November 2nd, 2095. The recent victory over the Chinese Alliance is the hot topic around the country. Japan only said that they used a “secret weapon.” It’s said that the Beijing representative is already in Washington D.C. Currently, only a small minority of the population is able to keep calm. The majority of the citizens are raising all sorts of questions and speculations about the recent events.
Even the teenagers, who are normally ignorant of such political matters, are now discussing the recent event amongst themselves. Even the television stations are discussing the events.
After letting out a sign, Saegusa Mayumi closed her TV.
It’s now 10 a.m. and normally, she should be in school. However, after the recent events at Yokohama, all the magic schools have stopped operations. As a result, today is a break.
“My lady, I’m sorry for disturbing you. I’m now opening the door.”
HAR is the family robot. She is essentially the maid of the house. HAR says that the master is requesting her presence in the main lobby.
Mayumi thought to herself, lobby? Not the study room?
“Do we have guests?”
“It seems so.”
“I’ll be right down.”
“Do you need help changing clothes?”
“No problem, I’ll dress up formally.”
After dressing up, she knocked. Upon receiving permission to enter, Mayumi entered the room.
Currently, there are two familiar faces facing her father.
Upon seeing them, Mayumi bowed, “Welcome Mr. Hiroshi and Ms. Mio.” Hiroshi stood up while Mio remain seated. It wasn’t disrespect because Mio was sitting on her wheelchair.
Hiroshi was a little shy, “Sorry for the intrusion Ms. Mayumi.”
“Please, sit. Ms. Mio, no need for the formality.”
“Thank you very much Ms. Mayumi. It’s been a while.”
When Mayumi saw Mio, she wondered if Mio is really older than herself.
Well, the age is legitimate.
Itsuwa (Five) Mio is currently twenty six years old. There is no doubt about that fact.
The problem is that when you see her in person, some doubt will inevitably creep up.
In short, she's underdeveloped and lacks “feminine” qualities.
In reality, she is not truly handicapped. It’s just that her body is too weak. If she walks for an extended period of time, her body would be fatigued.
It seems that she started to use a wheelchair before she was twenty. Ever since she was little, her body was too weak for sports. She can’t even eat a lot of foods. As a result, due to a deficiency in nutrients, her body is in its current underdeveloped state. Even the “bumps” near the chest is nearly missing. Even someone like Asuza has a little chest. From an adult’s point of view, Mio is essentially a young shoujo. Both her face and body are all so small. You just couldn’t describe her as a “woman”. It’s also said that after she graduated from college, she never steps outside of the house. As such, what brings her here today?
Seeing through Mayumi, Mio replied, “We’re just stopping by.” Mayumi questions, “Are you returning home?” Mio answers, “Yes, we’ll return home. Before that though… I’ve been called to duty.” “Called to duty? You mean to fight in a war!?” After she calmed herself under the stare of her father, her father answered, “This will be publicly announced next week. It’s already been officially decided. Ms. Mio will go to the navy headquarters and from there, she will ride along with the fleet. The destination is unknown to me, but it’s obvious that this is a leverage move against the Chinese Alliance. I shouldn’t need to say this, but before it’s publicly announced, don’t tell anyone.”
“Yes, of course.”
It’s obvious to her why the army would mobilize Mio. She is one of the thirteen publicly registered or if we include the hidden ones, one of the fifty or so war level magicians. In Japan, she is the only publicly registered war level magician.
Her war level magic –Deep Abyss- is highly effective against navies. Even on the ground, the magic has highly destructive capabilities. Her mere presence exerts unimaginable pressure on her enemies.
The question to Mayumi is that the Yokohama incident already ended on October 31st (Halloween). If they were the invading force, her magic is unneeded. Furthermore, there’s also the issue of her health. If anything, bringing her along could risk her health, which is actually more disadvantageous to Japan.
“I’ll be tagging along with big sister.” Even if he is upset at the government’s decision, there is nothing he can do because of the Itsuwa families’ promise. Even if Itsuwa Hiroshi is the next head, he’s still only the “next head.” As such, there are no political repercussions for his opposition. Since everything is decided, he mind as well help out his sister.
Jokingly, Mio stated, “Actually, I want to see Ms. Mayumi become my little brother’s wife.”
“Big sister…”
“My apologies…”
Saegusa Koichi broke the status quo, “Well, well, we’ll talk about this after Hiroshi returns.”
In term of qualities, Hiroshi is top notch because he is designated as the next head of a Numbered Family. That said, Jumonji (Ten) Katsuto is the same.
As such, Koichi hopes to marry Mayumi off to either Katsuto or Koichi . Note: The author mentions that because Ichigou (One) Masaki/Crimson Prince is too young, he’s out of the discussion.
To get this conversation moving along, Mayumi asks, “What time do you leave?”
Hiroshi answers, “We’ll leave this weekend and the fleet will leave next Friday.”
Mayumi then bows, “I wish you a safe trip.”
“Actually, I want to ask a favor.”
“A favor, from me?” Mayumi is wondering what task that only she can do alone.
Mio then takes over, “Contrary to asking for you power, I’m asking for your wisdom. To counter magic, we need magic. To use magic, we need magicians. This is the truth.”
Hirsohi follows up, “The opposition will know that sister will be with the fleet. The opposition will most likely focus on their air force to counter my sister’s abilities.”
The Movement War Level Magic- Deep Abyss- is a powerful ability over the waters. Within a ten meters to ten kilometers distance, she can subside the water. The ships that are within the magic’s activation will all slide to the bottom of the ocean and when the water comes back from deactivation, all the ships will be trapped in the bottom of the ocean. In a way, this is a nearly invincible existence on the water. But at the same time, it’s completely ineffective against forces in the air.
Translator Note: Think of the return of the Red Sea that drowned the Egyptians after Moses and the Israelites crossed.
“Ms. Mayumi, you should have seen the enemies’ magic right? Can you please tell us the nature of their magic and what we can do to counter their magic?”
Mayumi is a bit troubled, but she had to say something, “The enemies’ magic… In reality, I was on the rear end the whole time. I was spending most of my time evacuating everyone. Further, it was my classmates who did most of the fighting.”
“Then, can you introduce us to those people. I’m referring to the 1st years that fought with the Chinese Alliance.”
The first person Mayumi thought of was the arrogant, mature, yet reliable low ranked student. He’s the first year that destroyed a truck, generated a maelstrom of blinding Psion, and used a miracle-level healing ability. However, upon remembering Kazame’s warning of “national secret,” she remained silent.
Everyone including her father was a bit puzzled by Mayumi’s silence.
“Ah, no. You should go see the Jumonji family for details.”
“Katsuo, eh….”
Even though Hiroshi is a good person and a nice guy, he has a rivalry with the Katsuto who is two years younger than him. It’s obvious to Mayumi that Hiroshi is extremely jealous.
“Further, Kanon, Mari, and Isora from the Hundred Families can help out as well. I’ll go contact them.”
“Thanks.”
--
After contacting the others and sending off the Itsuwo brother and sister, Koichi asked for Mayumi at the study room. Koichi is described as a relatively skinny and gentle looking individual. He looks more like a sharp businessman rather than a leader.
When the two settled in, Koichi started, “From the list of individuals you spoke of, there wasn’t a first year. I heard that the girl from the Chiba family (referring the Erika) and second son of the Yoshi family (referring to Mikihiko) were both heavily involved.
Mayumi thought to herself, “What a slick father.”
Koichi’s expression could be compared to a fox. No, rather, a wolf is more accurate.
“Regardless of their accomplishment, they’re only a first year. I personally don’t think they can communicate with Hiroshi and Mio.”
“But, didn’t they reveal skills unimaginable for a first year? Especially her, the one who dominated at this year’s Nine School Tournament –“
“You mean Miyuki?”
“Yes, yes, I remember it’s Shiba Miyuki.”
As Mayumi looked at her father, she noticed his glasses. Even though it was dark, it reflected a flashing light. This pair of glass seemed to hide something in his right eye.
Her father continued, “An extremely bright and talented girl. She’s already the vice president of the student council. If things go as planned, she’ll probably be the student council president.”
“Yes, she is talented individual and a beautiful one at that.”
“Ho, so is that how you see her?”
“Do you mean that even girls think she is beautiful? I guess so, her beauty transcends the boundaries of gender.”
Koichi’s mouth opened a little and in his left eye, there wasn’t any sexual desire. Interestingly, Mayumi further raised her guard.
Her father continued, “My oh my, not only could she use difficult A class magic like “Inferno” and “Nirfiem,” but she could also use powerful outer-systematic magic. I really would like to meet her. Is it possible to invite her here?”
“Not sure… I need to ask.”
“Well, help me ask them if you get the chance. Oh right, Miyuki also has an older brother right. I heard he was of great assistance to you at the Nine School Tournament. It’s a rare opportunity, you should also invite him.”
Even though Koichi revealed an outgoing smile, Mayumi wondered what he was scheming. She couldn’t tell from the glasses. Ever since she was born, she could never really understand his thought. Up to eighteen (meaning now), it was always a one-sided conversation.
So this is your intent!
Mayumi gave her word to keep the secret. Tatsuya’s special magic shouldn’t have reached father’s ears. That said, though the secret is kept from her father, her father probably received up some limited information.
In other words, father is highly suspicious of Shiba Tatsuya.
Moreover, it seems that he is suspicious of “something” that even she herself doesn’t know.
Even though Mayumi is curious about what that “something” is, her feelings to avoid the secret are even stronger. She’s highly scared of the harm this secret would do to her relations with other people.
“This is the same…, if I don’t ask, I don’t know.”
This answer was the best she could muster up.
Note: This part above is a bit confusing because the author switched the object of the "secret." The first secret that Mayumi thought to herself was the Restoration ability that Tatsuya had. After that, Mayumi knew that Koichi was suspicious of Tatsuya. The "secret" that Koichi and Mayumi are both thinking of here is Tatsuya's family background (Is he from a Fallen-Numbered Family? Is he part of the Yotsuba?)
--
After Mayumi left, the caretaker knocked and then entered the room. “Are you finished investigating?”
Koichi opened the file that he just finished reading, “The 101st Independent Mage Squadron eh… What a pain. It seems like they’re extremely close to the Yotsuba.”
“It seems like they’ve met multiple times, but their purpose is unclear.”
“Well, there is only one reason we would meet with the army.”
The “we” Koichi said is not limited to just the Saegusa, the Numbered Family, but rather to every magician in the country.
The Ten Numbered Families have restricted themselves from any direct control of the government officials that govern this country.
In exchange, the government, the police force, the military, and the business world must all use the magical expertise of the magicians.
In effect, magicians become an necessity and indispensable tool that will continue the assist and direct the central authority. The relationship could be described as an “indefinite use” and “indispensable” symbiotic relation. In addition, there must be a belief of unwavering loyalty.
My Note: If you read past all this. Koichi’s concern is that the Yotusba family is trying to establish an extremely close relation with the independent 101st Squadron.
The caretaker refutes Koichi's concern, “The Independent Mage Squadron was created by Brigade Commander Saeki to obtain combat magic from the Ten Numbered Families. The current leader of the squadron is Kazama who once served under the retired Kudo (war veteran from the Nine Family). Kazama is someone who was once judged by the Ten Families. As such, even if it’s the unconventional Yotsuba, it would be really difficult for them to absorb the 101st Squadron.”
Upon hearing this, Koichi raised his eyebrow, “This is the first time I heard of this.”
The caretaker replied, “To this day, the 101st Squadron has yet to harm the Saegusa family in anyway. Therefore, we’ve let them do their own thing.”
Koichi wonders, “…. So, why is the Independent Mage Squadron and the Yotsuba meeting?”
After asking, Koichi immediately knew the answer.
The caretaker replied, “My thoughts are the same as yours.”
Neither Koichi nor the caretaker were psychic, but they’re sure they arrived at the same answer.
Koichi took out a card with his middle and index finger and threw it in the air. The card then emitted a bright light and burned into nothing.
My Note: The "answer" is that someone (Shiba "Bad Ass" Tatsuya) from the Yotsuba family is within the 101 Squadron.
--
Mayumi has been practicing her shooting at the shooting arena for three hours. Just when she was finishing up…
“Big sister, I’m home!” Someone suddenly jumped in and hugged Mayumi from behind.
“Kasumi, you’re causing trouble for older sister.”
“Che, Izumi is so annoying.”
“No, Kasumi is merely discourteous.”
“Izumi, Kasumi, welcome back.” This pair of twin is always arguing.
The girl who placed both of her hands together and bowed is Saegusa Izumi. She is a highly traditional and feminine shoujo with a Bob haircut (google it). Contrasting Izumi is the short haired Saegusa Kasumi who is more of a tomboy. Even though they’re twins, their hairstyle and personality made them distinguishable.
As the two sisters ask about Mayumi’s practice, it’s noted that Mayumi is someone who relies on her emotions over the theories in magic. The twins are the same. If anything, their senses and awareness of magic activation is even better than her.
While the three of them have always had a great relation, the twins seem to entering that teenage period. The both of them are becoming a bit arrogant and wild.
Note: Unless stated by myself, the majority of this conversation is done by the twins with poor Mayumi ignored.
Mayumi started, “Well, Hiroshi came over.”
“I don’t think Hiroshi is a bad guy.”
“Yeah, that’s about it. That unreliable guy doesn’t deserve older sister.”
“Well, Izumi is too strict. So who else is there? How bout Katsuto?”
Mayumi intervened “Hold on a second, I don’t have that type of relationship with Katsuto.”
“You’re correct. Though he’s strong and calm, he’s a blockhead when it comes to understanding a woman’s heart.”
“That is true. Wait, hold on a second. Don’t you think it’s natural that a man doesn’t understand a woman’s heart? We certainly don’t understand what a guy thinks.”
“Naïve! You’re too naïve Kasumi! If not’s too late for a girl to understand a guy’s heart after they become a couple. On the other hand, if a guy wants to capture a woman’s heart, he must understand the heart first.”
“A girl’s heart…, forget it. Other than a strong presence, what else are you looking for?”
“It’s love… ha, passionate love.”
“We were born together and I never thought Izumi had such interests. I thought you were stubborn.”
“Well, the meaning of romantic is convoluted now. Well, forget it, I’m not necessary romantic, it’s just that Kasumi never cares.”
“Yes, yes. I’m so unwomanly. So, in conclusion, elder sister should just try out love right? How about Hattori?”
The ignored Mayumi now had to say something, “Kasumi, how did you know about Hattori!?” Mayumi herself never introduced Hattori to these two.
“Of course we know about the bugs that fly around big sister.”
“Izumi! Does this mean that you are peaking?! Besides, who I’m going out with is my personal business!”
“You’re so mean big sister, we have to go to school. How is it ever possible that we personally went up there.”
Mayumi thought to herself, “Does this mean that they’ve ordered other people!?”
“Besides, we’re worried about big sister. Big sister is obviously such a beauty yet at the age of eighteen, you haven’t entered into a single relationship yet…”
“It’s not that I can’t enter into one, it’s just that in my position….”
I can’t do it… Yeah, before Mayumi even finished, she realized it was an atrocious excuse.
“Hey, hey, don’t talk about me. You girls haven’t had a boyfriend either.”
To be honest, this topic caught her completely unprepared.
And… the sisters started their counter.
“That’s because we’re fifteen.”
“I’ve already received two confessions, but I turned the person down both times.”
“You’re too stubborn Izumi. You should first go out with the guy first.”
“Kasumi, you’re too lax. According to you, all the male friends at school ‘only think of you as a friend.’ That way of thinking will be your demise.”
--
November 4th. It’s finally time for class. Asuza asks, “Student President, ah, Mayumi. You seem very tired.” “Ah, yeah. No need to worry.” “You should rest into the weekend.” Even though the third years have school today and tomorrow, the third years often self-study at home.
“If you keep things in your mind, you can also get tired.”
“You’re correct. It’s for that reason that I came to school.”
Asuza tilted her head and wondered how home was more tiring than school. Mayumi them crossed her two arms and buried her head in it. Suddenly, she was sleeping.