Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 12 - Double Seven Chapter Read online

  Still, both sides kept their cards close to their chest as the siblings both raised their coffee mugs and sampled the snacks.

  “—There’s only 3 days until student orientation. Minami-chan, are you looking forward to it?”

  This was something that had never happened before while the two of them were living alone. Once ignored by Tatsuya, Miyuki feigned obliviousness and changed the topic to Minami.

  “Indeed, Miyuki-neesama. I am looking forward to it.”

  To the other side, it was possible that Minami failed to pick up on Miyuki’s thoughts or maybe she had no other recourse even if she noticed. At any rate, Minami replied back in a frank manner.

  “I’ll have to arrive at school ahead of time that day with Miyuki. Minami, do you mind?”

  “That’s no problem, Tatsuya-niisama. Please allow me to accompany you.”

  As a side note, “Miyuki-neesama” and “Tatsuya-niisama” were terms that Tatsuya had proposed and Miyuki had given the order to use.

  The inherent characteristic of modern public transportation, the train cabin, would usually prevent strangers from sharing the cabin. Nor was there any way to share one halfway through the journey. People who wished to board the same train cabin would either have to live under the same roof or be neighbors, and at the very least needed to rendezvous at the train station.

  On the other hand, based on the demands of her role as a bodyguard, Minami could only choose to board the ride that Miyuki took to school. Yet, riding along in the same cabin with a complete stranger would surely be jarring and bring about unnecessary suspicion.

  To that end, the excuse they came up with was “Minami is a cousin from the siblings' mother's side”. That itself was entailed in instructions from the Yotsuba Family’s main house and the siblings' census information had been counterfeited in the first place. There would be nothing out of the ordinary even if a cousin with no blood relationship suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

  The problem was Minami's choice of words, such as “Miyuki-sama” and “Tatsuya-sama”.

  In the current age, besides an exclusive minority, there were practically no female high school students who referred to upperclassmen who were older than themselves by one year with “~sama”. That minority typically belonged to the upper echelons of society, servants working for wealthier families, or girls who belonged in a serving caste to a powerful family. From the perspective of Magicians, this was a phrase only found in the Ten Master Clans or families of similar stature. Although phrases like “Onii-sama” and “Onee-sama” were already outrageous enough, they were relatively normal when compared to “~sama”.

  Miyuki and Tatsuya actually hoped that she would refer to them as “Miyuki” and “Tatsuya”, but Minami adamantly refused. Minami even recoiled from referring to them as “Onee-san” and “Onii-san”. Still, she understood the necessity of concealing their identity, and finally compromised with “Miyuki-neesama” and “Tatsuya-niisama”.

  The siblings who had previously lived alone now had to welcome an unexpected addition to their midst, and seemed to be getting along quite well so far.

  During afternoon tea, the subject naturally turned to the student orientation 3 days down the road.

  “This year’s student representative is a boy…… It’s been 4 years, hasn’t it?”

  “Five years, Onii-sama. The Student Council President before Saegusa-senpai was also a girl.”

  The topic of the siblings' conversation was regarding this year's new student representative, who also happened to have the top score on the entrance examination. Just as the two said, it had been a long time since First High saw a male student as the new student representative.

  “Since Saegusa-senpai's sisters also applied, I thought that this year's representative would be a girl for sure.”

  “Indeed…… Furthermore, if Minami-chan were a little more serious during the entrance examination, then she would be the new student representative.”

  “No, that’s hardly the case……”

  Hearing Miyuki’s words with a hint of teasing, Minami wore a stiff expression as she shook her head. The main house had ordered her to remain inconspicuous, so it was true that she held back on Magic Power. Even so, Tatsuya believed that if she truly tried her best during the exam, there was a high probability that she could have taken the top spot, but Minami’s passivity seemed to render her unable to treat this subject lightly.

  Just as they were about to descend into an awkward silence, Tatsuya decided to change the subject.

  “I believe his name is Shippou Takuma. By Shippou, I don’t suppose it would refer to that 'Shippou'?”

  Miyuki wasn’t intentionally putting Minami in a hard spot. She immediately followed her brother’s example.

  “Exactly, he is the eldest scion of the 'Shippou' Family from the 18 Families.”

  A map of the authorities among magical families floated into Tatsuya’s head and crossed with Miyuki’s memories of the files gleaned from the Student Council records to reach a consensus.

  “Never thought that Saegusa and Shippou would be in the same year. I wonder if this was a coincidence or predestined fate…… Hopefully they won’t do anything to cause trouble.”

  As if getting a foreboding premonition, Tatsuya slightly crinkled his eyebrows.

  “I do wonder if they were to create a ruckus, would that help us keep our identities secret?”

  “That may also be true.”

  What Miyuki was referring to was that the disturbance caused by the friction between the eldest son of the Shippou Family and the Saegusa twins might help draw the school’s attention, which would then take away anyone snooping around regarding Minami’s link to the siblings, or at the very least decrease it somewhat.

  These words worked well in theory, but Tatsuya could feel a headache coming on when he thought about who had to take care of the ensuing chaos.

  “Speaking of which, in regards to the family party tonight……”

  The cups and tray were all empty, so it was about time to clean up. Just as Minami was about to stand, Tatsuya raised a hand to stop her before suddenly changing the subject.

  “I believe that Minami should still attend.”

  Tatsuya and Miyuki had been invited to the Kitayama (Shizuku’s family) family gathering this evening. Originally, Minami was not supposed to stay on guard at the house, but follow them to the Kitayama mansion and stay on station in the servants’ waiting area, but now that plan was subject to change, Tatsuya elaborated.

  “If that’s an order, I will obey.”

  Minami’s reply was precisely how a servant should respond. However, her lacking expression seemed to intentionally convey: “I’m really not interested”. While Minami was an introverted young girl, that did not mean she was completely without facial expression, thus when compared to individuals who intentionally revealed exaggerated expressions like Mayumi or Erika, she was actually an easier person to read. –Of course, that required Tatsuya’s level of observation skills.

  Forcing other people into obedience was not Tatsuya’s nature, nor did he take delight in ordering her to do things that she disliked. “Since this is an order, I will obey” was not an answer that he wanted. If that’s how the other side viewed it, he was more inclined to say “then forget it”, but once he remembered his earlier words, he ultimately opted against saying that aloud.

  “In that case, sorry for putting this on you this time.”

  Since he felt the need to put on this show to help increase the persuasiveness of the lie that she was a cousin from their mother’s side, he was not going to back down even though he heard something he disliked.

  “Then let’s hurry and pick a dress. I will help Minami-chan, and we’re almost out of time.”

  Miyuki clapped her hands together and said this to help break the tension, though she was also probably taking into account her brother’s unexpressed feelings.

  And definitely not because she wanted to see
Minami’s wavering expression. Probably.

  Chapter 2

  Despite being called a “family gathering”, this was still sponsored by the financial giant Kitagata Ushio – “Kitagata Ushio” was the industry name Shizuku’s father used – thus the party was fairly bustling with activity and excitement.

  Still, no one had the impression that the event was chaotic or unorganized, in spite of the extravagant number of people present.

  “A grand area as expected……”

  Kitayama mansion might be the only place wide enough to serve as the gathering area and prompt that undisguised admiration from Tatsuya.

  Still, his sentiment was not echoed by his compatriots. Miyuki merely smiled as she went along with her brother’s words. To the side, Minami still wore a befuddled expression. In this regard, Tatsuya had more opportunities in the military and at the research labs to interact with “plebeians”, so when compared with the heir (candidate) to the Yotsuba Family, Miyuki, and the servant who had more or less grown up in the Yotsuba Family main house, Minami – what appealed to Tatsuya’s feelings was different than what impacted his sisters based on their varying backgrounds.

  The purpose of today’s festivities was to congratulate Shizuku on her return to the country after her short study abroad session in the USNA as well as her advancement to Year 2.

  Though she had already returned 2 weeks ago, the reason why this party was delayed so long was because she was preoccupied with greeting everyone.

  While Shizuku was one of the finest students at the National Magic University Affiliated First High and a budding Magician of talent in her own right, her identity also entailed being a daughter of a major financial giant. From society’s perspective, her position as the daughter of the CEO came first. Her future as an aspiring Magician (in the end) belonged to her alone, whereas her position as the CEO’s daughter carried the responsibilities towards family, employees, stockholders, and clients.

  Owing to these layered reasons, her personal (?) party was pushed back until the day before the new semester began.

  The Kitayama Family of five people consisted of Shizuku, her parents, a grandmother, and her younger brother. Still, Shizuku’s father also had an additional 5 brothers and sisters (this sort of family size was hardly odd given that they were wealthy even among the wealthy), and given that Shizuku’s father married late, most of her relatives were older than her. More than half of them had already married and had arrived with their family members in tow, while the single ones brought their fiancé or engaged partners. Hence this family party boasted such enormous attendance. ……At least, that was how Shizuku’s mother explained it to Tatsuya.

  “Ushio-kun’s family is an old industrial family that has lasted from the previous century to this age. A lot of people can’t be simply dismissed so easily.”

  While cautiously playing along with the lady’s words, Tatsuya had lost count of the number of times he had sighed mentally. For some unfathomable purpose as to why she zeroed in on him, Lady Kitayama, once famous throughout the magical world for her Oscillation-Type Magic as the A-ranked Magician, Kitayama Benio, or Naruse Benio prior to her marriage, seized upon him as her conversation partner the moment Tatsuya exchanged greetings with Shizuku. Speaking of which, Miyuki and Minami had already fled to the sides of Shizuku and Honoka.

  “Even so, it’s still hard to put on a welcoming face to someone who was shameless enough to drag a stranger in here. Even with the company at stake, Ushio-kun shouldn’t pamper his family so much.”

  Tatsuya mentally concurred. –Shizuku’s mother appeared to be someone with a forked tongue.

  Of course, someone who always employed a forked tongue would not be able to survive in the real world regardless of her status as the CEO’s wife (the virtual world was another story altogether), so she probably selected the proper time and place as well as the appropriate conversation partner. However, as to why that conversation partner happened to be he whom she most likely met for the first time currently remained beyond Tatsuya’s grasp no matter how he wracked his brain.

  This was not the first time Tatsuya encountered Benio. When Shizuku was sending along the information she gathered from America, he and Miyuki had met Benio that day, but that was only for an instant. He didn’t recall doing anything that would prompt her to strike up a conversation with him.

  (However, “Ushio-kun”, eh…… Is it really OK to use that name with all of these people of standing here?)

  Starting to get a little fed up with Benio’s complaints, Tatsuya mentally retorted while indulging in a little escapism from reality.

  Tatsuya knew the ages of Shizuku’s parents. Naturally, there was no need to go into detail regarding Shizuku’s father and since her mother was quite famous in the modern era, gathering their Personal Data didn’t require too much effort (that being said, with the heavy security surrounding Personal Data in this day and age, a typical individual would be unable to do this). Adding a “-kun” appellation to her husband’s name was not because Lady Kitayama was older. Unlike Ushio, who appeared younger than his age, Benio’s age and appearance were of an accord, so their appearances put them roughly at the same age while in reality, Ushio was older than Benio by 9 years.

  (Must be love, then.)

  There were qualms to even imagine applying the words “pampered” or “spoiled” to a friend’s relatives.

  Maybe she was satisfied with venting all of her internal displeasure, and the ugly glint in Benio’s eyes faded. However, in return, she leveled a calculating gaze at Tatsuya. This time it wasn’t directed towards a “stranger” who had been brought by a relative as a guest, but towards Tatsuya instead.

  Though his face was relaxed, Tatsuya felt just as out of place as anyone else would. While he hoped to rendezvous with Miyuki’s group as soon as possible, Benio didn’t seem ready to let him go.

  “Speaking of which......”

  Benio spoke up even before Tatsuya could excuse himself. Though he was holding back because she was the mother of one of his peers, this was still a contemptible mistake on Tatsuya’s part. –Not that this was anything profound, but Tatsuya was just out of sorts.

  “So, are you Honoka’s crush?”

  Despite this coming out of nowhere, Tatsuya immediately picked up on the context. Hindsight was 20/20, but if he could have predicted this then he could have prepared a suitable response.

  “Setting aside that term for the moment, I am indeed that person.”

  To be honest, the name “crush” was something Tatsuya had to resist answering “that’s true”. Though this was just pointless sophistry at this point, it was not something Tatsuya could so easily concede.

  “So you aren’t easily flustered. How dependable.”

  Somehow, this twisted point appeared to be Benio giving him high marks. Otherwise, he was receiving high marks because he wasn’t muddling through the issue. The smile Benio wore towards Tatsuya turned from summarily polite to something a little friendlier.

  “But why didn’t you accept?”

  Friendlier, but still with an element of teasing.

  “Though she’s not on par with your sister, isn’t Honoka-chan still adorable?”

  She must have an interest in watching small animals scurry around in a cage while feeling kinship to them. After successfully passing the first test, Tatsuya’s eyes took on a glint that hoped she was wasting her time.

  “I do think she’s cute. Not just her features but her personality as well.”

  Tatsuya’s attitude was more or less just playing along for show. Without being aware of what he was looking for, he was carefully scrutinizing Benio for the purpose behind these words without letting a single detail slip by.

  “Aha…… If that’s how it is, then this becomes even more confusing. Plainly, facial appearance, body and personality are all excellent, but you still rejected her confession.”

  Tatsuya failed to recall that he mentioned Honoka’s body, but this must be w
hat a slip of the tongue was like. Tatsuya planned on ignoring her regardless of what she said, but that appeared to be unnecessary.

  Even faster than him, Benio dropped an explosive declaration.

  “Also, Honoka-chan already helped you. She will serve you faithfully.”

  If this wasn’t an explosive declaration then nothing else could qualify. Even for teasing on her daughter’s peers, this was going too far. From one Magician to another, this was neither proper nor prudent.

  An ordinary magic high school student would be completely unable to understand what Benio was referring to.

  If they could understand the meaning behind her words, then the natural sensibilities that came along with a 16 to 17 year-old young man should have been unable to hide his exhilaration.

  However, Tatsuya only gazed back at Benio’s face with nary an expression on his face.

  Benio’s smile failed to crumble, as expected of the wife of a major financier.

  “……I see. So you are able to put on such an expression even knowing that.”

  However, she appeared to be unable to hide the slight stiffness in her voice.

  “I didn’t plan on feigning obliviousness.”

  Tatsuya’s voice was definitely something that could not be described as friendly. No matter what her intent was, Benio’s earlier words belonged to a category that could not be voiced aloud. Despite the fact that she was the mother of one of his friends, Tatsuya did not believe it was necessary to converse with her in a friendly manner.

  “Is that so…… Knowing the Elements' power and its potential value, that’s why you refused and took a hands off attitude.”

  Honoka’s bloodline – the Elements. Honoka was the descendant of Magicians developed to revitalize traditional magic that came even before the 4 Great Systems and 8 Major Types of modern magic. To those who held positions of colossal power, that bloodline was of incredible value. Tatsuya was well aware of this point, which was the same point that Benio was referring to.