Volume 18, Chapter 8

Sunday, February10th. The time was almost 3 P.M.

Tatsuya took Miyuki with him as they visited the Kitayama Family's mansion. No, it would probably be more accurate to say that it was Miyuki who was taking Tatsuya there.

The reason that the siblings were visiting the Kitayama Family was because Shizuku had invited Miyuki yesterday in the classroom. At first, Miyuki thought that it might have been an invitation to a formal Tea Ceremony, which was why she intended to wear a furisode (long- sleeved kimono). But when Shizuku had cleared up the misunderstanding by saying ‘I just meant having regular tea', Miyuki had blushed in embarrassment.

The two of them kept their shoes on as they entered an elegant Western- style room. Looking at the painting that hung on the wall and the vase on display, Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder, ‘Just how much did these cost?' However, he immediately brushed that thought aside. Tatsuya and Miyuki weren't children anymore, so he wasn't anxious about breaking something. However, he thought that if he paid too much attention to the value of those items, it would prevent him from feeling at ease.

When they entered, Shizuku was already seated. Shizuku's outfit was composed of a one-piece long-sleeved dress that fell to her knees, and a collar that covered her neck. She was also wearing high-heeled pumps. It wasn't an outfit as formal as something like an "afternoon dress" but it wasn't a mistake to say that she had probably put some thought into it.

In fact, Miyuki was dressed in a very similar manner. Tatsuya had received Miyuki's advice as to whether or not he should come dressed casually or formally, but still, he couldn't help but secretly feel relieved at not having misread the mood of this gathering.

In the end, Tatsuya had chosen a simple dark suit. He had considered coming in his school uniform but decided against it, and had instead opted for a suit that would match Miyuki's clothing style.

Seeing Tatsuya and Miyuki, Shizuku stood up.

"Welcome and thank you for responding to the invitation."

Clasping both of her hands at her abdomen, Shizuku performed a courteous bow, which was quite an excessively formal greeting.

"Thank you for inviting us."

Matching Shizuku's gesture, Tatsuya returned a well-mannered response, though he was somewhat lacking in grace. Miyuki followed after her brother half a second later. It was a graceful, impeccable bow.

"Please."

Shizuku urged Tatsuya to sit. Her concise way of speaking hadn't changed, however, and her actions were twice as polite as usual. There must have been a reason for Shizuku to have fully entered ‘Young Mistress Mode' today.

Shizuku signaled using her eyes to a nearby maid who had been waiting patiently. Despite being a maid, she was already in the first half of her thirties. Her face was agreeable, but it only took a glance for Tatsuya and Miyuki to understand that this woman had not been chosen for her outward appearance. Rather, it was her skill.

The sound of boiling water could be heard not long after she elegantly placed the kettle on the electromagnetic cooker and turned it on. It was highly likely that before boiling, the already-hot water had been prepared.

The maid took a teapot out of the insulation device. She then put tea leaves in the pot that was now hot enough.

She stopped the electromagnetic cooker immediately after the hot water started to boil, and after which, she then poured the hot water into the pot that contained the tea leaves.

Promptly covering the teapot with the lid, the maid cast her gaze downward and took a step back.

"Tatsuya-san, if you prefer coffee, I can have it prepared immediately."

Her manner of speaking was the same as always. However, the mood was different. It looked like Shizuku was slightly nervous.

"No, I happen to like tea as well."

For now, Tatsuya also returned an answer with the same tone as always. He opted against trying to inquire as to why she was so tense. He would probably understand pretty soon anyway so he didn't see any reason to press the issue.

"By the way, Shizuku."

Following Tatsuya, Miyuki also spoke in her usual tone. "Is Honoka not coming today?"

"Umm.. Yes, well.."

Shizuku remained evasive, implying that she'd prefer it if they didn't ask.

Shizuku was at a loss for words. Miyuki, whose social etiquette was the highest of the three, knew better than to try and force an answer.

"Ojou-sama."

Amidst the silence, unexpectedly, the maid who had been staying silently behind Shizuku spoke up.

"Eh, ah, thank you."

It was a warning to not let the tea steam too much. Shizuku opened the lid of the pot, stirred the contents for a bit with her spoon, then pulled the lid over it again.

After that, she took the ceramic tea-strainer, lifted the pot, then evenly filled the three tea cups in front of her. The cup filled until the last drop went to Tatsuya, and the nearby cup was placed in front of Miyuki.

"Please."

"Thank you."

Tatsuya voiced his gratitude while Miyuki silently bowed.

"It's delicious."

Miyuki was the first to voice her opinion, to which Tatsuya strongly nodded.

"Shizuku, you're not only skilled with green tea but with black tea as well."

"It's nothing much.."

Shizuku was slightly embarrassed and averted her gaze. "Miyuki, have you already tasted tea made by Shizuku?"

"Yes, Onii-sama. The green tea that Shizuku prepares is delicious, too."

"..Miyuki's was better."

With a curt expression, quite obviously to hide her embarrassment, she answered so as she brought her gaze to Miyuki.

"Miyuki, Onii-sama?"

"Eh? Ah.."

Miyuki didn't immediately understand what Shizuku wanted to say. She quickly understood that the question was ‘You're calling your older cousin Onii-sama?'.

However, this was a rather natural question. At school, Shizuku had witnessed Miyuki call Tatsuya ‘Onii-sama' countless times already.

"I have been addressing him that way since junior high school so.. You can say that it has become a habit."

Still, Miyuki answered politely. Maybe it was because she felt slightly guilty that she went as far as to add an explanation.

Which invited another question. "Since junior high school?"

"Yes, umm, a lot happened."

Miyuki answered ambiguously. She had started to call Tatsuya ‘Onii- sama' following the events in the summer at Okinawa when she was in her first year of junior high school. Before that, her mother had forbidden them from acting like a brother and a sister.

Even though she had been a child who didn't know anything, the very memory of her selfish behavior towards her beloved brother caused her to feel uncontrollable disgust. Those were days of her life that she'd rather forget. Moreover, the exact events of this affair had to be kept secret from others.

An awkward silence invaded the place once more.

However, a well-timed knock from the door saved them from the atmosphere.

A maid, different from the one who helped with the preparations of the tea, opened the door.

"Ojou-sama, Danna-sama (Master) is here."

"Let him come in."

Without asking for Tatsuya and Miyuki's opinion, she answered right away.

It seemed that today's invitation had come from Shizuku's father, Tatsuya immediately thought.

"Forgive me for interrupting in the middle of your conversation."

Shizuku's father, Kitayama Ushio, stood next to Shizuku and greeted Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had already stood up as a sign of respect. Even though Ushio was wearing a buttoned-down shirt with a double-knitted jacket, it couldn't be said that it gave an untidy impression.

"We should be the ones saying that, forgive us for intruding."

If Ushio was indeed the one who had invited Tatsuya and Miyuki, then it would have been appropriate to thank him for it. However, Tatsuya kept acting as if it had been his daughter that had invited them. Keeping it that way would probably make for an easier interaction, Tatsuya thought.

For a mover-and-shaker of the economic world to employ such roundabout ways, Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder what exactly it was that he wanted. Tatsuya wasn't so much excited as cautious about the whole deal. They weren't mere high school students anymore. The top companies in the world might want to make an ally out of the Yotsuba, and even just making their enemies aware of such a relationship would be advantageous.

Tatsuya was once approached by Shizuku's mother. However, a mother's worry had prompted her to act that way in order to protect her daughter from a possibly undesirable person they knew nothing about, so she had questioned him. Tatsuya was under the impression Ushio wouldn't do the same.

"Not at all, I'm the one intruding on a gathering of young people, after all."

"There is nothing strange or impolite in what you did. On the other hand, we came here without extending a greeting to you. We are terribly sorry."

"Shizuku was the one who invited you, do not worry about such things. To begin with, there is no such need in this house. Incidentally, there happens to be something I'd like to talk with you about."

"If it's alright with you."

"That's a relief. Please, let's sit down and talk then."

After saying so, Ushio took the seat opposite Tatsuya's. A moment after, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Shizuku sat down.

"Well then, there is but one thing to talk about. That is, the negative campaign towards Magicians."

Although this subject had been well within what Tatsuya expected, the fact that Ushio got down to business immediately surprised him a little.

"Both my wife and daughter are Magicians. I can't help being concerned. With the current tendency of people to hate Magicians on sight, I'd like to know what the Ten Master Clans plan on doing."

"Even though I can't give too many details on the matter, it was only before New Year's Eve that I was officially recognized as a member of the Yotsuba. Also, Miyuki lived separated from the Main House. We're far from being in a position wherein we are aware of the Ten Master Clans' decisions.

Ushio nodded with a calm expression. There wasn't a trace of suspicion in his gaze as Tatsuya answered him.

"I see. I heard from my wife that the leaders of the Japanese Magic Community have different rules and customs."

Tatsuya lightly nodded to confirm Ushio's words. That was not to say that Ushio was done.

"Still, there's no way you haven't heard anything, right? Can you at least tell me if they actually plan on interfering?"

The only matters that Tatsuya was aware of were things related to his own mission. But it wasn't particularly stated that he wasn't allowed to talk about the contents of said mission.

"Even though it might be something that you are already aware of since it was made public, the Ten Master Clans are looking for the mastermind behind the terrorist attack. It has been decided that the culprit will be handed over to the police but I will join in the search as well."

"I see. The declaration made by the Japanese Magic Community will soon be carried out, then. Will measures be taken against this anti- Magician crusade?"

"I haven't heard anything in that regard."

"I see.."

Ushio let out a deep sigh after hearing Tatsuya's answer. A teacup was placed in front of him by a maid who had been on standby near him.

Ushio thanked the maid with a quick glance and quenched his thirst with the presented drink.

"Like I said previously, I cannot just shrug off this anti-Magic movement as if it was someone else's problem. If the Ten Master Clans need help, then I can cooperate to deal with the media."

With the backup of the Kitayama group, it's certain that they'd get considerable influence over the media. Even if the antagonistic trend couldn't be reversed instantly, weakening it would be possible.

Tatsuya deemed this a desirable offer. He knew how powerful public opinion truly was. Even the Yotsuba couldn't survive without the support of the Japanese community. In today's World, there was no room for an independent country where Magicians were in charge.

"Unfortunately, I am not in a position wherein I can speak or represent the will of the Ten Master Clans. Neither I nor Miyuki are allowed to represent the Yotsuba Family at the Master Clans Conference, either."

However, Tatsuya's answer was a neutral one.

"Moreover, I think that in the current situation, intervening on behalf of the Magicians with the media would be undesirable for Kitayama-san. Taking Shizuku-san into account, this only strengthens my opinion."

A sharp light emerged from Ushio's eyes. Until then, he had been wearing the face of a father, but right now, it was probably the face of one of the pillars of the business world.

"Now, I have to wonder why?"

"The anti-Magician movement is much like an anti-socialist movement. It would be no mistake to say that Magicians are currently an outlet for the dissatisfaction of society. Even under normal circumstances, Kitayama-san is already the target of jealousy and discontent due to your thriving business, so I think that we shouldn't give activists even more material to be agitated about. These people don't discriminate. Not only your wife and Shizuku-san, even you and possibly Wataru-kun could be exposed to their malice."

Ushio took the tea cup and brought it to his mouth.

It wasn't because he was thirsty, but because he wanted to evaluate Tatsuya's speech thoroughly.

"..Even though I think categorizing all the criticism towards Magicians as anarchism is dangerous, I understand that you are worried about the well-being of my children. Still, are you fine with this?"

"If Magicians.. No, if students of First High ever become victims of malicious acts or crimes, then it is quite likely that I will ask for your help."

"..So you're saying that you have no intention to prevent the damage before it actually occurs?"

"It is impossible to follow the actions of every student outside of the school. We could encourage prudence, but anything beyond that would be difficult."

"That is certainly the case."

Ushio turned a fleeting glance of appraisal towards Tatsuya.

It however quickly disappeared behind a composed and smiling face.

"I understand your stance. I will exert caution as well. However, if the situation ever degrades, feel free to come and consult me anytime. I might sound persistent, but again, this isn't just someone else's problem for me."

"Understood. When that happens, I will be counting on you." While bowing his head in respect towards Tatsuya, Ushio stood up. "I'm done troubling you. Please, enjoy yourselves."

Leaving such parting words to Tatsuya and Miyuki who had stood up as well to bow, Ushio left the room.

? ? ?

Tatsuya had refused Ushio's offer because it wasn't his duty to handle the media.

It wasn't like the Ten Master Clans thought that intervening in this matter was unnecessary, though. On the night of the day Tatsuya and Miyuki visited the Kitayama mansion, Kouichi invited Congressman Ueno to an expensive restaurant.

Congressman Ueno was a young politician of the government based in Tokyo who was known for being friendly towards Magicians. Not too long ago, it was said that he would ascend to the post of Minister.

However, with the recent anti-Magician trend, he had suffered quite the setback and was now in a tricky position. Still, it wasn't like he could just jump ship and change his camp, it was much too late for that. Due to this, he had to remain passive for the last few days.

After the gar?on (waiter) brought Kouichi a cup of coffee, he then instructed him to not let anyone enter for a while and to close the door behind him.

"Did you enjoy the meal?"

"Yes, it was delicious."

"Glad to hear it. I will transmit your praise to the Chef."

"Don't trouble yourself with that, I will tell him myself. Recently, there has been quite a bit of eavesdropping and spying in Akasaka and Shinbashi, so I couldn't find the time to properly relax. This sort of establishment is quite useful."

Kouichi and Ueno were both roughly the same age. The conversation between them was always smooth and natural.

"Well then, Saegusa-san. Shall we talk about the real reason for my presence here?"

The one who ended the ceremonies to get down to business was Ueno. "If I had to venture a guess, I would say that it's about the media?"

"As expected of Ueno-sensei. You hit the nail on the head."

Kouichi nonchalantly flattered Ueno. However, Ueno only displayed a wry smile. With the current situation in mind, there wasn't really anything else Kouichi would want to talk to him about. He didn't feel awkward about it, but he was conscious of the fact that it had been something rather easy to guess. He didn't feel like the praise was warranted.

"This is a request from none other than Saegusa-san himself. I am ready to take some risks as well. Should we put some pressure on the media? Or should we try to turn the hate towards the terrorists by saying the Magicians are also victims in the affair?"

Ueno was broadly grinning. Even though as a politician he was still rather young, he had already acquired quite the knowledge and experience in the power struggle that he had to go through to enter the government.

"No, I don't plan on asking for something so unreasonable."

However, Kouichi was apparently against this strategy. If Kouichi had accepted Ueno's proposal, it'd have been a consequent debt, which Ueno might have planned on using in the future to be granted various services from the powerful Saegusa family.

Currently, out of all the Ten Master Clans leaders, it was no doubt Kouichi who possessed the most experience in negotiations. Seizing the initiative against someone like Kouichi was something Ueno simply wasn't good enough to do.

"What I'd like to ask of Ueno-sensei is to take extreme care that, if any Magician is ever harmed due to the actions of the anti-Magician group, such a crime wouldn't go unpunished."

Kouichi's request was a fairly small one compared to Ueno's proposal from before.

"Not forgiving a crime is par for the course but.. Is this really all you want of me?"

Kouichi smiled and shook his head at Ueno's incredulity.

"A society where the natural matters are dealt with the way they should be is exactly what every citizen hopes for, Ueno-sensei. For instance, if students of First High were injured by activists of the anti-Magician group, even if the victim would be the Magicians, an excuse such as "self-defense" could be used to make them the culprits instead."

"No, surely these kind of things.."

"Are you sure?"

Ueno felt like he had been caught in an illusion, seeing Kouichi's artificial eye letting out a suspicious light even through his sunglasses. It seems he had been caught up in the atmosphere.

"Since there was a possibility of being threatened if I decided to use Magic, in order to protect myself, I resorted to violence. ..Can you really say that neither the media nor the usual anti-Magic community would support such a reason?"

Seeing Kouichi's discreet smile, Ueno couldn't help but swallow his breath.

"If they start out with threats and harassment, and Magicians react even the slightest in return, the anti-Magicians could resort to violence and defend themselves with that kind of self-serving claim. And with the media and politicians backing them, it would only increase their sense of superiority. Can you honestly tell me that won't happen?"

"This is.."

"Spreading false information and revealing illegal acts that a group has done, then threatening them and inciting violence towards them.. It's not an unusual way to crush an opponent party and their reputation. However, we can't allow Magicians to be on the receiving end of such a farce. I fear that this country may end up in a deplorable situation, one where Magicians are all but ignored if they complain about injury, damage, or the like.

"Saegusa-san, don't tell me you.."

Ueno's voice trembled. He wasn't afraid about the situation Kouichi described possibly becoming a reality. Rather..

"Are you thinking about sacrificing students of Magic High Schools and Universities to reverse the public opinion..?"

The faint smile of Kouichi disappeared, he looked at Ueno.

"If nothing happens, then there will be nothing to worry about. But it is still impossible to halt unjustified acts against Magicians before they occur."

Locking eyes with Ueno, Kouichi's smile deepened.

"Even if the police decided to keep a close watch, it's not like they would be really able to interfere until a real problem popped up. Therefore, if such a thing happens, it must be dealt with quickly and fairly, as all affairs should be, even if the victims were to be Magicians. Ueno-sensei, I will count on your cooperation."

"..Understood."

Returning an answer that had a lot of trouble coming out, Kouichi looked at Ueno with a suspicious smile once more.

? ? ?

Monday, February 11th. As usual, Tatsuya was headed to school accompanied by Miyuki and Minami. While he was going to his classroom, he felt a strange atmosphere on the school grounds.

On the day following Gu Jie's declaration about the recent terrorist acts being his doing, the atmosphere had been quite tense. However, it wasn't exactly the same this time. Although anxiety was definitely part of the mix, you could feel that curiosity was the prevalent sentiment. If you were to strictly compare the general mood, it was pretty similar to when Lina had come to study here.

The classroom of Class 2-E was no exception. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Mizuki. It seems like everyone is restless, did something happen?"

While returning her greeting, Tatsuya asked Mizuki if she had any information about this phenomenon.

"I, too, can't say for sure but.. It appears that Ichijou-san from Third High has come to our school."

"Ichijou?"

Even though he did not rise his voice too loud, it was a fact that even Tatsuya couldn't help but be surprised.

Had Masaki just come to Tokyo, then it wouldn't have been that surprising. Tatsuya had heard from Maya that he was participating in the terrorist search under Katsuto's guidance. That is why him leaving school for a while and staying here was in the range of predictable events.

Still, there should have been no need for him to come to First High. After all, Hachioji, where First High was situated, was quite a distance away from Tokyo where the residence of the Juumonji family was located. The Magic University where Katsuto was currently studying at was at Nerima, which was also pretty far away. It was difficult to think of his visit to First High as incidental.

It couldn't be that he is going to transfer to First High..?

"From whom did you hear this story, Mizuki?"

"From me."

The answer came from behind Tatsuya. She didn't come from her usual place near the window, but from the entrance of the classroom of Class- E and stood behind him.

"Good morning Erika. So, have you seen Ichijou?" Tatsuya asked so, turning around.

"Although, it's not like I saw him with my own eyes or anything."

Erika gave up trying to surprise Tatsuya, and answered his inquiry with a bored face.

"Ichijou-kun was taken by the Vice-Principal to the Principal's office, or so people say. I asked around to see if this wasn't just a joke, but apparently pretty much everyone has the same version of the story, so there's probably no mistake."

Erika had a lot more acquaintances than Tatsuya. If you were talking strictly about how many people knew them, then Tatsuya came out on top. However, in terms of having a social life in First High, Erika was leaps and bounds ahead.

This was information gathered by Erika from her asking around. So it's true that Masaki came to First High then, Tatsuya thought.

"The Principal's office, then..?"

The story about the Vice-Principal taking him to the Principal's office was also probably true. Tatsuya thought about the possibility of it being for ‘That' scenario that he had imagined.

Miyuki wasn't a person who enjoyed themselves in speculating about other's affairs in the way Tatsuya did.

"Everyone, as you probably all already know, Ichijou-kun from Third High will be staying at a house in Tokyo for about a month.."

It was not simply a guidance teacher from Class-A that was now talking, but the Vice-Principal Yaosaka himself, and right next to him was Ichijou Masaki.

The fact that Masaki was present was already quite the shock, but associating this with the fact that it was the Vice-Principal himself who was doing the explanation, it managed to overload the students to the point his words took a while to actually register.

Even though no one dared to whisper to each other while the Vice- Principal was there, a restless atmosphere permeated the classroom. This mood was even further strengthened when Yaosaka pronounced the words ‘Business related to his family'. There wasn't a single student in Class-A that didn't understand the meaning of those words. House, in other words, Ichijou Family's business. The students knew that, without a doubt, this was related to the other day's terrorism events.

However, there was a distinct difference in enthusiasm between the gazes that the boys threw at him and the gazes of the girls.

"Vice-Principal. Does that mean that Ichijou-san will transfer from Third High to our class?"

One of the schoolgirls raised her hand, her question mixing curiosity and hope.

This was something Yaosaka had already explained, but he persevered and repeated once more.

"There will be no transfer. As you probably understand from his uniform, Ichijou will remain in Third High's registry. However, since he will not be able to follow his course from here, for a time, using the network of Magic High Schools and Universities, he will follow Third High's curriculum using this class' terminals."

Asecond-year student from Class-A unfortunately dropped out two months ago. That person's desk had stayed empty.

"Even though practice sessions will be separated, he will study with everyone. No doubt it will become a good stimulus for everyone present,

Ichijou-kun included. I hope you will all get along and have friendly competition. Well then, Ichijou-kun.."

Urged on by Yaosaka, Masaki took a half step forward.

"My name is Ichijou Masaki, from Third High. This chance of studying together was due to the kindness of everyone from First High. It will only be for a short period of a single month but I look forward to cooperating with you."

At the same time Masaki bowed, a warm applause erupted in the classroom. Since Class 2-A already had experience with this sort of event with Lina's temporary visit last year, they were the class that was the most accustomed to the whole experience.

This fact weighed in Principal Momoyama's decision to put Masaki in Class-A.

It was absolutely not due to consideration for the recent proposal of the Ichijou Family to the Yotsuba Family.

——However, Miyuki couldn't help but view this in a dubious light.

While she openly clapped with the others and maintained her smile, she internally sighed.

? ? ?

During that day's lunch period, Masaki didn't sit at the same table as Miyuki. He gave precedence to deepening his friendship with the males of his own class, Class-A, and was currently in Morisaki's group.

Watching from her seat in the distance, Erika muttered ‘surprising'.

"I thought he'd try to stick to Miyuki for sure.."

"If he did that, he'd probably be hated by both the guys and girls of his class."

Smiling wryly at Erika's blunt opinion, Mikihiko objected.

"Since Lina was a girl there wasn't really anything strange about her and Miyuki being together but Ichijou-san is a man so.."

Smiling as well, Honoka aligned with Mikihiko's opinion.

"Yeah I guess. Having your ass chased around by hordes of girls on your first day really gives you the image of prince right?"

"Erika-chan, that word.."

Though Mizuki slightly reproved Erika's ungraceful comment, consent was also mixed in.

Erika turned towards Mizuki with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Was there something strange in what I said?"

"Ass is a bit.."

"So ass is no good then. How about butt?"

"Erika-chan.."

"What kind of person was Lina?"

While Erika and Mizuki had started to play around —— or more accurately, Erika had started-->>

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