In her private room at the Juumonji residence, Riri had paused her studies and picked up her tablet device. Her attention was drawn to content related to anti-magic sentiment—articles either condemning the National Defense Force for exploiting magicians or criticizing the preferential treatment magicians received. Both extremes dominated the discourse, but in reality, most focused on denouncing the connection between magicians and the military.
However, Riri's focus lay elsewhere.
(…It's true that criticism of the Defense Force favoring magicians hasn't been uncommon. But recently, it's been increasing… If this is the work of the rumored Humanists, it would make sense, but I'm likely not entirely uninvolved.)
Riri, now a daughter of the Juumonji family—one of the Ten Master Clans—had ties to the military through blood relatives in the National Defense Army, and her late parents had been Navy officers. While she could somewhat understand the Humanists' claims about human rights, she couldn't accept their ideology.
(When I was taken in by the Juumonji family, my current father told me I could choose either surname. That's why I chose to be a Juumonji daughter—to avoid causing any more trouble.)
Riri's "Phalanx," a secret Juumonji technique involving multi-layered defensive barriers, fully manifests its power only when paired with the family's unique overclocking of the magic calculation area. However, Riri's calculation capacity surpassed even Katsuto's, allowing her to deploy a full-powered Phalanx without overclocking.
Moreover, a portion of Riri's magic calculation area was specialized for self-reinforcement and counter-magic, making her uniquely suited for the continuous deployment required by Phalanx. Her biological mother had pointed this out, leading Riri to avoid using Phalanx whenever possible.
Returning to the topic, claims of "collusion" or "human rights violations" between magicians and the Defense Force blatantly ignored the current international climate. As Riri pondered this while browsing news, a knock interrupted her. Turning, she heard a servant's voice from beyond the door.
"Lady Riri, the master awaits you in the study."
Summoned by her current father, Kazuki, Riri paused briefly but, unable to reach a conclusion, replied toward the door.
"Understood. I'll prepare myself."
Quickly changing from sleepwear into formal attire suitable for guests—a habit from her military family upbringing where she handled such tasks herself—Riri headed to the study. There, she found not only Kazuki but also Katsuto.
Katsuto, however, wasn't in his usual training gear but wore a sleeved shirt that clung tightly to his muscular frame (he claimed it was a favorite he wore occasionally).
"Pardon my intrusion, Father. Brother, you're here too?"
"Yeah," Katsuto replied curtly, nodding lightly.
As Riri greeted them, Kazuki spoke.
"Sorry for calling you during your studies."
"No, I was taking a break. What's the matter?"
"You're both aware of the recent anti-magic rhetoric. It seems the Saegusa family, specifically Saegusa Koichi, is involved in one side of it."
The revelation shocked both Riri and Katsuto, though Katsuto, having once served as the Juumonji family's acting head, was less surprised. Riri, however, slammed her hands on the desk and leaned toward Kazuki.
"Is that true?! Kasumi-chan and Izumi-chan, my classmates, are part of that family! It's unthinkable!"
"It's true, Riri. Please, calm down," Kazuki said.
"…I'm sorry," Riri apologized, reflecting on her unbefitting behavior as a Juumonji and regretting her outburst.
Kazuki gave a wry smile. "Your temper and quick apologies remind me of your mother… Anyway, it seems Saegusa Koichi believes this serves his interests. His daughters are likely victims in this as well."
"Even so, dragging them into it isn't right… Father, did you call me to confirm Saegusa's intentions through the Saegusa family?" Katsuto asked, drawing on his experience.
Katsuto and Mayumi, being peers from First High School with considerable acquaintance, prompted Kazuki to nod. But just as he began to respond, he glanced at a newly arrived email and adjusted his statement.
"Yes, but even Saegusa Koichi may not reveal everything—wait. It seems an emergency Clan Conference is set for two days from now, likely regarding the Saegusa matter. The proposers are… Mitsuya and Yotsuba."
"Mitsuya and Yotsuba…?" Riri murmured.
"Mitsuya's mother's father was the hero Ueyama. He was close friends with Yotsuba's previous head, and the current Yotsuba head reportedly doted on her like a daughter. It's not surprising the families are connected," Kazuki explained concisely, addressing Riri's curiosity. He then turned to Katsuto.
"Katsuto, I'll probe Saegusa's intentions at the conference. If Mayumi consults you, use your judgment."
"Understood. I'll leave Saegusa's motives to you, Father," Katsuto replied.
"As for you, Riri… anything unusual at school lately?"
"Actually, the eldest son of the Shippou family—"
Riri recounted how Takuma had been confrontational, nearly escalating to a fight with Kasumi during club recruitment week. Kazuki, stroking his chin thoughtfully, asked, "Shippou is a steadfast man. His son acting so contrary… Is he only targeting the Saegusa family?"
"According to Tatsuya-senpai, Takuma also glared at Miyuki-senpai and Kagurazaka-senpai… and for some reason, me too."
"Interesting. Tatsuya and Kagurazaka, huh…" Kazuki mused.
Riri's awareness stemmed from working closely with Miyuki on student council duties, where she occasionally sensed Takuma's glares. When she looked back, he'd quickly leave. Assuming it was adolescent behavior, she asked Tatsuya, who confirmed the same.
Katsuto, now deep in thought, spoke up. "Miyuki, last year's second-ranked freshman, with stellar Nine Schools Competition results. It's not surprising Takuma envies her position. What do you think, Katsuto?"
"I see both Tatsuya and Miyuki as far beyond average magicians. For Saegusa, Tatsuya, and Kagurazaka to recommend them for Mirage Bat speaks volumes," Katsuto replied.
Miyuki's flight magic had stolen the spotlight, but her skill rivaled Ten Master Clans' direct heirs. Katsuto also suspected, from last year's Blanche suppression, that she had combat experience—though he doubted the Shippou family knew this.
"For now, Riri, keep your distance from Takuma. He's unlikely to pick fights recklessly, but don't take risks," Kazuki advised.
"Understood, Father. Should I inform Kasumi-chan and Izumi-chan?"
"Discreetly, yes," Kazuki nodded, knowing Riri and Izumi's student council connection would make it smooth (Riri and Minami were in Class A, Takuma in Class B, Izumi in Class C, and Kasumi in Class D).
Kazuki wanted to avoid meddling in disputes between the "Seven" families, partly due to the Juumonji's ties with the Toyama family (known as Toyama in the military), who shared the "Ten" designation.
"Is this to avoid interfering in Saegusa and Shippou's conflict?" Riri asked.
"Exactly. Neither Saegusa nor Shippou likely intends real hostility—at least not beyond childish quarrels," Kazuki confirmed.
He knew the Saegusa family had once dominated the Mitsuya family using military influence. But eight years ago, the Mitsuya family, leveraging their own military ties through their third son, Yugen, grew stronger. The Toyama family, viewing this as a threat, attempted to abduct Yugen (claiming it was "education").
"Father, I've heard their strength, but magic in a fight escalates beyond a mere quarrel," Katsuto noted.
"Of course. But with Kagurazaka at your school, who we've already burdened with the Toyama issue, I'd rather not provoke Ueyama or Mitsuya further. Understood, Katsuto?"
Katsuto had leaked the Toyama's plans to the Chiba family's eldest son via the police, as a subtle resistance while acting head. The Mitsuya family, alongside Yugen's maternal Ueyama family, had mobilized the 101st Brigade and Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, repelling the 150-strong Toyama assault effortlessly.
The fallout affected not only Toyama but also Saegusa and Juumonji for overlooking it. However, Yotsuba's strengthened position benefited Juumonji, allowing them to focus on Kanto and Izu Peninsula defenses, which they accepted readily.
Thanks to Katsuto's leak, Juumonji faced minimal damage. However, last year's National Defense Academy demonstration battle saw Toyama pull Yugen out, costing Juumonji penalties.
"Father, I heard a bit from my late father. Is it true?" Riri asked.
"Yes. Toyama claimed it was 'educating' Mitsuya's third son, but Ueyama's proactive response sealed their defeat," Kazuki replied.
In essence, the Eighteen Assistant Houses' Toyama tried to curb the Ten Master Clans' Mitsuya by targeting Yugen. While Yugen's departure from Mitsuya achieved that, his rise as Kagurazaka's next head elevated Mitsuya's status, leaving Toyama's reputation in tatters among the Eighteen.
Juumonji, sharing the "Ten" designation, vowed to Ueyama to never involve themselves with Toyama matters again.
"Riri, know that Kagurazaka stands above the Ten Master Clans, alongside Ueyama as 'Sakimori,' protectors of the Imperial Family. Yugen Kagurazaka, a second-year and next head, holds near-equal authority to the current head," Kazuki explained.
"Protectors… My uncle mentioned they guard the Imperial Family," Riri noted.
"Exactly. While we Juumonji wield magic for capital defense, they surpass us. Never provoke him," Kazuki warned.
"Understood, Father," Riri replied.
Kazuki knew Yugen had broken Phalanx. Facing him was futile, prompting Kazuki's caution to Riri.
Notes: This translation reflects the Juumonji perspective. Kazuki's depiction is limited in the original, so some imagination is included (subject to change if contradicted in sequels). Riri, even before her surname change, is a Juumonji branch member, so she's privy to some information, though not military secrets. Parental involvement in high school disputes may seem excessive, but magic and family prestige complicate matters.
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