The year turned, marking the first day of 2097.
Yugen had changed into the haori hakama prepared for him in advance and was relaxing. Tatsuya and Miyuki were likely in the midst of being dressed by the servants in attire appropriate for the New Year. In Yugen's case, since he could dress himself, he had politely declined any assistance.
Even though he had become the Head of the Kagurazaka Family, he handled what he could on his own, and he saw no reason to increase the servants' workload during these greetings. Indeed, Senhime handled all her own preparations, claiming with strange persuasiveness, "If I start delegating things I can do myself, my mind and body will go senile in no time."
Incidentally, there had been some "skinship" with Miyuki early in the New Year, but considering the impending New Year's Gathering, they had kept it moderate.
Just then, Bunmi in a haori hakama and Ayako in a furisode (long-sleeved kimono) appeared, so Yugen exchanged greetings. The two seemed slightly awkward. It was likely related to Mitsugu, but Yugen decided not to touch upon that subject intentionally.
"Happy New Year, Bunmi, Ayako-chan."
"Happy New Year, Yugen-san."
"Happy New Year. In this case, should we call you 'Kagurazaka-sama'?"
With the turning of the year, Yugen's position had shifted to that of the Kagurazaka Family Head, but since he was still a high school student, he hadn't taken over all duties yet. Yugen replied to Ayako's question with a wry smile.
"Since this isn't a public setting, seniority is fine for now... By the way, Ayako-chan, here is the data from yesterday."
"How very thoughtful of you, Yugen-san. I am truly envious of Miyuki-neesama, receiving such attentiveness."
"…You two act as close as real siblings, Sister and Yugen-san."
It was hard to describe; they would never be lovers, but they naturally built a conspiratorial relationship akin to an evil magistrate and a corrupt merchant from a period drama. Of course, this was predicated on their friendship.
Seeing Yugen hand the data of the previous day's exchange with Tatsuya to Ayako, Bunmi gave his honest impression of the two, who exuded the atmosphere of real siblings despite having no blood relation.
"Well, in my case, I have a blood-related sister... and recently, I gained another sister through adoption by the Mitsuya family."
"Mitsuya-dono's hidden child?"
"If such a person existed, I think Mom would spoil them with all her might, and I'd end up with another younger brother or sister. She's the daughter of an acquaintance of my parents. She had no relatives to rely on, so my parents adopted her in accordance with that acquaintance's will."
Shiho, who looked to be in her late thirties at a glance despite her actual age being close to Maya and Miya's, would be impossible for Moto-haru to refuse if she seriously made a move on him. Because his father cherished his mother so much, Yugen felt that if a hidden child actually existed, it wouldn't be strange to hear a few months later that his mother was pregnant again.
Since they would learn about Arisa sooner or later, Yugen gave a brief explanation of the circumstances to Bunmi and Ayako. It was something he needed to explain to Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Yuka later, but he also needed to tell those three about Arisa's origins. There was a possibility the Juumonji family might try to rely on the three of them.
"An adopted daughter, not an adopted son... that means she's a candidate for your wife, Yugen-san."
"Well, you're not wrong. Bunmi, I think you should steel your resolve sooner rather than later."
"E-Eh!?"
"That stands to reason. Although, Bunmi is more likely to be the one doted upon."
"Even you, Sister!?"
With Tatsuya designated as the next Head and the recruitment for his fiancées beginning, Bunmi could no longer consider it someone else's problem.
Including those who had already withdrawn within the Yotsuba family, it was clear that Miyuki and Yuka would stand as fiancées for the Kagurazaka Head, and Ayako would run for Tatsuya's fiancée. Katsunari had been granted permission to marry Kotona with Maya's endorsement.
In that scenario, among the Yotsuba members of Tatsuya's generation, Bunmi would be the only one left single. It wasn't hard to imagine the pressure he would receive from their grandmother, Yotsuba Yume, who was still alive.
In terms of maintaining the Yotsuba's power, a child between Tatsuya and Ayako could inherit the Kuroba family, but having Bunmi—who had withdrawn from the succession race—become the Kuroba Head would make it easier to resolve the misalignment within the Yotsuba consciousness. Therefore, the likelihood of pressure being applied for him to settle down quickly was extremely high.
"Ayako-chan, isn't Bunmi a bit naive?"
"Father is strict regarding work, but aside from that, he is soft on Bunmi."
"…Yugen, Ayako-chan, you're getting along well for so early in the New Year."
"You look just like siblings."
"Oh, Tatsuya. Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year, Tatsuya-san, Miyuki-neesama."
Tatsuya, appearing as a "helping hand" to the troubled Bunmi in his haori hakama, and Miyuki in her furisode, arrived. When Miyuki commented on how well Yugen and Ayako were getting along, Yugen and Ayako exchanged greetings with them. Bunmi followed a beat later, but he was captivated by Miyuki's appearance.
"Um, that is amazing."
"Isn't that just a simple impression, Bunmi? Yugen-san, as her fiancé, what do you think of Miyuki-san's furisode appearance?"
"Let's see... Rather than a furisode, it looks like a bridal gown. If Miyuki went outside looking like this, I feel like even the sun would be shy and set in the east."
"Yugen-san... I cannot do that much."
Setting aside the retort that Yugen might be able to pull that off, Miyuki, hearing Yugen's compliment, hid her mouth with her sleeve in embarrassment while gazing only at him. Seeing this, Tatsuya let out a sigh. Glancing at Bunmi and Ayako, who looked like they were thinking, "We need to take notes," Tatsuya asked Yugen:
"By the way, Yugen, are you participating in the New Year's Gathering?"
"Hmm? Well... rather than participating, I think it will be more like 'interjecting.' That will depend on Maya-san's discretion, so I can't say for sure."
Yugen's first job as the Kagurazaka Family Head was to "drive a nail" into the branch family heads of the Yotsuba at the gathering. Not only regarding Mitsugu's visit the month before last, but he was also involved in the attack at the end of last year, so he couldn't overlook it.
"Even Yugen can't read 'Aunt's' thoughts?"
"I can predict the steps of what she wants to do, but I can't say it here. Bunmi and Ayako-chan might have noticed, though."
"Um, precisely because we are in that position, we can't really say anything..."
Since seniority had been prioritized for everyone except immediate family until now, he had to use strong language as the Head of the Kagurazaka Family. When dealing with Ernst Rosen, his anger toward Leo and Erika helped the words come out smoothly, but from now on, he would be required to use that tone consciously.
However, he didn't really feel like using it outside of public settings. Senhime had once agreed with him, saying, "I understand that feeling very well."
"Well, in any case, until Maya-san brings me into the conversation, I'll falsify my presence and stay quiet. However, as a Kagurazaka, I'm going to release all the presence I usually suppress... I intend to go easy on Tatsuya and the others, but please brace yourselves just in case."
"Presence... Do you mean it will be like during Pillars Break?"
"Even that was suppressed to about 30%."
"That was 30%...?"
It was no wonder Tatsuya showed surprise. After all, if Yugen's words were to be believed, that level of suppression was enough to intimidate opposing players. Tatsuya thought that at roughly three times that intensity and at close range, there might be people fainting.
"It's natural to doubt... So, to let you experience what it feels like, I'll release it fully for just a split second. Brace yourselves."
Yugen said so and released his suppressed presence for a very short time.
The sensation felt as if a shockwave had passed through. Tatsuya's expression stiffened involuntarily. Bunmi and Ayako seemed to have lost the strength in their legs, and Miyuki... for some reason, was looking at him with eyes full of respect.
From a distance, panicked voices shouted, "What on earth was that!?" and it sounded like several servants had collapsed from the momentary release.
"––And well, this is what happens if I release it in all directions without thinking."
"…Back in Okinawa, you didn't emit a presence like that."
"I told you I went to the Egyptian pyramids regarding Grandfather, right? At that time, I didn't just exorcise the spirits; their 'power' was absorbed on its own."
Due to the pyramid's shape as a "Sanctuary" maintaining a spiritual field, it had sealed their "souls." However, absorbing the wicked desires of grave robbers and the like had turned them into evil spirits.
As a side effect of the Sunrise Overdrive used to exorcise the evil spirits, the souls of the past pharaohs were absorbed without permission. According to Gozo, he had gained enough power that "Unless you learn suppression techniques, those who sense Yugen's divine presence might start worshipping you."
In fact, when he returned to a nearby town in that state, he ended up being worshipped by the villagers. Since talk of sacrifices came up, a mishap occurred where he knocked them out with killing intent released reflexively.
He welcomed becoming stronger, but honestly, gaining unwanted byproducts made him want to hold his head in his hands. As a result, he ended up having to master concealment techniques like presence suppression and camouflage from Gozo in just one day.
"So acquiring concealment skills rivaling Kokonoe-sensei was caused by that event."
"Makes sense. You have it rough too."
Since both he and Tatsuya had various troubles—or rather, history—with Yakumo, Tatsuya stopped pursuing the matter further. Just then, Yuka in a furisode appeared.
"Happy New Year. By the way... was that just now your doing, Yugen-kun?"
"Happy New Year, Yuka-san. I released my presence for just a moment by way of explanation."
"Knocking people out with presence instead of intimidation... what does that even mean..."
In this case, Yuka's reaction was probably the most normal. Then, as it was about time, Minami, who had been appointed as the guide, entered. After bowing respectfully, Bunmi and Ayako left the room first.
"Come to think of it, Yugen-kun, are you participating in the New Year's Gathering in that attire?"
"I will enter the venue, but I'll be falsifying my presence and sticking behind Tatsuya and Miyuki."
Hearing that, Yuka gave Tatsuya and Miyuki advice on entering the gathering venue. She likely assumed they wouldn't know the procedure since it was their first time participating.
Once she finished her advice, Yuka was called and guided out. Finally, it was Tatsuya and Miyuki's turn, so Yugen followed behind them, leaving the room.
"The Succession Candidate, Shiba Miyuki-sama, and her elder brother, Shiba Tatsuya-sama, are entering—"
At Minami's announcement, Tatsuya visibly slumped, and Miyuki's temple twitched. Even Yugen, concealing his presence, couldn't help but smile, opening the fan he had received from Senhime beforehand to hide his face. The reason Minami, guiding them, looked tired was likely because she had to shout out these announcements.
Timing it as Minami guided the two to seats on either side of Maya, Yugen sat down even further back than the last row of participants. It would be one thing if it were just Miyuki, but Tatsuya sitting next to Maya would surely cause a stir.
This seating arrangement had also been suggested by Maya beforehand. Since he wasn't a Yotsuba member, he didn't want to sit in the front row and invite unnecessary speculation. Such reactions had been seen at the candidates' dinner yesterday, so at the New Year's Gathering, those gazes would only increase. Considering the effort required to clear up misunderstandings, he had no desire to actively cause trouble.
Then, Maya, wearing a black furisode lavishly adorned with gold thread despite being unmarried, delivered her New Year's greeting.
"Everyone, once again, Happy New Year."
Following her words, the participants bowed, saying, "Happy New Year." Yugen judged it unwise to speak, so he limited himself to bowing. Seeing this, Maya smiled and proceeded.
"Today, in addition to the auspicious New Year, I am able to share two pieces of bright news with you all. I find this very pleasing."
Maya's gaze turned to Katsunari and Kotona. Katsunari was in haori hakama like Yugen, but Kotona in her furisode looked uncomfortable.
After all, not only was Kotona, a Guardian, participating in the same seating as Yotsuba blood relatives, but her furisode was undeniably expensive. Yugen judged this based on knowledge gained from occasionally helping Senhime manage costumes since becoming part of the Kagurazaka family.
"Shibata Family eldest son, Katsunari-san, has become engaged to Tsutsumi Kotona-san. Following Sakurai Honami-san, who was my sister's Guardian, this celebration is a great joy for me as well."
This announcement was received by those around them less with "No way" and more with a sense of "Finally."
Katsunari and Kotona had originally been in a common-law relationship, but the Shibata Family Head had frowned upon it because Kotona was a modified human. However, since Yugen had treated Kotona, clearing that issue, Maya offered her congratulations, citing the "precedent" of Honami marrying Moto-haru.
That Honami was already pregnant, and carrying fraternal twins at that. While nothing could be asserted about their magical aptitude at this point, the possibility that children born from someone treated with Reinforce would surpass Moto-haru or Honami's magic power was sufficiently conceivable.
"Next, I will announce the matter in which you all hold interest. I believe you have already realized what I am about to announce."
As Maya spoke, the participants watched with bated breath, waiting for the designation of the next Yotsuba Head. The majority of those present likely believed that Miyuki, sitting next to Maya, would be named.
However, precisely because she wanted to see the expressions of shock caused by overturning that expectation, Maya hadn't told any of the branch heads about the discussion at the dinner. With a glimpse of a mischievous smile, she spoke in a firm tone.
"I wish to entrust the position of my successor to my son here—Tatsuya."
In response to the bombshell of the highest magnitude dropped by Maya, expressions of shock and agitation were visible not only on the participants but also on the servants, and there was clear confusion as they failed to grasp the situation. Yugen watched this scene calmly.
(Well, that makes sense. For most of the participants, it's like Maya flipped the table on a fixed race where Miyuki was the only option, wiped the slate clean, and then designated Tatsuya. Maya-san really loves her pranks...)
Moreover, the announcement that Tatsuya, thought to be Miya's son, was Maya's son only spurred the confusion. Then, Mitsugu, one of the participants, threw a question at Maya.
"Head of the Family, there is something I wish for you to explain."
"What is it, Mitsugu-san?"
"Aside from his designation as the next Head of the Yotsuba, hearing that he is your son is completely new to me. Could you please explain the circumstances surrounding that?"
"Ah, now that you mention it, that is true. Actually, the sole survivor who participated in the Yotsuba's revenge—Kamiizumi Gozo-dono—accidentally found my frozen ova and secretly brought them back. Tatsuya was born through a surrogate pregnancy by my sister, Miya, using that ovum and a fertilized egg created with a sperm donor."
In this world, the lie stated in the original story became truth thanks to Gozo. By some twist of fate, Tatsuya was born into this world containing the bloodlines of the Kamiizumi and Kagurazaka. As the undeniable "son of Yotsuba Maya."
After stating the past events as if recounting knowledge, Maya continued her explanation to Mitsugu.
"Then, by the hands of the previous Yotsuba Head Eisaku-san, Tsukuba-dono, and the previous Kagurazaka Head Senhime-san, Tatsuya's inherent magic power was significantly sealed. We raised him as a Yotsuba military asset by imposing combat training so his magic wouldn't run wild due to emotional outbursts. The rest is something the Branch Family Heads likely know, so I will omit the explanation, but Tatsuya, having been unsealed, possesses magic power greater than Miyuki-san and can use my magic, Meteor Line."
Blurring the details around Tatsuya's birth likely included a "warning" regarding the branch heads' plotting to kill Tatsuya.
After all, even if the branch heads had plotted Tatsuya's murder, and even if they had succeeded, the branch heads would have certainly "died." Did they not realize that taking away the long-awaited child from Maya, who had her happiness as a woman stolen, was no different from what the Kunlun Fang Institute had done?
When Eisaku heard that story, he might have doubted his ears honestly. True, Tatsuya's power was a threat, but just as he was thinking it could be useful depending on how it was used, the branch heads made their proposal. Senhime, who had moved to protect Tatsuya, had told Yugen about the situation back then: If it was going to come to this, we should have just hidden Tatsuya's power without revealing it.
Yotsuba Genzo risked his life to prove their existence as "humans," destroying the Great Han and the Kunlun Fang Institute together with his clan. However, the Yotsuba Branch Family Heads, without moving to repair the relationship between Maya and Miya themselves, relied on the Yotsuba's nickname, "Untouchable."
Genzo's dying will was not properly inherited; only the Yotsuba's notoriety walked alone. As a result of seeking power, they could not endure the magnitude of the power they obtained, and by making Tatsuya the "Sin of the Yotsuba," they pushed the sin they should have borne onto him.
If this wasn't called "negligence," what should it be called?
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