Drinking tea from a cup, Kudou Makoto exhaled in satisfaction. At the request of Makoto, Minami brewed hot tea instead of ice tea for him.
“So, isn’t it time to get down to business?”
Although Minoru said “isn’t it time,” as if he were hurrying his conversational partner, but the delay was caused by him. It was Minoru who asked Minami to serve tea so that he had time to put his thoughts in order.
Despite the fact that he learned in advance that the intruder was his father, he couldn’t get rid of the excitement that he felt when they met face to face.
“Before that, could you let Soushi inside?”
“Did Soushi-niisan come too?”
There was a note of surprise in Minoru's voice, but it was his acting. Minoru had already seen with “Elemental Sight” that two large cars were outside the barrier, and Soushi was sitting in one of them.
Since the enemy wasn’t Tatsuya, he could freely use “Elemental Sight" without fear of reverse detection. Also, the fact that Tatsuya wasn't the intruder was indicated by the fact that the barrier wasn't completely destroyed, but only temporarily neutralized.
Makoto nodded, not noticing the pretense of Minoru (or not showing what he noticed).
“Yes. He's going to work as bait for you.”
“... I would like to hear the details when Soushi-niisan joins us.”
Before he answered, there was some unnatural delay. Minoru still continued to worry openly.
“Should I go meet the guest?”
Minami’s proposal wasn't only the manifestation of a maid’s professionalism, but also, perhaps, carried a hidden meaning in the form of helping Minoru until he collected his thoughts.
“Thanks, but not necessary. I will send a gynoid to meet him."
The battle-like gynoid (not converted into a parasitic doll), which was used as a driver during the escape to this place, was now stored in the lobby of the mansion in standby mode. Minoru took out a thin mobile terminal from his breast pocket, entered the command to cancel the gynoid standby mode through it, and then gave him the command to meet the “guest.”
Returning the terminal to his breast pocket, Minoru sipped some tea from his cup.
Makoto also took his cup in his hand.
Minami went to the kitchen to make some more tea.
Kudou Soushi, the brother of Minoru and the second son of the Kudou family, arrived in the dining room even before Minami returned.
At the time of the meeting with Minoru, the behavior of Soushi showed that he was a little scared. The fear left over after Minoru's attack on their home in Ikoma hasn’t yet passed.
“Nii-san, please come in.”
“Don’t be shy, Soushi, sit down.”
While maintaining a serious expression on his face, Soushi followed Minoru's request and Makoto's order, and sat down next to his father.
At that moment Minami returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray with cups of tea on it. She showed no reaction to the strained atmosphere caused by Soushi, took away the old cups and saucers that stood before Makoto and Minoru, and put new cups of tea in front of all three people.
“Minami-san. That's enough, so I'm sorry, but...”
With such a slightly vague wording, Minoru wanted to ask Minami to leave the room.
“Yes, I understand.”
Minami understood everything perfectly, bowed politely and walked out of the dining room.
“You could have left that girl here. She was the reason you gave up your humanity, wasn't she?”
“Yes, I became a parasite for her sake.”
Minoru answered his father's question, with an elevated tone. He didn’t like it when they talked about Minami with that attitude.
“I see.”
Makoto smiled slightly at the difference in enthusiasm between him and his son.
It looked like a taunt, but Minoru didn't show any negative reaction at the time.
“So what is the reason for your sudden visit?”
Minoru spoke in a rather constrained tone, but it wasn't just now that he was beginning to behave this way. The relationship between Minoru and Makoto lost interest a few years ago. Makoto's attitude toward Minoru was close to dismissive, and if his grandfather Retsu had died much earlier, Minoru would have given up his humanity much earlier and in a different form.
“I've been wondering, do you need any help?”
“Help?”
This time, the surprise on Minoru's face wasn't faked. He didn’t think that in his father he could suddenly awaken any late parental love. Minoru couldn’t understand the reason why his father was offering him his help.
“You can’t escape in the current situation.”
Makoto noticed that Minoru was feeling doubt. But he didn’t begin to explain why he was offering his help.
“Even if you have a Parade capable of fooling the eyes of your pursuers, you lack the necessary “vessels” that will carry the illusions, don't you?”
“... You've prepared other “actors" besides Soushi-niisan?”
Minoru indirectly agreed with Makoto's inquiring, answering him with a question.
“Except Soushi, all the others are androids. After all, one doesn’t need to be a man to take on the role of a “vessel” for Parade.”
“...I'm very grateful. So you suggest I use them to leave this place?”
“Yes. Do you have anywhere to go? I have connections in Taiwan and Indochina. If you want, I'll talk to my intermediaries.”
Minoru wasn't thinking at all about the fact that there was no parent who didn't think of his child, despite his cold attitude towards him.
“So you want to expel me out of Japan?”
That's his father’s goal. When this became clear, Minoru finally understood the meaning of this "friendliness" shown by his father.
“If the other Master Clans find out that you are helping me, then this time the Kudou family will surely be kicked out of the Twenty-Eight Families. Maybe even lose their place in the magical world. So you want to help me escape before the Yotsuba family or the Juumonji family catches me?”
The “magical world” is a society of magicians. The Twenty-Eight Families are the Ten Master Clans plus the Eighteen Substitute Families. Minoru asked his father, Makoto, if he wanted to get him out of the country in order to avoid the “social death" of the Kudou family.
“And that too.”
Makoto nodded slightly in response to Minoru's counter-question.
“But other than that, the fact is that you are the greatest magician and masterpiece of the Kudou family. It will be a pity to lose you.”
Continuing, Makoto unleashed heartless, insensible words on Minoru.
“Then we'll play it as if you manipulated Soushi. Sure, the Kudou family will lose some of its reputation, but it will be better than giving away the valuable finished product to the Yotsuba or Saegusa.”
Soushi's whole body trembled. The man sitting next to him had just said, without hiding it, that he would have to become a bargaining chip. It was quite humiliating.
But Soushi said nothing, and showed absolutely no resistance at all.
“Everything is already prepared.”
“... Did you use the “Puppet Law" on Soushi-niisan?”
This question meant: “Did you turn Soushi into a controlled doll with the help of the magic for controlling a man's will?" But Makoto shook his head no at Minoru's question.
“I just reminded him that he should perform his duties as a magician of the Kudou family... the magicians of Nine should be fulfilled.” Soushi gave his consent.
Minoru turned and looked over at his second oldest brother, Soushi. He had a facial expression that didn’t speak at all about his consent.
“Okay. In that case, I will accept your generous offer.”
However, Minoru with this stopped the interrogation of Makoto. The kindred feelings between them were rather weak, so Minoru couldn’t really reproach Makoto now.
Minoru won’t grieve when Soushi, who plays the role of bait, is caught, and his reputation sinks to the very bottom. Although,Minoru also didn’t have such feelings like “it serves him right.” The expression that most accurately describes Minoru's attitude was “I don’t care.”
“However, from the proposed destinations, I'll have to refuse. Because my friends have already organized an escape route for me.”
Hearing Minoru's answer, Makoto nodded and asked:
“Parasites from the USNA Army?”
According to this behavior, the head of the Kudou family didn’t seem like he wants to completely control the movement of his son.
“On a ship from Yokosuka?... No, wait, don’t answer. When is the departure?”
“Immediately, as soon as preparations are complete.”
“Don't you have to persuade that girl?”
Obviously, by “that girl,” Makoto meant Minami. To more effectively expel Minoru, it was necessary for him not to take Minami with him, however, Makoto didn’t seem to have any intentions of separating Minoru and Minami.... Or, he simply didn't care.
“Not necessary.”
Minoru answered Makoto's question with a clean and innocent smile on his face.
“I decided that I wouldn’t force or try to convince her.”
Minoru swore to himself that besides the already-made “restriction of freedom” by Minami, he wouldn’t oppose her will.
“Ah, being young.”
Makoto mumbled in an uninterested voice, realizing that Minoru was filled with determination.
After leaving the dining room where the conversation between the son and father of the Kudou family began, Minami went to the room that took on the role of her bedroom. She only used this room for changing clothes and sleeping, but besides the closet and bed there was also: an old-fashioned writing desk, a small piano, and a bookcase with books.
Minami sat down on the classic-designed chair that came with the antique writing desk. The chair had curved legs and no rollers, but despite such an elegant design, she didn’t have any difficulties with its movement. Minami herself, who has a frail build inherent in girls, had no problems sitting on this chair, but a large man weighing 90-100 kg would be better off not sitting on this chair.
The desk was the type that, when you use the table you need to open the top of the table top. But Minami sat sideways to the table, not opening the tabletop.
The bookcase was full of paper books that are rare these days. About half of the books were in Japanese, and the other half were in Chinese. The Japanese part of the collection included the complete collection of literature from the last century, which on the contrary, was new to Minami. She spent most of her time in this mansion in the dining room reading these books in order to distract herself and diversify her leisure time.
But now she didn’t even reach for the bookshelves. She was lost in thought, and she had no time for books.
Escaping abroad is too sudden of a news.
Reason told her that “you shouldn’t do this."
Minoru said he would let her go if she refused to follow him. In addition to the thought “I can’t appear before Miyuki-sama's eyes,” there was also a feeling inside Minami saying “I want to go home.”
Both her reason and senses gave the same answer. But Minami still hesitated.
And that was because her feelings weren't one.
“Am I trying to compare Miyuki-sama and Minoru-sama right now...?"
The desire to return to Miyuki and the desire to at least be with Minoru a little longer.
Minami hesitated between these two thoughts.
“... I'm disgusting..."
... betraying her mistress Miyuki, and wanting to return to her?
... Without giving an answer to Minoru, being in an unclear relationship with him, enjoying the desired feeling of falling in love?
The more she thought about it, the lower, meanest and disgusting person she considered herself.
Her psychological state didn’t fall to a level where recovery is impossible...
“...BUT! Who is there!?”
... because her alertness rose sharply when the room suddenly showed signs of the presence of another person.... It would probably be more accurate to say “thanks to the fact that it had risen."
“Sorry, Sorry.”
Surprisingly, at first only her voice reached her consciousness.
“Looks like I scared you a little.”
Minami blinked unconsciously several times.
“Sozu-sama (Yakumo)...?”
After she heard a voice in front of her, Yakumo finally became visible.
“When did you get here...”
“Just now. Sorry I didn’t knock, but I didn’t want to be noticed by those sitting over there.”
Yakumo said while looking in the direction of the dining room.
“No... I was just immersed in my thoughts, it's no big deal.”
?
It was an invasion without permission into the room of a young girl. In fact, this shouldn’t be forgiven so easily, but Minami simply couldn’t get angry because she was caught off guard.
“Better tell me sozu-sama, why did you come back...?”
During this recent visit, Yakumo said: “I would like you to promise me something."
And Minoru gave him the answer. Minami thought that was the end of Yakumo's business here.
“I would like to inform you of something.”
“Me?”
As Minami thought, the deal with Minoru was over. Instead, it turned out that Yakumo wanted to discuss something with Minami. Moreover, the word “inform"
usually meant that the conversation would be about some already known topic, with the addition of some facts.
“Tatsuya-kun was asked to release several magicians from the American military prison located on Midway Island.”
“Insane...! Even for Tatsuya-sama it will be difficult.”
“With his abilities it won't be a problem. Moreover, for Tatsuya-kun himself this will be a personal gain.”
Minami considered that attempting to get into the American military prison as recklessness. But she understood that Yakumo knows Tatsuya's abilities better than she does.
But Minami had no idea what all this has to do with her.
“The point is location. Tatsuya-kun doesn't seem to be able to make up his mind yet.”
A sly smile appeared on Yakumo's face.
“Well, that's not surprising. Tatsuya-kun doesn’t seem to understand the real benefits he will receive from fulfilling this request. For him, this is just a request from a familiar pretty girl, and he has no particular desire to go on an expedition to the remote island of Midway.”
The words “pretty girl" Yakumo singled out in his speech, saying them with a mischievous grin. But Minami's attention caught on to the repeated geographic name, and she realized what Yakumo wanted to say with this.
“... Sozu-sama, you mentioned earlier that the destination of Minoru-sama would be Midway Island.”
Yakumo slightly widened his eyes from these words of Minami, as if asking “what's next?".
“If I follow Minoru-sama...”
“Tatsuya-kun will pursue you...”
Yakumo's smile changed from a “smirk” to a “smile from ear to ear.”
“... even to the island of Midway.”
“...You think so?”
“Yes, I am sure. And in the meantime, while on Midway Island, Tatsuya will at the same time fulfill the request to release those magicians from prison.”
“... And this will bring Tatsuya-sama much benefit?”
“I believe that this will be one of the factors that will ultimately ensure the future for Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-kun.”
Yakumo's answer exceeded all Minami's expectations.
“Okay, I understand. Honestly, I didn’t know what to answer, but thanks to the advice from sozu-sama (Yakumo), I made a decision.”
“I didn't mean to give you any advice, but if my words were useful, so be it.”
Minami bowed low to Yakumo. When she raised her head, Yakumo had already disappeared.
The conversation between Minoru and Makoto lasted about 15 minutes. He decided to accept the help of the Kudou family with their escape rather quickly, but it was also necessary to clarify some small details.
After sending off his father Makoto and elder brother Soushi (Makoto went home, and Soushi waited in the car outside the barrier), Minoru went to Minami's room.
Overcoming indecision, he knocked on the door.
An answer was heard from within: “Wait one moment, please."
Then from inside he heard a sound similar to the slamming of a suitcase.
Is she collecting her things?
To go back home?
Or to go with me...?
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
While Minoru was already dreaming about an appropriate interpretation of this sound, the door opened.
“Oh, yes, I'm sorry.”
Seeing Minami, he apologized reflexively.
Minami, of course, didn’t understand what he was apologizing for.
When Minoru saw that Minami tilted her head inquiringly, his heartbeat increased.
“Um...”
Minoru adjusted his breathing and tried to start a conversation.
“Minoru-sama.”
But Minami interrupted him.
“Abandon humanity or abandon magic. I haven't made a choice yet.”
“I see...”
Minoru tried to hide his disappointment, but couldn’t do it completely. His voice completely betrayed his mood.
“So could you give me a little more time to think?”
“Uh...?”
When Minami continued, the faint disappointment on Minoru's face gave way to unconcealed hope.
“I can’t say when I'll give you an answer. Still, could you let me go with you?”
“Yes of course! With joy!”
Minoru's face lit up with joy. Even if his beauty wasn’t of this world, it only confirmed his similarity with some young deity, commanding art and light.
Minami was so overwhelmed by this beauty that she began to feel light tingling sensation in her heart.
Minami didn’t lie about the fact that she's hesitant between the two options. She was
afraid that she would turn into a useless creature.
Useless for everyone, not needed by anyone. This is what Minami was blindly afraid of. It could even be called paranoid fear. That was how Minami envisioned her worst future.
Losing her magic, she will become unsuitable for Miyuki-sama's service.
Renouncing her humanity, she will no longer be able to stay close to Miyuki-sama.
She couldn’t even conceive of the fact that Minoru really needed her. There was no doubt that Minoru was serious about her treatment. Now he is serious, but she didn’t think that it would continue after.
Now she wanted to stay with him.
But she didn’t know how long it would last.
... Minoru-sama and I don’t match, there is no balance between us.
... I can’t believe that I have the charm that can attract the attention of Minoru-sama.
Therefore, Minami couldn’t decide.
She didn’t pretend to be hesitant, but really couldn’t decide.
However, it was obvious that Yakumo’s phrase “this will provide a future for Tatsuya and Miyuki” influenced her decision to go with Minoru.
... Minoru-sama sincerely worries about me.
... And I take advantage of this grace of Minoru-sama.
That was the feeling of guilt, like thorns stuck in her heart now.
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