Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 23 - Isolation - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Saturday evening.

The villa where Tatsuya lived had some unexpected guests.

Feeling their approach with "Elemental Sight" which he wouldn't confuse with anything, Tatsuya got up from the workstation and went to the parking lot in front of the entrance.

A large sedan with tinted windows stopped smoothly. A young man came from the driver's seat. Simultaneously with it, from the left rear passenger place there was a girl.

The young man was Hanabishi Hyougo. The girl is Sakurai Minami.

After leaving, Minami remained standing, holding the door. Hyougo shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Soon after holding Minami's hand, a beautiful girl emerged from the back door, as if coming from another world.

Miyuki raised her head and her black silky hair swung. Tatsuya and Miyuki's eyes met.

"Onii-sama...!"

With a voice full of emotion, Miyuki clung to Tatsuya's chest.

Tatsuya gently caught Miyuki's body, gently hugged her and whispered in her ear.

"You still came."

"I wanted to see you so badly Onii-sama .."

"Me too... But Miyuki, you were wrong to come here."

After Tatsuya's words, Miyuki's body quivered slightly, and she reluctantly backed away from him.

"...Tatsuya-sama and I haven't seen each other for a long time."

Miyuki completely forgot that Hyougo was there. But even without him, in this situation it isn't known where eyes and ears can hide. With a reserved face, she bowed to Tatsuya.

"Right. Even though it's been less than a week, it seems like we haven't seen each other for a long time."

This response with undisguised emotions was quite unusual for Tatsuya.

Having sent Hyougo away after asking him to return tomorrow night, Tatsuya led Miyuki and Minami inside the villa.

Each of them had a small bag of luggage. In actuality the villa wasn't just prepared in advance for Tatsuya's needs, but also changes of clothes for Miyuki and Minami.

Preparing for the trip here, Minami showed disgust on her face when she heard about it from Miyuki.

Her personal clothes were placed where she herself does not live, in addition to the place where a person of the opposite sex lives, almost no different from her own age. Although she didn't seriously think that he would be interested in her underwear, she couldn't do anything to get rid of this unpleasant discomfort.

Miyuki it seems didn't care at all.

That's why their bags were so light, but when they entered the house, Pixie took them both. Both Miyuki and Minami were strongly against Tatsuya carrying them. More specifically, the non-humanoid robot-porter, managed by Pixie politely took their luggage.

Since the bags were taken away, there was no need to go to the bedroom. So the two girls, following Tatsuya's invitation, sat on the living room sofa.

"You haven't had dinner yet have you? Let me prepare something."

Hearing this from Tatsuya, Minami immediately jumped from the sofa.

"Tatsuya-sama, I'll cook."

Her voice was relatively calm, but her eyes were shining with enthusiasm. Seeing this, Tatsuya immediately refused to discourage her.

"...Understood. Pixie, switch the equipment in the kitchen to manual mode."

" I refuse."

Pixie's answer was completely unexpected.

If this were due to the impossibility of executing an order (for example, there is no connection with the system), then this could be understood.

But this is obviously not the case, since it's known that she has the ability to switch the equipment to manual mode.

But if this is so, then this should apply to some kind of malfunction.

According to their programming, no machine can resist the orders of the owner. Realizing that Pixie isn't a simple machine, Tatsuya again gave the order.

"It is forbidden to refuse. Pixie, switch the equipment in the kitchen to manual mode. This is an order."

"Does the master prefer food cooked by this person?"

Tatsuya felt a headache. After coming to this villa he felt that Pixie had a little increased awareness of her "personality". Although she had just expressed her opinion against Tatsuya's order for the first time, but before that there were many cases when she did something, like making a decision herself before Tatsuya gave her any order.

But that's why you couldn't give her too much freedom.

"It's not about preferences. Pixie, it was an order."

"...I am obeying."

Perhaps it was only Tatsuya's imagination, because such a function wasn't built into it, but Pixie seemed to answer in a displeased voice when she switched the kitchen equipment into manual mode.

"All right. Pixie, enter standby mode."

"Yes."

It was definately 100% imagination that Pixie looked upset while walking to her place in the corner of the room, where she sat on a chair and froze like a doll.

In contrast to this, Minami happily went to the kitchen. Tatsuya and Miyuki decided to pretend that they didn't hear her whisper "I won."

After preparing the meal, serving Tatsuya and Miyuki, cleaning and washing dishes, preparing the bath and bed, Minami, at last, showed that she was satisfied. Recalling that facial expression with a desire to serve the master, Tatsuya brought Pixie out of the waiting mode and left the rest of the work for her. There wasn't any remaining housework, but there was still a security issue, so Pixie didn't complain.

With this, everything will be fine. Tatsuya mentally scolded himself for being "distracted," and turned his gaze to Miyuki, sitting relaxed on the opposite side.

They were not in the living room or in the dining room.

They sat opposite each other at a table on the balcony. (The table was taken to the balcony with the same kind of non-humanoid robot as the robot-porter. This villa used many different robots, but Pixie was the only humanoid type among them.)

It was already after 9 pm, but it wasn't cold outside even in light clothes.

The peninsula of Izu is a mountainous area and it's near the end of May so it wasn't hot or cold. The temperature was just perfect and the breeze was refreshing, unlike near the urban area.

Miyuki narrowed her eyes and held her hair fluttering in the wind. She had a strange face, but it seems that the change of the location has improved her mood.

"Tatsuya-sama, this is a pretty nice place."

"Indeed. Another enjoyable season."

Penetrating the darkness of the night, the light emanating from the room fell on Miyuki's white skin. Black silky hair swaying in the wind flowed like flickering stars, and pearly black eyes glittered with their mysterious light.

After one glance at Miyuki, the sense of reality weakened. It was impossible to believe that this beaut eyxists in the same world as you.

Even Tatsuya is now deep in this feeling.

This inhuman beauty, is it divine or diabolical?

"...Tatsuya-sama, when you look at me like that... it's embarrassing..."

Miyuki's voice restored Tatsuya's composure.

Miyuki, sitting on the other side of the table, blushed, lowered her eyes and fingered her knees.

Tatsuya finally realized that he was staring at Miyuki, forgetting about everything.

"Sorry. I looked around."

"But that you... look at you? This is..."

Miyuki finally blushed and froze. Tatsuya realized that his restraint was broken.

He realized that the one that wanted to meet the most was not Miyuki, but himself.

Tatsuya thought that this is a serious problem, when emotions cannot restrain themselves. At the same time, he felt jealous of people around the world, because the enjoyment of this beauty wasn't limited to them alone.

"You're right, I'm sorry. Since I apologized, could you show me your face?"

"...Yes."

Miyuki slowly lifted her face, which still remained blushed. Her raised eyes met Tatsuya's gaze, and she looked away shamefacedly.

"...I need to talk seriously with you about something."

In fact, Tatsuya also felt uncomfortable, but fortunately, it wasn't difficult for him to suppress his emotions.

"...It's good."

What was the feeling in this voice?

Miyuki looked steadily into Tatsuya's eyes, although there were still signs of redness around her eyes.

"Did you come today because you know about tomorrow?"

"That's right." Miyuki sighed and asked in return. "And you, Tatsuya-sama, do you know about the fact that not only Juumonji-sempai will come tomorrow?"

"Yes. Fumiya told me."

"Thats how..."

There was a brief silence.

"...Miyuki. I don't want you to do anything dangerous."

"I know."

Again a short pause.

"I will not get involved in the battle between Tatsuya-sama and Juumonji-senpai."

"The purpose of Juumonji-sempai's visit is a conversation."

"Tatsuya-sama you too must understand that this isn't the only thing that will occur."

"Yes... probably."

Tatsuya sighed.

The sigh wasn't because of the predicament, but because of the expectation of an imminent collision.

Tatsuya acknowledged Katsuto as a strong enemy whom he didn't want to fight if there was a choice.

"Tatsuya-sama."

"What?"

"Juumonji-sempai will use that secret technique?"

"Who knows, because it shortens the life of the magician."

The two recently learned about the trump card of the Juumonji family.

After Katsuto took Tooyama Tsukasa under his protection, the Yotsuba main house realized that the clashes with Katsuto couldn't be avoided and told them them the secret of the Juumonji family. For this they remained debtors to Maya.

"If he uses it, then I think that even for Tatsuya-sama the battle will be difficult."

"Miyuki. You got permission from Maya?"

Tatsuya already knew what Miyuki would say.

"No, this is my own decision."

"Stop it. This is my personal battle. It will be hard to convince her."

"There's no need to persuade them. I want it myself. I'll take responsibility for myself."

"Miyuki, calm down."

"I'm calm, Tatsuya-sama. No, Onii-sama..."

Miyuki's perseverance was enough to prevent Tatsuya from inserting a single word in response.

"In the end, I'm only the younger sister of Onii-sama. After becoming the next head of the Yotsuba family, I will marry the son of the current head.

I will no longer have the opportunity to be associated with Onii-sama like just now..."

Miyuki broke off because she realized she was going to cry.

"Even if I deserve Maya-sama's anger, I want to at least something to be useful to Onii-sama."

Miyuki hesitated only for a moment. Then she sent her determined eyes to Tatsuya.

"Onii-sama. I will remove your seal."

"Miyuki, what are you...?"

Not "Release" but "Remove."

"I meant exactly what I said. I want to make sure that Onii-sama is never again troubled by this limit imposed by other people."

"No, wait. This, of course, isn't impossible, but..."

Tatsuya got up, not even trying to hide that he was nervous.

"It puts a heavy load on users. Not only on those who are sealed, but also those who maintain the seal. Correct Onii-sama?"

However the determination on Miyuki's face made Tatsuya sit back down.

Tatsuya's "Material Burst" is sealed with the Outer-Systematic Mental Interference magic "Pledge" by Tsukuba Toki the head of the Tsukuba family, a side branch of the Yotsuba family. In Tatsuya's case it not only blocks his greatest weapon, but his magical power is cut in half.

"Pledge" is a magic that prohibits specific decision, and limiting the magical power is just a side effect.

The unique feature of this magic is that in order to maintain the effect of mental intervention, the magical power of more than just the user themselves is needed.

When you try to prohibit something, it's meaningless if this effect can manifest only when you look at the object. Even prison guards don't watch prisoners constantly. In addition it's considered inefficient if one magician can control only one person.

Therefore the "Pledge" of a couple of people, the user himself and the subject of use, is usually supported by the magic power of a third person. If the decision-making constraint is non-permanent, then the use subject can do it himself. In the case where it is sometimes necessary to temporarily release the restriction, the third party that's close to the subject provides the magical power.

In the latter case, the "key" for the temporary removal of the restriction is transferred to the third party that provides magical power.

When using this key in the user's mind, the "prohibited" entry is rewritten to "temporarily released". To return the "prohibited" status you must again perform the ceremony, in which the owners "key" is reinstalled using the reactivation switch for the original user.

In Tatsuya's case, Miyuki is the owner of the "key". If Miyuki does not reactivate it then Tatsuya's seal will be removed, but the effect of releasing "Pledge" is temporary. As long as Miyuki continues to supply

"Pledge" with magical power, the seal will gradually gain strength, so leaving it can be dangerous for Tatsuya.

Tatsuya's "Material Burst" was impossible to contain with the magical power of only Tsukuba Toki. For this reason, in the "Pledge" imposed on Tatsuya, the condition that "the Magic Calculation Zone be connected to Miyuki" was added. This is the so-called bilateral relationship between Tatsuya and Miyuki in their "Pledge." And that part of the "Pledge", which is imposed on Miyuki herself, can also be temporarily taken down by the "key" she owns, and which she supports with her magical power.

"Pledge" is arranged so that if you stop the supply of magical power from Miyuki, then the effect of the magic will naturally disappear in a short time. However, in the depths of Miyuki's consciousness, the rule

"to supply Pledge with magical power" is set forcing her to do this.

Miyuki's words about the "heavy load on users" was not exactly accurate. After all, the user in this case was Tsukuba Toki. And the damage from the load will be given to Miyuki who was forced to supply the magic power for "Pledge" and maintain the seal.

"...I'm glad you want me to be in perfect condition. But still, a temporary release will be enough. Don't take risks of negative consequences from the removal of 'Pledge.'"

"No, Onii-sama. Miyuki cannot stand it any longer. The fact that I am Onii-sama's shackles. I cannot accept the fact that Onii-sama isn't comfortable being my fault."

Miyuki spoke the same way she did on New Year's Eve. As Miyuki said, she couldn't stand it anymore.

(I can't tolerate the Yotsuba family, who even though they've recognized Tatsuya as a member of the main family, but in an emergency situation, he can easily be given up.)

(Yes, they supply information. But what will that give? The information makes sense when you can cope with the approaching threat in the form of an attack. What the Yotsuba family is doing now looks like someone telling you that a rocket is flying to your city, and says that it's impossible to intercept it.)

(Of course, Tatsuya isn't a helpless civilian. He has the means to resist.

There are abilities, but the strength of one person has its limits.) The Yotsuba family must have enough strength to help Tatsuya. They are not called "Untouchables" for no reason. They must have the strength to resist even the government. And despite all this, he's forced to fight alone, moreover, he's restrained by his shackles. Such cruel treatment angered Miyuki to the core.

"All right, enough."

These were Miyuki's sincere thoughts.

"If Maya-sama wants Onii-sama to protect himself with only his power..."

In Miyuki's eyes, which were blacker than the clear night sky, a colorless fire was lit. With this look, she stared Tatsuya right in the eye.

"Then I would like that Onii-sama always had his real power."

Miyuki got up from her chair. To begin with, she wanted to make a temporary withdrawal of the seal.

"...I understand" said Tatsuya and got up from his chair. However, he didn't kneel before Miyuki.

"If so, then I, too, accept your determination...Come with me." Tatsuya said and went inside the villa.

"Y-yes."

Miyuki realized that she was distracted by her own enthusiasm.

Disappointed, she followed Tatsuya. In the living room was Minami as expected and Pixie's out of standby mode.

"Minami. Take a bath with Miyuki."

Not knowing how to respond to such an unexpected order after the tension experienced a moment ago, Miyuki simply stood in wide-eyed silence.

"Together...?" With embarrassment on her face, Minami repeated, implying that she does not understand the true meaning of the order.

"Yes. There is enough space In the bathtub for two people. Help Miyuki thoroughly clean up. But don't use any fragrances or other things with scents this evening."

"Yes...

"Pixie will prepare a change of clothes for Miyuki."

"...In other words, I should help Miyuki-sama change into ready-made clothes?"

"That's right."

"Yes, Tatsuya-sama. Miyuki-sama, with your permission please follow me."

Minami didn't understand why Tatsuya had ordered this. But an order is an order.

In addition, taking care of Miyuki is exactly what Minami wanted.

Usually Miyuki refuses this, but now, using Tatsuya's order as an argument, Minami can "serve" her...

Fortunately for Minami, she managed to drag Miyuki into the bathroom before the sense of the conversation began to come up.

Quite "taking care" of Miyuki, Minami sent her to stay in the bath, and quickly washed herself. When they came out together from the bathroom, Miyuki looked completely exhausted, and Minami was in high spirits with a sense of accomplishment.

The clothes prepared there came as a surprise to Miyuki and Minami.

"Minami-chan, is this a white kimono...?"

"White kimono..."

Miyuki held in her hands an unfolded white kimono, the same as worn by Shinto priestesses.

"...And here we seem to have a red hakama."

"...It looks like it."

Nearby lay a bright red hakama skirt, which can be called a symbol of the priestess costume.

"It seems that there's no underwear under the kimono... This means that I need to wear this white kimono right away?"

"If you directly follow the words of Tatsuya-sama, it seems so."

"That's right."

With her face expressing "nothing can be done", Miyuki slipped her hand into the white sleeve. The sensation of the fabric was unexpectedly soft and pleasant.

Then she put on a red hakama. It felt like a normal skirt to the ankle, but wearing it without any underclothes was somehow embarrassing.

When they came out of the bathroom, Tatsuya entered. While he was in the bathroom, they began to dry their hair.

It takes some time to dry Miyuki's long hair. Especially if we take into account Tatsuya's current request "not to use things with a scent."

Tatsuya left the bathroom at about the same time that hair care was being completed.

"Miyuki, can I enter?"

"Yes, please."

Standing in front of the mirror, Miyuki turned to the door.

Tatsuya was in white clothes with short sleeves. On the clothes there were no patterns or drawings. Completely ordinary white fabric.

"Miyuki, follow me. Minami, you can rest now."

Again, without explaining anything, Tatsuya turned his back.

Miyuki and Minami exchanged glances, after which one of them followed Tatsuya.

Tatsuya led Miyuki to a room in the traditional Japanese style.

On the floor of the tatami was laid a red square carpet, and on each corner stood a saucer with salt, poured in the form of a hill.

In the middle of the carpet lay a wooden stand. On this stand was a white jug and two small cups of white porcelain.

Tatsuya sat down on his knees in front of this stand.

"Miyuki, please sit down."

Following Tatsuya's invitation, Miyuki sat on the opposite side of the stand.

"Now I will explain the nature of "Pledge."

The sudden words made Miyuki involuntarily straighten up even more, although she was already sitting upright.

"If we're not talking about the effect, but about how the Tsukuba family's 'Pledge' is arranged, then this is a spell that forces someone to use the magic that the spell user wants. Forcing them to use magic to control someone's mind. You can call it magic, interfering in the processes of other magic. Thus, it is ineffective for use by those who are not magicians."

Miyuki nodded her understanding.

"Because of its nature of interference in the processes of magic, 'Pledge'

is established in the deep layers of consciousness, next to the 'Gates'. We can say that this system is close in that sense to 'Gatekeeper'."

"To the 'Gatekeeper', developed by Onii-sama?"

"Right. 'Pledge' is a spell that makes use of magic, and 'Gatekeeper' is a spell that prohibits using magic. Naturally, their systems are similar."

Miyuki nodded once more.

"Therefore 'Pledge' can be eliminated using 'Gatekeeper'."

Tatsuya took the cup from the stand and handed it to Miyuki.

Embarrassed, Miyuki took it. With his free hand, Tatsuya removed the lid from the jug, took it and turned to Miyuki.

"Is this...?"

"Don't worry, it's not alcohol."

Miyuki was embarrassed not because she thought he offered her alcohol.

The thing is, she thought that this is the ceremony of "San-san-kudo" *.

*San-san-kudo (3-3-9) is a ceremony that is conducted at the time of marriage. The newlyweds alternately make 3 sips from 3 cups with sake.*

Although three cups of different sizes should be prepared for San-ku-kudo, but the atmosphere here was suitable.

Miyuki timidly set the cup and Tatsuya poured a clear liquid.

Miyuki put the cup to her face. There was no smell.

She gathered all her resolve and drained the whole cup in one gulp...

After which her face finally relaxed. Because the liquid didn't have any taste either.

"Onii-sama... what is this?"

This water is highly purified. Although it is impossible to achieve a level of ultrapurity due to contact with the container and air, but this is the closest to that level of purity, excluding all other pollution factors.

Tatsuya passed the jug to Miyuki, and she poured water into Tatsuya's cup.

"Um... Is that a farewell bowl of water?"

"Farewell bowls of water" meant the ritual of parting. Miyuki's voice trembled a little. Not only her voice, but both hands holding the jug trembled as well.

"No, it's different. Unless in case the use of clean water will not be an excessive difficulty?" Answered Tatsuya, having drunk clean water from the cup.

"Yes, really..."

Miyuki stopped trembling. Tatsuya returned the cup to the stand. After that, Miyuki first put the jug on the stand, and then the cup.

"It was a ritual to cleanse the body. Of course it's only symbolic. By accepting a pure substance, we increase the purity of the body and mind. If you look for the necessary pure substance, suitable for eating or drinking, and while not harmful to the body, then water is the best candidate."

Tatsuya pushed the stand aside. Now there were no obstacles between Tatsuya and Miyuki.

"To interfere with 'Pledge' located in the deepest layer of consciousness, we also need to get in touch on the deepest level."

"Onii-sama...?"

What is this, a joke? She wanted to ask, but...

"What?"

"...!"

She saw Tatsuya looking at her with an absolutely serious look, and her mind completely emptied, and her face turned red.

?

?

"Er, this is my... first time .. and if possible, it's better on the futon ..."

Turning and trembling all over, Miyuki tried to complain with a thin voice.

Tatsuya's face was petrified. He showed absolute surprise.

"...I'm sorry!" Tatsuya suddenly bowed low.

"...Um, Onii-sama?" Miyuki asked after she timidly turned her head back and saw Tatsuya.

"Please forgive me for misleading you with an ambiguous phrase."

Tatsuya raised his head and met his eyes with Miyuki. There was shame in his eyes, which was very rare.

"Speaking about the deep level of contact, it was meant in the spiritual sense... In this case physical contact will disturb the mind and will interfere."

It took a second in order for Tatsuya's words to leak into Miyuki's mind.

After that second, Miyuki tried to run away while covering her face with her hands. Tatsuya quickly reached out and grabbed Miyuki's shoulder.

"Let go, please! Onii-sama, I beg you!"

"It's my fault! So calm down!"

If he let her go now, then this problem will drag on for a long time...

Tatsuya had that feeling, and he desperately tried to reassure Miyuki.

Miyuki managed to regain peace after only 10 minutes of Tatsuya's persuasion.

"...I apologize. For this unsightly behavior..."

"...No, I must apologize."

Tatsuya and Miyuki met with a glance. At first both were embarrassed, but in the end, their faces became serious.

"Let's start, Onii-sama." Miyuki was the first to speak.

"Ok, we will."

Tatsuya moved closer to Miyuki. When the distance became such that their knees touched each other, their eyes met again.

"I will now explain the spell."

"Yes."

"After releasing the seal, Miyuki will cease to supply 'Pledge' with magical power."

"Yes."

"The 'Pledge' spell will increase its activity, achieving the purpose of the Pledge. At this time, the true form of magic hiding in the deep layers of consciousness will become visible."

"Yes."

"Then I attack it with my 'Gatekeeper'. Though it's in a state mixed with consciousness and because I'm not able to use Mental Interference magic, I cannot get it. However, if the magic sequence appears then I can 'decompose' it."

"Yes. I rely on you, Onii-sama." Miyuki said while nodding. Staring Tatsuya directly in the eyes, she rose a little. Putting her hands on his shoulders to keep her balance, she put her lips to his forehead.

A flood of psion light erupted. In a raging psion vortex, the power came out of Miyuki's hands.

Tatsuya hugged Miyuki tightly. The warmth and softness of Miyuki's body, separated only by a thin white cloth, were transmitted to Tatsuya.

But he wasn't even excited feeling it.

Hugging Miyuki, who was breathing heavily, Tatsuya sent his "Eye" into her.

He concentrated his mind.

Reason is the area that his "Eye" cannot reach. Suffering from excessive concentration that almost deteriorates the mind, Tatsuya directed his

"Elemental Sight" at something that he should not be able to "see."

You cannot "see" the mind. But you can "see" the psion information body. Tatsuya was looking for hidden magic in Miyuki that didn't belong to her, and finally found it. His Elemental Sight aimed at the growing strength of the magic sequence of "Pledge."

Tatsuya activated gatekeeper.

This is the "Scattering spell" that targets the "Gate" (this is a kind of

"exit" from the subconscious area from which magic sequences are released) of the magician. "Gram Dispersion" decomposes the psion information body, so that it can be called magic, which is a natural enemy of magic.

Even if magic affects the mind, its true form isn't an information body built of cells, but a psion information body. Therefore, it will not be able to avoid "Gram Dispersion."

Having manifested to begin fulfilling Pledge, the sequence of the magic of the "Pledge" showed its true form and was destroyed by Tatsuya's magic.

Tatsuya got his freedom.