The morning of Sunday, June 23rd, 2097.
Angie Sirius, Head Commander of the Stars, the magician force under direct supervision of the General Staff Headquarters, whose real na was Angelina Kudou Shields, was inside a small-sized VTOL.
Angelina, more commonly referred to as Lina, was accused of betrayal and dishonor by parasitized troops, and suffered an assassination attempt in the base headquarters. Having escaped to Japan with the help of General Staff Headquarters Captain Balances secret connections with the Yotsuba Family, she stayed in a house owned by the Kuroba, a branch family of the Yotsuba, until the day before yesterday, and stayed at Tatsuyas and Miyukis apartnt last night.
And now she is moving to a new hiding place. Approximately 90km above the sea south of the Boso Peninsula, approximately 50km east of Miyake Island, Miyaki Island floated on the sea. The small island was referred to as 21st centurys new island because it was ford due to the activity of an underwater volcano in the first year of the 21st century. Though it is called small, its area has now grown to 8 square kiloters. It is about the sa size as Kunitachi in Tokyo.
This island was Linas new hiding place.
The whole island of Miyaki Island is Yotsuba Familys private property. More accurately, it is owned by a real estate company controlled by the Yotsuba Family, but this doesnt change reality.
The islands peculiar history reveals how the Yotsuba Family got their hands on this region.
Originally, there was a supply base for the National Defense Navy in Miyaki Island. But it was abandoned after repeated eruptions in the 2050s, and after World War 3, also known as the 20-year world war, ended, it beca a secret prison for magicians regardless of whether they were military officers or civilians, the managent of which was entrusted to the Yotsuba Family. Nobody but the Yotsuba Family was able to perfectly control magician criminals who hold powerful abilities.
The Yotsuba acquired the island to take over the function of the secret prison.
However, in January of 2093, after an eruption on the eastern side of the island - the side opposite to the prison - the relocation of the prison was considered, and in 2095 the new location was decided. In May of 2097, last month, the new secret prison was completed, and the prisoner relocation was also carried out.
Though the facilities for prisoners need renovation, buildings for supervisors are imdiately habitable. Also, since the east side of the island was not used for the prison, the construction of magical experint facility for project advanced. Although its construction just started in April, this is where the magic nuclear fusion reactor energy plant based on Tatsuyas ESCAPES project was decided to be built.
Tatsuya and Miyuki were also riding together in the small VTOL. Though their primary goal was to guide and guard Lina, Tatsuya also ca with the intent of inspecting the planned construction site for the plant.
It was decided at the end of last month that the implentation of the ESCAPES project will be done in Miyaki Island. Tatsuya has visited Miyaki Island several tis and understands the topography and climate, but he has never examined it with the point of view of building sothing there. It was certainly indispensable to check once again if there were natural conditions that could harm his project.
Tatsuya-sama, Miyuki-sama, Shields-sama, we will be landing soon.
Hanabishi Hyougo, who was piloting the small VTOL, raised his voice towards Tatsuyas group. This VTOL has capacity for 6 people excluding the pilot, and there is no division between the pilots seat and the passenger seats. Hyougos voice directly reached Tatsuyas group just like in a car.
It looks pretty spacious. The infrastructure looks surprisingly prepared.
Lina, who is seeing the island for the first ti, expresses her impressions as she observes.
Well...It has changed a lot.
Miyuki ca here once before, but couldnt hide her surprise at the complete transformation from the dreary appearance at the ti.
Miyuki, have you been on this island?
Yeah, a bit over four years ago.
When she visited four years ago, there were only prison facilities in the coastal area on the west side, and the island was mostly dark rocks and sandy lava fields.
But in the Miyaki Island that now reached their eyes, there was an airfield with a short runway in the north of the island, a desalination facility right next to it, a geothermal powerplant on the foot of the mountain in its center, and no less than ten large buildings stood in a line on the eastern part.
Tatsuya was also hit with feelings of surprise, but he was surprised for a different reason than Miyuki.
(...Is that an Induction Stone refinery?)
(That way is a large-scale computing center...)
Within the group of buildings, Tatsuya found a building whose installations distinctly resembled FLTs research laboratory.
And then he suddenly understood.
This island is being built to be Yotsuba Familys new headquarters.
Tatsuya had not been inford by Maya about that plan.
The plant for the ESCAPES project will be built on Miyaki Island.
But this plan doesnt exclude it as Yotsubas second headquarters.
While building an open experintal plant here, Maya and the Yotsuba Family are building a closed research right beside it. And it is also likely that from among the researchers gathered for the ESCAPES project, the ones that are particularly great should to join the Yotsuba Family. All this for the sake of advancing magic techniques to even higher heights.
The small VTOL landed in the helipad. The runway here is not long enough for large aircraft to take off and land, but even if it isnt a VTOL or STOVL, it is possible for a small 50 passenger jet to perfectly take off or land. The Yotsubas seriousness can be seen on the developnt of Miyaki Island.
Just as expected, there are no railroads or monorails. The four of them were riding on a self-driving car - Hyougo was driving - prepared by one of the Yotsuba Familys branch families, the Mashiba Family, who managed the magician prison, and headed towards the west side of the island.
They went around the volcano, that continued its small activity, and arrived at the residences for prison managent staff. Along the way, like before, lava fields and beaches full of rocks continued both on the left and right sides.
It seems that the east side of the island, on the opposite side of the prison, was given more developnt importance. While all the prisoners had left, only about half of the managent staff left the island. It was mainly guards who didnt stay, they transferred to the new prison along with the prisoners.
The facilitys required managent personnel remained in its entirety. The residences were maintained in a state where they could move in imdiately.
Hmm...so its a condominium rather than a hotel.
Linas impressions leaked out after taking a look around the room she was guided to. To these impressions, Tatsuya and Miyuki had no objections.
Food is already prepared in the fridge and stocker, and it doesnt seem like clothes will be urgently needed.
...Oh well.
Was Lina looking sensitive because she was getting mixed feelings from receiving help on clothes to wear from Tatsuya, who was a male? Similarly, Mirfak, a male subordinate, also told her sothing like that when she was escaping Arica. Therefore, her worry seed needlessly severe.
This managent facility is equipped not just with residences, but also stores that sell household goods, practice rooms and even recreation rooms. How about seeing them too?
The recomndation was made by Hyougo, who snatched a prison staff mber to serve as a guide before anyone noticed it.
Tatsuya glanced at Lina to ask her about her intentions. Todays inspection was to make sure that Miyaki Islands prisons facility can be used as Linas hiding spot. Lina was under the impression that she had no choice, but that was her misunderstanding. If Lina said I dont like it, the Yotsuba Family would prepare the next hiding place. Its just that the degree of security would be strictly inferior than in here.
Can you show
around?
Even here, Lina has misunderstood that she had no right to say no. Believing that it was an unavoidable ceremony, she looked towards Hyougo and replied.
Hey...Is it really okay for
to live here?
Those were Linas first words when she ca back to her room after a lap around the facility.
You seem to be pleased with it.
Linas question was directed at Tatsuya, so he thought it would be strange if he didnt answer. Right away, he returned the words that ca to his mind.
Seems like Ill be punished if I say Im not pleased with it.
Linas voice revealed her exhaustion. Not physical exhaustion, ntal exhaustion, she was tired of surprises.
The facilities she was shown were by no ans extravagant.
However, there was no shortage.
In life, there is nothing that can perfectly predict inconvenience.
Sa for this room. Even if she could not get out, it might more pleasant than Stars lodging house. This was far from the uncomfortable life on the run Lina had imagined.
Besides, was it fine to show
all those things...?
Linas eyes shook in anxiety.
The destination of the guided tour where she was the guest was not just the prison facility. The research facility under construction was also included in the tour.
After going around the residences connected to the facility, Tatsuya, Miyuki and Lina headed to the eastern part of the island using a prison helicopter. Hyougo also piloted it. Rather than lack of trust in the people in the prison, Hyougo seems unwilling to give an outsider the role of Tatsuyas chauffeur. Only two months have passed since Hyougo started to serve Tatsuya, but he found sothing that was worth giving his loyalty to.
The last place Hyougo, who had already settled into the role of Tatsuyas loyal subject, guided them to was the Induction Stone refinery Tatsuya had his eyes on from inside the aircraft just before landing.
The Induction Stone is the heart of the CAD. Its standard manufacture process is well known. The CAD developnt techniques are military technology, not protected by patent but also not open to the public. But, since techniques were leaked to allied countries and due to spy battles, nowadays all the significance of keeping it a secret was lost.
Regardless, it is standard technology nonetheless. Although the Induction Stone can be manufactured by techniques that are, as a matter of fact, open to the public, they are unable to purify the Induction Stone efficiently.
The Induction Stone is the part that mutually converts Psion signal and electric signal. But just because they emit Psion signals from electric signals, doesnt an all Induction Stones convert Psion signals and electric signals in the sa way. The performance changes depending on the design, and efficiency further changes due to the process finishing touches.
An Induction Stone may have high efficiency in conversion from Psion signal into electrical signal, but another Induction Stone refined in another processing line may have high efficiency at converting electric signals into Psion signals. So stones excel in their ability to convert weak signals, and other stones excel in their ability to faithfully reproduce signals.
For example, Germanys Rosen Magicraft, United Kingdoms McGregor Wand, Aricas Maximilian device, in this order, obtained high appraisal in their Induction Stones general abilities, but in terms of ability to reproduce the signal accurately, Japans FLT is the world leading company
the performance of Induction Stones manufactured by army and national research institutions is unknown.
The design of the Induction Stone is an important intellectual asset for both corporations and countries. Common knowledge in the magic industry dictated that it is impossible to show an Induction Stone refinery to an outsider. Linas words all those things reflected this common sense.
If you can understand it, wont you think that getting too close is reckless?
...I wouldnt make an imitation from the start; my conscience wouldnt allow
to.
To Tatsuyas answer, Lina exposed her dissatisfaction. But her tone lacked strength.
She doesnt know at this point how long shell remain hidden on this island.
If she needs to hide for an extended period of ti, the tension and caution will surely fade away. If she didnt understand the importance of that area, she may end up walking in carelessly and needlessly troubling the guards.
Lina could not deny the possibility.
Thats right.
Regarding Linas point as unimportant, Tatsuya turned towards Hyougo.
Given the signal, Hyougo handed Tatsuya the stylish envelope he had been carrying on his hand.
Lina, this is the key to your room.
Th-Thank you...
Lina opened the unsealed envelope and checked what was inside.
It was a golden smart card.
With that card, you are free to use any of the facilities on the island, including food and shops. Though it is possible to reissue if you lose it, that requires a slightly troubleso identity check.
Understood. I will be careful.
Knowing its importance, Lina grabbed the card with both hands.
If anything happens, call us from the fixed terminal in the room. Its fine if you dont address it to . It is also connected to Miyuki, Ayako, and the Yotsuba Family.
Okay.
Anything else you want to ask?
Nothing right now. Ill call you if theres sothing I dont understand.
Please do.
Tatsuya turned back towards Miyuki.
Miyuki, who was diagonally behind Tatsuya, ca forth with a half step.
Well then, Lina. Get so rest. We will co to see you again.
Yeah. Really, thank you for everything.
Lina waved her tiny hand, looking a little embarrassed.
Miyuki smiled, and waved her hand lightly.
Tatsuya-sama, there is sothing else I would like you to see.
?
Said Hyougo, who was following Tatsuya as he headed towards the parking lot.
Today they didnt have plans other than the inspection of the island. Tatsuya replied with alright and asked Hyougo to guide him.
The place where Hyougo took Tatsuya and Miyuki was a garage beside the runway. There was only one short car painted in light blue parked.
Its an unusual design. Doesnt look like a mid-engine layout...
As Tatsuya said, the central part of the cars body was the engine, but the engine was not installed there. In the case of hydrogen or ethanol engines there is a mid-engine layout, but in the case of an electric car, current designs arranged motors for the front and back wheels separately, or included a motor inside each wheel. And this self-driving vehicle clearly had the electric motor drive characteristics.
This car is an Air Car.
...You an a Flying-Type Magic vehicle?
Tatsuya opened his eyes slightly. He was not hiding his surprise.
It is indeed. Developnt itself started 2 years ago, at the sa ti as the bike with flight capabilities Wingless, and it finally reached its completion this past month after receiving so ideas from Tatsuya-sama.
Certainly, in April of this year Tatsuya devised a new Flying-Type Magic sche for high mass vehicles. However, he was so busy with various things that he handed in a rough plan as it was to the Head House and tucked it away in the corners of his consciousness.
He did not expect it to bear fruit. Tatsuya was hit with unexpected feelings.
This body has already been registered for use on public roads, so it can be used every day.
Is it also able to drive from and to this island?
Of course, I will co imdiately if you call.
Though Hyougo replied with a ek expression, Tatsuya didnt think he was being disrespectful from the start.
Onii-sama, why dont you try it out?
Standing to his side, Miyuki recomnded a test drive.
No, lets stop for today.
Tatsuya shook his head, showing little hesitation on his face. However, he didnt have zero interest in this Air Car.
Lets test it tomorrow.
Certainly. I will report this to the chanic.
Tatsuya disliked leaving Miyuki alone during a test drive. He decided to test the dual use land and air vehicle called Air Car when Miyuki was at school.
Around the ti Tatsuya visited Miyaki Island.
Despite being Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense were hit by a quite a bit of disturbance.
Japan received a confidential request from USNA through diplomatic routes.
A request for cooperation in the search for Major Angie Sirius, who cut communications.
The Japanese governnt protested against USNAs lack of prior notice regarding the entrance of a high rank officer in the country. But if offered the rebuttal that the visit to Japan was not for military purposes, even if it is nothing but a transparent lie, they could no longer object.
The Japanese governnt promised USNA to search and protect Angie Sirius.
While Aricas demands are shaless, at the sa ti they seem quite natural. But why is the 101st Brigade being requested to deal with this?
Lieutenant Colonel Kazama, I too am tired of this. Can you stop pretending you dont understand?
I apologize.
Accepting Saekis rebuke, Kazama admirably tried to smooth things over.
However, just by moving his facial muscles, a sense of irony shined through his eyes.
As she said herself, ntal fatigue spread on her face
in other words, with a tired expression, Saeki glared at Kazama.
But there were no further apologies from Kazama.
Saeki was the one who was running out of patience.
I know that Major Sirius is being protected by the Yotsuba Family.
Did you hear Yotsubas report?
That was a warning rather than a report.
Angie Sirius is under our protection. Keep the National Defense Forces hands out...so they said.
It seems thats the case.
Saeki nodded with a bitter expression.
Is Special Officer Ooguro involved, is that what Your Excellency is thinking?
Yes, Lieutenant Colonel. Sa as you.
Both Saeki and Kazama had a rough idea about what happened in the winter of last year regarding the interaction between Tatsuya, as Special Officer Ooguro, and Lina, as Angie Sirius.
USNAs state-recognized Strategic-Class Magician Angie Sirius. The only reason why the Yotsuba Family would protect her is due to her relationship with Tatsuya. That was Kazamas and Saekis reasoning.
Though their reasoning was incorrect, but it may be inevitable that they think so, since they do not know about the secret agreent between the Yotsuba Family and Colonel Balance.
Are you going to request Special Officer Ooguro...No, Tatsuya to hand over Major Sirius?
Eventually she will be delivered to the USNA.
Saekis answer was, formally, not an answer to Kazamas question. However, Saekis intentions were fully transmitted.
Eventually. In other words, she wont be delivered imdiately.
They are planning to use Lina as a bargaining chip.
Sirius is a state-recognized Strategic-Class Magician. One of USNAs trump cards.
Its impossible that the US ard forces have Sirius as their only trump card, but a trump card that crosses over to the enemys side becos a threat.
If their intent is to retrieve her
or dispose of her
there is the potential to draw out so small concessions.
...Why did Sirius end up deserting?
Strategic-Class Magicians are individuals who may beco a threat to the country. Its expected that they were being carefully controlled at least to the degree that they dont possess spirit of rebellion.
Kazamas question was quite natural.
Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain detailed information.
National Defense Forces have also released spies in Arica. They may be allies, but they are still targets of intelligence assessnts. People who think that alliances are eternal/absolute are not qualified to be involved in military or political affairs.
But the counterintelligence side has that sa awareness. As Japan is cautious of Arican spies, it is possible that Arica is even more cautious of Japans spy activity. Information regarding the state-recognized Strategic-Class Magicians desertion must not be easy to get hold of.
Isnt it dangerous to interfere without knowing the circumstances?
That is why its best to ask the person herself.
Its best to secure Sirius personage and ask her questions directly. Saeki seems to think so.
Kazama felt his superiors idea was vague and dangerous, but he could not explain his foundations.
Then I will ask Tatsuya if I can et with Sirius.
Why do you need to ask?
Kazama was unable to understand what Saeki had just said.
Saeki gave an order without caring about Kazamas confusion.
Lieutenant Colonel Kazama. Give Special Officer Ooguro the order to hand over Major Angie Sirius.
How should we deal with Tatsuyas refusal?
Tough asures are undesirable. Please just tell them that there is no room for misunderstanding, it is the will of the National Defense Forces that Sirius cannot be kept in the country.
That is to say that even if governnts or foreign forces try to take Sirius by force, the 101st Brigade will not lend Tatsuya help.
Understood.
Kazama didnt believe Tatsuya expected to rely on them from the start.
He also understood the theory that foreign officers whose governnt did not admit defection cannot expect to be sheltered as genuine soldiers.
Kazama just didnt think this was the correct answer.
Considerably late into the afternoon, Tatsuya and Miyuki arrived at Tokyo from Miyaki Island, stopped at their ho for just a short while, and right away visited Minamis hospital room.
On the way, passing by many people who seed to be magicians, dispatched by the Juumonji Family on the outside of the hospital and the Yotsuba Family on the inside, Tatsuya pretended to not know any of them. It should be more effective to worry about guarding Minami first, but it seems they are giving priority to Minorus capture so as not to attract attention. Tatsuya did not intend to ruin the plan by being stingy.
I want you to keep close watch on the front of the hospital room.
Miyuki, though, felt dissatisfied to the point where she dropped such complaints.
Incidentally, when Tatsuya knocked on the rooms door, Miyukis dissatisfaction was completely withdrawn.
Minami, do you mind if I enter?
Yes, feel free. Do not co in. Is Miyuki-senpai there too!?
Tatsuya and Miyuki exchanged glances.
The vocal trio delivered their replies, and they all were familiar voices.
Tatsuya opened the door in accordance with Minamis consent.
Looking back from the side of the bed, identical faces had contrasting expressions.
Emphasizing her displeasure with a frown, Saegusa Kasumi.
Expressing her delight with a radiant smile, Saegusa Izumi.
The Saegusa twin sisters, their juniors at First High.
Did Izumi-chan and Kasumi-chan co to pay Minami a visit?
Yes. Our classmate is hospitalized but even so I thought it was unpleasant to have nobody but guards.
It was decided at the Master Clans Conference that Saegusas role was to intercept and capture Kudou Minoru. Neither Kasumi nor Izumi were appointed as Minamis guards.
I see, thank you.
But Miyuki responded to Izumi with a smile.
It is not necessary to point it out in front of Minami. In addition to the roles assigned to the Saegusa Family, these two are visiting Minami as classmates. Thinking this, feelings of gratitude naturally gushed out from inside Miyukis thank you.
Ah! I am unworthy of such honorable words...
Izumi anxiously pressed her chest down and let her voice be overco with emotion. It looked like pain rather than happiness. It was a dramatic act, but she was dead serious.
Tatsuya and Miyuki did not make fun of Izumis exaggerated gestures. They just looked at her charmingly. On the bed, Minami subtly turned her eyes away. It was only her older twin sister Kasumi who coldly stared at Izumi.
Tatsuya approached Minami, and Kasumi moved away by the sa distance.
Miyuki followed Tatsuya, and Izumi gave her spot to Miyuki.
As a result, Tatsuyas group and Kasumis group changed places.
How are you, Minami?
Stopping at the edge of the bed, Tatsuya asked. A stool was placed at the side of the bed, but there was only one so neither him nor Miyuki sat down.
Im recovering little by little.
She did not say it clearly because she couldnt be frank to Kasumi and Izumi about her dical condition.
Minamis body is recovering its strength, as is obvious because she already doesnt need the assistance of the support exoskeleton
a mounted power assistance tool for dical use. But her sensory disorder cant be understood by just looking from the outside.
Thats good...
Upon hearing about the condition improvent from Minamis mouth, Miyuki put her right hand on her chest and breathed in relief.
Really.
Tatsuya also loosened his mouth a little.
It may not be necessary for
to tell you again, but dont try to cure it sooner.
Yes.
He couldnt know her true feelings, but at least on the surface Minami didnt look impatient.
What does the doctor say?
Seems like Ill be able to leave the hospital in about two weeks.
To Miyukis question, Minami replied with a calm tone.
Does that also include rehabilitation?
I havent heard that far.
After 2 weeks, so she will be hospitalized for about a month total. Hearing Miyukis questions and Minamis answers, Tatsuya thought about if he should take Pixie to help with Minamis rehabilitation.
Is that so? Ah, but if you need rehab at ho, you dont have to worry?
There is no need to be impatient, he quickly added a few words to temporize Miyuki.
We will help you as much as we can.
Im sorry!
Minami was now flustered.
Maybe this wasnt the ti for this, but just by hearing that Minami can be talked to like usual, Tatsuya felt her recovery here.
I dont want to decline, but...
But...
Miyuki seed a bit sad, increasing Minamis embarrassnt.
Then, an unexpected request ca from Izumi.
Miyuki-senpai. I would like to help with the rehabilitation after she is discharged, if you dont mind.
Izumi-chan?
Yes. But only if I wont be a bother.
Doubting Izumis true intentions would be unjust. Tatsuya kept the straight man act to himself.
Izumi is sympathizing with Minami as her classmate, she shouldnt be saying such things because of her desire to enter Miyukis ho.
Izumi...by no ans are you thinking of using Sakurai-san as an excuse to get in the Presidents house...right?
However, Kasumis unrestrained question was a load off his mind.
T-That is unthinkable! I did not think about such insolent things!
Regrettably, agitation erged in Izumis face and voice.
Kasumi gazed at Izumi with her eyes half closed.
Izumi did not look away from Kasumis face, but her eyes moved so that they didnt et the glance.
...President. When Izumi intrudes in your house, I too will accompany her.
To Kasumis remarks, Miyuki expressed a vague smile and answered only with thank you, both of you.
When the two of them left the hospital room, it looked like Izumi was being forcibly taken away by Kasumi.
The three people in Tatsuyas group sent the twin sisters off, who expressed very similar smiles on their faces.
Its shocking, but they didnt hate it. Those smiling faces.
Among her classmates, they were neat and gentle beautiful girls. However, as much of a lovable character as she may be, Tatsuyas group recognized that Izumi was a little out of sync.
Tatsuya brought a stool from the corner of the room and sat down.
Miyuki sat on the stool that was already placed on the side of the bed.
But still, Im thankful that they ca to visit like that...
Miyuki muttered, speaking to herself.
Tatsuya also completely agreed with that point.
For the Saegusa Family, Minami is no more than a decoy for the sake of capturing Minoru.
This is not sothing to be criticized. The Saegusa Family, and the Juumonji Family, were handling it as a result of a decision made during the Master Clans Conference. Naturally, the Saegusa have nothing to do with this matter.
Saegusa Kouichi thrust his own head by his own free will, due to his own motives. Regardless, for the Saegusa Family, Minami is a simple decoy. That was correct perception of their point of view.
Those two, they may not be fit for this.
Tatsuya did not clearly say what he ant by this. But not only Miyuki but also Minami were able to understand the words he omitted.
Neither Kasumi nor Izumi were suited for the Ten Master Clans. He is unsuited to speak of their older sister Mayumi who also may not be cut out for it, but she still prioritizes her position and duties. But Kasumi and Izumi give priority to honesty rather than their position and empathy rather than duty.
In a single word, it can be called goodness.
I dont think its bad. Im a bit jealous.
These words expressed by Miyuki were proof that she and Tatsuya were thinking the sa thing.
By the way, Minami.
Tatsuya suddenly changed the topic.
Yes, what is it?
Minami was not flustered when she was suddenly called by her na.
Has anything strange happened since then?
Do you an if Minoru-sama got in touch?
Not just Minoru.
I havent seen any suspicious visitors.
After Minamis brief reply, she added I dont see anything while asleep.
It isnt likely that Minoru gave up. Maybe hes preparing sothing? For instance, things such as gathering subordinates...
Looking at Tatsuyas face, Miyuki felt a little anxious.
That is a possibility.
Its been a week since the last attack. It is unthinkable that Minoru did nothing in the anti.
Though there is no clear confirmation, Minoru has inherited Zhou Gongjins knowledge. This isnt limited to magical knowledge.
Neither the Kudou Family nor any of the Nine Families will betray the Master Clans Conference, so it is difficult to gather allies from there. However, it may be possible to collect minions from inside the spy network that Zhou Gongjin established.
I may have to learn the parasite sealing technique from Oba-ue.
Miyuki and Minami simultaneously trembled.
Hearing about the parasite sealing technique, Minami thought it would be used on Minoru.
But Miyuki was concerned about sothing else.
Onii-sama...do you think Minoru-kun will increase the parasites? Like the vampire from last years winter?
I dont think Minoru will attack people at random. But I think the number of people whose desire for power doesnt end even if they cease to be human is not little. To that extend, it might not be difficult to locate them.
Miyuki did not deny Tatsuyas guess. The reason why neither Miyuki not Minami voiced any doubts wasnt because they were Tatsuyas words, but because the girls also had knowledge of such human weaknesses.
Onii-sama, umm, I was just thinking...shouldnt we warn Erika and the guys too?
...Youre right. I was thoughtless.
Tatsuya bowed his head with a vacant expression.
The three of them, Erika, Leo, and Mikihiko, all t Minoru in last years fall.
Minoru can hide the parasites presence. Mikihiko might be able to recognize Minorus true colors, but there is a high possibility for Erika and Leo to be deceived.
To not assu the case where those three are used, it could certainly be said to be thoughtless.
No, I also didnt notice until just now...Should I tell them?
No, Ill tell them. Tomorrow morning I have plans to test the Air Car, so wait in Einebrise after school.
...Are you sure?
Miyuki asked back to push her concern over whether there was a problem if the Master heard their conversation.
There is no problem. The risk of being eavesdropped is lower than talking inside the school, and maybe well be able to loan Masters power.
Masters...?
Einebrises Masters father was a capable intelligence salesman, and Tatsuya doesnt clearly know if the Master himself also ddles in intelligence trade.
But Tatsuya was convinced that Master was honest. The scent Tatsuya picked up from Master was not the scent of the underworld, but Miyuki didnt know this.
No, I understand.
Miyuki did not ask Tatsuya about Masters identity. If it is sothing you must know, Tatsuya will tell you. Tatsuya did not explain, therefore it is unnecessary to know right now, such were her thoughts.
Erika and the guys will wait for you are Einebrise...umm, Onii-sama? Is it okay if I bring Honoka, Shizuku and Mizuki too?
I dont want to increase the number of people involved, but...not notifying them is also risky. I understand. Please tell everyone.
Of course!
Tatsuya and Miyuki nodded together. Then, the two of them turned their faces towards Minami.
...What is it?
Tatsuya and Miyuki kept their mouths closed and turned their eyes towards themselves and Minami, feeling anxious rather than irritated, asked the question.
It may not be obvious at this point in ti but...
It was Miyuki who replied to Minamis question.
Minami-chan, what do you think of Minoru-kun?
What...?
Minamis face was stained with embarrassnt.
Her thoughts were temporarily paralyzed after the sudden question.
Minoru-kun seems to kind of like Minami-chan, but
Like...
Her ability to think isnt working normally, so Minami was unable to do anything but repeat things that were already said.
Minami-chan, do you like Minoru-kun?
, like!?
Minamis voice sounded out of tune. Seems like the agitation reached such extres that it called her consciousness back.
like Minoru-sama, Ive never thought about that!
That is, you just havent thought about it?
Using her words as they were, Tatsuya rectified Minamis misconception.
Do you like or do you dislike, or do you have no interest, or is it simply that there is nothing to be aware of?
By no ans are we asking just out of curiosity.
......
Minami was unable to understand what Tatsuya and Miyuki wanted her to say.
She didnt even understand if asking what they wanted her to say was fine.
You dont dislike him, but if you like Minoru-kun...
Minami, if you dont make up your mind, you wont be prepared.
Prepared...prepared to fight Minoru-sama?
Minami herself was not conscious, but at that ti she looked miserable.
The fight is ours.
In Tatsuyas denial too, his tone was quite strong.
I would like to end this without killing Minoru if possible. But I am not the only one engaging Minoru.
Minami nodded slightly in silence.
Minami was not told that, not counting the Yotsuba Family, the Juumonji and the Saegusa families are on the watch for Minoru. However, Minami presud that at least the Saegusa Family was participating in the strategy for the capture of Minoru.
She had heard Izumi use the word guard, and she was not raised in an environnt where it can be thought that the twins visit was simply as classmates.
Besides, Minoru is tough. Sweet ideas like capturing without killing may not be applicable.
I think it cant be helped.
You can understand in your head. I dont doubt it. But, what about your heart?
......
Minami could not reply to Tatsuyas question.
This is what I ant by prepared. Minami, Minoru abandoned his humanity for the sake of helping you. But this is sothing he did on his own accord. He didnt have your wishes in mind.
......
However, it wont be easy to convince him. You know Minorus feelings.
...Yes.
Minami hid her face and look downward, admitting Tatsuyas words.
Minami-chan, its normal for people to hesitate. There is no need to feel guilty.
Miyuki grasped Minamis hands.
...Yes.
Minami raised her head, and turned towards Miyuki with a weak smile.
But, if Minami-chan has no special feelings for Minoru-kun, I want you to be prepared.
Prepared to not intrude even if he is to be killed in front of you.
Tatsuya took over the crucial word.
Tatsuya did not let Miyuki say the word kill.
In case I...say that I adore Minoru-sama...
We will consider other ways to end this without killing Minoru.
Tatsuya cut her words, showing little hesitation.
In that case, there is an increased probability of victims.
Minamis complexion changed.
I apologize! I said sothing silly!
Minami-chan, calm down.
As Minami staggered her waist over the bed, Miyuki supported her from her side.
Perhaps she should have sat on the bed to apologize. It seems she had not recovered enough to endure sudden movents.
I dont think your comnt was silly. I also dont imdiately understand feelings I was not aware of before.
No!
From between Miyukis arms, Minami looked up at Tatsuya with a strong will in her eyes.
I do not have special feelings for Minoru-sama.
It was obvious Minami did not think deeply, so she was saying it temporarily.
However, if it were to be pointed out right now, Minami would not admit it.
Understood.
Therefore, at Minamis response, Tatsuya nodded.
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