Chapter 167

Tatsuya's group eventually reached the Yotsuba's Main House at 3 P.M.

The welcoming employees guided Yuuka to the rooms that the Tsukuba family always used.

Minami had been instructed to go to a four-person room that she had used until she went to Tokyo. She was here as a servant rather than a guest, she might have been included in tomorrow's preparation and needed to change into a housekeeper's uniform now.

Tatsuya and Miyuki passed through the waiting room in the Main House. It was between two Japanese-style rooms. Tatsuya was treated as Miyuki's brother rather than a servant, unlike Minami. Tatsuya felt a somewhat different attitude from the servants toward himself. However, it wasn't a problem that he had to call someone to ask about. He went to the same room as Miyuki calmly.

"Excuse me."

The one who opened the sliding door to say so was Minami who wore a white apron in a black long-sleeved one-piece. This outfit was the same one as when Tatsuya and Miyuki met her for the first time.

"Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama."

Minami bowed deeply that her forehead touched the tatami, and said so while raising her face. She called Tatsuya and Miyuki with a '-sama' attached.

"Minami, can you stop that way of addressing us when you're here."

Of course, Tatsuya didn't mean for her to call them 'Tatsuya-niisama' and 'Miyuki-neesama' as usual. It was okay when it was only the three of them, but Tatsuya was concerned that the other housekeepers, the seniors would stare at her strangely when she called 'Tatsuya-sama' in front of others.

"No, I've been entrusted a message from Mrs. Shirakawa to you."

Mrs. Shirakawa is a lady who oversees all the housekeepers of the Yotsuba's Main House, the easy-to-understand words would be 'Chief Maid'. Her spouse was one of Yotsuba's Butlers, the sixth in order, who assists Hayama in supervising all the employees.

"Tatsuya-sama and Miyuki-sama, your presence is requested by the madam at 7 P.M. in the dining room."

Minami delivered the line with a lack of intonation, which ended with 'that's the case', using 'Tatsuya-sama' and 'Miyuki-sama', probably imitated what Mrs. Shirakawa had said to her earlier.

Tatsuya and Miyuki held their faces. As far as their memory concerned, they had never heard Mrs. Shirakawa called Tatsuya with '-sama'. She called him 'Tatsuya-dono' whenever Miyuki was around, and 'Shiba- san' when Tatsuya was alone.

As expected, something was changing in the Yotsuba Head Family. It also related to Tatsuya. It didn't change in a way that was unfavorable to the siblings, but still there was an eeriness that it wasn't their true character.

"The madam's dining room? Oba-sama is waiting for us? Did she really say so?

"Yes."

However, Miyuki was worried about another point. In this case, Miyuki's point of view was correct.

"…I wonder if there is time to talk in advance."

Tatsuya tried to think about Maya's intention in a hurry.

The dining room was used for Maya's private dinner. It wasn't her private dining room, but a place where she met important guests.

Alternatively, it was a place to dine while conversing about top secret matters.

Tomorrow's Gathering would name the next head of the family, the intended meeting had left the Yotsuba Family divided. When the invitation, no, the call was received, it certainly inferred at a single glance, especially the things Kuroba Mitsugu told him.

With those reasons, Miyuki could only think that they were about to talk about tomorrow's matter when they were called to the 'Madam's Dining Room'.

"Minami, have Fumiya and Ayako also been invited? Yuuka-san and Katsushige-san, too, are they coming? Fumiya-sama and Ayako sama seemed to have arrived yesterday and stayed overnight. I didn't know about Yuuka-sama and Katsushige-sama."

"I see."

It seemed like not every employee in the mansion was informed about the dinner. Those involved in serving would probably be limited also, Tatsuya guessed so.

"Onii-sama. A discussion at this moment in time, perhaps, it's about tomorrow's…"

When Tatsuya was still thinking about it, Miyuki talked to him. It wasn't a question, but a confirmation from her.

"Yes. Most probably, she will talk about tomorrow's next family head matter in advance. I can't say it for the other candidates since I'm not one, but it seems like Oba-ue has her own reasons for keeping this under wraps."

"Yuuka-san has told us that she declined the seat, but doesn't Katsushige-san want the seat of the next family head?"

He personally volunteered to take on a role during the disturbance. It was possible for Katsushige to prevent Miyuki being appointed as the next head tomorrow, as he wanted the seat for himself. Miyuki thought so.

"No, I don't think that's the case. If he wanted the position as head, he wouldn't have done something that would've dirtied his hands."

However, Tatsuya's line of thought was the opposite. He guessed that Katsushige had given up on the family head position, because he could do such an outrageous thing.

"Even so, we won't know how things will go before the actual event. Anyway, Minami."

Suddenly, Tatsuya noticed something that he must confirm.

"Am I also called into the dinner?"

The message which was entrusted by Mrs. Shirakawa indicated that both Tatsuya and Miyuki were invited to the madam's dining room.

Tatsuya had never had any meals with anyone else besides Miyuki in this mansion. Of course, he had never been invited to one in the past.

"Yes, Tatsuya-sama is to come together with Miyuki-sama."

"I understand."

Minami bowed again in prostrating pose.

"When you need something, please ring the hand bell. I will come immediately."

She said so while pointing to the hand bell placed on the table with her eyes, Minami stood up right after she finished saying this.

"Minami."

However, Tatsuya called her.

"Yes."

Minami sat on the tatami, facing Tatsuya.

Tatsuya spoke these words easily.

"I want you to ask Kuroba-dono if he is available to talk now. If possible, immediately, only the two of us."

"I understand."

This time, Minami disappeared through the other side of the sliding door. Miyuki caste quizzical eyes at her brother for his request.

"Onii-sama, do you have any business with Kuroba-ojisama."

"It's nothing important. I only need to ask about some things from him."

"That is, is it connected to the disturbances that we've experienced?"

Maybe. I'm going to make sure of that too."

Miyuki's hesitation was shown in her eyes, she diverted her eyes. Without seeing Tatsuya's face, she continued her question in a little frustration.

"Why, only the two of you!"

"I just think that its better this way. It's purely intuition."

Tatsuya didn't convince her, his eyes were clouded with hesitation.

"Can't I… come together with you?"

"Kuroba-san would probably refrain himself from telling the truth in front of Miyuki."

"He will talk only if you're alone?"

"It's not like I trust that person. It's just that he tends to use terrible words, and other ugly things that you might not be able to bear to hear, he wouldn't hide his dislike of me, is what I mean."

Miyuki's mouth hung open, but she eventually shut her lips down casted.

As what happens often, silence fell upon the two people.

"…I understand"

The one who broke the silence this time was Miyuki.

"I'll leave the talk with Kuroba-ojisama to Onii-sama. In exchange, please tell me about every details that he had says to you, including all the harmful words that he may elicit."

"Understood. However, I will do so after tomorrow's New Year's Gathering. I don't want to burden your heart now."

"…Yes"

Perhaps, Minami had been waiting until a time when the siblings would finish their discussion, but she showed up immediately afterwards.

"Excuse me, Tatsuya-sama."

"Yes, come in."

"Yes."

The same as earlier, Minami sat right down after entering via the sliding door.

"Kuroba-sama said that he's available to meet you now. The location has already been decided by him."

Miyuki who had been worriedly staring, thus caused Tatsuya to give her a 'do not worry' nod.

"Understood. I'll follow his invitation."

"Then, I will guide you there."

Minami rose.

Tatsuya also rose, while nodding with a smile and having said 'it'll be alright' to Miyuki, before turning around and following Minami.

Kuroba Mitsugu was staying far from where his mother lived. She was the sister of the former second family head, Eisaku.

In other words, the younger sister of Tatsuya's grandfather, although Tatsuya had never had an exchange with her. Of course, it was his first time even entering this area.

Minami led him up to the entrance leading to the Lady's Mansion. Thence, the next housekeeper in charge took Tatsuya to the waiting room.

Tea had been prepared in the waiting room. The housekeeper who guided him began to rise immediately, what looked like an iron kettle in her hand, with the steam rising, probably because it was already in a preheated state. She poured hot water into the teapot on the spot before Tatsuya. As expected, it was not Matcha, but Sencha, Tatsuya had no reason in requesting either tea, and it was easier on him this way.

Although the teapot was lowered by the housekeeper, she left the iron kettle as is, Tatsuya wondered if it was for heating and humidifying. The hot kettle which had been subjected to an EM heater wasn't boiling, the hot water vapor was gently coming out.

Kuroba Mitsugu appeared, Tatsuya drank the tea up to one third of the cup.

"Sorry for making you wait."

The housekeeper who led him replaced his tea and put a teacup in front of Mitsugu.

When Mitsugu winked, the housekeeper headed out after bowing to them.

"It's alright. You don't need to wait that much."

When Tatsuya said so, Mitsugu put down his teacup and nodded.

He seemed to be fairly calm, as compared to his visit to FLT the other day. Perhaps, it was due to the fact that Miyuki arrived at the Main House safely, or he had decided to give up.

"Then, you said that you wanted to talk with me, I wonder for what?"

Hearing Mitsugu's words, Tatsuya rounded his eyes.

"I'm here to retrieve your promise."

"Promise? Did I make one?"

"Yes."

After hearing those words, Tatsuya noticed that Mitsugu had no intention in answering him voluntarily, he had to make him talk somehow.

"The promise that you made at FLT if we managed to arrive on time."

Mitsugu clicked his tongue. He seemed to regret his own carelessness, however Tatsuya didn't intend to withdraw his promise out of respect for Mitsugu.

"You'll regret hearing it."

"I'm going to regret it if I leave here without listening to it."

Mitsugu pulled his lips with a bitter face.

However, he opened his mouth hesitantly soon after.

"Very well. But, I won't accept any questions. Even if you ask, I won't answer."

After saying that, Mitsugu looked away.

No, his eyes were directed at Tatsuya, but the focus of his eyes was somewhere far away, no, most probably he was reminiscing an old incident.

Then, Mitsugu started his long recollection.

——About 18 years ago.

——We, the Yotsuba Family, shook our chests in expectation of some news.

——It was the late pregnancy of Miya-san. We gathered here quickly. We were waiting for the birth, at midnight, here in the Main House.

——Between that time and now, the memory of the tragedy which happened in 2062 was still fresh. When Maya-san was kidnapped by the GAA, the memory of that abominable incided which had turned her into a material used in a human experiment. The price of our retaliation, was the loss of key members of the Family, the sadness of losing 30 people.

——The next generation of life began to grow. Just that very fact was gratifying. Especially when Maya-san had lost her ability to bear a child, Maya-san was very happy with the blessing that Miya-san had. Perhaps, since she wasn't able to have a son of her own after that tragedy, she resigned herself with the birth of her nephew, despite not being directly connected by blood. Even if it was unexpected, we even thought that we might be able to see the twins reconcile their relationship. At least, we thought so.

——We soared when we knew there was a new life dwelling within Miya's belly.

——In response, we experimented with gene manipulation by overlapping countless calculations, the world's best Mental Interference Magician would be nurtured. The child to be born was expected to be an even greater magician.

No one doubt such a thing.

——However, the thing we were hoping for, wasn't only that.

——The magic which Miya-san excelled at, 'Mental Structure Interference'. The magic that could reconstruct the mind.

——If Mental Structure Interference were to be subjected on the elderly, the side effect would be strong. However, if the subject were to be a developing child, the side effect might not be seen too much, and the fixing degree of the magic was also strong. Miya-san said that the mind could refuse interference to the mental structure.

——Then, for a fetus which hadn't a mind and whose information was mainly undeveloped, no matter how we changed the mental structure, we could only shape a new born in order for it to have a similar power of mental interference. We were obsessed with such delusions by ourselves.

——After that tragedy, we were trapped in that kind of obsession. Somehow, we wanted to create a guardian with an absolute power. To never allow the recurrence of that tragedy, to create a magician above other magicians, would among the family be a transcendent person.

——Even if the opponent be a nation, or the world, he would protect us, the Yotsuba Family from an unreasonable fate, the owner of absolute power. The strongest magician who would have the power to destroy the world as an individual. We wanted to create such a transcendental person as a magician of the Yotsuba in the future.

——The whole family was obsessed with such a superhuman desire. The Yotsbua Family as a whole had such a deep superhuman desire, instead of an individual feeling inside.

Mitsugu's cup was emptied. He ran the hand bell while being frustrated. The rushed housekeeper was ordered to bring a jug of water to drink instead of tea. He shut his mouth tightly until the housekeeper finished the order and exited the room.

When there were only the both of them again, Mitsugu opened his mouth.

——We visited Miya-san that late night many times, offering our sympathy, praying for the child in her belly.

——We wanted to become stronger. To release ourselves from the clutches of this outrageous and unreasonable world, strong enough to get all the feathers out of our way.

——Then, we could protect our children with that power. Keeping them away from any tragedy, an absolute guardian.

——We only thought of our selfish desire without anything else, we advocated it from the heart before putting them into the furnace.

——Miya-san was laughing at our selfish wish, saying 'I also want to give birth to such a child'.

——Miya-san's Mental Structure Interference was supposed to change the mind of the child in her belly. That was our prayer, and it was supposed to help them.

——Maya-san also frequently came to see Miya-san. Although Maya- san didn't follow us in our prayers, her words hinted to Miya-san that she seemed to remember what love was whenever she looked at Miya's belly.

Mitsugu's recollection was interrupted.

He poured water from the jug.

His hand was shaking a little bit.

He didn't really let go of his cup even after he emptied it. If you observed well enough, he tried to open his mouth countless times, but his trembling lips forbade him from making any good choice of words.

Even so, after he drank two cups of water, he somehow resumed his recollection.

——However, that wasn't Miya-san's true feelings. Yet, we weren't aware of that until the month of her delivery, less than a year later.

——Miya-san's real wish was to retaliate against the world. The thing she wished for was for an owner of a power which could overturn the world. To destroy the world which hurt Maya-san, and the world which had hurt Miya-san.

——Miya-san wished for an existence that could destroy any other group, with the façade of protecting our existence, in the depths of her heart.

——None of us realized that. We couldn't comprehend her suffering in being torn apart.

"Then, you were born. The baby whom Miya-san had wished for, 'one who wielded the magic to destroy the world', that was you."

Mitsugu told him while focusing on Tatsuya's face. His mind came back to the present.

"You might ask, how I could know such things when you were just born. However, I knew. I understood right that instant."

Mitsugu's breathing pattern was badly raged. It was obvious that he was in a state of excitation.

When Tatsuya was about to propose a break, Mitsugu continued to talk as if he was possessed by something. His consciousness was flying into the past again.

——The late Family Head, Yotsuba Eisaku, my uncle, had the ability to analyze the Magic Calculation Area of others, he could also foresee potential magic skills through the system of psychoanalysis. The magic which was used to analyze the Magic Calculation Area that was widely used by the Yotsuba, was based off a Magic Sequence created by him.

——Eisaku Oji-ue analyzed the new born son of Miya-san. How much magic power dwelled within the baby, we were waiting from him, about what he would say that we even prepared to celebrate with drinks.

——I still remember clearly even now.

——Oji-ue told us this.

He said, 'This child has a hidden power to destroy the world'.

——He had the power to destroy all material and information bodies, —

—He also had the power to restore all material and information bodies within 24 hours. As long as one didn't die, he could revive them back to normal.

——That was unlike anything we wanted. However, it wasn't totally the opposite of our hope.

——The power to destroy everything. It wasn't a force which could protect us from the unreasonableness of the world, but a force that could destroy the unreasonableness.

——Force to restore all. That meant he could heal all kinds of injuries if he didn't manage to protect someone.

——Moreover, an unbeatable power. It was an essential resource in order to fight the world. The power for troops who could be replenished in succession, there was no need for extra combatants.

——We rejoiced right after we heard Eisaku Oji-ue's words. We didn't know what we hoped for. We didn't care about twisting someone's fate.

——A demon with the power to destroy the world. That was an existence that we, the Yotsuba Family, prayed for. Our prayer of wishing for the destruction of the world, the symbol of the Sin of the Yotsuba.

——There was no sin in the new born baby. If anything, the baby was the victim. However, we blamed everything on the baby, telling him that his birth was sinful, and bitterly a strayed.

——The wielder of the power that could destroy the world. Magic, at times, could be affected by intense feeling. Even if it wasn't his own idea, this baby might really destroy the world, sometime in the future.

——The Branch Families' heads and the successor gathered to have long discussion. It lasted several days, for many nights, I can't remember now. It was probably from three days, to about a month. I, as the next head of the Kuroba Family, then, also participated in the discussion.

——Then, we were thinking of a way to let the baby die… No, which was wrong. A way to kill him, to be exact.

——All who participated in the discussion paid a visit to Eisaku Oji-ue. We reached the conclusion that we would 'kill the baby right at that moment'.

Mitsugu raised his head that was gradually downcast, he gazed at Tatsuya's eyes. Only a tired laugh escaped his face.

"The one who submitted the idea of killing the newborn baby on behalf of the Branch Families was my father, Kuroba Juuzou. I also failed to go against him."

Tatsuya didn't say anything. As he was told that any questioning wouldn't be entertained from the start. He waited in silence, for the continuation of the story.

However, Mitsugu interpreted that as speechlessness and shock.

"Hahahahaha… as expected, even if it's you, you can still be surprised."

Mitsugu laughed at Tatsuya's humanity——although it was only his misunderstanding——he laughed.

"You weren't killed because Eisaku Oji-ue rejected our proposal."

Mitsugu disappointed and drooped. He even lost the power to support his head all of a sudden, his movement was like a marionette.

——Eisaku Oji-ue told us to think about a realistic response than drowning in guilt.

——As a case that accidentally worked, we obtained a force that could destroy the world. It was a force which could be the trump card of the Yotsuba Family. Eisaku Oji-ue was telling us so.

——After having waited a long time, the Yotsuba Family obtained a force that must be crushed in the guilt of self-satisfaction which they sought to throw away their guilt and 'kill the baby'. That was Oji-ue's judgment.

——'Tatsuya' was made to be the best combat magician. He could only use two kinds of magic, 'Decomposition' and 'Regrowth', 'Tatsuya' couldn't wield any magic beside the two. Then, he was able to protect himself despite not having any magic even in the midst of a dangerous situation, pure combat technology. Moreover, no matter in what situation, he mustn't have any outburst of feeling, his feeling must be thoroughly suppressed. That was Eisaku Oji-ue, the previous family heads proposal.

"From when you were a baby, you were raised to be a warrior. As early as when you were able to stand up, you were subjected to training in the optimization of your body. Oji-ue was serious. He was earnestly going to take advantage of you. The one who saved you from death was Oji- ue."

Words kept flowing out of Mitsugu's mouth. However, in that part only, he was talking to Tatsuya rather than of the past. Mitsugu said unwittingly that they were indulging themselves in Yotsuba Eisaku's decision.

After he was satisfied in saying so, he returned to sink back into his inner world.

——You soon became able to walk, and the combat training began. No matter how he wailed, the child's will was ignored. As the family always resorted to locking him up, he soon gave up on his rebellious attitude. No, his rebellious feelings were confined deep within the depths of his heart. The training also advanced at the pace of a normal course.

——Starting from killing a wild animal, then a military grade dog, then military strengthened animal, and finally a living soldier, training partner went in place.

"After Eisaku Oji-ue passed away, Maya-san took over the position of Family Head. Then, Maya-san and Miya-san made you into a subject of man-made magician experiment after a while. You are a successful example of a splendid man-made magician, then you became Miyuki's Guardian."

Mitsugu finally raised his face, and began a normal conversation.

"However, the combat training had still continued. It was quite excessive for your growing period, until it was determined that your training prevented the growth of your body."

"I also remember, what happened during that time."

Actually, he also had the memory in storage from before the artificial magician experiment, but Tatsuya was unable to realize it himself. The memory before the experiment seemed, like there was a feeling that he was watching a movie of his experiences.

"Well, of course. Since you were six years old back then."

Mitsugu's voice faded. As he recalled, he was drinking half of the water in the cup after he had poured it from the jug.

"Even after Eisaku Oji-ue passed away, your training continued. Miya wasn't against it. It was a given. Miya had her reasons to keep you alive. She wanted to get revenge someday."

Mitsugu drank the remaining water in the cup all at once.

"You, you are Miya-san's, weapon against the world. Without understanding the anger and sorrow of one woman's hatred against the world, we, the Yotsuba Family conveniently and innocently wanted a transcendental being, the symbol of our sin."

It was as if, Mitsugu was singing. Curse yourself, Tatsuya, you were are an abominable cursed existence.

"We knew this and wouldn't want you to be at the center of the Yotsuba. Not to give you the power of the Yotsuba, but to pull you away from the JSDF. We just don't want to repeat our sin anymore."

As he finished saying so, Mitsugu didn't show any further sign of opening his mouth. Tatsuya understood that Mitsugu had finished telling his story.

"I have a good understanding."

"If that's the case, now declining the guardianship of Miyuki. I'm sure she would hear this from you anyway."

Tatsuya shook his head and smiled in a sneer.

"The one I understood was the motive behind your hard to understand behavior, it was a centimeter barrel of guilt."

"What!"

Mitsugu stood up by hitting one of the armrests of the sofa.

Tatsuya stood up at the same time.

In Mitsugu's sight, there wasn't a single gap left open which allowed for him to kill Tatsuya.

In Tatsuya's sight, he could see a number of chances to take Mitsugu's life.

"As you've promised, you've told me the things that I wanted to know. I will now excuse myself, if that fine with you?"

"…Go back. I have no use of you either."

Mitsugu rang the hand bell.

The housekeeper who guided Tatsuya at first had showed up again.

Mitsugu ordered her to guide Tatsuya to the entrance door.

◊ ◊ ◊

It was 6:50 P.M, Tatsuya and Miyuki were guided to the Madam's Dining Room. Minami was the one who guided them.

Minami seemed to be attached as a servant, by their side even during the dinner.

When the sibling arrived, Fumiya, Ayako and Yuuka had been seated. Miyuki sat down in front of Fumiya, and Tatsuya sat down beside her in front of Ayako. Next to Miyuki was the seat prepared for Maya. It was obviously the second seat of honor.

A single minute before 7 P.M., Shibata Katsushige appeared in the dining room. As Tatsuya thought, all of the next family head candidates were gathered in this place. Yet, it still escaped his mind that he was invited to this place as well. Ayako was here not as Fumiya's escort, but as Fumiya's partner, as she was seated beside Fumiya. However, the Yotsuba Family defined Tatsuya's position not as an escort of Miyuki, only as her Guardian.

Katsushige was also alone here. Needless to say about Kanata, even Kotona didn't accompany him here.

However, Tatsuya was invited to this place by himself. Miyuki was a given, but even Fumiya, Ayako, Yuuka and even Katsushige hadn't raised any question about Tatsuya being together with them.

In this case, Tatsuya had underestimated himself. He was also underestimating the magicians who gathered at this table.

The five people besides Tatsuya, acknowledged that he was comparable to themselves, or at least, they had recognized Tatsuya as someone stronger than themselves. For them, Tatsuya deserved the seat he sat in. Tatsuya didn't know that they had thought that much about him. Therefore, there was no need to feel any uncomfortable feelings that Tatsuya recalled by himself.

The time was 7 o'clock in the afternoon.

The dining room door was opened. It was a door reserved for the Head of the Yotsuba Family.

From the door, Maya appeared in a dark crimson, near to black, long dress, followed by Hayama.

Everybody rose. Tatsuya rose from his chair by himself, the other five were helped by the men and women who served them from behind. Miyuki's chair, needless to say, was helped by Minami.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming despite the sudden invitation. Please sit down."

Then, Maya sat down gracefully in the chair that Hayama drew.

Maya confirmed that everyone was present in front of the table calmly, there were six of them.

"First, let's have our meal. Katsushige-san, Yuuka-san, if you wish, we have sake for you to drink."

Yuuka and Katsushige's line of sight crossed for a moment.

"Sorry to reject your precious offer. However, I'm not much of a drinker."

The one who answered first was Yuuka.

"Ah, that's right, Yuuka-san isn't too strong with liquor."

Maya generously nodded while laughing.

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

Yuuka answered so with a diplomatic attitude.

"How about you, Katsushige-san? I heard that you're quite a strong drinker."

Maya turned her eyes to Katsushige.

Katsushige returned by bowing properly.

"I only look strong on the spot… actually, I'm the type who'd have a terrible hangover. That's why, I'm sorry Toushu-sama. We have an important meeting tomorrow, please allow me to refrain myself from indulging in your proposal."

Katushige bowed deeper this time.

"Ah, you don't have to be so formal. I have no such bad taste as to force you to drink."

Maya raised her hand lightly while smiling and laughing, she signaled Hayama from her back.

After Hayama winked, the servants simultaneously retreated, and came back immediately with appetizers.

"As tomorrow's New Year's Gathering is in the Japanese-style, I tried to arrange a Western-style cuisine course for tonight. Please enjoy."

Maya used her knife on the terrine appetizer, and carried it to her vivid red lips.

Everyone took their knives and forks, the dinner began.

The dishes took the appearance of French cuisine, however, it wasn't French itself. Around this time, it was seen that Maya didn't require any need to be formal. For instance, when it was time for the fish dishes to come out, a duck cuisine came out instead.

Around the time they had finished eating and the sherbet was supposed to come out, Maya corrected her seating posture.

Naturally, Tatsuya also corrected his posture to sit up straight again.

"Then, let's soon get to our main issue."

Maya smiled with a natural look at the six of them in her surroundings.

"Katsushige-san, Yuuka-san, Miyuki-san, Fumiya-san."

Four people, excluding Tatsuya and Ayako, were referred to in the order of their age. The four of them were the Yotsuba Family's next family head candidates.

"You're the only four remaining candidates in becoming the Yotsuba Family's next family head. At last, I will name the next family head during the New Year's Gathering tomorrow.

Together with the four candidates, the six of them, including Tatsuya and Ayako gathered with Maya here. All of the employees except for Hayama, had somehow disappeared from the dining room.

"I arrived at the conclusion that it wouldn't suit your feelings well if you're told the result suddenly. Therefore, I plan to tell everyone here who will be chosen as the next family head in advance."

Miyuki was the most nervous after hearing Maya's words. For some reason, Katsushige, Yuuka, and even Fumiya and Ayako looked composed.

"Toushu-sama. Can you excuse me for a short remark please?"

"Oh, Fumiya-san. Is there something?"

It was surprising for Fumiya to block Maya from telling the result.

"Pardon my rudeness."

He bowed, a tension filled look came over him.

"Forgive me, but, I, Kuroba Fumiya, the candidate from the Kuroba Family am formally giving up the position in becoming the next family head. I'm supporting Shiba Miyuki-san in becoming the next family head."

Fumiya bowed at Maya and returned to his seat.

"Hmm… how interesting."

He responded to Maya's words that she had already decided the next family head, by giving up on his candidacy. In a sense, it was a revolt against Maya.

However, Maya wasn't going to blame him for this. A great gaze of interest fell upon Fumiya who dared to make his decision at a time like this.

"Toushu-sama. Would you please let me speak as well?"

"Yuuka-san, perhaps, you as well?"

Maya was laughing at her request.

"Yes."

Yuuka rose and bowed in a pompous gesture.

"The Tsukuba Family also supports the nomination of Shiba Miyuki-san in becoming the next family head."

After Yuuka returned to her seat with a bow, Maya happily raised a laugh.

"You guys, do you perhaps think that 'the head of this family isn't allowed to determine the next family head at her own discretion or something?"

She wiped the tears in the corners' of her eyes with a handkerchief and looked alternately at Fumiya and Yuuka with a funny face.

"No, I don't have any such intention."

"Toushu-sama, please pardon my rudeness in interjecting from the side. The one who thought that Miyuki-oneesama is suitable as the next head was me and Fumiya. Father also eventually came to respect Fumiya's intention and agreed for him to give up his status as a candidate. There wasn't any intention in objecting to the decision made by Toushu-sama."

After Fumiya's answer, Ayako mentioned their real intention at last.

Hearing her explanation, she lifted the ends of her lip in joy.

"I see… in other words, the Kuroba Family has decided to wholly support Miyuki as the next family head, in the past few days preceding the New Year's Gathering tomorrow?"

The one who answered Maya was Fumiya.

"Yes, we have no difference in opinion."

"Fufufu… Fumiya-san, you're a good son."

Fumiya had confirmed the intentions of Mitsugu behind this blatantly to Maya. He wished for Miyuki's appointment as the next family head to be delayed, the plot of the Branch Families to prevent Miyuki from attending the New Year's Gathering had failed. The Kuroba Family made sure that it didn't make any direct effort, that could categorize them as being a part of the group that interfered.

This step was probably an initiative in cheat their way out of the group that revolted. Actually, Maya herself had no intention to blame the Branch Families who were involved in the sabotage——as she knew that it would be laid in vain eventually——he didn't need to resort to such trick.

"Why has the Tsukuba Family decided to give up the candidacy at this moment in time?"

In the eyes of Maya, Yuuka's behavior was somewhat brazen.

"Because Toushu-sama, even when I see the current situation, there isn't any opportunity to lie, right?"

"Meaning, it's the right opportunity to sell yourself to Miyuki?"

"Honestly speaking, we are. The Tsukuba Family wants a track record of having quickly supported the next family head. Frankly speaking, our position is falling behind the Kuroba Family and the Shibata Family in terms of blood ability."

In this openly frank declaration, even Maya hadn't failed to grin.

"The family's ability doesn't lie in direct combat… the Tsukuba Family's intentions are well founded. Miyuki-san, it seems like Yuuka- san is in favor of you."

Although Miyuki seemed to be a little surprised at the sudden direction of the conversation, she didn't show any expression of being upset.

"Now I, in the capacity as a candidate for becoming the next family head… However, I agree with Oba-ue that the value of a magician isn't solely based on their combat effectiveness."

Maya nodded at Miyuki as if saying 'well said'.

"Then, Katsushige-san."

She then turned to Katsushige.

"Before I even tell my resolve, the situation has been developed by the majority of voice here… perhaps, it is as you have been thinking as well."

Katsushige didn't rise, he changed the direction of his body while remaining seated straight in the chair.

"Toushu-sama. The Shibata Family has no objection against the nomination of Shiba Miyuki in becoming the next family head as has been supported by both the Kuroba Family and the Tsukuba Family. This decision has been confirmed by our head, as well as the other members of the Shibata Family."

"I see. So it's a family decision."

"Yes."

Katsushige nodded without showing a hint of action from his mouth that he was the one who had obstructed Miyuki's path. With his dignified attitude, even Maya couldn't keep pursuing the topic, asking him about it in person.

"However, upon giving up the position in the candidacy for becoming the next family head, we have a request for Toushu-sama."

"A deal, is it?"

Maya narrowed her eyes. The sharp gaze didn't focus on him, but it certainly couldn't be described as a pleasant feeling. Probably, even thinking that it was good enough for her not to bring up the disturbance incident, yet you have the impudence to do this.

"No. It's a request. Not a deal."

However, after Katsushige denied her flatly, Maya changed her look to an 'oh?' kind of feeling.

"Since I have nothing in my hands to be held against the next family head, it couldn't be said to be a deal."

"How manly of you. Very well, please try to state your request. Katsushige-san, what do you want?"

I, Shibata Katsushige, wish for your acceptance in wishing to marry Tsutsumi Kotona."

Even Yuuka choked on her water flashily and opened her mouth.

Fumiya with his thin skin was blushing. The stimulus was too strong for him.

"Tsutsumi Kotona-san… She is your Guardian right?"

"Yes."

Maya showed an expression that she was thinking for a while.

"If I'm not mistaken she is a modified body, second generation of the 'Bard Series'. The 'Bard Series' has somewhat unsatisfactory genes which aren't stable, not really suitable for the lawful wife of a Branch Family Head."

"My father also said this."

"How about being your mistress?"

Maya's words landed a major blow to Fumiya, as he was sandwiched between the two of them. His head down and his face was truly red. On the other hand, Ayako who sat beside him was listening with a straight face, this was probably caused due to the difference in gender, personality, or rather his age.

"You are in a relationship even as we speak right?"

"So you were informed."

Katsushige didn't bad mouth Maya, it was a positive question for her.

"The thing is… a Guardian is supposed to be your escort for someone who has dignified, excellent magic qualities within the family, that's one of the reasons for making her a woman. Yet, even after she was placed as Katsushige-san's Guardian, is that an excuse to keep Tsutsumi Kotona-san by your side?"

"She doesn't only have that."

Katsushige was trying to appeal to the usefulness of Kotona's magical force, but he immediately said 'no, that's right' to Maya. Indeed, his main reason was to keep Kotona by his side, he didn't think that keeping the current status quo would be a good idea.

"That's right…"

Maya pressed one of her hands to her cheek, as if she was troubled. Although it was quite a tall figure, all of the people in the room didn't really get the feeling that she was truly troubled.

"I don't want to tear apart lovers from their loved ones."

Maya somehow, was staring at Miyuki.

"Just because she has a modified body, it will not necessarily end in her premature death."

Maya returned her gaze immediately at Katsushige.

Miyuki noticed that Maya was staring at herself, and she had no idea for the reason. Although she considered that Minami had spied on her and told her aunt, she didn't really voice out what was in her head. Miyuki recalled the time when she was frustrated with her worries, but it was impossible to ask about the meaning behind Maya's earlier gaze.

Without being aware of Miyuki's feeling, Maya stared at Katsushige. Then, she answered the nervous Katsushige with a smile.

"Very well. I have no intention in forbidding the Branch Family Head from choose his marriage partner out of his own feelings."

Miyuki's body was trembling. Tatsuya looked at her anxiously, while Miyuki raised her hand to indicate that she was ok and settled herself.

Maya glanced at Miyuki from the side and returned to her conversation with Katsushige.

"As the Head of Branch Family, you don't need to think about it that much. Katsushige-san had agreed to let go the position of family head, I'll help you in talking to Osamu-san."

"Thank you very much."

Katsushige rose and lowered his head deeply.

When Katsushige looked up, Maya instructed him to return to his seat with a gesture. She sighed soon after.

"Somehow, I have no need to say this anymore…"

Maya retightened her relaxed look.

"Miyuki-san, you will be the next Family Head."

"Yes."

Miyuki responded to the nomination with a hard voice.

"Fortunately, all who are here have willingly given you their support, that's not something to be ashamed of, it is good encouragement."

"Yes Oba-sama. I will take it to heart."

Miyuki rose, at first, bowing to Maya, then carefully bowed to everyone surrounding the table. ——She was seen to especially bow to Katsushige, due to the sitting arrangement, it might have been a bad chance of event for the both of them.

"Then, let's resume our meal."

When Maya said so, Hayama struck his hands twice.

Meaning——although it was incorrect to strictly say that——meat dishes were carried in. After the free meal was over with, Maya ordered only Tatsuya and Miyuki to remain in the room.

◊ ◊ ◊

After everyone left, the table was being reset. A cup of straight tea was served for Maya, while Tatsuya got a cup of coffee and Miyuki was served milk coffee in front of her.

All of the employees left, including Hayama.

Maya put her cup to her mouth, she spoke to the two of them with a smile on her face.

"Miyuki-san, first of all, congratulations. Tatsuya-san, as well, it was quite an amount of hard work."

"Thank you very much, Oba-ue."

"Sorry for making you worry."

Tatsuya and Miyuki bowed together while sitting in their chairs. The two had yet to pick up their cups.

"Then… I've asked the two of you to remain here, as I want to tell you a very important thing."

Miyuki tightened herself, and it was seen by Tatsuya who sat next to her.

"As a Head of the Family, your marriage partner isn't somone you get to choose at your own discretion. I already talked to you about this earlier."

"——Yes."

Miyuki held both of her hands in her lap.

"Before that… Tatsuya-san."

"Yes."

Suddenly, Maya called Tatsuya. As Tatsuya wasn't prepared to be called during this conversation, he involuntarily answered in reflex while still being puzzled.

"You might not believe me when I tell you so suddenly like this, but… Miyuki-san is not your real sister."

A sharp breath was exclaimed from Miyuki's throat. It was a scream that Miyuki couldn't stop from voicing out.

Miyuki placed her hands in front of her mouth while keeping her eyes wide open, she was solidified like a marble statue.

To say that her current expression was 'frozen' was not appropriate. She certainly had stopped working, but the flame in her eyes swirled and her complexion had changed its color.

Compared to Miyuki, Tatsuya looked less upset. However, it was simply due to the fact that the news had exceeded the limit of what his feelings could process. He was in a sense of shock that couldn't be cured by himself, Maya as a third party, who brought the news wasn't connected to his own.

"Certainly, I can't believe this. Because, there is a mountain of evidence that shows that Miyuki and I are real siblings."

Maya, she could still afford to smile while Tatsuya's eyes gradually lost their emotion.

"Yet, it is the truth. Because, Tatsuya-san."

"You are my son after all."

The impact of this statement, as expected, even Tatsuya would be at a loss for words.

"Tatsuya-san, you are from the artificial insemination of my egg that had been frozen before 'that incident', you were born from my sister who is the surrogate mother of my son. Your father, of course, is not Tatsurou- san either. That's why, Miyuki-san is your cousin."

——Impossible.

After Tatsuya regained control of his mind, the first words which floated in his mind were these.

——It's impossible for Miyuki to be my cousin.

——It's impossible for Miyuki not to be my real sister.

Tatsuya was ashamed, that he was doubtful about the understanding.

Of course, he didn't voice out the thought from his heart, he wouldn't be careless enough to do so.

"…Would you mind telling me the details later?"

Maya accepted Tatsuya's proposal, completely in her usual tone.

"You're right. It's hard to suddenly convince you even after I said all this, let's have a nice parent-child talk by ourselves after this."

Maya turned her eyes to Miyuki after she answered Tatsuya with a nod.

"Then, about our earlier talk… Miyuki-san, I'm sorry but as the next head of the Yotsuba Family, you have to give up on your free love choice."

"Yes."

Although Miyuki's expression was stiff, yet the voice of hope, 'perhaps?', had slipped from her. The reason why she clenched her hands at the back of her knees was not to prepare for the grief, but not to jerk when the likely delight in her premonition of convenience came into reality.

"Tomorrow, I will announce who your fiancé is at the same time as the next family head nomination, your partner is."

Miyuki gasped a little. Even though it was only 'a little', she had almost stopped breathing.

"Tatsuya-san."

Miyuki placed her hands in front of her mouth.

Those hands were visibly trembling.

Somehow, Miyuki restrained her scream by moving her hands that were blocking her mouth to her chest.

She held them both on top of her heart, and blinked tightly before looking down as if embracing her body to withstand the pain.

Miyuki was experiencing a 'my chest was about to break apart' in reality now moment.

However, it was in joy rather than sorrow. She rejoiced too strong, that it was similar to a strong pain.

She was so happy, so happy, that she needed to calm her body which was in a heightened state of excitement like a madman somehow, Miyuki looked up.

Her eyes were filled with tears, she had an expression of being ready to cry.

Maya took the blame after seeing such a distraught Miyuki.

"Tatsuya-san, please attend tomorrow's Gathering as you will be named as Miyuki's fiancé. This is all I want to talk about."

Miyuki lowered her head deeply, her hands were aligned to her knees, and tears started to drip.

"Miyuki-san, tomorrow is the recital for your engagement. It's a great stage for you, please prepare and polish yourself well tonight."

"I'm thankful for your heartfelt thoughts…"

The sound of sobbing and her tremors were reduced, Miyuki answered Maya while her head was still lowered. Maya's figure was like an affectionate mother, wearing a permissive expression——however, a disproportionate cold light could be seen in her eyes——a stare.

"Hayama-san."

"Yes, madam."

Hayama showed up immediately at her call.

By the time he appeared, Tatsuya had wiped Miyuki's tears with a handkerchief.

"Please call Minami-chan. Let her make some arrangements for Miyuki- san's bath."

"Understood."

Minami came immediately.

Maya gave a direct order to Minami, she dictated that she be snappy.

"Minami-chan, take Miyuki to her room. Then, please call her out when you have prepared the bath, guide her way."

"Understood."

Minami led Miyuki to the guest room.

Maya faced Tatsuya.

"Should we move to a new place?"

"Yes."

Maya rose.

Hayama opened the door.

Tatsuya followed after Maya.

Hayama reverently bowed to Tatsuya. It was the biggest change he had seen thus far in this place.