Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Ripples of Motives
In the student council room, Honoka and Shizuku asked to see club presidents' profiles. Miyuki, puzzled but unquestioning, opened the database. Both had chosen clubs, so it seemed odd, but the data wasn't restricted, and she assumed they had a reason.
That night, Tatsuya's question made her suspect a connection.
"Miyuki, can you tell me about your classmates, Mitsui-san and Kitayama-san?" he asked.
Tatsuya rarely showed interest in others, so Miyuki jumped to conclusions. "Did they do something to you, Onii-sama?"
"Hm? No, it's not that. They seem to be following me. They're not… weirdos, right?"
"They should be fine… but did something happen!?"
"It's not like that. Calm down," Tatsuya said, gently ruffling Miyuki's hair.
The gesture instantly tamed her excitement.
"They're always nearby during patrols. If they're not weirdos, it's fine," Tatsuya said.
"What are Honoka and Shizuku doing?" Miyuki asked.
"There's another one—Akechi-san, was it? The three seem to be taking photos or something."
"Photos!? Of you, Onii-sama!?" Miyuki's voice spiked, a mix of excitement and envy, as she half-rose from the sofa.
(Jealous… no, unforgivable… but I want them!) she thought.
"Not of me. I'd know if I was the subject. They're probably trying to catch the people messing with me," Tatsuya clarified.
"Fools still daring to harass Onii-sama…!" Miyuki growled.
Her emotions flared, chilling the room, but Tatsuya twirled his finger, restoring the temperature.
"Calm down," he said.
The single command pushed Miyuki past composure into remorse. "I'm sorry…"
"Don't worry. I just hope they don't get in too deep," Tatsuya said.
"Onii-sama?" Miyuki tilted her head.
Seeing Tatsuya lost in thought, Miyuki was certain this wasn't a trivial matter. Her beloved brother wouldn't dwell on mere high school pranks.
With freshman recruitment week over, Tatsuya finally enjoyed a peaceful after-school moment. During lunch, an anonymous tip about his attackers reached the disciplinary committee. Both he and Miyuki instantly pegged it as Honoka's group. Tatsuya said it was fine to ignore, so the matter dropped.
"Tatsuya, committee again?" Erika called.
"Nah, I'm off today," he replied.
"You're famous now—the mysterious first-year disciplinary member who mows down upperclassmen without magic," Erika teased.
"What's with the 'mysterious' bit?" Tatsuya asked.
"They're saying you're an assassin sent by an anti-magic group," Erika grinned.
"Who's spreading that?" Tatsuya pressed.
"Me!" Erika raised her hand gleefully.
Tatsuya shot her a steely glare. For some reason, Erika looked away, slightly embarrassed.
"You came out unscathed, though. They attacked you with magic, right?" Mizuki asked.
"Yeah, including fake misfires, quite a few times," Tatsuya said.
Thinking back, he marveled at his own unscathed state, as if it were someone else's problem. Mizuki peered at him, concerned.
"Something wrong?" Tatsuya asked.
"N-No! I was just wondering if you're really okay… no injuries…" Mizuki's voice shrank under his gaze.
Tatsuya looked away—he didn't enjoy flustering girls. "Device restrictions are back, so it should be fine now," he said, reassuring the trio before standing.
He was off-duty, but Miyuki had student council work. Tatsuya planned to escort her to the council room, then head to the library to review the documents he'd been after since enrollment.
"Onii-sama…" Miyuki said.
"Hm? What's up?"
"About that matter…"
"No need to worry. Those three will back off if it gets dangerous. They're not that reckless," Tatsuya said.
"I hope so…" Miyuki murmured.
Without naming names or specifics, the siblings' conversation flowed seamlessly. To outsiders, it was incomprehensible.
"Got a sec?" a voice called from behind.
Tatsuya and Miyuki turned. Tatsuya recognized the voice and wasn't surprised by the speaker, but for Miyuki, it was a complete stranger.
"First time meeting, right?" the girl said.
"Yes, first time face-to-face. You're Mibu-senpai from the kendo club, right?" Tatsuya replied.
"Yep, same Class E as you," Sayaka said.
Both Tatsuya and Miyuki understood she was declaring herself a Course 2 student.
"Thanks for helping me out before. As thanks, want to grab tea now?" Sayaka offered.
"Can't now. Fifteen minutes?" Tatsuya countered.
"O-Oh… I'll wait at the café, then," Sayaka said.
Stunned by the blunt refusal but accepting his counteroffer, Sayaka left, her initial goal met.
"Alright, Miyuki, do your best today. I'll be in the library," Tatsuya said.
"The library?" Miyuki echoed, questioning his choice.
"That's the plan. Something odd?" Tatsuya asked.
"No, just… you have that promise with Mibu-senpai…"
"Oh, probably club recruitment or something. It'll be quick," Tatsuya said.
"Will it? I'm glad you're gaining fame, Onii-sama, but some will definitely try to exploit it," Miyuki warned.
"You're overthinking it. Also, 'gaining fame' for a high school committee is a bit much," Tatsuya teased.
"It's not! Your name is fame to me!" Miyuki huffed, turning away.
Tatsuya saw through her flustered deflection.
After Miyuki entered the council room, Tatsuya muttered alone in the empty hall. "You don't need to worry. I'm here for you. No one—especially those hiding behind ideals to deceive magicians—will sway me."
If anyone had overheard, they'd have questioned him, but the hall was empty.
Tatsuya headed to the café. Expecting a crowd, he was relieved to find Sayaka waiting at the entrance, making it easy.