While Airi was away, the group practiced flight magic.
"It's tough..."
"I can see why Tatsuya only let Shiba Miyuki use it..."
"There was less than a month from the announcement to the Nine Schools Competition. That's how hard it is to master. The Nine Schools finals in Mirage Bat proved it—second- and third-years used flight spells on the fly."
"But, Karen—does that mean Shiba Miyuki has more magical talent than Airi?"
Karen pondered Kanako's question before shaking her head no.
"I can't imagine the Ichizoku lady Airi being inferior to Shiba Miyuki. But right now, Miyuki's mastering flight spells while we're struggling. It might be compatibility with magic, but Miyuki's ahead here. Still, I think Airi will catch up soon."
"It's tricky~ So, is Airi winning? Or losing?"
"Karen said Miyuki's ahead now, but Airi will win in the end."
Shiori's clarification finally clicked for Kanako. None of them imagined Airi losing anyway. How could an ordinary magician like Miyuki beat an Ichizoku heir? They had no idea their rival was the top candidate for the Yotsuba family head—the prime Ten Master Clans contender.
"Still, I didn't expect you two to struggle so much, Kanako-san, Shiori-san."
"What can we do? Even our seniors couldn't master it."
Third High's players had competed in the Mirage Bat finals too. They didn't tire out midway but still lost big to Miyuki.
"Why the gap when we're copying her spell exactly? Practice time difference?"
After the Nine Schools, many at Third High—beyond Airi's group—were grinding flight spells, vowing victory over First High next year.
"Airi's at her arranged meeting today, right?"
"She seemed to be getting the hang of it—skipping a day will make it tough again."
"Isn't that you, Kanako-san?"
"N-No, it's not..."
Kanako averted her eyes from Karen's sharp retort, staring toward the Ichizoku estate. Noticing, Shiori and Karen followed suit. As Hundred Clans affiliates, they figured matchmaking was far off—even for an Ichizoku like Airi. But at first-year high school? It screamed Ten Master Clans ambition, and the three agreed it was no surprise.
Meanwhile, Airi reluctantly donned a kimono for the unwanted meeting. Her Western features made it feel off to her, but the family insisted, so she complied.
"It looks weird, doesn't it...?"
She sighed at her reflection, discomfort heavy. If it were Tatsuya seeing this, she'd smile more genuinely. But a stranger? No wonder her heart wasn't in it.
"Miss, it's nearly time."
"I know."
Greeted by the head maid, Airi composed herself to leave. Did the bride-to-be really need to arrive blind to the groom's face? Her reluctance deepened.
"The master must have his reasons."
If he truly cared, Airi thought, he'd cancel this entirely. Father's priorities weren't her happiness but the family's—"Ichizoku" recognition as a Ten Master Clan.
"(I heard the Nanaya heir's son thinks the same.)"
The current Nanaya head wasn't fixated on Ten Master status, but his son obsessed, badmouthing the Nanase as unfit while claiming Nanaya deserved it.
"(If Nanase were truly unworthy, the Masters' Council would decide—no need to cling to 'Seven.' Duplicates like 'Seven Treasures' and 'Seven Grasses' are fine.)"
Airi couldn't fathom the Nanaya son's grudge.
"Miss, we're almost there."
"Got it."
Lost in Ten Master thoughts and the Nanaya heir, time blurred. But she'd dwelled long enough.
"Quite the trip."
"That's why they scheduled it during summer break."
"I'm just a first-year! Marriage age is way off."
The head maid listened to Airi's grumbles with a wry smile, probably thinking it wasn't her place.
"Then, Miss, I'll wait here. Give the master my regards."
"Father's inside?"
"Apparently in talks with the other side since yesterday."
Airi's mood soured—surely not planning the wedding already? She had no intention of an arranged marriage, not even for the family. She'd choose her own partner—that was her unyielding truth.
"We've been expecting you, Ichizoku Airi-sama."
"And you are?"
"From this facility. Right this way."
Guided immediately inside, Airi felt uneasy. They knew her face, and Father's preparations seemed eerily thorough.
"Pardon the interruption—Airi-sama has arrived."
"Enter."
The familiar voice through the fusuma confirmed her dread: Father.
"You're late, Airi."
"I was dragged here. Be grateful I came."
"Don't say that. This meeting will benefit you."
Seeing his smile, Airi muttered inwardly:
"(For me? You mean for the family. That's why I hate this.)"
Only now did she notice the groom's absence. Per the maid, Father had been negotiating since yesterday—she assumed he'd be waiting.
"No need to fidget; he'll be here soon."
"I'm not fidgeting."
Just then, a presence approached the fusuma.
"Excuse me."
"Ah, we've been waiting."
From Father's enthusiasm, Airi deduced the voice's owner was the groom—older, by at least ten years.
"This is your match: Roppongi Akanori-kun, third son of the Roppongi family."
"Pleased to meet you."
Sensing the ploy, Airi sighed softly at the transparent scheme.
(Obvious Motives: The Arranged Match...)