Kazuki left the conference hall, and Katsuto, after locking the door securely behind him, took his seat. Despite the significant event of the Jumonji family changing Heads, the Master Clans Conference proceeded as Kudou Makoto, resuming his role as chairman, opened the session.
"Now then, let us formally begin the Master Clans Conference. First, I request reports on the trends in each family's assigned region. Lord Ichijou."
"There are no notable movements in the Hokuriku and San'in regions. However, we have received information that the Vladivostok naval port, which suffered damage during 'Halloween,' will complete its restoration by mid-May of this year at the earliest. We believe further vigilance is necessary, including regarding the defense system of Sado Island."
Gouki reported that while they were closely monitoring the restoration work at the Vladivostok naval port damaged during Scorched Halloween, no other signs of military activity had been confirmed.
"Lord Mutsuzuka."
"There are no notable movements in the Tohoku region. Nor have we confirmed any encroachment by Humanists at this present time."
"Lord Futatsugi."
"Following the reconciliation turmoil with the 'Traditionalists' around the end of last year, anti-government activities in the Hanshin area, in particular, have decreased significantly. I had thought them an eyesore and wished to clean them up, but this is likely the work of Ancient Magicians. I do not know who accomplished this almost miraculous feat, but I take my hat off to them."
Atsuko reported no abnormalities in the Tohoku region. Mai, skipping over the Sanyou region where no problems had occurred, touched upon the sharp decrease in anti-government activities in the Hanshin area (primarily Osaka), linking it to the reconciliation of the 'Traditionalists' (a blanket negotiation led by the Kagurazaka family, which had not been reported to the Master Clans Conference at all).
When Mai mentioned the 'Traditionalists' along with words of gratitude, Makoto broke out in a cold sweat but feigned composure as he continued the proceedings.
"Then, Lord Itsuwa."
"There are no notable movements in the Shikoku region."
"Lord Yatsushiro."
"Perhaps due to the influence from the Hanshin area, anti-government activities in the Northern Kyushu region are currently in a lull."
"Is that so? Please do not neglect your vigilance going forward."
Isami stated there were no particular problems in the Shikoku region. Raizo reported on the current situation while mentioning the influence of Mai's report, to which Makoto urged continued vigilance in a manner that seemed to smooth things over.
"Lord Saegusa."
"While there are signs that anti-magic activities are becoming more active in the Kanto region, there have been no major movements within the media. Due to the large-scale TOB (Takeover Bid) launched by the Kagurazaka Group last spring, nearly 40% of media outlets have fallen under the Kagurazaka umbrella. The remaining media not included in the acquisition seem to be frightened, not wishing to 'follow in their footsteps.'"
Through the media acquisition operations (literal corporate buyouts) utilizing the TOB system initiated by Yugen last spring, approximately 40% of domestic private news organizations were acquired by the Kagurazaka Group or other groups in alliance with them (this included the Hokusan Group, which acquired about 10%).
Even if opposition activities arose, there were no media outlets left to fan the flames. The remaining media with anti-magic tendencies were terrified that "our company will be bought out and we'll be ousted next" if they wrote careless articles, creating a situation where they couldn't write even if they wanted to. Internationally, the credibility of this threat was bolstered by the Kagurazaka Group's cash acquisition of the largest media outlet in the USNA.
Moreover, the opponent was a massive conglomerate led by a prestigious family of Ancient Magicians possessing funds on the scale of national assets when including personal wealth. To pick a fight directly with the Kagurazaka Group—an entity that even political and business circles considered "off-limits"—was tantamount to a suicide bombing.
Because Kouichi was on the side that knew a fragment of these circumstances, he reported accurate information while weaving in that context.
"Additionally, there were disturbing movements in the Yokosuka area. Saboteurs may be attempting to infiltrate."
"Does Lord Jumonji share the same view?"
"Regarding anti-magic sentiments, the Jumonji family shares the same assessment as Lord Saegusa. As for the saboteurs, our family has not grasped any information either."
"Hmm, let us discuss the Humanists in detail later."
When Makoto asked after hearing Kouichi's report, Katsuto stated that while they shared information regarding that aspect, they had no leads on the saboteurs. Deciding to discuss the Humanist agenda after each family's report, Makoto turned to Maya.
"Then, Lord Yotsuba."
"Regarding the Chubu and Tokai regions: linked to the media suppression in the Kanto region and the movements of Ancient Magicians in the Kyoto and Nara regions, we have confirmed that Ancient Magicians are suppressing Humanists behind the scenes, labeling them 'heretics who falsely claim the name of God.'"
The fusion of media acquisition centered in central Tokyo and the consolidation of orthodox Ancient Magicians following the reconciliation of the 'Traditionalists' in Kyoto and Nara had created a unified force. As a result, the Ancient Magicians of Nara—originally the radical faction within the 'Traditionalists'—redirected all the vengeful energy they once held toward the house of "Nine" against the Humanists.
Under the assertion "Heretics without love who defy the protectors, leave this country," they were suppressing Humanists—individuals originally marked as dangerous by Public Security—beneath the surface.
This was largely carried out by warrior monks from Mount Kongo, Shugendo practitioners, and Onmyodo magicians. The Yotsuba family had confirmed these movements, but since it wasn't mere rampaging and was tacitly approved by Public Security, they deduced it was being handled through extra-legal means behind the scenes.
"However, the situation with the Humanists remains unpredictable. Furthermore, Lord Saegusa and Lord Jumonji."
"What is it, Lord Yotsuba?"
"There are suspicious movements in the Izu area. I propose that you strengthen your surveillance systems."
Maya addressed Kouichi and Katsuto, stating there were suspicious movements in the Izu Peninsula—their families' surveillance region—and requested strengthened monitoring in the form of a "proposal." For just a moment, Kouichi showed a smile that contained elements beyond mere social pleasantries, but Maya showed no interest in it, responding in a strictly businesslike manner.
"Understood. Would you mind telling us specifically what kind of movements occurred?"
It was Katsuto who responded. He showed no sign of intimidation despite being surrounded by his elders. having previously participated in the Master Clans Conference as his father's proxy, he asked Maya in a grave voice.
"Very well. A small cargo ship that arrived at Yokosuka Port via the North American route last week is currently anchored in Numazu Port. A cruiser owned by the USNA Embassy was observing that cargo ship. The embassy cruiser has currently disappeared, but surveillance seems to be continuing."
"Lord Yotsuba, do you not know the whereabouts of the cruiser?"
"I do not. I assume it is floating in international waters, but... perhaps Lord Mitsuya knows something?"
Answering Kouichi's question in a tone that could almost sound irresponsible, Maya passed the conversation to Gen.
Unlike the Saegusa and Jumonji families who monitor the Kanto region (where investigation is the Saegusa's jurisdiction and the Jumonji serve more as actual combat personnel in emergencies), the Mitsuya family does not have a designated surveillance region. However, due to their connection with the National Defense Force via the Third Lab, and Yugen's connections within the military establishing their family business as a small arms supplier favored by the Defense Force, their position was guaranteed.
While primarily monitoring their home base of Kanagawa and its surrounding waters, they were responsible for information gathering focused on overseas military affairs. It was the Mitsuya family who had provided the information on the situation in Vladivostok to the Ichijou family.
"When we investigated that embassy cruiser, it was confirmed to be anchored in the waters between the Boso Peninsula and Oshima last Tuesday. A USNA Navy destroyer coming south from the Sagami Sea passed right by it."
"Is it not possible they simply passed nearby?"
"We received information from the National Defense Force stating that according to an analysis of stratospheric surveillance cameras, a blurry shadow was captured when the cruiser and the destroyer passed each other. The informant's analysis stated there was no mistake that the phenomenon was caused by optical camouflage using magic. Therefore, it is highly likely that a USNA soldier capable of skillfully handling magic boarded the cruiser—perhaps even a member of the Stars."
When Kouichi questioned Gen's statement, Gen disclosed the information received from Yugen. He referred to the informant as "someone from the National Defense Force" because he had been secretly informed that Yugen was currently a special staff officer attached to the Ground Defense Force General Command. Additionally, since he had also received the opinion of First Lieutenant Fujibayashi Kyouko of the Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion, Gen was convinced there was no mistake.
"In that case, our house will investigate the small cargo ship, including the current whereabouts of the cruiser. if all of Lord Mitsuya's possibilities are true, the probability that the cargo ship transported Humanist terror operatives from the USNA becomes extremely high. Numazu is within the Yotsuba family's assigned region, but since it involves a port of call in Yokosuka, we shall provide follow-up support. Is that acceptable to you, Lord Mitsuya?"
"We have absolutely no objection. Please do."
"Yes, we request it. And Lord Kudou, how is the situation in your region?"
Confident that Gen's informant was Yugen, Kouichi moved to wrap up the topic without touching upon that fact.
Gen and Maya nodded without objection, and the topic of Gu Jie's cargo ship and Canopus's cruiser did not come up again after this.
Then, prompted by Maya's words, everyone's gaze turned to Makoto, who was serving as chairman.
"Due to the 'Traditionalists' of Kyoto and Nara reconciling with the orthodox factions and dissolving, anti-government activities have visibly decreased compared to before. Anti-government activities in the Shiga and Kii regions have also drastically decreased in response to this, but considering the Humanists, I believe we cannot let our guard down."
When Makoto first heard this report, it had felt like a bolt from the blue.
Not only because the 'Traditionalists,' who had been in conflict for many years, suddenly disbanded, but also because he couldn't identify who had accomplished it even after investigating. When he asked his father, the previous Head, Retsu, he stated, "Even I did not know about this," and since there were no leads, the investigation was terminated.
Although hostility toward the house of "Nine" had significantly decreased, it was strictly a reconciliation established among Ancient Magicians; the mood was far from friendly.
Makoto concluded the Kudou family's report as chairman, and the atmosphere of the meeting shifted once the regular reports from each family were finished. Usually, Kouichi would be the first to speak up, but this time, a rare figure—Isami—spoke.
"Lord Kudou. I would like to request some time, if I may?"
"Lord Itsuwa? Yes, I do not mind."
Makoto was slightly surprised by Isami's request, but since the regular reports were finished, he granted permission. Seeing this, Isami turned his gaze to Gen.
"Lord Mitsuya. Regarding the matter I proposed the other day—the engagement between my eldest son Hirofumi and your second daughter Kana-dono—I would like to receive an answer on this occasion. Also, although he has already left the Mitsuya registry, I have proposed an engagement for my eldest daughter Mio to Lord Kagurazaka Yugen."
This surprised the other participants as well. Itsuwa Mio was one of the 'Thirteen Apostles,' the only state-recognized Strategic Class Magician in the country. It was no wonder attention focused on the Itsuwa family offering her to Yugen, Gen's son. However, Gen answered the first part of Isami's statement.
"Lord Itsuwa. Regarding that matter, when I asked Kana about it, she stated, 'I am sorry, but I simply cannot harbor such feelings.' Furthermore, she was negative, saying that since she has already applied to be the fiancée of the next Head of the Yotsuba family, she has no room to spare thoughts for Lord Hirofumi."
"...Are you saying she is reluctant even to meet and talk?"
"She didn't state it definitively, but it is a fact that she carried that atmosphere. However, she said she would agree to a discussion accompanied by both parents, as being stalked would also be troublesome."
Whether she chose the Itsuwa family or the Yotsuba family, Gen gave Kana the right to choose, considering the connections already established through Motoji meant either would be fine. Still, Kana was negative about the engagement to the Itsuwa family, saying, "Hirofumi-san is just... well... lacking in interest."
Nevertheless, Gen conveyed Kana's message to Isami: she would give him a chance to talk as a final opportunity, to avoid Hirofumi resorting to stalker-like behavior.
"Yes, that is sufficient. Hirofumi must be envious that Lord Mitsuya and the eldest son of the next Head were able to marry partners they loved."
"That is embarrassing. However, my son is quite cautious. I am relieved that they have finally been blessed with a child."
"Oh my, that is the first I have heard of it. So Lord Mitsuya is finally becoming a grandfather."
"As they say, before you know it, it happens, Lord Yotsuba."
When it comes to Heads or next Heads of the Ten Master Clans, political marriages are common to preserve the family for future generations, often suppressing personal feelings. In Gen's case, he was able to marry for love because his partner was a daughter of the Guardian Kamiizumi family, and Motoji's case was achieved thanks to Gozo's mediation.
Maya showed a surprised demeanor at Gen's words and offered congratulations mixed with a touch of playfulness. Gen returned it with a wry smile.
Then, seeing this flow as an opportunity, Gouki spoke up.
"Using this as a pretext, Lord Yotsuba. Since I have not received an answer to the inquiry regarding engagement I sent last month, I would like to hear your answer here if possible."
"Ah, the matter of whether an engagement between your family's Masaki-dono and our Miyuki is possible. I apologize, but I have no choice but to answer that it is not possible."
Just as Maya braced herself for a formal engagement proposal from Gouki, what had actually arrived was a letter of inquiry, leaving her feeling somewhat anti-climactic. It had been enough to make even Hayama chuckle.
Setting aside her internal feelings, Maya did not display any hostility and, maintaining a soft tone, thrust a "No" answer at Gouki's question.
"May I ask the reason?"
"Yes, I do not mind. There seem to be some who view this current engagement—the engagement between Lord Kagurazaka Yugen, Head of the Kagurazaka family, and our Miyuki—as a 'political marriage,' but the preconditions are fundamentally different."
"Meaning?"
"After all, the two were dating as lovers even before they became fiancés. My sister tells me this has been the case since the summer of the year before last. Moreover, this was while Lord Kagurazaka still bore the surname Mitsuya."
This surprised not only Gouki but almost everyone seated at the round table. Then, Kouichi interjected.
"If I recall correctly, Lord Yugen was living as a dependent at the Shiba home where Tatsuya-dono and Miyuki-dono live, starting when he entered high school. Could it be that they were planning premarital relations in violation of custom?"
"Please do not misunderstand, Lord Saegusa. The proposal for him to live there was originally made by my sister, Shiba Miya. While I was informed of the circumstances, the Yotsuba had absolutely no involvement in it. To arbitrarily label that as premarital relations... I question your nature and dignity."
"It may seem like I am interrupting, but that matter was between Yugen, the person in question, and the Shiba family. Neither I nor anyone from the Mitsuya family was involved. We would be troubled if you jumped to conclusions with baseless accusations, Lord Saegusa."
Maya and Gen rebutted Kouichi's attempt to trip them up in succession. While both parties had heard the circumstances, the final decision had been left to confirm the will of Yugen, Tatsuya, and Miyuki, the parties involved in the cohabitation.
While Miyuki did harbor romantic feelings, if there had been any possibility of things developing to that extent back then, it would likely only have been if Miyuki had gone out of control, pushed Yugen down, and created a fait accompli.
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