Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei - Volume 12 - Double Seven Chapter

by Sato Tsutomu

  “No, nothing like that. Oba-ue is probably considering various possibilities.”

  “So that’s the way it is?”

  Ayako examined Minami meaningfully, but Minami kept her eyes cast down and didn’t show any special response.

  “Understood. So there should be no problem with the girl staying.”

  Before the mood could become awkward, Fumiya resumed his explanation with an “Actually…”.

  “Currently, foreign anti-magician forces have been doing some kind of mass media operation.”

  Hearing those words, Miyuki just made an “Oh, my!” by widening her eyes slightly.

  “From where?”

  Tatsuya on the other hand did not show any surprise. At least, no changes could be seen from the outside.

  “USNA’s ‘Humanism Agitators’.”

  Humanism has arbitrarily decided that magic is an unnatural power for humans, so the movement advocates the expulsion of magicians because it is part of their faith that heaven (or maybe God) has dictated that humans should only live with the natural abilities they have been granted.

  “The so-called Humanism Agitators have already infiltrated the nation a long time ago or is that a different group?”

  Humanism had widespread influence on the east coast of the North American continent, and even now the number of sympathizers within Japan could not be ignored.

  “No, I think they are fundamentally the same. I don’t believe that they have entered a new phase.”

  Tatsuya had grasped the ‘foundation’ of Humanism from a certain information source. He had not informed them, but the Yotsuba high command should also have a grasp on who was pulling Humanism’s strings.

  “So an anti-magician campaign using the media?”

  Of course, he wasn’t asking about that. That would be a confession that he was concealing information himself. Tatsuya switched his mind back to the matter presented in front of his eyes.

  “It’s not just the media. Diet members who are part of the opposition party are also secretly taking part.”

  Prompted by Tatsuya’s question, Fumiya supplemented his own words.

  “On the grounds of defending magicians’ human rights, they are going to first criticize the use of magic in military affairs. Next, they will use the fact that forty percent of the graduates of the national magic university join the military as the basis to spin the fantasy that the magic education system and the military are colluding with each other, and in the third phase of what I recently learned is their plan, they will target First High School which sends the most graduates to the national magic university with an appeal, ‘Save the children from being used by the military’.”

  Fumiya wet his throat with tea after his long explanation. When he looked up again, Tatsuya was giving him a look of praise.

  The Kuroba family was a branch family of the Yotsuba clan that gathered intelligence. They did not limit themselves to magical means; they used a variety of information gathering methods such as wiretapping, hacking, and traditional human investigation. However, no matter how capable the people and equipment they are paired with, if you did not manage them well then you could not expose a plan concealed within isolated events. By not confining himself to events that already happened, Fumiya had proven that he had mastered how to use the power of the Kuroba organization.

  “Fumiya, you have done well to uncover this much, it’s impressive.”

  “Um, no… Thank you, Niisan.”

  Fumiya who had spoken so much without stopping once had become temporarily incoherent. If you looked closely, you could see his face getting red. If you looked that closely it might seem as if Fumiya had somewhat unusual inclinations, but that would be a misunderstanding. Fumiya was simply happy.

  “Fumiya really likes Tatsuya-san.”

  Nevertheless, right now Fumiya was with someone who was in the mood to tease him about it even though she understood that.

  “Neesan! Don’t say things that can be misconstrued!”

  “Oh my, I’m mistaken? You don’t like Tatsuya-san?”

  “The way Neesan was putting it had a different meaning!”

  “Hmm? I wonder what meaning you heard.”

  “That was…”

  The thoughts of the trio watching the playful siblings — Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami — were in agreement on the point that ‘the twins sure get along well’, but the looks they displayed all showed different emotions: Tatsuya’s smile had a bitterness to it, Miyuki’s was amused and Minami’s face was apathetic.

  Ayako and Fumiya gave them more details after they informed them about the propaganda war First High School was facing then went to a hotel within the city. In the end, they did not reveal their information sources or their information gathering methods, but such things were closely held secrets. Tatsuya did not intend to criticize them for not being ‘open’. He did not recommend to the pair ‘It’s late so you should stay here tonight’ more than once, so they were both guilty of that.

  Besides, even though they had heard nothing about the means or sources for acquiring the information, they understood. Fumiya’s details had included that Saegusa Koichi and Kudou Retsu were conspiring to do something.

  Fumiya’s and Ayako’s intelligence gathering abilities were unmistakably impressive and the abilities of the Kuroba organization were probably the most preeminent in the Yotsuba clan. However, the head of the Saegusa clan was not someone they could easily put a tail on. If their opponent was Mayumi then even Ayako might have done it somehow, but Saegusa Koichi was still too much of an adversary for Fumiya and Ayako to take on. Perhaps, this could be intelligence their aunt procured by her unknown method.

  —Tatsuya pondered that in bed in his own room lying with his hands folded behind his head on his pillow.

  Believing that he might be dancing on the palm of Yotsuba Maya’s hand was not a pleasant feeling, but there was no way he could ignore this. With First High School facing an attack from the media and the politicians under the influence of the anti-magicians in the near future of only a few weeks to less than a month away, knowing was more beneficial than not knowing. While he had these unsatisfactory thoughts, Tatsuya constructed a plan on how they must respond to this.

  Chapter 10

  The National Magic University was founded on the old Nerima Garrison. On the surface, this land was empty after the expansion of the Asaka Garrison absorbed the Nerima Garrison, however, approving the construction plan for the Magic University also played a part in combining the Nerima and Asaka Garrisons.

  With this developmental process, the Magic University shared a close relationship with the military. At least 40% of the Magic University’s graduates chose to pursue a career in the military or related to one. While there was somewhat of a misguided feeling here, once society’s needs for Magicians were taken into account this ceased to feel unnatural. Precisely because of this, one would think that the atmosphere at the university was just as disciplined as that of a military academy – and just as rigid, which was not actually the case. For example, the dress code was entirely up to the students and even the more incredible or casual garb was excused so long as they did not infringe upon any morals. Any warning was only restricted to mutual warnings between students. In various areas, the sense of freedom was even greater here than the magic high schools. That was how Mayumi felt in the past half a month.

  Speaking of which, today Mayumi was dressed in a soft, A-style dress that left the shoulders exposed with cardigan sweater with sleeves. The cardigan was thinly knit with large holes and while the dress ran to her knees, the lace only extended 15mm downwards, enough to allow her shins to peek out from the thin stockings. Her wardrobe was far more revealing than a high school uniform, but neither the students nor the faculty sent any disapproving gazes her way.

  Currently, she had been asked to come to the buffet. Her presence had been requested by a male student who also happened to be a freshman at the Magic University. In spite of th
is, it was plain that there wasn’t a hint of anxiety or excitement about her. As for the reason why, that was because the individual who invited Mayumi was someone she was well acquainted with.

  Upon arriving at the café, Mayumi suddenly felt a little dizzy, and not because she was feeling unwell. The overwhelming amount of couples present gave a shock to her nervous system. Rather than being frivolous, Mayumi knew that they were all quite serious about their relationships, but that knowledge was little comfort to the single Mayumi. She too bore dreams of love like any normal person. When seeing close couples, ideas like “envy” or “go away” would float across her mind. Naturally, she refused to acknowledge the fact that she would think this way and didn’t plan on any self-reflection, just like most people.

  There was also the possibility that this feeling was amplified because the person she was contacting today was in no way, shape or form related to love. In reality, he wasn’t wholly unrelated, but on some level, such a close proximity caused Mayumi to unconsciously expel this possibility beyond her sight.

  “Juumonji-kun, sorry for the wait.”

  The moment Mayumi opened her mouth to speak, many eyes were drawn to her table. At the Magic University, no one was ignorant of the meaning behind the name “Juumonji”, though many did not know him personally. The expression that graced many an onlooker’s face signified “so that’s Juumonji”.

  “Hardly, I just arrived 5 minutes ago.”

  He didn’t just arrive, but was here a mere 5 minutes before. Mayumi smiled a bit at these words that were just like Katsuto’s style.

  “My apologies for specifically calling you here, Saegusa-san.”

  With Katsuto’s response, the number of prying eyes grew even more. Sensible students who had not turned their heads at the name “Juumonji” were unable to sit still when the “Saegusa” name dropped. This year, practically every student knew that Mayumi was attending the Magic University. So long as they were not hermits who renounced the world, no one could ignore the news that Saegusa Mayumi was attending, regardless of gender. –Furthermore, it does need to be said that the male students cared a whole lot more.

  As for Mayumi, she ignored the dozens of stares sent her way as if it was perfectly natural as she sat across from her guest.

  “Pay it no heed. Juumonji-kun isn’t the type of person to call me if there wasn’t something important to discuss, right?”

  Mayumi laughed lightly as she caught Katsuto’s gaze.

  “Also, in such a populous place too.”

  Mayumi knew of the rumors that cast her as one of the potential marriage candidates for Katsuto. On the surface, their relationship was definitely not what people on the outside believed it to be. In fact, people more in the know about Magicians would actually find that rumor to be preposterous. In truth, the Saegusa and Juumonji Families had discussed this matter. Currently, when compared to the Juumonji Family, it was the Itsuwa Family with their 20-year old head of house that seemed more welcoming to that idea. Setting aside the Juumonji Family for the moment, the Saegusa Family had no plans to put in motion any real union between Mayumi and Katsuto, but the rumors would be correct in terms of the word “candidate”.

  Mayumi’s mischievous allusion “in such a populous place” meant that they were feeding the rumor mill. Mayumi was joking of course, but if asked, she would be hard pressed to deny that she never had such an inkling. Once she became a potential candidate for marriage, it was hard to remain just friends even with the person currently in 2nd place.

  “I feel that this is far better than intentionally going somewhere no one visits.”

  This response could initially be interpreted as “gentlemanly”, but was actually an “obtuse” reply, causing Mayumi to feel that she was the only one who cared. Katsuto wore a casual suit without a tie or any other articles of fashion, so it was easy to tell at first glance that this thought never crossed his mind even at this point. Still, once she thought about such peaceful things, she could only notice the news article flittering across Katsuto’s palm.

  “……What an irritating topic.”

  On the table, the electronic newspaper was headlined with topics such as “truth behind Military Magicians”, “JSDF using youths as weapons”, “JSDF dominated by Magicians”, and “preferential treatment for magic officers”. Extremists on both sides were either blaming the JSDF for using the Magicians or covering for Magicians, but both sides were similar in that they censured the connection between the JSDF and Magicians.

  “While pretending to act as civil rights advocates for Magicians, they are actually trying to discriminate Magicians from society. Don’t you think such hypocritical news is incredibly vile?”

  Katsuto didn’t respond to Mayumi’s complaints and smoothly began operating the cellphone-shaped CAD he removed from his belt.

  Carrying CADs was not forbidden on the Magic University’s campus and the standards around magic use were also more relaxed when compared to the streets. Especially dangerous magic was blacklisted and prohibited from use in the labs and experimental offices, while a large number of magic was allowed in general areas that had nothing to do with research labs or experimental rooms. Right now, the soundproof area of effect magic that Katsuto was constructing was also allowed on school grounds.

  “Is it something that important?”

  Needless to say, a soundproof barrier was needed for private talks, but there was no secret between Mayumi and Katsuto that they feared would be overheard. Even so, a quick glance at Katsuto’s expression confirmed that the subject matter was not something that could be solved by normal conversation.

  “Since the beginning of the week, anti-magic sentiment has been on the rise in the news.”

  As he said this, Katsuto used the filter on the electronic newspaper to display the articles he was talking about.

  “I concur.”

  Katsuto eyed Mayumi as she replied back with a serious expression.

  “And, what of it?”

  Seeing those serious eyes that could appropriately be described as solemn, Mayumi asked without any attempt at a joking manner.

  “The reason why the media has taken two stances is because each has a different sponsor.”

  “So there are two forces behind them?”

  “As you know, we, the Juumonji Family, are not adept at gathering intelligence.”

  Katsuto didn’t directly respond to Mayumi’s question, but his words hinted that what he was about to say next was the result of the investigation from the Juumonji Family.

  “I have no concrete proof for what I’m about to say, but neither is it entirely groundless. I pray that you will remain calm and listen to me.”

  “Of course. Let’s hear it.”

  Realizing that this was not going to be a pleasant topic for her, Mayumi subconsciously straightened herself.

  “Of the two dialogues, the backers of the group blaming the JSDF might very well be the Saegusa Family.”

  “Wha……!”

  However, the news that came from Katsuto’s mouth surpassed Mayumi’s tolerance level.

  “There may be other conspirators as well, but at the very least, the Saegusa Family plays a large role.”

  “That’s impossible!”

  Mayumi slammed her hands on the table and jumped to her feet. Thanks to the soundproof barrier, no one was able to hear her voice from the outside, but that magic was unable to block the light, so Mayumi’s sudden elevation to her feet drew a lot of stares from across the café. Seeing the astounded looks coming from all around her, Mayumi sat down in shame. Nonetheless, Mayumi raised her eyes after taking a seat and stared directly at Katsuto.

  “It’s true that my father is a strategist who likes to plot behind the scenes, so it is true that even as his daughter, I am not always aware of what he’s doing.”

  Her eyes were burning with a flame that was enough to repel the pressure of Katsuto’s gaze.

  “Yet, no matter what the reason, he will never f
orget his duty as a member of the Ten Master Clans. He definitely wouldn’t do something that would bring misfortune to the Japanese magical community.”

  After receiving Mayumi’s heated words, Katsuto quietly replied back.

  “Then, Saegusa-sama must believe that this must be beneficial to the Japanese magical community.”

  There was the sound of a heavy weight dropping and reverberating in the depths of her consciousness.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Everything they talk about will end with……”

  As she said this, Mayumi pointed at the news article on the table surface.

  “A better world where Magicians have disappeared. Did you think that this blatantly obvious jibe at protecting the human rights of Magicians would be enough to fool my father? Even if it’s Juumonji-kun, I cannot ignore this level of slander.”

  “I never planned to offend.”

  Katsuto’s reply to Mayumi, who stood there with her teeth clenched in fury, was devoid of any excuses. Feeling the powerful confidence behind his attitude, Mayumi’s head slightly cooled down.

  “So you’re saying that above the discrimination against Magicians, there is an ulterior motive in action?”

  “As to what that is exactly, I have no idea. The only thing I do know is that Saegusa-sama appears to be engaged in media activity that runs counter to the Ten Master Clans.”

  Mayumi pinned Katsuto with a particularly fierce gaze.

  That gaze failed to conjure any faltering in Katsuto’s eyes.

  “……Fine then, Katsuto-kun. Do you have any plans tonight?”

  “No.”

  “Then please come to my house. Whether it is truly as Juumonji-kun said, I hope you will make your decision after directly asking my father.”

  “I understand. In doing this, you actually help me quite a bit.”

  ◊ ◊ ◊

  Even if they were the Ten Master Clans that represented Japanese Magicians, that did not meant that they were famous lineages that went back several hundred years. Normally, visiting the home of a college friend did not require a specific appointment with the family. However, Katsuto and Mayumi had come today specifically to see the head of the Saegusa Family, Saegusa Koichi. As the acting head of the Juumonji-Family, Katsuto’s request to see Koichi was granted after setting 8pm in the evening as the designated time.