Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 22 - Prologue of Disturbance (II) Page 4

  - Yes. The problem is not that big, but ...

  - I'm listening.

  - Have you noticed Erika's strange behavior lately?

  - Erika? What happened?

  - Not that something with it was radiant ... You see, today Erika called me to the dojo in her house.

  - To the dojo?

  - Yes. And she says this: "I want you to help me with one first-grader." I was supposed to help Erika in training the technique of "Usub Kagero," and to look at the first-grader who liked her was interesting too.

  - Erika attracted by first-grader ... Likely you are talking about Yaguruma-kun?

  - Mikihiko, do you know about Saburou?

  - I saw him a little after the ceremony ... And indeed, there are rumors that Erika trains Yaguruma-kun. And what's wrong?

  "It feels like Erika ... well, somehow is too hard on training.

  - ... Yes, this is unusual for her.

  Mikihiko, who knows Erika's approach to training "you want to learn technique - do it yourself," was slightly puzzled by these words of Leo.

  - In my case, it can be said, there was also an exception. But Saburou's teaching is even fundamentally different from mine. From the very first glance, it is felt that this is not a learning technique, but an attempt to become stronger.

  - This is really ... not like Erika.

  The face of the viewer from Mikihiko's screen became serious. Knowing him for a long time, Leo knew that this betrays his strong sense of alarm.

  - ... And then, after that, I came across her in the shower room.

  - ... And?

  Trying to speak, suppressing indecision, he created a long pause in the conversation. And Leo and Mikihiko did unnaturally serious faces.

  "I meant the shower room of the dojo. The one that students usually use.

  - ... Yeah, I get it. And what?

  - After the shower, Erika went out in short T-shirt and shorts. With a naked stomach, just like in a swimsuit.

  - Leo, this sounds quite safe ...

  My whole body was trembling, and it was not shaking with excitement.

  - Mikihiko, do you also think so?

  - Uh, what are you talking about?

  Seeing Leo's suddenly serious expression looking straight at the camera, Mikihiko rounded his eyes and froze in that form.

  - I'm not talking about the fact that I saw her naked or in one underwear. And about the fact that it's not strange that she did not care that a guy saw her figure, covered only in a couple of places, after she came out of the shower? Was it pretending, did she really care?

  - It's ... more like your misunderstanding, Leo. Erika herself said that for her this situation is normal?

  - I think so too. That's why it's strange.

  - ......

  Mikihiko could neither confirm nor disprove Leo's remark. Because he realized that the situation could be much more serious than he first thought.

  "Is she overextending herself too much?" After the death of her older brother, she looked calm, but it seems, in fact, she is very hurt?

  - I think so, but ... Are you saying this has something to do with the current state of Erika?

  "It's just a guess, but ... Is not it like she wants revenge?"

  - Revenge ... For Toshikazuu-san?

  Leo silently nodded in response to the question of Mikihiko.

  - But to whom? After all, the criminals responsible for the attack in Hakone who killed Toshikazuu-san are already dead?

  For the rest of society, the search for those responsible for the attack in Hakone is still underway. However, the lost the eldest son of the Chiba family was partially revealed the truth. Leo and Mikihiko also were briefed on the incident, except for classified information.

  "Is not it ... Tatsuya?"

  - Uh ...?

  Hearing this completely unexpected opinion, Mikihiko lost his speech. However, immediately taking himself in hand, he began to deny.

  - Tatsuya is not to blame. Perhaps, those who stopped Toshikazu-san were Tatsuya, but ... it was he who freed Toshikazu-san from the dark magic. The people of the Chiba family should be grateful to Tatsuya.

  - Mikihiko, this is the reason. Emotions are in fact what constantly goes against the mind?

  Mikihiko again could not find anything to say.

  "However, I do not think Erika wants anything, like Tatsuya's death."

  - Do not say such dangerous words ...!

  - Sorry sorry. I wanted to ask you if Erika would do something so self-willed. What do you think? In any case, in our company, you've known her the longest.

  - Willfully ...?

  - Well, you understand me ... I mean, she wants to defeat Tatsuya at any cost. Even so much that he rejects her femininity, if only to stun him.

  - ... Are you exaggerating? - Mikihiko muttered with a shocked face. But then he shook his head.- I believe that she did not think about such extreme measures, but ... and to say that our fears are totally unfounded, too.

  Leo looked silently at Mikihiko from the screen of the videophone.

  - Let's watch Erika for a while.

  - Yes, that's right.

  Having said this, Leo smiled unintentionally and shrugged his shoulders.

  - Well, if Erika is going to use me for something, then I have no particular choice.

  A small smile appeared on the face of Mikihiko that was displayed on the screen.

  - Yes, you are a good couple.

  - Stop it.

  Leo frowned, as if he thought something unpleasant.

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Minoru, invited to the house of Saegusa, in addition to a late lunch, was also invited to dinner.

  - I sent a message to your onii-san.

  - Many thanks, Mayumi-san.

  - We can also provide a helicopter for delivery home.

  "Thank you, Kasumi-san." I'm taking you up on your word.

  Saying this, Minoru looked shyly around.

  "What is it, Minoru-kun?" Do not worry.

  "No, nothing ... Izumi-san, is your father at home?"

  Laying the table has already been completed. The dishes were prepared for four: Minoru, Mayumi, Kasumi and Izumi. The place of Koichi was not prepared. Koichi did not show up for lunch either. Minoru is not that I wanted to talk about something with him, but thought it necessary to at least greet him properly.

  - It seems that he went somewhere without telling anyone anything.

  Minoru answered the question not by Izumi, which he asked, but by Mayumi, having previously specified from the servants.

  - They seem to be having dinner with my older brother together outside the house. I'm sorry that I will not be able to greet you.

  - No, it's worth it to apologize. I should have welcomed you when we first arrived.

  "As Izumi-chan has already said, you do not have to worry about such things." Because Minoru-kun is our guest.

  "Haha ... thank you very much."

  Minoru relaxed slightly. He laughed because it was rare for him to relax in this way. Usually, Minoru's daily life is full of tense moments.

  Outstanding magical power and a weak body, which constantly drives him to bed, gave Minoru pain that he could not live up to his expectations. His exceptional intellect and even his beauty, mercilessly piercing the eyes of other people, exerted strong pressure on him.

  Despite the presence of talent. Despite the availability of abilities.

  Only a weak body prevents him from fulfilling his duties. These are the thoughts of Minoru himself that pushed himself into a corner.

  I cannot perform the duties that must be performed.

  The feeling of guilt for this made Minoru adopt a lifestyle with uncertain behavior towards the surrounding people.

  He was able to relax in the company of the Saegusa sisters because they were not worried about his beauty.

  Minoru was surprised and grateful that they looked at him as a friend, for the first time after seeing him for a long time.

  Although they had behaved this way before, but until now it was not natural. He could not understand why. For him it was not clear that the reason was that they were accustomed to the even more perfect beauty of Miyuki.

  It was inevitable. After all, Minoru was first impressed by Miyuki as an "outstanding magician", and beauty was secondary. In addition, it was because people close to Miyuki also showed an interest in Minoru's appearance.

  In this regard, Minoru recalled "the girl next to Miyuki, looking at his face."

  A slight smile surfaced on his face as he remembered how the blushing Minami ran away from him, lying in bed. Remembering her, he did not feel any discomfort.

  The views of the opposite sex directed at him for Minoru were oppressive and overwhelmingly gloomy. It was always like this, but, remembering Minami, he felt warmly.

  She seemed sweet to him, charming. Minoru had such feelings for the first time.

  - ... Minoru-kun, what happened? You are noticeably cheerful.

  - Oh, I'm sorry. I remember something pleasant ...

  Minoru's cheeks slightly reddened. He was embarrassed by the possible ambiguous meaning of his smiling face, which the girls saw.

  "At such moments, Minoru looks like an ordinary boy. Kasumi said with a smile. To hear from these sisters say that he was "ordinary" for Minoru was a refreshing taste of a sense of comfort.

  "... By the way, have the wounded students already recovered?"

  Dinner began with innocuous topics, however, unfortunately, it was not possible to finish with secular conversations alone. Because it had bothered them ever since they heard, and they had to be sure. Mayumi asked ab
out the condition of the Second High students who were seriously injured as a result of the "Humanists" attack on their way home from school.

  - Fortunately, there were no difficulties, all of them have completely recovered.

  - Thank God ...

  Izumi sighed with relief. She was also attacked by fanatics from the anti-magic movement, although she herself did not suffer. So the sufferings of the pupils of the other school were not alien to her.

  - And what about the "Humanists"? The charges were not pursued?

  Minoru smiled with restraint when he heard Kasumi's question.

  "That's all right." Taking into account the serious injuries, it was concluded that the use of magic was justified.

  - Well, it was quite natural. By the way, were the attackers arrested?

  If the self-defense of students of Second High was recognized as legitimate, then all severity of the prosecution was to be transferred to the "Humanists". Under the intense gaze of Kasumi thinking so, Minoru's expression took on an apologetic look.

  - The attackers ... were diagnosed that their mind was clouded with drugs, and as a result they were aquitted.

  - How so! The pupils of Second High suffered greatly from their actions! Is it justified by insanity to apply to such serious crimes!?

  "... I've also heard a couple of conversations." Since the pupils of Second High are magicians, they should not be badly injured from attacks by ordinary people. In fact, there are no complications from injuries, so it was not a serious crime ... that's the case.

  - What now, if the victim is a magician, then the criminal is not to blame !?

  "Are you saying that laws apply to us magicians, and ordinary citizens unequally?" - Izumi in a voice besieged with sarcasm, exploded in the wrath of Kasumi. This argument of the sister had nothing to refute not only Kasumi, but also Mayumi.

  - You're right.

  Minoru also agreed. More precisely, on this occasion he resented even more Izumi.

  - If it were so, the coexistence of people and magicians would be impossible.

  But Saegusa' sisters did not hear this whisper. If they found out about his despair about this, then in the future it could deliver some problems ...

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Tatsuya's group returned to Tokyo at 8 pm. The place of return turned out to be the roof of the building in Tofu, on which they met the day on the way to the main house. From the small VTOL, six came out: Tatsuya, Miyuki, Minami, as well as Katsushige, Kotona and Kanata.

  - Tatsuya-sama, on this I have to say goodbye to you.

  - Thank you very much, Hanabishi-san.

  "These are undeserved words." Please call me Hyougo. Now, I beg your pardon, I will wait for our next meeting.

  Tatsuya did not ask Hyougo which meeting he had in mind, but only escaped the departing VTOL.

  - Tatsuya-kun, Miyuki-san.

  Hearing the voice of Katsushige, Tatsuya turned around. Miyuki looked at Katsushige with caution.

  - Have you two heard about this building?

  Neither Katsushige, nor Kotona, nor Kanata showed any concern with the suspicion read in Miyuki's glance. Katsushige asked the question in a formal, polite tone.

  - I can assume that this is the property of the Yotsuba family, but ...

  With a face expressing that the answer is only partially correct, Katsushige nodded at Tatsuya's answer.

  - This building was built to move the headquarters of the Yotsuba family to Tokyo.

  - Earlier I was wondering if such a plan exists. It seems there is.

  "The whole living area will be occupied by Yotsuba's people." The apartments will also be used as temporary accommodation for battles participants.

  - Clear. That's why the structure of the building resembles a fortress.

  This building was located in the middle of a large undeveloped site. It is not difficult to guess that this site played the role of a "serf trench" and was stuffed with a large number of protective systems.

  The office part up to the third floor had absolutely no windows, and its lighting was organized by a fiber-optic structure. Residential areas, located from floors 4 and above, instead of windows for the most part had balconies, so it was difficult to see the interior from outside.

  Completely covering the top floor and the roof, the protective fence was installed not to protect it from falls, but to protect it from outside penetration. Instead of the blinds on the windows, armor plates may be provided.

  - We too will soon move here.

  - It's clear.

  Katsushige's words were not unexpected. They did not just build it all. To grant the residence to the next head of the branch family is reasonable in many senses.

  "Tatsuya-san, you will also move here."

  However, Kotona's words which continued beyond Katsushige, were unexpected.

  - But there is nothing to worry about, because a complete replacement of the training equipment is already under way.

  "Did she both say that?" - Instead of Tatsuya hovering in surprise, Kotona was asked by Miyuki.

  - Yes.

  - That's what they asked us to convey. - Following Kotona's nod, Katsushige added, after which these three (including Kanata) entered the building.

  Having settled on the couch in the living room at home, Tatsuya and Miyuki first chose the topic of the discussion, which was reported by Katsushige.

  - Onii-sama, did you know about this?

  The question was expected. Without any hesitation in using Onii-sama's appeal, Miyuki asked Tatsuya about moving. It seems that Tatsuya would become Tatsuya-most definitely, for Miyuki she still needs some time.

  - I remember that I heard something about moving to the Yotsuba base in Tokyo. But I did not think that this would happen so soon.

  For Tatsuya, this also turned out to be a surprise, which he admitted to Miyuki.

  "Perhaps both of us believe it necessary to strengthen our security with you."

  - Does this mean that someone has aimed at us?

  The face of Minami, who came with tea, became tense.

  "Perhaps it is." However, I think this is a preparation for the fact that Yotsuba's people in the future may have more chances of being disturbed.

  - Are you thinking about confrontation with the other 27 houses?

  - Not only the 27 houses.

  "Do ... do you mean a protest against the government?"

  According to Miyuki's voice, it was noticeable that she began to lose her composure.

  - No. Since the government is not a monolithic structure, it should not become a confrontation with state power. But if this happens, then those who pull the trigger will not be both, uh, and I.

  - Onii-sama ...

  Tatsuya gently stroked Miyuki's hand, not concealing her anxiety. Feeling Tatsuya's hand, Miyuki's fingers relaxed a little.

  - I think that both sides have no intention of a conflict with the Japanese government. But the probability of a conflict with the self-defense forces is not zero.

  Miyuki again tensed, hands clenched into fists. With a smile, saying "Everything will be fine," Tatsuya gently stroked Miyuki on the head.

  "Do not worry, I will not let it reach a full-scale armed battle."

  "... Miyuki is happy to hear that."

  Miyuki took advantage of the moment and clung to Tatsuya. Looking at this, Minami did not want to run away this time, as usual, but also felt that the worry was disappearing.

  CHAPTER 2

  The day after the meeting of young people from the "28 houses", the Mitsuya family met an unexpected guest.

  The name of this guest was Tooyama Tsukasa. On the lists of the military she was registered as a junior officer of the army of defense, Tooyama Tsukasa. Tooyama's name was not only used as an external cover, but was actually registered in all documents, like the real one.

  This was not just a violation of some unspoken rules, but a full-fledged crime, but no one blamed her for this. Because it is the policy of the army, to hide the use of the strength of the Tooyama family. The magic of the Tooyama family was hidden by the authorities because of its nature.

  It seems that power-hungry people wanted to keep it a secret from the civilians and have it ready to help key government members in case of emergency.