Maidens of Cygnus - Volume 2 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – One Thing After Another

The morning of Thursday.

“I’m soo glad...”

In the classroom of class 1-B, Marika was not shouting with joy, instead letting out a murmur of relief from being released from the tension.

On the screen of her open terminal, the results of the practical skill exams were displayed, along with the class she’s assigned to.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Marika, congratulations for rising to class A.”

“That’s really good for you, Marika-san.”

During the lunch break at the cafeteria, Marika was receiving the blessings of her friends who surrounded the same table.

“Thank you. Ehehe, I finally got to the same class as Asha.”

Though bashful, Marika didn’t hide her joy. As she said herself, her two-month long wish of being in the same class as Alisa has finally come true, and she has been thoroughly enjoying the feeling since this morning.

“You all did great too. Congratulations.”

And Marika shared the joy with all her friends.

Everyone had great results in yesterday’s monthly practical skills exams. Marika will be rising to class A, and Alisa and Mei maintained their class A status. Incidentally, Joui, who is not present, also remained in class A.

Koharu and Hiyori will be in class C next month. Koharu was in class B last month so she looked a little unsatisfied from being unable to return, but she was honestly pleased for rising to an upper class.

“Everyone else has a day off from your club activities too, right?”

Mei, who is part of both the Student Council and the Track and Field Club, asked them. Tomorrow is the practical skill exams for the second-year students.[10] As far as the Student Council knows, all the sports clubs and almost all of the cultural clubs too were scheduled to take a break from their activities.

Marika was the first to nod to Mei’s question, followed by Alisa and Hiyori.

“The Bike Club isn’t taking a break, but participation is always voluntary, so I can take a day off.”

The last one was Koharu, who replied, looking a bit uneasy.

“Then how about we celebrate after school at Einebrise?”

“Okay with me, but what about the Student Council?”

Alisa asked Mei, based on her proposal. Most clubs are taking a break from club activities, but the Student Council should be a different matter. There is the daily routine work to be done.

“I’ll finish it within an hour.”

Mei replied with no hesitation. Maybe the practical skill exams were somewhat stressful for her too.

“If that is enough, then we can wait for you, but...”

Is that really doable? Alisa’s look was asking that.

“Will you wait for me then? I’ll join with you later for sure.”

Mei once again had no hesitation in her tone.

Alisa reckoned that if Mei is saying it like that, she probably didn’t need to worry about it.

“Then we’ll be leaving first.”

Marika told Mei, with a tone that said that having the celebration was a settled matter.

Fortunately, neither Koharu nor Hiyori seemed to have objections.

◇ ◇ ◇

As they were to meet up at Einebrise, Alisa and Marika went to the store ahead of everyone else and secured a table. It was luckily not packed today, but just to be sure they informed the master that they ‘want to have a celebration’ and got his permission. The master said “I can’t reserve the whole store on the day, but you can use the table in the back as you wish” and put a ‘reserved’ sign on the table next to where Alisa and Marika sat down as well.

It was not long after that that three people came in.

Koharu, Hiyori, and a quiet-looking male student.

“Is it okay for one more to come?”

Hiyori put her hands on the boy’s sleeve and asked Alisa and Marika.

“It’s fine but... Who is he?”

It was Marika who asked. Alisa was surprised and stared with her eyes wide open.

“This is Karatachibana-kun, from our class.”

As soon as she heard that, Marika glared, her eyes shining. Marika had forgotten Mamoru’s face, who she once glanced at when he was with Alisa, but she remembered very well the name she heard from her best friend.

“Uh, what is it?”

As for Mamoru, he didn’t understand why Marika was looking at him like that. He was perplexed over why he had to be glared at by a beautiful girl he just met for the first time.

“...Maybe I would just be a nuisance?”

As a result of that thought, Mamoru had only one thing in mind.

“I knew it, I shouldn’t have come.”

He didn’t come here because he himself wanted to in the first place, Hiyori just caught him when he was about to leave and dragged him here against his will.

Mamoru didn’t have the courage to be the boy who crashes a girl’s party by himself. He took Marika’s unwelcomeness as an opportunity to try to escape from here.

“I told you, it’s fine.”

But Hiyori didn’t let Mamoru go.

“Right, Alisa.”

“Y-yeah.”

Suddenly talked to, Alisa reflexively nodded.

And Mamoru couldn’t disregard Alisa. No, even if it wasn’t Alisa, he was so unaccustomed to girls that he couldn’t ignore them. 

“But...”

Mamoru’s eyes were turned towards Marika.

Alisa followed his line of sight and realized the kind of look Marika was pointing at Mamoru.

“Mina, this is the first time you’re meeting Karatachibana-kun, isn’t it?”

So when she saw those eyes, she softly warned her.

Marika couldn’t ignore Alisa. She couldn’t even pretend she didn’t understand. Deep inside she was reluctant, but she gave Mamoru a welcoming smile, as if her attitude until then was just a mistake.

“I am Alisa’s number one best friend, Tookami Marika.”

In a cute, almost flirty voice, Marika introduced herself to Mamoru. In her voice was hidden something different — forcefulness, blatant cunning.

Easily understood that Marika was restraining herself, Mamoru’s cheeks stiffened.

“Okay. I understand. I am Karatachibana from class D.”

Mamoru tried his hardest to sound normal and managed to finish his self-introduction without stuttering. He tried to express ‘I have no particular relationship with Juumonji-san’ and ‘I have no intention of fighting over Juumonji-san’, but he wasn’t confident it got through to Marika.

The air between the two is full of tension — Marika is the one letting out the pressure, Mamoru is a complete victim — and Alisa, unable to stand it, made eye contact with Hiyori and asked “Why did you bring Karatachibana-kun?”

“I brought him because he seemed to have free time. You don’t mind, right? We’ve studied together too.”

But Hiyori didn’t appear to care at all about the pressure emanating from Marika and said so nonchalantly.

It was an answer for Alisa, and at the same time, a question for Marika.

“Sure, fine. It wasn’t a girls-only party anyway, right?”

When pressed directly like this, not even Marika could deny him.

“Karatachibana-kun, take a seat.”

With a smile — an insincere one, of course — Marika urged Mamoru to sit down.

Alisa and Marika were sitting next to each other.

First, Hiyori put the other table next to theirs, turning their four-seat table into an eight-seat table, and sat down next to Alisa. Koharu hesitated a little, finally sitting in front of Marika.

“Karatachibana-kun, you sit there.”

The seat Hiyori indicated for Mamoru was in front of Alisa.

On the surface Marika looked calm, but Alisa knew she wanted to say something about it.

“Just until Mei arrives, okay?”

But when that was said, Marika had to agree to it.

“What shall we order?”

By Hiyori’s initiative, the mood of the night before of a war cooled down before the war actually started.

They decided as a group to order sweets after Mei arrived. But even with only drinks, the chatter of the high school girls got lively. Mamoru didn’t look comfortable, but when talked to, he gave sensible responses and in his own way made the place livelier.

Also, Mamoru only seemed to be having fun when he was talking to Alisa. Alisa didn’t seem to be that dissatisfied.

It wasn’t just Marika who thought like that. Marika’s frustration became more intense every time Alisa and Mamoru exchanged words and smiled, but Hiyori, in contrast, became more excited. Only Koharu was out of the loop, but she was unaware of that.

Hiyori brought Mamoru with her because she felt he and Alisa had a certain pleasant mood. And currently, that mood is continuing as she expected. Perhaps it is in Hiyori’s nature to be a matchmaker.

But neither Alisa nor Mamoru have the kind of feelings for each other that Marika and Hiyori are thinking they do right now. Marika was just overthinking, and Hiyori was just getting excited by herself. This sort of unpalatable situation lasted until Mei joined them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

As Mei said herself, she joined them within an hour, to be precise, in 56 minutes.

As Mamoru heard everyone other than him reply to her voice, he stood up to give her his seat.

He then turned to her and said “Please, take a seat”.

But as far as Mei is concerned, a boy she doesn’t know just suddenly talked to her in a friendly way. This wouldn’t be that confusing if it was a downtown ladies’ man, but the friends who she was scheduled to meet were having a friendly talk with this stranger.

“Umm, who are you?”

So this kind of reaction coming from Mei was presumably inevitable.

“Ah...”

When she looked at him with suspicion, Mamoru thought ‘I’ve been careless’. Swept away by the mood — mainly, he let himself be influenced by Hiyori — he fell into the illusion that they were all friends, but in reality Koharu was just a classmate he didn’t talk with much until yesterday, and for Marika it was essentially they first time they’ve met. While he knows this girl is a member of the Student Council, it’s only him that knows her, and looking from the other side he was just a complete stranger who is wearing a First High uniform.

“I should have introduced myself sooner, I’m Karatachibana from class 1-D.”

When he said that, Mei realized she had been impolite and became a little embarrassed.

“No, I should have too. I’m Isori from class 1-A. If you’re in class D, that means you’re a friend of Hiyori’s? Or maybe Koharu’s?”

“Just classmate would probably be closer than friend. Sengoku-san dragged me here today.”

From the point of view of an outsider, what he said smelled like an excuse. But Mei easily accepted it. She does seem like she would do that, that is the impression Mei has of Hiyori.

Also, it was entirely factual in this case.

“Karatachibana-kun. Since you’re already here, why don’t you stay a bit longer? Today we’re celebrating the end of the monthly exams.”

Mei relaxed her tone and attitude and suggested him to stay.

“Alright.”

Mamoru also tore down his frank attitude.

He had no reason to refuse, so he sat down in front of Hiyori.

Mei sat in front of Alisa and everyone placed their orders again. From then on, the five girls shared sweets and talked about their thoughts, and Mamoru devoted himself to silently listening. Mamoru was only addressed when asked about which class he would be in next month, but the conversation didn’t go any further when he said he would be in class B. Mamoru would be the only one there who would be in class B next month.

...Looking at it objectively, it was probably a waste of time for Mamoru. But at least Marika’s hatred towards him didn’t increase any further.

◇ ◇ ◇

On Friday, with the third-year students’ practical skills exams having finished, club activities were held as usual.

Upon finishing practice in the Magic Arts Club, and before joining up with Alisa, Marika went to the geometry preparation room on the third floor of the preparations building.

“Excuse me. It’s Tookami.”

She said her name while opening the door. The exams were already over, so she didn’t think there was any issue.

Also, Marika didn’t say her class when she gave her name. She unconsciously believed that even if she didn’t say it, ‘sensei’ would recognize who she is.

“Come in.”

Kitou invited Marika in. Like always, there were no teachers other than him in the preparation room at this time.

With a smile, Marika stood in front of Kitou, who remained sat on his chair.

“Sensei. I’ve gone up to class A.”

“I know. You’ve done well.”

As he looked up from his chair, Kitou congratulated Marika on her efforts with a calm smile.

“It’s all thanks to you, sensei. Thank you so much.”

“If there is anything you don’t understand, come ask me again.”

Kitou said to the enthusiastically bowing Marika.

“Is that okay!?”

Marika raised her head and asked with a look that couldn’t hide her surprise.

“I won’t be in charge of next month’s practical skills, but my position as a first-year teacher hasn’t changed. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions.”

“Yes. I’ll be relying on you.”

Looking happy, Marika lowered her head once more.

◇ ◇ ◇

The last Sunday of the month. Souma was visiting a residential area near the center of the region of Tama. At the end of a complicated road there was a mansion with a look that made it feel it had history. That was his destination. On the nameplate, most likely handwritten in Chinese ink, was the name ‘Anzai’.

Souma stood in front of the gate, not using the intercom and instead heading straight into the residence and introducing himself with his full name.

He didn’t speak very loudly. Just spoke a little louder than for normal conversations. The closed gates hiding the house, obviously, should remain closed. It didn’t look like a voice with that volume would ever reach.

Despite that, the gate opened from the inside without waiting for too long. On the other side was a person who probably opened the gate. Souma knew it was a servant who guards the gate of this mansion. The owner of this place must have the power and wealth to be able to continue with such old-fashioned customs in modern times.

Souma and the gatekeeper gave each other a nod as a greeting. In the sense that they obey the owner of this mansion, Souma and the gatekeeper are associates. The roles they have been bestowed are different, but neither is above the other. The only one who stands above them is the owner of the residence.

He followed the cobblestone path with shrubbery planted on both sides and the elegant two-story building came into sight. The retro look is modelled after the residences of the nobility from the late 19th century. Its appearance makes one feel the weight of history, but in truth this building was rebuilt about 20 years ago.

When Souma stood in front of the entrance, the door opened immediately from the inside. This too was operated by human hand. Using manpower over machines is already a kind of extravagance. In the next century, it likely will increasingly become more of an upper-class privilege. Even if that happens, the owner of this mansion will without a doubt continue to employ servants.

“I have come, in accordance with my Lord’s summons.”

Souma informed the female servant who opened the door about his reason for coming.

The maid, who appeared to be a little over 40 years of age, bowed politely to Souma as she said “I have heard you would come” and led him to a reception room.

The western-style reception room is spacious. The dignified furniture is arranged just as needed and there is nothing that gives a disorderly impression. Souma knew that the other rooms were treated in the same luxurious way that one wouldn’t expect from a place near the city center.

Despite all appearances, this is a secondary residence. ‘Lord’s’ main house is in Ashiya. They built a house here because ‘the lower ranked influential people are gathering in Tokyo, so it is more convenient to have a house in Tokyo’.

Souma’s master, Anzai Isao, also known as ‘Lord’, is a ‘mastermind’ of this county, so to speak. He is a part of the top group of people who operate in the shadows, no, that control the shadows.

As Souma was waiting in the reception room with his back straightened up, another visitor was led into the room. Souma stood up and silently bowed to the man eight years older than him.

That man was First High School’s teacher in charge of practical skills for class 2-B as well as 1-B, Kitou Tomohiko.

Kitou returned a light bow to Souma. Afterwards he sat down on the sofa in silence.

After seeing that with his own eyes, Souma also returned to his original sitting position. They did not talk. This is the inside of ‘Lord’s’ residence. Even if they both serve Anzai, having a conversation without their master’s permission would be disrespectful of them, even downright rude.

The time for the appointment arrived.

Anzai appeared right on time. He is a tall, slim man in his late fifties to early sixties. Neither Souma nor Kitou know details of his identity, including his exact age. It is likely that only a small number of people in this country know. He had a rough style, only wearing a jacket on top of a shirt and no tie, but that doesn’t undermine Anzai’s dignity.

“Both of you, thank you for coming.”

He had a friendly tone, but his voice naturally pressures them to bow their heads. There was a possibility that the pressure was just a reflection of their preconception of the power he holds, but neither of them were willing to try it out.

“My Lord, we will be here any time you call for us.”

Kitou responded to Anzai as their representative. Anzai hates the pompous wording, but even that he suppressed. In fact, Anzai reluctantly accepts being addressed as ‘Lord’ to distinguish him from other ‘masterminds’ of the same rank.

“Raise your heads.”

With Anzai’s command, they both straightened themselves.

“Your reports.”

Anzai gave them a straightforward order.

Of course, they did not commit the blasphemy of asking ‘what report?’.

“I, Izayoi Souma, will give my report first.”

To Souma’s introduction, Anzai gave a small nod that he may or may not have been able to see.

“Thus far I have been unable to confirm the strength of Juumonji Alisa’s anti-mental interference magic barrier. I am still monitoring her, so I’d like some more time.”

“Have you tried illusions?”

“I tried something that Juumonji Yuuto couldn’t perceive, but it had no effect. But I have not finished ascertaining if it was due to the magic barrier or her innate mental resistance.”

“Understood. We’re not at a point where we need to hurry yet. Keep trying to win her over carefully so that the Juumonji Family won’t notice.

“Yes, I will.”

Souma gave another respectful bow.

“Now, I want to hear from Kitou.”

Before Souma raised his head, Kitou took over and began to speak.

“As I reported the other day, Tookami Marika has inherited the technique of the ‘Toogami’, and her potential is proving to be quite high.”

“Does it look like she could be useful?”

“If she is raised well, I think there is a chance she could surpass the magicians of the Juumonji Family.”

“I see... But I heard the ability of the ‘Toogami’ has a flaw that makes it impractical to use in real combat.”

“Tookami Marika is a unique individual who possesses talents both as magician and a psychic. It seems likely for those defects of the ‘Toogami’ to be mitigated and to put her in missions.”

“Understood. Then continue to persuade her as well.”

“My Lord. Regarding that, I, Izayoi, have a suggestion.”

Anzai turned his attention to Souma, who already fixed his posture.

“Speak.”

“Yes. As I have previously reported, I think the co-dependent relationship those two have is what makes it so difficult to do anything regarding them. Therefore, I believe that at this stage, providing a situation where the two of them play an active role would be particularly effective for Juumonji Alisa.”

“You want to applaud and praise her to increase her confidence, encouraging her to be independent and make her overcome her co-dependence?”

“That is correct. Also, the existence of rivals is an opportunity for her to look outwards.”

“But in that case, won’t you get more competition for your assignments?” 

“Juumonji Alisa already attracted a lot of attention when she was taken in by the Juumonji Family. I don’t believe the situation will change just because it increased a little.”

“You’re right...”

Anzai didn’t ponder for a long time.

“What is your idea, exactly?”

That question conveyed his intention to adopt Souma’s plan.

“Juumonji Alisa is in the Crowd Ball Club.”

Souma controlled his eagerness and revealed his plan.

“I think Crowd Ball’s return to the Nine Schools Competition would be a good idea.”

“Wouldn’t a defeat deepen her dependency?”

“If that happens, I do my best to follow it up.”

“Very well. I will make arrangements.”

“Thank you for humbling me.”

At the same time as he said this slightly out-of-place line, Souma, still sitting on the sofa, let his upper body descend until it was parallel to the floor.

◇ ◇ ◇

The month ended and it was now June the 10th, a Wednesday noon.

Alisa and Marika already returned from the cafeteria to the classroom of 1-A.

The lunch break would soon end and Mei, who couldn’t have lunch with them due to her Student Council work, rushed into the classroom with an excited look on her face.

“Alisa, good news!”

“What happened, Mei? You look really happy.”

It is rare for Mei to expose her excitement, but since she said ‘good news’ herself, neither Alisa nor Marika next to her panicked.

“The revival of Crowd Ball at the Nine Schools Competition has been confirmed!”

Even Mei’s tone was elated when she answered.

“Eh...?”

Alisa showed her confusion. She understood the meaning of the words, but not the reason for Mei being so excited.

“The newcomers match will be doubles. In other words —”

“Asha is confirmed to participate!?”

Marika interposed before Mei could finish.

“Yes! Get ready, Alisa. With this, you can’t say anything about not wanting to participate in the Nine Schools Competition!”

It’s almost time to select the participants for the Nine Schools Competition. When she was previously asked about it by the Student Council, Alisa said that she ‘wants to decline’, but the girl’s friends weren’t convinced with her answer.

“No way...”

Alisa’s face is showing she has a hard time accepting this. But there are only two first year students in the Crowd Ball Club, including Alisa. And if the newcomer match is a doubles match, she is guaranteed to be selected as a player.

“Juumonji-san, do your best.”

Joui irresponsibly sent her a yell of encouragement.

“Asha, do your best! I’ll be giving it my all too!”

Even knowing how Alisa felt, Marika added that with a smile.

With astonishment on her face, Alisa looked around the classroom in search of an ally.

However, she didn’t find a single person on her side.