Chapter 233: The Yotsuba with Hidden Motives
In the end, Yuuka did not give him an answer.
But neither did she refuse.
Mahiro did not press her, instead allowing her to take her time to think things through before making a decision. The duration of the Spring Festival would be sufficient for Yuuka to consider the matter.
Naturally, news of their meeting reached Maya's ears.
"Madam, is it truly alright to allow Young Master Mahiro and Miss Yuuka to meet so freely?"
"What are you concerned about, Hayama?"
The elderly butler Hayama poured Maya a cup of freshly brewed floral tea, adding condiments according to her preferences.
Maya picked up the tea poured by Hayama, took a delicate sip, and asked:
"Little Mahiro is merely meeting his cousin whom he hasn't seen in a long time. What could possibly happen?"
"While that may be true, Madam, we are currently at a critical juncture where each branch family has already begun making their own plans. If Young Master Mahiro interacts with Miss Yuuka at this time, it might negatively impact the Tsukuha family."
After all, the Tsukuha family intended to support Miyuki's succession.
Hayama's implication couldn't be clearer—several branch families were preparing to unite against Mahiro, unwilling to let him become the family head.
Maya naturally understood this and was well aware of these branch families' attitudes toward her child, little Mahiro.
They had once regarded him as being similar to Tatsuya.
But—
"I believe that child will be able to resolve everything once he becomes family head."
"But Madam, what if Young Master Mahiro refuses?"
"..."
Hearing Hayama's counterquestion, Maya covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"Hayama, you still don't understand little Mahiro's character well enough. That child is quite petty and holds grudges. I believe my child will certainly take up the position of family head, and besides—"
"He has no reason whatsoever to refuse."
As she spoke these words, a determined glimmer shone in Maya's eyes.
Seeing Maya so resolute, Hayama the butler didn't press further.
It was pointless—he was merely a butler.
He couldn't overstep his bounds to interfere with the family head's decisions, and he knew perfectly well that once Maya had decided on something,
No one could change her mind.
The sunset gradually sank below the horizon as the full moon slowly rose from the opposite side.
As the cold wind outside the window blew away drifting snowflakes, the air inexplicably carried the scent of an approaching storm.
"Pardon the interruption, Lady Maya."
Just then, the door was knocked several times before opening, and an elegant woman dressed as a maid entered, bowing slightly toward Maya.
She was Shirakawa, the woman in charge of the maids at the Yotsuba main household—essentially the "head maid."
"What is it?" Maya set down her teacup bearing lip marks and asked languidly.
"Reporting to Madam, as per your request, all visiting members from the branch families have gathered in the dining hall and await your arrival."
"What about little Mahiro? Has he arrived yet?"
"Not yet, but Lady Seitenshi, Lady Kisara, and Lady Esdeath have all taken their seats."
"Good, have them wait a moment. I'll be there shortly."
Maya glanced up at the clock before replying lazily.
However, despite saying that, Maya showed no intention of moving from her chair.
It was currently 6:50 PM.
The dining hall of the Yotsuba main residence was already filled with people.
Speaking of which, the number of branch families in the Yotsuba wasn't particularly large, but it wasn't small either.
After all, there were seven branch families in total—Tsukuba, Shiiba, Mashiba, Shibata, Kuroba, Mugura, and Shizuka.
If including the Shiba family where Miya and Miyuki belonged, that would make eight.
But when they entered the dining hall and saw those already present, their expressions instantly shifted in various ways.
They saw a girl dressed entirely in pure white sitting on one side of the seats, her delicate features so breathtakingly beautiful they seemed almost unreal.
Beside her sat two other girls—one in black and another in ice-blue—equally stunning.
Yet, the members of these branch families showed no desire to appreciate their beauty, nor did they display even a hint of goodwill.
They didn't know the identities of the blue and black-clad girls, but they recognized the one in white.
She was the administrator of Arcadia City on Misaki Island, and she belonged to Mahiro.
Just the mention of Arcadia City made their blood boil.
Despite using the Yotsuba family's vast funds to build such a prosperous city, it was inhabited by a bunch of stray children from who-knows-where.
And there were so many of them!
To waste the money earned from their various branch families on such things—what was Mahiro trying to do?!
This resentment solidified the resolve of several branch family members present to never let Mahiro become the family head.
With this thought, their gazes simultaneously turned toward Miyuki, who stood among the crowd with beauty rivaling the pure white girl, their eyes filled with hope.
But Miyuki had no intention of paying them any mind; instead, she seemed somewhat troubled.
The Niibata family, Mashiba family, and several others had already approached her, expressing their desire to support her ascension as family head.
Originally, she did have the qualifications—in fact, she could be considered the most suitable candidate.
But that was only in the absence of Mahiro.
The head of the Yotsuba family had always been the most outstanding and powerful magician of each generation.
After screening, there were currently four candidates for the next head:
Miyuki Shiba, Kuroba Fumiya, Tsukuba Yuuka, and Shibata Katsushige.
Among them, Miyuki was indeed the most exceptional magician.
Since childhood, she had been conditioned to believe this by the main family's servants.
At the very least, core figures like Chief Steward Hayama, Second Seat Hanabishi who specialized in handling dirty work, and Third Seat Kurebayashi who managed magician adjustment facilities wouldn't casually say such things.
But those below them spoke without restraint, constantly praising her as the most outstanding.
Though it might sound immodest, Miyuki did believe this to be true—with one condition: that Mahiro wasn't in the picture.
She knew all too well just how formidable her cousin, Mahiro-nii, truly was.
Even though she had been confined in the Fourth Research Institute for many years and only began moving in the outside world in recent years, her exceptional magical power remained an undeniable fact.
Not even her brother Tatsuya could match that seemingly transcendent magical aptitude.
So, to have her become the family head?
Frankly, she had no desire for it, not the slightest interest.
Even if forced into the position, she would absolutely never accept it.
Miyuki slightly clenched her fist, having already made up her mind in her heart.
"Miyuki-sama? Miyuki-sama..."
The soft calling from beside her brought Miyuki's consciousness back to reality, indicating it was time for her to take her seat.
The one speaking to her was Minami, dressed in a black long-sleeved dress.
For this occasion, aside from serving as a maid of the Yotsuba main residence, she was also attending as Miyuki's companion and Guardian.
This was arranged by Mahiro.
After all, in many situations it would be inappropriate for Tatsuya to attend as a Guardian, such as today.
Tatsuya was only a Guardian in name, but in reality he was attending this banquet as Miyuki's brother, as an individual.
This was also Mahiro's intention.
Even though Tatsuya didn't mind this arrangement, and even though some branch families had criticisms about it.
Aside from Miyuki, other branch families had also brought their own Guardians. Only the Kuroba siblings and Tsukuba Yuuka weren't accompanied by others.
Ayako and Fumiya didn't need Guardians due to the special nature of this sibling pair.
As for Yuuka, it was because the Guardian who had been responsible for her care until recently was killed right before her eyes.
Even now, she struggled to emerge from that grief.
When she saw members of other branch families accompanied by their Guardians, including many familiar faces, Yuuka's mood grew even more bitter.
She couldn't help but recall the condition Mahiro had proposed when he approached her earlier...
Dong—
Dong
Dong
When the seven o'clock bell rang, it immediately caught the attention of the branch family members. Everyone, including Yuuka, turned their gaze toward the inner dining hall door that was being pushed open.
That was the door reserved for the head of the Yotsuba family.
At the doorway, Maya, wearing a deep crimson dress almost black in color, appeared behind Hayama.
Everyone stood up.
Even Seitenshi and her group did the same.
Although they were the hosts of this banquet, they still had to show appropriate respect when facing Yotsuba Maya.
Even a battle maniac like Esdeath understood this clearly.
But then, when they saw the person entering alongside Maya, looks of astonishment appeared on the faces of the branch family members.
"It's really true... Miya-sama."
Seeing that elegant figure, dark as night yet filled with intellectual presence, Yuuka couldn't help but murmur.
She was equally surprised, but her surprise contained an element of expectation.
News of Yotsuba Miya's resurrection had reached almost all branch families, but most hadn't taken it seriously, Yuuka among them.
It was only after her own Guardian passed away that she remembered this matter, which became one of her reasons for attending the Spring Celebration Assembly.
It can now be confirmed that Lady Miya, who passed away several years ago, has indeed been resurrected!
"Hello everyone, thank you for coming to this rather sudden gathering. Please take your seats."
Maya's voice echoed through the silent dining hall.
After speaking, she gracefully sat in the chair Hayama had pulled out, alongside her elder sister Miya.
Her violet eyes slowly swept across the banquet table, eventually settling on the second seat to her left.
That was Mahiro's seat.
The central table served as a clear dividing line—all branch family members, including Miyuki, were seated to her right.
While to the left, starting from the third seat, sat Seitenshi, Kisara, and Esdeath.
Unfortunately, Mahiro's seat remained empty.
"He's still not here yet..."
Maya rested her cheek in her hand, wearing a somewhat troubled expression.
"Would you mind waiting a little longer for my dear Mahiro to arrive? That child really has no sense of time... Of course, if any of you are hungry, you're welcome to have something to eat first."
Everyone exchanged glances.
They understood each other's thoughts through their eyes.
Naturally, no one intended to eat.
At this critical moment, since Family Head Lady Maya said they would wait for Mahiro to arrive.
They probably already understood what was about to happen—
The time to decide the next family head had come.
Even if not today, the matter would likely be brought up.
They had each prepared themselves accordingly.
Thus, everyone remained silent as Maya waved her hand, signaling Hayama to bring her and Miya cups of black tea.
She then gestured for others to ask if anyone else wanted tea.
But most people shook their heads in refusal.
Only Yuuka, Ayako, Miyuki, and Seitenshi each requested a cup, quietly savoring their tea.
Seeing this, Miya set down her iced tea and scanned the assembled crowd.
In her eyes, these people appeared to have already chosen sides, forming clearly defined factions.
Time passed minute by minute.
Until the minute hand pointed to the 2 position, when the sound of the opening door once again broke the heavy silence.
Followed by a voice that felt both familiar and deeply detestable to the Mashiba family.
"Sorry I'm late. I made it in time for dinner, right?"
The words sounded somewhat flippant, almost joking, yet his tone remained perfectly calm, with a faint smile hanging at the corner of his mouth.
He looked refreshed and energetic.
Who else could it be but Mahiro?
He calmly surveyed the people in the room, noticing varied expressions among those seated at the table upon seeing him.
Some were calm, others showed disgust, while still others like Miyuki and Ayako displayed excitement and happiness.
However, Mahiro didn't respond to any of them, instead locking eyes with the Mashiba family representative for several seconds, giving the person a deep look.
Then he walked directly to his seat and took his place.
As he passed by, Kisara had wanted to greet him.
But when she saw the person following behind Mahiro, she found herself speechless.
What a beautiful person...
No, it's an elf!
Kisara was already aware of Shadow Garden's presence and had met several of its members.
For instance, the child named Claire occasionally visited the dojo to spar and learn with her.
But this elf lady before her eyes was someone she was seeing for the first time.
Extremely beautiful!
At first glance, she was absolutely stunning!
Just like when she first saw Miyuki sitting across from her.
The pure black gown with golden trim outlined her graceful figure while accentuating her already fair, jade-like skin, making it appear even more delicate and snow-white.
She wore a pair of red patent leather high heels, their slender heels clicking rhythmically on the floor tiles.
Her golden hair cascaded down to her waist, swaying gently with her confident strides.
As Mahiro took his seat, the mesmerizingly beautiful girl stood behind him like a guard.
Honestly, Kisara couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority.
Though both were wearing black, it looked perfect on the other, radiating an aura of noble sanctity from head to toe.
She was practically the perfect combination of Miyuki and Seitenshi!
"Long time no see, Kisara-san. How have you been lately?"
...
After sitting down, Mahiro noticed Kisara's dazed expression and initiated conversation, but she only responded somewhat woodenly.
"Is that so? But Kisara-san, your outfit today is very beautiful. Did you wear it specially for me?"
"Who... who would wear such nice clothes for you?"
Flushing red at his words, Kisara shyly averted her gaze from Alpha and turned to the side.
Being complimented on her appearance...
This was the happiest thing for her tonight.
Besides, if she hadn't worn this dress for Mahiro, then who else could it be for?
It's just that her tsundere nature made it impossible for her to express it honestly.
Instead, she whispered to Seitenshi beside her:
"Hey, do you think I should have dressed more formally and put more effort into my appearance today? I'm starting to regret it a little..."
Seitenshi smiled gently and comforted her:
"There there, Kisara-san. You look perfectly beautiful tonight.
Moreover, tonight is Mahiro-san's important occasion. You wouldn't want to steal the spotlight, would you?"
Her words contained both comfort and playful teasing between friends.
"Hmph, I would never do such a thing."
Kisara's mood immediately improved considerably. Completely disregarding her evening gown, she crossed her arms and slowly scanned the unfamiliar faces sitting across from her with slightly sharp eyes.
She had also been invited by Maya, using the same reason as Esdeath—in the name of helping Mahiro.
But in this kind of situation, especially with the faint smell of gunpowder already in the air, help definitely wouldn't just be verbal—it would certainly come to action.
As for the target, it should probably be these people across from them, right?
Kisara felt a tinge of regret in her heart, wishing she had brought her lethal blade Yukikage. When it came to hand-to-hand combat, she wasn't particularly skilled.
Just as her thoughts wandered, a crisp sound of a teacup touching its saucer captured everyone's attention.
They saw Maya set down her teacup.
With an elegant smile gracing her face, she slowly swept her gaze across the assembled guests and spoke:
"Now that everyone has gathered, it's time to commence this year's Spring Celebration. However, before we begin, I'd like to request a few more minutes of your time. There's something I wish to announce—"
It's coming, it's finally coming!
The branch family members held their breaths, their eyes fixed intently on the two figures at the head table.
Then, Maya said calmly:
"This matter concerns the appointment of the next head of the Yotsuba family."
With that simple statement, the banquet was instantly brought to its climax!