Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 12 - Double Seven Chapter Page 4

  At this moment, the decorous smile on Benio’s face vanished. Her stiff voice changed to a chilly one.

  “Don’t tell me, this was all part of your plan?”

  Benio failed to clarify what was planned out, but Tatsuya accurately captured the gist of the meaning behind her words just as he correctly read the reprimand and slander entailed within.

  “I never planned on using Honoka like that.”

  That being said, Tatsuya was not cowed. Nor did he attempt to rebut the injurious words directed at him.

  “Yet, you still allowed her to accompany you when you beat back the vampires.”

  Benio might have felt that Tatsuya was playing dumb. Frustration was beginning to surface in her words.

  “There was no reason to deny her then.”

  Tatsuya knew very well the cause behind Benio’s alteration. Even if he missed out on the positive points directed towards him, there was no way he could miss enmity. That was simply the way he had been forged. On the other hand, he had also trained to never waver even in the face of ferocious enmity and malice.

  Against Tatsuya, who showed no inclination of becoming enraged no matter what sort of provocation was given, Benio changed the conversation’s direction.

  “……Honoka is like a sister to Shizuku. We also see that child like she’s one of our own. In addition, Shizuku has taken a fancy to you. The trust Shizuku bears towards you surpasses the realm between ordinary friends.”

  The gaze Tatsuya sent back to Benio inquired her as to the point of all this.

  In Tatsuya’s mind, the concern that “this was Shizuku’s mother” had long since been extinguished.

  “Which is why I conducted an investigation on you, Shiba Tatsuya-kun.”

  Benio watched Tatsuya with a challenging glint in her eyes.

  “Though that would hardly be pleasant, I can understand.”

  In response, Tatsuya received it with a magnanimous look.

  “Who the devil are you? With Kitayama’s…… The information network from the 'Corporate Alliance' couldn’t even find your Personal Data!”

  “That must have been a mistake. After all, I can’t attend high school without Personal Data.”

  Tatsuya’s answer made perfect sense. However, Benio felt that this was the rub.

  “Please don’t underestimate adults. It is true that your PD has the lowest level of information, interlaced with extra information that complicated the picture and a few negative reviews, so it wasn’t overly perfect. If I had not heard the things that child has said about you, I would have found nothing suspicious.”

  “Is there something suspicious?”

  The tone Tatsuya used with his riposte was as lifeless as a machine. His entire attitude practically screamed that he had already seen through the fact that Benio had no concrete information on her hands.

  “No, there’s nothing. And that’s why it’s so odd.”

  Tatsuya silently watched Shizuku’s mother as she kept glaring at him while chasing her own tail around. There was nothing to say. Those were Tatsuya’s honest feelings on the matter. The only thing he could think of while escaping from reality was that “she’s unlike her daughter in that she’s hot-blooded”.

  “Hearing that child talk, you are someone with incredible prowess, no, practically divine abilities and talent. After this face-to-face conversation, my impression of you has only grown even further along the 'atypical' direction. Yet, how can your Personal Data be so 'mundane'?”

  Benio’s words were both the truth and mere speculation. Since it was mere speculation, there was no reason to admit to anything.

  “Personal Data is just simply information. The actual person cannot be as simple as that.”

  Personal Data was the mask created to allow other people to identify him. Whether this mask was close to the truth or not, so long as the fact “it was close to the truth but not” remained hidden, the mask would continue to serve as his existence to the outside world.

  “……So you are saying that it is only natural for impressions to differ, is that right?”

  “That is who I am. If you ask my name and experiences, then it’s just as recorded in my Personal Data. In terms of impressions, it is just as you have seen. Beyond that, there is nothing more I have to say on the matter.”

  On some level, those were Tatsuya’s honest thoughts on the matter. –That is who I am. He was someone who wielded incredibly destructive power on the scale of nuclear weapons and may very well one day shatter the world. So “what” was he? This was the question that he often posed to himself without any suitable answer.

  However, Benio was unable to accept that answer.

  “Are you trying to play dumb……!?”

  Though she tried to curb her volume, that tone of hers was harsh enough already.

  With a few exceptions, people who tread through the upper strata of society were able to deftly capture when someone of an equal or higher social standing revealed emotional fluctuations. The sight of the host’s wife fighting with one of the guests was starting to garner attention from the other participants.

  “Benio. Settle down a little.”

  Although this was called a family gathering, there was no way that only family members were in attendance. She definitely wouldn’t want someone else witnessing that scene of hers, which was why it was only natural for Kitayama Ushio to quickly come over and arbitrate.

  “Shiba-kun, I apologize for my wife’s display.”

  “Hardly, I believe I am the one who should be apologizing for my insolent words. After all, I am an immature member of the younger generation, so I would be immensely grateful if you could pardon my behavior.”

  At Ushio bowing his head and apologizing, Tatsuya also returned the greeting and offered his apologies. Yet, his words were still quite haughty.

  Fortunately, Ushio didn’t mind Tatsuya’s rather removed words. There was no sense of renewed anxiety and, just as the tide receded, his eyes drifted from Benio and Tatsuya.

  “If appropriate, allow me to excuse myself.”

  Tatsuya likely believed this to be a good opportunity, hence his words were directed at Ushio instead of Benio.

  “Ah, that’s true. I believe my daughter would like to speak with you.”

  Ushio felt that Benio also needed some time to cool down. Tatsuya bowed before walking off in the direction of Shizuku’s group while Ushio pressed Benio’s back as they gravitated towards the chairs by the wall.

  “Tatsuya-kun, I’m sorry.”

  Upon approaching to a distance where they no longer needed to shout to hear one another, Shizuku beat Tatsuya to the punch and apologized first while bowing her head.

  After Shizuku raised her head, a barely perceptible hint of utter embarrassment was tucked within her usual stoic expression. After all, she had invited one of her classmates to her party only to have her own mother trouble them (in Shizuku’s eyes). Even someone other than Shizuku would be downright embarrassed.

  “Nothing of the sort, I understand where your mother is coming from. If a man appeared out of nowhere and approached your own daughter, some concern is only to be expected. I thought nothing of it, so Shizuku, please don’t be concerned.”

  “……Hm, sorry again.”

  The lack of any more refutation was not because she wanted to change her mood (though there were some elements of that as well), but because falling silent was her nature. Though she plainly wanted to apologize even more, that was the only phrase she could muster. That feeling was multiplied against her sense of embarrassment, causing her current awkward expression.

  In the nick of time, Tatsuya realized that he was about to rub Shizuku on the head. This was blatantly not his responsibility, but because that overly depressed expression overlapped with a look Miyuki occasionally wore, Tatsuya was about to fall back on “rubbing her on the head” as a reflex.

  He was far too relaxed, Tatsuya chuckled wryly to himself as he tucked that thought deeply away before
shaking his head and laughing lightly as if to signify “let’s end this here”.

  Shizuku, Honoka, Minami, and Miyuki. In the circle of these girls in their glamorous dresses, there stood a young boy in a suit in the middle. Normally, a person in his position would be intensely nervous, but Tatsuya didn’t detect that feeling from the boy. Honoka was fervently trying to engage Minami in conversation while Shizuku was interjecting every so often to prevent her from becoming overly excited. With Miyuki’s assistance at her side, Minami was tentatively replying back. Watching them all, Tatsuya only kept a cursory ear open to this particular conversation arrangement. At this time, he suddenly heard a voice call out to him from behind and turned around.

  “Excuse me, you are Shiba Tatsuya Onii-san, correct?”

  This young boy appeared to be under the impression that Tatsuya didn’t hear him clearly. Tatsuya responded in the affirmative after the boy repeated his question.

  The boy probably hadn’t started middle school yet. Faced with a petite young boy with an adolescent air, Tatsuya had no need to inquire his name.

  “Wataru.”

  The young boy’s name burst from Shizuku’s mouth.

  “Onee-chan. Sorry, did I interrupt you all?”

  Yet, the boy’s identity had to be confirmed by his own lips.

  “No. Still, be sure to greet them.”

  Taciturn as she was, Shizuku’s words may sound cold on the surface, but the gaze she sent towards her younger brother was quite gentle.

  Fully understanding her words, the young boy named Wataru tried his best to present a diligent expression – an expression as if he was “putting on a strong front” that was simply adorable – and politely bowed according to his sister’s instructions.

  “Pleased to meet you. My name is Kitayama Wataru. I will be a sixth grader this year.”

  Wataru had turned his body and face towards Tatsuya in order to introduce himself. Since he was already acquainted with Honoka, there was no need to make any introductions. However, he didn’t spare Miyuki a single glance – he seemed to be avoiding her (so as to not be overwhelmed). After Tatsuya exchanged greetings, he slightly averted his eyes when Miyuki replied, clenched his teeth and tightened his whole body, which only solidified that impression.

  Since this plainly wasn’t because he disliked or was ignoring her, Miyuki only considered Wataru’s attitude to be very cute. Still, his indecorous behavior towards her “mistress” seemed to rouse some ill will on Minami’s part.

  “I am very pleased to meet you, Wataru-san. My name is Sakurai Minami. I am Tatsuya-niisama and Miyuki-neesama’s cousin. Please take care of me in the future.”

  Minami’s greeting was impeccable, but that dutiful smile on her face seemed to lack sincerity. Though this didn’t constitute artificial fawning, it was difficult to hide that she was just observing decorum.

  Honoka was the one who stepped up to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

  “Wataru-kun, didn’t you want to ask Tatsuya Onii-san something?”

  Still, she wasn’t forcibly changing the subject here. Based on Wataru’s earlier behavior towards Tatsuya, he did seem like he had a question to ask.

  “Ah, you’re right.”

  Wataru’s attention immediately turned towards Honoka. This was not because he was perceptive, but simply how children were.

  “Shiba-san.”

  There were two people with the name “Shiba” here, but everyone here knew who Wataru wanted to speak with, so no one interrupted him intentionally – including Minami.

  “There’s something I want to ask you.”

  Faced with an anxious Wataru who finally worked up the courage to speak,

  “Sure. So long as I can answer it, of course.”

  Tatsuya used an easily approachable tone to reply.

  “I wanted to know, uh, can someone who can’t use magic become a engineer?”

  The question itself was nothing surprising, but from the mouth of the son from the Kitayama Family, this became odd. Currently, both Shizuku and Honoka wore astonished expressions.

  “No. Magic engineers are technicians who use magic techniques for engineering. Technicians who are unable to use magic cannot be called magic engineers.”

  However, Tatsuya never hesitated and delivered a frank reply.

  “Is that so……”

  Hearing Tatsuya’s clear answer, Wataru’s shoulders drooped gloomily. Still, it was too early to throw in the towel.

  “Nonetheless, magic engineers are not the only technicians who work in magic engineering.”

  “Eh?”

  Seeing Wataru raise his head to look at him, Tatsuya revealed a steady smile.

  His eyes brimming with hope, Wataru hung on his every word.

  “Even without magic, you can still learn magic engineering.”

  Tatsuya was not intentionally putting on a show out of pettiness. Even if he was a “villain”, that did not mean “his personality was evil”. –At least, that’s how he saw it.

  “While it is very difficult to do CAD maintenance without getting a feel for magic, you can still make CADs without being able to use magic. This is the same for other products used for magic techniques. As long as you study hard, you will be able to obtain the knowledge and techniques necessary to help your older sister.”

  “Ah, no, I’m not……”

  No matter how he tried to deny it, his inner thoughts were already on full display thanks to the utter embarrassment on his face.

  Following that, the gaze he sent towards Tatsuya morphed from one used against strangers (to elementary school students, high school students were adults) to a worshiping one with a respected air.

  Unfortunately, adults were unable to adopt the same pure attitude as children.

  Watching the siblings who had been completely charmed by Tatsuya from far away, Benio suddenly wanted to sigh.

  “What’s the matter, Benio?”

  Even if Ushio spoke to her out of concern, Benio could only make a face while resisting the urge to sigh, but did not reply. Her gaze only rested on her husband after he spoke for an instant before once more drifting to where the children were talking and laughing.

  “Benio, exactly which part of Shiba Tatsuya-kun do you dislike?”

  Kitayama Ushio loved his wife, but that did not mean he was a henpecked husband. Rather, a portion of him was afraid of his wife, but their relationship was not one where he could not voice his thoughts.

  “……Ushio-kun, you sound like you approve of him.”

  Benio finally turned her eyes back to her husband.

  “I think that he’s an accomplished young man. More importantly, he is very talented.”

  Ushio’s reply was very frank; another interpretation would be that he hadn’t thought very deeply on the matter.

  Benio felt a surge of displeasure on reflex, but didn’t muster any hysterical retort.

  “……Maybe even a little too talented.”

  However, hearing her voice with those forcibly suppressed emotions, he knew that her mental state was far from peaceful.

  “Furthermore, he knows too much and understands too much. Even among the members of the Ten Master Clans I am affiliated with, not a single one of them makes me watch my step as carefully as he does.”

  A sigh finally slipped from Benio’s lips. Without sighing, there was no way to convey the concerns she felt.

  “For Magicians, being superlatively talented is not a sign of happiness. Instead, happiness recedes from them. Thankfully, Shizuku stopped at the ledge of talent, but if she draws too close to an incredibly talented Magician, then she may be drawn into the misfortune that is drawn to those of overwhelming power.”

  Ushio was unable to tell his wife that “she was overthinking this”.

  Rather, Ushio laid a hand on his wife’s shoulder.

  “Even if it is as Benio says and Shiba Tatsuya brings misfortune, is that really his fault? Avoiding him because of an uncertain future that is no fault
of his own is something I cannot agree with. If his strength truly brings misfortune and pulls Shizuku into the mix, then all will be well if we remove that misfortune from their lives. After all, I’m not known as a 'financial giant' for no reason. We are family, and I will protect them. You’ll see.”

  Hearing Ushio’s strong words, Benio only nodded and didn’t reply.

  Nevertheless, she seemed far from accepting his words.

  Now it was hard to tell if his strength was too great, but it was true that Tatsuya had the tendency to attract trouble, or at least he was that type. Just as Tatsuya was conversing with Shizuku’s brother, the seeds of trouble came creeping up on him.

  “Shizuku-chan, long time no see.”

  The person who struck up a conversation with an intimate tone was a young man who looked to be about 25 years of age. Though he gave off a frivolous impression, his attire wasn’t bad or mundane at the very least. Shizuku only nodded lightly in greeting. Though their name was currently unknown, given the familiar air about them, he must be an older cousin from Shizuku’s family.

  However, when Shizuku and Wataru saw the young woman by the side of the man, both of them took on astounded expressions. At first glance, she was of the same age as the young man. Yet regardless of her face or figure, both were far beyond the norm. Her choice of dress and jewelry were impeccable, giving an almost mystifying impression. Based on Shizuku and Wataru’s shocked expressions, this beautiful woman was clearly not one of their relatives.

  “Ah, I’m going to get married at the end of the year. With her.”

  The young man felt the eyes of Shizuku and Wataru on him and frantically explained.

  “You’re engaged? Congratulations.”

  “Ah, no, she hasn’t gotten the engagement ring from me yet.”

  Shizuku politely offered words of congratulation, to which the young man somewhat awkwardly shook his head.

  Seeing him like this, Tatsuya thought “for a member of the Kitayama Family, this one sure is a normal young man”. The beautiful woman by the young man’s side who seemed to broadcast her existence smiled at Tatsuya after noticing his gaze.