Guess what? I'm not dead. First of all, I'm REALLY sorry that I haven't updated in a really long time. A lot of sh- happened these past months. And I REALLY don't want to talk about it. Just remembering it makes me so fuc- mad too. It's not like I never had free time these past few months, but I couldn't get into the mood to write because of all that sh- that happened. Well, enjoy.

P.S. : Since the novel doesn't mention Honoka's parents at all, I also made no effort at all to include them on this story. I couldn't remember the way Shizuku calls her parents (Kaa-san or Okaa-san), so please tell me if I did it wrong. Also, I know that Shizuku was little too... active in this chapter. Like, she spoke a lot, but I believe that while she normally keeps to herself, she will speak up when needed.

"Mahouka" - speech

Mahouka - time, location

(Mahouka) - Thoughts

{Mahouka} - my comments

I don't own anything.

Chapter 6

Kitayama residence, one day after the girls meeting

"Sorry for the wait Shizuku."

"No, it's fine. You got here really fast actually."

"Well, you said you had something important to tell me after all."

"...Yeah. I said it, didn't I..."

Truth to be told, Shizuku almost wished Honoka was too busy to come or that someone else did it for her, but as Honoka's best friend there's no way she could not tell her about Tatsuya and Miyuki. Honoka's innocent gaze felt really painful right now, the girl probably couldn't even imagine that her most trusted friend called her to talk about her crush becoming a polygamist. Shizuku herself could barely believe it, while it was not exactly common, it's not like this kind of thing never happened. It's just that in the other cases, there was one legal wife and the others were mistresses and non-official lovers and they were mostly kept a "secret", not like Tatsuya's situation. And most importantly... How the hell did they manage to convince Miyuki?! How could Miyuki, the famous queen of brocons, agree to something like that?!

"What's wrong Shizuku? Is there something wrong?"

"...Yes, with this world."

"Eh?"

"...No, it's nothing. More importantly, come seat over here. This isn't something to talk about while standing by the doorstep."

"Oh, fine then."

Honoka moved towards Shizuku's bed with shy steps. Shizuku kept her trademark poker face, but as her long-time friend, Honoka could tell there was something bothering her. Or rather, whatever it was that Shizuku was about to tell her, Honoka definitely won't be able to take in with a calm heart. Honoka was honestly starting to get scared, was it about school? Family matters? Or maybe Tatsuya? Honoka really hoped it wasn't the latter, she could clearly remember her heart being crushed when she received the news about Tatsuya and Miyuki's engagement. Honoka knew, more bad news like that one and she wouldn't have the strength to go on.

"T-Then, what did you want to talk about, Shizuku?"

"...Actually, it's about Tatsuya-san."

"!"

(...So it really is about Tatsuya-san... What do I do?... It can't be… Are they going to drop out of school and marry right now?! I know that among magicians from prestigious families it's not strange to drop out early but such a thing…!)

Shizuku realised that Honoka's face was filled with despair when she didn't even start explaining yet. Knowing Honoka, she definitely assumed the worst and imagined it even worse. Though, if this really was a good or a bad thing, only Honoka could decide. But for the moment, just stopping her self-destructive line of thought was enough, she could already see tears coming out from the corner of her eyes.

"Honoka, calm down. I can say for sure that it's not what you're thinking. In a way, it could be something good."

*sob* *sob*

"S-something good?"

"Yes, so please stop crying or I won't be able to tell you."

"R-Right. I'm sorry."

After two minutes of deep breaths…

"My family received a message from the Yotsuba, though it was actually addressed to us. Both of us."

"Ehh! A message directly from the Yotsuba?! To us?! But why?!"

"I'm guessing Tatsuya-san had a hand in this. He made sure that you would only know about this from me. That's most likely the reason why the message was not sent to you but was instead, sent to me with instructions to discuss it with you."

"Going through such trouble… What is this about?"

"Honoka… before I start I have to ask, about the time when you heard that Tatsuya-san and Miyuki were engaged but still wanted to be with Tatsuya-san, do you still feel the same way?"

"I… Yes! Even after that, I still love Tatsuya-san."

"...Then, if you had a chance to marry him, would you still take it?"

"...Eh?"

"Honoka, before, I said that you had three choices, continuing to pursue Tatsuya-san, becoming his lover or giving up, and you said that you couldn't give up on Tatsuya-san but you couldn't bring yourself to hurt Miyuki by stealing Tatsuya-san away."

"...Yes."

"But what if there was another way? You could marry Tatsuya-san without having to hurt Miyuki's feelings."

"T-There's such a way?"

"The message from the Yotsuba said the following…"

[Due to propositions made by the USNA and the Saegusa Clan, we, the Yotsuba Clan, have agreed to allow Shiba Tatsuya to have more than one spouse. As of the moment, Shiba Miyuki, Saegusa Mayumi, Angelina Kudou Shields and Kuroba Ayako were already chosen, but the Yotsuba will still accept those willing to "negotiate" and take part in this deal. This information was only sent to those judged to have the necessary requirements to participate, as such, all the information should be kept from non-involved parties, we are counting on your comprehension. A call will be made in three days time to confirm the answer, be it a positive one or a negative one, please decide by then.]

"...It was more or less like this."

"...M-More than one spouse?! Polygamy?! With Tatsuya-san?!"

"...I could barely believe it myself. Coming from the feared Yotsuba and from Miyuki even."

Honoka got so shocked by the news that she even managed to ignore the fact that Ayako's name was also there. While Ayako was not her friend and was barely an acquaintance, Honoka at least knew her face and name. The fact that Ayako's name was there also indirectly confirmed the rumours that the Kuroba were related to the Yotsuba, but then again, right now Honoka's main concern laid in something else.

"B-But, is something like this even possible?"

"Rather than saying if it's possible, I think it's more correct to say it's not impossible. While not very common nowadays, it's not like they created a law prohibiting it, even more when it comes to high-level magicians."

"...Spreading the genes as much as possible comes first, huh?"

"And with so many famous groups taking part, I don't think anyone will actually try to oppose them once they make it known."

"...Maybe Tatsuya-san and Miyuki are being forced to accept this. I just can't imagine Miyuki accepting this, just like that."

"...I also agree that Miyuki must have showed some resistance but I think that she also gave her consent in the end."

"W-Why do you think so?"

"The Yotsuba have too many enemies and very few allies, maybe this was an attempt at widening their influence, or at least I think that's the logic they used to convince Miyuki. Miyuki wants to keep Tatsuya-san all to herself, she would only agree to share him if it was for both of their sakes."

"I...see… Certainly, it makes more sense if we think like that. But... why me? I'm not as good as magician like Saegusa-senpai or Lina-san and I don't have as much influence as Shizuku's family..."

"You are still an astounding magician Honoka, and you are also a descendant of the Elements. You don't have to degrade yourself like that, have more faith."

"...Thank you Shizuku."

"I also think that maybe Tatsuya-san and Miyuki tried to show some sympathy to their friends."

"I'm happy about that, but..."

"...I know. You wanted to make Tatsuya-san look at you by your own effort, not sympathy."

"...Yes. I mean, even when Tatsuya-san said that he only saw Miyuki as a sister, deep in my heart I couldn't completely believe it, but I still thought that maybe, just maybe, if I did my best, then someday…!"

"I know how you feel Honoka, but I believe that Tatsuya-san took that into account when this message was sent. Tatsuya-san wouldn't send something like this out of pity. He is always like this, cold but at the same time kind, he knew that if he did it out of pity, he would just make you feel more miserable."

"...Then why?"

"It's just my own theory but I believe he wanted to give everyone the same chances, or maybe the same opportunities."

"...What do you mean?"

"Like we said, Miyuki too, she must have thought about her priorities, their well-being or her own feelings. Now, Honoka also has to reflect if you want take this chance despite the implications or if you will keep to yourself and avoid taking the chances."

It wasn't just because Shizuku was more level-headed than Honoka, since Shizuku received the message before she had already used her extra time to think about everything. Since Honoka was the emotional one between both of them, Shizuku needed to cool her head down beforehand so they could have a decent and reasonable talk.

"What I wish for..."

"Unfortunately, they didn't give us much time to think..."

"...Then, what about you, Shizuku?"

"...Me?"

"Yeah, you said "us" in the beginning, that means you also got invited, right? I mean, I don't think they would use you just as a messenger."

"...I wanted to avoid it until you reached your answer at least."

"...W-Why?"

"If Honoka decided to accept, I could speak with you honestly and then reaffirm my answer. If you decided to refuse, I would refuse as well."

"B-But why such thing?!"

"...Because I would feel like I was betraying you otherwise."

"...T-Then Shizuku, towards Tatsuya-san, you also..."

"...Yes. I tried to look away many times, but it was no good."

"Shizuku..."

"...I'm a terrible friend, aren't I, Honoka? You always confided everything to me while I always kept this from you."

While Shizuku's face remained expressionless, sadness was visible on her eyes and there were tears flowing down her cheeks. Even for Honoka it was rare to see Shizuku like this.

"That's not true! You were only hiding it because you didn't want to hurt me!"

"...That's not all. I… was afraid. Afraid that you would resent me."

"I would be scared too if I was in the same situation, but I could never hate you Shizuku. I know very well that we can't choose who we fall in love with."

"..."

"Actually, I should be the one apologizing to you. I never noticed and just kept prattling in front of you. I also caused a lot of suffering."

"It's not like that. You fell in love with him first, and you also love him more than I do. You deserve him more. I should be the one to apologize."

"No, I'm the one who..."

"...Haha."

"Shizuku?"

"Before we knew it, we just started to discuss who should apologize."

"Hahaha. I guess. Then how about we both apologize and make up?"

"That's a good idea. I'm really sorry Honoka."

"I'm also really sorry Shizuku."

After their apologies, Shizuku's lips curved a little upwards, something that did not go unnoticed by Honoka.

"What's so funny Shizuku?"

"It's not really funny, I was just… happy I guess."

"I see. I am too."

For a few moments, they were just sitting there, smiling at each other, their friendship even stronger than before. Shizuku looked a little happier too, having finally reached some closure.

"But you see, there were a few times when I thought it was a little suspicious. Your mother was also saying that your trust towards Tatsuya-san surpassed the trust between ordinary friends."

"...Sometimes mother says some unnecessary things."

"Haha, she is just a little hot-blooded sometimes."

"But in the end, we still have to decide."

"Hm…."

"Honoka, I will follow you decision. No matter what you choose."

"B-But, that's not fair Shizuku!"

"It is. I won't leave you alone, I'm your friend. If you decide to refuse I will stay with you."

"T-Then, what do you think we should do?"

"Personally, I think we should accept."

"...And what is your reason?"

"I have two reasons."

"T-There's more than one?!"

"First: this is a unique chance, an officially recognized polygamy with so many supporters, who knows when something like this will happen again. If we leave this be, there won't be a chance ever again. Second: I don't think you will be able to handle the rejection, Honoka."

"...!"

"When you were told about their engagement you fell apart. As things stands now, there's zero chance that Tatsuya-san will go back to a normal life, so you won't be able to get together with him like a normal couple. As your best friend I know, you won't be able stand seeing all the other girls happily married to Tatsuya-san while you look from afar."

"I….."

"Also, I think it would be good."

"?"

"You and Miyuki, both competing for Tatsuya-san's attention again, like always. Just that you will be competing as fellow fiancees this time."

"...Haha. I guess returning to these old times also won't be all that bad. Though there will be way more people as well."

"Then..."

"...Yes, I want to join them. I will join them!"

"That's it. You are looking better now Honoka."

"Shizuku too!"

"Yes, this time I will be joining in too. I can't let you and Miyuki hog all the spotlight."

Though it was not about magic or grades at school, Honoka was happy in sharing one more thing with her rival and best friend but…

"By the way, have you already informed your parents about this?"

"..."

As soon as the message was received, Shizuku was called to her parents room. They wanted to read it together since it was a message from the Yotsuba, however, some instructions came together with the still closed message. Tatsuya had attached a "suggestion" that Shizuku should take a look at the message alone. While her parents, mainly Ushio, were worried, Shizuku trusted Tatsuya.

"Erm… Do you want me to help?"

"...No, it's fine. I will do it by myself, in a way, it would be more difficult to do it with you."

Shizuku didn't mean anything bad when she said that to Honoka that, while not understanding very well what she meant, understood that. Honoka was really close, not just to Shizuku but her family as well, Benio herself once remarked that Honoka was like a daughter to them. That's what made it more troublesome. While seeing both of their "daughters" standing together could help in convincing her mother, it could also have the opposite effect. Not all parents are happy "letting go" of so many of their children so suddenly.

"Alright then, good luck Shizuku!"

"Thank you, Honoka. I will see you later."

"Yes!"

A little later, the Kitayama family got into an argument. Not only Shizuku and her parents, even her little brother was present as well. Certainly, this was something that concerned his future as well, but his presence was also a part of Shizuku's strategy. Overwhelm with numbers, it was no secret that only Benio didn't had a particularly good opinion of Tatsuya among their family. Shizuku needed every ally she could get.

"...Shizuku, are you kidding me? Tell me it's a joke." (Benio)

"...No, it's not. I'm very serious, Okaa-san." (Shizuku)

"Now, now. Let's calm down a little, Benio." (Ushio)

"So, Nee-san and Honoka-san are getting married to Tatsuya-san?! ...But is that possible? Don't people normally marry only one person?" (Wataru)

"That is indeed the norm, Wataru-kun. Which is why I can't understand what is going on with your sister. Why would you even agree to something like this, Shizuku?! Don't you have self-respect as a woman?!" (Benio)

"Benio! While I understand that you are worried, you are going too far! We both know that Shizuku is not that kind of girl!" (Ushio)

"It's okay, Otou-san." (Shizuku)

"Nee-san..." (Wataru)

Ushio was afraid his wife would let her temper get the better of herself and say things that cannot be taken back. Wataru was scared, seeing his mother this angry for the first time. Shizuku was the only one keeping her cool. She knew her mother well and understood that she simply got a little too agitated and didn't mean anything. She also already expected Benio to act this way since she remembers the way she lashed at Tatsuya during a party. {refer to volume 12 - Double Seven Arc}

"Okaa-san, in case you are wondering, no, Tatsuya-san didn't force anything on me. This is something I decided together with Honoka, after discussing and struggling by ourselves." (Shizuku)

"...And that was the answer you reached? I don't understand it. That boy already has a beautiful young woman as his fiancee, now he has even more, all beautiful and excellent magicians to boot. And he is still trying to get even more? Why would agree to take part in something like this?!" (Benio)

"I understand your point. But you should have already noticed from your previous conversation with Tatsuya-san, that he is not that kind of person. The letter also explained that it was something that was planned by the USNA and the Saegusa." (Shizuku)

"...And yet, he still accepted." (Benio)

"But he didn't do it out of greed or lust. Okaa-san, I know that you don't have a good opinion of Tatsuya-san but you should at least acknowledge that he is not a bad person!" (Shizuku)

"...I don't really think he is a bad person. On the contrary, he is a very talented person." (Benio)

"But that's exactly the problem?" (Ushio)

"...*sigh* He is too talented. Not to mention, he is from that Yotsuba. He will definitely attract misfortune. I don't want to see you or Honoka getting caught in it." (Benio)

"Okaa-san..." (Shizuku)

"Benio, I said it once before, it's not his fault and I will do everything in my power to stop that misfortune from affecting Shizuku. That statement has not changed in the slightest." (Ushio)

"...Ushio-kun, I know that as a businessman and as an individual you approve of him. But as a father, don't you worry about Shizuku interact- no, marrying him?" (Benio)

"Well, of course I worry. There's no parent that wouldn't worry. But I trust my daughter's eyes and judgement and I already judged him myself in our meetings." (Ushio)

"If it was a normal marriage that would be okay, but is that line of thought really enough when it comes to polygamy?" (Benio)

"Okaa-san, Tatsuya-san is not someone who will treat his partners as disposable objects." (Shizuku)

"...Even with that 'sister' of his?" (Benio)

"...Okaa-san, you are worried that it looks like me and Honoka are just the "losers", looking for any scrubs we can get, right?" (Shizuku)

"..." (Benio)

"I'd like to think we are just leveling the playing field. Honoka was competing with Miyuki for Tatsuya-san's affection all the time after all. We are just moving to the same stage, that's all." (Shizuku)

"But that's-!" (Benio)

"And most importantly, it is something we choose for ourselves." (Shizuku)

"...!" (Benio)

"And I know that Otou-san and Okaa-san never planned to force a marriage on me because you wanted to respect my free will. And I hope you can respect my choice this time. After all, how many people can happily say that they choose this themselves?" (Shizuku)

"!" (Benio)

From the start, Benio unconsciously realized that Shizuku would not give up. But she thought it was because she resigned herself to being second or third place. Now, looking at her daughter's smile, she understood that Shizuku never cared about her position to begin with. She just wished she could stay with her friends and her loved one, all together.

"...Hey, Okaa-san. I don't really understand most of what is being discussed but… I don't think Tatsuya-san is someone who will make Nee-san unhappy. And if Nee-san is well and happy then it's fine, right?" (Wataru)

"Wataru-kun..." (Benio)

"Wataru… Thank you." (Shizuku)

"I was a little worried but seeing Shizuku's resolve, I see it was unneeded. Now, Benio, there's only you left. Though, since Shizuku is our daughter, I don't doubt she will go through with this marriage even if you still refuse to acknowledge it. Shizuku only talked to you because she doesn't want to turn rebellious against her mother." (Ushio)

"*siiiigh*... In the end, no matter what I say it's not good, huh?" (Benio)

"..." (Shizuku)

"...Fine. I won't say anything anymore." (Benio)

"...Thank you, Okaa-san." (Shizuku)

"Just to be clear, even if I agreed, that doesn't mean I will change my attitude towards him." (Benio)

"Haha! It's okay, I'm sure Shiba-kun will not mind." (Ushio)

"Then, Nee-san will get married!" (Wataru)

"Yes, but not now." (Shizuku)

"Ah…. Err… When will it be again?" (Wataru)

"Most likely after graduation." (Shizuku)

"Ehh?! But that's almost two years away!" (Wataru)

"We are still young. There's no need to hurry. Only the involved parties are aware of this too." (Shizuku)

"We were only discussing now because this is not something that can be delayed, Wataru." (Ushio)

"Oh, I see." (Wataru)

"...Wataru-kun, I understand that he helped and encouraged you but no matter how much you respect him, absolutely don't become like Shiba-kun." (Benio)

"Haha. That came out of nowhere, Benio." (Ushio)

"It's not out of nowhere! To begin with, that young man is too-!" (Benio)

"..." (Shizuku)

Benio kept prantling and complaining about Tatsuya for quite some time, but that was fine in Shizuku's eyes. She already gave her blessing to Shizuku despite her initial reluctance so she deserved some space to complain. And there's also the saying: "You can't please everybody". For now, she was just happy that least their family managed to reach an agreement. That night, Shizuku slept peacefully for the first time in a while, Honoka on the other hand, was sleeping and grinning the entire time, mumbling "Tatsuya-san" so happily.

Important: I know that lot of people prefer Erika with Leo, but as I said before, I created a pool and everybody had a chance to vote. The result is that Erika will be included. It was fair and square (I even kept the pool going on for more time than originally planned), so please don't complain.