Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 23 - Isolation - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

On Monday, Tatsuya stopped coming to First High.

Although he was still considered a pupil of First High, his absence caused a reaction in various unexpected places.

Somewhere in Tokyo. The conference room, the location of which will never be revealed, gathered people responsible for the dark side of the Intelligence Department of the National Self-Defense Forces.

"It seems that the high school student mentioned earlier began to live separately..."

"Is this our chance? Unlike in the city there won't be a problem of many people involved."

"Please wait." Suddenly, someone jumped up from their chair, leaned forward and spoke.

"Chief Inukai, what is it?"

The one who wedged himself into the conversation was Chief Inukai the direct commander of Tooyama Tsukasa. Of all those present, he was the most aware of Tatsuya's danger.

"We can send enough combat forces, so the other side is in an position where he cannot hold back. I consider an unprepared attack a risky business."

"Is it a trap?"

"No I don't think so, but have you forgotten that the enemy is the Yotsuba clan, who are called 'Untouchables'. It's likely that they have prepared something for this situation."

"I agree." Onda, the head of the department for special issues expressed his approval of these words.

"Despite the sufficient fighting strength of the garrison of the Nanso camp, you know what the result was. Although the roles of the attacker and the defender will change, I believe that we still should not take it on ourselves alone."

"Chief Onda, do you've someone who will help you?"

"I would not call it help, but as a result there's something we can use."

"Any special circumstances?" Inukai asked Onda in a mysterious voice.

"It seems that the head of the Juumonji family will arrive soon in Izu as a representative of the Magic Association." Turning to Inukai, Onda personally gave extracted information.

"I don't know why he's going there, but I believe this is about that

'project'."

Having changed the wording, he told it to everyone in the form of a

"guess", so Onda concealed his lies. He knew that Tatsuya was Taurus Silver, and Katsuto was going to convince him to participate in the project. He just didn't disclose it to people from the same Intelligence Department as himself.

"The Magic Association seems to be interested in the project of the USNA. Do they want to try to persuade the Yotsuba to take part?"

The chief of another department expressed his opinion. None of those present associated the names of Tatsuya and Taurus Silver with each other.

All of them highly appreciated Tatsuya's fighting abilities, because they knew about it firsthand. But they didn't know about Tatsuya's intellect and technical skills. Therefore, they couldn't connect the high school student and the outstanding magic engineer with each other.

"...okay. This is our chance." The deputy director, who has the highest status among those present nodded in agreement. The Yotsuba's position with their refusal to cooperate was apparent even at the previous meeting.

The previous meeting was referring to the April meeting of young people from the 28 Houses. Regarding the current situation, she had nothing to do with it. But what the deputy director pointed out wasn't a conclusion, but rather a good guess, because the facts superficially matched.

"There is a high probability that a fight between Shiba Tatsuya and the head of the Juumonji family will occur. And if these two fight, then Juumonji Katsuto wins. Is that correct, Chief Inukai?"

"Yes." Inukai confidently nodded to the deputy director's question.

"Sergeant Tooyama... The Tooyama family came to the same conclusion."

Despite being among the 28 Houses, Tooyama's family has never been a part of the Ten Master Clans. It's never even become a candidate.

But if we're not talking about the simple combat use of magicians, but about their use in military affairs as a whole, they will be on a par with the Yotsuba and Juumonji. The Intelligence Department of the National Self-Defense Forces was confident of this.

Military magicians are capable of more than just fighting. Included in their official duties is analysis of combat strength and tactics, and the Tooyama family of the 28 Houses is the only family among the

"Numbers" whose people have been trained in the army since birth.

Of course, the head of the Juumonji family will not kill Shiba Tatsuya.

But after losing to Juumonji Katsuto, Shiba Tatsuya will have been weakened and be unable to resist.

"And the Juumonji family will not resist the Self-Defense Forces."

Inukai agreed with the deputy director.

"In that case, let's make our move when the Juumonji family acts. We will also send Sergeant Tooyama, but this time not as Shiba Tatsuya's opponent in order to eliminate any possible protection organized by the Yotsuba family."

"Got it."

Inukai's reply was a small indication of indecision.

"Don't worry, Inukai. The Yotsuba family seems to be confident in Shiba Tatsuya's fighting power. Because of that, they will not put their strongest fighters on guard. The most powerful will be focused on protecting his bride."

The Deputy Director turned to Onda.

"I think that everything is as you said." Onda said respectfully nodding to the deputy director.

"I apologize...What?" Shiina said doubtfully after entering the Student Council Room after class.

"What's wrong, Shiina-chan?" Izumi asked Shiina, turning from her workplace.

"Oh, no, I just... did something happen to Pixie...?"

As Shiina said, Pixie who was always waiting in the corner of the Student Council Room, was missing.

"Because she's Tatsuya-sama's property" Minami answered while taking out napkins from the cleaning box (a drawer with various cleaning supplies, mounted in a multifunctional vacuum cleaner).

Shiina didn't offer to help wiping Minami's table. During the month since joining this school and working with the Student Council, she learned that Minami does not throw off work to the younger ones, as is customary.

"Pixie was sent to Tatsuya-sama to take care of his daily needs."

Entering into the already open door Miyuki said that instead of a greeting, perhaps she heard Minami's words from the corridor.

"Miyuki-sempai, today we will try together!"

"Let's work together, President. Um, so that means..."

In contrast to Izumi's always enthusiastic reaction, Shiina inclined her head with a misunderstanding on her face.

"Hya!"

Before Miyuki could respond, a hand came at Shiina from behind causing her to scream and jump from surprise. Shiina turned around in a hurry and saw Shizuku shaking her head with a reproachful look.

"Kitayama-sempai..."

"Shiina-chan, this is because of Tatsuya-san, do you understand?"

Honoka whispered while standing next to Shizuku. Thus, Shiina guessed the situation.

It was the next day after that Sunday, when she was separated from Tatsuya. As usual Miyuki spent time in class, and as usual with the Student Council.

The students of First High who don't interact with Tatsuya in any way, saw Miyuki the same as always. Friends with whom she had long been acquainted, on the way from school also didn't see any differences.

"Miyuki, um... are you okay?"

But as expected from friends, they could feel something "strange."

For example, Erika was in another class and wasn't involved in the affairs of the Student Council. They spent much less time together than that of Miyuki's classmates, but she was able to discover that "something is wrong here," not only because of her observation skills.

"Yes, everything is in order. Thank you, Erika."

Miyuki also understood her friend's attention and didn't complain to her.

Miyuki wasn't ashamed to admit that she was lonely without Tatsuya. It was natural for her, because she lived for Tatsuya's sake and his presence was vital to her.

Miyuki thought that these friends have long understood this, so there is no reason to try to hide it.

"Where's Tatsuya-san now? If this isn't a secret..."

"I don't think there will be any problems if I tell you." Miyuki replied shyly to Honoka. "He retired to a villa in Izu. I wonder if he can at least rest there a bit?"

"Izu? ...If not for these annoying circumstances, then it would be enviable."

"But Tatsuya went to this villa precisely because of these annoying circumstances, right?"

"Shut up. I already knew. You're so unpopular because you don't know how to not talk too much."

Leo joked over Erika's words, which were either serious, or a joke. But Erika immediately responded with her horseshoe.

"Che...! These are unnecessary worries. Although not as much as Tatsuya, but I like girls too. Is it true, Sakurai?"

Today in the cafe not only third-graders gathered. With the addition of the trio from the second year of training, Kasumi, Izumi and Minami, as well as couples from the first year of training, Shiina and Saburou, they now formed a fairly large company.

Leo turned to Minami, because she was from the same "Mountaineering Club" as him. Due to her work in the Student Council she almost never showed up there, but she did the work of the "manager" there, for example, periodically they brought onigiri made by the cooking club.

"...Yes, probably."

Minami gave a noncommittal answer to Leo's question, which read a clear desire for agreement.

"Ah~, well, no. Use your power in this situation? I didn't know that you were like that..."

"What!?"

Ignoring the resentful protesting Leo, Erika turned to Minami.

"Minami, it's not necessary to cover him only because he's the president of the club."

"Yes..." Minami with confusion on her face looked alternately at Erika and Leo.

"Erika. Saijou-kun, too, don't embarrass Minami-chan."

Erika and Leo immediately exchanged glances, after which Miyuki bowed at the same time. Thus, Minami was able to avoid embarrassment with Miyuki's help.

"Tatsuya-san will not come here even on Sunday?"

Mizuki's question changed the general mood again. But there was no awkward pause. Miyuki just shook her head with a sad smile on her face.

"I think he will not be able to return to Tokyo for some time because there are a lot of annoying people here."

"Can we visit him?" Honoka asked having received a confidence boost after hearing Mizuki.

"It's not known whether circumstances will allow this." Miyuki answered reflectively.

"It is clear..."

"Unwanted guests can come to him."

Kasumi and Izumi reacted to those words

"Sempai, this means..."

"That it's likely."

Miyuki turned to the twin-kohai with a kind smile on her face.

"Izumi-chan, Kasumi-chan, if this happens, if the 'guests' are people from your family, then don't bother your father or brother."

"Miyuki-senpai! I'll be on your side no matter what!"

Izumi began to protest with passionate zeal. Kasumi, sitting next to her, couldn't hide her embarrassment.

"Izumi-chan, you're embarrassing Kasumi-chan."

"Kasumi-chan! You're on my side, aren't you?"

"Well... Of course I'm on Izumi's side, but..."

Kasumi's face became even more embarrassed.

"Izumi-chan." With a bitter smile on her face, Miyuki approached and stood between Izumi and Kasumi.

"You don't have to do anything, okay? Because neither Tatsuya-sama nor I are going to be at odds with Izumi-chan's father."

"...I understand."

It was her weakness before Miyuki's charm. Izumi couldn't go against Miyuki's request, which was said in words that cannot be misinterpreted.

"Miyuki, it's useless to deter us."

Turning, Miyuki saw on Erika's face a really mischievous smile.

"I would not want you to do something reckless..."

"Aren't you going to do something reckless?"

Erika looked like she had nothing to do with it. To this quite obvious facial expression, Miyuki could only respond with a vague smile.

At the National Magic University there was no such thing as interest circles.

But there are club activities. Most sports clubs had coaches and suffered from an overabundance of participants. In most cases, the career of a magician requires physical strength and mobility, but in the curriculum there is no physical training, so additional classes are important.

However, not all students attended the clubs. After all club activity wasn't mandatory. Katsuto who in high school was the leader of the Club Management Group, was among those at the National Magic University who didn't join any club.

Katsuto who is the head of the Juumonji family, decided to return home as soon as possible. Few people went home at this time. Today he'd lingered with the preparation of practice reports, and it was already quite late. Concerned that his affairs were delayed by this unplanned accident, Katsuto walked to the station at an accelerated pace.

"Juumonji-kun!"

He heard a voice behind him calling out to wait.

It was a familiar voice that he recognized without turning around.

Speaking frankly, it was a person who often interfered with his plans, but for some reason, regardless of family affairs she was the one who could stop him.

And now Katsuto stopped and looked back.

"Juumonji-kun!"

"Saegusa. I hear you, don't shout like that."

Mayumi caught up and stopped before Katsuto and smiled shyly. It felt like she had closed one eye and showed her tongue, even though she didn't really do it.

"Sorry to keep you."

"It's nothing. So what do you want?"

Without any introduction, he asked about the case.

Such a rude response wasn't because he didn't treat Mayumi like a woman. It just showed that for Katsuto she's a woman with whom he feels at ease.

"I wanted to ask you something. Can I go in the same cab with you?"

"Aren't we going different directions?"

"It's just an extra 20 minutes home. It's okay."

The modern system of public transportation for short distances are

"personal booths on an electric train" which was based on a direct connection between the stations on which loading and disembarking was done. There was no such thing as "loading a passenger halfway between stations".

But that didn't mean that you cannot go together. If you're lucky, and there is no customer waiting for your booth at the destination station, the remaining passenger will be able to continue to his station. Even if there are other passengers on the station, you just have to wait a bit in the queue.

The level of privacy inside such personal booths has been perfected.

It is almost impossible for a conversation inside the booth to be heard by someone from outside. Entrepreneurs and even simple couples use this feature of the electric booths of an electric train for conducting private conversations.

Mayumi's invitation to go together was also meant to hold a private conversation. However, the first destination was the station closest to the Saegusa family house.

"Juumonji-kun is such a gentleman."

"Naturally."At Mayumi's giggles, Katsuto responded with an acidic face.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

Immediately after Katsuto's question, the smile faded from Mayumi's face.

"Juumonji-kun, you're going to meet Tatsuya-kun, aren't you?"

"Did you hear about this from your father?"

"Yes, but he didn't say why you're going to meet him."

Katsuto leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I cannot tell you."

"Thank you. I just realized why."

Katsuto opened his eyes. Mayumi winked at him.

"This could only be because of a Japanese high school student. And all these attempts at secrecy indicate exactly who I thought."

Mayumi said her conclusion without saying a single name. Katsuto was silent.

"Listen, Juumonji-kun."

"...What?"

Katsuto reluctantly responded, because in Mayumi's voice there were signs that she would ask something obvious.

"Will you take me with you?"

Katsuto looked at Mayumi with wide-open eyes, but immediately looked back and asked "...Why?"

"I don't think Tatsuya-kun will obediently accept the request."

"...Well, I think so too."

"But it's unlikely that after this, Juumonji-kun will simply go home empty-handed."

"......"

"I don't think that Juumonji-kun will lose to Tatsuya-kun. Tatsuya-kun is strong, but he certainly will not be able to reach Juumonji-kun."

"And what?"

"But I think that Tatsuya-kun will not be defeated so easily either. With Tatsuya-kun's healing magic, he may not stop until he dies."

"Shiba's healing magic... is that strong?"

Katsuto straightened his crossed arms and looked at Mayumi.

"Yes. More specifically, it's not really a treatment." Mayumi caught Katsuto's gaze, and looked into his eyes. "So let me go with you to prevent such an outcome."

"You say you want to help me convince Shiba?"

"I'm not going to get in your way."

Looking up from Mayumi, Katsuto took a deep breath.

"If only to participate in the negotiations... It is true if you are present everything can be resolved peacefully. You are more familiar with Shiba than I am."

"It sounds a little strange when you're talking about a close acquaintance... So when will you go to Tatsuya-kun?"

"If Shiba isn't busy, I thought about next Sunday. I'll be in my car, so I'll take you straight out of the house."

"Ara, thank you."

Mayumi smiled and turned forward. From this moment, there was no more talk between them, but an awkward atmosphere in the booth didn't arise.

The day after returning from the security mission on the Enterprise, Lina looked quite sluggish during training.

"Commander-in-Chief. You seem to be feeling bad? How is your health...?"

"No, it's nothing like that. I'm sorry I was so sloppy Ben."

Having finished training and on the way to the barracks she met Stars number Two officer Canopus, who addressed her with a serious face.

"No, everybody has black and white stripes in his life... Has anything happened to you?"

"Yes. It wasn't like me, I was nervous in front of those two 'Apostles', Bezobrazzoff and MacLeod."

"It wasn't a battlefield, but a meeting place. There's nothing wrong with being mentally exhausted from trying to prevent an error in front of foreign guests."

"...Ben? Are you saying that I'm too inexperienced?"

"Oh, no, what are you saying?"

Canopus immediately looked away. Lina felt pressure in her temples.

"The first thing is to get some rest Commander-in-Chief. Well, I'll go now."

Canopus showed a reassuring smile and left. Seeing the retreating figure, Lina thought that she couldn't afford to do it, no matter how much she was asked to. She turned and walked to her room.

Thanks to Canopus she felt much better, but she still couldn't get it off her mind. Even after taking a shower, she didn't feel refreshed.

She was aware of the reason. The fate of the magicians she saw on the Enterprise affected her feelings.

Prior to this, Lina didn't experience much discomfort or dislike of how magicians were treated as a weapon. Prior to that, she'd strongly considered this question when she was in Japan when she collided with Tatsuya, Miyuki and their friends... no, when she collided with Tatsuya.

Lina was sitting in front of the mirror, wrapped only in a towel. She barely realized what she was doing she was so absorbed in her thoughts.

(Tatsuya wasn't against the fact that magicians were forced to fight.) (Tatsuya wasn't against magicians becoming soldiers.) (Tatsuya didn't say that he was against magicians becoming weapons.) (Tatsuya was against continuing to be a soldier.) Listening to her thoughts, she remembered something. One thought occurred in Lina's mind.

(What is Tatsuya striving for? A world in which magicians don't need to become weapons.)

(Maybe I'm remembering wrong? Tatsuya didn't say anything like that.) However, she felt that this thought was correct. The idea that Tatsuya seeks to create a society where magicians are not forced to become weapons.

When she returned from Japan and was far from Tatsuya, she felt no doubt about this matter.

She began again to think that using magic in combat is quite natural for magicians in the army. Therefore, she thought that the idea of a "world in which magicians aren't forced to be a weapon" is some kind of delusion.

She became a soldier of her own free will. Magicians play the role of weapons of their own free will. Regardless of how it looks from the outside, magicians have the freedom to choose.

(I thought so before.)

(Or so I imagined it.)

(But there...)

(That Enterprise system...)

(As Tatsuya said...)

(Right. I need Tatsuya...)

Reaching out to the videophone, Lina froze in this pose.

(What was I trying to do?)

(Warn Tatsuya?)

(About what?)

(The fact that Bezobrazzoff and MacLeod are targeting him?) Lina's forehead broke out in sweat after just taking a shower, and an unpleasant chill ran down her back.

"Ha, ha ha, ha ha ha ha ha..."

The laughter that escaped from Lina's lips was half-unconscious.

(What the hell was I trying to do?)

If it wasn't for this laughter, she would be panicking right now.

It's good that she remembered Tatsuya.

But she won't be allowed to warn Tatsuya, because this will be considered leaking military secrets. The phone in her room is clearly tapped, so it cannot be used.

(This shocked me so much.)

(Finding out that magicians are used like spare parts, as fuel...) (I thought I understood the limitations of the military's freedom.) (I thought I agreed with that.)

(Tatsuya...)

(That's why you said that, huh?)

Lina remembered the words spoken at the parting that night.

( "If Lina wants to leave Stars..." ) ( "If you want to stop being a soldier..." ) (Tatsuya: Did you know that I'm not fit to be a soldier...?) All these thoughts of Lina were now unconscious for her.

She got up and went to the bathroom again to wash away the sweat and keep warm.

She took off the towel and put herself under a hot shower.

By this time Lina didn't even remember what she was thinking while sitting in front of the mirror.