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Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 16 - Yotsuba Succession - Chapter 6.2




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It was 6:50 P.M, Tatsuya and Miyuki were guided to the Madam’s Dining Room. Minami was the one who guided them.

Minami seemed to be attached as a servant, by their side even during the dinner.

When the sibling arrived, Fumiya, Ayako and Yuuka had been seated.

Miyuki sat down in front of Fumiya, and Tatsuya sat down beside her in front of Ayako. Next to Miyuki was the seat prepared for Maya. It was obviously the second seat of honor.

A single minute before 7 P.M., Shibata Katsushige appeared in the dining room. As Tatsuya thought, all of the next family head candidates were gathered in this place. Yet, it still escaped his mind that he was invited to this place as well. Ayako was here not as Fumiya’s escort, but as Fumiya’s partner, as she was seated beside Fumiya. However, the Yotsuba Family defined Tatsuya’s position not as an escort of Miyuki, only as her Guardian.

Katsushige was also alone here. Needless to say about Kanata, even Kotona didn’t accompany him here.

However, Tatsuya was invited to this place by himself. Miyuki was a given, but even Fumiya, Ayako, Yuuka and even Katsushige hadn’t raised any question about Tatsuya being together with them.

In this case, Tatsuya had underestimated himself. He was also underestimating the magicians who gathered at this table.

The five people besides Tatsuya, acknowledged that he was comparable to themselves, or at least, they had recognized Tatsuya as someone stronger than themselves. For them, Tatsuya deserved the seat he sat in.

Tatsuya didn’t know that they had thought that much about him.

Therefore, there was no need to feel any uncomfortable feelings that Tatsuya recalled by himself.

The time was 7 o’clock in the afternoon.

The dining room door was opened. It was a door reserved for the Head of the Yotsuba Family.

From the door, Maya appeared in a dark crimson, near to black, long dress, followed by Hayama.

Everybody rose. Tatsuya rose from his chair by himself, the other five were helped by the men and women who served them from behind.

Miyuki’s chair, needless to say, was helped by Minami.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming despite the sudden invitation. Please sit down.”

Then, Maya sat down gracefully in the chair that Hayama drew.

Maya confirmed that everyone was present in front of the table calmly, there were six of them.

“First, let’s have our meal. Katsushige-san, Yuuka-san, if you wish, we have sake for you to drink.”

Yuuka and Katsushige’s line of sight crossed for a moment.

“Sorry to reject your precious offer. However, I’m not much of a drinker.”

The one who answered first was Yuuka.

“Ah, that’s right, Yuuka-san isn’t too strong with liquor.”

Maya generously nodded while laughing.

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

Yuuka answered so with a diplomatic attitude.

“How about you, Katsushige-san? I heard that you’re quite a strong drinker.”

Maya turned her eyes to Katsushige.

Katsushige returned by bowing properly.

“I only look strong on the spot… actually, I’m the type who’d have a terrible hangover. That’s why, I’m sorry Toushu-sama. We have an important meeting tomorrow, please allow me to refrain myself from indulging in your proposal.”

Katushige bowed deeper this time.

“Ah, you don’t have to be so formal. I have no such bad taste as to force you to drink.”

Maya raised her hand lightly while smiling and laughing, she signaled Hayama from her back.

After Hayama winked, the servants simultaneously retreated, and came back immediately with appetizers.

“As tomorrow’s New Year’s Gathering is in the Japanese-style, I tried to arrange a Western-style cuisine course for tonight. Please enjoy.”

Maya used her knife on the terrine appetizer, and carried it to her vivid red lips.

Everyone took their knives and forks, the dinner began.

The dishes took the appearance of French cuisine, however, it wasn’t French itself. Around this time, it was seen that Maya didn’t require any need to be formal. For instance, when it was time for the fish dishes to come out, a duck cuisine came out instead.

Around the time they had finished eating and the sherbet was supposed to come out, Maya corrected her seating posture.

Naturally, Tatsuya also corrected his posture to sit up straight again.

“Then, let’s soon get to our main issue.”

Maya smiled with a natural look at the six of them in her surroundings.

“Katsushige-san, Yuuka-san, Miyuki-san, Fumiya-san.”

Four people, excluding Tatsuya and Ayako, were referred to in the order of their age. The four of them were the Yotsuba Family’s next family head candidates.

“You’re the only four remaining candidates in becoming the Yotsuba Family’s next family head. At last, I will name the next family head during the New Year’s Gathering tomorrow.

Together with the four candidates, the six of them, including Tatsuya and Ayako gathered with Maya here. All of the employees except for Hayama, had somehow disappeared from the dining room.

“I arrived at the conclusion that it wouldn’t suit your feelings well if you’re told the result suddenly. Therefore, I plan to tell everyone here who will be chosen as the next family head in advance.”

Miyuki was the most nervous after hearing Maya’s words. For some reason, Katsushige, Yuuka, and even Fumiya and Ayako looked composed.

“Toushu-sama. Can you excuse me for a short remark please?”

“Oh, Fumiya-san. Is there something?”

It was surprising for Fumiya to block Maya from telling the result.

“Pardon my rudeness.”

He bowed, a tension filled look came over him.

“Forgive me, but, I, Kuroba Fumiya, the candidate from the Kuroba Family am formally giving up the position in becoming the next family head. I’m supporting Shiba Miyuki-san in becoming the next family head.”

Fumiya bowed at Maya and returned to his seat.

“Hmm… how interesting.”

He responded to Maya’s words that she had already decided the next family head, by giving up on his candidacy. In a sense, it was a revolt against Maya.

However, Maya wasn’t going to blame him for this. A great gaze of interest fell upon Fumiya who dared to make his decision at a time like this.

“Toushu-sama. Would you please let me speak as well?”

“Yuuka-san, perhaps, you as well?”

Maya was laughing at her request.

“Yes.”

Yuuka rose and bowed in a pompous gesture.

“The Tsukuba Family also supports the nomination of Shiba Miyuki-san in becoming the next family head.”

After Yuuka returned to her seat with a bow, Maya happily raised a laugh.

“You guys, do you perhaps think that ‘the head of this family isn’t allowed to determine the next family head at her own discretion or something?”

She wiped the tears in the corners’ of her eyes with a handkerchief and looked alternately at Fumiya and Yuuka with a funny face.

“No, I don’t have any such intention.”

“Toushu-sama, please pardon my rudeness in interjecting from the side.

The one who thought that Miyuki-oneesama is suitable as the next head was me and Fumiya. Father also eventually came to respect Fumiya’s intention and agreed for him to give up his status as a candidate. There wasn’t any intention in objecting to the decision made by Toushu-sama.”

After Fumiya’s answer, Ayako mentioned their real intention at last.

Hearing her explanation, she lifted the ends of her lip in joy.

“I see… in other words, the Kuroba Family has decided to wholly support Miyuki as the next family head, in the past few days preceding the New Year’s Gathering tomorrow?”

The one who answered Maya was Fumiya.

“Yes, we have no difference in opinion.”

“Fufufu… Fumiya-san, you’re a good son.”

Fumiya had confirmed the intentions of Mitsugu behind this blatantly to Maya. He wished for Miyuki’s appointment as the next family head to be delayed, the plot of the Branch Families to prevent Miyuki from attending the New Year’s Gathering had failed. The Kuroba Family made sure that it didn’t make any direct effort, that could categorize them as being a part of the group that interfered.

This step was probably an initiative in cheat their way out of the group that revolted. Actually, Maya herself had no intention to blame the Branch Families who were involved in the sabotage — as she knew that it would be laid in vain eventually — he didn’t need to resort to such trick.

“Why has the Tsukuba Family decided to give up the candidacy at this moment in time?”

In the eyes of Maya, Yuuka’s behavior was somewhat brazen.

“Because Toushu-sama, even when I see the current situation, there isn’t any opportunity to lie, right?”

“Meaning, it’s the right opportunity to sell yourself to Miyuki?”

“Honestly speaking, we are. The Tsukuba Family wants a track record of having quickly supported the next family head. Frankly speaking, our position is falling behind the Kuroba Family and the Shibata Family in terms of blood ability.”

In this openly frank declaration, even Maya hadn’t failed to grin.

“The family’s ability doesn’t lie in direct combat… the Tsukuba Family’s intentions are well founded. Miyuki-san, it seems like Yuuka-san is in favor of you.”

Although Miyuki seemed to be a little surprised at the sudden direction of the conversation, she didn’t show any expression of being upset.

“Now I, in the capacity as a candidate for becoming the next family head… However, I agree with Oba-ue that the value of a magician isn’t solely based on their combat effectiveness.”

Maya nodded at Miyuki as if saying ‘well said’.

“Then, Katsushige-san.”

She then turned to Katsushige.

“Before I even tell my resolve, the situation has been developed by the majority of voice here… perhaps, it is as you have been thinking as well.”

Katsushige didn’t rise, he changed the direction of his body while remaining seated straight in the chair.

“Toushu-sama. The Shibata Family has no objection against the nomination of Shiba Miyuki in becoming the next family head as has been supported by both the Kuroba Family and the Tsukuba Family.

This decision has been confirmed by our head, as well as the other members of the Shibata Family.”

“I see. So it’s a family decision.”

“Yes.”

Katsushige nodded without showing a hint of action from his mouth that he was the one who had obstructed Miyuki’s path. With his dignified attitude, even Maya couldn’t keep pursuing the topic, asking him about it in person.

“However, upon giving up the position in the candidacy for becoming the next family head, we have a request for Toushu-sama.”

“A deal, is it?”

Maya narrowed her eyes. The sharp gaze didn’t focus on him, but it certainly couldn’t be described as a pleasant feeling. Probably, even thinking that it was good enough for her not to bring up the disturbance incident, yet you have the impudence to do this.

“No. It’s a request. Not a deal.”

However, after Katsushige denied her flatly, Maya changed her look to an ‘oh?’ kind of feeling.

“Since I have nothing in my hands to be held against the next family head, it couldn’t be said to be a deal.”

“How manly of you. Very well, please try to state your request.

Katsushige-san, what do you want?”

I, Shibata Katsushige, wish for your acceptance in wishing to marry Tsutsumi Kotona.”

Even Yuuka choked on her water flashily and opened her mouth.

Fumiya with his thin skin was blushing. The stimulus was too strong for him.

“Tsutsumi Kotona-san… She is your Guardian right?”

“Yes.”

Maya showed an expression that she was thinking for a while.

“If I’m not mistaken she is a modified body, second generation of the

‘Bard Series’. The ‘Bard Series’ has somewhat unsatisfactory genes which aren’t stable, not really suitable for the lawful wife of a Branch Family Head.”


“My father also said this.”

“How about being your mistress?”

Maya’s words landed a major blow to Fumiya, as he was sandwiched between the two of them. His head down and his face was truly red. On the other hand, Ayako who sat beside him was listening with a straight face, this was probably caused due to the difference in gender, personality, or rather his age.

“You are in a relationship even as we speak right?”

“So you were informed.”

Katsushige didn’t bad mouth Maya, it was a positive question for her.

“The thing is… a Guardian is supposed to be your escort for someone who has dignified, excellent magic qualities within the family, that’s one of the reasons for making her a woman. Yet, even after she was placed as Katsushige-san’s Guardian, is that an excuse to keep Tsutsumi Kotona-san by your side?”

“She doesn’t only have that.”

Katsushige was trying to appeal to the usefulness of Kotona’s magical force, but he immediately said ‘no, that’s right’ to Maya. Indeed, his main reason was to keep Kotona by his side, he didn’t think that keeping the current status quo would be a good idea.

“That’s right…”

Maya pressed one of her hands to her cheek, as if she was troubled.

Although it was quite a tall figure, all of the people in the room didn’t really get the feeling that she was truly troubled.

“I don’t want to tear apart lovers from their loved ones.”

Maya somehow, was staring at Miyuki.

“Just because she has a modified body, it will not necessarily end in her premature death.”

Maya returned her gaze immediately at Katsushige.

Miyuki noticed that Maya was staring at herself, and she had no idea for the reason. Although she considered that Minami had spied on her and told her aunt, she didn’t really voice out what was in her head. Miyuki recalled the time when she was frustrated with her worries, but it was impossible to ask about the meaning behind Maya’s earlier gaze.

Without being aware of Miyuki’s feeling, Maya stared at Katsushige.

Then, she answered the nervous Katsushige with a smile.

“Very well. I have no intention in forbidding the Branch Family Head from choose his marriage partner out of his own feelings.”

Miyuki’s body was trembling. Tatsuya looked at her anxiously, while Miyuki raised her hand to indicate that she was ok and settled herself.

Maya glanced at Miyuki from the side and returned to her conversation with Katsushige.

“As the Head of Branch Family, you don’t need to think about it that much. Katsushige-san had agreed to let go the position of family head, I’ll help you in talking to Osamu-san.”

“Thank you very much.”

Katsushige rose and lowered his head deeply.

When Katsushige looked up, Maya instructed him to return to his seat with a gesture. She sighed soon after.

“Somehow, I have no need to say this anymore…”

Maya retightened her relaxed look.

“Miyuki-san, you will be the next Family Head.”

“Yes.”

Miyuki responded to the nomination with a hard voice.

“Fortunately, all who are here have willingly given you their support, that’s not something to be ashamed of, it is good encouragement.”

“Yes Oba-sama. I will take it to heart.”

Miyuki rose, at first, bowing to Maya, then carefully bowed to everyone surrounding the table. — She was seen to especially bow to

Katsushige, due to the sitting arrangement, it might have been a bad chance of event for the both of them.

“Then, let’s resume our meal.”

When Maya said so, Hayama struck his hands twice.

Meaning — although it was incorrect to strictly say that — meat dishes were carried in. After the free meal was over with, Maya ordered only Tatsuya and Miyuki to remain in the room.

 

After everyone left, the table was being reset. A cup of straight tea was served for Maya, while Tatsuya got a cup of coffee and Miyuki was served milk coffee in front of her.

All of the employees left, including Hayama.

Maya put her cup to her mouth, she spoke to the two of them with a smile on her face.

“Miyuki-san, first of all, congratulations. Tatsuya-san, as well, it was quite an amount of hard work.”

“Thank you very much, Oba-ue.”

“Sorry for making you worry.”

Tatsuya and Miyuki bowed together while sitting in their chairs. The two had yet to pick up their cups.

“Then… I’ve asked the two of you to remain here, as I want to tell you a very important thing.”

Miyuki tightened herself, and it was seen by Tatsuya who sat next to her.

“As a Head of the Family, your marriage partner isn’t somone you get to choose at your own discretion. I already talked to you about this earlier.”

“— Yes.”

Miyuki held both of her hands in her lap.

“Before that… Tatsuya-san.”

“Yes.”

Suddenly, Maya called Tatsuya. As Tatsuya wasn’t prepared to be called during this conversation, he involuntarily answered in reflex while still being puzzled.

“You might not believe me when I tell you so suddenly like this, but…

Miyuki-san is not your real sister.”

A sharp breath was exclaimed from Miyuki’s throat. It was a scream that Miyuki couldn’t stop from voicing out.

Miyuki placed her hands in front of her mouth while keeping her eyes wide open, she was solidified like a marble statue.

To say that her current expression was ‘frozen’ was not appropriate. She certainly had stopped working, but the flame in her eyes swirled and her complexion had changed its color.

Compared to Miyuki, Tatsuya looked less upset. However, it was simply due to the fact that the news had exceeded the limit of what his feelings could process. He was in a sense of shock that couldn’t be cured by himself, Maya as a third party, who brought the news wasn’t connected to his own.

“Certainly, I can’t believe this. Because, there is a mountain of evidence that shows that Miyuki and I are real siblings.”

Maya, she could still afford to smile while Tatsuya’s eyes gradually lost their emotion.

“Yet, it is the truth. Because, Tatsuya-san.”

“You are my son after all.”

The impact of this statement, as expected, even Tatsuya would be at a loss for words.

“Tatsuya-san, you are from the artificial insemination of my egg that had been frozen before ‘that incident’, you were born from my sister who is the surrogate mother of my son. Your father, of course, is not Tatsurou-san either. That’s why, Miyuki-san is your cousin.”

— Impossible.

After Tatsuya regained control of his mind, the first words which floated in his mind were these.

— It’s impossible for Miyuki to be my cousin.

— It’s impossible for Miyuki not to be my real sister.

Tatsuya was ashamed, that he was doubtful about the understanding.

Of course, he didn’t voice out the thought from his heart, he wouldn’t be careless enough to do so.

“…Would you mind telling me the details later?”

Maya accepted Tatsuya’s proposal, completely in her usual tone.

“You’re right. It’s hard to suddenly convince you even after I said all this, let’s have a nice parent-child talk by ourselves after this.”

Maya turned her eyes to Miyuki after she answered Tatsuya with a nod.

“Then, about our earlier talk… Miyuki-san, I’m sorry but as the next head of the Yotsuba Family, you have to give up on your free love choice.”

“Yes.”

Although Miyuki’s expression was stiff, yet the voice of hope,

‘perhaps?’, had slipped from her. The reason why she clenched her hands at the back of her knees was not to prepare for the grief, but not to jerk when the likely delight in her premonition of convenience came into reality.

“Tomorrow, I will announce who your fiancé is at the same time as the next family head nomination, your partner is.”

Miyuki gasped a little. Even though it was only ‘a little’, she had almost stopped breathing.

“Tatsuya-san.”

Miyuki placed her hands in front of her mouth.

Those hands were visibly trembling.

Somehow, Miyuki restrained her scream by moving her hands that were blocking her mouth to her chest.

She held them both on top of her heart, and blinked tightly before looking down as if embracing her body to withstand the pain.

Miyuki was experiencing a ‘my chest was about to break apart’ in reality now moment.

However, it was in joy rather than sorrow. She rejoiced too strong, that it was similar to a strong pain.

She was so happy, so happy, that she needed to calm her body which was in a heightened state of excitement like a madman somehow, Miyuki looked up.

Her eyes were filled with tears, she had an expression of being ready to cry.

Maya took the blame after seeing such a distraught Miyuki.

“Tatsuya-san, please attend tomorrow’s Gathering as you will be named as Miyuki’s fiancé. This is all I want to talk about.”

Miyuki lowered her head deeply, her hands were aligned to her knees, and tears started to drip.

“Miyuki-san, tomorrow is the recital for your engagement. It’s a great stage for you, please prepare and polish yourself well tonight.”

“I’m thankful for your heartfelt thoughts…”

The sound of sobbing and her tremors were reduced, Miyuki answered Maya while her head was still lowered. Maya’s figure was like an affectionate mother, wearing a permissive expression — however, a disproportionate cold light could be seen in her eyes — a stare.

“Hayama-san.”

“Yes, madam.”

Hayama showed up immediately at her call.

By the time he appeared, Tatsuya had wiped Miyuki’s tears with a handkerchief.

“Please call Minami-chan. Let her make some arrangements for Miyuki-san’s bath.”

“Understood.”

Minami came immediately.

Maya gave a direct order to Minami, she dictated that she be snappy.

“Minami-chan, take Miyuki to her room. Then, please call her out when you have prepared the bath, guide her way.”

“Understood.”

Minami led Miyuki to the guest room.

Maya faced Tatsuya.

“Should we move to a new place?”

“Yes.”

Maya rose.

Hayama opened the door.

Tatsuya followed after Maya.

Hayama reverently bowed to Tatsuya. It was the biggest change he had seen thus far in this place.

 





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