Chapter 10
The National Magic University was founded on the old Nerima Garrison. On the surface, this land was empty after the expansion of the Asaka Garrison absorbed the Nerima Garrison, however, approving the construction plan for the Magic University also played a part in combining the Nerima and Asaka Garrisons.
With this developmental process, the Magic University shared a close relationship with the military. At least 40% of the Magic University’s graduates chose to pursue a career in the military or related to one. While there was somewhat of a misguided feeling here, once society’s needs for Magicians were taken into account this ceased to feel unnatural. Precisely because of this, one would think that the atmosphere at the university was just as disciplined as that of a military academy – and just as rigid, which was not actually the case. For example, the dress code was entirely up to the students and even the more incredible or casual garb was excused so long as they did not infringe upon any morals. Any warning was only restricted to mutual warnings between students. In various areas, the sense of freedom was even greater here than the magic high schools. That was how Mayumi felt in the past half a month.
Speaking of which, today Mayumi was dressed in a soft, A-style dress that left the shoulders exposed with cardigan sweater with sleeves. The cardigan was thinly knit with large holes and while the dress ran to her knees, the lace only extended 15mm downwards, enough to allow her shins to peek out from the thin stockings. Her wardrobe was far more revealing than a high school uniform, but neither the students nor the faculty sent any disapproving gazes her way.
Currently, she had been asked to come to the buffet. Her presence had been requested by a male student who also happened to be a freshman at the Magic University. In spite of this, it was plain that there wasn’t a hint of anxiety or excitement about her. As for the reason why, that was because the individual who invited Mayumi was someone she was well acquainted with.
Upon arriving at the café, Mayumi suddenly felt a little dizzy, and not because she was feeling unwell. The overwhelming amount of couples present gave a shock to her nervous system. Rather than being frivolous, Mayumi knew that they were all quite serious about their relationships, but that knowledge was little comfort to the single Mayumi. She too bore dreams of love like any normal person. When seeing close couples, ideas like “envy” or “go away” would float across her mind. Naturally, she refused to acknowledge the fact that she would think this way and didn’t plan on any self-reflection, just like most people.
There was also the possibility that this feeling was amplified because the person she was contacting today was in no way, shape or form related to love. In reality, he wasn’t wholly unrelated, but on some level, such a close proximity caused Mayumi to unconsciously expel this possibility beyond her sight.
“Juumonji-kun, sorry for the wait.”
The moment Mayumi opened her mouth to speak, many eyes were drawn to her table. At the Magic University, no one was ignorant of the meaning behind the name “Juumonji”, though many did not know him personally. The expression that graced many an onlooker’s face signified “so that’s Juumonji”.
“Hardly, I just arrived 5 minutes ago.”
He didn’t just arrive, but was here a mere 5 minutes before. Mayumi smiled a bit at these words that were just like Katsuto’s style.
“My apologies for specifically calling you here, Saegusa-san.”
With Katsuto’s response, the number of prying eyes grew even more. Sensible students who had not turned their heads at the name “Juumonji” were unable to sit still when the “Saegusa” name dropped. This year, practically every student knew that Mayumi was attending the Magic University. So long as they were not hermits who renounced the world, no one could ignore the news that Saegusa Mayumi was attending, regardless of gender. –Furthermore, it does need to be said that the male students cared a whole lot more.
As for Mayumi, she ignored the dozens of stares sent her way as if it was perfectly natural as she sat across from her guest.
“Pay it no heed. Juumonji-kun isn’t the type of person to call me if there wasn’t something important to discuss, right?”
Mayumi laughed lightly as she caught Katsuto’s gaze.
“Also, in such a populous place too.”
Mayumi knew of the rumors that cast her as one of the potential marriage candidates for Katsuto. On the surface, their relationship was definitely not what people on the outside believed it to be. In fact, people more in the know about Magicians would actually find that rumor to be preposterous. In truth, the Saegusa and Juumonji Families had discussed this matter. Currently, when compared to the Juumonji Family, it was the Itsuwa Family with their 20-year old head of house that seemed more welcoming to that idea. Setting aside the Juumonji Family for the moment, the Saegusa Family had no plans to put in motion any real union between Mayumi and Katsuto, but the rumors would be correct in terms of the word “candidate”.
Mayumi’s mischievous allusion “in such a populous place” meant that they were feeding the rumor mill. Mayumi was joking of course, but if asked, she would be hard pressed to deny that she never had such an inkling. Once she became a potential candidate for marriage, it was hard to remain just friends even with the person currently in 2nd place.
“I feel that this is far better than intentionally going somewhere no one visits.”
This response could initially be interpreted as “gentlemanly”, but was actually an “obtuse” reply, causing Mayumi to feel that she was the only one who cared. Katsuto wore a casual suit without a tie or any other articles of fashion, so it was easy to tell at first glance that this thought never crossed his mind even at this point. Still, once she thought about such peaceful things, she could only notice the news article flittering across Katsuto’s palm.
“……What an irritating topic.”
On the table, the electronic newspaper was headlined with topics such as “truth behind Military Magicians”, “JSDF using youths as weapons”, “JSDF dominated by Magicians”, and “preferential treatment for magic officers”. Extremists on both sides were either blaming the JSDF for using the Magicians or covering for Magicians, but both sides were similar in that they censured the connection between the JSDF and Magicians.
“While pretending to act as civil rights advocates for Magicians, they are actually trying to discriminate Magicians from society. Don’t you think such hypocritical news is incredibly vile?”
Katsuto didn’t respond to Mayumi’s complaints and smoothly began operating the cellphone-shaped CAD he removed from his belt.
Carrying CADs was not forbidden on the Magic University’s campus and the standards around magic use were also more relaxed when compared to the streets. Especially dangerous magic was blacklisted and prohibited from use in the labs and experimental offices, while a large number of magic was allowed in general areas that had nothing to do with research labs or experimental rooms. Right now, the soundproof area of effect magic that Katsuto was constructing was also allowed on school grounds.
“Is it something that important?”
Needless to say, a soundproof barrier was needed for private talks, but there was no secret between Mayumi and Katsuto that they feared would be overheard. Even so, a quick glance at Katsuto’s expression confirmed that the subject matter was not something that could be solved by normal conversation.
“Since the beginning of the week, anti-magic sentiment has been on the rise in the news.”
As he said this, Katsuto used the filter on the electronic newspaper to display the articles he was talking about.
“I concur.”
Katsuto eyed Mayumi as she replied back with a serious expression.
“And, what of it?”
Seeing those serious eyes that could appropriately be described as solemn, Mayumi asked without any attempt at a joking manner.
“The reason why the media has taken two stances is because each has a different sponsor.”
“So there are two forces behind them?”
“As you know, we, the Juumonji Family, are not adept at gathering intelligence.”
Katsuto didn’t directly respond to Mayumi’s question, but his words hinted that what he was about to say next was the result of the investigation from the Juumonji Family.
“I have no concrete proof for what I’m about to say, but neither is it entirely groundless. I pray that you will remain calm and listen to me.”
“Of course. Let’s hear it.”
Realizing that this was not going to be a pleasant topic for her, Mayumi subconsciously straightened herself.
“Of the two dialogues, the backers of the group blaming the JSDF might very well be the Saegusa Family.”
“Wha……!”
However, the news that came from Katsuto’s mouth surpassed Mayumi’s tolerance level.
“There may be other conspirators as well, but at the very least, the Saegusa Family plays a large role.”
“That’s impossible!”
Mayumi slammed her hands on the table and jumped to her feet. Thanks to the soundproof barrier, no one was able to hear her voice from the outside, but that magic was unable to block the light, so Mayumi’s sudden elevation to her feet drew a lot of stares from across the café. Seeing the astounded looks coming from all around her, Mayumi sat down in shame. Nonetheless, Mayumi raised her eyes after taking a seat and stared directly at Katsuto.
“It’s true that my father is a strategist who likes to plot behind the scenes, so it is true that even as his daughter, I am not always aware of what he’s doing.”
Her eyes were burning with a flame that was enough to repel the pressure of Katsuto’s gaze.
“Yet, no matter what the reason, he will never forget his duty as a member of the Ten Master Clans. He definitely wouldn’t do something that would bring misfortune to the Japanese magical community.”
After receiving Mayumi’s heated words, Katsuto quietly replied back.
“Then, Saegusa-sama must believe that this must be beneficial to the Japanese magical community.”
There was the sound of a heavy weight dropping and reverberating in the depths of her consciousness.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Everything they talk about will end with……”
As she said this, Mayumi pointed at the news article on the table surface.
“A better world where Magicians have disappeared. Did you think that this blatantly obvious jibe at protecting the human rights of Magicians would be enough to fool my father? Even if it’s Juumonji-kun, I cannot ignore this level of slander.”
“I never planned to offend.”
Katsuto’s reply to Mayumi, who stood there with her teeth clenched in fury, was devoid of any excuses. Feeling the powerful confidence behind his attitude, Mayumi’s head slightly cooled down.
“So you’re saying that above the discrimination against Magicians, there is an ulterior motive in action?”
“As to what that is exactly, I have no idea. The only thing I do know is that Saegusa-sama appears to be engaged in media activity that runs counter to the Ten Master Clans.”
Mayumi pinned Katsuto with a particularly fierce gaze.
That gaze failed to conjure any faltering in Katsuto’s eyes.
“……Fine then, Katsuto-kun. Do you have any plans tonight?”
“No.”
“Then please come to my house. Whether it is truly as Juumonji-kun said, I hope you will make your decision after directly asking my father.”
“I understand. In doing this, you actually help me quite a bit.”
Even if they were the Ten Master Clans that represented Japanese Magicians, that did not meant that they were famous lineages that went back several hundred years. Normally, visiting the home of a college friend did not require a specific appointment with the family. However, Katsuto and Mayumi had come today specifically to see the head of the Saegusa Family, Saegusa Koichi. As the acting head of the Juumonji-Family, Katsuto’s request to see Koichi was granted after setting 8pm in the evening as the designated time.
Wednesday, April 18th, 7:59pm. A pitch black limousine stopped before the threshold of the Saegusa household. From the backseat, a giant of a young man dressed in a formal suit with a tie opened the door himself and disembarked. The reason why the young man appeared colossal was the overwhelming personality he carried that did not befit his age. A special existence even among students who graduated from high school recently, he was the acting head of the Juumonji Family, Juumonji Katsuto.
The one who greeted him was the eldest daughter in the Saegusa Family, Saegusa Mayumi. Wearing a darkly colored formal gown that extended to her ankles, Mayumi curtseyed to Katsuto before showing him the way. At precisely 8pm, Katsuto set foot in the Saegusa household.
“Your investigation was very thorough.”
After conversing with Katsuto in the guest room, Saegusa Koichi readily admitted to the inquiry regarding whether he was one of the backers behind the anti-Magician media inciters.
“Otou-sama! What have you done!?”
Faced with her brazen father nodding his head, Mayumi furiously reprimanded him.
“Relax, Mayumi. Why are you so excited?”
Earnestly tilting his head at his daughter’s vibrant reaction, Koichi calmly scolded Mayumi.
“How can you tell me to relax!? What Otou-sama has done is blatant betrayal to the Ten Master Clans, no, to the Japanese magic community as a whole!”
Perfectly calm, Koichi easily took in the stern gaze leveled at him by his own daughter, who had leaped from her seat on the sofa.
“This is no betrayal. Mayumi, you’re thinking in the wrong direction.”
“What is—“
“Saegusa.”
Mayumi wanted to keep pressing her father, but was halted by the still seated Katsuto by her side. Recalling that they were not the only two people sitting here, Mayumi reluctantly closed her mouth and took a seat.
“Saegusa-san.”
Sensing that Mayumi had regained her composure, Katsuto looked towards Koichi.
“I do not know what you are thinking, so I hope you are willing to explain yourself.”
Koichi slightly bent forward at the waist to look upon Katsuto.
“Is this a request from the Juumonji Family?”
“As a question leveled by the Juumonji Family.”
Koichi allowed his forward posture to relax along the back of the seat before lightly heaving a long sigh.
“As we are both of the Ten Master Clans, I will honestly answer the question the Juumonji Family has for the Saegusa Family.”
Koichi adopted the same proper posture, devoid of panic, that Katsuto had.
“First, in order to dispel any misconceptions, I will first declare that this propaganda was started by foreign anti-magic forces. Not only have they provided information to the media, they have made funds available as well.”
“In the form of investing in the media?”
“The reasons may be as donations or marketing, though the ostensible purpose can be whatever they deem fit.”
In regards to the question Katsuto posed, Koichi serenely replied back in full confidence. In terms of acting behind the scenes, Koichi was far above Katsuto. Katsuto also realized that there was no point in asking about unnecessary details.
“So Saegusa-sama intervened in the media as a countermeasure?”
“Katsuto-kun, do you know the most effective way to counter 'public opinion'?”
At Koichi suddenly adopting a pedantic tone, Katsuto showed no hint of answering. He was aware that Koichi’s question was rhetorical.
“In the first place, 'public opinion' is both an opinion and a judgment. That is, something that someone said and someone accepted. Opinion belongs to the one who came up with it, just as the originator must bear the responsibility.”
There was no way to tell whether Koichi’s change in tone was intentional. The difference in age between Koichi and Katsuto, the head of house for one of the Ten Master Clans and the acting head who was only the son of the current head. Taking into account all these differences, Koichi’s tone was not lecturing, but more of a natural turn of events.
“Once the 'source' behind the opinion is known, then refuting it becomes easy. Direct your questions towards that individual, find the gaps in their logic, and cause them to acknowledge their error. There is also the possibility of a compromise where both sides point out the lacking areas lurking in each other’s arguments.”
This was why Mayumi was the only one who wore a furious expression at Koichi’s high and mighty tone whereas Katsuto didn’t find anything out of place.
“This is why refuting 'public opinion' is so difficult. If pressed for a reason, it is because there is no opponent to counter when it comes to public opinion.”
This was the same even though Katsuto found Koichi’s words to be quite tedious.
“Even if public opinion is just an opinion, the moment someone says it, their advantages and disadvantages become revealed. However, the ones who came up with this opinion are 'citizens' and the ones who hide behind this 'public opinion' never take the stage. The media only reflects the citizens’ wishes, activists present the citizens’ demands, and politicians open their mouths to adhere to their citizens’ opinions. When someone says it, their stance and purpose become revealed. Nevertheless, under unclear circumstances, acting as the spokesperson of public opinion and describing the opinions of the originator grants them immunity to the duty of taking any hits.”
Still, Katsuto began to suspect Koichi’s true intent after he beat around the bush so long.
“Public opinion also contains a side that benefits whoever strikes first.”
There was a possibility that Katsuto’s dire view of Koichi was painted all over his face. Koichi smiled slightly as his tone returned to a more polite, gentle one.
“The first public opinion to achieve majority becomes justice at that time and place to bring pressure on the dissenters. Even if the dissenters have logic on their side, even if public opinion is rife with childish holes, logic is unable to stand against a flawed public opinion. As for the reason why, that is because public opinion is not equipped with someone to hold a discussion with, so no discourse could be reached.”
“So you’re saying that the anti-magic supporters are 'striking first', Otou-sama?”
Mayumi wore a displeased look while obediently listening to all this before finally interjecting in an agitated voice.
“The seeds of anti-magic sentiment were sown over a year ago. They saw through the fact that we were unable to act against them on that stage.”
Casually handling his daughter’s impulsivity, Koichi immediately turned his eyes back to Katsuto.
“Countering public opinion would achieve little. So, Katsuto-kun, how would you act against public opinion?”
“Scattering their opinion would do.”
Without puzzling over it or being overly theatrical, Katsuto replied back in a frank manner. Even if it wasn’t him, anyone reared to carry the burdens of the Ten Master Clans would logically arrive at an answer. This was not the only answer nor the absolute answer, but a possibly correct answer.
“Correct.”
Everyone knew that this was not the one true answer, though Koichi continued to lecture.
“Simply agreeing with the basics of the aforementioned public opinion removes the possibility of being hunted as an infidel. Then, small differences in dogma will easily cause public opinion to unravel. A scattered public opinion will then lose its momentum and ultimately become forgotten. So long as there is no one who holds the course, of course.”
“Doesn’t that run counter to Saegusa-sama’s definition of public opinion?”
Hearing Katsuto’s point, Koichi smiled in satisfaction before nodding.
“It is as you have said, Katsuto-kun. So long as he continues to obscure himself, there is no way to maintain public opinion’s lost momentum. Even if he continues to hide himself, once he tries to reignite the flames of public opinion, the citizens will see through him and bite back. That’s because the public contains the foolishness to be manipulated once, but the wisdom to prevent the same trick from succeeding twice."
"So that’s why you intentionally changed the direction of the public’s ire while conducting anti-magic propaganda.”
“That’s just a vent, Katsuto-kun. There is nothing we can do about people with no talent being jealous of those who have talent. That is the same when it comes to magic. Trying to suppress aroused envy even once with whips or candy is impossible. The only thing that can be done is to allow them to vent somewhere. Before they coalesce into an inferno, scattering the sparks into numerous small fires is a much easier way to prevent a catastrophe.”
Koichi finally closed his mouth. Although unwilling to accept his words, Mayumi wore a conflicted expression because she was unable to counter his words. Whereas Katsuto,
“Compared to an inferno, a small spark is preferable. I do agree that might be true.”
After speaking in a solemn voice, Katsuto turned a fiery gaze on Koichi.
“However, there are still people who lose their lives because of small fires. If the individual, scattered sparks are not put out in time, then the small sparks are no longer small and may very well become an inferno that devours lives.”
“That is a hypothetical situation.”
“The pot calls the kettle black.”
After crossing gazes with Koichi, Katsuto rose upon seeing that his opponent was not going to speak any further.
“Elder Saegusa.”
Using the title exclusively used at the clan meetings between two equals, Katsuto called out to Koichi.
“The Juumonji Family deeply regrets the Saegusa Family’s actions in regard to the media and petitions that you immediately cease and desist any anti-Magician propaganda.”
“The Saegusa Family requests that the Juumonji Family deliver their protest in writing. A reply will be prepared after an official protest has been made.”
Koichi also stood and slightly raised his head to look at Katsuto before replying.
“I understand. When I return home, I will get them to agree with me.”
“I am sorry that you came all this way out here today. Mayumi, see Juumonji-sama out. Carefully see him to the door.”
Katsuto silently bowed to Koichi, to which Koichi just as silently returned. Mayumi hurriedly moved in front of Katsuto as he was about to turn around and led him to the threshold.
When Mayumi returned from seeing Katsuto to the door, Koichi was still in the guest room. With a stern expression on her face, Mayumi stood before her father where he was relaxing on the sofa.
“Well, Mayumi. Come, sit. There’s no need to be polite.”
Seeing Koichi leisurely lean back on the sofa with one foot on top of the other, Mayumi sat down without saying a word.
“I more or less know what you want to say…… But you might as well say it anyway.”
“Much like Otou-sama thought, I believe that Juumonji-kun’s opinion makes sense.”
Seeing the intense emotions warring with the steely determination in her eyes while his daughter maintained her decorous self-control, Koichi smiled and nodded.
“It is only to be expected that you would think this way. After all, Katsuto-kun and I were only speaking superficially just now.”
Hearing her father’s bravado, Mayumi’s hands tightened their grasp.
“So there’s more than meets the eye.”
“You didn’t understand? Katsuto-kun seems to have noticed already.”
Mayumi slightly shook her head and hid her discontented, teeth-clenched face from Koichi’s vision.
“As expected, Katsuto-kun has much higher tolerance than Hirofumi-kun.”
Hirofumi referred to the oldest son of the Itsuwa Family, “Itsuwa Hirofumi”. The Itsuwa Family wished for Mayumi to marry Hirofumi. Koichi had intended to compare Hirofumi with Katsuto, but fortunately such words never reached Mayumi’s ears.
“Mayumi, Elder Kudou is already aware of this. Mister did not disapprove of my plan.”
In place of the murmurs that didn’t reach her ears, Koichi dropped a bomb into his daughter’s ears.
“Sensei, he……?”
As Koichi had planned, Mayumi was befuddled into silence, but Mayumi was not about to go away so meekly.
“I have no idea what is on sensei’s mind. What I do know is that playing with the lives of people who are of the same country and are also Magicians is wrong.”
Seeing his daughter’s unexpected feistiness, Koichi was not feigning but honestly surprised.
“This will only last a month at most. I have no plans to allow this to develop to such a point that it could impact daily life.”
“Even if it’s a merely a month, a week, it can still bring about a permanent mark on someone’s heart. Maliciously wielding a pen can leave a far deeper mark than the wound left behind by a sword…… I believe the pen is mightier than the sword, and that is not just restricted to positive strength.”
The normal Mayumi would have bowed out long ago. Seeing this sterner attitude that did not befit his daughter’s style, a question suddenly floated across Koichi’s mind.
“Mayumi, on whose behalf are you so angry for?”
“Eh……?”
Although this was a spur of the moment question, it had delivered a surprisingly telling blow against Mayumi.
“Is this for Katsuto-kun? Or is it for someone among your underclassmen at First High?”
“I didn’t…….”
Even Kudou Retsu’s name was not enough to cower Mayumi, and yet, here she was, wavering to the point that she trembled with terror.
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