Published at 26th of March 2019 2:11 am

Volume 21, Chapter 3

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

The seventh of April, 2097, late evening after the First High entrance ceremony. Tatsuya visited the headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion.

Last night he received a call. Despite the fact that Tatsuya openly complained about a really tight schedule, looking insane when Fujibayashi from the monitor screen said that there is an important conversation that cannot be transmitted over the telephone line, he had to go there. Returning home from the admission ceremony, Tatsuya immediately went to Kasumigaura on his favorite electric bike.

The base of Kasumigaura was shrouded in an atmosphere of activity. Despite the late time, people and vehicles came and went.

Even in the usually crowded headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, on the way to the commander's office, he met several officers and soldiers. In addition to this, Tatsuya felt that people are actively moving around this building. As if preparing for an invasion is under way.

"No, it's clearly not" as if "" , "thought Tatsuya before asking permission to enter the commander's office.

- Please, come in.

"Do not" enter ", but" please, come in "?"

Perhaps there could be only another formulation, which has no deep meaning.

However, for some reason, Tatsuya was concerned about this insignificant difference.

- I'm sorry.

Tatsuya temporarily hid this feeling of apprehension, and went forward to Kazama.

"I'm sorry that at such a time, and so urgently." However, given the importance of this case, I found it necessary to explain everything personally.

- Explain?

-Yes. First of all, please. - Kazama pointed to the sofa pulled out from the storage state.

Tatsuya without hesitation sat on the edge of the three-seater sofa. Kazama stood up, walked around the table, went to Tatsuya and sat opposite him.

-Our battalion, - Without any entry, Kazama immediately moved on to the main topic. - Tomorrow morning operates in Hokkaido.

"The impression of preparing for action was not a mistake" , - Tatsuya thought, but refrained from interrupting Kazama's speech.

-We are an advanced group. Depending on the situation, all brigade troops can be sent.

But when he heard of such an inevitable situation, he could no longer remain silent. In addition, he thought that nothing would be inappropriate.

"Does that mean there are signs of an invasion?"

-That's right.

-Do you think that the case in Sado was a diversion?

Under the case in Sado, Ichijou's wounded Gouki was trapped on a suspicious ship.

-Correct. We believe that this time the aim of the New Soviet Union is to invade Hokkaido.

-We?

"As you thought, this is the opinion of Commander Saeki."

"Really" , "Tatsuya agreed in his mind.

"The headquarters prediction for the purpose of the enemy was probably divided between Hokuriku and Hokkaido, so far Hokuriku is the majority? That is why the order to be nominated as support was issued not to the Tohoku division, but to the brigade 1-0-1 with its strong mobile unit" - Tatsuya understood.

"In this situation, we will lose contact with you for some time." If there is a situation like the Yokohama incident, then it will be difficult to help.

- I understand you.

Indeed, if something happens like what happened 2 years ago, without the help of Kazama it will be very painful. Tatsuya also agreed with this.

But Kazama would not call Tatsuya, only to warn him about it. Tatsuya understood this and expected the following words.

-In addition, depending on the situation change, it may be possible that we will ask for your cooperation.

In the words "there may be a possibility" Tatsuya felt some unnaturalness.

-Do you suggest that I go to Hokkaido?

-No, I'm talking about the case when we ask you to give your power from here .

On this phrase, he realized the reason why Kazama speaks with such caution.

-Are you talking about "Material Burst"?

-Not only about "Material Burst". Commander Saeki took into account the possibility of covering the attack with ultra-long magic with the help of the Third Eye.

-Got it.

This "understood" meant "awareness," not "consent." Tatsuya will not get help from the battalion. The battalion uses the power of Tatsuya. That's what happens if we simplify and generalize what Kazama said. In principle, this is the original essence of the army. However, now they were not in that position.

"Since I am also a member of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, I will act if I get the order."

Tatsuya stood up and saluted Kazama.

His words were not a lie. However, the phrase "at the moment" was omitted. Kazama, without getting up, nodded to Tatsuya. In the person looking at Tatsuya from the bottom of Kazama it was evident that he understood the missed phrase.

During the meeting between Kazama and Tatsuya, they were not alone. Behind Kazama, the commander's assistant Fujibayashi stood during the talking the whole time, without uttering a word. Conducting an outgoing Tatsuya, Fujibayashi hesitantly spoke only when the door completely closed, and there was no risk of being heard.

"... The commander, maybe it was worth explaining the situation to Tatsuya-kun?" Now he may feel distrust of us.

- Do you mean that we betrayed Tatsuya?

Such a radical approach of Kazama frightened Fujibayashi. But she did not stop.

"I do not think I was betrayed, but perhaps he feels that he can be abandoned."

"Abandoned?" In general, you're right.

- Commander ...

There was a note of reproach in Fujibayashi's voice, because she believed that this rash remark would not be true.

"I'm sorry."

"Although no one else heard them, Kazama also thought that it was inappropriate. So he apologized. - However, this is the originally conceived distance between the army and the Ten Master Clans. Despite Tatsuya's return to the main ranks of the Yotsuba family, our relations with him continued unchanged.

"I do not think there are any inconveniences here." He is an extremely valuable military force.

-A Strategic Class Magician, which in Japan there are only two, and around the world, according to rough estimates, about fifty. Of course, its power is indispensable for the defense of Japan. That's why we need to keep extra distance.

The words of Kazama did not convince Fujibayashi. This was evident from her behavior. However, this topic was not raised for the first time in the current conversation between them. With Sanada, Yanagi and Yamanaka, this has already been discussed many times.

"We've become too close to Tatsuya." During the recent operation in Okinawa, the harmful influence was obvious. Since we are too close, we rely too much on Tatsuya's strength, which should be our joker. If he were not there, we would not have been able to easily find the enemy main forces and neutralize their agents.

"... And that's why we should not have friendly relations with Tatsuya-kun?"

-It was normal, while Tatsuya was just a guardian in the Yotsuba. However, since the Yotsuba family recognized Tatsuya as a main member, we could not ignore the possibility of "seceding" from Tatsuya. When the interests of the Yotsuba family and the army conflict, tell me, will Tatsuya choose the army?

"... Even Yotsuba cannot do without state protection." Tatsuya-kun understands this. I do not think that he will choose that way to confront the state.

- If the interests of the state and the army will, as usual, coincide.

Fujibayashi realized that her reasoning was only a substitute for concepts. Therefore, when she was told this, the desire to object was lost.

-Take, for example, a preemptive strike by Strategic Class Magic. This, of course, can be realized in the interests of the army. But this will not necessarily be in the interest of the state. "Material Burst" is a weapon with absolute superiority not only in its strength, but also in speed and range, however, destroying enemy troops, we only worsen the situation around our country.

This is possible not only in theory. For example, in South America, despite the fact that the Brazilian army has defeated the armies of all surrounding countries, but even now, when all states except Brazil have disintegrated, it cannot avoid permanent regional conflicts. That is why it is said that the war that swept the whole world once, in South America, has not ended until now.

"The most terrible thing is that with the deepening of our friendship with Tatsuya, the army leadership increasingly harbors the illusion that "Material Burst" can be used at any time. With the use of "Synchronized Linear Fusion", the psychological barriers that inhibit the use of Strategic Class Magic have become even weaker. If we do not keep a distance from Tatsuya, then surely there will be those who want to use "Material Burst".

Kazama spoke in a tone that resembled a teacher explaining to students.

"... But should not we at least tell Tatsuya-kun our real intentions?"

This was the only thing that Fujibayashi could object, because Kazama had the same concern about real intentions.

"To cause Tatsuya to distrust the army?" I think it's a good idea that it's better to take it on than to give a bad impression about the whole army.

The conversation ended in the same place as those similar to him, which occurred during the last few days.

◊ ◊ ◊

At the same time, when Tatsuya visited the headquarters of the Independent Magic Equipped Battalion, Katsuto had a private conversation with Saegusa Tomokazu. The meeting place chosen was an elite restaurant in the center of Tokyo. It was an institution often used by big politicians and businessmen, but correct sitting on tatami in the room, Katsuto absolutely did not feel inappropriate. He waited at the ebony table for only one minute. Then Tomokazu appeared.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Said Tomokazu, bowing, and sat opposite Katsuto. It seemed that he was uncomfortable, it seems, unlike Katsuto, he was unaccustomed to formal sitting on the floor.

"Please relax your legs and sit as comfortable." - Immediately said Katsuto.

- Thank you. Then, I will take advantage of your proposal ...

Tomokazu got up from his knees and sat cross-legged. Katsuto himself remained in a formal pose on his knees. Because of the initial difference in physique, the figure of Katsuto towered over Tomokazu. However, neither Katsuto nor Tomokazu showed that they are worried about this.

After exchanging a few simple phrases and refreshing themselves with soft drinks, both immediately went into the discussion mode. This does not mean that they did it simultaneously. The first to begin was Katsuto.

-Saegusa-san. I heard from your younger sister that you want to discuss something with me.

-Really. Let's get down to business. Juumonji-san, how do you think, how do we deal with the current wave of hostility toward magicians?

Katsuto expressed surprise at this delicate formulation of Tomokazu, slightly raised his eyebrows.

-Not just what I think about this, but how do I think about it? In other words, Saegusa-san, do you think that you need to actively combat the anti- magic movement?

-Right. - Tomokazu directly recognized this, not denying and not evading. It can be said that in this area he was not very similar to his father Koichi. "When some damage is done, we lose position and can no longer catch up."

"You mean that irreparable things can happen if you turn a blind eye to aggressive propaganda against magicians?" Which crisis in particular, do you think can happen?

"I fear that, in addition to acts of terrorism superior to what happened in

Hakone, kidnappings and murders of children who have not yet mastered magic can begin.

-Do you think that people who are not magicians will also be drawn into waves of crimes?

-Yes. - confirmed Tomokazu and again asked the same question Katsuto. - What should we do to avoid this?

"... I cannot think straightaway." No, I do not think I can come up with a good countermeasure alone, even taking time to think it over. "Honestly, without pretense," Katsuto confessed. This was expected, given his character.

-Actually, I do not know either. "However, the fact that Tomokazu surrendered so quickly and easily, even for Katsuto, who knew a little the temperament of Saegusa Tomokazu, was quite unexpected. "It will be too difficult to develop countermeasures alone." Even if you come up with a good idea, it will not be possible to implement it by the forces of one family.

-... Indeed, we cannot separately combat the current anti-magic movement.

Tomokazu showed relief on his face after hearing Katsuto's consent.

"It's not an actor's game, he's not as strong as his father Koichi, so unlike Koichi, he can be trusted" , "thought Katsuto.

"I think that to solve this problem, we need to bring together not only the Ten Master Clans, but also most other magicians, and join forces in response.

-Saegusa-san believes that we should organize a general meeting of the Japan Magic Association?

-No. Tomokazu shook his head at Katsuto's question. "Even if we suddenly gather a large crowd, we cannot reach conclusions beyond the general theory." In addition, even if we gather people at the level of heads of families, it will be impossible to conduct a fruitful discussion without knowing each other's intentions.

"So, what are you talking about?" I think if people representing the point of view of each of the families does not participate, the probability of ending the discussion with a simple idea will be higher.

In response to Katsuto's reasoning, Tomokazu nodded strongly, showing something like "I thought so."

-Therefore, I think, how about collecting not the heads of families or people of their age, but the youth of the age of the announced heirs? Starting, primarily with the "28 Houses", how about increasing the participants by connecting the "Numbers" from a hundred families?

"Not a bad idea" , - thought Katsuto.

From the position of the head of the family, Katsuto understood how his thinking style had changed. He realized that now he first thinks not about the optimality and the best outcome, but about whether realization is possible at all. Simply put, his flexibility of thinking has worsened.

The idealist's thinking can completely ignore the possibility of implementation, which will increase the risk of confusing the situation. Therefore, if we collect direct descendants of the main lines of families who, not being limited in thinking by the heads of their families, will be able to not be distracted by the possibility of implementation, then by combining their minds, they may be able to give constructive proposals for the Conference of the Master Clans. Although the idea was not bad, at the same time it seemed too vague.

"If it's about the next chapters of families, then I do not fit that requirement."

Tomokazu was very surprised at these words.

-No, since Juumonji-san is young, but if the essence is the gathering of young people ...

-So, you determine the acceptability of participation by age? Then, below what age do you plan to set a limit? Of course, Saegusa-san suits the requirements, does not it?

-Y-yes. Indeed ... For example, will we take those who are under 30 years of age?

-If up to 30 years, then, for example, Mutsuzuka-dono has the right to participate, and Yatsushiro-dono no longer falls into the list?

Sweating with a cold sweat, Tomokazu somehow managed to gather his thoughts.

-Somewhere there should be a restriction? Yatsushiro-dono has a younger brother-san in the next assistants, so I think there will be no problems.

-I believe that, of course, the restriction is necessary. Katsuto nodded with a serious face. But this answer did not help Tomokazu relieve tension. - I understood. I will help you as much as I can. - However, after hearing the continuation, Tomokazu instantly relaxed.

◊◊ ◊

The day after the admission ceremony at First High was generally calm, but sometimes you could see the puzzled ignorance of the newcomers.

It would be a lie to say that he was not worried about the piercing looks of the new first-years who came to the school, because two years ago he himself was in that position. Thinking about this, Tatsuya kept self-control. Speaking of agitation, it was only for the time of waiting for a practical experiment, and it will naturally disappear when its turn comes.

It's been the second year since the founding of the Faculty of Magic Engineering, on which Tatsuya was registered. Last year, teachers were not appointed until the last moment, and the curriculum was not fully approved. Therefore, last year's first years during the period of class review (excursion) did not conduct a single lesson. Although this year and for the first time met visitors in this way ..., but even Tatsuya did not expect that he will meet so many newcomers.

First High was initially in good balance collecting candidates for magicians and magical engineers. It was a simple coincidence that in Mayumi's generation there were so few candidates for magical engineers. However, "good balance" in this case means "not a critical number in terms of the overall ratio," because the number of magical engineers in the total number of people with magical abilities is less than magicians who are considered "not magical engineers."

Even the first years who came to study, not all sought to become magical engineers. Nevertheless, the fact that the Faculty of Magic Engineering attracted this attention was undoubtedly for the most part due to the influence of the "Stellar Furnace" experiment conducted last year.

Thinking about this, Tatsuya waited his turn. The task of this practical lesson was to create a tin ball of the correct form with the help of a previously constructed sequence of magic, without changing it during execution. This is an exercise to create a sequence of magic that encompasses all processes from beginning to end.

Here is the sequence of creating the shape of the ball. Melt the tin, neutralize gravity, and with the help of surface tension, the shape of the ball is formed by itself. Without distorting the resulting spherical shape of the liquid tin, cool it until it hardens. Done.

However, gravity, which must be neutralized, is not only earthly gravitation. Although the gravity emanating from the mass of the experimenter and the observers can be ignored, one cannot ignore the attraction of the sun and the moon.

Since after a complete blockage of the Earth's attraction, the ball ceases to participate in the rotational motion, then we must also correct this moment, maintaining a relative shift in rotation around the Earth.

Also, to prevent distortion of the shape by air currents and other defects, it is necessary to make a vacuum around the liquid tin.

If the cooling process is not uniform, there will be a difference in the shrinkage coefficient, and here too, distortion may occur.

Instead of rewriting the information in "being a ball of the right form", recycling the substance into the shape of the right ball in a given sequence is advanced training that teaches magic control accuracy.

In total, there were five experimental setups. Each student was given 10 minutes each. During this time, you need to write an activation sequence in the editor, program the CAD, run the magic and complete the experiment. Composite modules are prepared for building the activation sequence, but students can freely choose to use or not use them.

Since the content of the assignment was previously reported, the students prepared their activation sequences in advance. However, it was forbidden to bring them to the practice room. Students must create magic by writing an activation sequence using their memory and mind.

Creating an activation sequence in the editor was displayed on a large screen hanging from the ceiling. But then you might think that this will help others cheat by spying, but the school thought this up, and organized the students in the order where those from whom the best results are expected are at the end of the list. Even if you try to imitate, having peeked at someone else's activation sequence, then as a result, magic is not activated due to a logical failure. If someone has the skills to be able to replicate the sequence, the idea of the school was to evaluate such an ability as excellent craftsmanship.

Tatsuya was in the very last group. He watched the actions of classmates 45 minutes from the beginning of the lesson.

Although this does not mean that the information from the students was not useful, but he prepared his activation sequence yesterday. Now, if you add new ideas, things can only get worse.

When the presentation of the metal balls made by the previous group was completed (the accuracy of the finished tin ball is the most significant in the scoring), Tatsuya went to the installation for the experiment.

Unintentionally, he glanced around the location of the fact-finding exercise. Either the atmosphere was such, or the game of reason, but it seemed to him that the number of first years was constantly growing.

An electronic signal indicated the beginning of the task. If you finish within the allotted time, the speed does not affect the estimate, however, in order to ensure fairness, since a time limit is set, the editor is locked until a signal sounds.

Tatsuya began, as usual, to enter the activation sequence using only the keyboard. He was not in a hurry.

He knew that for today's task, the established ten minutes would be enough.

On the monitor, symbolic lines of the activation sequence floated before him. The same picture in real time was displayed on a large display suspended from the ceiling.

A little commotion began. Although among the newcomers and there were no inconsiderate people who raised their voices too loud, but even this behavior could not be called good manners. Also among the voices came the silent warning voice of the teacher.

In addition, among the whisperers were not only visited by a group of spectators. The voices of classmates were also mixed with this noise. Classmates, who had to have seen many times already, that like Tatsuya writes the activation sequence, apparently were tempted by the behavior of first years.

These slightly confused thoughts Tatsuya immediately threw out of his head. Eliminating unnecessary information from consciousness, he invested all his resources in the construction of magic.

Tatsuya's fingers on the keyboard stopped. A large display that controls its installation for the experiment showed the process of copying the activation sequence from the editor to the CAD, in the form of a 3D strip.

Tatsuya was the fastest of the last group of five people in achieving readiness for using the activation sequence. From the experimental installation one away from him, Tatsuya's profile drilled Hirakawa Chiaki's annoyed gaze, but he completely ignored it, and activated the CAD.

The skills required for this task (as well as for the tasks of the Faculty of Magic Engineering in general) are not speed, not power, and not the interference strength in an event. A ability to accurately build complex sequences of magic.

Of course, this does not mean that the power and interference strength is completely unnecessary, but they can only add the process of acceleration to the magic sequence. Although the magic sequence will be longer (not much), but since the theme of the task is not the speed of magic activation, therefore, the extra time spent should not be a problem.

The tin bar, lying two meters in front of Tatsuya, took off, began to melt and lose its shape. Becoming liquid, the metal immediately took a spherical shape. Beginners from the viewing spots stared at this process. The other four of the final group have also switched to the stage of magic activation, but the eyes of the freshmen were chained to Tatsuya's model.

From the table next to Tatsuya's experimental setup, there was a metallic echo - this tin, formed into a sphere, has already returned to the table. The first to complete the magic was Tomitsuka. Tatsuya's model was still in the process of cooling.

Even when the second person (Chiaki) finished, Tatsuya did not show impatience. This experiment originally assumed that you cannot change anything in the middle of the process. After activating the magic, the student who started it can only look. Tatsuya silently looked at the metal ball, hardening in a weightless vacuum.

The solidification of the tin ball completed, it returned to the stand on the table. There was no sound of falling. This indicated that the process was completely controlled by magic until the ball returned to the table. Tatsuya finished today's task with the third in the last group of five, with the remaining time of one minute and thirty seconds.

◊ ◊ ◊

This year at class 3E, Jennifer Smith became the practice instructor again. The practice ended before the end of the allotted time, and Jennifer called Tatsuya into the teaching room.

"Shiba-kun is also in the school board, so I will speak briefly.

Now almost the end of the fifth lesson. Immediately after this, after classes, Tatsuya will have to go to the school boardroom. Jennifer was aware of this.

"It's still early for this, but what topic would Shiba-kun like to voice in the Thesis Competition this year?"

She was referring to the "National High School Magic Thesis Competition ", which is held on the last Sunday of October. This year it will be on October 27th. It is still very time-consuming, and a meeting for the representative of the school will be held only in June. Therefore, the question was not hasty.

-I have not decided yet. "That's why Tatsuya was not at all surprised and answered so briefly. He had not even decide whether to participate at all in the Thesis, but now there was no need to mention it. Although with Magic already had to apply for a qualifying meeting, this did not mean that he could easily reject this proposal.

-Here's how? Great.

-Excellent?

"Excellent, that did not start training, or what?" , - could not understand the essence of Tatsuya. His question was completely justified, although he just asked again.

Jennifer did not show excitement, probably because, to some extent, she predicted that the meaning would be called into question. It would be nice if she explained everything in detail from the very beginning, however, she may have her own plans.

-Yes. In fact, I can say to Shiba-kun.

-This is due to the choice of topic for theses competition?

-That's right.

Prior to this moment, Tatsuya's expectations had already been reduced to two options.

Either she will ask you to choose a specific question related to the "Stellar Furnace" (Magic sequences for a thermonuclear fusion reactor with constant gravity control), or ask not to touch the theme of the "Stellar Furnace" at the Competition altogether.

-Please, choose a topic other than "Stellar Furnace", as a theme for the Contest.

Waiting Tatsuya worked at 50%.

- Got it.

Jennifer looked with suspicion on the quickly agreeing Tatsuya.

- ... You do not even ask the reason?

"I fully understand the danger of the Stellar Furnace." I thought that this would be an unacceptable topic for the Contest.

- Really? Apparently, my intervention was superfluous.

In fact, Tatsuya had other motives, but the current explanation convinced Jennifer.

It is unacceptable for dissertations announcements at the Competition. Tatsuya actually thought so. However, not because it is dangerous. "Stellar Furnace" was the central link in the plan for the release of magicians, on which Tatsuya was thinking. He was worried that imitators might appear and patent before him.

-By the way, it seems that Kento-kun was transferred to Magic Engineering, just as he wanted. Though late, but congratulations. - In these words, Tatsuya did not have a deep meaning. He just wanted to change the subject. In addition, although he said "By the way", but having the authority as a member of the school board to see the list of students, Tatsuya knew about the transfer to Magic Engineering of Jennifer's son, Kento, back in early March, when the results of the transfer exam in Magic Engineering appeared.

-Thank you. "Apparently, because it touched on Jennifer's son, she smiled, losing her usual unflappable expression. - Even this year there was a high passing score, and in the next exam competition will increase even more.

This unexpected speech by Jennifer contained information unfamiliar to Tatsuya. It was just chatter, but his curiosity was awakened.

-We've just finished the arrival ceremony, and there are already signs of this?

On Jennifer's face surfaced a barely noticeable expression "here's the devil," apparently this was something that cannot be reported to students. However, she quickly changed her mind, deciding that "no need to keep it a secret." She answered Tatsuya's doubts as simply as she could.

-At the entrance examinations this year, compared to the results of the previous years, there were a lot of people who showed high scores for magic engineering. Among the newcomers are also many students with excellent skills in this direction, and their number is in much greater proportion, compared with previous years.

Tatsuya soon realized something. It seems his feeling that there were too many spectators in a practical lesson was not a mistake. The reason was illuminated by Jennifer before Tatsuya brought it up with her.

-As expected, last year's experiment "Stellar Furnace" had a big impact. It seems that the students who would normally choose Fourth High decided to enter our school. Therefore apparently this year the pass mark on the exams was raised.

-I see. To do something so bad ... was inappropriate.

-You should take into account that the level of newcomers has risen.

After the return of the answer, which was either a joke or a serious one, Jennifer gave Tatsuya permission to leave with the words "the conversation is over."

◊ ◊ ◊

From an objective point of view, the conversation time with Jennifer was not long. When Tatsuya opened the door to the school boardroom, only Pixie was inside.

Connected to the security system of the school boardroom room (and not only her) Pixie must have noticed the entrance of Tatsuya. However, she did not meet Tatsuya. Of course, something, like "You have returned Master," was also not said.

Tatsuya took his seat and launched the terminal. The startup process was instantaneous, so he immediately went to work.

Having made sure that there are no instructions for it, Pixie moved and stood opposite the dining processor. The original function of 3H is the "wireless humanoid interface of home automation". They are usually used for centralized management of something like vacuum cleaners, kitchen stoves, air conditioners, etc. Automation for stores, having the same basic structure, but different scale, can also be controlled by updating the firmware. The dining processor, installed in the school board room, was a professional model for business use, but Pixie easily managed it remotely.

The lunch processor came into motion at the same moment that Pixie stood in front of him. Coffee was released from the depths of the dining processor for Pixie to Tatsuya. The coffee was heated automatically, but this machine could be called her third and fourth hands. The heated coffee had a taste that was finely adjusted in accordance with Tatsuya's preference. Tatsuya no longer ordered chilled coffee, so Pixie returned to the waiting chair.

Immediately after Pixie sat down, the school boardroom admitted second- year students Izumi and Minami. Izumi saw that Tatsuya was present, and, it seems, thought that Miyuki had also come. But when she saw the vacant seat of the president of the school board, she showed an undisguised disappointment on her face. On the other hand, Minami, seeing Tatsuya's coffee cup standing on the table, felt a slight displeasure.

Fortunately, the complaints of both quickly evaporated.

"Tatsuya-san, are you here already?"

- Izumi-chan and Minami-chan are also fast.

Miyuki and Honoka arrived before Izumi and Minami managed to take their seats.

Minami, instead of starting her terminal, went to make tea. Pixie holds in her hands various devices in the room of the school board, except information equipment, but this does not mean that she blocks them. On request, manual operation is possible. Minami made black tea for four people, including herself. There were no ulterior motives that it was not coffee, probably.

Another member of the school board, just enrolled in the school and the school board of Shiina, seems a bit late.

◊ ◊ ◊

Shiina was late not because the classes were delayed. Today and tomorrow begins attending specialized courses (magic training and practice). Second course students who do not have teachers, can freely attend classes, and first course students do everything according to the instruction of the practice teacher. Although this was not an established rule, but at least among the first course students, there was no one willing to "get off the rails" immediately after the reception.

Since the teacher who controls the visit is in all classes A through D, they do not have such a thing as extended time or overlapping schedules. On the contrary, following from the idea that it takes time to learn what is seen with their own eyes, the students should return to classes from the overview classes before, after which they will have free time.

This principle was also used in the last lesson of the first day. In the case of class A, after the review tour there was still more than 10 minutes. The lesson ended quickly, and the usual thought at this point is that you can quickly come to the school board room, however this excess of time resulted in a harmful effect.

Yesterday Shiina was invited to the school board room after the inauguration ceremony, and, after talking about joining the school board, they went home alone with Saburou. The classmates did not have the opportunity to talk quietly with Shiina. Today, at lunchtime, Shiina went to eat with her classmates, but they ate more than they talked, so they did not talk too much. It was also awkward to make noise under the eyes of high school students.

Classmates from Class A very much wanted to establish an "acquaintance" with Shiina.

A representative of this year's newcomers. The only person this year who is in direct relationship with the Ten Master Clans. However, despite all these titles, it seemed that the main reason that classmates of both sexes crowded around Shiina was that she was a beautiful girl, attractive even for her sex.

For first years, Miyuki's a third-year student, and besides being the next head of the Yotsuba family, was a woman whose outrageous beauty inspired fear. It was a level when you froze in fear, just met with glances. Around Kasumi and Izumi, there was also an atmosphere that they could not just be called. Especially Izumi, despite the fact that she looked affable, she felt some nervousness and shyness. And the direct descendant of the Mitsuya family, Shiina, did not have similar difficulties for rapprochement.

As soon as the teacher left the classroom, Shiina was immediately surrounded by classmates and could not move. This continued even after the end of the classes with the same strong pressure.

Shiina was troubled by the time. She did not forget that she should go to the school boardroom. But by nature, she is a company loving personality. It can be said that this is a rarity for a woman from the Ten Master Clans. Perhaps it is also influenced by the fact that she is the youngest child in the family, separated by age among seven brothers and sisters.

For Shiina, who was worried that she would be avoided because she was from the Ten Master Clans, this kind of environment by classmates was a pleasant situation. Honestly, she considered herself guilty, that she gathered all the attention of others, except for the moment that the current situation was close to how she imagined her daily life as a high school student, thinking: "It would be so good."

"I do not want to be avoided and made comments for the fact that I cannot read the situation," - I thought Shiina and could not talk about the school board in any way. But her faithful childhood friend rescued her from this goodwill prison.

- Shiina-Ojou-sama!

[note. Translated as "young lady" or "daughter of a wealthy family". Like any Onii-sama, left as is, as it is difficult to convey the Japanese mentality by translating this word.]

On a loud voice from the entrance to the classroom, with puzzled faces, not only the classmates of the A class that surrounded Shiina, turned around. Shiina herself looked inquiringly. No, Shiina looked just the most puzzled.

"It's time for you to go to the school board!"

Suddenly, Saburou's eccentric behavior aroused little interest, but the impatient voice of the other person made him realize that "it's time for her to go."

"The school board?" A ~, already so much time!

Shiina's classmates also finally realized that they were delaying her.

"I'm sorry, Mitsuya-san." Hey guys! Let her pass!

- Mitsuya-san, forgive us for this?

They, too, did not have malicious intent, detaining Shiina. They were unconsciously engrossed in the conversation.

The first-formers simply did not have the courage to interfere with the activities of the school board immediately after entering the school, so classmates apologized one by one to Shiina.

- No, I'm also very sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.

Shiina waved her hand in a friendly way, left the ring of her classmates and walked briskly toward Saburou waiting at the open door.

Shiina quickly ran up the stairs, Saburou followed at her heels. On the way from the third floor to the next landing, Shiina started talking with Saburou.

-Saburou-kun, thank you.

-It's my pleasure. I know perfectly well that in such a situation Shiina cannot object to other people.

"Of course it is, but ..." Saburou answered, Shiina was displeased. There was a feeling that her cheeks were puffed up. But, realizing that he was absolutely right, she did not object.

"... More than that, Saburou-kun, what was that?"

Although this was a direct translation of the topic, she was also curious about what it was like for Ojou-sama's unusual treatment.

-What, what was it?

-Well, what, what did you say "Shiina-Ojou-sama" for ...

-And what's wrong with that? "Saburou did not pretend to be a fool." - Is not it an obvious fact that you are an "Ojou-sama"?

For Saburou, the appeal of "Shiina-Ojou-sama" was as natural as the treatment of "Shiina" without nominal suffixes. Saburou's parents were not people who opposed friendly relations with the employer's daughter, but they taught the son to see the differences and not be irresponsible.

Shiina did not seem to agree with Saburou's answer, but she did not have any thoughts that could be refuted. She more than understood that in the company of magicians she is none other than "Ojou-sama." Because of the absence, than to object, the pressure on her cheeks increased even more.

However, she believed that it would be too childish, really pout, and refrained from doing so.

- ... Anyway, thanks for that. That's enough about all this.

It seems, instead of demonstrating the complaint with an expression of a person, Shiina decided to show that she was offended by her voice and actions.

Having said this, reaching the fourth floor, she defiantly turned away from Saburou and went to the school board room, burned by his gaze.

Left behind by Shiina, Saburou stopped in the middle of the stairs and sighed.

Saburou thought that such a childlike behavior of Shiina is quite an attractive feature. Also, he was glad that, not showing such a trait to anyone but him, even to his family, she proved by this that she completely trusts him.

However, Saburou's present behavior was puzzled. Shiina went away without any instructions for him. In other words, left him free to act. But for Saburou, "freedom", in most cases, was a nuisance that he could not cope with without knowing what to do.

When you cannot do anything without an order, it's like being a slave or a robot. Even he knew it was bad. But this did not mean that he acts by following orders 24 hours a day. On the contrary, right up until a few days ago, he spent almost all the time in training, occasionally interrupting small- scale work.

Nevertheless, if Shiina is within sight, then there is nothing to worry about the time spent. Saburou always decided what to do to himself, on the basis of the fact that he is the guard of Shiina. It was the basis of his identity to be the protector of Shiina. ... Until half a year ago.

When he was informed that he had been removed from the post of guardian, due to lack of talent. He was not angry at anyone. At parents, too, there was no point in getting angry. First of all, he would not even know Shiina if he were born at another time, so it's completely illogical to be angry with his parents.

In addition, Saburou did not give up yet. He was aware of the lack of power at the moment, but he believed that talent and ability were not the same thing. If there is not enough strength, then we'll sharpen our skills to compensate for this. He decided so.

He did not know what, specifically, he should do. Perhaps it was teenage prejudice. It was worth noting that his heart was not broken when he was deprived of his identity. His parents also thought so and allowed him to go to First High .

But then it was just a conversation about the possibility. Now Saburou is not allowed to directly serve Shiina. Therefore, he committed a gross error yesterday, thinking that he must observe from afar.

Without ideas of what to do next, he by inertia went up the stairs. He did not even think about returning home early. Accompanying Shiina on her way to and from school is one of the few privileges that were left to him. In search of a place to kill time, Saburou went to the roof.

On the roof of First High was a real mini-garden. Various flowers and herbs (as a remedy against insects) grew in flower beds made in the form of steps, which were closed with a case for the winter, and benches were placed in the free space between the flower beds.

The weather today was clear and windless. Despite the fact that it was an April evening, the roof was quite warm. It was comfortable, as if immersed in warm, and not in hot or cold water.

Such weather caused drowsiness.

On a bench of the roof the thoroughbred cat was dozing. Saburou suddenly stopped and stared at the picture before him.

Slender relaxed body. Hair of medium length with a bizarre, slightly light color. A beautiful face was visible, even if it was half hidden in her hand, used like a pillow, and her eyes were closed. This student was really like a thoroughbred cat.

She looked older than Shiina. Most likely, a high school student. On his shoulder, there was neither a logo with eight petals, nor emblems in the form of an eight-pointed gear. ... It was the same as Saburou himself.

In other words, it was sempai from the second course.

Saburou was fascinated by the look of a sleeping high school student for almost ten seconds before he could regain composure. The first thing he thought was, "Maybe it's better to wake her up?"

The season only changed in April. Although it's warm now, the air will cool down quickly in the evening. The wind can blow. If you sleep on the roof in such conditions, you can catch a cold.

However, when he was about to wake her up, it occurred to him that this situation could lead to a misunderstanding. Right now only he and this sempai were on the roof. When she wakes up, she may mistake him for some pervert. Or for a fetishist, who loves to spy on the sleeping schoolgirls. You cannot call this a 100% error (although only for 10 seconds, but Saburou was fascinated by the sight of this high school student), but if such a delusion emerges, it will be a big problem.

Saburou stopped the foot he had entered for a step and began to retreat very slowly and quietly back. To avoid the possible consideration of him as a pervert, he tore his eyes from the high school student and turned toward the door leading to the school staircase.

- No need to run away, it's okay.

On the side, from the bench to which he had just looked, a voice was heard. Caught unawares by a well-chosen moment, Saburou froze in place. At first, barely raising her head, now the high school student rose and sat.

Not caring about Saburou's suspicious behavior, the student stretched herself properly. In this, too, there was something feline. However, by lowering her arms raised while stretching, she looked at Saburou with a look that contained the power of a panther or a tigress, not a cat.

"I did not take you for a pervert." You were worried that I would catch a cold and want to wake up?

- Y-yes, em ...

The explanation fell exactly on the target, why not only the language, but Saburou's whole body refused to obey.

- Hmm ...

Studying his gaze, the student nodded with a understanding sort of face.

Saburou felt very uncomfortable. The senpai, who opened her eyes, was much prettier than he imagined when he saw the sleeping face. She was full of energy and full of cheerful charm. Although he was concerned about the reaction to just staring at such a beauty, this girl was not only a cutie, but she also had a gaze that pierced to the bone.

Not to the depths of my soul. It was the power of a master's look that you do not expect to see in a girl, and who at first sight sees the level of your strength and abilities, character, strengths and weaknesses.

"... She, if I'm not mistaken ..."

The name suddenly arose in the mind of the reflecting Saburou.

-Um ...

-Um, what?

"I'm sorry if I make a mistake!" Tell me, and the name of the senpai case is not Chiba Erika-san !?

Hearing Saburou's question, Erika widened her eyes first, and then narrowed her interest.

"Ho-ho ... Do you know me, then?" And the very name of something?

-I'm sorry! Saburou unconsciously straightened up. Not because of the fact that he is a high school student. Not the head, but the body ordered to treat Erika with utmost courtesy. - Class 1G, Yaguruma Saburou.

-First-grader Yaguruma, then. As you have already said, I am Chiba Erika from class 3F. If you know about me, then you are keen on kenjutsu? I suppose you specialize in short weapons, such as a knife.

By Erika's explanation, Saburou was more impressed than wary. He thought, if she really could see the learned techniques of the enemy with one glance, then it definitely was a level higher than his instructor, from whom he trained in hand-to-hand fighting. Saburou, who had recognized the well- known Erika for a long time, only now understood this.

"Such insight, this one underestimated you." This one is fond of self-defense methods using folding knives and short clubs.

[note. He spoke in a very formal tone, belittling himself to such an extent that he speaks of himself in the third person.]

Hearing Saburou's too formal tone, Erika scratched her head awkwardly.

-These formalities ... From such a way to talk to the interlocutor will be uncomfortable.

"Uh, it's ... I'm sorry."

-I do not need to be so formal with me. And do not need any "this", "I" [ore] completely off. What you usually use.

-Did you understand even this? ...

This time, what Saburou admired (about the "usually use"), was told by Erika at random. But Erika did not bother to correct Saburou's thoughts.

"By the way, you said you're working on self-defense skills, but ... I do not think so." Even if your self-defense is really self-defense, it is not meant to protect you. Some dark skills that will become a shield that protects the master. Is it not?

This question was asked confidently, almost in the affirmative.

- Did you grasp even this ...?

Saburou said the same words, but in a different tone. The previous words sounded simply with surprise, and this time it was a shock in the form of "I cannot believe it."

The stunned Saburou on the other hand, Erika frowned for a moment, but immediately made a face like "I do not care."

- Well, I also teach some techniques in my parents' house.

When Saburou heard this, a light appeared in his eyes. It was a light that could only be called a "burning flame."

- Chiba-senpai. I think this will be impertinent, but could you teach me?

After reading in Saburou's eyes a strong thirst, no, thirsting for strength, Erika broke away from the back of the bench. It was worth it to straighten up, as the air filled the chilling atmosphere. Saburou stared at this change with wide eyes.

- What do you want me to teach you?

The language of Saburou, who was shy from all these surprises, was already normal. Now the obstacle for Saburou was a dry throat. Having moistened his dry throat, swallowing saliva, Saburou, having collected all his willpower, answered Erika's question:

-... Ways how to become stronger.

-Why do you want to become stronger?

The drying of the throat only intensified. Saburou, almost coughing from this dryness, again swallowed saliva and through his strength spoke in a hoarse voice.

-Because I want to be able to protect this person with my own hands.

-With your own hands, then?

Erika closed her eyes and smiled cynically.

"It's not good, to be honest."

Opening her eyes, she looked at Saburou with a satisfied grin.

- Good. I'll keep you company.

Erika jumped up from the bench and headed for the exit from the roof.

-Come after me. - Said Erika, looking back over his shoulder at Saburou, who was confused by her abrupt actions.

◊◊ ◊

The place where Erika was going was a small gym No. 2, the so-called "Arena". It had a wooden floor covering, and now there was a joint training of clubs kenjutsu and kendo.

- Hmm, well, here. Aizu-kun!

The pupil Erika was looking for watched the whole picture from the corner of the room. She bowed and entered the wooden floor and walked along the wall to this pupil. Saburou did the same bow, and followed Erika uncertainly.

- Chiba-san.

The president of the kenjutsu club, Aizu Ikuo turned to Erika and bowed. And then he went back to watching the training.

-Can I distract you for a little while? I would like to borrow a part of the training hall.

"I do not mind, but, if possible, will you join us?" If strangers are injured, club management and the disciplinary committee will make a fuss. With each passing day, it becomes increasingly difficult to hide such things.

-You will not need to hide anything.

-For Chiba-san, everything, maybe, is in order, but for the members of the club you cannot say that ...

"We'll talk about this another time." In addition, today I brought you to the club beginner.

With a cry of "Uh-huh?" in an elevated voice, Saburou intervened.

-... He himself, it seems, does not really agree.

-Um, no ...

Saburou was confused, looking at the head of the Kenjutsu club.

"Yaguruma, did you want to join another club?" - These words of Erika carried a lot of pressure.

-No, but, family work ... - This was not an excuse. The duties for the protection of Shiina were abolished, but being a subordinate of the Mitsuya family, he still had the possibility that some work would come about which it would be impossible to talk about.

-This is normal. His name is Yaguruma-kun, you say? First-year?

-Ah, yes.

-In our club kenjutsu there are many same, as you, doing family work. If you properly inform about such things, then no one will be condemned for missing the club activities. - However, when the head of the club said this, there was a feeling that you need to join this club. - Well, I do not mean that you need to immediately make the absolute decision to enter. After all, did Chiba-san bring you without explaining anything? You should make a decision by carefully thinking.

-... Thank you very much.

As a result, it seems that it was not coercion. Realizing that the head of the kenjutsu club was a sensible person, Saburou breathed a sigh of relief.

"Aizu-kun, you're too soft!"

"There was a voice that animated Saburou's alarm. The owner of these words was behind him. And it was not Erika, but someone close to her in strength.

Realizing that someone was hiding behind him unnoticed, Saburou turned nervously. There was a little girl, dressed in kendo gear. Looking at the panicking Saburou, she tilted her head inquiringly, as if asking: "Hmm?". No malice or hostility was felt at all. Perhaps that's why he did not notice her, but Saburou decided that he relaxed and clenched his teeth.

Surprisingly looking at the worried Saburou, this student looked at President Aizu.

-Aizu-kun, to miss the long-awaited beginner right from under the nose, this is unworthy for the president behavior!

The student pressed Aizu not aggressively, but in a tone, a bit childish for the high school student.

"Saito, even if you say so, we cannot force."

Student ... vice-president of the club kenjutsu and concurrently president of the female department, Saitou Yayoi shook her indexed finger, as if to say "you did not understand."

- Ts-ts-ts [* clicks tongue *], Aizu-kun, you do not understand.

No, not only "as if to say", she actually said it. At the same time accompanying shaking with onomatopoeia.

-Uwaa, as the page ...

-Erika! I'm not strictly speaking!

Hearing Erika's words, repeating what was on the mind of the surrounding members of the club, Saitou Yayoi returned her gaze to Aizu.

"Aizu-kun, you must not force it, but ask!" For example, cause a sense of weakness from what the sempai so persuasively convinces, and take advantage of this!

-No, will it become of this ...

-It will!

After interrupting Aizu's suggestion with a loud voice, Yayoi turned to Saburou. She did not hesitate to reduce the distance between them. Saburou could not retreat, behind was a wall.

-And so, beginner-kun! Uh ...

-Yaguruma-kun. - Aizu whispered the role of a prompter.

-Okay, Yaguruma-kun!

Yayoi took Saburou's hand. Saburou for some reason did not shrink from either of Yayoi's hands, clinging to his right hand. ... Probably could not follow the developments.

Yayoi, in turn, clutching his hand tightly, gazing happily at him with wide- open eyes.

"Yaguruma-kun, are you good at this?" You must enter the kenjutsu club by all means.

Yayoi's supporters, frankly speaking, looked out of control to Saburou. If there was an enemy before him, he could easily shake it and escape. However, he was ashamed of rude behavior towards a high school student, moreover, to a girl who does not show any malicious intent.

-Set in clubs will begin the day after tomorrow. It is necessary to follow the rules.

Erika wedged in between them. With one hand, she pressed Yayoi on both hands, clinging to Saburou's right hand. Yayoi easily released Saburou's hand.

Saburou did not understand what had happened. But Yayoi, it seems, did not interest this technique at all.

-Erika, hearing from you about the observance of the rules is a bit weird.

-Yes Yes. Now we will start training with Yaguruma, so you can postpone complaints and invitations for later?

Erika responded with an appropriate way of looking at her with Yayoi's children's eyes.

-Training? You're from a tennis club! In addition, if you have time to play with the first year, then first ask permission for me!

-I already received permission from President Aizu.

Yayoi immediately stared at Aizu, and then returned her gaze, which contained a dumb question "what's wrong?". Of course, it was already too late to make a problem out of the fact that Erika is so free to visit kenjutsu and kendo clubs.

"Besides, we did not come to play." - Erika evenly interrupted glimpses of the president and vice-president of the club kenjutsu. From this voice, Saburou felt a cold shiver. Yayoi looked at Erika with a serious face, and Aizu twisted his eyebrows irritatedly.

-Chiba-san, I would like to ask that the matter does not reach hospitalization ...

- Maybe someone who will go to the ambulance, I will.

Not only Aizu and Yayoi, but other members of the club who overheard their conversation, simultaneously looked at Saburou. He, feeling that he had to refute something, but not understanding what exactly, in a hurry, waved his head in negative.

"What are you waiting for, Yaguruma?" Start training faster.

Meanwhile, Erika had already taken off her socks and walked barefoot toward the empty seat in the corner of the room. On the way, she took a shinai from the wall. [bamboo sword]

Saburou also hurriedly took the shinai. It was about half the length of the usual shinai. Even this was a bit long for him, but, although his opponent was Erika, it was impossible to choose something better here.

"Yaguruma, would not it be better for you to take off your jacket?" Erika asked Eben, who was standing in front of her with Saburou's sword.

"I'm using a fighting style that does not need to take off my jacket ... And for your part, Chiba-sempai, will it be okay in a skirt?"

Saburou's answer was not a psychological attack, he asked seriously. The skirt of the female school uniform not only of First High, but in general of all senior schools of magic gets to the knees, and you cannot say that it can be moved easily and quickly. But these words were superfluous.

"Hmm ... Do you think you have time to worry about me?"

Erika disappeared before the echo of the last letter "e" disappeared in her words. No, Saburou even caught sight of her silhouette. But, since the preparation for the movement was not read, his consciousness did not have time to react.

-Here. - Erika's voice came from the left. Saburou hastily covered himself with a shinai. Saburou's block delivered by the shinai blocked a powerful blow. Instantly squeezing the joints, he tried to repel the blow.

-It was a bad move.

However, the next moment Saburou felt a burning pain on his back and fell forward.

"Although it was a complicated technique, I think it is suitable for Yaguruma's battle style?"

Overcoming the pain, Saburou turned. Erika stood there with a shinai on her shoulder and looked at him.

-Will we finish on this?

-No, more ...!

The pain in the back has already begun to pass. Saburou thought that Erika had struck so as to only hurt, but not damage. In the training center of the Mitsuya family, he already had a similar experience. If it was a real fight with a real weapon, then that blow would knock him out. He would with a high probability even be dead already.

However, Saburou thought.

"Right now, my weapon is a shinai, the enemy's weapon is a shinai."

"Assumptions, like" If it was a real battle "are meaningless."

"I can still fight, only this fact is enough!"

Saburou rushed to Erika straight from the reclining position, without getting up beforehand.

-Jump !?

-No!

If you add meaning to the phrases of the people talking, they said: "Jumping magic?", "No, there were no signs of magic activation!". Besides, it was not a dialogue, they said it almost at the same time. Perhaps they thought about the same thing, accidentally creating the appearance of a conversation. All members of the kenjutsu club, both boys and girls, were able to analyze the situation and understand that "magic was not used."

As the high school students noticed, Saburou jumped at Erika with the help of strengthening the body of a type other than magic. Instead of hurling himself from above, from the prone position, he jumped horizontally along the floor, aiming at the legs. An unexpected attack on an area that is almost never attacked even in kendo and kenjutsu of the old style.

However, Erika easily laid him down. In a literal sense.

A short and Saburou with him were thrown to the floor. This blow of Erika made me wonder where in such a fragile body is such power. Erika's shinai did not touch Saburou's body. Leaving the trajectory of the jump, she just hit the top of Saburou's short shinai.

Struck in this way that the impact of the blow has spread not only to the hands, but even reached the chest. Saburou "dived into the floor" just because he stubbornly did not release the shinai from his hands. In any case, there was not damage from a direct attack. Saburou immediately tried to get up to continue the battle.

However, as soon as he lifted his face, immediately before him was a shinai. He walked past and hit the floor lightly. But the meaning of this was obvious.

- ... I lost.

Saburou interrupted his rising, and, bending his head to the floor, acknowledged his defeat. Erika led the shinai. Saburou stood up and bowed to Erika.

-Body control technique is very good. As if from heaven, Erika's voice came down. "But it's not good to use in combat."

Saburou looked up and looked into her eyes. These were harsh words. But Saburou had on his mind not a denial, nor disgust. He understood that the request for training came from him, because the opportunity to get advice from a strong opponent is very valuable. In a real battle there will be no guarantees to remain alive, having met with the enemy stronger than himself.

-Yaguruma, this is just a training session. You do not even understand this. Erika's conversion changed from "kimi" to "anta". [different versions of the word "you"]. Saburou felt that her attitude toward him had improved.

-Of course, it's important to always take the fight seriously. However, it is necessary to distinguish when to lose - normally, and when - it is absolutely impossible to lose.

-... That is, I was too fixated on winning?

-Looped on the duel.

Saburou was not stupid enough not to understand what was meant. His last sudden attack was a rather desperate step. It was a kind of attack, looking for ways to survive in battle with a superior opponent. As he was told, this is not the technique that should be used in training, in which you lose to try to become stronger.

"Even if it was a real fight, your attack would not work." You are not using the full potential of your body.

- ... Sorry.

"You do not have to apologize to me."

Indeed, it was, but Saburou felt that he must somehow apologize. Saburou thought that it was necessary to start everything from the beginning. Honestly, he practically did not get anything out of this situation. Only I realized my weakness. However, having already shown his insignificant level, he did not have the arrogance to ask again "I want you to teach me how to become stronger."

"But it's quite an interesting material for work."

- Er?

Saburou was ready to bow again with apologies, but could not understand the meaning of the words said.

"Yaguruma, do you have any hidden power?" Depending on this hidden power ... Yes, you probably can become stronger.

The words of denial almost burst out of his mouth. Saburou certainly had skills that are not used by ordinary magicians. However, it was a really dirty force that can only be used for sudden attacks and murders. She was not what he needed - to defend her power. That's why he abandoned this force and focused on honing his body management skills *. [i.e. taijutsu, better known to us as "martial arts"]

"You want to become stronger, do not you?"

However, he could not resist the words of Erika, who had fallen into the vulnerable place of his mind. Tearing his thoughts of a bluff that "I'm not capable," was melted by these words and disappeared.

-Aizu-kun, please, could you train Yaguruma? I, too, will sometimes drop by to check the situation.

"It's natural for the president to look after the newcomers to the club, but ... it's so unusual for Chibi-san to take care of someone.

"It's a whim ... no, a little change in my state of mind." I have one rival to whom I want to make a surprise.

- This supposed contender - already in itself a trouble.

Aizu could not understand why she was training a beginner to surprise a strange opponent, but then he decided to convince himself that "this is Erika."

-Yaguruma-kun. - Having looked with a pitying glance, he turned to Saburou, who did not understand at all what the conversation was about. - In our school, a set of clubs will begin the day after tomorrow and last one week. However, this rule does not apply to those who have decided to join the club on their own. If you decide to join the kenjutsu club, we are ready to receive you today.

"I ... need to discuss this with someone at home."

Using this excuse, Saburou escaped an immediate response. Before the chance meeting with Erika on the roof, he was completely unprepared for something like that. And before discussing with someone, he wanted a little time to think things through.

"Then, today let's have a trial at the club."

"However, Erika did not care about Saburou's hesitations. "Let Aizu-kun teach you a little." Because, I think, for the current Yaguruma, of course, there are still many things that can be learned, instead of being engaged with me.

These words Saburou had nothing to protest.

- Okay, I have everything.

"Hey, wait, Erika!" How about a match against me!

- Next time.

Erika turned her back to Yayoi.

"Next time, you say !?" Great, we agreed!

Without looking back, Erika waved and left the gym.

◊ ◊ ◊

Erika was not particularly aware that she was a beautiful girl competing in this for 2nd to 3rd place in First High . ... Not for the 1st to 2nd place, because there was one person in a special situation.

Naturally, it attracted the attention of the male part of the students. The rumors that Erika "staked out" the newcomer guy, dashed across First High .

"Onii-sama." Have you heard of Erika?

This was said even at the dinner table in Shiba's house.

-Yes. You're talking about the fact that Erika had a fight with Yaguruma-kun in the small gym No. 2? From the president of the club kenjutsu Aizu came an explanatory that "it was not molestation."

"Already?" Aizu-kun is so punctual.

Aizu Ikuo was not selected as a participant in the Nine Schools Competition because of his habit of using his favorite magic, but he was a famous participant in the kenjutsu tournaments, consistently ranked high. These two were naturally familiar, and Tatsuya to some extent also had an acquaintance with him through Erika.

-Really. If the Vice-President helps a little more, then he will be able to breathe a sigh of relief ...

Hearing Tatsuya mutter with sympathy, Miyuki showed a smile, behind which was a small giggle. Two members of the school board were also familiar with Saitou Yayoi. Tatsuya and Miyuki had not had much interaction with her, because problem children are the concern of the local disciplinary committee. Salvation(?) was still possible, because there were no malicious violations of school rules that are subject to control by the disciplinary committee.

"Nevertheless, it's unusual for Erika to take care of a particular person."

"So it is, but it does not seem like a frivolous interest" , - Tatsuya thought.

-Maybe she felt some special talent in Yaguruma-kun. "A special talent ...?" Did Onii-sama see anything in him?

Yesterday Tatsuya caught Saburou on unauthorized use of magic. Knowing Tatsuya's "eye", it was not strange for Miyuki to think that if he had an outstanding talent, he would have noticed him then.

"He's really well trained, but I did not notice anything outstanding, except for psychokinesis."

-Does Yaguruma-kun own psychokinesis?

-Yes. Part of the magic calculation zone is occupied by Movement Systematic-type Magic, intended for direct control. In this situation, problems arise with the use of other magic. As a person with the same flaw, I cannot suppress compassion.

-... Partially occupied?

-As far as I could see.

"... Compared to Onii-sama himself, who has the entire zone occupied, this is not such a problem."

Although Miyuki said so, even when this is only a part, there is no difference in incompetence with limited abilities.

- That's right.

However, Tatsuya agreed, without saying too much, to reassure Miyuki looking at him with worried eyes.

"Then, what could this Chiba-senpai notice in Yaguruma-kun?"

It was unusual for Minami to interfere with the conversation of the two, but she had no choice, and she did it to distract Miyuki from Tatsuya's shortage.

-With a skillful combination with taijutsu, psychokinesis can be an excellent weapon. Because of the additional "invisible hand", which increases the chances of winning in close combat.

Miyuki, it seems, did not quite understand the meaning, but Minami, who had undergone heavy training in the main house of Yotsuba, heard about the "extra hand", nodded heavily.

- I do not know how much Erika is aware of the psychokinesis of Yagurumai- kun. But this is Erika. I do not doubt that she feels something intuitively. "There is something in Yaguruma-kuna," she could feel and want to train.

This time, Miyuki also nodded confidently. She felt that the phrase about "Intuitively" was exactly about Erika. At that moment, as if waiting for the end of their conversation, a bell rang.

He did not report the arrival of the guest. I did not notify you of an incoming call or message. It was a delivery service signal.

- I'll take a look.

Minami stood up before Miyuki stopped her. Tatsuya and Miyuki for some reason stopped eating, waiting for the return of Minami.

- ...This letter. The recipient in the address is Tatsuya-sama and Miyuki- sama.

In times of actively progressive electronic information networks, paper letters were to disappear as a species. This was predicted by many experts, but at the moment, this prediction has not yet come true. As the logistics network developed as well as electronic networks, or even better than them, mail delivery occurred in less than 24 hours throughout the country.

Staff costs were reduced due to intensive automation. This allowed us to obtain a level that is acceptable for practical use in terms of speed and cost. The postal service has existed up to now as an active service mainly for ceremonial needs.

- Who is the sender?

After Tatsuya's question, Minami turned the envelope in her hands. Prior to this, according to the rules of decency, she did not look at anything other than the name of the recipient.

- It's from Juumonji-sama.

"From Juumonji-senpai ...?" Miyuki asked in a puzzled voice. Driven by this voice, Minami tried to give Miyuki the envelope, but Miyuki gave the command to her eyes. "Give it to Tatsuya." Minami, without showing any displeasure, handed Tatsuya an envelope and a paper knife.

They have not finished eating yet. Tatsuya was puzzled if it was worth discovering it now. However, seeing that Miyuki and Minami want to quickly find out the contents, he cut the envelope with a knife.

The letter did not say much. Quickly reading, Tatsuya briefly retold the text:

-It seems that Miyuki and I are invited to a meeting to discuss measures against the anti-magic movement.

-For a meeting to discuss measures against the anti-magic movement ... us? Not both?

The question posed by Miyuki was quite natural.

- It seems that this is a meeting for young people from the "28 Houses". In the future, it is planned to expand the scope beyond the "Numbers" and create something like the Youth Branch of the Japan Magic Association.

"... Is this what Juumonji-senpai says?" No, I do not think I'll say it rudely, but it seems to me that Juumonji sempai does not look like someone who will plan such things.

Tatsuya showed a bitter smile, because the word "plan" used by Miyuki seemed to him amusing. It seems that she too succumbed to the bad influence of the world of conspiracies and intrigues.

-There will not be decided any bad things. Perhaps this will be a place, exclusively as a forum for exchanging views.

"Planning" * was usually understood as a term used for adverse plans. Realizing this from this indirect explanation, Miyuki blushed embarrassedly. [For the word "plan", the Japanese have several different words. The word used by Miyuki has a meaning that is closest to the "weave of intrigue."]

"That's how ... Sempai may be trying to create a community of magicians who will be responsible for the next generation ...

-Although, this time, most likely, Juumonji-senpai does not plan anything.

-Well ...

"Well, Onii-sama," Miyuki wanted to say playfully, but stopped short. The meaning of Tatsuya's words penetrated her mind with a slight delay in time.

- ... It was not a thought of Juumonji-senpai?

"As you said, Miyuki." This proposal is not at all like the sempai. - Tatsuya picked up soft words, but his tone was confident.

- Then, who ...

"You can think of the Saegusa family, but, in my opinion, Mr. Koichi's methods are not like that." - Tatsuya did not show modesty in words about the head of the Saegusa family, who was of age similar to his father, because he was not here as an interlocutor. "Well, it's an arbitrary guess." There is nothing to check it, and there is no choice but to assume so.

Tatsuya gave Miyuki a letter ... that is an invitation. It meant "read?". Miyuki waved her head slightly.

"So, Onii-sama, what are we going to do?"

Regardless of what was written in the letter, for Miyuki it only meant "what will Tatsuya do."

"I will attend this meeting." - Answered Tatsuya without hesitation.

- You alone?

"It's better for Miyuki not to appear there."

Tatsuya did not explain the reason for this.

- I understand.

Miyuki also did not ask for an explanation. Instead, Minami had a person asking for explanation.

-The meeting will begin next Sunday at 9 o'clock. The venue is a branch of the Kanto Magic Association. On this day, Miyuki will stay at home. Minami, you remain an escort for Miyuki. I rely on you.

"Yes."

However, there were no objections to Tatsuya's orders. Miyuki and Minami responded synchronously.

◊ ◊ ◊

Needless to say, the invitation from Katsuto was sent not only to the Shiba family. The letters moved at about the same speed, so Mitsuya's family in Tokyo received a letter from Katsuto almost at the same time as Tatsuya.

Shiina, who had six older brothers and sisters, did not have anything to do with this. Shiina was rarely attracted to official interaction with 28 houses. The eldest sister and the three older brothers who hurriedly gathered to give an answer, this time also did not include Shiina in the discussion.

Shiina was the only one among brothers and sisters, so distant in age. The nearest triplets-twins were 8 years older than her. Everyone is used to not taking her into account at such moments. The feeling of alienation was small, because this time it was not the only one left unattended.

After dinner, while enjoying free time (or simply speaking, sitting around) Shiina, decided to take up magical practice.

The mansion of the Mitsuya family and the still functioning Third Research Institute were at a distance from each other. Although the car ride would not take long, but the time was later, and instead of the Third Research Institute, Shiina went to the training hall of the mansion.

The Mitsuya family, which, together with the Mikazuki family, operates the current Third Magician Development Laboratory, also has the most modern training equipment in its mansion. Although this equipment did not have the latest experimental prototypes, its quality and equipment were no worse than in magic schools.

Needless to say, the training rooms of the mansion were used only by the inhabitants of this mansion. Of course, the priority was with the Mitsuya family. Many employees often preferred to use the Third Lab for training. As a result, the training hall was idle without use quite often. Seeing this vacant place, Shiina often thought that it was a waste, that such a wonderful equipment was worthless, but that night there was a visitor.

Saburou was falling on mats for practice.

"... Saburou-kun, what are you doing?"

Hearing the voice of Shiina, standing up from the mat, Saburou froze.

- Look and you will understand.

He looked at her and quickly resumed the mysterious (for Shiina) movement. Leaping up, he fell on his back. Immediately standing up, he fell again, but after making a half-turn, landed on his stomach. At the time of the fall, a groan was heard, it seems, it was painful.

"... I do not understand anything at all." - Shiina immediately raised the white flag. She did not lag behind her childhood friend in eccentricity, and simply refused to think. Saburou stood up and sat on the floor, cross-legged, then looked up at Shiina.

"It's a practice of falling." Shiina was also studying aikido, and she must understand.

"Even if you say I was still in elementary school ..."

She studied aikido until she was ten years old, while she was still able to withstand sound without closing her ears. But with headphones on her head she could not engage in martial arts.

"Besides, Saburou-kun, was this really ukemi?"

[The technique of safe falling in martial arts, called ukemi, is used to get minimal damage from falling and grouped for further action.]

Although she had no experience at all, she often saw the training of her brothers and Saburou, so she knew such things. Saburou did not deny the remark of Shiina.

-It is not always possible to reduce the situation to ukemi. Using mats to avoid worrying about injuries, I'm studying how to reduce the damage from falling.

-Why did you suddenly start doing something like that?

To Shiina's astonished question, Saburou suddenly twisted the face in anger.

-Today I was trained by the president of the club kenjutsu, Aizu ...

Shiina thought that looking irritated, Saburou was really pleased.

-I was attacked, dropping to the floor, I did not have the opportunity even to think about a counterattack. The instructor also often said that in the open air the damage from shots is more than from punches and kicks, and today I realized it.

"Kenjutsu, then ...?" Sinyin muttered in a thoughtful voice. She was interested in the question "Does the kenjutsu club practice throws?".

Saburou knew that it was normal to think so, so there was no hesitation in his reply.

-Among the combat skills that use the sword, Iaijutsu * seems to contain a relatively large number of skills taken from advanced jujutsu techniques *. They say that the style of "Sekiguchi Shinsin-ryu" of the Tokugawa clan from the Principality of Kisyu is a school that unites jujutsu, kenjutsu and Iaijutsu. Given this, the use of throw techniques by members of the kenjutsu club does not look strange. In particular, President Aizu seems to be familiar with Iaijutsu.

[Iaijutsu is the technique of attack, starting from the position with the sword sheathed. Jujutsu is the original Japanese name for what came to us through America under the name Jiu-Jitsu.]

Saburou enthusiastically explained this to Shiina. But, unfortunately, Shiina was not very interested. For her, it would be sufficient only to deduce "shots for kenjutsu - it's not strange". Listening to Saburou's story, Shiina reflected on something else.

- Saburou-kun.

As soon as Saburou had finished, Shiina called his name, as if she wanted to ask something.

"Shiina, what is it?" - However, this important question was difficult to ask. Naturally, Saburou looked at the nervous Shiina for some reason. Is this something that's hard to say? Do not think about restraint for me.

The cheered Saburou, Shiina, gathered her thoughts and spoke.

-Is it true that you were sticking to Chiba-senpai and you had a date during club activities?

"... Ha?"

For Saburou, perhaps it was luck that he was sitting right on the floor. If he was sitting on a chair, probably he would have fallen off.

"No, no, wait, wait!" From whom did you hear this error? Did Shiina not spend all her time today after school in the school boardroom?

"Yes ..." She nodded. - Kasumi-san and Izumi-san were told.

She easily betrayed the perpetrators.

- ... These harmful little devil.

Saburou was also familiar with the twins of the Saegusa family across the Shiina. Presenting these two with a surreptitious grin, Saburou seized his head.

"Saburou-kun, do not talk about Izumi-san and Kasumi-san." They, if anything, are your seniors.

Saburou, in truth, wanted to say "Shiina, these two have deceived you!". But it was impossible to say such things. He knew well that Shiina, distant in age from her real sisters and brothers, was very attached to Kasumi and Izumi as to two other sisters.

- ... In any case, this story is nonsense.

Instead, Saburou calmed down and decided to say only what was to correct the situation. However, unfortunately, this answer was unconvincing for Shiina.

-But you trained in the small gym №2?

-... It was not a "training", but a duel. And he coached me, as I said earlier, President Aizu-senpai.

Explaining Saburou looked away from Shiina. This behavior only fueled doubts. In this case, no matter how truthfully speaking, it will be impossible to convince.

"But is it true that you were there with Chiba-sempai?"

- ... True.

-And I heard that you came to the gym together. "... That was it." But it definitely was not a date!

As if noticing his stupidity in looking away, Saburou looked at Shiina, loudly denying this second-class hearing. A smile sprang up on Shiina's face, filled with the feeling that she had overdone a little.

"Well, do not get me wrong." I'm not against Saburou-kun's association with Chiba-sempai. I think it was too sudden, but, in my opinion, with proper rules, two years of difference will not be a big problem.

- I'm saying, you understood wrong ...

Saburou wanted to fall exhausted on mats. But if you surrender at this place, then it will be impossible to recover. He did not realize that it would be "impossible to recover," but this feeling in him somehow persisted. Gathering his willpower, Saburou looked Shiina straight in the eye. And now it's Shiina's turn to look away.

"... Then, why did it happen that you came to the gym with Chiba-sempai?" Saburou-kun, you should not have any connection with Chiba-sempai?

However, after this question Saburou again balanced on the verge of error.

-It's ... we met by chance, on the roof ...

-You were invited to a training session, just by accident?

-No, this is ...

A picture with a guy justified for treason before his beloved. The fact that it looked like that, did not notice not only Saburou, but also Shiina.

"It's not like the character of Chiba-sempai, who is being talked about in rumors."

Erika herself does not know ... or does not care, but after the Yokohama incident, the name "Chiba Erika" also spread far beyond the Chiba family. Erika's martial skill, which literally crushed the mechanized troops with a huge sword, backed by the reputation of the "daughter of the Chiba family", was highly appreciated by high-ranking military and security personnel who had access to the details of the incident.

On the other hand, Chiba's family, including the head Jouichirou, passively refer to Erika's fame, or even vice versa, make attempts to hide it. Therefore, among the people there were many half-joking rumors about Erika as the "secret weapon of the Chiba family", "Princess of the illusive sword of Chiba", etc.

The Ten Master Clans were also among "those who have access to the details of the Yokohama incident." Very fond of his youngest daughter (this can be said about any father) Mitsuya Gen shared some knowledge about Erika with the daughter entering First High . Saburou also listened to this story along with her, because he was expected to follow Shiina. In fact, it's Shiina who went there with him.

After all, Shiina's source of information was not only her father. She had the opportunity to listen to stories not only by Kasumi and Izumi, but also by Mayumi. Mayumi took care of Shiina as a friend of her sisters.

She also had interlocutors for close communication not only among the Ten Master Clans, but also among the Stam Semey. Although it looked like a departure from the formalities of high society, but in the conversational network of girls from the "Numbers", Shiina learned much more information than she heard from her father.

From the fact that Shiina heard about Erika, her temperament did not belong to the type, which itself will help junior high school students. This is the type that, pretending to be indifferent, finally agrees, if you rely on it.

- ... This I asked her.

Said Saburou, after which Shiina looked at him with a cold look, saying "I knew ...".

-But I did not stick to it! Knowing her skill, I asked her to train me!

-But after all, Chiba-sempai is quite beautiful.

-Well, maybe she is! But now we are talking about something else!

- Hmm ...

Saburou continued to despair, but Shiina's eyes remained cold.

◊ ◊ ◊

Even after entering the third year, Tatsuya continued to visit the Yakumo temple almost every morning. In fights in which he always lost during admission to high school, at the moment the number of victories has reached 50%.

However, Tatsuya did not think that his skills were equal to Yakumo. Initially, the strengths of Tatsuya and Yakumo were different, and Tatsuya knew that in useful areas, such as gathering information, reconnaissance and fighting, his ability was much inferior to Yakumo.

Even if we limit the comparison by one-on-one combat, Tatsuya can compete on a par with Yakumo only in cases when the battle started from a position where they see each other, and the team is "prepared, started." If the battle was to the death, Tatsuya would have won, but at the cost of great losses. But in victory, just killing an opponent does not make sense.

Nevertheless, Tatsuya did not go to the disciples of Yakumo in the hope of mastering any technique that would deprive the battle of this meaning.

Tatsuya is not a student of Yakumo, but a partner in training. While Tatsuya was weaker, he only trained with Yakumo, but now that the sparring skills are balanced, we can say that their exercises have become mutually beneficial.

After completing the last fight of this morning defeat, Tatsuya said goodbye and was about to leave.

"Ah, Tatsuya-kun." Wait a minute. - Yakumo stopped him.

- What is it?

Tatsuya felt that immediately after his answer, the surrounding atmosphere had changed. Not in a figurative sense. Tatsuya and Yakumo wrapped a wall of air, interfering with the passage of sound.

"Soundproof barrier ... It differs from the technique I know."

Involuntarily wanting to learn the sequence of magic, Tatsuya took himself in hand and switched attention to the words of Yakumo.

-Have you already received an invitation from the Juumonji family? Who will attend?

-Do you already know this? ...

Tatsuya received the invitation last night. Not even half a day has passed. Nevertheless, he was not surprised by this, knowing the incredible ability of Yakumo to gather information. He was just impressed.

- Because I'm a shinobi.

Yakumo's favorite phrase as usual did not explain anything, but Tatsuya did not begin to ask further, knowing that he would only waste time.

-Until it's determined, because I have not yet received permission from the head of the family, but in general, I'm going to go alone.

-Perfect. It will be better so.

Hearing Tatsuya's answer, Yakumo somehow agreed contentedly.

-Are there any signs of a threat?

-At the moment, it seems, there is no planned activity of this kind, when direct damage can be caused.

Apparently, Yakumo already had some clues.

- Does this mean that someone started an indirect attack?

Knowing that he would not get the right answer, Tatsuya tried to get information anyway.

- I'm not saying that attacks are not planned.

- Here's how?

Feeling that he somehow understands what Yakumo wants to say, Tatsuya stopped building unreasonable and vague guesses. He feared the risk of erroneous bias.

-If there is any danger, it will be only after the end of the meeting.

-I understand you. I'll be on my guard.

If the attack is against Tatsuya himself, he will not need to be afraid to attack the attacker. Tatsuya thought that for this time, it might be necessary to ask for help from the main house to strengthen Miyuki's protection.

"Tatsuya-kun, you should not be so light-minded about this." A monster, called a society, does not have fangs or claws, but it will easily devour one single person. Yakumo suddenly warned him. Tatsuya suddenly felt as if he had been poured with icy water.

-... I will remember it. - He answered in a half-reflex, not fully understanding the meaning of Yakumo's words.

◊ ◊ ◊

Yotsuba Maya's morning began not so early. Thanks to the spread of free working hours and working at home, even office workers were not so stupid as to rise early, but even compared to office plankton, she had a carefree morning.

Today she got up quite late, at 8:30, and after an hour she finished breakfast. Picking up the right time behind Mei Khayyam spoke to her in a polite tone.

"Mistress, a video message from Tatsuya-sama came."

"From Tatsuya-san?" So early in the morning? Her eyes narrowed slightly, Maya asked Hayama. Of course, Hayama did not allow himself such rudeness as to clarify that "it's not so early."

"It came last night, after the lady went to bed."

-I hope this is not an urgent matter?

-Yes. Tatsuya-sama said: "I do not mind if they look at them the next morning."

Hearing this answer, Maya, on the contrary, became interested.

-I got it. I'll take a look here.

-As you wish.

Hayama signaled to the maid waiting in the corner of the room. Experienced maids engaged in cleaning dishes, and prepared the screen in front of Maya. Having finished all the affairs, the maids were lined up in front of Maya and bowed. Seeing the nod of Maya, Hayama instructed everyone to leave.

Hayama, closing all the doors, pressed the switch, lowering the soundproof partitions. Then he inserted the memory card with the decrypted message into the standalone player.

The video message was short, less than three minutes. After inspecting to the end, Maya gave a slight laugh: "Hu-huh-hu."

-Tatsuya-san can also do such nice things, like asking my permission for such trifles.

Maya looked at Hayama with a look that required agreement.

-I know that it is preferable for the lady to be so.

-It's true. "But Maya easily agreed with Hayama's words, which could be called a warning. "But, after introducing Tatsuya-san as my son, I wanted to give him more freedom." Did it not reach him? - Maya said with an innocent face, bowing her head in an inquiring manner.

"My opinion is that Tatsuya-sama adheres to the natural order established for the people of the Yotsuba family."

- It is possible and so to say. Murmured Maya in a lively tone. It seems that today Hayama was not in the mood, and his usual jokes were not.

"By the way, lady." What do you say to Tatsuya-sama on his request?

- Of course, I will. I give Tatsuya-san the permission to act freely as my son.

With this justification, Maya gave Tatsuya permission to attend the meeting organized by Katsuto.

"In that case, I'll tell him that."

-Yes, and more, please add that in the future there is no need to ask my permission in such cases.

-Yes, I do. - Having bowed in deference, Hayama showed his agreement with Maya's words about Tatsuya's permission for freedom of action.

◊ ◊ ◊

A letter from the head of the family Juumonji arrived at the house of the Kudo family shortly before noon the day after Tatsuya received the same. Kudo Minoru watched indifferently, as if behind a TV screen, as his brothers fussed over an unexpected invitation.

Today, on a weekday, at this time he had to be at school. However, Minoru was fevered from yesterday evening, and today he missed classes at school. The condition of the vice-president of the Second High School Board, Minoru, worsened due to the accumulated fatigue from the busy days associated with the entrance ceremony.

Minoru was unhappy that he, a member of the school board, had to be absent at the very beginning of the new school year. Minoru, who did not know the truth, was convinced that no one was to blame for his weak body, including himself. He did not blame anyone, because he did not know why he was born unhealthy. He just could not blame.

However, Minoru reproached himself for not being able to transfer responsibility to others. Having magical power, suitable for the Ten Master

Clans, he could not demonstrate this power due to the predisposition to bed rest. For Minoru this seemed worse than not having the magical power of the level of the Ten Master Clans.

And the fact that the Kudo family left the Ten Master Clans only spurred his self-loathing. Minoru was not involved in the loss of status of one of the Ten Master Clans. He did not bear any responsibility at all. However, being the heir of the Kudo family, Minoru thought that if he could participate in notable events, such as the Nine Schools Competition, they would not have left the Ten Master Clans.

Despite his self-sacrifice, he also looked with contempt on his brothers and sisters. Brothers, sisters and father, whose pure magical power was inferior to the strength of his grandfather, Kudo Retsu, his cousin, Fujibayashi Kyoko, and also his own strength.

He loved Kyoko Fujibayashi like a real sister, and was sure that she was looking for a method to heal his body, but so far there has been no progress. He himself could not even join in important discussions on which, perhaps, the future of the Kudo family was being decided. He did not need to become an opponent in a dispute to his brothers and sisters who had a mediocre magical power, and it remained only to sit slowly in a warm place ...

Minoru did not notice that this despair weakens him.

He did not say anything (in fact, they did not ask his opinions), and it was decided to send Minoru's brother, slightly older than him, to the meeting, which was received by the invitation from the head of the Juumonji family. Although they say a little older, the difference between them was 7 years old.

At that moment, Minoru wondered what his brothers were doing here. The older brothers should be at work, and the two older sisters have already married and are sitting with the children. Only he had to stay at home.

Then, what is he doing here? With such vague thoughts, Minoru remembered what he was eating. As his condition improved slightly, he asked the servants to arrange dinner for him in the dining room. When everything was ready, and he came, he found the brothers and sisters at the table.

Before them on the table was set a lot of varied hearty dishes. On the other hand, Minoru was given rice porridge with a lot of dietary supplements for patients. Kashi was initially small, and Minoru already finished eating.

Deciding that there was no longer any need to stay in the dining room, he stood up.

Paying attention to the sound of the chair moving away, the next brother in the seniority looked at Minoru.

"Minoru, are you coming back?" - This voice belonged to the one who first responded to the greeting of the younger brother who appeared in the dining room.

-How are you feeling? - For the first time today, her second sister started talking with Minoru.

"It's a little more fever, so I'm thinking of resting." - Answered the Minoru who stood up, openly showing his desire to return to his room as quickly as possible.

-Here's how? Very sorry. If it were not for your health problems, I was thinking of taking you with me to Tokyo.

However, this intention did not reach the elder brother. Minoru remained helplessly in place.

"Does Minoru know the next head of the Yotsuba?" If your health improves, you need to renew your old friendship.

-Right. If there is an opportunity, of course, I will. - Said Minoru, and, bowing slightly, left the dining room. The thoughts of his elder brother were obvious. It is clear that the Kudo family, after losing the status of one of the Ten Clans, wanted to regain its strength, and for this, it seems, they wanted to bring the Yotsuba family to their side. And they thought to use Minoru for this. However, from such a naive plan, Minoru was suddenly nostalgic.

He met the brother and sister (now the bride and groom) from Yotsuba six months ago, in the autumn of last year. They spent together only a few days.

Since there were days when they acted separately or he was lying in bed because of the worsened condition, then one can say that in reality they spent together only 2 days.

However, the memory of these two days was a ray of light in Minoru's memory.

How he showed them the city of Nara and how at the foot of the mountain Kasuga helped to resist the opponents who turned out to be the pawns of a foreign magician. As they walked around Kyoto in search of this foreign magician, Zhou Gongjin.

Those two days were for him the time when he was exactly what a magician should be. After that, he collided with Zhou Gongjin himself and prevented his escape, and it was a simple job. He was not a difficult opponent, and for Minoru it was commonplace.

Now these were good memories, despite the shame of the day when he had to lie in bed in the hotel room under the supervision of Minami. Minoru, frankly, envied Tatsuya and Miyuki, who had friends like Minami.

After traveling to Tokyo, he again meets Tatsuya, Miyuki and Minami. It was very pleasant, even taking into account the stupid calculations of the older brothers. Such a thought originated in Minoru.

◊ ◊ ◊

Masaki learned of the invitation when he returned home from school.

- I'm sorry.

Returning home, Masaki first went to the room where his father lay. The head of the Ichijou family, Ichijou Gouki, who was in a state of exhaustion of unknown origin, was not hospitalized, but was being restored at home. Hospitalization was not required, because there were no visible injuries, and no abnormalities were found with bones and internal organs. However, this was not the only reason.

"Masaki?" Come in.

Gouki, who received damage in the battle, was not able to rise on his own, but he was conscious. He slept longer than usual, but in a waking state his thinking was clear. Therefore, Gouki himself hoped that he would be restored at home.

"Father, is it normal that you are not sleeping?"

Gouki had a bent bed with an electric drive, and he adjusted it to a semi- sitting position.

- Yes. Today, strength has largely returned to the hands and feet.

After answering Masaki, Gouki ordered "We continue" standing next to the bed of the subordinate. He, with the help of the remote, moved the page of the electronic paper attached to the bed. Gouki used his waking time to manage the subordinates of the Ichijou family. He usually left it to the nearest helper, but now there were signs of an invasion of Tohoku and Hokuriku. So he gave instructions straight from the bed to prepare for this.

- Father, did not the ship of the New Soviet Union disappear?

Hearing in conversation with the subordinate the affected topic of the suspicious ship, which caused Gouki's weakness, Masaki involuntarily wedged into the conversation.

-Belonging to a suspicious ship ... It was not confirmed that it belongs to the New Soviet Union.

Gouki's answer to Masaki's question did not make much sense.

-This is not an official conversation, so it's okay. Or, father, do you seriously believe that this ship could belong to someone other than the New Soviet Union?

"... The suspicious ship is missing." Perhaps it was flooded.

"Destroying evidence?" I heard you were talking about searching ... Do you want to search for debris at the bottom of the sea?

"Maybe it will."

Recently, Gouki's responses have become somehow meaningless. Since it did not look like he could not find the words, he had the impression that he avoided certain statements.

As if he was afraid of the ears of third parties ...

When this thought occurred to him, Masaki realized his own oversight. Asked about the suspicious ship was not particularly interested, but he also had previously prepared before this word. Finishing the conversation with his father with a short "Here's how," Masaki spoke with the "third party" who came to the hospital today.

-Tsukuba-san, thanks again for today.

-It's my pleasure. The state of the mind itself is gradually improving, but for me it is also a relief, because as a result this did not show my incompetence.

Tsukuba Yuuka in a joking manner answered Masaki, who bowed with gratitude. This was the last reason for choosing a home care for a patient instead of hospitalization.

On the day when Gouki was brought to the hospital, and there was no way to diagnose the cause of the weakness, the family was overwhelmed with anxiety. His daughters, Akane and Ruri became emotionally unstable and cried from time to time. Gouki's wife Midori behaved staunchly, but for the rest it was obvious that it was a pretense to cheer the daughters. Masaki also pretended to be cold-blooded, but in his mind could not restrain the excitement.

Those who extended a helping hand to them were surprisingly the Yotsuba family.

Forgetting even the surprise that they found out about the symptoms of the Gouki on the same day, they could not but accept the offer to send a specialist to Gouki, who at that time did not even know what to do.

And it all turned out that now this young woman, Tsukuba Yuuka, stood before Masaki. He heard that she is a graduate student at the Magic

University, but she has no medical qualification. At present, the magic calculation zone is not an object of medicine. However, considering the goal "to restore a healthy state to a weakened person," what Yuuka does is different, otherwise you cannot name "treatment."

But if the fact that the treatment is handled by an unqualified person, would be disclosed, it would cause problems in various aspects. Such judgments were also present.

"Will my father ... recover?"

The day before yesterday he was in a position that he could not even stir his head and it was difficult to talk. Until yesterday, he could not keep his position immobile when the bed bent. Given this, although still he could not get up himself, the ability to keep in this position was a great step forward.

However, despite the fact that outwardly he was on the mend, from time to time he heard that in reality the condition is deteriorating. Masaki could not calm down, just seeing it with his own eyes.

-Yes. As for the treatment, there are still a lot of incomprehensible parts, so I cannot say when he will recover, but the condition is steadily improving. Everything will be all right, he will recover.

Yuuka assured in the restoration of Gouki, without removing the smile from her face.

"Do not worry, Masaki. I will not stay forever. I'll be better soon.

Hearing not only from Yuuka, but from Gouki himself a vigorous promise to "be healed," Masaki seems to have calmed down a little.

"Then ... for today, please forgive me." I'll see you tomorrow.

"Ah, I'll see you off."

- Thank you so much. But do not bother.

After politely declining Masaki's offer, Yuuka, bowing to Gouki, left the room. The subordinate Gouki followed Yuuka to accompany her to the exit. When they were left alone, Masaki immediately wiped a polite smile from his face.

-Father ... in reality, how is it?

-What, it?

Laying his head on the pillow, relaxing his neck, Gouki asked. It seems that it was rather difficult to climb so far. Masaki hurried to the switch and led the bent bed back to the reclining position.

- Can I trust her?

Overlapping the faint noise of the motor lowering the bed, Masaki's serious voice reached Gouki's ears.

-There is no doubt that my condition is improving. There are no guarantees that it would improve if we did nothing. I have no choice but to believe it.

-It is so, but ...

On an emotional level, Masaki found it difficult to convince himself that one can entrust his helpless father to a person under the auspices of the Yotsuba family.

Although this is called a cure, in fact it is exposed without any resistance to the Mental Interference magic. Even if it successfully restores from the current state, it is not known what "bombs" can be installed.

-Masaki, if you start to suspect, it will take a long time.

-Really ...

As Gouki himself said, this risk was worth it.

- Since there are no other options, it remains only to believe? ...

With regard to the treatment of the Gouki, they did not have absolutely no clues what can be done.

-Such are the cases. By the way, Masaki. "What is it, Father?"

"You see the envelope over there?" I'm addressed to you.

The sudden change of theme of Gouki was designed to prevent the son from plunging into a bottomless abyss of suspicion.

- Open it.

It was not a personal letter, so he asked to open it here.

- Good ...

Masaki did not understand what this request was to, but, deciding that there was no point in refusing, took a letter lying on the table from the side. His face immediately tensed.

"A letter from Juumonji-dono ...?" - He read the name of the sender on the back of the envelope.

Taking a paper opener into his hand, Masaki carefully opened the envelope. The other party that sent the letter was their partner. It was necessary to avoid even the unlikely event that the document inside will be damaged, that it will not be possible to read it.

Seeing how Masaki's eyes reading the letter stopped, Gouki turned his head to him and asked:

-... What is written there?

-... This is an invitation.

-Where?

-Juumonji-dono proposes to collect magicians under 30 from "the 28 houses" and discuss the issue of countering the anti-magic movement. The time is next Sunday, the place is the branch of the Kanto Magic Association.

"Next Sunday?" That's pretty soon.

Masaki felt the same thing that Gouki expressed aloud. It seems that because of the difference in experience, Gouki was faster, but Masaki also thought so.

-It seems that Juumonji-dono does not want to be interrupted.

-Disturbed? Who can do this?

Kichijouji, for example, would quickly understand the so-called duty of Gouki. However, Masaki has not yet reached such a level (in the sphere of conspiracies and intrigues).

-For example, the defense forces. Or the police.

-... Does the government intervene in the affairs of the Ten Master Clans?

-This possibility is also there.

Explaining to his puzzled son, Gouki did not try to convince him. This was the educational policy of Gouki, in which Masaki must independently understand everything and come to an agreement.

- By the way, what are you going to do?

Gouki asked instead of explaining. Masaki was not so stupid as to not understand what he was talking about.

-I will participate. I'm worried about the possibility of an attack, but that does not mean that I can skip this event.

-That's right.

Gouki approved Masaki's decision. He also did not think that he would receive objections, but now the alarm of uncertainty was clearly dispelled. Instead, another alarm arose in Masaki's mind.

-Father ... In such cases, you must also respond with a letter?

-Of course. "Gouki replied briefly, however, unfortunately, Masaki never worked on drafting official documents for communication in the circle of the Ten Master Clans.

-... What should I write?

At the son who asked with a lost voice, Gouki looked with pity.

◊ ◊ ◊

The evening of the ninth of April.

Back home from the University of Katsuto received a report that he was waiting for a guest. He asked the housekeeper, who reported this, how long she was waiting. She replied that it was about half an hour. Hearing this, Katsuto hurried into the living room, not changing clothes. Despite the fact that the visitor came without an invitation, Katsuto was not a person who would be rude about dealing with partners.

- Sorry for the wait.

A woman in a business suit stood up and bowed to Katsuto, who had entered the drawing room and apologized.

-For my part, I also apologize for coming during your absence.

-Nothing wrong. But if you'd let me know, I'd have come home earlier.

At the criticizing words of Katsuto, the woman showed an apologetic look. With Katsuto calling back to the sofa, they sat down at the same time.

-Long time no see. I'm late, but I congratulate you on the succession of the Juumonji family rule.

"Thank you." I thought we'd see each other at the Master Clans Conference in February.

"Ara, I apologize for that." As you should know, according to the policy of my family, I focus on military service ... And my younger brother deals with the affairs of the Tooyama family.

As she herself said, she was from the Tooyama family of Eighteen Replacement Families. Its name is Tooyama Tsukasa. But in the army she is known as Tooyama Tsukasa.

[Last name in the first case is written 十 山, in the second 遠山. It is read alike by ear. About the fact that the Japanese are not surprised by the equally sounding names, knowing that they can be written in different ways, was told in the first volumes. I will use the writing of Tooyama for the real name with the Number "10" (十) and the writing of Tooyama for the "fake" name. In the text, both names will meet repeatedly.]

You do not even need to say that this is nothing more than hiding a real name, but in her case, her boss is also aware of this. Thanks to the secret agreement of the Tooyama family and influential personalities who were pulling strings in the secret information sphere, as well as managers of the army's intelligence department, she concealed her social status and engaged in activities that were outlawed.

"In that case, do you have any business today concerning defense forces?"

- No, I did not mean it.

Tooyama Tsukasa briefly answered by denying Katsuto's question, without any gestures and with a smile, in which there was absolutely no emotion.

"Then, what's your business?"

Tsukasa did not show disgust on her face about this impatient behavior of Katsuto in a formal conversation. Tsukasa this year is 24 years old. She is 4 years older than Katsuto. However, despite the age difference, it was difficult to maintain the usual calm before Katsuto. She, undoubtedly, was also brought up with manners suitable to the wearer of the number "10" [十] in the surname.

"It's about the invitation received from Katsuto-san." I'm really sorry, but in a situation in which, as you know, the Tooyama family is located, we are forced to ask for our absence.

- That's it ... Sorry, there's nothing to be done.

"The situation of the Tooyama family", about which Tsukasa said, was the connection between the Tooyama family and the army.

The Tooyama family was established by the Tenth Laboratory (Tenth Magician Design Institute) as the last line of defense of the capital region. Unlike the Juumonji family set up to intercept missile and mechanized forces, the Tooyama family was aimed at defending key points and escorting important individuals after the breakthrough of primary defense.

The Tooyama family are magicians not to protect citizens, but to protect the functions of the state. Their relationship with the key figures of the army is the strongest among the "28 families". They will assist in the preservation of key people at the time of the state of emergency. This is the task of the Tooyama family. Because of this nature, the Tooyama family is considered a shadow, or even a "dark" part of the defense forces.

"Ten Master Clans" was the mechanism that magicians did not become a "used and thrown out" political tool. They were created as an organization that can adequately respond to a country called Japan. However, the Tooyama family, being part of the "Ten Master Clans" system, will never become one of these Ten, because it is forbidden to defend the interests of magicians from the state, as one of the Ten Master Clans.

- And what about the reason for the absence?

This fact was known only by the Juumonji family made in the same Tenth Laboratory. Perhaps there were other families who knew about this, but pretended to be ignorant. However, the only partner that the Tooyama family could reveal their position to was the Juumonji family. If the Tooyama family is absent from the meeting, its position as a member of the "28 families" may deteriorate.

"That's what I wanted to talk about." I want to borrow Katsuto-san's wisdom by any means.

Even having the power of the army behind him, it would be a great omission to be expelled from the society created by magicians in the same laboratories. Therefore, Tsukasa asked him to help her with an excuse not to do this. ... But even in this case, she did not look worried.

-Even if you said wisdom, I'm not so gifted in such matters ...

Katsuto also felt it. There was no zeal in response to the response. And yet, Tsukasa was not bothered by this frankness of Katsuto.

-In addition to the Tooyama family, were there other families who reported they were unavailable?

For Katsuto, who only just took the post of head of the Juumonji family, this was the first collection of magicians from 28 families, and the first attempt to gather everyone at the meeting. Refusing to participate was quite difficult psychologically. In addition, they could not get rid of the worry that they would miss important conversations and that any decisions could be made without them.

However, in any case, this was a hasty conversation. "Are there any other families that refused to participate, except us?" - Naturally, such a question arose in the mind of Tsukasa.

-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.

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