The Prince of the Yotsuba
Chapter 13: Family Part 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. If I did, Suzune would be a prominent character and Tatsuya and Miyuki would already be making love.
(Suzune POV)
I wish for happiness.
It is a common wish for those who have life and consciousness.
Everyone in this world seek for happiness.
Even if my life is no longer my own, I still want to be happy.
I want to live my life with a smile etched on my lips every day that I live in this earth.
I want to open my eyes, rise from my bed, tackle the day with enthusiasm in each step, and then collapsed on my bed with a smile on my lips, excited for the next day to come.
That is the life that I want to live until death comes for me.
That is impossible.
For me, a life like that is impossible.
I have surrendered my right to live a life of happiness.
I surrendered it willingly.
And, I don't even regret it.
After all, the smile on my Primary's lips as he held the love of his life while standing beside his mother is a reward that is sufficient enough for me.
At least, at the very least, he is happy.
That is enough.
He can be happy for the both of us.
And he is.
(Suzune POV)
Meeting Kokonoe Yakumo-sensei was a turning point in my life.
Of course, My Primary was the one who arrange the meeting between me and that perverted fox.
To this day, I do not know whether to be grateful or be resentful of Tatsuya-kun for introducing Yakumo-sensei to my life.
Kokonoe Yakumo is a ninjutsu master. In fact, in the country, in the entire continent, he is probably the best hand-to-hand fighter and the best close quarter combat magician.
That is the opinion of my Primary and I share that sentiment, being an apprentice of Yakumo-sensei and all.
There are also two overwhelming and unbelievable facts concerning Yakumo-sensei.
One, he is the first person to have ever beaten my Primary.
My Primary had confessed that fact to me when he introduced Yakumo-sensei and applied me to be his apprenticed. I was also aware of how the battle between them unraveled, orated to me by the two parties that were involve in the fight.
Apparently, Tatsuya-kun was seven years old and met Yakumo-sensei in one particular mission. They battled each other and left scars on each other's body.
The scar on Yakumo's right eye was my Primary's doing while that massive scar on My Primary's chest was Yakumo-sense's parting gift to the seven year old Tatsuya-kun.
According to my Primary, the fight with Yakumo-sensei was the first time he came close to death.
According to Yakumo-sensei, his fight with Tatsuya-kun almost ended his life as a shinobi and magician.
Setting aside the question on how a seven year old can do battle in equal footing with an adult, who is considered to be the best ninjutsu master in Japan at that time and is currently the best hand-to-hand fighter in the country, both of them respects each other to a great degree.
Tatsuya-kun is a male, and males tend to respect other males during and after fights. Go figure.
Tatsuya-kun and Yakumo-sensei are friends now. They spar often; with Yakumo-sensei teaching Tatsuya-kun some moves and techniques in close quarters combat and Tatsuya-kun providing Yakumo-sensei with dozens of Spirit-based magic spells for his studies.
Tatsuya-kun and Yakumo-sensei are close friends.
And that is the second bizarre fact with regards to Yakumo-sensei.
Yakumo-sensei is my Primary's best male friend and vice-versa.
Which is somewhat sad in a certain perspective but they have a good relationship between them.
I mean, Tatsuya-kun was able to introduced Yakumo-sensei to Yotsuba-dono, and the perverted fox is still alive. That should count for something.
The good relationship between my Primary and Yakumo-sensei allowed me to be accepted as an apprentice to the latter without any fanfare.
Being train by Yakumo-sensei is an experience.
Of course, that meant that I have two slave drivers as my primary teachers and trainers during the days when I have no access to my magic, but it prepared me for the life that I am currently living in the present.
Also, I do admit that watching my Primary speak and interact with Yakumo-sensei is somewhat entertaining and very much hilarious.
Like, right now.
"So, you and Miyuki-hime are now engage?" Yakumo-sensei inquired with a smile and a raise brow as he sat across my Primary.
Yakumo-sensei and my Primary sat across each other, both seated in seiza-position. In between them were cups filled with sake.
Yes, at the age of thirteen, my Primary is already allowed to drink, with the permission of Yotsuba-dono. Setting aside the morality of underage drinking, my Primary doesn't drink much and if he does, he doesn't get drunk and the beverage doesn't do any harm to him.
[Regrowth] is a heavenly ability.
"My engagement to my Princess has become official." There was a gleam of pure happiness and joy in his eyes while he informed Yakumo-sensei of his relationship status with Miyuki-san. "When we finish out High School education, she and I will be wed, and I will be the proud husband of the most beautiful woman in the world." There was genuine excitement in his tone of voice as he said those words.
He is really in love with Miyuki-san.
"And she, the wife of a Dragon." Yakumo-sensei drank his cup empty before pouring himself another cup full of sake. "Congratulations." Yakumo-sensei smiled at the happiness that Tatsuya-kun was displaying at the moment.
It was rare for my Primary to express any emotion. The fact that he was openly being joyous shows how much he trusts and likes Yakumo-sensei.
"Thank you." My Primary replied swiftly. "I would have married her the night after the announcement if my mother and Miya-dono allowed it, but I can wait five years."
"The night after?" Yakumo-sensei questioned good-naturedly.
"I have to drag you out of this place to the ceremony. That would take me half a day. " Tatsuya-kun informed him with a serious tone, and Yakumo-sensei could not help but bellow out a laugh.
Tatsuya-kun had given Yakumo-sensei the most sincere display of his friendship.
"I am happy that I am significant enough in your life that you would delay your wedding for a full day just to get me to attend." That is correct and accurate way in saying it.
My Primary has tunnel vision when it comes to Miyuki-san and Yotsuba-dono.
"I am also honored that you would informed me personally of your engagement."
"You will be the Godfather of my children…" That was very much an order than a request. Like mother, like son, I guess. "…it is only customary that I would inform the would-be godfather of my children his future status and responsibility." Again, My Primary's trust and respect for Yakumo-sensei is in full display in this conversation.
My Primary is the strongest magician that I have ever seen in my life. The fact that he would entrust Miyuki-san and his future children to Yakumo-sensei speaks volumes on how much My Primary acknowledges Yakumo-sensei's skill and power.
"Again, I am honored that you would trust me with the lives of your future children and future wife if something tragic happens to you, as unlikely as it might be." Yakumo-sensei stated, not even hiding how flattered he is. "And I will make sure that I would live up to the trust that you have for me."
The two strongest men that I knew shared a smile before sharing a drink in a fluid motion.
When my Primary removed his cup from his lips, he continued his conversation with Yakumo-sensei.
"Have you heard of what happened in Okinawa?"
I almost released a groan of frustration at that question.
I would rather not remember the activities that he took part on while he was in Okinawa.
Yakumo offered my Primary a stiff smile, his normally squinted eyes slightly open. "Which one? The New Soviet Union attacking Okinawa or the 'mysterious' disappearance of a Great Asian Alliance-owned Military Island base near Okinawa?" Yakumo-sensei asked rhetorically.
He already knows, as expected fromYakumo-sensei.
"Both." My Primary indulged Yakumo-sensei's humor via that short answer.
Yakumo-sensei chuckled once again. He seems to be in a good mood today. Probably due to the sake that my Primary gave him. "I have." Yakumo-sensei confirmed with an amused tone. "Your handiwork is very thorough and impressive, as expected from you. Although, I must admit, Yotsuba-sama is very callous in wielding you these last few years. Destroying random military bases is acceptable but sinking an entire island? Does your mother no longer care for anonymity?"
"Mother never cared about anonymity to begin with. She hid my existence because it was convenient for her, and that convenience is slowly losing its value. Either way, I don't care. I am just being a good son, and a good son is always obedient to his mother, only if it is appropriate, of course." My Primary answered calmly.
Yakumo-sensei shook his head. "You, being a momma's boy, is going to be the death of you someday."
"Find someone who can kill me first." Tatsuya-kun then looked somewhat thoughtful for a second. "Present company not included."
"Please, you flatter and overestimate me. I don't think I am a match for you anymore."
"I never thought monks like you can suffer from delusion." My Primary retorted with a small glare. "Don't devalue yourself. There is a reason why I prefer not going against you."
"My personality can be very offsetting, I understand." Yakumo-sensei joked before a serious atmosphere surfaced inside the room.
"The JSDF and some of the Ten Master Clans are currently investigating Okinawa. They are concentrated of finding the reason how a land mass three-quarters the size of Okinawa just suddenly vanished." Yakumo-sensei informed My Primary casually.
"They will not find anything. My [Material Burst] is very thorough." Tatsuya-san assured sensei coldly. "I have also purged the area of every Psion and Pushion residue that can tie me to the area as well as taken care of those who have so much seen a shadow of me. I am still very much unknown."
"That, I don't disagree." Yakumo-sensei nodded, knowing how good my Primary is in disappearing after each mission. "Regardless, I would advise you, my friend, to not do anything outrageous for the next six months. Let this debacle blow over."
"Your advised is appreciated, and I will do as you said." Another testament to the relationship between My Primary and Yakumo-sensei. My Primary doesn't take well in being told what to do. He tolerates being ordered by Yotsuba-dono due to their familial relationship and Shiba-dono because of his respect for her, and that's about it. The fact that he would consider following Yakumo-sensei's advice is a miracle in itself.
"By the way, I would also like to inform you that there would be an increase of activities on my part for the next month or so. I assure you though, those activities will not affect any of your business, and if it did, you can inform and I'll have it remedied." Tatsuya-kun informed Yakumo-sensei while looking straight in his eyes. "I expect the same courtesy from you."
"Of course. Of course. I am also quite happy that you would inform me of your impending activities, and I assure you that my students will not bother any of you subordinates." Yakumo-sensei promised My Primary seriously.
"That is all I ask." Taking one more sip, My Primary stood up to his feet. I removed myself from the wall that I was leaning on. It seems it is time to go.
Or so I thought.
"I have an hour to spare. I will be enriching this area of Spiritual Bodies, enough to amuse you for the next year. While I am doing so, continue Suzune's training." That was an order for both of us.
Inclining his head respectfully, My Primary disappeared and a second later, Yakumo-sensei and I could feel the Pushion flooding the immediate area.
"Sunshine and rainbows, that child is." Yakumo-sensei commented amusedly. "Suzune-chan…"
I stiffened at that tone of voice.
I thought I could visit this place without being put into the ringer.
Apparently, I am wrong.
"If I remember correctly, we were working on your Kenjutsu before you went to Okinawa." I don't like that grin on Yakumo-sensei's lips. "Shall we pick up where we left off?"
I groaned.
The next hour is going to hurt.
(Miya POV)
I have lived a long life.
A few years ago, three years in fact, I thought my life was numbered.
Fortunately, I was mistaken.
Tatsuya-kun extended my life with his powers.
At the moment, barring external interference, it is safe to assume that I can live well into my 70s.
That is something to look forward to in this despicable world.
Although, the next few years would be very frustrating on my end.
I blame Maya, my little sister.
After all, she was the one with the brilliant idea to hide her own son from the family.
From my chair, I glared at the roaring television.
I would rather live my life in sickness than to listen to this repeatedly.
I would have rather live my life in burrowed time than to live with the knowledge on how this world can end.
*BREAKING NEWS*
"Breaking News, a military island-outpost of Bǎo that belongs to The Great Asian Union has reportedly disappeared from the map, together with all the officers stationed in the outpost. The Island-outpost is located 150 nautical-miles from the Island of Okinawa and has been the source of tension between Japan and the GAU in the past due to the outpost's closeness to Japanese waters…"
"This just in, the Great Asian Alliance have now release a statement. The statement alleges that Japan has ransacked and sunk the Island-outpost of Bǎo, and is demanding both an explanation and compensation for the lost Island-outpost and the 689 personnel stationed in the Island-outpost. Furthermore, the GAA also states that failure of the Japanese Government to explain and to compensate for the Island-outpost may result to military retaliation."
"The Japanese Government denies any knowledge of any hostilities directed at the military island-outpost of Bǎo, and the Government also denies the allegation of attacking the Island-outpost. The Japanese Government offers its condolence to the family of those GAU officers who had mysteriously disappeared together with the island-outpost, but the Government also reiterated that it has honored the non-aggression treaty that was sign between the two nations on 2082. The Japanese Government also stated that it has yet to deploy any military vessel, both naval and aerial, anywhere near GAU territorial waters at the time when the Island-outpost was reported missing. The Japanese Government finished the statement saying that it will still honor the non-aggression agreement but warns that any military hostilities shown towards Japan would be dealt with accordingly."
"News Flash! Prime Minister of GAU and Prime Minister of Japan schedule to meet on neutral grounds to discuss the disappearance of Island-outpost of Bǎo, USNA Secretary of State to meditate between the two allies."
"Another Breaking News. Kodou Retsu and Saegusa Kouichi are schedule to visit Okinawa. Purpose being to investigate the disappearance of foreign Island-outpost and to determine whether magic was utilized in its sudden disappearance."
"Update on the Assault in Sado Island. New Soviet Union denies allegation of Japanese Government of any form of involvement in the assault…"
"Turn it off…" I ordered with an irate tone while burying my head on my palm. My Guardian and I were in a dim room, browsing through different news outlet for any substantial news.
Every media broadcast had one primary newscasts for the last week.
The 'mysterious' disappearance of Bǎo, a Military Island outpost that was owned, managed, operated, and occupied by the Great Asian Alliance. The military outpost is near Okinawa.
'Was…' I corrected my inner thoughts as my Minami turned off the television.
Without the television roaring, the dim room was plunged into silence, silence that I greatly appreciated.
My family's vacation in Okinawa was quite a revelation, a revelation that echoed throughout the world if the media is to be believe.
After all, islands do not just disappear from the map in a drop of a dime.
Only Mother Nature's wrath is capable of making a massive landmass disappear from the face of the earth.
Even a Nuclear Bomb or even an Atomic Bomb is incapable of eradicating an entire island completely off the high seas.
Still, what I saw in Okinawa proved me wrong.
New set of facts that I personally witnessed proved me wrong.
Mother Nature is not the only one capable of erasing her creations any longer.
Someone else now wields the might that is equal to a calamity.
The person who holds that power is my newly discovered nephew, Tsuyoru Tatsuya, and my nephew wields his power extremely well, with very destructive results.
'And his loyalty lies with Maya.' I thought distastefully.
Maya is powerful in her own right and she has a slew of people under her, all powerful and skilled in their own right, who would obey every order that she would give in a drop of the hat. I was also included in that list of people loyal to Maya.
Maya is an excellent leader. Eisaku-Ojiisama made the correct decision in appointing Maya as the next head of the family. Compare to Maya, I would have not been as imposing or even as effective of a leader.
That being said, my sister is insane.
I know most of the blame falls on my feet, but even I could not foresaw the extent of my sister's insanity.
Only the insane would casually order their own son to erase an entire island with such a carefree tone.
(Miya POV) (Flashback)
Maya is unpredictable.
Even for me, her own twin, she is unpredictable.
Maya has the tendency to surpass everyone's expectations and the ability to pull the wool over the eyes on anyone that she desires.
The greatest trick that she ever pulled is right in front of me, cradling my daughter in his arms while resting his head on my little sister's shoulder.
This scene would have looked adorable if it was not for my daughter's apparent nervousness and my sister's feral smile.
Miyuki-san being nervous is understandable. Although she had already accepted that Maya is Tatsuya-kun's mother, there is still some underlying fear within her with regards to Maya.
That is also understandable. Maya is a frightening creature.
Maya having that near animalistic look in her eyes was also very concerning.
Last time I saw that look in her eyes was two days ago, when we were all watching Tatsuya-kun systematically butcher an entire regiment of soldiers as if they were insignificant.
I shudder to think what my sister would order Tatsuya-kun to do.
And it is terrifying that Tatsuya-kun would obey Maya without pause and/or question.
"Stop!" Maya ordered gently, and the yacht immediately came to a halt.
I gazed at my sister curiously, my eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Maya ignored me in favor of looking at her son. "What do you see, my Darling?"
Note to self; speak to my sister regarding her tone of voice when speaking to her son.
She is speaking to him as if she wanted him to take her.
My gazed turned towards Tatsuya-kun who looked rather annoyed, something that my daughter noticed.
"I see a batch of idiots." Tatsuya-kun answered, his voice was higher by a tempo when compared to his normal voice.
Tatsuya-kun raised his hand and made a waving motion. Silver flames erupted above him before an image appeared within those flames.
What I saw almost made me swore.
In the Island across us, another army laid in waiting. This army was flying the flag of the Great Asian Union.
This army was also significantly larger than the one Tatsuya-kun annihilated two days ago, and it is still growing, which is evident due to the warships currently sailing towards the island-fortress.
I could feel a headache coming.
"Mother." Tatsuya-kun called, sounding somewhat aggravated, when compare to his normal mood, while resting his chin on top of my daughter's head.
Miyuki-san giggled, without a care in the world, as if the army across us was of no threat.
Her faith in Tatsuya-kun is comparable to Maya's.
"Yes, Darling." Maya answered immediately at the call of her son.
"Did that dull man ask you to investigate this matter?" Tatsuya-kun inquired softly.
"The Prime Minister?" Maya inquired with a coy smirk. Of course, Maya personally knows the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is probably securely on her back pocket. "He may have hinted that the GAA/GAU is planning to mount an assault on Okinawa and he might have requested me to personally investigate."
"He begged you, didn't he?" Tatsuya-kun stated rather blandly.
Maya looked smug. "He begged like a desperate whore wanting a cock stuff in his mouth."
Tatsuya-kun sighed visibly before kissing my daughter on her crown. "Give me 15 minutes." Tatsuya-kun whispered to my daughter.
A sound of disappointment escaped my daughter's lips but she relented. Hesitatingly, she removed herself from the embrace of her lover before pecking him on the lips. "Be careful." Miyuki-san pleaded to him softly.
Tatsuya-kun smiled in appreciation. "Against that much… Miyuki-hime, they will vanished before they know what hit them." The arrogance and smugness that Tatsuya-kun inherited from Maya once again surfaced.
For magicians, arrogance is a hubris that no magician can afford to have.
Tatsuya-kun is an exception though.
He is the only exception.
Tatsuya-kun rose from the beach chair that he was sharing with Maya and Miyuki-san before gazing at the Island that was several miles from us.
"Tell the Prime Minister that if he ever disturbs our mother-son vacation again, I will personally speak with him." Tatsuya-kun is irritated which is still quite surprising on my part.
Tatsuya-kun is rather expressive in the presence of both Maya and Miyuki-san, and both of them seem to enjoy having Tatsuya-kun express himself before them.
"I'll make sure to make him sweat next election." Maya assured Tatsuya-kun while also confirming that that she had bought Prime Minister.
Maya did say that she had bought many politicians.
Tatsuya-kun nodded before opening his mouth. "Suzune, get my gear." Tatsuya-kun did not yell but his voice was carried throughout the yacht.
"Cancel that order." Maya once again overruled Tatsuya-kun's authority towards his Guardian once again. "But do climb to the upper deck."
A few seconds later, Suzune-san was on the upper deck, wearing her maid uniform while holding a tray filled with beverages.
Suzune-san scanned the area before her eyes locked into the silver flames that showed the growing GAA Army.
A look of pure hatred flashed before her eyes before her customary stoic expression appeared on her face.
Her reaction is intriguing.
"You called, Yotsuba-dono." Suzune-san spoke, her voice stiff.
Very intriguing indeed.
"Yes, I did." Maya motioned for Minami-san to take the tray of beverages off Suzune-san's hand.
Minami-san obeyed, and took the tray from Suzune-san and walked towards my sister.
Maya took a champagne glass from the tray before taking a small sip.
She locked eyes on everyone on the upper deck, her eyes lingering on Tatsuya-kun for a second longer before settling back to Suzune-san.
"Suzune-chan, please fetch the [Third Eye]." Maya ordered, giddiness and bloodlust evident in each word.
The expression on the faces of Tatsuya-kun and Suzune-san was concerning.
Tatsuya-kun was openly surprised.
Suzune-san had a look of discomfort and fright written all over her face.
"The [Third Eye], Yotsuba-dono? Isn't that a bit too extreme and excessive, especially against only a force of that magnitude?" Suzune-san inquired while gesturing to the image of the GAU Army. "Tatsuya-sama has other options."
"Suzune-chan…" Suzune-san stiffened at the tone my sister used on her. Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, and in the Yotsuba, and Suzune-san should know this already, this act is equivalent to having a gun pointed at your skull. "Get the [Third Eye]." Maya reiterated her order, and she hates repeating herself.
Suzune-san opened her mouth once again, but this time, Tatsuya-kun cut her off.
"Suzune…" We all looked at Tatsuya-kun. "For your sake, do not think, just obey." Tatsuya-kun commanded in a reproaching manner. "Get the [Third Eye] before mother does anything permanent on you." Tatsuya-kun stated before his gazed fell on Maya.
They stared at each other for a full second before Tatsuya-kun spoke, with a tone that was grim, for him. "Are you sure?" Tatsuya-kun asked in a tone that clearly indicates that he wants his mother to reconsider. "I can remove every living being and their tools in that island in ten minutes. No survivors, no witnesses per usual. I can even raise that entire Island to the ground and make it inhabitable after I am done. No need for me to use that." Setting aside the confidence of Tatsuya-kun to singlehandedly destroy armies, the fact that he seems to be against doing what Maya wants is both confusing, intriguing, and concerning.
Maya faked a thoughtful look, something that I am used to, before grabbing Tatsuya by the hand and pulling him to her lap. "As tempting as it might be for me to watch you perform, I would rather have you here, in the safety of my arms than have you rip those insects to shreds, and I am confident that Miyuki-chan has the same mindset as I."
Tatsuya-kun turned his attention to Miyuki-san, and my daughter rose from her position and embraced Tatsuya-kun from the side, carefully not to make any contact with Maya.
Maya had a grinned on her lips as any vestige of defiance disappeared from Tatsuya-kun.
They are truly Tatsuya-kun's willing weakness.
"Get the [Third Eye], Suzune." Tatsuya-kun ordered with a sighed before locking eyes with Suzune-san. "I'll make sure that it is as surgical as possible. I'll minimize the aftershock as best as I could." That statement alone is the only proof I need that Tatsuya-kun views Suzune-san above a Guardian and above a common servant.
I really need to know the story between them after this vacation.
Sighing in defeat, Suzune-san bowed and disappeared to the lower decks of the yacht.
"I am going to reiterate this once again, mother. I do not need her." Tatsuya-kun stated while embracing Maya from her lap and patting Miyuki-san affectionately, who was resting her head on his lap. "I do not need her. I do not want her."
In a way, that is very comforting for me and for my daughter.
"I know." Maya acknowledge with a giggle. "But you are the most powerful magician to have ever been born in our family. You are also the best warrior to have ever grace the family. Every magician that is worthy of our name has a Guardian, and you, being a magnificent part of our family, deserves one as well." Maya stated passionately.
"I still don't need her." I am sure that this is not the first time Tatsuya-kun had this discussion with Maya.
"But you like and tolerate her enough not to outright dismiss her from your side." Maya countered with a grin.
"Like that would stop her." Tatsuya-kun retorted in annoyance.
Several seconds later, Suzune-san returned with a gun case on hand. Suzune-san walked towards Maya before placing the case several steps from Maya.
Maya laughed giddily as she gently push Tatsuya-kun off her lap and almost dived towards the case.
An excited Maya never translates well.
I watched in trepidation and confusion as my sister reached into her cleavage and took out a simple looking key.
She kissed the key before using it to open the case. There was an audible ping sound before Maya spoke a verse that was more of a prophesy in my ears.
"My vengeance is complete. Everything returns to the night."
The case slowly opened, revealing a slim, sniper-shape CAD.
Maya took the CAD from the case before turning her attention back to Tatsuya-kun.
"You know what to do, Darling." The look that Maya gave Tatsuya-kun was unnerving.
That look was the same look that she gave Tatsuya two nights ago.
With a resign sigh, Tatsuya-kun bestowed a quick kiss on my daughter's lips before rising to his feet.
Tatsuya-kun took the CAD from Maya's hands before also giving Maya a kiss on the forehead.
Taking aim towards the island where the army was gathering, I could feel the Psion dance around Tatsuya-kun, even though it wasn't visible in anyway.
He's control over his magic is unnaturally good.
I spared a glance on Suzune-san, and I worried at the look of utter dismay and despair etched on her face.
"Have you seen how the world ends?" Suzune-san whispered that question to Honami and me, and that single question made me gazed at Tatsuya-kun even more intently.
"March." Tatsuya-kun whispered as his body erupted with silver flames. Several hundred of those spirits, ghosts as he identifies them, burst out from those flames and flew with haste all throughout the area, with some ghost flying towards the island.
I could feel the coldness emerging as I watched those spirits, those [Ghost] disappeared with a ripple.
When the last ghost had disappeared, Tatsuya uttered two words, two words that would forever be in my mind.
"[Material Burst]." Tatsuya-kun pulled the triggered.
The sun itself appeared in the center of the island.
(Miya POV) (End of Flashback)
"So that is how the world will end." I whispered to myself as I felt my Guardian putting a comforting hand on my shoulders.
"I don't think Tatsuya-kun would use that magic unless he has no other options." My Guardian tried to assured me but I shook my head.
"I am aware that Tatsuya-kun has other Strategic-type magic at his disposal…" That is unprecedented. Normally, a Strategic-type magician only has one Strategic-type magic available to them. Tatsuya-kun has over a dozen, with that [Material Burst] being the most destructive. "…and I am not worried about him. Tatsuya-kun is smart enough to know the repercussion of using that magic. It is Maya that I am worried about."
Maya and I hate this world. The cruel world that took our beloved father from us, we despised it. We hold no love for this world.
But I do not wish to have this world burn to the ground.
Maya does, and she has the means to do so for a while now.
She has the means to do so for over 13 years now.
And she had that person under her unsupervised for 13 years.
Since discovering the relationship between my sister and Tatsuya-kun, it is not the first time I wondered how much damage my sister had dealt to this world by Tatsuya-kun's hands.
"It is very fortunate that Miyuki-san was able to attract his affection."
Having Maya holding the faith of the world in her hands is not comforting whatsoever.
Miyuki-san is the best leash for Tatsuya-kun.
(Miyuki POV)
I gazed at the bedroom that my fiancé, he is officially mine now, would occupy once he returns from the main residence.
I personally prepared his bedroom, as I would be his wife and this is practice for my future duties as his wife, and I am confident that he would like his bedroom.
My beloved is Japanese through and through. He is a minimalist in the truest sense of the word, and I had that in mind when preparing his bedroom.
The bedroom is simple enough. A double bed (so that when I am allowed, I can sleep in his arms), a workstation with his terminal that Okaa-sama had extracted from his old home, a nightstand with some pictures of me (hurray) and Obaa-sama (again, I will do my best to not be annoyed), a nightstand, a pair of chairs on the side (although, to be honest, we need only one. I will sit on his lap and he would insist on it), and a large bookcase filled with hard printed books, all of which were arrange so that it would provide him with a lot of space to maneuver.
I am proud on how I prepared my beloved's room and I was happy that Okaa-sama allowed me to do this much for my beloved.
It was surprising for all of us when Obaa-sama informed us that my beloved and his Guardian would be living with us from this point forward. According to her, it was now pointless for my beloved to live elsewhere considering that he is now aware of his blood ties with us.
Blood ties that my beloved couldn't care less about.
He didn't care that we are cousins. In his mind, that was just an unnecessary label in our relationship, and he would still want me, desired me to be his bride and wife.
In his words, he still wants me to share his bed and mother his children.
At that confession, I would have married my beloved there and then after Okaa-sama and Obaa-sama came to an agreement with our engagement.
Right now, I have to wait five years to be his wife.
After graduating high school, we will be wed. I will be Yotsuba Miyuki and my beloved, Yotsuba Tatsuya. I will be name the next head of the family, and Tatsuya-kun would be standing beside me, ruling the family beside me.
Five years until paradise. Five years until heaven
But there is a lot of work to be done.
My future husband is already ahead of me. He is already a strong protector, a sharp blade that would strike down the enemies of the family, mine and Obaa-sama's to be exact, at a given order. I am confident that my beloved would be able to protect me from all the dangers of this world. He will make sure that I am protected and that nothing will happen to me.
He will be my dragon and I will be his treasure. He will be the dragon that would jealously guard me from all the dangers of this world.
I am honored and flatter.
Regardless, currently, I am not worthy of him.
Don't get me wrong, I would have him. My God, I would have him in any given moment.
I would have him because he wanted me.
I have no reason whatsoever to deny him.
If he asks me, I would give him all that I can offer because I know he would do the same.
He would do anything for me.
I will as well.
In the next five years, I will do my best to turn myself to a woman that he deserves.
I will grow strong and powerful to the point that I can fight beside him without him worrying about my well-being.
I will grow into a beautiful woman so that he will never have to look at another woman for as long as I breathe, and if he does, he will look at her as my inferior and unworthy, and would once again turn his attention to me.
I will be the woman of his dreams. I will make his ideal woman a reality in me.
And more importantly, I will grow into a woman that would make his mother, Obaa-sama, obsolete.
I will surpass Obaa-sama in every aspect, beauty, power, grace, elegance, every conceivable parameters, I will surpass Obaa-sama.
I am aware that I share my beloved's affection with Obaa-sama. She is his mother after all, and my beloved is a son that loves his mother.
He is such a sweetheart that way.
We are both born in a matriarchal household after all, and our fathers are less than useless.
I share the heart of my beloved with Obaa-sama, and though I am fine with sharing his love for now, in the future, I want my beloved to only love one woman and that woman would be me.
My beloved can still love Obaa-sama, but I want that love to be strictly the love of a son to his mother.
With that thought in mind, I allowed myself to lay down on the bed of my beloved. My beloved would lay on this bed in the future, and I would lay beside him whenever I can.
We would lay beside each other for many days in the future.
Whether it is his bed, or mine, or a bed that we share, we would hold each other for many nights and days.
I will be protected and love in his arms.
He will find peace and comfort in mine.
I giggled slightly as I imagine the hands of my lover exploring my body, with his arms holding me with possessiveness and hunger.
I raised my hand and admired the engagement ring that he made for me. The ring that he gave me on bended knees.
The ring was shape in the head of a dragon. The band was made out of the finest of golds, and details of the ring made it look exquisite. Our birthstones were embedded on the eyes of the dragon, aquamarine on the left, diamond on the right.
A beautiful ring.
"For the most beautiful woman in the world." I recalled my beloved professing to me as he slid the ring into my finger before kissing me on the lips, pinning me on the ground as he indulges his desire upon me.
It felt so right to have him on top of me, to have him above me, to have his body press on mine, to have his hands roam my body, his self-control fluctuating as he did his best to control himself from claiming my body.
If Okaa-sama did not pull Tatsuya-kun off me, I would have had begged him to ravage me there and then, witnesses be damn, and my beloved would have complied, his promise to Okaa-sama be damned as well.
My request will trump my mother's command any day.
I moaned at that memory before turning my attention to the picture of my beloved embracing me from behind as I sat on his lap.
"Come back to me." I begged the image of my beloved. "Your bride is waiting and she wants to be in your arms."
"Your bride wants to be spoiled with your love and affection."
(Suzune POV)
Walking slightly behind my Primary, my body felt heavy, a feeling that I have learned to cope with since I became the apprentice of Yakumo-sensei.
Yakumo-sensei is a slave driver.
He is an effective teacher, but he is a very tough teacher that expects nothing less than perfect from those that he takes under his wing.
Taking a step forward, I felt pain surged throughout my body.
Everything aches!
"He wasn't that hard on you." My Primary told me while looking at me over his shoulders.
I tried my best not to glare at My Primary. "Not everyone is gifted with a superhuman body." Every aspect of My Primary's body, every physical parameters that he has is off the charts to the point that it is unnatural. His stamina, his strength, his endurance, everything is superhuman level, and he is thirteen years old!
"I trained my body to reach this level of physical prowess. It is a pity that only few would strive to surpass their limits."
"It's the advent of magic. What's the point of training your body if superhuman strength is just a spell away?" The years that followed the discovery and development of magic, countless martial arts disappeared. It was pointless to learn martial arts when altering reality is merely a press of a device away.
"The only difference between magic and a blow to the throat is cosmetics. Those who depend on magic too much tends to have a short lifespan." My Primary looked on ahead. "You know this better than anyone."
He got me there. I have killed more people with my bare hands than with my magic.
In a weird way, I took comfort in that fact.
"Your close quarters combat is improving. You lasted longer against Yakumo. During your first spar with him, you were down after seven blows." I blushed at that reminder. I wasn't that good with martial arts, or any physical activities for that matter when I met Tatsuya-san and Yakumo-sensei. "Do you want to know how long you will last against me in close quarters combat?"
"Pass." I answered immediately.
If I were given a choice between fighting Yakumo-sensei or my Primary, I would choose to fight Yakumo-sensei.
They are both geniuses in martial arts, but my Primary is just more ruthless in a fight. My one and only spar with him, I ended up having my arms fractured and skull slightly crack, not to mention the concussion that I have to sleep through the night after.
I did not care that [Regrowth] was use on me after the spar. The mental pain never went away.
"Very well then. I'll just visit Yakumo tomorrow for a quick spar." He will like that. Yakumo-sensei likes challenges, and you are the only challenge for him in this city. "Once we get home, have my coffee ready. I'll head straight to my lab once we get home. I have some projects that I need to start on."
I nodded at his orders although a thought crossed my mind.
"Would you not want to spend some time with Miyuki-san?"
"I will have more time to spend with her after my projects are complete." Tatsuya-san gave me a pointed look. "Miyuki-hime is my priority and I will indulge myself with her after every mundane task that I have is complete. There will be no distractions once I have my Princess in my arms."
I blushed at the look in my Primary's eyes. I don't know if he was aware that there was desire and lust in his eyes but the look of passion in his eyes was just too much for someone like me to bare.
I know that my Primary is emotionally crippled.
Hell, he being emotionally crippled is a Godsend considering what would happen to the world if he can feel emotions.
But, whenever he allows himself to express his emotions, he is just so breathtaking!
I turned my attention elsewhere.
Yes, I am attracted to my Primary.
I have accepted that and I have a feeling that My Primary is aware of my attraction to him.
But he doesn't care.
He doesn't care about my crush towards him.
In his perspective, he is already in love, he was successful in making that girl love him, and he is now engage to her. Five years from now, they will be wed, and then, my Primary would reach the happiest point of his life.
Nothing else matters in his mind aside from finally having Miyuki-san in heart, body, and soul.
The sooner I can get over this passing fancy, the better.
"I guess we are home." My Primary announced as he and I stopped in front of a massive, two-story house.
In the last three years, I was fortunate enough to live in a massive single floor house with my Primary.
That change a week ago when Yotsuba-dono gave us new marching orders.
We are to leave the residence that we have occupied for three years now in favor of moving into the Shiba residence.
My Primary and I are now going to live with Shiba-dono and her family.
Apparently, she had deemed it necessary for Tatsuya-kun to live in close proximity with her and her family.
To make up the time when Yotsuba-dono was hiding him from the entire family.
Shiba-dono is apparently the twin sister of Yotsuba-dono. And the reason why my Primary didn't notice was because he didn't care.
The reason why I wasn't able to question it was due to the mental command Yotsuba-dono placed on me when she put me in Tatsuya-kun's care.
I did not like discovering my mind being tampered with.
It pleased me that My Primary felt the same way, although it was under the mindset that he did not want anyone associated with him compromised like what Yotsuba-dono did to me.
Apparently, Yotsuba-dono put a mental block in my mind that prevents me from ever thinking or considering the physical similarities between her and Shiba-dono, and anytime my mind wonders to those kinds of thoughts, a jolt of pain would surge through my head. That would presumably train me to not make the connection between Yotsuba-dono and Shiba-dono.
It worked well.
Very, very well.
More terrifyingly is that my Primary did not even noticed that my mind was tampered with, and that is scary.
There is no magic in the world that can escape my Primary's eyes. The fact that Yotsuba-dono was able to put a mental limiter on my mind and my Primary did not notice is a terrifying thought.
If there is any consolation, My Primary did assure me that there are no longer any foreign magic that would limit my thought process and that he had already scolded and spoke with his mother about the matter and assured me that it will not happen again.
That is very comforting.
The fact that Yotsuba-dono had a big smile on her lips while limping towards me with a half-hearted apology the next day after that magic was remove from my head was equally disturbing.
If Yotsuba-dono opted to mentally placed a command on my head to avoid me thinking about thoughts that I should not be thinking about, the activities that she and her son does when they are alone should be that thoughts that is block from my head.
It would sure help me remain sane.
"No need to be awkward, let's go." My Primary told me as he casually moved towards the house.
I followed immediately.
This is my life, no need for any delay.
(Suzune POV)
Entering the Shiba household is something that I have come accustomed to considering the relationship between my Primary and Miyuki-san.
Although the difference right now is that, I am entering this household as a servant, not a guest.
Well, regardless of blood ties, this is bound to happen. It just happened sooner.
The moment we entered the house, My Primary, without any word, phased through the ground and is now heading to the laboratory for his projects.
Time for me to prepare his coffee.
Fortunately, all the essentials from our previous residence were already moved into this house.
How Shiba-dono gotten passed those defenses My Primary put in our former residence, I will not even ask.
First things first, though, shower and then prepare that coffee.
I think my Primary would forgive me for removing the sweat off my body before readying his favorite beverage.
With that in mind, I made my way towards the showers to prepare myself to serve my Primary.
"So your back?" I froze at the sound of that voice.
Time to face the matriarch of this household.
Turning around to the living room, I bowed me head low. "Good evening, Shiba-dono."
"Good evening, Suzune-san." Shiba-dono greeted me cordially. "I am aware that you are used to operating informally under my nephew, so I will take exception to this lack of good manners, but next time you step into my house, please announce your presence." Shiba-dono scolded me, and with that mental command out of my head, I could now see the resemblance between the infamous twins.
When the Yotsuba twins scold you, either one of them, they would make you feel small.
"My deepest apologies. It will not happen again." For my personal health, I will need to be careful around Shiba-dono.
Shiba-dono is my CAD engineering instructor. I am her apprentice.
Or was.
I am a Yotsuba servant, so it is safe to assume that my apprenticeship to her is now void.
Pity, I was enjoying my lessons with her.
"See that it won't." I felt Shiba-dono raising my head with her index finger, which made me looking at her.
Shiba-dono is extremely beautiful, considering who her twin sister is, that should be expected.
The Yotsuba really has a knack to produce extremely beautiful and dangerous women.
"Where is my prodigal nephew?" Shiba-dono inquired softly.
"He went straight to the laboratory to work on his projects. He told me that the sooner he finishes his work, the more time he can spend with Miyuki-ojousama." I answered swiftly.
As my Primary often tells me when dealing with Yotsuba-dono, don't think, just obey. I'll have that mindset carry over from this point forward when dealing with Shiba-dono.
My Primary would understand.
Shiba-dono looked unpleased before releasing a sigh. "I shouldn't be surprised. My sister spoiled him too much."
A mindset that I have adopted when dealing with My Primary's irregularities in attitude and beliefs is that to blame Yotsuba-dono.
It warms my heart that Shiba-dono has the same mindset.
"So, what were you about to do before I called you?" Shiba-dono inquired rather curiously.
"I had the intention of taking a shower to remove the sweat and scent from my training with Yakumo-sensei before brewing my Primay a fresh cup of coffee." I answered honestly.
"Tatsuya-sama…" Shiba-dono spoke suddenly.
"Shiba-dono?" I looked at her questioningly.
"When you are around the family, when you are in this household, call him Tatsuya-sama. Calling him your Primary is too technical and calling him Tatsuya-san like you used too, is informal. Tatsuya-sama or Tatsuya-dono is formally acceptable within the family. Calling him Ouji-sama would also be acceptable." ShIba-dono lectured me and I cringed slightly.
Yotsuba-dono is very lax with my decorum towards Tatsuya-san. Sometimes even, Yotsuba-dono encourages me to be informal with Tatsuya-san.
Apparently, Shiba-dono expects me to stick with proper decorum with my Primary from this point forward.
I have no reason to disobey.
"I shall keep that in mind, Shiba-dono." I replied courtesy.
"See that you do." Shiba-dono then uncapped my chin before motioning to stand. "Take your shower, and assist Honami-san in preparing dinner. She'll instruct you on how my daughter and I prefer our meals prepared, and you can also tell Honami-san how Tatsuya-kun likes his meal."
I looked behind Shiba-dono to Honami-san giving me a slightly awkward look.
This is going to be an awkward few days between the two of us, three of we count Minami-san.
I nodded subserviently towards Shiba-dono before resuming my way towards the showers.
"Before you leave…" I pause for a moment at the sound of Shiba-dono's voice. "...what is the preference of Tatsuya-kun with his coffee?"
"Bitter and strong, with lots of milk, no cream or sugar." I immediately answered. If there is one aspect I mastered when it comes to taking care of Tatsuya-san, it is how to brew coffee, and how to brew it in his preferred taste.
"Bitter and strong, with milk, no cream or sugar." Shiba-dono repeated to herself before nodding. "Enjoy your shower, Suzune-san, and take your time. I'll prepare Tatsuya-kun's coffee for him."
I turned around hastily after hearing Shiba-dono.
Preparing Tatsuya-san's coffee has always been my job!
I was about to open my mouth when Shiba-dono spared me a look that paralyzed me.
"Is there any other tips that you would like to give the Mistress of this house in preparing her nephew's favorite beverage?"
I immediately kept my mouth shut.
That tone and that look, I've seen it before on another woman, and that woman is the twin of Shiba-dono.
I bowed my head in apology before retreating.
I'll prepare his drink next time.
(Miya POV)
It was a hassle reconfiguring my workshop to accommodate both my needs as well as Tatsuya-kun's. Fortunately, Maya was kind enough to provide me with funds for me to completely overhaul my workshop.
Although, I would bet, the funds that she gave me were for Tatsuya-kun's sake rather than mine.
I was quite irritated that Tatsuya-kun's workshop had better equipment than mine, but I guess Maya just love spoiling Tatsuya-kun rotten.
I don't mind. I am going to benefit anyways with the upgrades that was installed in my workshop, my workshop that I am now going to share with Tatsuya-kun.
I don't mind sharing my workshop with Tatsuya-kun.
Tatsuya-kun is a genius, a very terrifying genius. When I went to his workshop in his former residence, I was able to get a glimpse of his work.
Setting aside his study regarding Spirit Bodies, a topic that I am not interested in, and his development of weaponry, I will speak with him in scrapping at least three-fourths of those works; I must admit that what he is working on is revolutionary and would help in improving the social standings of us magicians when he succeeds.
That begs the question though. Why would he make an effort in researching and working on topics concerning the improvement and furtherance of the social, political, and working life of magicians?
From what I have observed, Tatsuya-kun is both cruel and selfish. He only cares about himself, his mother, and my daughter. Everything connected to Maya and Miyuki-san he puts value onto them. Aside from that, he appears to be someone who could care less about any sort of topic that will not affect him or those that he values.
So why would he bother putting on work creating something that would benefit every magician in the face of this forsaken earth?
I had that question in my mind as I entered my newly refurbished workshop.
"Good evening, Miya-dono." Tatsuya-kun greeted while manually entering codes in his keyboard. His back was turn from me as he focused his attention on the giant screen in front of him.
As his CAD engineering instructor, I know that he can immersed himself with his work. I normally tolerate this, but considering our new relationship, I cannot have this any longer.
"Tatsuya-kun, I know it is difficult to adjust, considering that Maya hid you from the family, but I am your aunt and we know each other for quite some time now. Considering our new relationship, it is only right for you to observe proper manners when speaking to me." I lectured him, doing my best to sound firm.
Am I scared of Tatsuya-kun? Of course I am. I have always been terrified of him, even without me knowing his full potential or his magic. Knowing the magic that he wields, my fear of him increased several folds.
But I know he will not hurt me.
I know that aside from my daughter and my sister, I have more leeway with Tatsuya-kun.
However, I also know that Tatsuya-kun is Maya's child, and I know Maya.
If Tatsuya-kun is violent, Maya is plain out sadistic, and both of them are not keen to be ordered around.
A flash of silver flames appeared beside Tatsuya-kun.
A [Ghost] appeared beside Tatsuya-kun, and the temperature in the room significantly lowered.
Fortunately, that [Ghost] merely substituted Tatsuya-kun from his terminal.
Tatsuya-kun rose from his seat and the [Ghost] moved in front of the terminal to continue entering the codes for whatever project he is working on.
"You are correct. Proper decorum must be observed between the two of us." Tatsuya-kun agreed politely with a curt nod.
That is a start.
"I brought you coffee." I told him while lifting the tray slightly upwards.
"Thank you." A flash of silver appeared in front of me, and one of his [Ghost] took the tray filled with snacks, coffee, and tea from my hands. "Are you going to join me?" Tatsuya-kun inquired as a coffee table and two chairs rose from the ground.
It is a feature that I have installed in my workshop even before meeting Tatsuya-kun. Retractable furniture is quite handy.
Still, I am not going to ask how he was able to get those chairs and table folded up from the ground without pushing the appropriate buttons. I'll get an explanation later.
Regardless, I walked towards the chair across me, giving Tatsuya-kun the answer to his inquiry.
I was pleasantly surprised when Tatsuya-kun assisted me to my seat, and was further shocked when Tatsuya-kun got to his knees casually before lowering himself to the ground. I watched in shocked as he kissed both of my feet before swiftly rising to his feet and occupying the chair across me.
I stared at him strangely while he casually poured himself a cupful of coffee.
Before he could picked up his cup, I allowed myself to utter one word. "Why?" I didn't have to finish my question. I know Tatsuya-kun knows the question that I want him to answer.
"I am merely showing the woman who gave me the two people who is responsible for my happiness." Tatsuya-kun took a light sip from his cup. "You are the woman that turned my mother into a demon…" He took another sip from his cup. "…you are also the woman who created and birthed my angel." Tatsuya-kun drank the entire liquid down his throat and a sigh of delight escaped his lips, something that is foreign for me. Tatsuya-kun only sounds like that whenever he is kissing my daughter. "You are the woman who created the sources of my happiness. For that, you have my thanks and gratitude." He lifted his cup to, as if giving me a salute.
The way Tatsuya-kun's mind work is bizarre.
Nevertheless, I needed to get something straighten out with him.
"I am proud to be the mother of Miyuki-san. She is the greatest treasure of the family."
"I agree." Tatsuya-kun stated while pouring me a cup of tea.
I took the cup and took a light sip, tasting the concoction that I have made for myself before continuing my piece.
"But, Tatsuya-kun, please do not be mistaken. What I did to my sister all those years ago, what I did to my sister to turn her into that Devil that would forever be my greatest mistake, my greatest failure, my greatest regret." I am risking a lot in insulting Maya, but I would like to know where I stood with Tatsuya-kun.
His gratitude is very endearing, but Maya raised him. That makes him very unpredictable.
"In a certain perspective, I understand the fear that you have for my mother. She is much more frightening than I could possibly be, and I have more power than her at my disposal." That is true. Maya is scarier than Tatsuya-kun, which is a testament to how dangerous Maya. "Regardless, I am still very grateful. It doesn't matter how you view my mother. It doesn't matter how this world view my mother. I love and cherish my mother, insanity and all, and I will kill for her."
"That makes Maya even more dangerous." I pointed out to him.
"Doesn't that benefit your family?" He answered back to me.
"Our family." I corrected him.
"Your family." Tatsuya-kun insisted. "My mother is my only family." Tatsuya-kun looked slightly thoughtful. "Correction, you are also my family now, together with Honami-san and Miyuki-hime. The Yotsuba is not my family."
I will be working hard to change that. I thought to myself but did not verbalize it.
Instead, I decided to have a somewhat lighthearted conversation with Tatsuya-kun.
"I am quite surprised that you have taken this revelation quite lightly." I was visibly surprised in Tatsuya-kun's reaction when Maya informed him of his true relationship with us.
Tatsuya-kun did not have an actual reaction.
He just asked he can still marry Miyuki-san, and after a positive answer from both me and my sister, he took my daughter in his arms and told her that he would have her, regardless of what blood-ties they have.
It was a rather sweet moment.
I had to pull Tatsuya-kun off my daughter after Miyuki-san told him that she would also have him regardless of blood relations, but that is merely academic now.
"Nothing really changes. So what if Miyuki-hime and I are cousins? I still love her and would marry her at any given date. So what if you are the twin of my mother? That doesn't change the fact that your magical aura greatly differs from my mother's." Tatsuya-kun poured himself another cup. "The only things that changes between all of us are labels, no more, no less."
If there is one thing I appreciate about Tatsuya-kun, it is the simplicity in how he sees and views the world. It prevents any sort of drama from developing around him.
"This coffee is an improvement compare to the coffee that Suzune usually makes me." Tatsuya-kun commented and I could not help but smirk at him.
"I was the one who brew that coffee that you are enjoying right now." I informed my adorably dangerous nephew. "You are welcome."
For the first time since we met, Tatsuya-kun gave me a genuine smile. "Much better than Suzune's but slightly inferior compare to Hayama-san's."
"No one in the family can outcook Hayama-san." A thought cross my mind. "Am I better making coffee than Maya?"
Tatsuya-kun snorted before letting out an irritated grumble. "Mother never makes me coffee. She always tells me that it is bad for my health and always forces her tea onto me." Tatsuya-kun made a vomiting sound. "Her tea is so tame and so sweet, it makes me gagged just thinking about."
I couldn't help myself but laugh.
This can work.
This can actually work
(Suzune POV)
This is awkward.
"Oku-sama and Miyuki-san enjoys meals with low carbs. They don't eat much lean meat but white meat and fish is something that they enjoy in occasion." Honami-san told me while I fillet a rather sizeable fish.
This is very awkward.
"So, how does Tatsuya-dono like his meal?" Honami-san asked with a friendly tone.
"Tatsuya-sama's diet consists of 80 percent vegetables and 20 percent lean meats. Everything should all be organic, if it is not, he won't consume it." I stared at the variety of vegetables that I pulled from the pantry for the first meal that Tatsuya-kun would share with the Shibas in their household as a family.
"Tatsuya-dono's a picky eater?"
"He is just very careful with everything that he consumes. He wants to be in top form at all times, considering that Yotsuba-dono always gives him the hardest missions."
"Like Okinawa?"
I paused.
Should I answer that?
Yes, I should. She is a fellow Guardian and she is my senior.
"Worse than Okinawa. Much, much worse than Okinawa." I told Honami-san as shiver in remembrance of some of the hardest missions that I have accompanied Tatsuya-san with.
You don't know what hell on earth means until you step foot in the Amazon forest in a middle of a fucking Civil War.
"You sound rather grim, Suzune-chan." Honami-san pointed out to me.
"My apologies. I was just recalling a rather difficult mission." A mission that involved my Primary summoning his damn [Avatar] to level an entire city.
"Lighten up, Suzune-chan. You are in the safety of our home. You will not find a fight here." Honami-san assured me and I could not help but smile in thanks to her.
She has always been a kindhearted figure that I was thankful for to be part of my life.
"Sorry, Honami-san, it is just somewhat difficult to be put into a new environment."
"I know." Honami-san said in understanding before dropping a rather large bomb on my lap. "We read your files."
I froze at that statement.
"If it helps, I am not going to say anything. I will not comment. But please answer this inquiry. Why did you choose this kind of life? Being Guardian…"
"…means forfeiting your life to service the Yotsuba for as long as you live. I know." I sighed a bit as I pause filleting the fish. "I owe my life, both as a woman and as a magician to Tatsuya-sama. If you read my files, you know what happened to me. I was raped, I was traumatized, and I lost my ability to use magic three years ago. Tatsuya-sama remedied everything. He gave me my pride as a woman back to me. He gave me back my ability to use magic. He gave me a means for me to get my revenge on those who had caused me suffering. I owe him more than my life."
"Even if the Yotsuba is the reason for your suffering?"
I did my best not to snort.
I respect Honami-chan too much for that.
"I learned rather quickly that when the Yotsuba asked you for something, you just obey and then get paid. The Yotsuba don't take no for an answer." Again, I cringe at some rather unpleasant memories. "My Primary is very convincing when it comes to having people do what Yotsuba-dono wants." Tatsuya-san is very violent but he can negotiate with the best of them. If negotiating doesn't work, he will strong-arm them to obey.
Fortunately, it was rare for my Primary to force matters to some of Yotsuba-dono's associates. They shouldn't be complaining. The Yotsuba's, regardless of their reputation, do not undervalue or low-ball their associates. The Yotsuba pays rather handsomely, and my Primary, strange as it may seem, is rather charitable when it comes to incentive's.
My Primary doesn't operate the Kanto Branch with a mere iron-fist.
I could feel another question coming but the sound of footsteps cause the both of us a pause.
Looking at the entrance of the kitchen, two figure emerge.
Shiba Miyuki and Sakurai Minami entered the kitchen, and their eyes fell onto me.
This is going to be an awkward night.
"Good evening, Miyuki-sama, Minami-san." I greeted them cordially, making sure to look at the two.
Miyuki-san seems to have just woken up from slumber. So that's the reason why Tatsuya-san did not go straight to her when we entered the house.
"Suzune-san," Miyuki-san greeted me in surprised.
"Tatsuya-sama and I were ordered by Yotsuba-dono to live with your family from this point forward in consideration to the new arrangement between Miyuki-sama and Tatsuya-sama…" The old residence was already demolish when we got back. "Tatsuya-sama is currently in the workshop, working on some projects in order to make time with you, Miyuki-sama. He would probably appreciate it very much if he gets to see his fiancée for the first time in two weeks." Heaven knows he was grumpy at not having to see his newly named fiancée for two weeks after their rather steamy time in Okinawa.
The fact that they have yet to have sex with each other is still rather baffling to me.
Miyuki-san perked up at the name of her fiancée being spoken before turning around and making her way to the workshop.
That left only Honami-san, Minami-san, and me in the kitchen, and Minami-san is glaring at me for some reason.
Is it something I said?
"Minami-chan, please freshen up, and prep the vegetables. Tatsuya-dono has a pseudo-vegan diet, so prep as much vegetable as possible." Honami-san ordered her nephew.
Minami-san glared at me for a second longer before complying, momentarily leaving the kitchen to freshen up.
When Minami-san left, I gave Honami-san a questioning gaze. "Did I do something horrible to her?" If my memory is correct, I have not done anything bad to Minami-san, ever.
Honami-san merely frowned. "A piece of advised, Suzune-chan, when the time comes that Tatsuya-kun is introduced to the family, make sure you armed." Hoanmi-san advised me seriously. "Most Guardians in Minami's age class, above and even below, will not react well to the fact that you have been given one of the highest ranking Primary's of the this generation without the rigorous training that all Guardians took under your belt."
I could only stare at Honami-san's grim face as she gave me that warning.
Took a while for me to get a new chapter posted out this year. My study in law took most of my time but I was determined to get this out before my Midterms, which is two weeks from now.
This arc will be focused on Tatsuya's introduction to the Yotsuba as well as a quick introduction to the Kanto branch of the Yotsuba and it's function. This arc would be 3 to 4 chapters long at maximum, for real this time.
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