The Nine Schools Competition had reached its final day. Though it wasn't merely a formality, the event was still the Nine Schools Competition until its conclusion, and the stands buzzed with excitement. Katsuto, Hattori, and Tatsumi were competing in the main Monolith Code, all familiar faces to Tatsuya and Yugen.
"Pretty much a breeze, huh? Erika looks dissatisfied, though."
"Well, it does feel a bit like a formality…"
Indeed, First High School had secured the overall championship, but they couldn't afford to slack off until the end. With Katsuto, a member of the Ten Master Clans, competing, the goal was to clinch the main Monolith Code and solidify the comprehensive victory. The semifinal of the finals league pitted First High against Ninth High, just like in the newcomers' event. Hattori's surprise attacks, Tatsumi's stability, and Katsuto's impenetrable defense led to an effortless win.
Erika, aware of their overwhelming strength, responded to Yugen's question with a hint of frustration. Seizing the moment, Yugen made a proposal.
"Hey, Erika. And to everyone here, I have a suggestion… Are you free after tomorrow?"
"What? Is something up?"
"Well, sort of. It's not bad news… or rather, it's something that might clear your schedules."
The previous night, a letter had arrived at Yugen's room—a formal invitation from the Kagurazaka family. It included not only Tatsuya and Miyuki but also Shizuku, Honoka, Leo, Mikihiko, Erika, and Mizuki. Likely, the Kagurazaka family had coordinated with each invitee's family to forcibly clear their schedules.
Incidentally, Touya was apparently being dragged—er, invited—by third-year students, particularly Ami, for a domestic trip. It felt like he might climb the "adult staircase" by the time he returned.
"I got a letter like that too," Leo said.
"No way, you got one? That's something else. Well, I got one too, so I guess my old man approved," Erika added.
"Sigh… I got one as well. My father's probably already agreed," Mikihiko chimed in.
"I received one too. It said my parents' consent was secured," Mizuki noted.
The Course 2 students—Leo, Erika, Mikihiko, and Mizuki—confirmed without hesitation, while Shizuku and Honoka said their schedules were clear. That left Tatsuya and Miyuki, whose complex circumstances necessitated a private discussion. Using the break before the finals, they moved to Tatsuya's room, where Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Yugen spoke alone after deploying a soundproof field.
Tatsuya broke the silence. "Last night, my aunt summoned me. She told me to accept the Kagurazaka invitation. It seems there's some connection to Yotsuba sponsors."
"Is that so, Brother? Will FLT be alright?" Miyuki asked.
"No issues there. Yugen's handled the work thoroughly."
"It wasn't a big deal," Yugen said modestly.
FLT was set to unveil a flight magic device at a product exhibition later that month, with preparations meticulously underway. To prevent leaks, Tatsuya's devices at both the Shiba household and FLT were linked via the "Pentagon" system, which included a security wall with a black-boxed activation process.
"Man, once Monolith Code's done, it's just one hassle after another," Yugen groaned.
"Hassles?" Miyuki asked.
"Dealing with bigwigs' greetings—I'd rather avoid it if I could. But you two aren't exactly free from it either."
Tatsuya's technical prowess and Miyuki's striking presence—both in skill and appearance—made them impossible to ignore. Yugen, having won both his events and being part of the Ten Master Clans, was likely to attract even more attention.
"I've already asked Grandpa to block any production-related approaches. And I've got Ichihara-senpai backing Miyuki, so it shouldn't escalate," Yugen said.
"You're not assisting me yourself?" Miyuki asked.
"If I let you two near military or political figures, it'd be trouble. My family's got Defense Force connections, so we can keep things from getting messy."
"That makes sense," Tatsuya agreed.
Unofficially part of the Defense Forces, Tatsuya knew excessive contact was unwise, especially given the potential misuse of his "Material Burst." Yugen taking on that role was logical.
"That's where 'Titania, the Annihilator' shines, huh?" Tatsuya teased.
"…You're messing with me, aren't you?" Yugen shot back.
Miyuki stifled a giggle.
The Monolith Code finals saw First High face Third High. Katsuto, wielding "Phalanx" single-handedly, dominated without even using its offensive form—a victory laced with subtle provocation toward Tatsuya.
First High secured the overall championship, achieving an unprecedented third consecutive title. This marked the start of their journey toward a fourth next year.
"…Sigh."
As the Nine Schools Competition ended, most students reveled in a mix of relief and exhilaration, but Yugen's mood was at an all-time low. It wasn't that he disliked his promised dance with Miyuki or the joint after-party itself. Then, a woman approached. For a moment, he mistook her for Airi Isshiki from Third High, but her more refined presence and gentle smile as she saw Yugen set her apart.
"Long time no see, Mitsuya-kun. You look quite exhausted," she said.
"Good to see you, Aika-san. Getting bombarded with conversations does wear you out… Sorry, that wasn't the proper way to address someone from the Master Clans. Please forgive me."
"No, don't worry about it. I'm sorry my daughter caused you trouble," Aika Isshiki, wife of the Isshiki family head, replied softly, referencing Airi's Valentine's incident.
"She told me about it, so it's fine. I'll accept your sentiment," Yugen said.
"Still, you're quite popular—politicians, Defense Force folks, girls from other schools… Oh my, even that girl's sulking."
"I can't fathom what misunderstanding's making her glare like that…"
While Yugen spoke with Aika, Airi noticed and shot him a sharp look. He wasn't bold enough to flirt with a married mother, for heaven's sake. Before Aika, competition officials, some hinting at recruitment, had swarmed him. He'd brushed them off diplomatically, feeling like telling them to "say that in their sleep." Even foreign CAD maker reps approached, but he kept it to greetings.
"Goodness, it's already this late. Please look after Airi if you can," Aika said.
"I'll do my best to maintain a good relationship," Yugen replied.
Whatever implications her words carried, Aika left. Music filled the venue, transforming it into a dance party fostering inter-school mingling. Yugen, set to dance with Miyuki, considered resting when a voice called out. Turning, he saw Hime, whom he'd met recently.
"Yugen-san," she said.
"Oh, Hime-san. Congrats on second place in Mirage Bat. Honestly, I was impressed."
"Tch, thanks… Um, well…"
"Hime, just say it like you're tackling him—ow!" Yume, behind Hime, blurted out, only to be bonked by Shuji's fist.
"Watch your mouth, idiot," Shuji scolded.
Hime, flustered and blushing, fumbled her words. Finding the scene amusing, Yugen extended his right hand.
"Hime-san, would you like to dance?"
"…Yes! Please!" she replied.
As they danced, Yugen felt piercing stares. Miyuki, dancing with Masaki a short distance away, wore a smile but radiated a gaze sharp enough to kill. Masaki, oblivious, seemed lost in a dreamy haze. Yugen half-considered calling him "Crimson Prince, Flower-Field Brain" next time.
Later, he danced with Mayumi, Shizuku, Airi, and Kazuko. Mayumi's quirky style made them stand out, but the other three, trained in dance etiquette, synced effortlessly. Shizuku, especially, remarked, "I kinda wish I'd worn a dress," clearly satisfied.
Exhausted from dancing, Yugen took a break. Tatsuya returned to the venue. Yugen had glimpsed him talking with Katsuto and leaving during his dance with Shizuku but had focused on the moment. Tatsuya looked pensive.
"Tatsuya, should I say 'good job' here?" Yugen asked.
"…I suppose so," Tatsuya replied.
Tatsuya shared that Katsuto had told him he should join the Ten Master Clans, citing his role as the emotional pillar for the women's newcomers' team. Unlike the original, Tatsuya and Masaki hadn't clashed directly this time.
"Given your extraordinary grit, it makes sense. Did he suggest a Saegusa marriage too?" Yugen teased.
"Yeah. Though, if it's about connections, you'd be the better fit."
"That'd spark a Saegusa civil war."
"What's that supposed to mean…?"
Even with his dissolved engagement to Izumi, her affection for Yugen had only grown. Add Mayumi, and a clash between her and Izumi was inevitable. Kasumi, wanting neutrality but bound by family ties, would likely side with Izumi. The result? A bloodbath rivaling daytime dramas. Yugen clutched his head at the thought.
As the final song approached, Miyuki appeared, having chatted with other first-year girls after dancing with Masaki.
"Yugen-san, keep your promise," she said, extending her hand.
Glancing at Tatsuya, who gave an encouraging look, Yugen took her hand with a nod.
"Then, if I may, I'll escort the lovely Lady Miyuki."
"You're a born gigolo, aren't you?" she teased.
"What the heck…?"
His slightly grandiose words hit Miyuki deeply, making her blush. Despite his playful retort, Yugen gently led her to the floor.
Yugen and Miyuki danced to the final song.
Despite being high school students in the same Magic High uniforms, their dance captivated everyone. Yet, they paid no heed to the onlookers, as if lost in their own world, creating an almost surreal illusion.
"Wow, that's something else. Tatsuya-kun, feeling jealous your sister's stolen?" Erika teased.
"…Erika, I'm not that overprotective," Tatsuya replied.
"No hope for you. This is terminal," she quipped.
Knowing better than to argue, Tatsuya brushed her off, watching the pair. It wasn't jealousy over losing Miyuki but rather envy—or joy—for her happiness. He let a rare smile slip.
(This 'emotion' might be unnecessary for a Guardian. Yet, I don't dislike it… Strange. Truly strange.)
For Tatsuya, bound by unique circumstances, such "emotions" were foreign. Understanding them fully would come later.
◇ ◇ ◇
As the final song ended and the party concluded, First High held an exclusive victory celebration. Yugen, a key figure in the triumph, stood alone in the garden.
Relieved to escape the Ten Master Clans' pressures, he stared at his palm, smiling wryly at the dreamlike memory of dancing with Miyuki.
"…Hey, big brother. Have I changed?"
The words, directed not at his current brother but his past life's, would never be answered. Yugen knew that. He wasn't seeking a response; the question was for himself alone.
Overwhelmed by his family's talents, hating being swept along, compromising and enduring what was taken—his latent inferiority complex had fueled a lack of romantic feelings. Thanks to his father's advice to separate those emotions, he'd finally faced his own hidden love. "The darkest place is under the candlestick," as they say. Being called a gigolo was his own doing.
"…It wasn't that I lacked it; I just couldn't see it. I've still got a long way to go."
Sensing someone approaching, he turned. Despite her effort to mask it, her natural allure—almost pheromonal—drew attention. It was Miyuki.
"What's the matter, Lady Miyuki?" he asked.
"…How do you always notice?" she pouted.
"Well, I am your master's apprentice."
Her slight sulk suggested she'd wanted to surprise him, but she wasn't on Yakumo's level yet. Her coming alone was unexpected.
"Where's Tatsuya? Caught by Honoka or something?"
"More like he pushed me here. To avoid weird rumors and seem normal. Shizuku's helping."
Given Tatsuya's complex situation, half-measures wouldn't do. Yugen decided not to question the logic. A chance like this was too good to waste. Taking a breath, he spoke.
"Miyuki."
"Yes?"
"I've been putting this off—or rather, I was too dense to see it… I love you."
It was his first confession in this life. Normally, he'd embellish, but before Miyuki, fancy words seemed to fade.
"It's not just because of your approaches… From the moment we met, you've been on my mind. At first, I just wanted to be friends, but at some point, that wasn't enough."
This must be possessiveness. Still, he had no intention of forcing her, respecting her will.
"It's not just love—I think I'm in love with you. You don't have to answer now—"
Miyuki, initially dazed, smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, interrupting with a kiss.
Their first kiss lasted about ten seconds. As their lips parted, Miyuki smiled, tears in her eyes.
"I've been waiting for those words forever. You stole my first love, so I'm never letting you go."
"And?"
"Your gigolo ways are fine, but I get to be number one. Otherwise, I'll cling to you endlessly."
Cling, not sulk? he thought, amused. Loving her meant taking responsibility.
"…Guess getting involved with you was my fate, huh?"
"What? What's that mean?"
"I mean this."
Miyuki thought he was teasing, but his "shh" gesture clarified it was a bluff. Snapping his fingers, fireworks burst above the hotel. Using the noise, he fired a mild static spell into the bushes, eliciting a scream.
Emerging from the bushes were their friends: Tatsuya, Erika, Leo, Mikihiko, Mizuki, Touya, Shizuku, and Honoka.
"Haha, busted, huh?" Erika laughed.
"Obviously. Tatsuya, you didn't stop them?" Yugen asked.
"I tried," Tatsuya replied.
The group had been watching from the start. Yugen wanted to facepalm, while Miyuki, mortified, buried her face in his chest.
"Ugh, I'm too embarrassed to marry now," she mumbled.
"You're fine, Miyuki. Your groom's right here," Erika teased.
"Shut it, bro-con," Yugen shot back.
Tatsuya admitted he'd been observing to "guard" them. That's not what Guardians are for! Sensing the mood, Shizuku placed a hand on Yugen's shoulder.
"Anyway, the rest is for the celebration."
"No veto power for me?"
"Nope. You're the star."
Resigning himself, Yugen returned to the hotel under the warm gazes of friends as fireworks lit the sky. Mayumi's sharp intuition led to some probing, but he dodged it deftly.
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