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The evening of June 17th. Inukai, the Deputy Director of the Army Intelligence

Department, was visiting a hotel just outside the city center accompanied by retired Army General Saionji. Since the last century — this is the last year of the 21st century — this top-class hotel has been recognized as having received the highest of evaluations among prestigious first-class hotels worldwide.

After being taken to the private room that had been reserved for them at the restaurant, Inukai breathed a sigh of relief to find that the room was still empty. Inukai — Saionji as well, the both of them refused the waiter's attempt to pull out a chair for them and they chose to instead stand alongside the wall.

Just over ten minutes after Inukai and Saionji's arrival, the guest of honor appeared in the private room. Even though it was past the scheduled time, it was still earlier than they had expected. Saionji and Inukai greeted the old man with the most respectful bow, who was being led by a young woman who they surmised to be his secretary doubling as his escort.

Saionji apologized to the old man — to one of the Four Great Elders of the Senate, Kashiwa Kazutaka, for having him travel all this way to meet them, and expressed his gratitude with the utmost reverence. To which Kashiwa replied in a friendly tone, and the four of them, including the woman who acted as his secretary and escort, took their places at the table.

Kashiwa Kazutaka, one of the most powerful people behind the scenes in the country, is an elderly gentleman who's more than 175cm tall. He has pure white hair and good posture. Be it standing or sitting, neither his waist nor his back hunched over. He walks with a steady gait. He should be more than 70 years old, but his skin is free of old age spots and there are no pronounced wrinkles. He carries the air of a gentle, serene scholar.

It was only the day before yesterday that Inukai asked to be "introduced" by Saionji. It may have been a coincidence that his schedule was open, but nevertheless Kashiwa seems to be a rather expeditious person in spite of his power. The fact that he preferred to dine at a restaurant instead of inviting them to his mansion shows that he’s a man who doesn't take things lightly.

"So, Saionji-kun. What is it that you want to consult me about?"

Kashiwa's tone of voice didn’t betray the image evoked by his outward appearance.

However, even after Saionji had respectfully bowed down to greet him, he hadn't relaxed a bit.

"Yes, with all due respect…"

With that as a preamble, Saionji asked Kashiwa about the Senate's stance on Mayumi's trip to the United States.

"The Senate will neither allow nor forbid a magician from traveling abroad."

There was a slight disappointment from not getting the answer he wanted, but then again, it wasn't the worst case scenario, so Inukai made eye contact with Saionji, who asked a more in-depth question.


"…If you don't mind me asking, sir, what are your own thoughts on the matter?" Under Inukai's gaze, Saionji posed the question with trepidation.

"Personally… I feel that Toudou-kun is a little too supportive of those youths." This answer greatly encouraged Inukai.

"I am fully aware of the importance of that young man, but we cannot maintain order if he’s allowed to do as he pleases. May we borrow some of Sensei's profound wisdom on this?"

Inukai addressed Kashiwa directly.

The woman raised her eyebrows and expressed her displeasure, but Kashiwa showed no sign of being bothered.

"Let me see… Harming that person who has now become the trump card in defense of the country and his fiancée is out of the question, but his fiancée isn't the only thing of importance to that person in the world. And even if he holds the power of a fierce god, as long as he’s a human being, the number of things he can do is limited."

"Sensei, that…"

As someone familiar with how things work behind the scenes, Inukai understood exactly what Kashiwa was suggesting.

At the same time, he was once again reminded that the man before him not only doesn't have a gentle personality, but is one of the most powerful people who controls the country "behind the scenes."

"Besides, there is no such thing as an all-powerful being in the world. All technology has its strengths and weaknesses depending on the user. Even magic is no exception to this."

However, even though he could understand what was being suggested, he couldn't see how exactly he was going to accomplish it. Under the guise of deciphering the meaning of Kashiwa's words, Inukai frantically searched for a meaning in his thoughts.

Perhaps Kashiwa took pity on him.

"I happen to know of some competent people who might be suitable to lend a hand with this matter. Let me write you a letter of introduction." Kashiwa readily added.

"I am very grateful and fortunate for your help…!"

Saionji and Inukai both bowed their heads and said in unison.

"Now, since we're here, why don't we enjoy a meal?" At Kashiwa's words, Inukai stood up in a hurry.

He rushed out of the private room to call out to the waiters who had been waiting outside.





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