Having learned the truth about Tatsuya's birth in this world, Yugen felt the urge to bury his head in his hands. However, realizing it was far too late to change anything now, he resigned himself to reality and listened to Maya.
"Yugen-san, please conceal your identity again and join us for dinner. I intend for you to act as a witness for the succession candidates."
"Understood. On a related note, I should report regarding Katsunari-san's Guardians, Tsutsumi Kotona and Tsutsumi Kanata."
Yugen explained that when Katsunari obstructed them, he had taken the brunt of the engagement, fighting Kotona and Kanata, and eventually repelling Katsunari's intervention with a single strike. He also reported that he had applied the same treatment to the two Guardians that he had previously used on Honami and Minami. Hearing this, Maya let out a soft laugh.
"Oh my, I suspected this was your doing, Yu-kun."
"Did something happen?"
"Actually, while I was changing, Hayama-san contacted me. It seems Kotona-san's bust size has increased significantly. Katsunari-san, upon witnessing this development, was apparently blown away by her magic."
It seemed that when Katsunari saw the chest of Kotona—who was frantically tending to him without regard for her own appearance—he uttered something along the lines of, "So heaven was right here..." before fainting. Kotona, in a panic, had reportedly hugged him tightly, pressing his face into said chest. Kanata, caught in the collateral damage of Kotona's flustered magic release, had also been knocked unconscious. In the end, Minami had to be dispatched to bring the chaotic situation under control.
"…Katsunari-san and Kanata-san aren't dead, are they?"
"It seems Kotona-san unconsciously held back. The power of love is truly terrifying. In any case, I intend to accept Katsunari-san's marriage to Kotona-san in exchange for his withdrawal from the succession race."
"I will leave such internal family matters to you."
Changing the subject, Yugen decided to provide information on Gu Jie, the master of Zhou Gongjin. Although it was somewhat ill-timed, he reasoned that sharing it as early as possible would allow for better countermeasures.
"Maya-san. Regarding Zhou Gongjin, whom Tatsuya dispatched the other day... this concerns the existence above him—the mastermind, Gu Jie. I assume you lack detailed intelligence on his arts, so please take this."
"Oh my, how conscientious of you. Perhaps I should thank you again..."
"Please stop. Miyuki might actually freeze me."
"Fufu, I am only joking."
Yugen handed over a memory card containing detailed electronic data on Gu Jie, created using Memory Rise. Maya accepted it obediently but couldn't resist a teasing remark, causing Yugen to raise the white flag, pleading for mercy.
"Still, to investigate information that even Gozo-san didn't know... you are thorough."
"Rather than 'investigated,' it would be more accurate to say I obtained it by chance. Zhou Gongjin was, in a broad sense, a type of 'Parasite.' It seems he planned to hijack my body after his own was destroyed."
"I can imagine how that ended. Perhaps I should pity Zhou Gongjin."
Since the source of the information was "Zhou Gongjin" himself—the closest being to Gu Jie—the credibility of the intelligence was beyond doubt. Maya felt that Yugen's skill in eliminating such a threat proved he was worthy of the title "World's Strongest."
"When I present this information to the Master Clans Conference, I will submit it under the name of Gozo-dono or Senhime-dono. That would be preferable for you as well, Yu-kun?"
"Yes, that would be helpful. I have already provided this information to Grandfather and Mother beforehand, so the stories should align perfectly."
As they finished their conversation, Hayama appeared. Yugen immediately altered his appearance again using Parade. Witnessing the seamless transition, Hayama praised him, saying, "As expected of you." Maya, meanwhile, seemed delighted as she held Yugen's right hand.
This looks exactly like she's about to announce, "I found a fiancé," Yugen thought. However, seeing Hayama shake his head as if to say, "There is no helping her," Yugen resigned himself to endure it until they reached the inner dining hall, walking as if escorting her.
"..."
"M-Miyuki? What is the matter?"
"Brother... I do not know why, but I feel an intense jealousy toward our Aunt."
"M-Miyuki-neesama..."
"Um, please calm down..."
"..."
(At this point, I don't care if it's Yugen-kun, just someone come quickly! I can't handle this!)
Meanwhile, in the inner dining hall, Miyuki was barely suppressing her magic, but her mood was palpably foul. Tatsuya couldn't hide his agitation, while Bunmi and Ayako tried desperately to soothe her. Katsunari, judging that getting involved would be dangerous, kept his head down and averted his gaze. Yuka, internally, was screaming for Yugen's help.
They arrived before the doors of the inner dining hall—specifically, the doors on the side of the seat of honor. Maya released Yugen's hand, and Yugen and Hayama took their places flanking her. The servants opened the doors, and they proceeded inside.
The generation of candidates was seated: on the right side, from the front, were Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Yuka. On the left side, from the front, were Bunmi, Ayako, and Katsunari. Six in total.
Normally, Tatsuya, as a Guardian, would pull out his own chair, but this time, a serving staff member did it for him. The other five received the same treatment.
"Everyone, thank you for coming despite the sudden invitation."
Maya sat in the chair Hayama pulled out for her. The other six followed suit. Then, Maya glanced toward Yugen.
"Truthfully, I would prefer to keep this among family, but since you have had a busy day and haven't had a chance to eat, why don't you join us, Yugen-san?"
Revealing his identity now was likely to prevent questions about a stranger's presence. Understanding Maya's intent, Yugen deactivated Parade. Everyone except Maya, Hayama, Tatsuya, and Yuka exposed their shock.
Yugen turned his gaze to Katsunari, the only candidate he was technically meeting for the first time as a Yotsuba candidate, and introduced himself.
"I apologize for the rudeness earlier today, Shibata Katsunari-san. I am the third son of the Mitsuya Family, former members of the Ten Master Clans, and the next head of the Guardian Kagurazaka Family. My name is Kagurazaka Yugen. I had heard of you and your two Guardians from Touya—Mutsuzuka-dono."
"…I see. That explains why Tatsuya-kun accepted the situation so readily. If my opponent was the one who defeated the 'Crimson Prince'—even with rules in place—then there was no way I could have won. I apologize on behalf of myself and my subordinates."
"Please, think nothing of it. The responsibility does not lie with you, Katsunari-san, and I was the one deceiving you, so please do not worry."
After smoothing things over with Katsunari, Yugen pulled out a chair at the lower end of the table, facing Maya, and sat down.
One might wonder if a member of the Kagurazaka family—the sponsors of the Yotsuba—should sit at the lower end. However, only a few of the candidates knew that truth. Furthermore, this gathering was strictly regarding the next Head of the Yotsuba. Yugen judged it better to sit quietly than to take the seat of honor and invite unnecessary suspicion.
Sitting to Yugen's left, Yuka wore a look of immense relief. Miyuki's expression, meanwhile, had done a complete 180 and was now visibly cheerful. Tatsuya, Bunmi, and Ayako all sent Yugen looks that clearly said, "You really saved us," leaving Yugen to wonder just what on earth had happened before he arrived.
Although some present were of legal age, no alcohol was served. They proceeded to eat a Western-style course meal (or rather, dishes served in a manner resembling a course). This was likely because New Year's dishes (Osechi) would be served tomorrow.
Once the meal concluded, Maya broached the subject.
"––Now then, shall we get to the main topic? Katsunari-san, Yuka-san, Miyuki-san, Bunmi-san. You are the four candidates for the next Head of the Yotsuba Family. Tomorrow, at the New Year's gathering, I will designate the successor... as I am sure you have all surmised to some extent."
The expressions of the four tightened at Maya's words. So far, this followed the original story. However, Maya suddenly dropped a bombshell of the highest magnitude.
"Actually, there is a fifth candidate, and I wished to introduce him to you all."
At that statement, all six pairs of eyes turned toward Yugen. The man in question, however, feigned a lack of interest, averting his gaze as he sipped the coffee that had been served. After all, there was no way a designated heir of the Kagurazaka family would be named the heir of the Yotsuba. Even with the connection between the families, it lacked context.
There was a possibility of him being adopted as Miyuki's husband, but Yugen had already confirmed with Maya that this was not the case.
"Yotsuba-dono, we cannot proceed like this. The candidates are confused, thinking I am the fifth nominee."
"Oh my, I apologize. Everyone, Yugen-san is here simply as a valued guest of the Yotsuba to witness these proceedings. Please do not misunderstand."
"…Aunt Maya. May I have permission to speak?"
The one who spoke up was Miyuki, the leading candidate among them. While she wanted to help Yugen, what bothered her most was Tatsuya's presence—specifically, the fact that her brother was seated in a higher position than she was.
"Miyuki-san. Yes, you may."
"Then, if I may... Does the 'fifth' candidate you mentioned have anything to do with the fact that Onii-sama is seated in a higher position than myself?"
"Impressive, Miyuki-san. Yes, the fifth candidate for the next Head is you, Tatsuya-san."
At Maya's declaration, everyone except Yugen could not hide their astonishment. Tatsuya, on the other hand, looked as though he had predicted this outcome. Given the drastic change in his treatment since arriving at the Main House, even Tatsuya would have questioned the cause.
However, being raised to the status of a succession candidate seemed to be outside even his calculations. Katsunari was the first to voice a question.
"Head of the Family, I have a question."
"What is it, Katsunari-san?"
"As you know, I acknowledge that Tatsuya-kun is an excellent combat magician. However, the magic power I sense from him does not appear commensurate with the position. I would like to know why you have announced Tatsuya-kun as a candidate at this specific timing."
Katsunari's doubt was entirely reasonable. Among the candidates, Miyuki trusted Tatsuya's strength implicitly. Bunmi and Ayako were favorably disposed toward him and knew his capabilities well. Yuka, bound by the Pledge, also understood his true power.
However, Katsunari likely believed that even if Tatsuya's Pledge were lifted, he could not rival Miyuki's interference strength. To resolve this doubt, Maya provided the answer.
"It is natural for you to think so, Katsunari-san. That is because Tatsuya-san's current magic power is severely restricted by the Pledge and three additional seals."
Initially, Yugen had thought these seals were part of the Tsukuba family's Pledge. However, after learning the magic passed down in the Kagurazaka family, it became clear that the seal placed on Tatsuya was the Tenjin Magic mental interference spell, Kyokusei Reiza (Polar Star Spirit Seat).
This magic semi-permanently froze a portion of the subject's mental realm—specifically the magic power and Magic Calculation Area. The mechanism allowed the seal to be broken only when a specific target performed a specific action—a trigger. Simply put, it was a superior version of the Pledge where the keyholder bore high risks.
The method of release was a kiss. According to Senhime, who set it up, "Isn't a princess waking up the prince with a kiss romantic?" though "waking a Demon King" felt like a more appropriate description than a prince.
"Evidence is better than argument. Miyuki-san, Ayako-san, and Yuka-san. Please kiss Tatsuya-san. That will make everything clear."
In the case of the Pledge, Miyuki would kiss Tatsuya's forehead, but in this world, that was likely a safety measure to prevent Kyokusei Reiza from being accidentally released. While Ayako seemed stunned, Miyuki and Yuka looked anxious, so Yugen called out to them.
"If it's to prove Tatsuya's power, I'll turn a blind eye this time. Go on, don't hold back."
"Yugen, that is my line."
Yugen understood Tatsuya's sentiment, but if this was necessary to prove Tatsuya was worthy of the Yotsuba succession, enduring it was the only choice. Besides, he had long felt Miyuki's desire to improve her brother's treatment within the family, and he didn't want to waste her feelings.
"Thank you, Yugen-san... Onii-sama, here I go."
Perhaps finding resolve, Miyuki took the lead and exchanged a kiss with Tatsuya on the lips. Then Yuka, with a "Well, now I have to do it!" attitude, kissed him as well. That left Ayako. For someone who usually took bold actions, she was strangely quiet.
Yugen immediately guessed the reason.
"…Her first kiss, huh?"
"D-Do not say it! And in front of acquaintances... especially in front of Bunmi!"
"No, why is it embarrassing just because I'm here!?"
Bunmi had a point. Seeing his sister, who usually teased him relentlessly, suddenly acting so girlish was—in Bunmi's eyes—simply irrational. Watching this, Maya smiled like a mischievous child and made a suggestion to Tatsuya and Ayako.
"Then, you may use this door temporarily. You can do it on the other side, you know?"
"Head of the Family!?"
"Hah..."
Deciding this was getting them nowhere, Tatsuya stood up and approached Ayako. Perhaps sensing that she was struggling to speak because her beloved was so close, Tatsuya asked:
"Ayako, I apologize for everything until now."
"T-Tatsuya-san?"
"As you know, I have been unable to feel strong emotions for anyone other than Miyuki. But Yugen and Miyuki have told me at length how you feel about me... Knowing that, will you still love me, Ayako?"
It was clearly a confession of sorts. Yugen slowly pulled out a camera and secretly began recording. The voice recorder was already running. Whether she knew it or not, Ayako answered Tatsuya's words clearly.
"What are you saying at this late hour? You have already pierced my heart, Tatsuya-san. I, too, wish to be with the person I love, just like Miyuki-neesama. Since my father caused you trouble, I don't mind being your mistress. But since you are taking my first kiss, if you don't keep me by your side absolutely, I might just attack you, you know?"
With that, Ayako exchanged a kiss with Tatsuya.
As the three seals of Kyokusei Reiza shattered, a massive torrent of psions erupted from Tatsuya's body. It was visibly orders of magnitude greater than the psions released when Miyuki lifted the Pledge.
The wave of psions was felt by the other candidates as well. Ayako, being the closest, became "intoxicated" by the sheer volume of Tatsuya's power and slumped against his chest. As for the other candidates and Maya, Yugen controlled the overflowing psions to prevent them from suffering psion intoxication.
"Ah, I-I'm sorry, Tatsuya-san. The amount of psions was just... I got dizzy."
"No, I should apologize. And Yugen, you have my thanks."
"Don't worry about it. You've been managing a small amount of magic power efficiently until now. Even for you, Tatsuya, controlling such a massive influx immediately is difficult."
Plus, I got some good footage, he didn't say aloud. He decided he would give the data to Ayako later; whether it became a treasured memento or a source of embarrassment would be up to her. Tatsuya surely noticed, but simply handing him the master data later would resolve that. Yugen would watch over others' romance warmly, but he preferred not to get his head bitten off.
Yugen treated Ayako's psion intoxication with Floral Wind, having experience with it himself. Once Tatsuya returned to his seat, Maya spoke.
"Now then, I believe this proves Tatsuya-san is a worthy candidate. Are you satisfied, Katsunari-san?"
"Yes, I have felt it sufficiently. Head of the Family, the Shibata Family wishes to return my—Shibata Katsunari's—status as a candidate and instead recommend Shiba Tatsuya-kun for the next Head of the Yotsuba."
In the original story, Katsunari followed Bunmi and Yuka, bowing to the logic of majority rule to withdraw. He had asked for approval to marry Kotona in exchange.
But here, Katsunari hadn't just seen Tatsuya's magic power; he had fought Yugen—albeit in disguise—and suffered defeat. At this point, he likely judged himself unworthy of becoming the leader of the Yotsuba.
"Oh? Is this because of the magic power you just sensed from Tatsuya-san? Or perhaps because of what Yugen-san mentioned earlier?"
"Those are factors, but in terms of embodying what makes the Yotsuba the 'Untouchables,' I believe either Tatsuya-kun or Miyuki-san—close blood relatives of the Head—should become the successor. If the Tsukuba and Kuroba families push for Miyuki-san, I will follow the majority. However, Family Head Osamu told me that the decision to withdraw and whom to recommend was entirely up to me. Therefore, I recommend Tatsuya-kun."
Katsunari argued that to embody the Yotsuba's title of "Untouchable," a close relative of Maya—Tatsuya or Miyuki—should lead. It was unexpected for Katsunari to be the first to step forward. However, his early withdrawal likely signaled what he desired in return.
"Regarding the return of my candidacy status, there is a matter in which I desire your assistance, Head of the Family."
"Are you asking me to mediate your marriage to your Guardian, Tsutsumi Kotona-san?"
"Yes. My father forbade it because she is a modified human..."
"I see... I cannot condone tearing apart two people who love each other, and if Katsunari-san is to succeed the Shibata Family, there should be no issue. Besides, Katsunari-san, even if Kotona-san is a modified human, she is no longer merely a 'modified' one."
"? What does that mean... Does it have something to do with the fact that Kotona's physique has become more womanly?"
At the mention of the physical changes, Tatsuya and Miyuki looked toward Yugen. Yugen silently nodded while sipping his water. Seeing their reaction, Katsunari realized that if anyone was involved in the changes before and after the event, only one person fit the bill. He looked at Yugen.
"…Could it be, you healed Kotona?"
"Yes. Through my unique magic, Reinforce, Kotona-san and Kanata-san have acquired the same lifespan as ordinary humans. I must insist this remains confidential. I will not allow it to be leaked, even to family. In the worst case, I would have to wipe memories."
"I see... You have my gratitude, Kagurazaka-dono."
"Think nothing of it. In exchange, I won't forgive you if you don't make her happy for a long time."
Fortunately, almost everyone present, excluding Katsunari, knew a fair amount about Yugen. However, only Yuka knew about both of his unique magics; the others only knew of Reinforce. He had framed it as a healing magic, but the essence of the spell—"Structural Information Interference and Reinforcement"—was something he could only discuss with a very limited number of people.
I need to tell Tatsuya and Miyuki about this properly soon, Yugen thought.
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