magic activists are a noisy minority, while a quiet majority sympathizes or at least slightly sympathizes with magicians. However, in fact, we could not fulfill the goal of capturing terrorists because of their oppression, we did not receive support from the population.

-Excuse me. I am Yatsushiro Takara. - This time Tomokazu was interrupted by the younger brother of the head of the family Yatsushiro from the Ten Master Clans. "Even if the civilians cooperated, this would not guarantee the capture of terrorists."

-Of course, that's true. But the reverse is also true: having received help from the population, we, probably, would find out much more quickly where the terrorists hid. Then, perhaps, such an outcome would not have happened, where there was not even a corpse left.

-These are already assumptions.

-It's about the fact that it was possible.

Yatsushiro Takara bowed and sat down. Having received a refutation, he considered that it was not worthwhile to get involved in an endless war in which he had no arguments.

"So I believe that those sympathetic to magicians are in a position where they cannot say anything in fear of those who are hostile to magicians."

Pausing and carefully selecting the words, Tomokazu continued, softening the tone.

"However, I understand that this is my personal impression, so I want you all to think about it." We thought about the fact that the strength of opponents of magicians is growing, while the supporters of magicians do not give a vote, and we, the magicians, passively watch it.

-I apologize, but is it not too radical a judgment that there is no help from the supporters of magicians? - Mutsuzuka Atsuko inserted her remark. None of the present did not complain that she did not introduce herself. Atsuko is the head of the Mutsuzuka family of the Ten Master Clans. Naturally, all those present knew the names and faces of the heads of the Ten Master Clans.

-In fact, there are even politicians who protect magicians. As far as I know, Congressman Ueno closely interacts with the Saegusa family.

-Right. As you say. "Tomokazu understood that it was useless to deny, and he directly acknowledged Atsuko's point of view. "However, it is also an indisputable fact that his voice is insignificant, and he is under the constant pressure of the opposition.

-You are right, of course. But what is the connection between this and the fact that this meeting has an age limit of up to 30 years?

Atsuko returned to the initial question, arguing that the conversation had deviated from the topic. As if he was ready for this, Tomokazu did not seem to be puzzled by Atsuko's sudden question.

-The opinion of the head of the family leads directly to the actions. Therefore, negotiations between heads of families will be too cautious. Is it not?

-... Of course, there is such a tendency.

"So we thought, if a young generation with a free point of view shared their thoughts with each other, then some wise decision could be born."

- This meeting is not something where something will be decided. - Choosing the right time, before listening to Katsuto silently began to speak.

-Although I am the head of the family Juumonji, but until now I cannot solve the family's affairs alone. Even if we come to an agreement here, it will still be impossible to apply this in practice. However, the exchange of views here will not be completely meaningless.

"In other words, this meeting is the place where the ideal solution is sought, what to do with the anti-magic movement?"

- I think that you exaggerate the concept of "ideal" a bit.

Katsuto shook his head with a bitter smile, not showing a drop of dislike of the question Takara had asked.

"So if we can come up with a plan here and come to some sort of agreement, then we'll take it up for discussion at the next Master Clans Conference."

It seems that Takara convinced that. From the side of Masaki, Hirofumi, Soshi and Atsuko, there were no objections either.

Only Tatsuya felt the inconsistency here. It consisted in the fact that Katsuto, saying that nothing was being decided, after that he said that it was necessary to come to a "general agreement". For the further development of events at the meeting, he decided to follow with caution.

? ? ?

Mayumi led Minoru to the tea room of the Magic Association. The choice was made on the grounds that they (especially Minoru) would cause confusion by coming to a regular fast food restaurant.

Kasumi, Izumi, and especially Minoru, did not even think of complaining about it. Comparing the taste and variety of available things, the tea room was inferior to cafes and restaurants. However, these annoying views, under which one must maintain self-control, far outweighed the scales.

Stopping the tea room employee, Mayumi chose the tea leaves herself, took the kettle and made the black tea.

Despite the fact that this tea room was paid for, and everyone could do for them, no one complained, because everyone in this room knew about Mayumi's passion for tea ceremonies. The employees of the branch and the tea room were also aware of the selfish nature of Mayumi. Moreover, all the employees of the tea room to one were acquaintances of her.

-Here, I ask.

-Thank you.

Mayumi placed a cup of tea in front of Minoru, which he bowed with gratitude.

Even behaving like an "ordinary boy", Minoru looked like he had descended from a masterpiece-painting. After the actions of Mayumi, the female employee who brought the cakes and biscuits to the tea (it was all paid for in advance), froze next to the table.

With a bitter smile showing that "there's nothing you can do about it," Kasumi (by force) snatched a basket of cookies and a plate of cakes from her hand.

-However, it's unusual to see Minoru-kun here. - Remained alone, not in business Izumi spoke with Minoru.

-Probably, it will be correct to call it ... by the escort of Soshi-nisan.

Although Izumi only wanted to support a simple secular conversation, but Minoru's answer was evasive and made little sense.

-Do you have an assignment?

-The task...? Hoping for the skin of a bear ...

Minoru was answered by Izumi, shortening the saying "to share the skin of an unfortunate bear." [In the Japanese original there is another, but about the bear - the closest in meaning, though it sounds silly.]

- ... And can you hear the details?

Somehow sensing in the eyes of the guy an inexorable craving for "someone to pour complaints", Izumi with her question as if she said "go ahead, do it."

"In short, I'm required to meet with Shiba Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san to strengthen our friendship." Of course, I was disappointed when I found out that it would not be a visit to their house.

-Uwaa ... Onii-san Minoru does not change at all.

-Hey, Kasumi-chan!

-Everything is fine.

Mayumi again commented on Kasumi, but Minoru shook his head with a smile.

"I also think that the approach of san and nye-san is rather naive."

-In other words, do they want to establish friendly relations with the Yotsuba family through Minoru-kun? - Closing the subject of Minoru's domestic family affairs, Izumi shifted the conversation to the subject of speculation of the Kudo family.

-It is probably so. - Minoru also realized that her words did not carry malicious intent towards his brothers and sisters, and sent a grateful look at Izumi.

"I do not think I'll be mistaken if I say that the Kudo family does this for the sake of returning to the Ten Master Clans."

Here, Izumi did not blush and lost her speech, because she was accustomed to the fact that she always drills Miyuki with her gaze.

- But unfortunately. Very sorry!

From the sudden, energetic voice of Izumi, Minoru's eyes widened. "What does that mean," he asked Mayumi. She only smiled bitterly in reply.

- Only Shiba-senpai came to today's meeting.

"And when Izumi was told by Shiba-senpai, she meant ony-san, that is, the groom. - Kasumi added a remark to avoid confusion. Izumi did not care that she was interrupted. Or maybe she did not hear.

- Miyuki-senpai can still appear after noon.

Izumi, the worshiper of Miyuki, as a goddess, tried to use words with double politeness. [Feature of the Japanese language. For example, saying that Miyuki can appear, she uses the expression "to go out," meaning the appearance of famous people in public.]

- I was so waiting for a meeting in a place where there will be no Shiba- senpai! I would never have come to this place, knowing that Miyuki-senpai does not even plan to come!

Thinking about something, Izumi reached for the handkerchief.

"... Did not you say that you can only see each other in the morning?"

-What are you saying, Kasumi-chan! Is it possible to disturb Miyuki-sempai, undoubtedly, now busy preparing for the exit!

-... Ah, that's it.

Minoru looked away from the overexcited Izumi. Mayumi could only watch Izumi, and on her face was an expression showing a headache.

- Em, Izumi-san ...

Minoru could not continue to talk, not understanding what could happen.

-Do not pay attention. This is a kind of small delirious fit.

-Ha ...

With pity in her voice, Mayumi answered an unasked question to Minoru, showing that she was already used to it.

"Moreover, Minoru-kun."

- Yes?

"Do you want to visit us at home?" I do not know how valuable this is compared to the Yotsuba family, but maybe your brothers will not complain if instead you tell me that you have strengthened your old friendship with the Saegusa family.

Minoru was touched by Mayumi's proposal. Indeed, instead of just waiting, he disturbed the Saegusa family, he was helped to get rid of annoying glances and he had a good time.

- ... This will not be a problem?

-Not at all. Then, let's go. "Er, right now?"

-Yes. As Izumi-chan already said, our role of guides has already ended. Hey, Izumi-chan! Kasumi-chan, you too help me.

Mayumi stood up, trying to return Izumi to this world.

? ? ?

The topic of the meeting finally turned to the discussion of what Tomokazu wanted - countermeasures.

-... In other words, Saegusa-san believes that it is necessary to increase popularity among the public masses?

On the question of the next head of the Mitsuya family, Mitsuya Motoharu,

-Although the word "popularity" is not particularly suitable, but everything is approximately the way you say.

Saegusa Tomokazu replied with a smile on his face, a bit like his father Koichi.

- Speaking on TV? Unfortunately, I cannot sing and dance.

Atsuko's joke aroused laughter among many. Especially among young women participants.

- I think if Mutsuzuka san sings on TV, she will be very popular.

Tomokazu, similar, also could not restrain himself and keep his face unmoved after this joke. He could do nothing with a bitter smile on his face, but still, it did not become a hindrance, and he continued.

-We believe that we need to show more clearly the fact that we are useful to society.

-Do you want to create a department of the Magic Association for Public

Relations?

This remark came from the family of Ichinokura from the Eighteen Assistant Houses. The meeting moved in the direction of supporting the opinion of Saegusa Tomokazu.

-I think it will be effective too. In addition to simple propaganda, it is also necessary to distribute photos and video scenes showing our active useful actions.

Despite the fact that Tomokazu did not strongly insist on his opinion, around him, one after another, he began to receive support.

-Show actions? With radio channels, most likely, it will be difficult, but among the satellite and cable channels, it may be possible to find someone ready for cooperation.

"But with a deliberate increase in the impact on the media, will it not matter how you look?" Appearing on the screen of video clips, it will be better to have a good appearance.

The discussion flowed so shallowly and frivolously, because it was not burdened by the opinions of older people. Perhaps the Saegusa family planned this meeting, foreseeing that it will be so.

It was Tatsuya's reasoning, which was still silent at that moment.

-And if you have to deal with major catastrophes or atrocities, then abilities also cannot be neglected.

-A magician who combines good looks and abilities? ... Exactly! Saegusa-san, then this is exactly about your little sister?

Katsuto and Masaki almost raised their eyebrows almost synchronously when they heard this.

"You mean Mayumi?" Well, the ability of the magician, I think, by themselves, suitable, but ...

Tatsuya listened to Tomokazu, who, with his eyes closed and a disappointed face, looked resigned.

-No no. This is the famous "Elven Princess". I think Mayumi-jo will be very popular on TV.

"I think she'll be happy to hear this." But if you look at it objectively, then I think you'll notice that there is someone who is much more suitable from the point of view of both appearance and magic.

-Objectively, you say? You are pretty harsh to your own relatives. But who is this, who surpasses in appearance Mayumi-jo?

After that, voices of exclamations were heard from different sides of the conference hall.

-Then, what about the heiress-dono of the Yotsuba family? I think this princess can be a suitable symbol for us.

Said by the archaic words, the phrase may have been half presented as a joke. However, the remaining half accurately read the severity.

A bright light burned in Tomokazu's eyes. It seems that he reached the point where he was ready to say the most important thing at this meeting.

- Juumonji-san.

However, ahead of the opponent only for a moment, for the first time at this meeting, Tatsuya spoke.

-What? - Katsuto briefly answered Tatsuya.

-Earlier I heard that "this meeting does not solve anything."

Tatsuya did not introduce himself, despite the fact that he spoke for the first time. He did not consider it necessary. Because his words were not meant for the representatives of 28 families gathered here, but only for the organizer of this meeting, Katsuto.

- That's right.

"Then you must understand." Whatever you decide at this meeting, the Yotsuba family does not have to follow this.

Even if he spoke in modest words, it looked like a speech, inciting a quarrel and "pouring oil into the fire."

- This is not a problem.

But this was not an attempt at a quarrel. There were other people who tried to bypass the rules.

-Yotsuba-dono, this ... - With a face discouraged, Itsuwa Hirofumi began to speak hesitantly with Tatsuya.

-I'm sorry. My name is Shiba Tatsuya.

Tatsuya's answer to these words sounded as if he were saying that it was better not to contact him. Mutsuzuka Atsuko and Yatsushiro Takara looked at Tatsuya with glances in which "curiosity" was read. Seated next to Masaki, although surprised, he looked at Tatsuya with understanding, sympathetic eyes. When the topic moved to Mayumi, Masaki also feared that the conversation could reach Miyuki.

Katsuto's gaze on Tatsuya probably contained a bit of reproach. Not because of the fact that such a smoothly reached agreement was destroyed. "Do something with this frozen atmosphere," Katsuto said in silence.

-... Actively contribute to the society and actively attract attention. A great idea.

Realizing that he himself was the culprit, who intervened in the discussion, Tatsuya decided that an answer to Katsuto's request would be inevitable.

"However, many magicians work in the police and in the fire department." In the army there is also a huge number of magicians. Intervention in their work will look like your own achievement?

However, the atmosphere in the conference room only froze harder. To Tatsuya's remark, there was not a single objection.

But there was no vote of support either. To the side of the friendly general mood that broke this, Tatsuya was directed a lot of hostility. But Tatsuya did not add another word after that either.

? ? ?

Unaware of the snowstorm that broke out right now in the conference room of the Bay Hills Tower in Yokohama, where her older brother is now, Shiina was heading for training at the Third Lab.

The Third Research Institute, that is, the Third Magician Development and Improvement Institute, is one of five laboratories that remain unchanged from the original ten laboratories.

It is said that out of these still remaining five laboratories, the Third one is the most active one.

The topic of the Third Research Institute study is to improve the abilities of the Multi Casting. They search for opportunities to increase the limit of the number of simultaneously activated spells. And also make these abilities available to magicians not only from the Ten Master Clans. In particular, it was aimed at increasing the combat power of military magicians, both using the techniques of the Chiba family, and other soldiers who achieved similar results individually.

And as a natural consequence of this, the Third Research Institute was frequented by a large number of military magicians. There were many army researchers, but there were also a large number of combat magicians.

Therefore, since childhood, attending training in such a situation, Shiina, despite her innocent appearance, had a rather high fighting power. If not a problem with hearing, then she would become the best martial artist of the Mitsuya family. In the person of her father, Mitsuya Gena, this was not a disappointment, but, on the contrary, relief. Of course, there was no disappointment, because there was less concern that Shiina would follow the path of becoming a war magician.

Shiina also had many opportunities to get acquainted with the military who often visit the Third Research Institute. One of the especially close such acquaintances was with a woman from the same 28 families that she herself was.

-Ah ~, Tsukasa-san.

-Ara, Shiina-chan. Today, too you came to do training?

National Defense Army, intelligence department, foreman Tooyama Tsukasa. Although here it was represented as Tooyama, Shiina had known for a long time that Tsukasa was actually Tooyama.

- And Saburou-kun is not with you?

On this phrase, which sounds quite ordinary, Shiina has made her face inflated.

-Saburou-kun went to the Chiba family's dojo.

-Chiba's family?

-Yes. It seems that he wants to become a student there.

Restraining herself so as not to laugh, Tsukasa again looked at Shiina in the face with sincerity on her face.

-Given the features of Saburou-kun, I think the Kenju of the Chiba family will suit him. Only this is not training, but the training of a warrior *.

[Here an expression is used, which sometimes can mean something like "a journey to improve your skills". Sometimes it is used with sarcasm, meaning "quixotism", i.e. useless actions.]

-... And how are they different?

-Ara, there is almost no difference. Tsukasa winked with a playful smile. She smiled back. "By the way, Shiina-chan, how is your magic high school?" Probably, it's hard for you there?

"Not as hard as I thought." But from now on, it may be harder ...

-And the president of the school council is really from that family of Yotsuba?

-Ah ~, that's all right. There is tension from the fact that she is so beautiful, but I did not experience the "fear" that I imagined before our first meeting.

-Here it is. Okay, let's go, can I ask you to help a little with my work?

Having created a friendly atmosphere of candor, Tsukasa, as if at ease said her request.

"Uh, the work of Tsukasa-san ... means the intelligence department?"

-Yes. But there's nothing so complicated. I'm looking for someone to take the role of hostage, to train for the release of an important person.

-... Does the intelligence department deal with such matters?

-The task of the post that I occupy in the department is counterintelligence. This includes the return of kidnapped important people in order to prevent information leakage.

-And I'll come up for this?

Shiina looked puzzled, but, truth be told, it aroused her interest. In fact, she was very curious.

-Everything is fine. But in time it will take about half a day. Tsukasa noticed the curiosity of Shiina.

-Yeah, just let me think a little.

-Yes OK. Then we'll talk about the details when you decide. "Er, but you cannot tell in advance?"

-These are the rules.

Shiina was already close to losing to her curiosity. At such a rate, it will soon take hold of it.

If "he" hears that a pupil of the same school, moreover, a first-grader from the same school board, became a hostage, he too cannot ignore it. She got a good reason to check "him."

With a kind smile on her face, Tsukasa wondered what a nice little sister she could turn out from Shiina.

? ? ?

Edward Clark of the National Science Agency (NSA) of the USNA was a large- scale information system specialist.

And also he was the developer of Echelon III, the latest version of the interception system used by the National Security Agency, which has the same NSA cut.

The words that Edward Clark designed the Echelon III alone were a delusion. However, no one argued with the fact that he is a key figure in improving the Echelon system as a whole. However, since the process of assembling the Echelon III was extremely secretive, very few people knew about Clark's accomplishments.

He usually worked to further improve the information interception system in his personal office in the California branch of the National Science Agency.

But in reality he was simply left on the post to keep the Echelon III a secret. Clark himself understood this too.

However, it did not bother him. On the contrary, he positively perceived this situation.

In his hands was information. One that neither the director of the National Science Agency nor the director of the NSA, the defense minister, the secretary of state, or even the president himself knew.

He could get free access to information around the world. This addition of the system was built imperceptible from all.

Clark shared this secret with a very limited number of people. With those whom he recognized as his partners, worthy of knowing this secret. And this was not limited to the Americans alone.

But Edward Clark did not intend to betray the USNA. You could even say that he is a passionate patriot. But his loyalty was not directed to the government, but to the country as such.

He believed. The fact that it is information that controls the world.

He believed. The fact that only his motherland and its allies are able to control the world.

So today he was also busy searching, browsing and analyzing information to make the world the way it should be.

- Is it 10 in the morning in Japan?

Most branch employees have already gone home. But Clark did not even show signs of wanting to get up from the table.

- Oh ... "He" is isolated? The Japanese are also so stupid.

At its terminal, by simultaneous translation, the content of the discussion in the conference hall was displayed, which, according to the idea, was impossible to listen to. This was the power built into the Echelon III backdoor system.

"Our citizens cannot say too much ... But this can be a great opportunity." If this happens, the biggest threat to our country will be eliminated.

Reflecting, Clark spoke to himself. In the terminal of Edward Clark, the text of Tatsuya's conversations and other participants of the meeting in the conference hall in the Tower of Bay Hills of Yokohama was displayed.

〔To be continued〕