of the bed.

“But still, I’m thankful that they came to visit like that...”

Miyuki muttered, speaking to herself.

Tatsuya also completely agreed with that point.

For the Saegusa Family, Minami is no more than a decoy for the sake of capturing Minoru.

This is not something to be criticized. The Saegusa Family, and the Juumonji Family, were handling it as a result of a decision made during the Master Clans Conference. Naturally, the Saegusa have nothing to do with this matter.

Saegusa Kouichi thrust his own head by his own free will, due to his own motives. Regardless, for the Saegusa Family, Minami is a simple decoy. That was correct perception of their point of view.

“Those two, they may not be fit for this.”

Tatsuya did not clearly say what he meant by ‘this’. But not only Miyuki but also Minami were able to understand the words he omitted.

Neither Kasumi nor Izumi were suited for the Ten Master Clans. He is unsuited to speak of their older sister Mayumi who also may not be cut out for it, but she still prioritizes her position and duties. But Kasumi and Izumi give priority to honesty rather than their position and empathy rather than duty.

In a single word, it can be called ‘goodness’.

“I don’t think it’s bad. I’m a bit jealous.”

These words expressed by Miyuki were proof that she and Tatsuya were thinking the same thing.

“By the way, Minami.”

Tatsuya suddenly changed the topic.

“Yes, what is it?”

Minami was not flustered when she was suddenly called by her name.

“Has anything strange happened since then?”

“Do you mean if Minoru-sama got in touch?”

“Not just Minoru.”

“I haven’t seen any suspicious visitors.”

After Minami’s brief reply, she added ‘I don’t see anything while asleep’.

“It isn’t likely that Minoru gave up. Maybe he’s preparing something? For instance, things such as gathering subordinates...”

Looking at Tatsuya’s face, Miyuki felt a little anxious.

“That is a possibility.”

It’s been a week since the last attack. It is unthinkable that Minoru did nothing in the meantime.

Though there is no clear confirmation, Minoru has inherited Zhou Gongjin’s knowledge. This isn’t limited to magical knowledge.

Neither the Kudou Family nor any of the ‘Nine’ Families will betray the Master Clans Conference, so it is difficult to gather allies from there. However, it may be possible to collect minions from inside the spy network that Zhou Gongjin established.

“I may have to learn the parasite sealing technique from Oba-ue.”

Miyuki and Minami simultaneously trembled.

Hearing about the parasite sealing technique, Minami thought it would be used on Minoru.

But Miyuki was concerned about something else.

“Onii-sama...do you think Minoru-kun will increase the parasites? Like the vampire from last year’s winter?”

“I don’t think Minoru will attack people at random. But I think the number of people whose desire for power doesn’t end even if they cease to be human is not little. To that extend, it might not be difficult to locate them.”

Miyuki did not deny Tatsuya’s guess. The reason why neither Miyuki not Minami voiced any doubts wasn’t because they were Tatsuya’s words, but because the girls also had knowledge of such human weaknesses.

“Onii-sama, umm, I was just thinking...shouldn’t we warn Erika and the guys too?”

“...You’re right. I was thoughtless.”

Tatsuya bowed his head with a vacant expression.

The three of them, Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko, all met Minoru in last year’s fall.

Minoru can hide the parasites’ presence. Mikihiko might be able to recognize Minoru’s true colors, but there is a high possibility for Erika and Leo to be deceived.

To not assume the case where those three are used, it could certainly be said to be thoughtless.

“No, I also didn’t notice until just now...Should I tell them?”

“No, I’ll tell them. Tomorrow morning I have plans to test the Air Car, so wait in ‘Einebrise’ after school.”

“...Are you sure?”

Miyuki asked back to push her concern over whether there was a problem if the Master heard their conversation.

“There is no problem. The risk of being eavesdropped is lower than talking inside the school, and maybe we’ll be able to loan Master’s power.”

“Master’s...?”

Einebrise’s Master’s father was a capable intelligence salesman, and Tatsuya doesn’t clearly know if the Master himself also meddles in intelligence trade.

But Tatsuya was convinced that Master was honest. The scent Tatsuya picked up from Master was not the scent of the underworld, but Miyuki didn’t know this.

“No, I understand.”

Miyuki did not ask Tatsuya about Master’s identity. If it is something you must know, Tatsuya will tell you. Tatsuya did not explain, therefore it is unnecessary to know right now, such were her thoughts.

“Erika and the guys will wait for you are Einebrise...umm, Onii-sama? Is it okay if I bring Honoka, Shizuku and Mizuki too?”

“I don’t want to increase the number of people involved, but...not notifying them is also risky. I understand. Please tell everyone.”

“Of course!”

Tatsuya and Miyuki nodded together. Then, the two of them turned their faces towards Minami.

“...What is it?”

Tatsuya and Miyuki kept their mouths closed and turned their eyes towards themselves and Minami, feeling anxious rather than irritated, asked the question.

“It may not be obvious at this point in time but...”

It was Miyuki who replied to Minami’s question.

“Minami-chan, what do you think of Minoru-kun?”

“What...?”

Minami’s face was stained with embarrassment.

Her thoughts were temporarily paralyzed after the sudden question.

“Minoru-kun seems to kind of like Minami-chan, but..”

“Like...”

Her ability to think isn’t working normally, so Minami was unable to do anything but repeat things that were already said.

“Minami-chan, do you like Minoru-kun?”

“Me, like!?”

Minami’s voice sounded out of tune. Seems like the agitation reached such extremes that it called her consciousness back.

“Me like Minoru-sama, I’ve never thought about that!”

“That is, you just haven’t thought about it?”

Using her words as they were, Tatsuya rectified Minami’s misconception.

“Do you like or do you dislike, or do you have no interest, or is it simply that there is nothing to be aware of?”

“By no means are we asking just out of curiosity.”

“......”

Minami was unable to understand what Tatsuya and Miyuki wanted her to say.

She didn’t even understand if asking what they wanted her to say was fine.

“You don’t dislike him, but if you like Minoru-kun...”

“Minami, if you don’t make up your mind, you won’t be prepared.”

“Prepared...prepared to fight Minoru-sama?”

Minami herself was not conscious, but at that time she looked miserable.

“The fight is ours.”

In Tatsuya’s denial too, his tone was quite strong.

“I would like to end this without killing Minoru if possible. But I am not the only one engaging Minoru.”

Minami nodded slightly in silence.

Minami was not told that, not counting the Yotsuba Family, the Juumonji and the Saegusa families are on the watch for Minoru. However, Minami presumed that at least the Saegusa Family was participating in the strategy for the capture of Minoru.

She had heard Izumi use the word ‘guard’, and she was not raised in an environment where it can be thought that the twin’s visit was simply as classmates.

“Besides, Minoru is tough. Sweet ideas like capturing without killing may not be applicable.”

“I think it can’t be helped.”

“You can understand in your head. I don’t doubt it. But, what about your heart?”

“......”

Minami could not reply to Tatsuya’s question.

“This is what I meant by prepared. Minami, Minoru abandoned his humanity for the sake of helping you. But this is something he did on his own accord. He didn’t have your wishes in mind.”

“......”

“However, it won’t be easy to convince him. You know Minoru’s feelings.”

“...Yes.”

Minami hid her face and look downward, admitting Tatsuya’s words.

“Minami-chan, it’s normal for people to hesitate. There is no need to feel guilty.”

Miyuki grasped Minami’s hands.

“...Yes.”

Minami raised her head, and turned towards Miyuki with a weak smile.

“But, if Minami-chan has no special feelings for Minoru-kun, I want you to be prepared.”

“Prepared to not intrude even if he is to be killed in front of you.”

Tatsuya took over the crucial word.

Tatsuya did not let Miyuki say the word ‘kill’.

“In case I...say that I adore Minoru-sama...”

“We will consider other ways to end this without killing Minoru.”

Tatsuya cut her words, showing little hesitation.

“In that case, there is an increased probability of victims.”

Minami’s complexion changed.

“I apologize! I said something silly!”

“Minami-chan, calm down.”

As Minami staggered her waist over the bed, Miyuki supported her from her side.

Perhaps she should have sat on the bed to apologize. It seems she had not recovered enough to endure sudden movements.

“I don’t think your comment was silly. I also don’t immediately understand feelings I was not aware of before.”

“No!”

From between Miyuki’s arms, Minami looked up at Tatsuya with a strong will in her eyes.

“I do not have special feelings for Minoru-sama.”

It was obvious Minami did not think deeply, so she was saying it temporarily.

However, if it were to be pointed out right now, Minami would not admit it.

“Understood.”

Therefore, at Minami’s response, Tatsuya nodded.