Volume 21 - CH 3(5/5)
-So far, only a few answers have come, but ... I already received a letter with apologies about the absence from the Tanabata family.
-For what reason?
Katsuto frowned reflexively at Tsukasa's bullet-ridden question. It's hard to say that the desire to know the contents of other people's letters conformed to the rules of etiquette.
- Is it not the reason that the heir-donor visits the Defense Academy?
However, while Katsuto hesitated with an answer, Tsukasa answered herself.
- ... Exactly.
Her reasoning was absolutely correct, and Katsuto had only to reluctantly agree.
-"Exactly," then, the same student of the Defense Academy, the son of the family of Issiki, as well as the sons of the families Goto and Hassak, also involved in the affairs of the army, will also be absent?
-... Tsukasa-san, I would ask you not to talk about it with such joy.
Having said this, Katsuto showed Tsukasa his passive consent.
"What a relief." Then, perhaps, my family Tooyama will be absent for the same reason.
- ... I heard you.
Katsuto agreed with an upset face that contrasted with the smiling Tsukasa. He did not like the attitude of Tsukasa, with a smile that gave a kick to his invitation, but because he knew about the circumstances of the connection between the Tooyama family and the army, he could not force them to take part.
Katsuto gradually grew tired of the company Tsukasa.
This was different from the ever-present feeling of discomfort in conversations with Mayumi. Mayumi does not have malicious intent, even if it looks bad. She is inherently a good person.
Tsukasa, in turn, lacks malice, but there are no good intentions either. She does not have such a point of view that someone may be dissatisfied with her ideas. Although her own feelings and emotions are well organized, she easily ignores other people's feelings.
However, while this does not prevent the task, this is much worse, because it does not contradict the rules and morals. She is not a robot without emotions, and not even a stranger with other values. But to get results without any inconvenience, in conversation with her fatigue will accumulate at a fast pace.
"But her business is already over, only the exchange of farewells has been left" , - thought Katsuto.
- By the way.
This turned out to be a false conclusion, based on observation and desire.
-Will the heir of the Yotsuba family Shiba Miyuki-san and her fiancé Shiba Tatsuya-san attend the meeting?
-... I have not received an answer yet, but I think they will visit.
"Katsuto-san is familiar with these two, is not it?"
"They are the Kohai from First High ."
With a friendly smile on her face, Tsukasa looked into Katsuto's eyes. Instead of bright light, there was an obscure abyss in my eyes.
-What kind of people are they?
-I was not close with them, so I do not know the details of the character.
-Can you just tell me everything you know? Despite the fact that they are people of the secretive Yotsuba family, how can they understand that they want to show up at this meeting?
"Clearly, is that its goal?"
Only now Katsuto realized the true purpose of Tsukasa.
If you think about it, although there was a purpose to find out what to justify, but it is impossible for Tsukasa to visit him only for the reason to report absence. She is a member of an organization that is tirelessly fighting internecine strife on the shadow side of society. She is also an important person, playing an important role. As an envoy of the Tooyama family, there is another suitable person.
Katsuto realized that she came to him to get information about the magicians of Yotsuba, under the guise of apologies for the absence.
Katsuto could also reject her request. He did not have to answer to her question in detail.
- As for the heir, I'm not very sure.
As a result, considering that he cannot remain silent, Katsuto started talking.
-But the groom, in matters of loyalty is a strict man. "Is it strict?" Not hard?
Tsukasa's doubt was natural for a normal person. But in her voice she heard that she was asking, already knowing the meaning of Katsuto's words.
"Entering into an alliance, he will never betray." But he will also betray the betrayal. I think that Shiba Tatsuya-dono is such a person.
- That's how ...
Tsukasa pondered briefly, suspending the conversation.
-... And if he is betrayed by the government, no, the army, do you think it will be the same?
"He will not help the enemy by going against the state."
-Is it only to show hostility to the military leadership and government leaders?
"He's not a stupid man who will show hostility on his part."
Katsuto responded in a calm, but strong-willed tone to Tsukasa's question, which seemed to be trying to talk in an alarming direction.
- So, still, there is no absolute loyalty?
"In the end, it's just what I see in Shiba Tatsuya-dono." I think, even if there is no loyalty to people, there is loyalty to the country.
-I believe that the self-righteous patriot is as bad as a fanatical pacifist.
-Neither patriots nor pacifists are evil. If they really do not hurt, they will not interfere with internal affairs.
Katsuto's sharp gaze collided with the soft gaze of Tsukasa.
-No, really. The Tooyama family will have no business with the Yotsuba family.
Katsuto frowned. With clearly pretending face Tsukasa finished her long- cooled tea.