Yugen wasn't sleepless in the summer heat, wrapped in blankets. On the contrary, he'd slept soundly. Yet, he couldn't deny feeling oddly refreshed. Stranger still, though he'd worn pajamas to bed, he woke up completely bare.
(What a weird dream… But I was told not to resist…)
The dream felt like watching himself through his own eyes, with Miyuki, Shizuku, and Hime clinging to him, unclothed. The crucial parts were obscured by that classic "mysterious light" seen in anime.
Glancing at the bedding beside him, he saw three girls sleeping peacefully. One had a bare shoulder exposed, clearly without undergarments. Peeking under the covers felt disrespectful, so he rose quietly.
"…I saw this coming, but really?"
Using [Tenjin's Eye], he confirmed the situation was as expected, making him want to clutch his head. For now, he showered, dressed, and left the room to let them rest. At that moment, Chihime appeared.
"Good morning, Mother," Yugen greeted.
"Good morning, Yuu-kun. You've noticed, I see?"
"I can't deny it. But is this alright?"
The three sharing his bed—Miyuki, Shizuku, and Hime—showed no hostility or malice. Chihime began explaining as they walked.
"We used a special incense to test your strength, Yuu-kun… Honestly, it exceeded expectations. Hidden cameras observed, and you may well live up to the Kagurazaka name."
"…That's way past the line of premarital conduct."
A secret Kagurazaka elixir tested his "male vigor" (for producing heirs). Chihime noted he'd been impressively energetic—beyond her predictions. Hidden cameras felt abnormal, but expecting normalcy from magicians was perhaps the real mistake. Though it bordered on premarital intimacy, Chihime assured it was fine.
"It's no issue. They consented beforehand, and all three are Kagurazaka blood relatives."
"I get Hime, but Miyuki and Shizuku too?"
Chihime's sister married into the Naruse family, making Shizuku her granddaughter. The previous Kagurazaka head's brother, Higashiyama Motohide, had a son, Yotsuba Genzou—the Yotsuba's prior head—making Tatsuya and Miyuki distant Kagurazaka kin. A mobile soundproof barrier ensured their conversation stayed private.
"The engagement order is Miyuki-san, Shizuku-san, then Hime, for now," Chihime said.
The ranking factored in their Nine Schools Competition results, with personal feelings considered to avoid placing a direct Kagurazaka heir at the top. Yugen caught Chihime's hint that the list might grow.
"For now? You're not saying it'll expand, right?"
"Your vigor suggests three may not suffice."
"…What?"
He couldn't fathom it, doubting he had such capacity. He'd anticipated fiancées to an extent, especially after his broken engagement and Mitsuya family discussions. Valentine's Day showed how others viewed him. But even forewarned about multiple fiancées, no one could predict waking up entangled with several women. Talks with Genji and Chihime had hinted at this, but he'd dismissed it as impossible—common sense had clearly fled to eternity.
Premarital intimacy risked negative impacts, especially as high schoolers, even if early marriage was encouraged for magicians. Tenjin magic's secret arts could mitigate issues, a testament to their creators' struggles. Chihime noted the incense prevented crossing the final line.
"When they wake, we'll formally introduce you as fiancés," she said.
"Normally, the order's reversed… Understood."
After parting with Chihime, Yugen ran through the estate's back mountain, not just jogging but using magic to leap onto trees—a habit honed by Shin'in-ryuu training. Sensing a familiar presence, he turned to see Tatsuya in training gear.
"Morning, Tatsuya."
"Morning, Yugen."
Tatsuya had asked Chihime for a training spot. Unable to practice Kuonji Temple's martial arts, he opted for light exercise.
"Jumping through trees is beyond 'light exercise,'" Yugen teased.
"I know, but Master demands it."
(That monk needs a dunking.) "Wanna spar lightly?"
"…Please."
Their spar started casually but escalated with Tatsuya's competitive streak, ending with him sprawled on the ground. Against Yugen, a martial arts master, Tatsuya found it tough in a different way from Yakumo. Yugen dusted off Tatsuya's clothes with magic.
"Midway, you moved like you were going for the kill. I felt my life flash before me," Yugen said.
"Sorry, I'm reflecting. You're really strong," Tatsuya admitted.
"Grandpa was soft on kids but merciless in martial arts."
The training wasn't fit for public viewing—akin to a famous pirate manga's spiky-haired swordsman's regimen. Even top-tier peers didn't train like that; no one could replicate it.
"Yugen, Miyuki's a handful, but don't abandon her," Tatsuya said.
"If I did, you'd hit me with [Material Burst]. I swear I won't."
"What do you take me for…? Never mind, don't answer."
Unlike the original, Miyuki's brother complex was milder, but Yugen faced being favored by her mother. Tatsuya, too, was nagged about romance by his own mother.
"I don't want that in the Shiba household. I'd rather not stress you out. It's tough, but I want you to have a peaceful student life," Yugen said.
"Sorry."
"No, it's not your fault, even if it's family-related…"
The fiancées would be announced after the Yotsuba headship was settled, with Miyuki and others as "close classmates" publicly. Yugen hoped their exposure wouldn't escalate in Tatsuya's presence. Even with Tatsuya's limited emotions, stress wasn't absent.
"Miyuki might not hold back. Thinking of Mother and Aunt enjoying this… I'm apologizing first," Tatsuya said.
"Resign?"
"…"
"Don't go silent, Tatsuya."
Tatsuya's response: "Our family's women are a mystery." If even a Yotsuba like Tatsuya gave up, Yugen could only agree.
At breakfast, with Chihime's mediation, Yugen formally met his three fiancées. The Mitsuya and Kamiizumi's marriage protocols were ignored, to his shock. He introduced himself to Miyuki, Shizuku, and Hime.
"Kagurazaka Yugen, next head of the Kagurazaka family. That's the intro… but isn't this skipping way too many steps? Normally, you meet through omiai, build a bond, then cross lines."
"Haha… Can't deny it, but Grandmother finds such steps bothersome," Hime said.
The prior night left the three awkward. To avoid walls, Yugen spoke openly, prompting Hime's wry smile. They'd discussed their circumstances, learning Miyuki's Yotsuba ties, which Shizuku and Hime agreed to keep secret.
"It's not about bother. Miyuki, any complaints?" Yugen asked.
"No, it's just… I'm curious how many wives you'll have," Miyuki said.
Currently, Miyuki, Shizuku, and Hime were confirmed, with potential additions like Akane (Ichijou), Izumi (Saegusa), or Mio (Itsuka).
"I'm curious too. So?" Shizuku pressed.
"Don't ask me; that's my biggest question."
Marrying daughters from the Yotsuba, the wealthy Kitayama, and the Kagurazaka-branch Ise was already excessive. More via the Kagurazaka? The connections were headache-inducing.
"Erika's out, at least. She said, 'Yugen's too much; I'd burn out. Friends is fine—moderation's best.' No need to sugarcoat," Yugen said.
"That's Erika," Miyuki chuckled.
"I'm from another school, so it's less intense… Oh, I'm transferring to First High after summer," Hime added.
Given Kagurazaka affairs, Hime's transfer made sense. Her brother would inherit the Ise, and her magical skills surpassed his.
"That's sudden. Honoka's into Tatsuya, but… Miyuki, how do you feel?" Yugen asked.
"If Brother finds someone, I'm not opposed. I'd support Honoka if she's serious. That aside, my biggest concern is… President Saegusa," Miyuki said.
Yugen didn't deny worrying about Mayumi, given Izumi. Her aggressive affection was fine, but sisters marrying the same man posed issues. He and Kasumi shared a camaraderie over sibling woes, often chatting online about their sisters. Miyuki's issues persisted, with Masaki a likely contender.
"I don't know or want to know what the Saegusa head's plotting, but you're not off the hook, Miyuki," Yugen said.
"True. Third High's Crimson Prince was eyeing her intensely," Shizuku noted.
"Miyuki-san draws people in," Hime added.
"Both of you… I'm just worried Yugen-san might dislike me," Miyuki said, anxious.
"Honestly, I do have feelings for you. I can't deny ulterior motives either. Last night was the result… I'm probably no different from other guys," Yugen admitted.
"No! You see me, not just my magic! That's why I fell so hard I'd give you everything…" Miyuki blurted, then hid her red face.
Her near-self-sabotage made Shizuku smile at her rare vulnerability.
"That's Yugen. But announcing the engagement will cause a stir," Shizuku said.
"No idea what's 'Yugen' about that, but it'll start as a fiancée search. Tatsuya's likely in the same boat… You can guess why, but keep it secret," Yugen said.
"No worries. Grandmother told me," Hime replied.
Tatsuya, a strategic-class magician, could cast versatile modern magic under 500ms with full psion control, despite his limits. Stroking Miyuki's head calmed her, though Shizuku and Hime grew slightly miffed, prompting Yugen to plan follow-ups.
"My headship will be announced tomorrow to the Ten Master Clans, Eighteen Assistant Houses, and some Hundred Families. I'm not stingy, but drowning in romance is a bit much…"
"Uh, um…" Hime stammered.
"Understandable. We couldn't keep up. Hime was… intense, especially her chest. Jealous," Shizuku teased.
"Shizuku!?" Hime blushed, shushing her.
Despite last night, Yugen wanted to cherish his fiancées and avoid derailing student life. It was chaotic but fun. Miyuki smiled wryly, Shizuku referenced the night, and Hime, embarrassed, stopped her.
◇ ◇ ◇
The next day, Touya was at the Rokutsuka family's main estate. After the Nine Schools victory celebration, he returned to the Shinhata household, where Kotona, in an apron, greeted him.
"Welcome back, Touya-kun."
"I'm back, Kotona-san. Is Katsumasa still at work?"
"Yes. Oh, you got a letter from the Rokutsuka."
"A letter?"
Rare, Touya thought. His sister, Atsuko, the current Rokutsuka head, had attended the Nine Schools, praising his Speed Shooting and Crowd Ball results before returning to Sendai. He assumed no further business, but Ami had invited him on a trip. Checking the letter, it asked him to return home. Confirming with Ami, she mentioned her lodging fell through and asked if he could stay at the Rokutsuka. Atsuko's reply—"No problem"—made Touya want to facepalm.
"Rokutsuka-dono, I'm sorry for the sudden request," Katsuto said.
"No worries, Juumonji-dono. Your position is demanding, but gaining experience while free isn't bad," Atsuko replied.
The trip, a study camp, included Ami, Mayumi, Mari, and Katsuto. Touya, inwardly grumbling about standing out differently from Yugen, watched Katsuto and Atsuko converse like Ten Master Clans members. Then, Atsuko dropped a bombshell.
"Soon, I'll nominate Touya as the next Rokutsuka head and step down by the next Master Clans meeting. The strongest should lead."
"…I understand," Katsuto said hesitantly.
His tone reflected Juumonji family issues. Katsuto, acting head, faced Kazuki's declining magic due to overusing [Phalanx], a complex, multi-layered spell beyond normal calculation capacity. Atsuko speculated a Juumonji headship change was imminent, aiming to install Touya beforehand.
"Confidentially, three years ago in Sado, Touya killed every New Soviet soldier he encountered," Atsuko said.
"First I've heard. Ichijou's report mentioned a mysterious girl killing them without hesitation… Rokutsuka, is that true?" Katsuto asked.
"Yes. He boarded under a pseudonym to avoid institute-related hassle," Atsuko confirmed.
Touya's details matched Katsuto's intel, proving his capability as head. Atsuko's candor aimed to smooth Touya's succession at the Master Clans meeting. Post-retirement, she'd focus on geothermal power, enhancing it with magic.
A Rokutsuka servant entered, handing Atsuko a letter. After reading it, she sighed.
"Touya, Juumonji-dono, I've called Saegusa-san, Watanabe-san, and Ami-san. Please wait."
"Is this about the letter?" Katsuto asked.
"Yes, you could say that."
Minutes later, Mayumi, Mari, and Ami joined. Atsuko straightened and spoke.
"This is a letter from the Magic Association regarding the next heads of the Kamiizumi and Kagurazaka families."
Katsuto tensed at "Kamiizumi," and Mayumi and Mari grew stern, recalling spring's events. Ami, unaware, tilted her head, easing Touya's mood.
"The Kamiizumi head is Kamiizumi Genji, the Mitsuya head's second son, recently adopted and named head. The Kagurazaka head… is Mitsuya Yugen, the third son," Atsuko said.
"Yugen, Kagurazaka head?" Mayumi asked.
"Yes. The letter notes the former Kamiizumi head's wife is the current Kagurazaka head's sister, confirming both families' ties."
Atsuko, linked to the Kamiizumi but not the Kagurazaka, noted the handwritten letter suggested long-planned arrangements.
"Mitsuya—no, Kagurazaka now. Saegusa, your thoughts?" Katsuto asked.
"Honestly, Yugen-kun's power could disrupt the Ten Master Clans' balance. Stepping outside their framework means he won't be controlled at the Master Clans meeting," Mayumi said.
"She's right. His power's exposed, and some clans will want to bind him. Only the 'Guardians'—Kagurazaka and Kamiizumi, above the Ten Master Clans and immune to interference—stopped that," Mari added.
Atsuko's reveal of the Guardians shocked Mayumi, Mari, and Ami. Katsuto and Touya, previously informed, remained unfazed. The real shock followed.
"The Kagurazaka wield immense politico-economic influence. Yugen's Nine Schools magic likely showcased that power," Atsuko said.
"His magic's near 'omnipotent.' My Speed Shooting spell came from him. Sister, won't the Mitsuya face pressure?" Touya asked.
Other clans wouldn't ignore the Mitsuya sending heirs to both families, especially with three unmarried, highly talented daughters. Atsuko believed Gen didn't act to boost influence, unlike the Saegusa.
"My family's encrypted email mentioned the headship. I ignored the fiancée part," Mayumi said.
"What's your plan, Rokutsuka-dono?" Mari asked.
Mari, from a Watanabe family that adopted the Mitsuya eldest son's wife, held significant influence among the Hundred Families. Atsuko, aware, had included her.
"I won't do anything rash. Earning favor with the Mitsuya and Yotsuba means avoiding losses," Atsuko said.
Why mention the Yotsuba? Touya inferred it included the Shinhata. Moving to his assigned room, Mayumi dropped her facade.
"So that's what Mika-san meant. Kamiizumi's Chiri-san, but Yugen-kun's unreadable," Mayumi said.
"What, Mari?" Mayumi asked.
"I thought you'd be thrilled about fiancés," Mari teased.
"I can't! I don't want to play into that sly fox's schemes, and I need a serious talk with Izumi-chan!"
"That serious!?" Ami exclaimed.
Mayumi's feelings for Yugen were clear, but her sister was a hurdle. Ami was shocked.
"Rokutsuka, your take?" Katsuto asked.
"Yugen's close with Miyuki and Shizuku. Miyuki aside, Shizuku's position is fine. Multiple engagements are possible, so both could happen," Touya said.
Preserving power meant bending legal norms, which the Kagurazaka's influence could manage.
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