked at each other with an "Hm?" expression.

"Eh? Isn't that Minami‐chan?"

"Hm, that's her alright."

Tatsuya spoke in a lightly surprised tone towards a mystified Mizuki and Erika.

"There are times Minami would come to the dining hall with her classmates."

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