No matter how much of a soldier one is, they are still human. Especially when one reaches the rank of a superior officer, they are generally permitted to take normal leave unless there is an emergency deployment.
Since the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion ostensibly holds the nature of an "experimental unit," Major Kazama, the Battalion Commander, as well as the officer-class personnel belonging to the battalion, were taking leave for the end of the year and the first three days of the New Year in the form of "special leave" accompanying promotions.
Fujibayashi Kyoko, whose promotion to First Lieutenant had been decided for after the holidays, had returned to her family home near Kyoto. However, under the orders of her father, the head of the Fujibayashi family, she had been mobilized for New Year's greetings. It had been a little over four and a half years since she lost her fiancé in the Defense of Okinawa in the summer of 2092. Kyoko, who was being told by her family that it was about time she settled down, was painfully aware of this.
It was then that a visitor arrived whom even Kyoko had not expected.
Kudou Retsu, the former head of the Kudou family, had come to visit the Fujibayashi family for New Year's greetings.
"Grandfather, Happy New Year. If you had told me, I would have come to Ikoma myself."
"Happy New Year, Kyoko. Think nothing of it. When away from work, I find I cannot settle down unless I move my body."
Retsu's sudden visit caused a small commotion in the Fujibayashi household. usually, a letter or one of the Kudou head's children would be sent, but this year, Retsu visited in person. Kyoko's father—Fujibayashi Nagamasa—remained in a state of constant awe and apology toward Retsu, who was also his father-in-law.
Although he was a venerable gentleman about to hit the grand age of ninety next year, perhaps influenced by his close friend Kamiizumi Gozo, he was moving with vigor. Kyoko felt that he seemed much less troubled than before, now that a path forward had been found for Minoru's issues.
"Even so, please do not push yourself too hard. My parents were quite flustered."
"Indeed. I shall endeavor to do better in the future."
Retsu replied to Kyoko's advice with a chuckle, but Kyoko honestly felt like holding her head in her hands, wondering just how much "better" he would actually do.
Regardless, after the initial New Year's greetings, Retsu said he wanted to speak with Kyoko, so she showed him into the drawing room. As if answering the question of what on earth she was about to be told, Retsu began to speak.
"Kyoko. You are, of course, aware of Shiba Tatsuya-kun."
"Tatsuya-kun? Yes, of course."
She knew him as Special Lieutenant Ooguro Ryuya, a Special Officer of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion and a nationally unacknowledged Strategic-Class Magician—Tatsuya's name and rank within the battalion. She knew of his unique magic (Decomposition and Regrowth), his Strategic-Class Magic Material Burst, and the fact that he was a member of the Yotsuba family of the Ten Master Clans. Wondering what about him was the issue now, Kyoko waited for Retsu to continue.
"Today, a message arrived from the Yotsuba family through the Magic Association. Maya has not only chosen Tatsuya-kun as the next head of the Yotsuba family, but it appears he is Maya's biological son."
"...Eh? Tatsuya-kun is Lady Yotsuba's biological son? Is that true?"
"Yes. They politely included not only the amended family register data but also genetic data for Maya and Tatsuya-kun."
Kyoko had suspected Tatsuya would become the next head given the situation with Miyuki, but she was surprised that Tatsuya was Maya's biological son. When Retsu explained the answer to her shock, Kyoko listened calmly without showing excessive surprise.
Retsu had initially doubted the story as well, but he surmised that if Gozo, the sole survivor, had brought back Maya's eggs—which the Kunlun Institute had extracted and frozen for experimentation—then the pieces fit.
Looking at the attached genetic data, Retsu concluded that it was sufficient proof that Tatsuya was undoubtedly Maya's son.
"In that case, is Miyuki-san also...?"
"No, the letter from the Kagurazaka family stated that she is undeniably Miya's daughter."
"The Kagurazaka family? Grandfather, why does the name of Yugen-kun's current family come up here?"
"Yesterday, as of New Year's Day, Yugen-kun assumed the name of the head of the Kagurazaka family. And, accompanying his recruitment for fiancées, he has become engaged to Shiba Miyuki-kun, the daughter of Miya."
The fact that the Yotsuba and Kagurazaka families released their letters on the same day led Retsu to judge that arrangements had likely been made to announce the matters regarding the Kagurazaka head as soon as the Yotsuba's next head was decided.
The Yotsuba family had demonstrated their strength as one of the Ten Master Clans not only through the current head's magical prowess but also through the prowess of her biological son as a magician, and by having her niece (who genetically could be called her biological daughter) marry into a Guardian family.
"So, Kyoko. It seems Tatsuya-kun will also be conducting a recruitment for fiancées. I have heard about it indirectly from Yugen-kun, but if you wish, you may candidate yourself as Tatsuya-kun's fiancée with my recommendation."
"...Is that really okay?"
"Precisely because you are aware of Tatsuya-kun's circumstances, that knowledge will be a weapon that won't lose out to other fiancées. Besides, Nagamasa and the others have been telling you to settle down for a while now, haven't they?"
Although Kyoko was concerned about the age gap, Retsu admonished her, saying that because she belonged to the same Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, she knew Tatsuya's circumstances better than anyone. Her position, which made it easy for him to consult her on matters that absolutely could not be made public, was a sufficient weapon. Touching upon the loss of her fiancé, Retsu then asked Kyoko directly. After thinking for a moment, Kyoko bowed her head to Retsu.
"I understand, Grandfather. It will be a burden on you, but please, I ask for your support."
"Don't worry about it. Maya would likely want someone as well-versed in information as you so badly her hand would reach out from her throat... By the way, is Minoru in Tokyo right now?"
After the Thesis Competition, Minoru had been staying at the Fujibayashi home under the pretext of recuperation to distance himself from the main Kudou house. Kyoko had previously heard that while investigating Zhou Gongjin, he had fallen in love with a girl. Moreover, she was the stepdaughter of the current Jumonji head (the child of the current head's sister), and coincidentally in the same grade as Minoru. Retsu was inwardly delighted that his grandson, whose health had improved, had even begun to experience romance.
However, Minoru was currently not at the Fujibayashi home. He was in Tokyo—at the main residence of the Jumonji family.
The reason Minoru was at the Jumonji residence had to do with Retsu.
From the perspective of a Ten Master Clans head, one could not ignore Retsu, who had once led the Master Clans Conference as chairman. However, Retsu's "request" this time was not something forced. Nevertheless, Jumonji Kazuki, the head of the Jumonji family, accepted Retsu's request and permitted Minoru's stay from the end of the year until the end of the Magic High School break.
As for Minoru, he couldn't very well do nothing while staying there. Wearing a haori hakama passed down from Katsuto (since Katsuto grew quickly, there were many clothes he could no longer wear), Minoru helped with the New Year's greetings. (This was partly Kazuki's calculation: seeing the relationship between the two, he thought that if Minoru's face became known to associates to demonstrate friendship with the Kudou family, he could gain connections in the National Defense Forces where Retsu had many sympathizers.) Kazuki's second wife, Keiko, took a great liking to Minoru, and Katsuto's younger brothers and sisters also showed a friendly attitude toward Minoru, who displayed a humble demeanor. Needless to say, the biggest reason for this was Riri, dressed in a furisode, blushing by Minoru's side.
Actually, Retsu had proposed an engagement between Minoru and Riri to Kazuki, touching upon their romantic situation. Kazuki had heard rumors that Minoru, Retsu's grandson, was an excellent magician, and it was certainly true that Minoru was invited to the Jumonji family partly to confirm the intentions of the individuals themselves.
Then, when things had settled down, Katsuto, dressed in haori hakama, called out to them.
"Kudou, Riri. I am truly sorry. It is my fault for dragging you out here on your precious break."
"No, I don't mind at all. Are you okay, Riri-san?"
"Y-Yesh, I am okay."
Minoru smiled wryly at Riri, who was nervous in a different sense, while Katsuto let out a smile at his stepsister's innocence. Perhaps due to undergoing rigorous training from a young age, Katsuto had not been able to interact intimately with his younger siblings.
In that sense, while he thought Riri coming to the Jumonji family was an opportunity to make up for past neglect, he found it difficult to interact with her skillfully. Recently, due to marriage interviews, Mitsuya Mika, the third daughter of the Mitsuya family, had been coming to the Jumonji house and acting as a buffer for communication with his siblings. Even though he was the eldest son, Katsuto, who hadn't been able to watch his family closely, was already finding himself unable to match her.
Then, a servant of the Jumonji family appeared before the three of them.
"Katsuto-sama, Riri-sama, Minoru-sama. The Master is waiting in the study."
"Not just me, but these two as well?"
"Yes, that is what I was told."
Katsuto naturally harbored doubts. If it were just to thank them for their help, there would be no need to speak in the study. Furthermore, while he could understand himself and Riri being called, summoning Minoru, a guest, suggested it was a matter of significant importance.
Katsuto asked for confirmation, and judging there was no mistake, he looked at Minoru and Riri. Both nodded, conveying their intent that there was "no problem," so Katsuto turned his gaze back to the servant.
"Understood. We will head there immediately."
"Very well."
When they arrived at the study, Kazuki was sitting on the reception sofa. Katsuto sat next to Kazuki, and Minoru and Riri sat facing the two of them. Once the servant had served tea and left the study, Kazuki broached the subject.
"I apologize, Minoru-kun. Ideally, I would have wanted you to rest, but since this likely concerns you as well, I had you come here."
"I am also involved...? Is this a story related to the Master Clans Conference?"
"Ah, that is correct. Just a while ago, the Yotsuba family and the Kagurazaka family issued messages through the Magic Association."
One was a corner of the strongest faction in the Ten Master Clans. The other was a master of Ancient Magic of the Onmyodo lineage, carrying one corner of the Guardians. Hearing that these two families had issued messages together, Katsuto, Riri, and Minoru waited for Kazuki's words. Perhaps sensing their gaze, Kazuki continued.
"Regarding the Yotsuba family: they have not only nominated Shiba Tatsuya of First High's second year as the next head, but they have also publicly announced that he is the biological son of Yotsuba Maya-dono. Furthermore, they are recruiting fiancées."
"Tatsuya-san is the Yotsuba's... Then, does that mean his sister Miyuki-san is also a member of the Yotsuba family?"
"Indeed. The identity of First High second-year Shiba Miyuki-dono is the daughter of Yotsuba Miya-dono—Yotsuba-dono's twin sister. The Kagurazaka family's message conveyed that she has become engaged to Kagurazaka Yugen-dono, also a second-year student, who has assumed the headship of the Kagurazaka family. Katsuto, Riri. From your perspective, how did the two of them appear?"
Answering Minoru's question, Kazuki stated this as a supplementary explanation, then turned his gaze to Katsuto and Riri, who were from the same high school.
"I have only observed them for about a year, but during the entrance ceremony last spring, I witnessed Saegusa picking a fight when Kagurazaka and the younger Shiba were getting along. Just from seeing that, I felt the relationship between the two was deeper than that of lovers."
"I have also known them since last spring, but seeing how Miyuki-senpai would fawn over Yugen-senpai, including during practice for the Nine Schools Competition, I also thought their relationship was closer to an engagement than simply being lovers."
"Is that so... By the way, Minoru-kun, do you know Shiba Tatsuya-kun and Shiba Miyuki-kun?"
After hearing Katsuto and Riri's personal impressions, Kazuki asked Minoru about something that was on his mind. Minoru had reacted first when Tatsuya's name was mentioned, and there was an atmosphere suggesting he knew Miyuki as well. Minoru decided to explain the circumstances to Kazuki and the others while keeping Zhou Gongjin's involvement hidden.
"Actually, this is a story from last autumn, but Tatsuya-san, Miyuki-san, and Yugen-san visited my grandfather for a 'person search.' I met them then and acted together with them in Nara and Kyoto. Riri-san was also with us in Kyoto, though."
"Y-Yes, that's right. Although I wasn't able to be of much help."
"That's not true... Incidentally, Minoru-kun, do you know anything about the content of that search?"
"I apologize, Lord Jumonji. Regarding that content, a gag order has been issued by Yugen-san—the Kagurazaka family—so I cannot say anything further."
Minoru had consulted Yugen about this possibility before heading to Tokyo, considering he might be asked something by the Jumonji family. In response, Yugen had told him it was fine to use the escape route of "I cannot speak due to a Kagurazaka family gag order," saying he would take responsibility in the worst case. Since it was in the form of helping with a Yotsuba family request, Yugen himself was undoubtedly involved, and even for the Ten Master Clans, there were quite a few things that couldn't be spoken of carelessly.
"However, we were attacked by Ancient Magicians at that time. Yugen-san drew the enemy's attention, and Tatsuya-san and I repelled them. From that fact alone, I believe Tatsuya-san's ability is considerable."
"...Katsuto and Riri, what do you think regarding Tatsuya-kun?"
"Based on the facts that he defeated Hattori, who was then Student Council Vice President, in a mock battle the year before last, and served as the attacker as a substitute member in the Monolith Code of the Nine Schools Competition Newcomer Division, teaming up with Kagurazaka to contribute to the victory, I can judge that Shiba's ability is sufficient for the Ten Master Clans."
"This is a story from last spring, but when he served as a referee for a mock battle between Kasumi-chan, Izumi-chan, and Shippou-kun, he instantly neutralized Large-Scale Magic, including Million Edge. In that sense as well, I thought I could believe it even if told Tatsuya-senpai was a member of the Yotsuba family."
In the sense that Yotsuba magicians were distinct from ordinary magicians, Katsuto and Riri stated their frank evaluations while citing Tatsuya's achievements they had witnessed. Beyond what he mentioned, Katsuto had witnessed the scene where Tatsuya reached the deepest part of the Blanche stronghold unharmed, effortlessly defeating soldiers. Judging by the soldiers' wounds, it didn't look like Kirihara's doing, and he remembered disassembled gun parts and bullets scattered on the floor.
Katsuto did not pry into the fact that Tatsuya possessed techniques to subdue opponents even within the activation range of their Cast Jamming, but assuming he was a Yotsuba magician, Katsuto surmised that the feats he performed made sense.
"I see... Katsuto. As the Jumonji policy, we will send congratulatory telegrams for Shiba Tatsuya-kun's nomination as next head and Kagurazaka Yugen-kun's succession to headship. And... Riri. If you wish, I do not mind if you conclude an engagement with Minoru-kun."
"Is, is that really alright?"
"I have not been able to interact with my family sincerely. It isn't exactly atonement, but taking in Riri, who lost both parents, and welcoming her as a daughter of the Jumonji family is part of that. Incidentally, Minoru-kun, I have received an offer from His Excellency Kudou stating he wishes to let you be free regarding your engagement."
"...I myself was shunned at the main Kudou house. The ones who cared for me were Kyoko-neesan, Grandfather, and Yugen-san. Lord Jumonji, although I am still immature as a magician, please allow me to seriously date Riri-san."
Riri's eyes widened at the words that came from Kazuki's mouth, but because Riri was originally something like a "branch family" existence within the Jumonji family, Kazuki made the proposal without hesitation. Coincidentally, if Riri, who possessed qualities exceeding Katsuto's, was in love with the grandson of the Kudou family who was the same age, Kazuki judged that tying the knot would be beneficial no matter how things turned out. It was also because he had been told the fact that Retsu was positive about the engagement between the two.
In that case, Minoru judged there was no reason to hesitate and bowed his head to Kazuki with a serious expression. Riri, blushing, also looked at Minoru and bowed her head saying, "P-Please do!" but her momentum was too great, and she slammed her forehead onto the table. Thanks to the Phalanx Riri unconsciously deployed, the tea barely avoided spilling, but a scene unfolded where Minoru hurriedly comforted Riri, who was teary-eyed with a red mark on her forehead. Even Katsuto, who rarely smiled, had a smile on his lips that seemed to say, "Good grief."
After this, Minoru and Riri's engagement was conveyed to the Jumonji family members, and Kazuki conveyed to Retsu that he approved of the engagement. At that time, Retsu conveyed the message: "Since Minoru will leave the Kudou house in the future, we will send him out as an adopted son suitable for the Jumonji family, with Gozo's cooperation." This was one of the conditions Yugen had set regarding Minoru's treatment. To avoid a succession dispute in the Kudou family, they would lower Minoru's "status as a Kudou" but replace it with "Minoru's personal status" through Gozo's mediation. This would follow the precedent of Honami marrying Motoji as an adopted daughter of the Watanabe family to conceal the special circumstance of being a Yotsuba Guardian.
The announcement of their engagement would be notified to the heads of the Ten Master Clans during the Master Clans Conference, and then announced through the Magic Association after the conference. Retsu informed Kazuki that Minoru would be sent out as an adopted son of another family from the Kudou house before that. Kazuki wondered why it wasn't during the first three days of the New Year, but since miraculously no family had come forward wanting to marry Riri due to Tatsuya and Yugen's fiancée recruitment, Kazuki accepted Retsu's offer without further suspicion.
Author's Notes:
This time, since it's related to the Kudou family, I spotlighted Kyoko and Minoru. Retsu knows what his son did at the Nine Schools Competition, so he accepted the protagonist's request to separate Minoru from the Kudou family "for Minoru's sake."
And, having Minoru act in a way not found in the original story was judged necessary to fill in the episode of another "encounter impossible in the original." In other words, plot fodder.
Riri, an original character in this work, differs from Arisa in that her age falls between Katsuto (who is a first-year university student at this point, so 18 or 19) and Yuuto (who is 13 or 14 at this point). Her identity is clear (daughter of Kazuki's sister), which I consider the biggest reason why she didn't cause discord within the family. There is also Kazuki's ulterior motive that if he took Riri into the Jumonji family because his sister and her husband died, it would be easier to get Yuuto's approval.
The role of the final defense wall for the capital assigned to the Jumonji is important, but I wondered a little if one can become a wall without maintaining harmony within the family.
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