Chapter 318: A Date with Miyuki
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts..."
On the private jet flying to Hinoshima, Mahiro felt a headache coming on as he watched the red-haired girl writhing in the seat next to him, listening to her willful, spoiled cries of pain that sounded like a pampered young lady throwing a tantrum.
"Hey, Erika, you've been howling the whole way. Aren't you tired?"
"Not at all!"
Erika suddenly stopped her wailing, sat up straight, and muttered in a deliberately serious tone, "It's all because you were so rough."
That fall to the ground yesterday made her feel as if she could see her great-grandmother waving at her from beyond.
"If it hurts so much, why not just stay home and rest? Why insist on coming to Hinoshima with me? Besides, didn't I heal you earlier?"
And it was with regenerative healing, the kind that guaranteed no scars would remain.
"Of course I'm coming. After graduation, I plan to start working directly on Hinoshima."
"Is there really such a rush? You could take your time after graduation."
Mahiro sighed quietly.
He knew about Erika's plan to work on Hinoshima—or rather, at Arcadia—as she had told him yesterday.
Besides her, Shibata Mizuki and Mitsui Honoka had also decided to come to Arcadia to care for the children there and become their teachers.
It could be said that all of them had given up on the path to university.
Not that it mattered much. In this world, magical universities were essentially about the study and development of magic, and the same could be said for Hinoshima. With the backing of the Fourth Research Institute and top talents from various worlds, it could even be considered superior to magical universities.
"Hmph, I don't care. If I don't settle things now, who knows what my family's old man might stir up by the time I graduate."
Erika spoke with a hint of defiance, but her sidelong gaze remained fixed on Mahiro.
It was a look of curiosity and stubborn competitiveness.
Yesterday's match was less of a contest and more of a one-sided beatdown—a complete humiliation.
She had once considered Mahiro her rival and goal, but she never imagined the gap between them would be so vast.
Not even when facing Tendo Kisara had she experienced this feeling.
A deep sense of powerlessness.
Like staring up at a towering mountain that pierced the clouds, its peak completely out of sight.
This left Erika feeling frustrated, disheartened, and deeply unsettled.
But the problem was...
Is it my fault?
You were the one who insisted I fulfill the promise, and now you're upset after getting beaten up.
Of course, he couldn't say any of this to Erika's face—he could only grumble inwardly.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Erika seemed even more restless than before.
Thinking this, Mahiro wearily pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Hey, are you mad?"
Erika leaned in closer, a faint, sweet fragrance suddenly wafting around him—enough to stir the heart.
Mahiro subtly shifted his body to the side, maintaining a polite distance, and replied:
"No."
"You must be mad."
"Hmph..."
"Heh."
Erika laughed, looking quite pleased, thinking to herself that she had finally managed to get one over on him. Otherwise, not only had she been seen completely exposed, but she had also taken a beating—something utterly unacceptable for someone as proud as her.
But then, Erika seemed to think of a good idea, her expression softening into a sweet smile.
"Since Mahiro-kun is so angry, I'll let you see my body as an apology too."
As she spoke, Erika slipped her right thumb under the invisible shoulder strap, lifting it a finger's width with a coquettish glance. Today, she was wearing an off-shoulder T-shirt—a style that shouldn't exist in this era of war and harsh winters. It was likely another antique Erika had dug up from some forgotten corner.
But it had to be said, it suited Erika's well-proportioned model-like figure perfectly. The letters on the front were lifted just right by her rounded curves, and the single exposed shoulder elegantly revealed her fair, delicate collarbone.
It was quite alluring.
Still, Mahiro quickly pressed her hand down.
"Stop messing around, miss. Please."
He and Erika had a good relationship, but only as friends. As for anything beyond that, they hadn't crossed that line, leaving them in an ambiguous, in-between position.
Moreover, he understood that Erika always enjoyed teasing people.
When he looked up and met her gaze, he indeed caught a glimpse of a mischievous, impish glint in her beautiful eyes.
Under his restraint, Erika contentedly let go, allowing the shoulder strap to snap back against her fair shoulder with a crisp sound.
Erika was already satisfied, but her lively nature wasn't one to endure loneliness for long.
So, she leaned in again.
"What do you want now?"
"Hey, Mahiro-kun, could you tell me what you experienced during your latest journey through worlds?"
"You want to know?"
"Mhm, I really do."
"Alright, alright."
Mahiro didn't refuse. Instead, he recounted his experiences in the previous world in detail to Erika, partly to soothe her restless nature.
As Erika listened, her eyebrows nearly knitted into knots.
Because, from the sound of it, that world didn't seem all that powerful.
Things like CODE and Geass weren't entirely unacceptable to someone like her, born and raised in a world of magic, but they did make her marvel slightly at the world's peculiarities.
As for Knightmares, Erika's attitude was somewhat nuanced.
In her impression, such things should be similar to the medium-sized mechas she encountered in Yokohama.
To this, Mahiro simply smiled.
If magic wasn't taken into account, the sixth and seventh-generation Knightmares from Lelouch's world could easily dominate this one.
As for the fact that he had gained many more women around him, Erika was only mildly surprised before remarking with a sigh:
"You really are a playboy. It's such bad luck for girls as wonderful as Honami and Miyuki to end up with you."
In truth, Erika was just teasing him insincerely.
She understood perfectly well that, given Mahiro's current strength and status, it was only natural for him to attract many girls.
On one hand, the world of Magicians emphasizes expanding one's lineage—the more prosperous the family, the better for continuing the family line and passing down magic.
Things like illegitimate children are commonplace.
Take the Yotsuba family, for example—their many branch families are the result of having many children.
On the other hand, Mahiro is truly exceptional, to the point where no one else can compare. Setting aside how powerful his magical abilities are, the fact that he captured Sirius, one of the Thirteen Apostles, and took in the Stars squad is enough to shock the entire world.
Not to mention, he can also produce potions that enhance physical constitution.
It's important to understand that being a Magician is a profession prone to early death—not just because of the dangers involved, but mainly due to the physical toll magic takes on the body.
For instance, Itsuwa Mio of the Itsuwa family had to use a wheelchair early on to slow the deterioration of her body, conserve energy, and better unleash strategic-level magic.
Then there's the former Yotsuba Miya, whose powerful mental interference magic left her body extremely weak, ultimately leading to an early death.
So whether it's the constitution-enhancing potions or Mahiro's own exceptional genes, either one alone would be enough to make every family in the magical world eager to get their hands on them.
If not for legal restrictions, these people would want to obtain a drop of his blood or a single strand of hair to conduct some unethical human experiments.
Soon, as the two conversed, the plane arrived at the airport of Yashima Island.
After disembarking, Mahiro smoothly met with the girls one by one.
What he didn't expect, however, was that upon his return after this absence, Yashima Island had expanded significantly.
According to Maya and Seitenshi, land reclamation centered around Yashima Island had increased its total area to more than twice its original size.
Mahiro also took out Penglai Island, which he had stored in his ring, and placed it next to Yashima Island, building a cross-sea bridge to connect the two.
The girls he released quickly became acquainted with the others.
For example, Kaguya sat at a table with Jiang Lihua, Nunnally, and Euphemia, alongside the Little Emperor and Seitenshi.
Kallen and Leila gathered with Cornelia and the others.
Shirley, Milly, and a few others chatted away with Erika and her group.
Nina, Eta, Sherry, and Cécile Croomy immediately dove into the laboratory.
Monica and Lina only needed one look at each other to recognize their shared experiences, fostering a sense of mutual understanding.
Cornelia and Esdeath actually became quite conversational.
Additionally, C.C. and Marianne, who was temporarily residing in Anya, successfully joined the tea party group, sitting with Maya, Miya, and Claire Kageno, who was possessed by Aurora, to enjoy tea together.
Though Claire occasionally went to exchange swordsmanship insights with Erika and Tendo Kisara...
Everything seemed so harmonious, free from troublesome conflicts—except for Esdeath occasionally taking Cornelia and a few others out to conquer the world.
It's said that USNA is on the verge of being shattered by Esdeath.
One could say fragmentation is imminent, and who knows if a Night City might emerge after California gains independence.
If there were, that would be interesting, but it's unlikely, after all, this is a world of magic.
The crumbling of the USNA and the fall of Europe have already left the remaining countries in a state of panic.
Shortly after he returned to Izu Ōshima, things began to pile up one after another.
First, there was an invitation from Shiba Miori, saying that there would be a business dinner in a few days and she needed a male companion, so she invited him. Then, there was Miyuki, asking if he was free tomorrow, saying she wanted him to accompany her for a walk.
He didn't know what was going on with Miyuki. This time when he saw her, she didn't have the composure she usually had after going through certain experiences. Instead, she became even more shy and awkward.
When she invited him, her face was completely flushed.
However, after realizing there was nothing particularly important tomorrow, Mahiro nodded and agreed.
Compared to others, he really did spend too little time with Miyuki.
So, the next day, after having breakfast at the Yotsuba main house, Miyuki, still in her home clothes, hurried upstairs to change.
As for this, Miya and Maya, who were enjoying their post-meal morning tea, didn't have any particular reaction. They just glanced at each other slightly, a hint of amusement in their eyes.
Soon, Miyuki came running down from upstairs.
"Mahiro-nii, sorry to keep you waiting."
"It wasn't long at all, but Miyuki, you look really nice today."
Mahiro gave Miyuki a thumbs-up, his gaze full of admiration, as if he were admiring the most precious treasure in the world.
Today's Miyuki was different from her usual, particularly conservative attire. She was wearing a short skirt, the design likely popular in the early years of this century, perfectly highlighting the curves of her slender legs.
Coupled with her naturally fair complexion, her legs looked almost translucent under the sheer white stockings.
Her upper half was dressed in a white knit sweater, paired with a cream-colored blazer.
Although this combination would normally seem a bit mismatched, on Miyuki, it wasn't the slightest bit off—in fact, it was just right.
Today, Miyuki had also tied her long, dark hair into a simple ponytail, which hung down her slender back, swaying slightly with each step.
Her fair neck, usually hidden by her long hair, was now faintly visible behind the loose collar of her knit sweater, creating an indescribable sense of delicate charm and further highlighting her youthful energy.
It could be said that, looking as she did now, no one walking outside would ever believe she was the head of the Yotsuba family.
"Mahiro-nii, let's go."
Miyuki ran up to Mahiro and, though her face was flushed, very naturally linked arms with him.
Walking side by side so intimately, they looked exactly like a young couple deeply in love.
However, to be able to go out alone with him this time, Miyuki didn't bring any bodyguards—not even Sakurai Minami.
She said that if even Mahiro-nii couldn't handle an opponent, then bringing more bodyguards would be meaningless.
That wasn't wrong, but it still felt a bit strange...
Along the way, Miyuki's desire to talk to him never stopped. She told him about interesting things that happened at school, as well as some trivial matters from the Yotsuba family or Izu Ōshima.
Mahiro listened attentively, feeling not the slightest impatience but rather finding it quite interesting.
Especially when he saw Miyuki covering her mouth with a light laugh, he felt truly happy.
Afterward, Mahiro also told Miyuki about what had happened during this time travel.
But unlike Erika, Miyuki not only showed curiosity but also shared in the joy and anger as if experiencing it herself.
Amidst the laughter and conversation, they arrived at their destination—a shopping mall in Roppongi, Tokyo.
Miyuki had deliberately chosen this location. Although there were commercial streets on the island, most people there were acquaintances. Especially for Mahiro, she didn't want today's date to be interrupted.
Moreover, she had heard that this mall had recently opened, so she wanted to check it out as well.
"Speaking of which, Miyuki, I remember you're about to graduate, right?"
"Yes, on March 15th this year."
Miyuki nodded, her eyes filled with nostalgia.
In the blink of an eye, three years had passed. She had gone from a clueless first-year high school student to a respected third-year senior admired by everyone.
From joining the student council as its secretary, then becoming vice president, and finally taking over the duties of student council president from her senior Nakajou Azusa, she was now already passing the role on to the next president.
Although her Mahiro-nii had dropped out midway and hadn't completed his studies, many, many memorable and interesting things had happened along the way.
"Speaking of which, Mahiro-nii, would you like to attend my graduation ceremony?"
"Is that allowed? I remember First High School's ceremonies don't permit outsiders…" Mahiro said skeptically.
"Of course it's allowed."
Miyuki interrupted with a smile, "Mahiro-nii doesn't count as an outsider. Besides, the principal admires you very much."
Miyuki wasn't flattering him. Even when Mahiro had dropped out, the principal had tried everything to persuade him to stay. It was only because Mahiro insisted on leaving, and Maya intervened, that the principal had no choice.
After all, in one semester, he had skipped more classes than he had attended.
"Alright, since Miyuki says so, I'll go take a look."
"Yay! Then today, let Miyuki help Mahiro-nii pick out a perfect outfit. Isn't Mahiro-nii attending Miori-nee's banquet in a few days anyway?"
Miyuki happily linked arms with him and headed toward a store.
"Welcome, sir and miss."
Seeing their arrival, the sales assistant warmly greeted them.
But Miyuki merely smiled politely and nodded at them, pulling Mahiro further inside.
She even ignored all their recommendations, picking out clothes for Mahiro on her own, seemingly very enthusiastic about choosing outfits for him. Then she pushed him into the fitting room to try them on.
Each time he came out wearing a new set, Miyuki looked pleasantly surprised and satisfied, her eyes sparkling like little stars.
In fact, it wasn't just Miyuki—even the sales assistants were impressed.
Although Mahiro kept his aura restrained and appeared ordinary, his flawless and handsome looks made him incredibly versatile, just like Miyuki.
And when the sales assistants brought shoes according to Miyuki's request, something even Mahiro himself hadn't anticipated happened.
"Brother Mahiro, please sit down."
Miyuki guided him to sit on the sofa in the guest rest area, then half-knelt to remove his sneakers.
Not only were the sales assistants stunned, but even Mahiro himself was taken aback.
Wait, this...
For a moment, Mahiro couldn't process what was happening. After a pause, he awkwardly spoke up:
"Miyuki, I can do it myself."
He tried to take the shoes from Miyuki's hands, but she deftly avoided him.
"No, Brother Mahiro promised me—today everything will be arranged by Miyuki."
Mahiro: "..."
What expression should I even make?
Seeing he didn't refuse, Miyuki looked up and gave him a sweet smile.
Then she lifted his foot onto her lap and carefully slipped the brand-new leather shoes onto him.
"Brother Mahiro, how do they feel? Are they comfortable?"
Miyuki stood up, tucking a slightly disheveled strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a gentle and charming face.
By this point, the sales assistant was completely bewildered.
In all her years of work, she had never witnessed such a scene.
As for Mahiro, he mustered his courage and stood up, but just as he was about to take a few steps to test the shoes, he suddenly sensed something and immediately turned to look outside the store.
However, aside from the passing crowd, there was nothing unusual.
"I definitely felt someone watching... Was it just my imagination?"
Mahiro muttered softly, unconsciously narrowing his eyes.