"It didn't turn into a scene, but I was wondering what on earth was going on," Mayumi said.
"I have no words…" Yugen replied.
As Mayumi let out a silent scream in the fitting room, Miyuki, who had just finished changing (having started when Yugen was about to leave), ran into Yugen, Kasumi, and Izumi. Realizing someone was in the fitting room and that it was the swimsuit section, she pieced things together.
To make amends for the inconvenience, they decided to head to a café together.
"It's my fault for not clearly declining, so you're not to blame, senpai," Miyuki said.
"No, I'm just as guilty. I wasn't exposed or anything, but I got flustered. Um, Yugen-kun, I'm sorry," Mayumi said.
Mayumi tried to compose herself, but the embarrassment of Yugen seeing her in a swimsuit lingered. Sensing that continuing the topic would lead to a pointless back-and-forth, Izumi tactfully changed the subject.
"By the way, what are you two doing after this?" Izumi asked.
"We'll look at some more clothes and head home. Would you like to join us, Izumi-chan?" Miyuki offered.
"Um… I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass for now," Izumi replied.
Surprised by Miyuki's unexpected invitation, Izumi, aware of their relationship, decided that intruding as a non-partner would be unladylike and declined politely. Kasumi looked stunned.
"Izumi, did you eat something bad? Or do you have a fever?" Kasumi asked.
"What's that supposed to mean, Kasumi-chan?" Izumi retorted.
"It's just, that's not like you, Izumi, who's usually glued to Yugen-nii," Kasumi said.
"Kasumi-chan, they're clearly on a date. Interrupting would be rude," Izumi said.
Izumi, who typically clung to Yugen, restrained herself in public to avoid excessive affection. She also didn't want to disrupt the two, both of whom she respected deeply. Kasumi nodded in understanding, but Mayumi blushed. The Saigusa family's upbringing—Koichi's doting—was evident.
"D-D-D-Date!?" Mayumi stammered.
"To an outsider, that's what it looks like," Yugen said.
"…Yugen-kun, when did you confess to Miyuki-san?" Mayumi asked.
"The night of the Nine Schools' final day, during the celebration. You grilled me then, senpai, but I'd already planned to leave my family, so I confessed without hesitation," Yugen replied.
At that time, Yugen was still part of the Ten Master Clans but had declared he wouldn't inherit the family or its business. His father's advice not to meddle in his love life, coupled with Genji and Honami's marriage solidifying the succession, freed him from status concerns.
Miyuki, hiding her Yotsuba name, was from the seemingly unremarkable Shiba family. The Mitsuya family deemed marriage to someone of her talent acceptable.
"Onee-chan…" Kasumi said.
"Onee-sama…" Izumi added.
"What's with those looks? It's like you're calling me a homewrecker!" Mayumi protested.
"No, Onee-chan, I think that's accurate," Kasumi said.
"Ugh…" Mayumi faltered.
During the Nine Schools, Mayumi was unusually affectionate, and though Yugen and Miyuki slept together only a handful of times, the event was a key factor in their staying together at the Shiba household. Hearing Yugen's words, Kasumi and Izumi gave Mayumi pointed looks. When Mayumi voiced her thoughts, Kasumi's blunt truth left her speechless, likely echoing someone else's words.
"Sorry, Yugen-nii. My tactless sister and I caused trouble," Kasumi said.
"No need for you to apologize, Kasumi," Yugen replied.
"Exactly. I'm more tactful than Onee-sama," Izumi said.
"Hey, you two!" Mayumi exclaimed.
Kasumi responded sensibly, Izumi prided herself on her restraint compared to Mayumi, and Mayumi flushed in embarrassment. They seemed like triplets. Deciding not to intrude further, Yugen picked up the bill, and Miyuki followed suit.
"I'll cover the bill, so we'll take our leave," Yugen said.
"Wait, I can pay—" Mayumi began.
"Consider it an apology for the trouble," Yugen said.
Miyuki, who had stayed quiet with a fond smile, clung to Yugen's arm once they were alone.
"Really, Yugen-san, you're such a heartbreaker. Even senpai likes you," she said.
"I didn't mean for any of this…" Yugen replied.
Yugen's invitation to Izumi was out of awareness of her feelings, expecting her refusal, which gave off a cunning vibe.
"Talking to people without focusing on magic… What's wrong, Miyuki?" Yugen asked.
"Hehe… That's why I fell for you, because you don't judge," Miyuki said.
"Is that so?" Yugen replied.
Knowing further conversation would flaunt their affection, Yugen kept it short. Miyuki, sensing this, tightened her grip on his arm.
For the new events, Roar and Gunner and Shield Down, the athletes were adapting well, and practice matches were progressing smoothly (Yugen's impression, as his own practice limited his coaching across all events). However, Steeplechase Cross-Country's traps were unclear beyond Parasidoll involvement, which couldn't be shared with others, forcing secrecy.
On July 21, a Saturday, Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami were absent, traveling to Nara with Yakumo for an undisclosed purpose. Yugen, alone at the Shiba household, found the situation convenient.
"Yugen, you're sparring for Shield Down today? That's rare," Erika said.
"Yeah, Erika. The practice rotation's set, and Miyuki's off today," Yugen replied.
Yugen's residence at the Shiba household was still secret, officially explained as commuting from the same area as Tatsuya and Miyuki. Only a few knew—Shizuku, aside from Yotsuba and Mitsuya affiliates. The Saigusa head likely suspected, but as Yugen was no longer part of the Ten Master Clans, pursuing a Yotsuba-Mitsuya alliance was nearly impossible. After last New Year's incident, the Saigusa family would avoid provoking the Ueyama and Kagurazaka families.
"Tatsuya-kun and the others seem up to something. Do you know?" Erika asked.
"No idea. Even I don't track all their moves," Yugen said.
They were likely on a linear train to Nara (Yakumo had informed him), but he couldn't reveal the purpose. Given Erika's past involvement with Parasites, she'd catch on quickly, but Yugen decided to deal with that later. Chihime had mobilized the Kuroba for Tatsuya's group, ensuring some results.
"Leo's getting the hang of it," Yugen said.
"Thanks to you. I'd have struggled alone," Leo replied.
"You're the one breezing through Leo's defenses," Erika said.
"That's just my magic," Yugen said.
Men's Ice Pillars Break pair practice was progressing well, with Leo's defensive precision improving. Mixed-gender pair mock battles were ongoing. Occasionally, Yugen and Miyuki paired up, but Shizuku called it "beyond unfair—downright absurd." Yugen didn't get it.
"Yugen-kun, one more round?" Sawaki asked.
"Sure, Sawaki-senpai," Yugen replied.
"Is it just me, or is Sawaki-senpai's movement glitching out because of Yugen?" Yume asked.
"Yume-chan, maybe don't say that," Mizuki cautioned.
Yugen had experimentally given Sawaki an improved self-acceleration technique, which he adapted to effortlessly, using it as naturally as breathing. Their solo practice match left the ring looking deserted. Yume's comment drew a wry smile from Mizuki, who gently chided her.
"Yugen's absurdity isn't new, but it's still shocking. No wonder Rozen Magicraft's Japan branch scouted him," Mikihiko said.
"…True. But I doubt a private company could control him," Erika replied.
Erika agreed but believed Rozen Magicraft couldn't contain Yugen, a magician who defeated Stars' commander, Angie Sirius. She worried they'd suffer losses instead, a sign of her childhood friend's influence.
"Probably… no, definitely impossible," Shizuku said.
"Shizuku, you're so blunt," Mizuki said.
"Honoka and I have seen enough," Shizuku replied.
Having spent two years in the same middle school class, Shizuku couldn't imagine Yugen working under anyone. Her words left the group sweating.
Though a guest, Yugen had the Shiba household keys (forced on him by Miyuki, with Tatsuya saying, "Just accept it"). Entering the living room, he found a note in Miyuki's handwriting.
"I told her not to worry, but for Miyuki, that's not enough," Yugen muttered.
He'd noticed her preparing an elaborate bento for the trip. She'd said, "I'll cook something delicious when you're back," leaving him no choice but to nod to avoid upsetting her. The note mentioned dinner in the fridge. Though he'd showered at school, it was just to rinse off sweat, so he showered again. As he returned, the videophone rang. Operating the panel, Yakumo appeared on the monitor.
"Hey, Yugen-kun. Or should I say 'Young Master'?" Yakumo said.
"Usual's fine, Kuzue-sensei. Are you separate from Tatsuya and the others?" Yugen asked.
"That's right. My face is too known to the 'Nine' family," Yakumo replied.
Yakumo's fame, partly inherited from his predecessor, and his title as the second coming of Kashin Koji marked him as a top ancient magic practitioner.
"So, you're visiting Honzan," Yugen said.
"You've got me figured out. Since it involves secret arts, I'll fill you in later," Yakumo said.
"…Then stop testing Tatsuya," Yugen said.
He doubted it would stop, sighing as Yakumo smirked knowingly. He didn't voice his suspicion of an all-directional illusion next. Yakumo then asked:
"What's your take on the Parasidolls, Yugen-kun?"
"Unlike Pixie, they lack clear loyalty, so there's no guarantee the embedded formulas are unbreakable. Fortunately, Steeplechase's course is more confidential than Monolith Code, so I'll use that to deal with them," Yugen said.
"With 'Alice,' it's feasible," Yakumo replied.
Yugen had told Yakumo about Alice, his guardian spirit servant, but its control and contract formulas were so sensitive even Yakumo hesitated to pry, citing, "You can't silence people." It also protected Yakumo from being targeted.
"I'm not planning to multiply them chaotically. Alice was a fluke. I'll act with sealing in mind, but can I leave recovery to you?" Yugen asked.
"No problem. I'll be at the Nine Schools too," Yakumo said.
Sealing the Parasidolls was the plan, but dragging it to the finish line risked complications. Entrusting recovery to Yakumo, who'd attend the Nine Schools, seemed reliable, as he likely knew the situation.
"By the way, tough luck, Yugen-kun. Both girls are smitten with you, and Miyuki's your direct disciple and fiancée," Yakumo teased.
"I'll cast Roenjakka right now," Yugen said.
"Whoa, bad move. Let's continue this later," Yakumo said.
Hearing Yugen mention Roenjakka, a top-tier fire-element Tenjin magic, Yakumo cut the call, realizing he'd poked the bear. Yugen ended the call and sighed deeply.
"I knew it, but falling for Miyuki's my weakness… Dinner time, I guess," he muttered.
He considered aiding the Nara group, and Chihime hadn't forbidden it. With precautions in place and their guardian spirit servants as backup, the worst should be avoidable. Believing this, he headed to the kitchen.
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