It's the end of year and I finally got a new chapter. I'll just say this again: I have ZERO intention of dropping this story. If I ever stop, it's because I died in some accident. Though I'm a little curious as to what happens to the account when the owner dies. Probably nothing, the account most likely is just left there. On another note, I'm a little surprised that Naotsugu was completely removed from the Mahouka second season. Poor him. But I'm happy that the season is not over yet. I really thought it was going to end as soon as Lina left the airport. Good thing it didn't.

"Mahouka" - speech

Mahouka - place, time

{Mahouka} - author's comment

I don't own anything

{This chapter is focused on the reaction of other characters. It does not happen following the last chapter. Each part happens right after each girl enters the plan}

Saegusa residence

It was a calm afternoon for the Saegusa Clan. Excluding the room where the two Seagusa twins were having a serious discussion that is.

"..."

"Are you still mad Kasumi-chan?"

"I'm not mad!"

"No, no. No matter how you look at it, you ARE furious."

"Grr…."

The two Saegusa twins were sitting side by side on their sofa. Considering they were still on break from school and they also didn't have any appointments, normally they would be spending time with Mayumi. But ever since Mayumi's engagement became known to them, Mayumi's been busy bonding with her fellow "non-blood related sisters". This only served to fuel Kasumi's anger towards this situation even further.

"I mean! How did such a situation even come to be?! Was Otou-sama somehow forced to accept it?! Did Onee-chan hit her head when she chose to willingly take part in such an absurdity?! Was Shiba-senpai an even more fearsome skirt-chaser than I thought?!"

"Kasumi-chan, you are saying a lot of rude things. Otou-sama is probably just doing what he believes is the best for the Saegusa or maybe for the Ten Master Clans as a whole. And Onee-sama… as much as I loath to admit it, she was never good at hiding her fondness for Shiba-senpai."

"Grr… I guess, but you didn't deny that Shiba-senpai was a skirt-chaser!"

"No, I mean, I don't recall seeing him doing anything that would earn him that kind of fame. Even if I can't stand the fact that a man is taking away Miyuki-oneesama… And he's even taking Onee-sama as well… He is actually a good match for both of them, that is so frustrating. If only I could lay my hands on him to keep Miyuki-oneesama safe…!"

"Izumi… I already have enough in my head right now so don't add more worries to me!"

Mayumi was getting engaged to Tatsuya, the man in question was also engaged to more girls than you can count on one hand. As if that was not enough, Izumi was once again revealing some of her "dark side", reinforcing Kasumi's belief that Izumi's adoration (obsession) for Miyuki was reaching unhealthy levels.

"How could Onee-chan even fall for that kinda guy?! What is so good about him?!"

"Well… If we talk about looks, aside from his sharp gaze, everything is average. On the personality aspect, he is cold but at the same time a little kind. Actually, from what I've seen, he can be pretty slow when it comes to other people's feelings towards him, so maybe his denseness is his biggest flaw?"

"No way! His biggest weakness has to be that hardcore sister complex of his!"

"Miyuki-oneesama takes precedence over all!"

Even if she was expecting an answer like that, Kasumi still couldn't help clutching her head with her hands.

"Izumi..."

"But you do have a point Kasumi-chan. I'm a little worried that Onee-sama might be neglected. With so many different ladies gathered together, all of them so beautiful too, I wonder if Onee-sama will even get to spend time with Shiba-senpai. She never showed interest in any boys and she has no experience after all."

"See?!"

"But I don't think they would just leave it like that. I mean, Onee-sama can't be the only one without experience among them. Surely they decided on some kind of rule to put everyone on an equal standing."

"Like what? Will each one monopolise Shiba-senpai for one day and then rotate? Are they a bunch of kids taking turns to play with a single toy?"

"Kasumi-chan..."

Izumi could somewhat understand Kasumi's feelings but stopping Kasumi once she goes too far is her long-time duty. If she doesn't stop Kasumi, she will start lashing out at the other girls, possibly even Miyuki, in a blind rage. While Izumi doesn't fully comprehend what happened between the clans, families and organizations, she at least understood from watching her older sister that

"Kasumi-chan, I also dislike when other guys approach Onee-sama but sometimes I wonder, aren't we going a little too far?"

"No way! We have to protect Onee-chan from everyone that tries to seduce her!"

"I agree with that. But when it comes to Shiba-senpai, it's not so easy, is it?"

"Because Onee-chan lowers her guard way too much around him!"

"I know, I was worried about that too. But recently I've been thinking, doesn't Onee-sama lower her guard precisely because she trusts him, or rather, because she likes him that much?"

"Urg! That's…!"

"I believe we did good all these years, keeping bad-intentioned guys away from Onee-sama, but at the same time I believe not all of them were actually 'bad'. I mean, weren't we just condemning Onee-sama to living her whole life as a bachelorette?"

"B-But! We were just waiting for someone good enough to appear..."

"Were we? Now that I stop to think about it, we didn't have an actual standard, did we? We attacked pretty much anyone that approached Onee-sama."

"Urg…."

"But then Shiba-senpai appeared. And unlike the others, it was not him that approached Onee-sama. Onee-sama was the one who sought him out."

"..."

Izumi was fulfilling her function, she was the voice of reason for the twins. But that did not mean she had to like it, after all, she had to make Kasumi see reason by saying what neither of the twins wanted to hear. "Mayumi likes Tatsuya", "Mayumi chased after Tatsuya, not the other way around". Though Kasumi, deep down, was aware of it, she still tried to deny it by saying that Tatsuya must have tricked her somehow. But now Mayumi got engaged to Tatsuya and even Izumi was not supporting Kasumi. Thus, Kasumi couldn't keep denying reality by herself. If she kept this up, she would just deny Mayumi's feelings and isolate herself from her sister.

"I mean, it's just not fair..."

"I know."

"It's like he is taking Onee-chan away."

"I know."

"And he is not even thinking only about Onee-chan."

"...I know."

Even if they knew that their words had no effect, it was not easy. Emotion is often separate from reason. Even if the twins were aware of their older sister's feelings, they couldn't just accept it like "That's it". Kasumi had a face like she just bitten into something bitter while Izumi was making a sad smile while slightly facing downwards.

For a long time, the twins were just lost in thought, without exchanging a single word. They had to get their act together, how they will go about it, only time will tell.

STARS base

"Excuse me, Colonel. I am Warrant Officer Sylvia Mercury First. I was told you called for me."

"Indeed I have. Come on in, Warrant Officer. Have a seat."

"Yes, sir."

It was an unusual day in Sylvia's life. As someone mostly in charge of data analysis, she did not spend much time training with other soldiers. While she was part of the STARS, she belonged to the Planetary-class, a support force. As such, it was strange for someone of her rank to be called by the Base Commander, Benjamin Canopus.

Sylvia tried to search in her memory for any mistakes she might have made but failed to recall anything. Recently, her mind has been filled with worry regarding Lina's departure to Japan. Sylvia could already picture Lina freaking out about what to say to Tatsuya and her worries only grew but it was not to the level where she would mess up anything important.

"If I may ask, why have you called me here, Colonel? Have I done something out of line?"

"Do not worry. You have done nothing wrong, Warrant Officer. I called you here for a… personal talk."

"Personal, sir?"

"More specifically, it's about Lina."

"!"

The subject was unexpected, even more since Canopus addressed the Head-Captain as "Lina". It was Canopus's way of showing he did not desire a conversation restrained by rank. He called her here to speak to the individual "Sylvia" about the teenage girl "Angelina Kudou Shields", not the Strategic-class Magician Angie Sirius.

"Um… May I speak normally then, err…."

"Just call 'Ben', like Lina does."

"U-Understood. Then, for this talk, please address me as Sylvie. That's what Lina calls me when we are not on a mission."

Canopus was a competent and professional commander. He could separate his duties from his emotions most of the time, however, Lina was an exception. Perhaps due to her age, Canopus saw her as if she was his daughter, so he couldn't avoid worrying for her now that she left for another country. The same applied to Sylvia, who saw Lina as if she was her younger sister.

"Sylvie, what are your thoughts about the recent… 'assignment' (engagement) given to Lina?"

"Well… I believe she was the most suited personel in the STARS, no, in the entire American military."

"Perhaps... But I didn't mean it as a soldier."

"Are you perhaps worried?"

"...Yes, I am. You might think I'm silly but, to me, Lina is like a daughter. There's no way I wouldn't be worried. Even more since this decision was mostly made by the higher-ups."

"I understand your feelings. Lina is like a little sister to me, even if our ages are a little apart."

"I'm aware of it. That's why I called you here. I always thought Lina was not suited to be a soldier."

"She's too kind and naive for a soldier."

"Yes. But as a Strategic-class Magician, even if she managed to quit the military, she would still be under control from the military."

"The weight of being the country's strongest magician..."

Sylvia knew very well what Canopus wanted to say. A young girl, still a minor, had to shoulder the burden of being the greatest "weapon" her country possessed. Not to mention the danger that came with it, like being called to take part in wars or fighting against dangerous threats.

"I know that Lina herself decided to remain a soldier but now she even had her partner decided for her."

"About that..."

Sylvia could understand how Canopus felt… a little. Canopus was not aware but it was Sylvia herself who gave Lina some "love counseling". Lina was still in denial regarding her own feelings about Tatsuya when she received the news of the engagement and Sylvia gave her a small push in the back. However, it is more difficult for a father to accept his daughter's growth than it is for a sister. The same way, Canopus had mixed feelings regarding Lina's engagement while Sylvia could somewhat accept it.

"But the part that troubles me the most is that when Lina was about to depart she..."

"...looked like a girl about to meet her boyfriend on their first date. She hadn't even boarded the plane yet, she still had places to go and documents to sign before she could see him but she was all fidgety and giddy."

"...Yes. She, in no way, looked like a soldier ready for her duty or a sacrifice resigned to her fate. That only made it harder to stomach though."

"...Were you aware of Lina's relationship with Shiba Tatsuya during her stay in Japan?"

"I know she was supposed to get close to him and find out if he was the Strategic-class Magician responsible for The Great Bomb. I also understand that since Lina is very emotional, she actually became friends with him for real but aside from that, nothing concrete. Since you were dispatched with her as support on that mission, I assume you got a good idea about it."

{Author: Just a quick, irrelevant and useless comment. I find the nickname America gave to Material Burst, "The Great Bomb", kinda silly. Like, what would be worse? The Big Kaboom? Maybe Great Asian Annihilator, would be good since it was only used against the Great Asian Alliance at the time.}

"Haha… more like, she couldn't hold back her own feelings. Every time she would come to me complaining 'Tatsuya did this!' or 'Tatsuya is like that!'. As her friend I was a little happy that Lina was experiencing a joyful school life but as a soldier..."

"Her efficiency at the job aside, I really wish I could have seen her going to school as a normal student."

For just a moment, Sylvia and Canopus were chuckling together with their eyes closed, imagining Lina without her responsibilities as a soldier. A cheerful and somewhat clumsy girl, going to school, making friends, falling in love. Though not exactly in a normal life, Lina indeed managed to do what they would expect of a normal teenage girl of her age.

"Colonel, no, Ben. I understand your concerns. Lina didn't really have a word on the matter of her engagement, this situation might get more complicated later and she will get unwanted attention. But it's not all bad."

"Because she managed to, one way or another, stay with her loved one...?"

"Yes, but not only him. Lina might have not noticed it but she really misses both of them. Shiba Tatsuya and Shiba Miyuki, they treated Lina as a normal girl even after they learned of her identity and even after their fights. I'm sure that it meant a lot to her."

"Treating her as Lina and not as Anige Sirius, huh? 'Lina put her trust in them so we should at least give them the benefit of doubt', is what you want to say?"

"Lina is not a good spy and she is quite clumsy but she is not a bad judge of character. Not to mention..."

"Not to mention?"

"As her 'older sister', I don't think Lina would fall in love with someone who only had interest in using her for his own benefits."

"..."

At some point, Sylvia had completely abandoned her worries about their difference in rank. Now she could openly express herself to someone who also saw Lina as family even without being bound by blood. Canopus also believed that Lina wouldn't choose someone untrustworthy. What he really wished for, was someone who could reassure him that he was not wrong. Seeing Sylvia's smile, Canopus knew that he was not wrong in asking for her opinion. He could tell that she was talking to him as an individual and not as a subordinate.

"Hearing that is enough for me."

"I'm glad to have helped."

"In that case, I hope you can assist me with another matter."

"...Is it related to the same topic or is it about…?"

Sylvia was about to say "related to work" but stopped herself as Lina's matter was also partially related to work. Canopus understood what she wanted to say and affirmed.

"You could say that it has to do with both."

"Eh?"

"Yesterday, I had a conference with some of the higher-ups and we came to the conclusion that Major Angie Sirius should be provided with some backup."

"Backup?"

"You can think of it as 'carer' if you prefer. While Major Sirius is under the care of the Yotsuba Clan, we believe that it would be beneficial to have a familiar face around."

"Does that mean…?"

"We believe the person most suited for this task is you, Warrant Officer. Will you accept this assignment?"

Sylvia thought that if that was the case, they should have just sent her together with Lina to begin with but she understood that discussions between countries were that simple. Just sending their Strategic-class Magician was already unimaginable, sending even more soldiers together would be seen as an invasion under normal circumstances.

"Yes, sir! I accept it with all my heart!"

A few days later, Lina received an unexpected visit from a familiar face. Sylvia would then release a deep sigh seeing as her job of supporting Lina apparently also applied to love.

Yotsuba residence

Shibata Katsushige Tsukuba Yuuka Tsutsumi Kotona, Kanata

"Please come in and have a seat, Katsushige-san. Kanata-san and Kotona-san too."

"Pardon my intrusion, Fumiya-kun. And I see Yuuka-san is already here."

"I arrived just a few minutes ago, Katsushige-san."

Maya had called Katsushige and Yuuka saying that there was something they should hear about. Precisely, Maya called the Family Heads from each branch of the Yotsuba but said that the young generation was going to hear the news from Fumiya. Yuuka was the first to arrive and Katsushige got there just a little later with his guardians. And since Fumiya was entrusted with this role by Maya, he was trying his best to take the lead.

"Kanata-san and Kotona-san, please have a sit as well."

"We are Katsushige-san's guardians. We cannot overstep this boundary."

"Yes, we need to stay focused at all times."

"I understand your point but..."

"That is not correct. After all, Kotona-san is already in a relationship with Katsushige-san, right?"

"Y-Yuuka-san! Saying it so directly is …!"

"E-Even if that's the case, I am still Katsushigen-san's guardian! I will protect him with my life!"

"That's right! Don't provoke Nee-san!"

"That wasn't my intention though..."

"Kotona, Kanata. Cool your heads, this is not supposed to turn into a skirmish."

""Yes!""

Fumiya could feel a small stomach ache forming. The meeting hadn't even truly begun yet and they almost had a quarrel. It was not Fumiya's fault though. During the New Year family gathering, Tatsuya, Miyuki, Minami and Yuuka had a short confrontation with Katsushige and his guardians. At the time, not only did Katsushige hinder Tatsuya's group but he also stepped in during a fight that was supposed to be only between guardians, meaning, Tatsuya against Kotona and Kanata. {refer to Volume 16, Yotsuba Succession Arc}

It seemed that Yuuka had still not completely forgiven Katsushige's behaviour from that time. But even if nothing had happened at that time, Yuuka's dismissiveness towards guardians already put her against Katsushige, who treasured Kotona and Kanata. And Fumiya, who was mostly unrelated to any of that, was still trying his best.

"A-Anyway, please have a seat, you two. This isn't supposed to be such a formal meeting."

"But weren't you entrusted with an important message from Toushu-sama?"

"That is true but… How can I say… It IS more personal. Or more like, it is both important and personal."

"...Do you need a second to take a breath, Fumiya-kun?"

"N-No! I can do this!"

"O-Ok."

Yuuka tried to give a hand to Fumiya, who seemed to be struggling with his task. But Fumiya was a man and had his own pride to protect. Yes, no matter how many times people said he was a little too feminine for a boy, no matter how many times he was forced to disguise (crossdress) himself as a girl during secret missions because it suited him more than a male disguise, no matter how many times Ayako teased him about his admiration for Tatsuya, Fumiya still a man (boy).

"Then, what is this about? Toushu-sama called all Family Heads so I understand that it's important but I can't imagine what it could be about. My best guess is that it involves Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san."

"You can tell, Katsushige-san?"

"It's not so hard, Fumiya-san. After all, despite the fact that Miyuki-san is the next Clan Head and Tatsuya-san is her fiance, they weren't called here today."

"Ahaha… I guess."

Fumiya was surprised that Katsushige seemed to have a hunch about the subject but Yuuka intervened and calmly explained why.

"But Ayako-san not being here was a surprise. I guess it involves the Kuroba as well since Ayako-san is not here and you were left in charge of explaining it to us."

"Well, yes."

"And?"

"W-Well..."

(Damn! I thought about what to say many times but it makes me so nervous now! But Toushu-sama entrusted me with this so I can't back down now!)

Fumiya didn't have any anxiety problems, what he had was a certain weakness for this kind of talk. The one about love and relationships, more specifically.

"It's regarding Miyuki-san and Tatsuya-niisan's engagement."

That short sentence made everyone in the room correct their posture. They couldn't completely believe that Tatsuya and Miyuki were not brother and sister but they were not in position to raise a doubt since it was Maya who announced it.

"You might have already heard but Toushu-sama made contact with several other families and organizations these last days."

"...I heard Toushu-sama was contacted by the USNA and the Saegusa Clan but I'm clueless about the contents of the talk."

"As for me, I know that the Kitayama family and the Chiba Clan also contacted Toushu-sama, needless to say, I also have no idea what it was about."

In response to Fumiya's statement, Katsushige and Yuuka, respectively, talked about what they knew.

"Actually, Toushu-sama made a… deal with them."

"A deal?"

"Yes… Tatsuya-niisan will… become a polygamist."

"...Huh?"

They all had the same reaction, a pause caused by the shock followed by the realisation that they did not hear it wrong.

"At first it was only the USNA and the Saegusa. They came to the conclusion that continuing to antagonise the Yotsuba would lead to their end or perhaps they decided that forming relations with us was more beneficial."

"Fumiya-kun, that is..."

"I know. I was also worried when I first heard about it. But Toushu-sama didn't seem worried at all when she spoke about it. I believe that Toushu-sama must have a really good reason to trust them or maybe she did something to ensure that they would keep their word."

"Well… If it's Toushu-sama, I guess it's possible."

"Then, the reason Ayako-san is not here is..."

"Yes, Toushu-sama decided to give Nee-san a chance as well."

"...I don't mean to offend but… just what is Toushu-sama thinking?"

"Well, since a long time ago, it has always been difficult to tell what Toushu-sama is thinking."

"Indeed… What's wrong? You two have been silent this entire time."

Katsushige was referring to Kotona and Kanata. Ever since Fumiya spoke about Tatsuya's situation, the two siblings have kept their mouths shut.

"O-Oh, it's just… we thought it was not our place to speak."

Kotona decided to speak as the older sister. While she was originally Katsushige's guardian, she was officially accepted as Katsushige's fiancee during the New Year gathering. Even so, she believed that neither she nor Kanata were in position to voice their opinions regarding the Clan Head's matters. A small part of the reason was also due to the beating Tatsuya gave them before. To put it simply, Tatsuya knocked them out by strangling Kotona and jump-kicking Kanata. {refer to Volume 16}

"But wait a second… Fumiya-san, if Toushu-sama spoke not only to the USNA and the Saegusa, does that mean…?"

"...Yes, there are more."

"What?!"

"While Toushu-sama did say that we should increase our connections, the actual criteria was 'feelings for Tatsuya'."

"...I'm not even sure I want to ask, but… who else?"

"There's Mitsui Honoka, one of Miyuki-san's classmates, Kitayama Shizuku, another classmate and daughter of the Financial Giant, Chiba Erika, Tatsuya-niisan's classmate and the bastard daughter of the Chiba Clan, and Fujibayashi Kyouko, the Electron Sorceress."

"...I never knew Tatsuya-san was such a player."

"..."

"Ta-Tatsuya-niisan is not a player! He may be popular but calling a p-player is…!"

Yuuka was completely baffled and couldn't hold back that one comment, Katsushige was just too shocked to even comment. "Is this really the same emotionless Tatsuya-kun that killed a magician when he was just six years old?", such thoughts passed through his head. Fumiya tried to defend Tatsuya but, as expected, it was hard to do that after learning of this situation.

Kotona and Kanata were just blushing in the corner, also unable to say a word. They couldn't believe the guy who defeated them so easily before was now being surrounded by women.

In the end, Fumiya had to do his best to explain that Tatsuya didn't suddenly turn into a womanizer. That day, Fumiya felt that he grew a little more mature. The young generation of the Yotsuba enjoyed a rare peaceful (?) moment.

Café Einebrise (the coffee shop that Tatsuya's friends frequently visit)

"..."

"..."

"...Uh, someone should say something."

"...I'm not sure if there is anything we can say about that, Leo."

"A-haha… It's such a unorthodox situation, after all. Hahaha..."

Usually, Tatsuya and Miyuki frequent this coffee shop together with their friends from First High but this time, the only ones present were Leo, Mikihiko and Mizuki. They received a call from Erika, just a few days ago, when she asked to meet them so they could talk. They believed that it had to do with the recent announcement that Tatsuya and Miyuki were from the Yotsuba Clan and that they were engaged. They were not wrong, they just didn't know that it was only a part of it.

When they met with Erika, she asked Mikihiko to create a barrier so they could talk without anyone listening or spying on them. Seeing that Erika was seemingly not in a mood for jokes, Mikihiko complied right away. Then came the big reveal. Tatsuya was engaged not only to Miyuki but also to seven other young ladies, one of them being Erika herself. Erika also told them how she already knew they were part of the Yotsuba and how she decided to participate.

"Actually, I feel a little frustrated that it was Erika and not Tatsuya that came to tell us about it."

"Well, it can't be helped, can it? Right now, Tatsuya is the center of attention. If he came personally, this shop would be full of onlookers in an instant."

"You… are right, Leo. Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight."

"You are also bothered by what Erika-chan said, Yoshida-kun?"

"'Also'? Then, Shibata-san too?"

"It's more like, I felt a little disappointed at myself."

Erika had called them not only to talk about the engagement, but also to scold them in advance. As soon as saw their faces, she confirmed her suspicions. Aside from Leo, Mikihiko and Mizuki gave off a distant feeling. Erika correctly guessed that they would definitely not speak properly with Tatsuya when they meet him again, maybe they would even try to avoid him. She admitted that she was also shocked to learn that Tatsuya was Head of Yotsuba's son but in the end, Tatsuya was still Tatsuya. He was still their friend who fought alongside them and helped countless times in the past.

"The Yotsuba Clan has a bad reputation among the magician community but judging Tatsuya-san like that even though I knew him for a year was not fair. Tatsuya-san can be pretty serious and scary when he is angered but he is not someone who would unreasonably vent his anger on someone else. Even though I knew that, I..."

"I also did some judgement calls of my own, Shibata-san. While I was surprised to learn Tatsuya was part of the Yotsuba Clan, what really hit me was the fact that Tatsuya never told us anything. It was just like Erika said, I also have secrets that I don't want others to know, even my own friends. And yet, I just made my own assumptions."

"Yoshida-kun…"

"I don't think you two need to worry that much. I doubt Tatsuya would hold it against you."

"I thought about it before, but you sure accepted it easily, Leo."

"Yes, that's amazing, Leo-san."

"It's not like I just accepted it, you know. I guess it's because I never actually met a magician from the Yotsuba. I know about the rumours surrounding the Yotsuba but the only one I ever had contact with was Tatsuya. Even if I don't know the Yotsuba, I know Tatsuya and he's my friend. The least I can do is trust him, right?"

Leo finished his small speech and lightly scratched the back of his head, showing his embarrassment. Leo has always been someone who preferred the direct approach, trying to wonder if everything was some dark plot from the Yotsuba was just not him. Leo knew Tatsuya and went through a lot with him, good and bad things, that's all Leo needed to know.

"...How can I say this, you really are amazing Leo."

"Hahaha. Thanks, man. Good thing that tomboy (Erika) is not here now."

"Haha. Erika would probably tease a lot for this."

"I can imagine her going 'you are just a meathead' and stuff."

"Don't worry, I'm pretty sure her line thought was similar to yours. Except for the part where she likes Tatsuya."

"Come on, Mikihiko. Don't compare me with that amazon."

"That's a little rude, Leo-san."

"Still, Honoka is one thing, but Shizuku and Erika as well, huh?"

"In contrast to Shiba-san and Mitsui-san, they managed to hide it really well. Actually, I always thought Erika and Leo would..."

"Hey, Mikihiko, we already said before, there's nothing going on between us. Tatsuya said that there was some suspicious movement around and I went to the Chiba Dojo to train. That was it, nothing more."

"Um, to tell the truth, I already knew that Erika-chan felt that way towards Tatsuya-san."

"Oh, you could tell, Shibata-san?"

"Well, Erika-chan kind of admitted it during the Parasite Incident. She was sulky because Tatsuya-san was helping Saegusa-senpai and not Erika-chan exclusively. She was also waiting for Tatsuya-san to take the first step."

"Hee… The opposite of Mitsui-san then."

"Even if Erika seems more outspoken, when it comes to this kind of topic she is unexpectedly reserved."

The three spent some time just reminiscing and talking about their friend's situation. Surely, if Erika heard some comments made by Leo and Mikihiko she would definitely get some payback next time she sees them. Fortunately, the trio swore to keep these remarks secret.

"I've resolved myself. I will definitely speak properly to Tatsuya-san and Miyuki-san the next time I meet them."

"Yes, let's do it together Shibata-san."

Seeing that Mikihiko and Mizuki were resolved, Leo felt relieved. As Erika said, Mikihiko and Mizuki were definitely going to avoid Tatsuya at school if they didn't have this talk beforehand. Leo felt happy, but at the same time a little frustrated. The two in front of him grasped hands for encouragement but showed no signs of letting go or turning their gazes away from each other.

"I think I will be leaving first."

Leo's small voice was not heard by the somehow-not-a-couple-yet duo. He felt a little tempted to just interrupt the moment and maybe tease them a little but when he thought that something like this was more Erika's thing, he gave up. It took some more minutes before Mikihiko and Mizuki realised that Leo had left and they spent some good time unaware of their surroundings.

Chiba Dojo

"Here's some water, Mari."

"Thank you, Shu."

Naotsugu and Mari had just finished their sparring match. They were currently alone in the dojo. Since Naotsugu assured his family that they were only going to spar and talk, he was allowed to use the dojo together with Mari without anyone interfering or watching.

"That was a good match but… it's not the only reason why you called me here, right?"

"I want to talk about the situation regarding Shiba Tatsuya-kun."

"! Shu, could it be that…?"

"Yes, I know about it. Erika is taking part in it after all."

"...Seriously?"

"If I weren't serious, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

Mari could faintly recall Mayumi saying something along the lines of "other girls might join in eventually" but she wasn't expecting her boyfriend's little sister of all people. Not contacting Mayumi ended up being a miscalculation. Mari thought about calling Mayumi before but she changed her mind because she believed Mayumi had too much to think about with the engagement and all. Now she realises that she made a mistake and got locked out of the loop since Mayumi didn't call her a single time after the last meeting. Though Mari supposedly has no say in that matter as she is not part of the Saegusa Clan nor is she involved with any group related, she correctly believes that Mayumi really needs her support.

"I'm a little afraid to ask but… Are there more?"

"Well, which ones do you know about?"

"There's Tatsuya-kun's little sister, Mayumi, that Shields transfer student and some girl who I believe was Tatsuya-kun's cousin."

"So your information must be about the first days. Right now, there's also two girls whose names I believe you recognize and the last one..."

"If we talk about girls that I should know about and that are close to Tatsuya-kun, then, without a doubt, it's Mitsui Honoka and Kitayama Shizuku. But what about the last one?"

"Well, she is called Fujibayashi Kyouko, also known as the Electron Sorceress."

"I met her before and Mayumi is also close to her. She was there during the Scorched Halloween. If I'm not mistaken, she attended Second High. She's quite talented according to what I heard. But what's wrong with her?"

"...It's not really a problem with her but… my older brother has been agonizing a little recently."

"Wait, what? What does one thing have to do with the other?"

"It seems Tomoshikazu met with Fujibayashi-san before and he was interested in her but now that she is engaged to Shiba-kun..."

"Oh…"

Mari was suddenly struck with a strong sense of pity. She wasn't particularly close to Tomoshikazu but since he was her boyfriend's brother, she met him more than a few times. Though Mari had experience with Tatsuya's gigolo nature, she neve imagined that someone older than even Mayumi would be affected by it. Much less the crush of her future brother-in-law.

"Did he actually confess to her before or…?"

"Fortunately or not, he didn't had the chance to. I never met Fujibayashi-san before but according to Erika, she was 'way out of his league'. If she did notice his feelings, she didn't return them."

"This is a little..."

"As his brother, I was worried that he didn't had a girlfriend or a fiancee. I also wished him luck but now… I'm not sure what I should say to him."

"How can I say… I'm sorry that my kouhai is such a gigolo."

"Ah, it's not like Mari is at fault. Tomoshikazu is a little depressed but I think he will stand up soon enough. It's not like he had taken any steps with Fujibayashi-san anyway. If anything, he might regret not acting sooner, though I'm not sure if that would have changed anything. I heard that Fujibayashi-san has been acquainted with Shiba-kun for a few years after all."

"...I thought he was terrible in school but it seems it's a long term problem, huh?"

Mari recalled a few interactions between Tatsuya and Mayumi in the Student Council Room. Mayumi clearly approaching him with an overly friendly attitude, leaving a jealous Hattori as well, and Tatsuya not realising it at all but still setting a good mood by praising her without any hidden intentions.

"Still, I hope will correct her attitude towards you after this."

"You don't have to worry Shu. Erika was just a little jealous that her brother was being taken. I know she didn't mean the things she said."

"...Actually, I think Erika might have really meant some of them. She has always been very harsh and stubborn."

"Well, if her determination was anything like Mayumi's, I don't think we have to worry too much. Mayumi was completely hopeless when it came to romance and stuff like that. But when she decided to accept this engagement, she had a good look on her eyes."

"Erika was also a little hopeless, just in a different way. I was very startled when she brought a classmate here a few months ago. But she never actually talked about any special relationships and she never seemed to be interested in anyone in particular."

"Hee… So that sibling complex is something that runs in the blood?"

"...I don't think I'm anywhere as bad as Erika."

Mari was just teasing her boyfriend a little. Though she didn't have any siblings, she could tell they were just worried about each other. And, of course, she already met a pair of siblings with an extreme complex towards each other. Compared to that, this small quarrel between the Chiba siblings was nothing.

"My brother also doesn't seem to mind our relationships that much."

"Oh? Then he is the mature one?"

"Haha, more like laid-back. Then again, I'm not sure what his attitude towards Shiba-kun will be from now on. He never interacted with Shiba-kun before but now that his crush was 'snatched away'..."

"Will he hold a grudge?"

"He's not the type to do anything childish like that. He just might cry a little. His opinion of Shiba-kun was supposedly positive before, after all."

"Even though they never met?"

"Erika does talk about him occasionally. I also spoke about him before. I received a mission to monitor Shiba-kun and protect him from possible attacks before."

"Somehow that..."

"He didn't seem to need my protection though. His combat skills were top notch and he also seemed pretty level-headed. Contrary to what I expected, he easily retreated when I started fighting. If it was Erika, she would definitely disobey and join the fight."

"That does sound like him. But... "

"What's wrong?"

"You actually wanted to talk about something else right?"

"...I really can't beat you, Mari."

Naotsugu wasn't simply talking to pass time. While he did enjoy talking to his girlfriend, he wanted to talk about something a little more serious.

"Mari… I already gave my approval to Erika but..."

"You can't help getting worried."

"Yes. I know that they have a lot of powerful and influential groups backing them up, but still… Am I really that distrustful?"

Seeing Naotsugu tightly clenching his fist, Mari gently grabbed his hand. She hugged him and spoke in a gentle tone.

"You are not wrong. Anyone would be suspicious if THE Yotsuba was involved. But Tatsuya-kun is not really a bad person. Even if you can't trust the Yotsuba, trust me and trust your little sister. Even if things get tough, you can always count on me. My best friend and my future sister-in-law are there, so if you need help, I will always be here."

"...Thank you Mari. I really needed to hear that."

Mari and Naotsugu spent some time just hugging each other. Then Tomoshikazu came and startled them saying that if they didn't stop it soon, their father was going to get angry. The dojo was not a place for flirting after all, much less in front of someone who was rejected without having even confessed.

Kudou residence

"Father, is this really okay?"

"Would I have agreed if it was not okay?"

Currently, there were three men in the room. Kudou Retsu was having a small chat with his grandson, Kudou Minoru, since he was feeling good and didn't need to stay in bed. That was until Kudou Retsu's son, Kudou Makoto, walked in and joined the conversation bringing an already discussed topic.

"I understand that Kyouko was getting too old (from the viewpoint of a talented magician) to marry but to put her together with someone from the Yotsuba clan, not to mention with that… situation."

"Makoto, I was indeed worried about Kyouko's lack of a partner but that was not the only reason. Kyouko has been only focusing on work for almost four years, she also deserves the right to be happy."

"H-happy?"

"It's no wonder you are not aware, Makoto. Kyouko has been interacting with Shiba-kun for a few years already. As far as I can tell, no one has gotten as close as he did in all this time."

"Even so, subjecting her to this..."

"I was just talking about this with Minoru."

"Kyouko was not forced or pressured into doing this. I gave her a choice, asked her what she really wanted and she chose by herself."

"Kyouko-san did that..."

"E-Even taking into account her own feelings, as her grandfather and as the former Head of the Kudou Clan, don't you think this is inappropriate?"

"Makoto, you should mind your words. You do understand that this involves more than just our clan, don't you?"

Makoto immediately closed his mouth. His words indicated that not only the Kudou but all other parties involved were "inappropriate". Carelessly insulting groups such as the Yotsuba and the STARS was not an attitude befitting the Head of Kudou Clan. Not to mention, while Kudou Retsu was an important figure not only to the Ten Master Clans but to the magician community as a whole, the clans who carried more influence right now were the Yotsuba, followed by the Saegusa.

"Makoto, now is not the time to care about appearances. You do remember what happened with Zhou Gongjin, right?"

"Urg!"

"Not 'if' but 'when' the other clans find out… Are you prepared for that time, Makoto?"

"I…."

"Um, Excuse me, Sofu-sama. When you say Zhou Gongjin, you mean the same man that was defeated when I worked together with Tatsuya-san, right?" {refer to Volume 15}

"Indeed. Perhaps it's better for you to know now. What has Shiba-kun told you about Zhou Gongjin?"

"Tatsuya-san said that he was a man responsible for many incidents, such as the terrorist attack on First High and the incidents during the Nine School Competition. He also said that Zhou Gongjin was working with the Traditionalists before his death."

"That's correct. But it seems you were not aware that our clan cooperated with him."

"C-Cooperated? But why would we work together with such a man?"

"We wished to use his knowledge to weaponize the Parasites. By doing that, we could lessen the burden on magicians. We could create an alternative to treating magicians as weapons."

"Sofu-sama, that is..."

"Do not blame yourself, Minoru. the ones who strayed from the proper path were us, not you. We knew who we were getting involved with and now we must pay the price."

"But father..."

"The Yotsuba Clan is already aware of our involvement with Zhou Gongjin. I am not sure what they will do with this information but if they do reveal it to the other clans, do not deny it, Makoto. We must not run from our wrongdoings."

"...But won't it affect Kyouko's engagement?"

"We will make it clear that while the Fujibayashi is a branch of the Kudou Clan, Kyouko was not involved in the research. The only role Kyouko played was relaying our request to Shiba-kun {refer to Volume 13}. Nothing more, nothing less."

"...I understand."

Makoto knew that when Retsu was like this, it was impossible to change his mind. Even if it was possible, Makoto couldn't really go against his father. He also felt ashamed that his values had strayed from Retsu's, Makoto respected and feared his father and he could see that his behaviour was disappointing in Retsu's eyes.

"...I still have some work to do. I will excuse myself now."

"You may go."

Makoto indeed had work to do but nothing urgent. Retsu saw that this was Makoto's way of doing a "tactical retreat" and did not stop him. But not wanting the heavy mood to persist, Retsu tried to change the subject and ask something that he has been meaning to ask for some time.

"And what about you Minoru?"

"Do you have any girl that caught your eye?"

"I-I..."

Normally, Minoru would just weakly say that since his condition has not been good, he has not met anyone new and hence, could not become interested in anyone. But for some reason, these words did not come out of his mouth. Unexpectedly, Minami's face surfaced on his mind.

"Oh? So there is someone."

"Eh? N-No! I mean, I…!"

"It seems you are not sure yourself."

"...Yes."

"Minoru, you are still young. There's no need to hurry. Take your time and slowly digest things. Just try not to take as long as Kyouko."

"Yes, thank you, Sofu-sama."

Retsu felt the urge to ask what kind of girl could make Minoru like this, but decided to take things slowly. He learned from what happened with Kyouko. He would steadily talk things with Minoru instead of avoiding the issue for years.

Even as Retsu turned around one last time before leaving the room, Minoru was still completely lost in thought. At the time, Retsu still had no idea that it was someone related to the Shiba siblings.