Hello, one thing that I completely forgot to say last time. While it's true that I "returned", that doesn't mean my update speed will go back to what it was. At least it won't be like last time, when it took quite a few months for a single update.
Man, I actually had to go to the hospital recently cause I was showing some symptoms. Fortunately, it wasn't corona! Unfortunately, a lot of events and other stuff are being cancelled non-stop around me. At this rate I will be stuck in my home for a long time.
Anyway, enjoy the chapter. (I know it is a little short, but since the novel also doesn't show Erika's parents, I also decided not to care about them)
P.S.: ErikaxLeo fans, please don't go bombarding me with your complaints.
"Mahouka" - speech
(Mahouka) - thoughts
Mahouka - location, time
I don't own anything.
Chapter 7
In a small karaoke room, two days after Honoka and Shizuku's decision
"Ehhh!? You also received it, Erika-san?!" (Honoka)
A sudden scream interrupted the music playing in the background. If it was in an open space, everyone on the street would be looking towards them. The shock on Honoka's face was followed by Erika's frown.
"What? Is it something to get so worked up about?" (Erika)
"No… That's not what I meant." (Honoka)
"Honoka, she is just teasing you. Erika's not really angry." (Shizuku)
"Eh? I-Is that true?" (Honoka)
"Hahaha! Since Mizuki is not here, you are best one to tease after all!" (Erika)
"Agreed." (Shizuku)
"W-Wait! Don't agree with her Shizuku!" (Honoka)
Leaving aside their location and group composition, it almost looked like the usual scene at First High, Honoka's flustering, Erika's teasing and Shizuku's deapanning.
"A-Anyway, so Erika-san also received the invitation, right?" (Honoka)
"Yup. Man, I was really surprised, you know? The message came out of nowhere, directly addressed for me and with that kind of content. I was really suspicious at first." (Erika)
"...And so, you called us to talk about it." (Shizuku)
"Well, after I confirmed the veracity of the message, the rest was just something anyone could deduce. If even Lina, who lives on the USNA, and me were invited, then you two were definitely invited too." (Erika)
"I-I see. I guess the only one not being called was Mizuki-san." (Honoka)
"She and Miki are pretty much already a thing, they just need a push or two." (Erika)
"And you already guessed our answers as well, right?" (Shizuku)
"Haha. There's no way you two would pass on a chance like this one." (Erika)
"Uhh…." (Honoka)
Having her answer predicted so easily reminded her that her "secret crush" wasn't really a secret to anyone. While Honoka was aware that she was an open book, she still hoped somewhere in her heart that she could hide at least a little. Erika's bluntness cut down her hopes faster than a sword strike.
"...Was I that predictable as well?" (Shizuku)
"Not really. While I was sure Honoka would go for it, it was more of a speculation with you. I mean, sometimes your attachment to Tatsuya-kun seemed a little suspicious but there was no definitive proof, so..." (Erika)
"Bu-But, then, Erika-san, does that mean that you too..." (Honoka)
"Ahaha… I guess so. Either the Yotsuba have some really sharp-eyes when it comes to emotions or they just took a big gamble. Either way, they hit jackpot, huh...?" (Erika)
"It's a little surprising, but at the same it's not." (Shizuku)
"Y-Yeah, I mean. You were always fighting with Leo-san, so I assumed that..." (Honoka)
"That? No, no, no. That is just our way of interacting. There's no special meaning to it." (Erika)
"E-Even so, you managed to hide it really well. I don't think anyone noticed it at all." (Honoka)
"...Not even Tatsuya-kun. At best he noticed that I was trying to get his attention at times, but he didn't thought there was anything special about it." (Erika)
"Not even Mizuki?" (Shizuku)
"Actually, Mizuki was the only who did. She also understood my intentions." (Erika)
"Intentions?" (Honoka)
"I was waiting for Tatsuya-kun to make the first move." (Erika)
"Ehhh! Tatsuya-san making the first move?!" (Honoka)
"I know, right? I was hoping for a little too much, Mizuki also said that I had to make an effort as well. Just when I thought 'I won't stand for this, I will make him look my way!' I discovered he was part of the Yotsuba. And when I calmed down a bit, this engagement came. They really should give me a break, sheesh!" (Erika)
"You already knew they were with the Yotsuba?!" (Honoka)
"More like, I found out by accident. It was really scary you know? Tatsuya-kun was looking really serious at that time. I thought I was going to be killed." (Erika)
"Something like that happened..." (Honoka)
Seeing the mood was getting heavier, Shizuku decided to change the topic. They really didn't want to think about their future husband possibly killing his own friends.
"So, Erika likes Tatsuya-san as well, but what are you going to do?" (Shizuku)
"That's what I called you two for actually." (Erika)
"You want advice from us?" (Honoka)
"Kind of. I wanted to ask people with the same circumstances as me. What led you to accept it. I mean, aside from liking him enough." (Erika)
"We… We just thought that it would be okay. Being able to stay with Miyuki and Tatsuya-san without anyone feeling sad over rejection. I know that it sounds childish, but still..." (Honoka)
"..." (Erika)
"Shizuku also told me, a chance like this will never come ever again. If I let it go away, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I will never be able to look at Tatsuya-san again, in fear of seeing the future that could have been. I would always be afraid of looking at the chance I discarded in a second of hesitation." (Honoka)
"Chance… Hesitation…" (Erika)
"It's not like we are fine with taking second or third place either. Once we are all on the same standing as Miyuki we will show her and Tatsuya-san that we are determined to be number one." (Shizuku)
"Number one, huh…?" (Erika)
"Are you having the same doubts, Erika?" (Shizuku)
"Erika-san, I was always afraid when I thought about what other people would think. That made me forget about what I wish for, but now I believe that's what is most important. When I think about it, Tatsuya-san as well, he was always being underestimated and bad mouthed by everyone, but he never minded it. And Miyuki was always there to support him, seeing them like that, I started to wish I could be like them, being true to my feelings no matter what everybody else may say. A happy ending like this, in a society where capable magicians normally can't choose their partners, some may call it crazy but to me it's nothing short of a miracle!" (Honoka)
"My true feelings… I guess that is just like you, Honoka." (Erika)
Erika let out a small laugh. This was the answer that Honoka reached after thinking with everything she had. It was certainly fitting for someone like her, who was the emotional type.
"But aren't you like that as well?" (Shizuku)
"Hm?" (Erika)
"Erika, you are always saying what's on your mind and, as far as I can tell, you don't really care about what other people say. It's just that instead of innocence you have an approach that's a little more blunt than Honoka." (Shizuku)
"Hahaha… Well, it's true that Tatsuya-kun being part of the Yotsuba and starting his own harem don't really matter to me. He is still my friend and I'm not about to give up on him!" (Erika)
"Does that mean…?" (Honoka)
"Hesitating like this is not like me at all. I'm not going to be one to step out of this! Be it Miyuki or five wives, I'm going to show Tatsuya-kun that he'd better prepare himself!" (Erika)
"It may be strange coming from me, but I wish you good luck, Erika-san!" (Honoka)
"...By the way, I've been meaning to ask, but why here?" (Shizuku)
"Oh, here? I mean, a place where we can speak without anyone listening or interfering can only be here, right? Just a small bunch of highschool girls hanging out is nothing strange." (Erika)
"If you talk about strange, our group itself is..." (Shizuku)
Chiba residence/dojo, same day
"...And that's how you came to this answer, Erika?" (Naotsugu)
"Pretty much yeah." (Erika)
"...Erika, so basically you are saying that, this Shiba-kun is currently engaged with six other girls, some of them with outrageous positions and influence, and that you accepted to take part in this when you were called?" (Toshikazu)
"...Pretty much yeah." (Erika)
"...I don't even know where to start." (Naotsugu)
"Oh, I know. You two can start by helping out your adorable little sister." (Erika)
Said Erika with a thumbs up and a cat-like grin on her face. Contents aside, this a scene pretty common on their daily routine. From a third person perspective, it almost looked like their everyday conversations. The only ones in the room were the Chiba siblings, Erika had called them for a serious talk and none of the servants were allowed to listen.
"Erika, I thought it was bad enough when you brought that boy(Leo) over, but you are actually saying you will get engaged?! All of sudden?! With someone from the Yotsuba nonetheless?!" (Naotsugu)
"I already told that Leo was just training here. Tatsuya-kun told us that there was some suspicious activity around so we tried to prepare ourselves, that's all." (Erika)
"And what about now?" (Naotsugu)
"Sorry Erika, even for me, it's difficult to take your side on this one." (Toshikazu)
"I know how outrageous it sounds, but it's something I decided for myself so I want both of you to respect it." (Erika)
"...Coming from you, who never acknowledged my relationship with Mari, that's rich." (Naotsugu)
"Hey! This is this and that is that!" (Erika)
*sigh* (Toshikazu)
"So let's say we go with your decision Erika, what then? What if our clan gets caught in trouble with enemies from the Yotsuba?" (Toshikazu)
"The whole point that started this all was to avoid this. They would have to be pretty stupid to mess with so many big groups at the same time, Kazu-aniki." (Erika)
"And what if they are stupid?" (Toshikazu)
"If they try to come for us, we will show them that they were wrong to think we were the weak side. If the enemy really proves to be too strong, the Yotsuba will help us too." (Erika)
"That may be a part of this… deal. But how can you be so sure? Can you trust the Yotsuba, Erika?" (Naotsugu)
"I don't trust the Yotsuba, but I trust Tatsuya-kun. He wouldn't just stand by and watch. If he doesn't have a reason, he won't use violence, on the other hand, if he does have a reason, he won't hold back. That's the kind of man he is." (Erika)
"So you are saying you know him well enough." (Naotsugu)
"Of course I do, I've been watching him all this time. And I wouldn't have accepted it otherwise." (Erika)
Toshikazu didn't look very happy but he seemed to understand that his little sister didn't just make her choice without thinking. On the contrary, she really thought it through. Naotsugu on the other hand, didn't look happy at all. Naotsugu himself was aware that half of his unwillingness to accept was caused by his own dislike of seeing his sister getting close with other boys, which is why he was not letting his emotions explode.
"Oh, and before you ask, I understand very well that I'm going to be one of who-knows-how-many-more wives. I don't expect you to understand but I'm not resigning myself to a lower position." (Erika)
"That's..." (Naotsugu)
"Come on, Tsugu-aniue. I'm pretty sure that all of the girls also had to talk with their families. And they all succeeded, but just like them, I'm already resolved to marry Tatsuya-kun with or without your approval." (Erika)
"...!" (Naotsugu)
If the situation kept going like this, it would never end, so Toshikazu tried to act like the elder brother. It would be his role to somewhat mediate between his younger siblings. After all, at least one of them had to keep his cool. While Naotsugu was somewhat level-headed, when it came to Erika's relationships with boys, his judgement became just a little obsolete.
"Now, now. I understand that you really gave it some thought Erika, it's just that as your brother, Naotsugu can't quite accept it. There is logic, somewhat vague but logic nonetheless, to what you said, but the problem here is an emotional one." (Toshikazu)
"...Actually, I already knew there was something going on behind the scenes." (Naotsugu)
"Eh? Really?" (Erika)
"Mari told me that her friend(Mayumi) was getting engaged, but the partner was a secret and the engagement was not going to be made official for the time being. Since Mari sounded so happy, I thought that maybe it was a marriage with feelings involved, I just never thought that it was something on this scale. And that you, of all people, would be involved Erika." (Naotsugu)
"Heehh… So that woman spilled the beans, huh? At least she kept the important parts out." (Erika)
"Erika…!" (Naotsugu)
"But never mind that! Tsugu-aniue, I already spoke with some of the other girls. They told me that they had a fight with their families as well, but they also told me about their circumstances. I don't know if people have only one love, but I know for sure that this is the biggest chance of my life. Ever… since the first time I met Tatsuya-kun, I felt he was different, he was special." (Erika)
"..." (Naotsugu)
"While I was somewhat easy to get along with due to my personality, I never really felt like spending too much time with others. A lot of my 'friends' called me cold because of that, they didn't really understood me. But Tatsuya-kun was different, I never met anyone like him before and I know that I never will again." (Erika)
"...!" (Naotsugu/Toshikazu)
The playfulness was non-existent in Erika's tone. She looked serious but at the same time, serene. It wasn't just like, she really was pouring her heart out. Naotsugu wasn't just waiting for her to finish talking, he never saw his sister like this and felt that he absolutely couldn't interrupt her now. The same went to Toshikazu, the Erika in front of his eyes was one that he thought he would see. The only familiar part were her eyes, containing a burning determination.
"For a long time, I was only looking from afar. Even when I was right beside him, I just observed Miyuki, Honoka and even Shizuku doing their best to get his attention. I wanted him to take the first step, but then I realised how stupid that was. I mean, Tatsuya-kun was already hard enough to deal with when it was only Miyuki and it only got worse! What with fellow first-years(Honoka and Shizuku), senpai(Mayumi) and even transfer student(Lina)! I already hesitated enough and was left behind as a result, I don't want to regret anything anymore!" (Erika)
"Erika..." (Naotsugu)
"..." (Toshikazu)
"I know that Tsugu-aniue is only worried about me but this is something I chose for myself. Even in the one-in-a-million chance that something bad happens, I know for sure that I won't regret it." (Erika)
Toshikazu let out a small laugh. This kind of behaviour was just like his sister after all. In a corner of his mind even he had a small suspicion that maybe Erika was brainwashed, even if he couldn't see any benefit or reason for the Yotsuba to do so. But now he just felt relaxed and a little happy as well. Erika was always the type to get jealous over her brother and tease her friends, but she never spoke about romance when it came to herself. In a way, Erika had also grown into a woman.
Naotsugu just closed his eyes and kept them closed. Everybody could tell he was in deep thought. Naotsugu knew very well, no matter what he said, Erika was not going to back down. And he couldn't find any valid reasons to refute, but as her brother, he still felt obliged to make one final push.
"...Erika, I have just one final thing to ask." (Naotsugu)
"...Bring it on." (Erika)
That short sentence was enough to make Erika swallow hard. She was nervous but also eager to hear his next words. If this really was his final push, then she just needed to overcome this and she would set her victory in stone.
"I understand that as the individual, Chiba Erika, you are resolute not to give up regardless of what happens, but as a woman, can you truly accept this?" (Naotsugu)
"...It's exactly because I'm a woman that I'm doing this. As a woman who loves Tatsuya-kun I can't just let it end like this." (Erika)
"..." (Naotsugu)
"..." (Erika)
Erika just kept her gaze on Naotsugu, whose eyes were still closed. After a few seconds that felt like hours to everyone in the room, he finally opened his eyes and spoke…
"*sigh* I'm not your father and our clan doesn't has the custom of forcing marriages onto our members. I'm not really in position to prohibit you from doing anything." (Naotsugu)
"...Then?" (Erika)
"But! I would still like to make a condition." (Naotsugu)
"W-What is it?" (Erika)
"Since you yourself are getting engaged, I hope you will correct your stance regarding Mari." (Naotsugu)
"Urg…! Using this timing to talk about this is dirty!" (Erika)
"No, it's not. It's quite fair actually." (Naotsugu)
"Grrr…! Hmpf! I will at least stop calling her 'that woman' to her face then." (Erika)
"You really are…. Well, I guess it will be reassuring to have Shiba-kun as your spouse in a way. When I met him during the Parasite incident he looked like someone quite capable and mature. Mari also praised his work at school as well. You could learn a thing or two from him." (Naotsugu)
"Now you said…!" (Erika)
At this point, they pretty much forgot about the presence of their other brother. To begin with, Toshikazu felt like this was a bad topic for him since the discussion began. As the only who never had any kind of real relationship with the opposite sex, he felt he should keep a distance from his siblings at times like this. Though, right now, he was just relieved that Erika hadn't challenged Naotsugu for a sword match or vice-versa.
"...For now, I will just wish you luck, Shiba-kun. Aah… Some people sure have it easy. I want to invite Fujibayashi-san on a date..." (Toshikazu)
Toshikazu's murmur went unnoticed by everyone.