Right after returning from school, Tatsuya headed to the videophone. The number he dialed was the same one he'd called earlier that day.
"Hello?"
"Shiba here."
"My, two calls in one day? That's rare."
A bright voice answered, and the screen displayed a young woman, her polished demeanor and flawless smile befitting a corporate secretary. Though she usually dressed plainly on purpose, with makeup and proper attire, her above-average charm shone through.
"Sorry, was this a date?"
She laughed. "Sadly, just work. Though I seem to attract flirts at times like this. No decent guys, so it's fine."
Kyoko was clearly tipsy, but Tatsuya wasn't the type to bluntly point it out over the phone. For her to be drunk while in her car, enhanced with top-tier information functions, suggested someone else was with her.
"Wish there was a cool guy like you, Tatsuya-kun," she said, her expression turning sultry, punctuated by a suggestive wink.
"About that, I have something to discuss. Should I call back tomorrow?"
"Cool as ever… fitting for 'The Freest One,' I suppose."
"'The Freest One'? That's a bit too ironic… Anyway—"
"It's fine, I'm alone now. You can talk freely."
"Today, there was an attempted robbery at school."
"A robbery? Related to what we discussed this morning? They finally made a move?"
"Yes, they used hypnotic gas. It failed, thankfully."
"I'm sorry. We're putting you through so much…"
"It's not just the military's burden."
Kyoko bowed apologetically, but neither took the ceremonial exchange seriously.
"I recorded the attempted theft."
"Oh? How?"
"A standalone security terminal."
"3H, huh? Didn't know you were into that."
"It's not like that. It was in the Robotics Club room; the 3H is their equipment."
The 3H's lifelike appearance carried a stigma among certain niche groups. Tatsuya hedged his words, but Kyoko saw through him.
"Can you investigate the footage? I'll send it over."
"What's in it?"
"The would-be thief and their tools. I've attached the hacked CAD logs too."
"So, you're telling me to catch the fox?"
"Not quite so bossy, but yes."
"Got it. The captain's been pushing me to wrap this up. With the logs we have, we'll likely nab them in a day or two. Expect good news."
Kyoko spoke confidently. Tatsuya thanked her, sent the data, and ended the call. Almost immediately, another call came in.
"Hello?"
"Tatsuya-dono, are you free?"
"Hayama-san? Yes, what's up?"
"Please speak with Maya-sama for details."
Tatsuya frowned. He couldn't think of any incident that would involve the Yotsuba now.
"Alright, put my aunt on."
"Understood. You must be tired, but please bear with it."
Tatsuya sighed inwardly, suspecting Maya's patience had worn thin, and waited for her voice.
"Takkun! It's been forever! I've missed you—no visits, no calls!"
"As I've said, I'm not in a position to casually visit or call you."
"But you're my precious nephew! You shouldn't worry about that!"
Tatsuya, still baffled by her doting, let a hint of exasperation show. Maya, of course, couldn't see it.
"So, Aunt, what's this about?"
"Oh, right! There was a commotion at the National Magic University's Tachikawa Hospital. It won't go public, but it seems Roaring Tiger attacked, targeting one of your classmates—a girl. Chiba Shuji happened to be there and drove him off, but they couldn't detain him. He might show up again."
"Where do you get this information?"
"Secret!"
Tatsuya hadn't expected an answer, but Maya's playful tone gave him a headache. He crouched, wincing.
"Chiba Shuji was likely there with Watanabe Mari, the former First High Disciplinary Committee chair. They're dating."
"Oh, really? Still, so many incidents happen around you, Takkun. Three years ago, that April fiasco…"
"No need to worry. I'll protect Miyuki."
Maya's unspoken offer of backup was met with Tatsuya's unspoken refusal. They weren't close, but they understood each other without words.
"We'll look into Roaring Tiger, but keep an eye out, okay?"
"Got it."
As Tatsuya moved to end the call, Maya's voice rushed in.
"Oh, wait!"
"What?"
"You got picked for the Thesis Competition after the Nine Schools Competition? Amazing! My proud nephew!"
"Where do you even hear these things?"
Miyuki's guards, probably, but Tatsuya couldn't help asking. It was better than her calling the day of the selection, but Maya knowing their every move, despite rarely leaving the Yotsuba estate, was unsettling.
"I know everything about my dear Takkun! Your date with the Hirakawa sisters, your call with Fujibayashi-san just now…"
"…"
So she had timed it. Tatsuya fought the urge to sigh.
"Say hi to Miyuki for me!"
"Will do."
"And come visit sometime! I'd love that!"
"If I get the chance."
"Chances aren't found—they're made!"
With that, Maya ended the call. Tatsuya shook his head and returned to his room.
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