A/N: Hello! I'd like to thank you guys for the support! I never thought anyone would read what I wrote and I was mainly doing this for myself because I was a little unsatisfied by the glacial pace the current canon was going in, in terms of Miyuki and Tatsuya's relationship. I was also a bit disappointed with the time skip and I know that Cygnus Maidens is supposed to fill in that gap but I heard it focused on new characters so I haven't picked it up yet. I initially only wrote this fic to get my ideas out of my head and clear up some space in my brain. I never thought anyone would read this let alone like it. This is my first time writing a fanfic/writing a story in general so I'm glad you guys have enjoyed this so far and any comments, criticisms, and reviews are very much welcome! I just felt the need to say something because we're on the 5th chapter and I haven't interacted with you guys yet and I just really wanted to say thanks.

fujinofshadows: HOLY SHIT HI! I'm a fan of yours and I never thought you would read my fanfic let alone comment on it! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Your comments and critiques are always welcome!


Masaki emailed Miyuki right after he woke up. He asked Miyuki if she was free to meet him for coffee today. While the invitation may have been short notice, Masaki was painfully aware of the tight timeline he was working with. He had less than thirty days to make Miyuki fall in-love with him and that was not a lot of time.

Akane advised Masaki that he needed to confess to Miyuki. Akane had berated him relentlessly on this point. Though Masaki had already asked Miyuki on a date once before, he had actually spent very little time actively interacting with her alone. Minami had escorted Miyuki on their date and Tatsuya had picked Miyuki up right after the movie ended; much to Masaki's chagrin. He barely got to speak to her since the date was a movie date and as a well-mannered man, Masaki knew better than to talk inside a theatre.

Masaki had limited interactions with Miyuki and Akane had made it clear to him that Miyuki probably had no idea how Masaki really felt about her. Though Masaki tried to defend himself by saying that him asking Miyuki out on a date could be interpreted as a confession, Akane ruthlessly shut him down. Akane had told him that women like being told in clear terms what exactly their partner thinks of them. They enjoy the safety and security of being told that they are loved and cherished. Women don't enjoy guessing games and would much rather have a man be outright and open with his feelings. Akane's voice echoed in Masaki's head as he typed his message to Miyuki. Akane's relentless bullying on his cluelessness only strengthened his resolve.

Though Akane was his younger sister, she was the most reliable person if not the only person in Masaki's inner circle whom he could ask advice on this point. Masaki decided to put his faith in his sister's advice and asked Miyuki out on a coffee date. Today, he was going to confess to Miyuki. Masaki stared at his terminal anxiously anticipating Miyuki's response.


Miyuki was about to prepare breakfast when her terminal chimed, her eyes widened when she saw she had received a message from Masaki. Miyuki opened the message and saw Masaki was asking her out on a date. She had already anticipated this. Maya had called Tatsuya and herself after they got home informing them that Ichijou Gouki had contacted her regarding their wedding. Maya was reminding the couple that the agreement that allowed Masaki to pursue Miyuki was still in place. Though Maya seemed to be very unperturbed by this, the situation made Miyuki deeply uncomfortable.

Miyuki did not enjoy the thought of others trying to tear her away from Tatsuya. Though she knew that her and Tatsuya's feelings for each other were strong, she also knew that these feelings would not be enough to keep them together, she needed the law to legally bind them as one to finally stop all the nonsense getting in the way of her happy ending. Right now, their engagement could be canceled by Maya on a whim or even be obstructed by members of the Ten Master Clans. She felt uneasy at Masaki's pursuit.

Though Miyuki had no specific disdain or hatred towards Masaki, she did not particularly like him either, in short she felt indifferent towards to him. But Miyuki knew she could not just casually reject him, as a member of the Ten Master Clans a certain level of respect and decorum must be observed whenever she interacted with him and moreover Miyuki was technically given permission to date Masaki. If Miyuki were to outright reject Masaki now, it could be deemed as Miyuki not giving him a chance and thus contravening the agreement made. Miyuki had to give Masaki a chance, there was no way around it. The other members of the Ten Master Clans even encouraged her to do so, it was not only her duty as the heir but her training as an ojou-sama would not allow her to shirk from her responsibilities and lose face. Miyuki could not reject Masaki now, especially over message, it would be far too disrespectful, if Miyuki were to reject Masaki she needed to do it face to face at the very least. Miyuki's mood seemed to sink.

Breakfast was ready by the time Tatsuya had arrived from his training. Though things have been hectic the past few days, Tatsuya stuck to his normal schedule as much as possible. Tatsuya still woke up early to train but he usually used the training facilities in the building instead of going to Yakumo's temple. Tatsuya still trained with Yakumo but reserved his morning runs to the temple to three times a week instead. Yakumo's temple was now simply too far and a daily run to Yakumo's temple would be too taxing on his body right now, Tatsuya was still training his body to adapt to the long run and he would eventually be able to train at Yakumo's temple daily once again.

Tatsuya was greeted by Miyuki at the door upon his return. They were sat at the table when he noticed Miyuki fidgeting. Miyuki seemingly wanted to raise a topic but couldn't get the words out. Lina also seemed to dart her eyes to the side avoiding Tatsuya's gaze. Tatsuya gently asked her what was wrong.

"Tatsuya-sama...well...it seems that Ichijou-san has asked me out on a date." Miyuki said hesitantly.

Tatsuya frowned mentally. He did not enjoy it when Masaki made advances towards Miyuki. He was also deeply uncomfortable with the idea of Masaki and Miyuki going on a date. Tatsuya heavily disliked the idea of Miyuki of going on dates in general with anyone but himself. Tatsuya had the desire of sole possession over Miyuki. This desire for sole possession even went so far as to have a disdain for the very scientists who manipulated Miyuki's genes. In Tatsuya's eyes, they had touched something that did not belong to them. Miyuki was his and his alone. Tatsuya wouldn't let any man touch Miyuki or get close to her. There were only very few men that Tatsuya felt Miyuki could be left alone with and Masaki was not one of them but Tatsuya hid his displeasure. Tatsuya knew that voicing or otherwise showing any displeasure would only inconvenience and worry Miyuki. He knew that in Miyuki's current position she could not refuse Masaki's offer to go on a date. There was only one good option in Tatsuya's mind.

Miyuki watched Tatsuya's face anxiously. She was trying to decipher what he was thinking but Tatsuya's otherwise pensive face betrayed no other emotions. He was contemplating. A few moments passed when Tatsuya finally broke his silence

"I think you should go Miyuki." Tatsuya said plainly. Miyuki's face was puzzled and slightly displeased. She didn't think Tatsuya would be so agreeable to this and she was also disappointed that Tatsuya didn't at least pout or frown at the thought of her going on a date. She knew that Tatsuya was aware of the position she was in and that he understood that they must remain in good relations with the other clans but Tatsuya didn't even try to voice any displeasure. Miyuki's mood seemed to sour but before she could say something, Tatsuya continued.

"Of course, I will be accompanying you." Miyuki brightly smiled at Tatsuya's statement. She was grateful not to be meeting with Masaki alone. She was also happy that it seemed like Tatsuya was also displeased with the idea of her being alone with Masaki.

Miyuki replied to Masaki's correspondence, stating that she would be free to meet him today. She also requested that the meeting take place after lunch at a place not far from the Magic University campus. Masaki eagerly replied agreeing to those terms and set the meeting time to be around 3 p.m. at a small Cafe near Magic University.


Masaki jumped up and almost choked on his breakfast when he received Miyuki's assent to go out with him. Akane snickered at Masaki's poor attempt to swallow his food but he ignored her, he was simply too happy reading Miyuki's response. Masaki was elated. Masaki hurriedly showered and picked out his clothes. Masaki would be coming from Kanazawa and he did not want to be late. Though Masaki would be coming from Kanazawa, due to advancements in public transportation the train ride no longer took 3 hours like it did half a century ago, but Masaki still did not want to take any chances.

Masaki brought luggage and some personal belongings he had packed the night before with him. He would be studying at Magic University in a little over a week and he was slowly bringing his belongings to the Ichijou family home in Tokyo. Masaki made a stop at the family home to eat lunch, change clothes and made sure he was presentable for his date with Miyuki. He made his final checks before leaving the house in an elated mood.

Masaki arrived at the cafe about twenty minutes before the scheduled time. He had studied the menu, looked at reviews online and had conversation topics prepared. He also steeled himself making sure he didn't look overeager. Masaki was determined to have this date go better than the last. As the agreed upon time approached, Masaki's face beamed a bright smile when he saw Miyuki coming up to meet him but then he saw someone walking alongside her. Masaki reflexively frowned. "Why is that guy here" Masaki thought to himself. He quickly shook his head to dispel these thoughts. He needed to be cordial in front of Miyuki. His eyes drifted towards her and a bright smile once again appeared on his face.

Miyuki greeted and bowed politely at Masaki. Though Miyuki's greeting and expression remained polite, these were nothing but mechanical movements her body had memorized over years of ojou-sama training. Even Miyuki's greeting was nothing but hollow pleasantries which contained no real emotion except for some simmering discomfort beneath her smiling visage. Masaki was unable to pick up on any of this and was simply elated to have Miyuki greet him, he smiled and greeted her back.

Miyuki did not like meeting with Masaki, though she was relieved to have Tatsuya with her, she understood from her conversation with her aunt Maya that the Ichijou family was serious about having Masaki marry her. She was careful and thoughtfully chose her words and the demeanor she expressed. Miyuki did not want to add any fuel to the fire by giving Masaki mixed signals or getting his hopes up.

Tatsuya coughed as if to signal his presence and greeted Masaki and Masaki responded curtly. Miyuki glared at Masaki's impolite response towards her beloved but Masaki did not seem to notice as his eyes were fixed on Tatsuya. After this rough exchange, Masaki gestured for the two to sit down. Tatsuya and Miyuki sat down next to each other while Masaki sat across from Miyuki.

"Shiba-san what would you like to order?" Masaki took the initiative to speak, his hands ready at the order terminal.

"I'll have a coffee with milk please and Tatsuya-sama, would you like a black coffee?" Miyuki smiled and turned to face Tatsuya as she asked him for his order.

"Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you, Miyuki." Tatsuya returned a gentle gaze at Miyuki.

Masaki typed in their orders. Masaki also order a black coffee for himself, whether this was to compete with Tatsuya or what he really wanted to drink remains unclear. While waiting for their drinks, Masaki tried to strike up a conversation with Miyuki.

"Shiba-san, why did you request to meet close to the Magic University campus?" Masaki asked eagerly while making unwavering direct eye contact with Miyuki. He wanted to indicate that she had his full undivided attention.

This eye contact made Miyuki somewhat uncomfortable, while she understood that it was simply good manners to make eye contact while speaking, the intensity of Masaki's gaze was a bit much for her but she donned her signature ojou-sama smile nonetheless.

Masaki was captivated by Miyuki's fake smile.

"Tatsuya-sama and I were at the university earlier. We came to submit our transcripts and other documents they requested. We also came to pick up our syllabi and check if any pre-semester readings have been assigned."

"Oh, have you decided on a major already Shiba-san?" While Masaki was slightly irritated at the mention of Tatsuya's name, he was careful to hide his disdain. He kept his eyes firmly fixed on Miyuki and completely ignored the elder Shiba.

"I haven't decided anything yet. Since we will be first years, we will only be taking the core curriculum subjects for the next three semesters. I plan to get a feel for which subjects I gravitate towards before announcing major."

"Oh, I see..."

"Has Ichijou-san chosen a major already?" Masaki smiled brightly. He was ecstatic that Miyuki asked him a question about himself. "She wants to get to know me!" Masaki thought excitedly. His excitement caused him to almost stumble at his response.

"I'm just like you Shiba-san! I haven't decided my major yet either. I was planning to announce it after I had settled into university life as well, in about a semester or two." Masaki responded eagerly. Masaki was about to say something else when their drinks arrived via the HAR. Tatsuya who was closest to the tray distributed the drinks and Masaki politely thanked him. They all took a sip from their drinks.

"Their coffee here is delicious, don't you think so Tatsuya-sama?" Miyuki turned and smiled at her fiancé

"Yes, but it's not as delicious as Miyuki's coffee" Tatsuya smiled back at Miyuki while answering. Miyuki lightly blushed.

Masaki could feel that he was losing ground and the initial advantage he had by taking the initiative in the conversation had slipped through his fingers. He interposed himself into the conversation.

"Shiba-san what classes are you taking this semester? Perhaps we can take some together." Masaki blurted out. While the lecture hall classes at university were undoubtedly large and there would definitely be many people, Miyuki still felt a bit uncomfortable at Masaki's proposal. Miyuki instinctively turned to Tatsuya.

"We're taking a couple of the basic magic core curriculum classes this semester in addition to general education subjects." Tatsuya replied.

"We're taking Magic Geometry I, Magic Theory I, Literature, Math and Physics as a the general science elective" Tatsuya continued. Masaki was slightly irritated that it was the elder Shiba who answered him. Masaki had been cordial and polite until now but he could no longer hold his tongue since a question he directed at Miyuki was answered by Tatsuya. He was fine when Tatsuya was sitting quietly but now it seemed to him that Tatsuya was actively interfering with his "date" with Miyuki.

"I see...Thank you for that reply Shiba but my question was directed towards Shiba-san" Masaki said with a sharp tone towards Tatsuya.

"It was a question I could answer hence I replied" Tatsuya answered curtly

"Shiba, while I mean no disrespect, I would like to ask why are you here? I only invited Shiba-san to have a coffee. I understand that you two were together beforehand but it is terribly impolite to gatecrash a date." Masaki's gaze turned as sharp as his tone.

"Well, you must understand that as Miyuki's fiancé I cannot let her meet with men alone, Ichijou, especially those whom I know are in active pursuit of her." Tatsuya's gaze turned cold and his tone emotionless.

"But the Ichijou family had an agreement with the Yotsuba family. Shiba-san is allowed to go on dates with me." Masaki protested.

"That is true but the agreement does not stipulate that she must be alone with you. If not me, then her bodyguard would surely be with her right now. In any case, I am not obstructing you from spending time with Miyuki. I am simply here as her escort." Tatsuya's steely gaze did not waver.

"I am sure you are aware of my combat ability as well as my magical ability, Shiba. I am more than capable of protecting Shiba-san should the need arise, so your presence is not needed here." Masaki did not waver either and looked directly at Tatsuya to meet his gaze.

Tatsuya's lips curled upward into a wry smile.

"I'm afraid I still can't leave. As I said before, I won't let anyone else have Miyuki." Miyuki blushed hearing Tatsuya say those words again.

Masaki was grasping at straws. He wanted to be alone with Miyuki when he confessed to her but he doubt he could get Tatsuya to leave. He started talking before he could think.

"Shiba, I am asking you to leave me and Shiba-san alone. This is a date and I ask that you respect me and my feelings enough to honor the proper social protocol and leave." Tatsuya's eyes did not waver and Masaki was growing impatient. Masaki had already confessed to Tatsuya that he was in love with Miyuki, he realized there was no point in waiting to be alone with Miyuki to confess to her. Tatsuya wasn't going to go anywhere. Perhaps Tatsuya would leave once he confessed his feelings and Miyuki returned them or at the very least did not reject him. Masaki's mind had started making serious leaps in logic. He stood up and turned towards Miyuki.

"Shiba-san, I love you. Please, give me a chance to prove that I am a more suitable partner to you than Shiba." Masaki deeply bowed. He had laid all his cards on the table, it was now Miyuki's turn to respond. He hoped that she would return his feelings at the most but at the very least all he wanted was a chance.

Miyuki stood up.

"Ichijou-san" Masaki looked up as Miyuki called his name. "While I am very flattered, I cannot return your feelings. I'm sorry." Miyuki bowed gracefully. Masaki was deeply enamored by Miyuki's beauty and elegance, he continued to speak without thinking.

"That is alright with me. All I am asking is for a chance to prove myself. Will you please go out with me again, alone next time? I promise I can protect you should the need arise." Masaki bowed again and eyed Tatsuya as he said the last few phrases.

Miyuki was slightly caught off guard by Masaki's persistence. She had already rejected him, she was hoping he would quietly bow out at this point. If she wanted Masaki to stop pursuing her, she felt like she had no other recourse but to state her true feelings

"I'm sorry Ichijou-san but I am already engaged to Tatsuya-sama and I am very happy with this arrangement. I love him very deeply and there is no one on earth more suitable for me than Tatsuya-sama." Miyuki's tone remained polite but her cheeks flushed bright red. Masaki's eyes widened when he heard this declaration. He did not stop to think when the next words flowed from his mouth.

"But Shiba-san, isn't your engagement to Shiba an arranged marriage? How sure are you that Shiba is the most suitable partner if you have not given others a chance? Wasn't he your brother up until last year? Isn't what you're feeling only familial love? The Yotsuba have already given their assent to me pursuing you so there is no need to take them into consideration." Masaki did not hold back. He hoped his logic would overcome what he thought was Miyuki's loyalty to the Yotsuba and their plans for her. He thought she only agreed to this arrangement because it was decided by the Yotsuba, he had never considered the possibility that Miyuki loved Tatsuya in that way. Masaki hoped the strength of his feelings would reach her.

Miyuki's eyes started to well up with tears. Masaki had touched a nerve with her by bringing up the sibling relationship she had with Tatsuya. Up until recently Tatsuya had only seen her as a little sister and for a while she also struggled with her own feelings. Though they already saw each other as man and woman and their love now included romantic love, the struggle to get to this point was still fresh in her mind. She also knew that there were those in the Ten Master Clans that did not approve of her engagement to Tatsuya and that struck fear into her heart. She was afraid they were going to break them up. She knew many of them wanted her to marry Masaki and for Tatsuya to marry Mayumi. Miyuki was so deeply terrified that everything she had worked so hard for would slip through her fingers, tears started to stream down her face.

Masaki was dumbstruck. While he was deeply enamored by Miyuki's beautiful crying face, he was also at a loss for what made her cry. Masaki did not think anything he said was terribly rude, he only wanted Miyuki to express her true desires not the Yotsuba's will. Masaki was now in a deep state of panic.

Up until this point Tatsuya had remained quiet. He was not a part of the conversation and he knew Miyuki wanted to end this farce as soon as possible. Miyuki had already told Tatsuya that she wanted to reject Masaki directly and Tatsuya did not want to interfere with Miyuki's plans. But upon seeing Miyuki cry, Tatsuya could no longer sit idly by. Tatsuya stood up and wiped Miyuki's tears away gently with a handkerchief. He gazed into her eyes as if to say "good work, you've done enough." Tatsuya made sure Miyuki had calmed down before directing a cold steely gaze at Masaki.

"Ichijou, I think you owe Miyuki an apology." Though Tatsuya did not raise his voice, his tone commanded authority and demanded that the listener obey.

Masaki remained quiet for a few moments. His brain could no longer process what was going on in his surroundings. He was completely lost as to how they got to this point. He only cast his eyes downwards in shame.

"Shiba-san, I apologize for speaking out of turn. I only wanted for Shiba to respect my feelings." Masaki deeply bowed while subtly trying to shift blame.

"Ichijou, do you not see the irony in your statement? You demand that I respect your feelings while disrespecting Miyuki's. She has already rejected your confession and yet you continued to pressure her into going out with you. As a matter of fact, you even disrespected my own feelings by demanding that I leave you alone to pursue Miyuki when I had already expressed that I love her. Don't you think that it is the height of hypocrisy and selfishness to demand that we respect your feelings while you trample on ours?" Tatsuya's tone remained stern. Masaki's face grew red with shame and he opened his mouth to say something but the moment had passed. Tatsuya and Miyuki had already turned their backs and were walking away. Masaki had just registered that a moment earlier Tatsuya had said "Miyuki, let's go" and now Masaki was watching them leave. He stood there unable to decide what to do. "Should I run after them? What do I say? Was it really my fault?" A flurry of emotions swirled in Masaki's head and before he knew it the Shibas were gone. Masaki sat back down to contemplate what had just happened when he saw a money chip placed on the table beside Tatsuya's drink.


During the utter catastrophe that Masaki called a "date", Saegusa Kouichi was in his study. An opened wedding invitation sat atop a pile of paperwork on his desk. Kouichi's elbows were on the table with his fingers interlocked, his eyes were closed as if in deep contemplation. A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts and Kouichi immediately replied "Enter." The door unlocked and a small slender girl appeared. Perhaps it would be more apt to call her a woman as she was already a college a student and while she might have been a bit on the shorter side her figure was quite womanly. She had long wavy black hair and a cute face and many would call her a "beauty." This was Kouichi's eldest daughter and third child overall. She made her way inside and sat down on the sofa in front of her father.

"Mayumi, what do you think of Shiba Tatsuya-dono?" Kouichi got straight to the point.

Mayumi's eye widened in shock and a mixture of panic and embarrassment flew across her face for a moment before she regained her composure. She already had this conversation with her father before and she did not understand why he was bringing this up again. Mayumi looked down and stayed quiet. She did not know what to say or what her father's intentions were.

"Mayumi, I will ask you again and I would like your honest opinion. What do you think of Shiba Tatsuya-dono? Though your personal feelings will not greatly affect my plans, it is preferred that you do not dislike him."

"I do not dislike him." Mayumi answered apprehensively while looking down and blushing slightly. Kouichi closed his eyes to concentrate.

"It is settled then. Mayumi, I will formally propose that you marry Shiba Tatsuya-dono." Kouichi announced with conviction.

Panic quickly overtook Mayumi's mind . She did not understand where this came from or why this was happening. Mayumi was aware that Tatsuya was still engaged to Miyuki, Mayumi was sure she would have heard something in the unlikely event that the couple had broken up. She also still had unresolved feelings for Tatsuya. She did not understand how she felt about him, was this like, love, respect, admiration? She did not know but what she did know is that her father was up to something and simply using her as a pawn. Mayumi wanted to know what her father was up to.

"Father, was is the meaning of this? What are you planning to do?" Mayumi demanded that her father tell her everything. Kouichi smiled.

"It is as I said. Mayumi, I will propose that you marry Shiba Tatsuya-dono. That boy is too powerful to be left in the hands of the Yotsuba, with that woman." Kouichi gritted his teeth at the last phrase. "I have prepared to offer you as Shiba Tatsuya-dono's bride and should he accept, he will become the heir and next head of the Saegusa clan."

Mayumi's eyes widened in shock. A situation wherein a person marrying into the clan becomes the next head was simply unheard of. Moreover, the successor to the Saegusa clan had already been announced and he had been working as such for years, this person was Mayumi's eldest brother Tomokazu.

"But father this is..." Mayumi started to protest but Kouichi stuck his hand out signaling her to stop talking.

"I will not accept your protests Mayumi. It has already been decided and Tomokazu agrees with me. Tomokazu understands how important it is for the Saegusa clan and for the Ten Master Clans in general to separate Shiba Tatsuya-dono from the Yotsuba. He has accepted that it is his duty to step down as heir and you must accept your duty as the daughter of the Saegusa. You will marry Shiba Tatsuya-dono. I did not ask you to come here to seek your approval or permission. I am simply informing you of what has already been decided." With a stern look, Kouichi ended the conversation.

"You may leave now, Mayumi"

Mayumi opened her mouth as if to say something but she could not find the words. Mayumi was aware that the Yostubas were very powerful. While Mayumi did not know as much as her father, she understood that the Yotsubas currently sat at the pinnacle of the Ten Master Clans in terms of combat ability. She also knew that Miyuki was the most powerful magician among the Ten Master Clans in their generation while Tatsuya was in a completely different league of his own. Tatsuya had just revealed himself to be the most powerful magician in the world with powers far outclassing Strategic Class Magicians. Mayumi understood the point her father was making; that by having both Miyuki and Tatsuya become the heart of the Yotsuba, this arrangement could collapse the entire Ten Master Clans system. No one would be able to keep the Yotsubas in check, not even the combined might of all the Ten Master Clans and even the assistant houses or hundred families. Miyuki and Tatsuya needed to be separated to ensure the stability of the current system and to ensure that the Yotsuba could be kept in line. Mayumi could not argue with her father. She understood his motivations. Mayumi, while she didn't always agree with her father's methods, took her role as a daughter of the Saegusa and a member of the Ten Master Clans very seriously. Mayumi saw no way out. She stood up from her seat.

"Excuse me." Mayumi reluctantly bowed and left her father's study.


Tatsuya held Miyuki's hand as they were walking away from Masaki. He squeezed her hand tightly and interlocked their fingers to reassure her and to signal to her that he was there for her. Miyuki felt Tatsuya squeeze her hand and looked up. A warm and gentle smile greeted her. Miyuki looked at Tatsuya's smiling visage and she felt as if a weight had been lifted. Nothing else mattered as long as they were together. Miyuki blushed slightly and she held on to Tatsuya's arm, pressing it firmly into her body as they walked.

Tatsuya and Miyuki stopped at a cafe. Tatsuya wanted to make sure Miyuki had calmed down and he also wanted to lift her spirits. They sat down and ordered cakes and tea.

"Tatsuya-sama you do not need to do this. I'm fine." Miyuki knew Tatsuya was worried about her.

"It's fine. It is only natural for me to worry about my cute fiancée. Besides, I want to do this." Tatsuya smiled warmly.

Miyuki still blushed at Tatsuya calling her his fiancée. He did not use that phrase very often and she was delighted to hear him use it more frequently since his confession. But still she felt guilty. Not only did she let her emotions get the better of her and cry in front of Masaki but Tatsuya had to bail her out. She felt like she was causing trouble for Tatsuya again.

"Umm...Tatsuya-sama, I'm sorry for the trouble I caused earlier." Miyuki said with downcast eyes. Tatsuya stood up, placed his hand on Miyuki's head and stroked her hair. Miyuki instinctively looked up and was greeted by Tatsuya's warm smiling visage.

"Miyuki, you don't have anything to apologize for anything. As your fiancé it's my job to defend you. And besides even if it wasn't my job, Miyuki, you're the most important person in my life; I want to protect and defend you." Miyuki blushed and took Tatsuya's hand and pressed it against her face.

"Miyuki feels the same way. Tatsuya-sama is the most important person to her and she will also protect Tatsuya-sama" Miyuki gently pressed her face into Tatsuya's hand. Tatsuya could only smile lovingly at this sight.

The onlookers who initially stared at Miyuki because of her beauty were now blushing red at the sight of this sweet couple.

After their tea, Tatsuya and Miyuki went home to their apartment in Chofu. There, Tatsuya received a message from the head of the Saegusa Clan, Saegusa Kouichi, inviting him to dinner at his residence tomorrow at 6:30pm. Tatsuya immediately called the main house to report this to Maya.


Tatsuya had always been wary of the Yotsuba. He even initially contemplated the idea of leaving the Yotsuba once he was able to create a suitable safety net but all his plans changed when Miyuki was announced to be the heir and next head of the Yotsuba and himself as her fiancé. Tatsuya no longer saw leaving as an option. He could never leave Miyuki and Miyuki could not leave the Yotsuba. For better or worse, they were now full fledged members of the infamous clan.

Tatsuya was well aware of what it meant to be a Yotsuba magician and accepted this fate once Miyuki was announced to be the next clan head. Miyuki's position as the heir to the Yotsuba clan not only came with power and prestige but it also came with safety. Being the head of the Yotsuba clan was one of the safest positions in the magical community. Not only were the Yotsuba feared and no one dared cross them, being the head put one out of the direct line of fire and being the heir was the next safest position within the clan. As the next clan head, Miyuki was less likely to be sent on dangerous missions or frivolous tasks and when she does eventually become the clan head she would be even less likely to be sent on missions as she she would take on the leadership position.

Miyuki's current and future safety was secured when she was named the next head of the Yotsuba and this was an opportunity Tatsuya took advantage of. Miyuki's safety has always been Tatsuya's number one priority and now keeping Miyuki safe had become much easier, Tatsuya saw no other choice but to stay with the Yotsuba.

Tatsuya being announced as Miyuki's fiancé also changed his position within the clan. This announcement not only changed his position from servant to full fledged member it also solidly cemented him as a high ranking member of the clan. Tatsuya did not care for wealth, status or fame, he was simply grateful and took advantage of the fact that this way he could be by Miyuki's side for the rest of his life. Tatsuya was worried that once Miyuki got married he would be forcibly sidelined and assigned elsewhere where he could no longer serve as Miyuki's guardian. He thought himself to be the most capable person of protecting Miyuki and was loathed to relinquish his role as guardian to anyone else. The announcement that he was to be Miyuki's fiancé and stay by her side until his death was a blessing to him. Though initially he was apprehensive about the situation because he did not know Miyuki's feelings, he did not complain about the engagement per se just the prospect of their future children having genetic deficiencies but all that was resolved with the revelation that Miyuki was a modified magician. Now, Tatsuya fully embraced his feelings for Miyuki and there was not a shadow of doubt in his mind. He loved and was in-love with Miyuki and would gladly have children with her and start a family. The only trade-off was to swear his loyalty to Yotsuba which, in his opinion, was a small price to pay to be able to be with Miyuki.

Because Tatsuya agreed to be a Yotsuba, he also agreed to be subservient to Maya, at least for the time being. Tatsuya always dutifully reported the significant happenings of his and Miyuki's lives. While in the past, Tatsuya spared some details and at times hid things from Maya related to his plan to escape from the Yotsuba, there was no longer a need for that now. While he didn't exactly see Maya as an ally, he knew that Maya was adamant about him marrying Miyuki so she would at least not interfere in his personal life in that way. He also knew that Maya was the only person capable of tearing him and Miyuki apart. Tatsuya called to report the day's happenings to his "mother", especially the suspicious invitation he received from Kouichi.

Tatsuya called the main house and after doing away with the perfunctory pleasantries he opened with reporting the details of Miyuki's "date" with Masaki. Maya could barely contain her amusement at the chain of events. She especially found Tatsuya's possessiveness and tagging along the date to be particularly funny. She was laughing with a few tears coming out of her eyes. She was thoroughly amused at the Ichijou heir's utter failure.

Maya then took a deep breath and regained her composure. She looked at the couple on her monitor and focused her eyes on Miyuki.

"Miyuki-san, despite what happened today, the Ichijou family are very persistent and I don't think Ichijou Masaki-dono would scare easily. He will definitely try again. So please be on your guard. I don't want you falling in love with someone else and leaving Tatsuya broken hearted." Maya said the last sentence teasingly.

"That will never happen Oba-sama. I love Tatsuya-sama with all my heart and will stay by his side forever." Miyuki said with conviction in a serious tone. Maya was just teasing her and Miyuki's reaction was exactly what she was looking for. Maya revealed a satisfied smile. She then shifted her eyes towards Tatsuya who had a serious expression on his face but Maya was unfazed and spoke to Tatsuya nonchalantly.

"Is there anything else you would like to report?" Maya smiled.

"Yes" Tatsuya said in a serious tone. "I have recently been invited by the head of Saegusa clan to dinner at his residence tomorrow." Maya reflexively frowned at the mention of that name.

"And what did you say?" Maya's voice took on a sharp serious tone

"I have not replied to the invitation yet. I thought it best to ask for your permission." Tatsuya said plainly

"What is the topic of the meeting?"

"His correspondence did not say. The message was vague. It was only an invitation to eat dinner at his house at 6:30 pm. There was also no indication of how long the meeting was going to last or who else would be there if any." Maya remained silent for a few moments as she was in deep thought. She finally broke her silence but her face revealed a slightly stern expression.

"You are permitted to go but I want a detailed report of everything you see and hear at the Saegusa residence. The report can come later when you arrive at the main house the day after tomorrow. We can talk about it over dinner." Maya smiled but her eyes remained serious.

"Yes, Haha-ue" Tatsuya bowed and Maya smiled approvingly at this moniker.

Tatsuya was now fully committing to the lie that Maya was his mother. He even called her "Haha-ue" in private. This not only showed his commitment to the lie but his loyalty to Maya and thus by extension the Yotsuba. Tatsuya used to "unintentionally" say "Oba-ue" in private as a sign of defiance but now defiance no longer suited his needs. He needed Maya to firmly approve and advocate for his marriage to Miyuki especially when it seemed like everyone in the Ten Master Clans was out to break them up. Tatsuya needed to completely ally himself with the Yotsuba.

Committing to this lie was a way for Tatsuya to protect his engagement to Miyuki. It was once said that "A lie told a thousand times becomes the truth" and Tatsuya was determined to bury the truth of his sibling relationship with Miyuki not only for his sake but for Miyuki's as well. No one should ever find out about his and Miyuki's true origins. If anyone found out, they could rip them apart. Fully committing to the lie and regarding it as truth was necessary to safeguard his future with Miyuki.

"Well, then I'll see you the day after tomorrow. I look forward to your visit." Maya said in seemingly high spirits.

Maya was pleased that Tatsuya called her "Haha-ue." He was now fully performing his role and showing his complete loyalty towards her and the Yotsuba. Maya was giddy with excitement as more pieces were falling into place. Tatsuya now completely saw himself as a Yotsuba. There was always some distance that Tatsuya placed between the Yotsuba and himself and while he was now a full fledged member he still held on to a few acts of defiance. His last remaining act of defiance, calling Maya "Oba-ue" in private instead of mother was now gone. Maya was elated. Her plan was now complete, all that was left was for the marriage to occur to seal the deal. Maya smiled as she sipped her tea.


After the call with Maya, Miyuki held Tatsuya's hand and squeezed it tight. She had a worried expression on her face.

"Tatsuya-sama, I have a feeling the Saegusa are up to something. I think they might ask you to marry Seagusa-senpai." Worry was evident in her tone. Tatsuya squeezed Miyuki's hand back and then put his free hand on Miyuki's head and gently stroked hair.

"Don't worry. I don't think Saegusa-dono would ask for a meeting just for that purpose. If he wanted me to marry senpai then he can send a proposal through Haha-ue and I can reject it right after." Tatsuya chuckled. He wanted to reassure Miyuki that nothing would tear them apart. He was never going to leave her.

Miyuki was relieved to hear Tatsuya's confidence that nothing was going to tear them apart but she was still worried about the meeting.

The Saegusa Clan was the second most powerful clan, only behind the Yotsuba, and they were not on friendly terms. She also knew that Saegusa Kouichi was power hungry and had attempted to get Mayumi to marry Tatsuya once before. It was not too far fetched to think that the wedding invitation had put the Saegusa Clan on the offensive and they were now more aggressively pursuing Tatsuya.

While Miyuki was not worried that Tatsuya would leave her, she was worried that the influence the Saegusa had could sway the other members of the Ten Master Clans to actively oppose their marriage.

Though marriages were usually an internal matter, when their engagement was announced some families tried to interpose themselves in the Yotsuba's business and vocally opposed the arrangement. Miyuki was worried that this time it would go much further than just words and real obstructions would be put in their way. Miyuki's grip on Tatsuya's hand tightened.

Tatsuya saw the anxiety clouding Miyuki's face and freed his hand to hug Miyuki. He held her in his arms and squeezed her tightly as if to say "I will never let you go." He held Miyuki this way until he felt her shoulders relax and the worry in her eyes seemed to dissipate.

"Everything will be okay. I won't let anyone interfere with the peace we have built." Tatsuya stared into Miyuki's eyes. His eyes full of conviction.


The next day, everything proceeded as normal and Tatsuya woke up early and trained. Today, Tatsuya made the long run on foot and trained at Yakumo's temple. After their sparring match, Tatsuya and Yakumo sat and chatted while they sipped tea that one of Yakumo's disciples had prepared.

"Tatsuya-kun, I heard you really gave the heir apparent of the Ichijou family a run for his money." Yakumo said teasingly.

"Ah, that. Well, he punched me first, I just defended myself." Tatsuya said nonchalantly as he wiped off some sweat from his forehead with a towel.

"I was talking about yesterday." Yakumo said with a glint in his eyes. Tatsuya's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"It's amazing that news of my personal life would reach you, master. Are you perhaps watching me?" Tatsuya said in a slightly threatening tone.

Yakumo's eyes now shimmered with more mischief, as if to say "I was waiting for that exact question."

"Not me Tatsuya-kun, but there are people watching you."

"May I ask master who they are?"

"You know I can't tell you that Tatsuya-kun." Yakumo smiled mischievously "What I can tell you though is that one of these groups is the National Defense Force's Counter Intelligence Division Three." Yakumo's expression turned a bit more serious. "They've never stopped watching you, Tatsuya-kun" Yakumo sipped his tea and stared off into the trees.

Tatsuya bowed at his master and thanked him for the tea and advice. He didn't press Yakumo for anymore details as that would be a fruitless endeavor. Tatsuya was well aware that he had been under surveillance.

After his announcement essentially admitting that he was the most powerful magician in the world, multiple nations, as well as the Japanese government, sent covert operatives to keep Tatsuya under heavy surveillance. To other nations, Tatsuya was a ticking time bomb that could level their country in a matter of minutes.

The Japanese government saw Tatsuya as a wild card in the nation's security. Neither the government nor military had control over him, the only allegiance they knew Tatsuya had was loyalty to the Yotsuba. Should the Yotsuba choose to ally themselves with another country, Tatsuya would easily switch loyalties to whatever country the Yotsuba formed an alliance with.

Everyone was wary of the man who could make the world fall to its knees if he so desired.

Tatsuya understood why he was under strict surveillance but recently their watch on him had relaxed. Initially, many agencies were diligent in their observation of him but after seeing that Tatsuya was a creature of habit and was not up to anything suspicious in particular, interest in him faded gradually. Agents were stationed where he frequented and while his daily habits were still monitored, it felt more like perfunctory data collection rather than active monitoring for suspicious activity. Little deviances like dates, walks and parties were no longer being monitored as long as they fell within the norm for a person his age and social standing. Tatsuya was surprised to know that there was still an agency that monitored him so heavily despite him not posing as an immediate threat. Tatsuya was surprised to find the Saegusa still watching him so intently.