Mayumi was honestly exhausted when her father summoned her just as she thought the New Year's greetings had finally settled down. As someone who preferred dresses for formal wear, having to smile and act charming in a furisode kimono—even if it was unavoidable due to family traditions—was frankly tiring.
But more than that, Mayumi did not think fondly of her father, Kouichi Saegusa, the head of the Saegusa family. As the eldest daughter of the Saegusa family, she understood her role. However, recently, to avoid being nagged about not meeting the eldest son of the Itsuwa family, whom her parents were pushing as a fiancé (since he had returned to his family's main home in Shikoku, they were currently only communicating remotely), she had increasingly been going out to parties night after night and returning home late.
At the root of this was the incident where Nakura was "killed" before the thesis competition last year.
She had investigated the murder scene with Tatsuya's help, but they hadn't found any significant leads. However, because the police informed her that the first discoverer of the body was Yugen, and that Yugen had told the police that Nakura was associated with the Saegusa family, the contact regarding the victim—Nakura—came directly to her.
When she tried to ask her own father about it, he dismissed her, saying, "This has nothing to do with you." Unconvinced, the person Mayumi turned to was... none other than Yugen.
Half a month after the competition ended, Mayumi met with Yugen through Mika's mediation. At that time, Yugen confirmed that there was no mistake that Nakura had been murdered. He also informed her that the culprit was a Fangshi (Taoist arts user) from the overseas Chinese community in Yokohama Chinatown, and that this person had already "committed suicide."
"---Is what you just said true?"
"Yes. As a result of gathering circumstantial evidence using my own information network, there is no doubt that the head of the Saegusa family ordered the assassination of Zhou Gongjin."
And regarding the suspicion Mayumi harbored most strongly against Kouichi—that Nakura went to Kyoto on her father's orders to kill that Fangshi and was killed instead—Yugen affirmed it without hiding anything.
Moreover, the Fangshi in question was the target of an agreement Kouichi had made with Yugen last spring when Kouichi went as a representative for both the Kagurazaka and Mitsuya families. Hearing this, the blood drained from Mayumi's body so rapidly it was no exaggeration to say she felt frozen.
"U-Um... What will Yugen-kun... what will the Kagurazaka family do?"
"…I would be troubled if the Saegusa family were to be crushed right now, but honestly, Kouichi Saegusa's actions have gone beyond what I can overlook. However, although I have been given the authority of acting head, I do not want to stick my neck into this matter."
"Eh, um... what do you mean?"
Mayumi had assumed it wouldn't be strange for him to declare the "abolition" of her family right then and there. Instead, Yugen gave an answer that seemed to imply it was simply "too much trouble." This made even Mayumi tilt her head, unsure how to judge the situation. Yugen, realizing her reaction was natural, proceeded to explain.
"What I am about to tell you must never be disclosed to anyone. If you cannot promise that, please leave quietly."
"I promise. Since Father broke his promise to you, Yugen-kun, I probably won't be able to get away with being uninvolved either."
"To tell you the truth... regarding the next Master Clans Conference, after the clans are re-selected, we will completely overhaul the system of the Master Clans Conference itself."
"…Eh?"
The very fact that the National Defense Force, which is supposed to protect the country, holds concepts like territorial disputes and military factions exceeds the realm of public servants; the ideal of selfless devotion is completely lost. Despite issues with the Great Asian Alliance and the New Soviet Union, the military system acts like politicians without considering the situation of neighboring nations like the USNA—an ally, yet possessing forces hostile to us—whose military scale is many times larger. It is clearly abnormal.
Moreover, since there exists an unofficial agreement with the government stating that the heads of the Ten Master Clans need the consent of the Joint Staff Office to act openly as magicians, the Master Clans Conference is essentially treated as quasi-military no matter how you look at it. It makes sense why the government doesn't seriously consider the welfare of the magician community.
"The reason is quite simple. Because the connection between each numbered clan and their respective Magic Research Institutes could not be severed, the regional fixation of the clans has become normalized. Even if we were to select clans based on merit or excellence, selecting clans with the same number due to overlapping assigned regions would invite various confusions."
Honestly, the situation could only be described as a "mystery stew" (Yaminabe) created by throwing in elements from the pre-WWII Empire of Japan, the post-war state of Japan, and magic, and boiling it all down. The members of the "Senate" are mostly in their 50s and 60s, born ironically around the time of the global wars. The current members of the "Senate" are largely children of Ancient Magicians who rose to power in the confusion following World War III. Some of those who knew this cooperated with the government, while those Ancient Magicians who couldn't become "Senators" likely transformed into the "Traditionalists."
In that case, rather than picking out the edible ingredients, it was judged better to throw out the entire contents of the pot and remake the dish from scratch.
"Basically, in terms of protecting this country, we are the same as the National Defense Force, so territorial disputes are a waste of effort. Furthermore, the Clans and the National Defense Force are fighting over valuable magician personnel. Do you think we can guarantee the safety of the nation to the citizens like this?"
"Generally speaking, certainly not. So, you're saying you'll remake the Master Clans Conference system? That will invite chaos itself, won't it?"
"It's not a problem. If push comes to shove, I will bow my head to His Majesty the Emperor and break the laws that form the foundation of this country once and for all."
"…Excuse me?"
The original work is set in a fictional near-future where history diverged from 1995 AD (Heisei 7 in the Japanese calendar). The turning point considered the origin of modern magic was in 1999, when a psychic prevented a nuclear terrorist attack by a fanatic group, leading to the start of "supernatural power" research. If so, history could have just diverged from 1999. The reason it had to be 1995—if I had to guess—is likely because that year saw a coalition government akin to a grand coalition between ideologically opposed parties, and it was also the year the Prime Minister at the time released a statement regarding WWII on the 50th anniversary of the war's end.
Essentially, despite more than 150 years passing since the end of WWII, this country has too many curses binding it. Therefore, there is no choice but to change the "Constitution," the foundation of this country, in a direction suited to the current era.
If asked whether that is possible, actually, it is. For example, the text of the Constitution of Japan sets a very high hurdle for amendment itself. However, there is no hurdle in the text for discarding the Constitution entirely and enacting a new one. This is likely because it was assumed that no one would have the power to pick a fight to the point of discarding the Constitution enforced by the victorious Allied Powers.
Why is the re-enactment of the Constitution necessary for restructuring the Master Clans Conference system? Because under the current system, "fixation" is unavoidable, and cooperation with the National Defense Force remains dysfunctional. It's like a near-future version of the conflict between knights and mages seen in fantasy stories, but if asked whether they truly understand the significance of repelling foreign threats, honestly, it's doubtful.
If magic were regarded simply as a technology, amending existing laws would suffice. But because it contains military elements, judgment under the Penal Code is also strict. The surveillance system is supposed to be for that purpose, but its ability to crack down is below a certain level; ultimately, it's only "better than nothing."
Therefore, the Master Clans Conference—specifically the authority for the Ten Master Clans heads to act openly—will be stripped from the government and the Joint Staff Office, and for the time being, it will be a council system run by the two Guardian families. The reason for not involving the "Senate" is that most of them are afraid of dirtying their own hands and might abuse their authority indiscriminately.
The remote cause of the National Defense Force's arrogance is undoubtedly due to this unofficial agreement regarding the Ten Master Clans heads. One of the basic principles of the Ten Master Clans is "to protect the human rights of magicians against the tyranny of state power." However, due to the agreement with the government, it can be broadly interpreted that the staff in the Joint Staff Office have obtained the "backing" of the Ten Master Clans. And perhaps they have misinterpreted part of the Ten Master Clans' philosophy and convinced themselves that the National Defense Force also has the right to oppose the tyranny of state power.
In that case, the government should centrally manage the position and all authority of the National Defense Force. That falls within the scope of civilian control in a democracy, and military personnel, as "public servants" for convenience, bear the obligation of public service. After all, this country has faced four invasions from two countries in the last five years. If they chose the path of a soldier, it is simply time for them to fulfill that responsibility.
The re-enactment of the Constitution will clearly specify the nature of the National Defense Force and clear rules of engagement—specifically, the exercise of the right of active self-defense. The media will likely have something to say, but those who abuse the Constitution to assert their own power have no right to speak.
Since the freedom defined in the Constitution is "orderly freedom based on the rule of law" premised on "respect for fundamental human rights" within the state, it is a bigger problem for those breaking it to act as if they own the place.
Magicians with formal military status should be centrally managed by the government as military magicians, while magicians belonging to security organizations like the police or public security should be the responsibility of their respective organizations. regarding civilian magicians, if they cannot be managed by the current magician license, the state should simply grant a government-recognized national qualification with a title like "National Magic Technician."
In short, the re-enactment of the Constitution is to grant respect for fundamental human rights equally, regardless of magic aptitude. To draw a clear line between civilian magicians and military magicians through the logic of law. No matter how much magicians are said to be national assets, it is common sense—predating the existence of magic—that without proper combat training, they are merely targets.
Incidentally, it is time to designate those who repeat discriminatory principles and assertions like "Humanism," and even go so far as to inflict harm, as "terrorists plotting to weaken the power of the state" against the government. Since there are precedents like "Blanche" and the "No Head Dragon," it shouldn't be impossible.
That said, I have no intention of arguing that humans who can use magic are a "new humanity." Magic must not exceed the realm of technology; excessive power only instills unnecessary greed in those around it. What waits beyond allowing that is nothing other than a world where a minority of magicians rule over the majority of non-magicians.
Ideally, beliefs and assertions are fine, but if they are accompanied by violence, they are no different from terrorists.
Furthermore, it will be clearly stated that judicial decisions regarding the use of magic will be treated equally under the Penal Code. Allowing mitigation of punishment for arbitrary reasons like "because magic was used" is synonymous with picking a fight with the existing Penal Code. Therefore, I will ask for Tatsuya's cooperation to announce a Magic Visualization Monitoring System under the name of "Taurus Silver."
If it is visible, anyone can recognize that magic was used. If the construction of the system cannot make it in time, simply modifying the hardware part of the CAD slightly will bring magic visualization to a sufficiently possible level. Civilian magicians won't be troubled by magic visualization processing, and we just need to differentiate the CAD mechanisms for civilian and military use. It's one thing to know the opponent's magic just by seeing the Activation Sequence, but it's not like the Activation Sequence reveals the exact magic used.
The management system to prevent the diversion of military CADs will likely be stricter than the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law, but that part is unavoidable.
Additionally, we will clarify the rule that the heads of the Ten Master Clans, formally selected by the Master Clans Conference, must receive approval from the reigning Emperor at the Imperial Palace. Since it is originally an organization meant to speak up to the state of Japan, management authority over the Ten Master Clans and the 18 Assistant Master Clans does not exist within the government or the Magic Association.
Given that the Master Clans Conference itself has turned into a completely autonomous organization, when considering who needs to recognize its existence, there was no choice other than the Imperial Family if we wanted an entity independent of political power.
Magic is not a tool for convenient charity work; at times, it is a sword and a shield to protect the nation. However, excessive privilege ideology leaves a grudge for the future. Therefore, it is essential that the Emperor, the symbol of the state, recognizes the continued existence of the Master Clans Conference as a "keystone of national defense" distinct from the military. This is not special treatment, but an equivalent exchange guaranteeing the privileges of the Ten Master Clans as compensation for the duty bestowed by the Emperor—the duty to fulfill national defense.
As long as one lives in this country, it is impossible to live while ignoring the symbol of this country. Before that, it amounts to "lèse-majesté."
Honestly, I want to complain about why I, who am not even a politician, have to do something like shooting a nuclear warhead up the government's rear. The fact that I'm talking about this to Mayumi might be because stress regarding it is building up.
"In the first place, because the Master Clans Conference itself, including the Ten Master Clans, has become rooted in the regions, generational changes between clans cannot be done properly. Due to so-called 'fixation,' even if a change in clans occurs, in some cases, a vacuum could open in the surveillance and defense regions."
"I understand that, but what are you going to do?"
"I will increase the number of seats in the Ten Master Clans."
"Eh?"
You might wonder why we need to increase the seats of the Ten Master Clans when the current system could cause harmful effects due to clan changes. This is because, in addition to the plan to completely separate from the National Defense Force, there is a need to establish surveillance or defense systems in the Hokkaido or Okinawa directions using some families currently languishing in the 18 Assistant Master Clans.
And as a current plan, Yugen wants the Mitsuya family to take on the surveillance and defense of either the Hokkaido or Okinawa direction. If it's the Okinawa direction, he can get the cooperation of the retired previous head of the Mitsuya family. If it's the Hokkaido direction, it becomes easier to get the cooperation of the Yaguruma main family.
Above all, with the [Mirror of Spirits (Carbuncle)] given to Gen, adjustments in terms of family business are essential, but there would no longer be a need to stay in Atsugi. Regarding the management of the 3rd Laboratory, we could hammer magic technology into the Mikazuki family, who co-manage it, or there is the option of making Jiro the adopted son and next head of the Mikazuki family. If we do that, the importance of the Mitsuya family sending Shina out as Jiro's first wife increases.
If the vacant mansion is handed over to the Mikazuki family, they will likely use it effectively. Since the 3rd Laboratory itself originally had providing magic technology to other clans in view, I think they are more flexible compared to other laboratories.
Then, the Isshiki family, which is capable among the 18 Assistant Master Clans alongside the Shippou family, will take on the regions that the Mitsuya family cannot cover. Since it will be a start from scratch, I, as the head of the Kagurazaka family, will actively involve myself in the sense of building a surveillance and defense system quickly. The reason I pushed forward the framework and basic plan of the "ESCAPES Project" was also to quickly compile the reform plan for the Master Clans Conference.
Also, since I will be taking Airi of the Isshiki main family as one of my fiancées, if they rise to the position of the Ten Master Clans just like the Ichijou family, they can be promoted from the position of an external relative of the Ichijou family to an equal standing. Of course, dignity as a Ten Master Clans head is a separate story.
Because the Saegusa family ignored the agreement with me, the situation where the Kudou family falls from the Ten Master Clans is becoming unavoidable anyway. So, as a help to fill the hole left by the Kudou family, I constructed a "Sanctuary" in Kyoto and eventually managed to reach a reconciliation with the "Traditionalists."
I also told Minoru about the possibility of the Kudou falling from the Ten Master Clans and the cause. Although Minoru was sad that his family would fall from the Ten Master Clans, he said, "Since we caused trouble for even Tatsuya-san and Yugen-san, I cannot say anything," accepting it as just desserts.
"In any case, since this part doesn't have much to do with you, Saegusa-senpai, as you are not the head... as I said earlier, please keep this confidential."
"That's fine, but... by the way, you used the word 'reinstatement' in the promise you made with Father back then. Was that about the engagement with Izumi-chan?"
"Correct. I didn't intend to set any difference in treatment, but as a penalty for actions that were too excessive to overlook, as soon as the engagement is formally decided, I will remove Izumi-chan's name from the Saegusa family registry."
Removing her from the registry—in other words, it means that when the engagement is formally decided, Izumi will not be treated as a daughter of the Saegusa family. Instead, Atsuko Mutsuzuka, the head of the Mutsuzuka family, will become her legal guardian as her adoptive parent, and Izumi will marry as Atsuko's daughter. I have already obtained approval from the Mutsuzuka family head regarding this matter. The plan is that she will retire from the position of head taking responsibility for that task, and Touya will assume the seat of the Mutsuzuka family head.
This method is an application of the case where Alisa, the illegitimate child of the Jyumonji family, was taken in as an adopted daughter of the Mitsuya family. She will marry as a daughter of the same Ten Master Clans, and no problems will arise just because her surname changes. The Saegusa family will probably say something, but they have no right to complain since they were the ones who broke the promise first.
In the worst case, I am prepared to hand over all electronic data regarding the circumstances leading to Zhou Gongjin's murder, heard from Nakura (or rather Hasekura), to the Yotsuba family. The evaluation of the Saegusa family in the Master Clans Conference will likely plummet, but originally, this is all due to their persistent "Yotsuba bashing" under the guise of power balance, including the Juyama family incident.
It's getting what they deserve. I want to tell him to finally face his estranged wife seriously. To ask Kouichi: Do you only see your daughters as tools to move according to your convenience?
Back to the topic at hand.
Yugen had told her about the penalties against the Saegusa family beforehand, but since all of them were treated as "Important National Secrets," Mayumi pretended not to notice. In that sense, she took the lead in speaking to Kouichi.
"Father, what is your business with us?"
"I hadn't told you all yet, but yesterday, through the Magic Association, the Yotsuba family and the Kagurazaka family made an announcement to the Master Clans Conference and influential magicians of the Hundred Families."
"The Kagurazaka family is Yu-nii's current family, but the Yotsuba too... what was the content?"
In response to Kouichi's words, Kasumi, who usually didn't use very polite language, asked the question. This was because the moment she heard the name Kagurazaka, Izumi seemed to remember Yugen and fell into a delusion, so Kasumi had no choice but to ask while pulling Izumi back to reality.
"It is an important story. For the two families, and for you all as well."
"For us too?"
It was Izumi who raised a voice of doubt here, but Kouichi presented the answer without putting on airs.
"First, regarding the Yotsuba family, they have designated Tatsuya Shiba, a second-year at First High, as the next head."
"Ehhh!?"
It was Mayumi who raised her voice, but Izumi also opened her eyes wide at this fact, and Kasumi wore an expression of disbelief, unable to catch up with understanding what she had just heard. Then, Kasumi asked:
"Father, does that mean Tatsuya-senpai was a member of the Yotsuba?"
"Yes. And the letter stated that he is the biological son of the current head, Maya Yotsuba. The family registry data and DNA test data for the two were politely sent along with it."
"..."
Mayumi had witnessed Tatsuya commuting with Miyuki and Yugen, and had once speculated that perhaps the two were "Extra Numbers" (fallen from the number four). But if what Kouichi said was true, it meant Yugen knew the fact that Tatsuya was a Yotsuba member to some extent.
Then, Izumi asked a question touching on Miyuki's existence.
"Father, in that case, is it correct to recognize Miyuki-senpai as a member of the Yotsuba family as well?"
"Exactly. Miss Miyuki Shiba is the daughter of Maya Yotsuba's older sister, the late Miya Yotsuba (maiden name). In terms of family registry, Tatsuya-kun and Miss Miyuki are cousins. And regarding the Kagurazaka family, Yugen Kagurazaka formally succeeded as the head of the Kagurazaka family as of New Year's Day."
The fact that he was the next head of the Kagurazaka family had already been notified two years ago, but Kouichi saw through that his daughters were feeling a sense of disbelief rather than surprise at him succeeding as head while still a high school student. However, since Izumi was smiling and saying, "As expected of Yugen-niisama," Kouichi decided to proceed with the conversation before her mood soured.
Author's Note:
Even though it's magic, it contains a lot of realistic elements rather than near-future sci-fi. But it can't be helped. If magicians are to gain human rights, the first thing that undoubtedly needs to be sorted out is the domestic system. Given the divergence timing, I've included a lot of my own background settings based on the assumption that the political system likely didn't turn out well.
A supplementary explanation not mentioned in the main text: The authority is significantly increased compared to the real-life Self-Defense Forces, and forbidden "military tribunals" have been revived. Considering the existence of joint Japan-US bases, I think there is a possibility that the USNA pushed quite hard during the war with an eye on continental nations (Great Asian Alliance/New Soviet Union).
Regarding weapons, joint use is difficult without common standards to some extent, and the fact that the USNA knows about the existence of Enhanced Humans is equivalent to the USNA holding the reins.
Since magic is not just a systematized technology but an element fraught with military power, and given the agreement that the Ten Master Clans heads must obtain military approval (albeit unofficial) to act, I concluded that standing on equal footing with the government is the best way to properly guarantee human rights.
It hasn't led to avoiding the possibility of becoming a kind of privileged class or fixation yet, but it is certainly not a problem that can be settled in the current generation of heads. In that sense, the reform of the Master Clans Conference cannot be said to be complete without completely eliminating Retsu Kudou's influence.
Only the head receives the Emperor's approval; the authority of the acting head or proxy remains valid when the head cannot fulfill their role due to circumstances. Some may worry if a certain family will become arrogant because of this... but they will be bashed thoroughly in the Master Clans Conference (confirmed fact).
To avoid fixation, it is difficult without separating the family business and headship that each of the Ten Master Clans holds. Magicians are human too, so they can't live on mist; a source of income is certainly necessary.
There are several ways to solve that part, but the best way is to separate the main family, which protects the bloodline as magicians, and the branch family, which handles the family business. However, the problem with this is the possibility of the branch family swallowing the main family to monopolize the headship and business if the branch family's power exceeds the main family's. It is possible that the government did not recognize the branch family system because they disliked the influence and aftermath of this. In other words, it's bad that the government is too weak and hesitant (lol).
However, no matter how much they struggle, since there can only be one chair for each of the Ten Master Clans and 18 Assistant Master Clans heads, it is obvious that someone has to compromise.
In that respect, since the Mitsuya family's business as brokers is established on trust as long as there are clear means of communication and transport, once the issue of the laboratory and family business is resolved, I think the Mitsuya family will have the merit of having light footwork among the current Ten Master Clans. Although this is partly because they originally do not have a surveillance/defense region.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded over 30 chapters of this story on Patreon.
If you're enjoying it and want to read ahead, feel free to check them out here:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thanks a lot for your support, it really helps me keep going.