Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Regular Contact Between Clan Heads (Engagement Talks)
Yugen's Perspective
Back at the Mitsuya estate after recovering at the Shiba villa in Okinawa, I'm summoned by Gen. As a special officer in the National Defense Forces, jumping into combat without orders should've earned me a lecture, but Gen's tone is gratitude laced with regret.
"You joined the fight and became an unofficial strategic magician. I'm sorry, Yugen. You've carried a heavy burden, especially with the Juumonji issue. We adults should've stepped up," Gen says.
"I stirred up trouble too, with that basement," I reply.
"That shocked us, but now everyone uses it. Can't tear it down," Gen chuckles. "Now, to business."
A meeting with Yotsuba Maya, head of the Yotsuba clan, is set for three days from now at a Tokyo hotel under a discreetly named Yotsuba-affiliated company. Gen wants Genji and me there.
"About Okinawa, right?" I guess.
"Yes. This ties the Mitsuya and Yotsuba clans. It's a face-to-face, like a truce, considering the Ten Master Clans," Gen explains.
I learned Tatsuya's secret, and he saw my talents. Gen, who was secretly at the airport to see Genji and me off, spotted Maya, Miyuki, and Tatsuya. "I checked the passenger list and knew they were Yotsuba-related. I kept my distance to respect their privacy."
The Saegusa clan might suspect Tatsuya and Miyuki's ties. High school exposure would make them stand out. "We don't pry into each other's magic—magician's code. Their identities stay secret until the Yotsuba reveal them. Same for us, with our anonymity rule until high school," Gen says.
Crossing the Yotsuba could spell disaster, so Gen opts for alliance. He's heard about Honami and is relieved Genji's bride search is simplified.
"Officially, Genji's bride doesn't need status," I note.
"Exactly. With Mototsugu, Shizuru, Kana, and Mika's achievements at First High and the Nine Schools, we're set. I learned that humility from you," Gen says.
"That makes me sound like a bad influence," I quip.
Gen laughs, but I get it. Genji saved a Yotsuba relative, earning Honami as a bride. Gozo might arrange her adoption into a Hundred Families to dilute Yotsuba ties.
"Won't other clans, like the Saegusa or Juumonji, get suspicious?" I ask.
"We don't hold territory, so we're free. I've given the Saegusa some leverage, so they're not a big concern. The Juumonji? Your actions smoothed that over," Gen says.
"You met Todo Aoba?" I ask.
"Yes, a former Fourth Institute owner and Yotsuba sponsor. He saw you at the New Shadow dojo and called you a 'deterrent' surpassing Gozo," Gen explains.
"Even with an official strategic magician?" I say.
"Exactly. Your quick thinking is unmatched," Gen praises.
Japan's official strategic magician, Mio Itsuwa, was frail in the original story. I gifted her a CAD with a psion-release sequence and advised physical training, improving her condition. She keeps up the wheelchair facade to fool enemies.
Multiple strategic magicians are standard for major nations. My Mirror Dispersion is enough, but I could unleash worse—rivaling foreign strategic spells with minimal prep. My psion capacity spiked after nearly dying in Okinawa, a strange power-up.
"Not a 12-year-old's words. I'll reflect," I say.
"Do what you think is right. Maya's the Yotsuba head—be respectful," Gen advises.
I'm to use my real name, as Maya likely knows it through Gozo. Knowing Tatsuya and Miyuki's secrets means mutual risks, especially after treating Miya and Honami.
"Any warnings about my combat involvement?" I ask.
"Maya will ask. Use your judgment, but don't tell Jirou or Shina," Gen says.
"Got it," I reply, cautious about discussing the gruesome battle and Tatsuya's role.
Three Days Later
Gen, Genji, and I arrive at the VIP room of a Yotsuba-affiliated hotel. Hayama Tadahide, the Yotsuba butler chief, greets us.
"Mitsuya Gen, Genji, and Yugen," Hayama says, bowing.
"We're grateful for the invitation. This is Hayama, the Yotsuba butler chief," Gen introduces.
Genji and I bow, sensing Hayama's influence despite his servant role.
"Mitsuya Genji, eldest son."
"Mitsuya Yugen, third son. Pleased to meet you, Hayama-san."
"Honored. I'm Hayama Tadahide, a humble Yotsuba servant. Please, follow me," Hayama says, leading us to a grand room.
A woman with an extraordinary presence sits at the head—Maya Yotsuba, the "Demon King of the Far East" and "Queen of the Night."
"Thank you for coming, Mitsuya-dono," Maya says.
"The honor's ours," Gen replies.
"No need for formalities. We're both Ten Master Clan heads. And I must thank you for aiding my family," Maya says.
Gen avoids Saegusa-like arrogance, showing deference. "I'm not proud, and my stepfather spoke of Yotsuba's strength. Humility keeps me grounded."
"Let's dine and talk," Maya says, signaling Hayama, who exits quietly.
"Introduce your sons," Maya prompts.
"My eldest, Genji, next head, and Yugen, third son," Gen says.
"I'm Maya Yotsuba. Thank you for saving my sister and her children," Maya says, her gaze sharp.
Genji tenses, but I stay calm, noting Maya's resemblance to her twin. Over a lavish Western meal, we discuss Okinawa. Though classified, Maya heard from Kazama. I explain our annihilation of enemies, Gen sweating, Maya intrigued.
"You acknowledged your kin earlier. Is that wise? Other clans might probe," I say.
"They'll suspect anyway, especially the Saegusa. High school exposure's inevitable. Let's keep it secret?" Maya suggests.
Miyuki's allure and Tatsuya's curiosity will draw attention. I nudge Genji. "No objections, right, brother?"
"Y-Yes," Genji stammers.
Gen sighs, Maya chuckles.
Over dessert and tea, the main topic surfaces.
"This meeting concerns Sakurai Honami, my sister's guard. I hear Genji-dono confessed to her," Maya says.
"Gozo confirmed. An engagement?" Gen asks.
"Yes. Ueyama-dono agreed to have her adopted by a suitable family. Engagement to follow. Acceptable?" Maya asks.
"No objections. My son's serious choice is a fine match. As head and father, it's a relief," Gen says.
Likely a Hundred Families adoption to avoid direct Yotsuba ties, leveraging Gozo's connections.
"So easily decided?" Maya teases.
"We owe you an apology for our presumption. Your approval is appreciated. My son choosing for himself leaves no room for objection," Gen says.
The clan heads' exchange feels routine, leaving Genji stunned. I nudge him again. Gen apologizes for Genji's etiquette, praising my manners, thanks to Gozo. Maya finds it charming.
Later, Maya addresses me. "Kazama says you're with the Defense Forces' Weapons Development, as a special technical advisor and officer."
"Yes. You want me to aid Yotsuba's magic tech directly, not through Father?" I ask.
"Too extravagant and against clan rules. My acquaintance, FLT's top shareholder, wants your involvement. How about joining them?" Maya suggests.
FLT's shareholder is Maya, indirectly requesting Yotsuba collaboration. She likely knows about Tatsuya's CAD and my Third Eye Zero via Kazama. FLT buffers "collusion" accusations.
"Intriguing. Where would I be assigned?" I ask.
Maya glances at Hayama. "CAD Development, Third Division. Your talents won't spark envy there," Hayama says.
"No objections. I'll join FLT," I agree.
Perfect. The Mitsuya basement is secure, but Shina's curiosity risks accidents. Not siscon—well, maybe a little.
I plan to avoid clashing with Tatsuya, tackling Echelon III and Frithskjalf issues later. Information-blocking magic forms instinctively, startling me.
I need a dedicated CAD, more tweaks, and spells like Deep, Beta, and Baryon Lance. Work's piling up.
Maya's Perspective
After the meeting, only Hayama and I remain.
"Was that wise? Mitsuya-dono is cooperative, but Honami…" Hayama begins.
"No reason to oppose. Her genetic issues are resolved—our doctors confirm a normal lifespan," I say casually.
"She even rejuvenated slightly," I add, still shocked.
Extending an adjusted magician's life defies nature. Yugen's feat secures generations of prosperity, also curing my condition.
"Yugen could solve Yotsuba's greatest issue," Hayama suggests.
"Yes, but we can't force him. Miyuki's fond of him, per Miya. Tricky," I say.
Miyuki's feelings and Yugen's strategic status risk clan tensions. Forcing him could upset her and Tatsuya, who shows no hostility. Gozo's letter from my father, Genzo, helped mend our bond.
"Yugen could be Tatsuya's confidant," I muse.
"Indeed. My intuition says he'll succeed," Hayama says.
"Butler's instinct or magician's?" I ask.
"Life experience," Hayama replies.
"Convincing. Pour me a drink," I say.
As Hayama leaves, I gaze at Tokyo's nightscape. No stars, but a fleeting meteor seems to sparkle.